The Destin City Council voted Monday night to install warning signs in the channel area where 10-year-old Trinity Eslinger went missing last month, formalizing efforts that city staff have been working on behind the scenes for weeks.
- Councilman Dewey Destin made the motion to direct staff to design signs warning people about the dangers of swift currents during full outgoing tide in the area near the Destin East Pass, where Trinity was last seen in the water around 7:30 p.m. on June 12.
“At full, outgoing tide, it’s making almost four miles an hour out there, which is as fast as the Mississippi River,” Destin said during the meeting. “We need to have some signs in that area. More than one.”
Councilwoman Teresa Hebert seconded the motion, which passed without opposition.
Trinity disappeared in the water between O’Steen and Norriego Beach near East Pass. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office conducted an extensive multi-day search operation that covered approximately 250 square miles and involved multiple agencies conducting more than 40 dives before concluding active search efforts on June 18.
- Destin noted that the county had previously placed a sign about snorkeling in the area, but said additional warning signage was needed to alert people to the current dangers.
During public comment, former Councilman John Stephens suggested the city could repurpose safety corridor buoys that Okaloosa County recently removed from Crab Island. He recommended reaching out to county officials to obtain the buoys and convert them to “caution: swift current buoys” for the area.
“People accessing that area not only by beach, but also by boat,” Stephens said.
Parks & Recreation Director Lisa Firth confirmed that the city had already spoken with county representatives about obtaining the buoys, which will be picked up within the next two weeks.
No timeline was given yet as to when the signs would be installed. When it is announced, we will update.
One Response
How about roping off the swimming/beach area. Prevention is key. May not look aesthetic but will help save lives. Also job of lifeguards to direct people, be aware of tide changes BEFORE tides start to change, and keep swimmers well away from edge of current.