Search
Close this search box.

Destin and Okaloosa working to purchase final parcel for new Crystal Beach park

During Monday night’s Destin City Council meeting, Council-member Dewey Destin asked for a status update on the Shore at Crystal Beach Park. You’ll remember that as part of the expansion, the City of Destin & Okaloosa County both ponied up money to purchase three properties adjacent to the existing public beach access in order to […]

During Monday night’s Destin City Council meeting, Council-member Dewey Destin asked for a status update on the Shore at Crystal Beach Park.

  • You’ll remember that as part of the expansion, the City of Destin & Okaloosa County both ponied up money to purchase three properties adjacent to the existing public beach access in order to provide 251 feet of linear beach.
  • Two of the properties have been acquired.

In response to Mr. Destin’s question, Deputy City Manager Webb Warren stated that both he and the city’s attorney, along with the TDC and Okaloosa County, are working together to get the third parcel secured.

“We think we’re drawing close to a conclusion on that,” said Warren to Destin.

Back in August 2020, Get The Coast reported that the city might not close on the final parcel until sometime in 2021 unless the owner was able to timely secure another investment property, for tax implication purposes. 

As for the design of the park, that will all depend on what happens with securing the final piece of property, but the county does have some draft plans.

Rendering of what the view could like once all the property has been acquired.

“We do have some draft plans,” said Warren. “The county, as part of the inter-local agreement, is working on some plans for that park. At this time, they are in the draft stage. Hopefully within the next year, we’ll be able to start that but it all depends on the third parcel.”

On Tuesday morning, Public Information Manager Catherine Card said they hope to have an answer regarding the third parcel by the end of the year.

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Community Comments

“The Big U! The NMU supplied the unlicensed crew and when we lost this ship and its jobs and when U.S. Lines went bankrupt, we were on our way to...”
Respond
“Highschool is finna be more crowed now. We need another highschool not a middle or elementary school.”
Respond
“This is bittersweet. I spent a wonderful week in Cay Sal Banks on the Pilot in 2006. I will have to go pay her a visit soon....”
Respond
“I agree with Jerome. What will this accomplish since both ends are only 4 lanes?”
Respond
“The parking lot at McGuires would disappear along with the parcel that Destin purchased at the bridge.. Flooding on Okaloosa Island would close an expensive update to 98 , at...”
Respond
“This will not make a difference for traffic passing through the center of Destin along Rt. 98. The smart option is to complete the Brooks Bridge and intersection in Ft...”
Respond
“Doesn’t it still end up with 4 lanes on either end after bridges? Seems more aesthetic than a traffic plan. Which is nice too but does it increase the function?”
Respond
“It would be a money pit let’s sink it for the tourists who we don’t have enough of so more will come”
Respond
“Traffic moves pretty well on that stretch of 98, I don't see the need to waste the money. Maybe do something to deal with the traffic in Destin, and Mary...”
Respond