The Destin City Council voted unanimously Monday night to direct staff to evaluate warning signage for the Norriego Point and East Pass area, identify necessary permits and potential grant funding, and bring a recommendation back to council.
- Councilman John Stephens brought the issue up during the Councilmember Minute portion of the meeting, citing the July 4 rescue of two snorkelers who were pulled from shore by a strong outgoing current at the East Jetty.
The two were rescued by Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit deputies Lt. Brian Parkton and Deputy Pierre Batiste. The rescue received national attention after it was featured on Good Morning America on July 9.
“It highlighted our sheriff’s department, which is great, but it also highlighted the dangers of that area,” Stephens said.
Stephens also referenced the death of 10-year-old Trinity Eslinger, who went missing in the same area last year. Following that incident, the city’s Harbor and Waterways Board recommended repurposing buoys that the city had acquired from the now-removed Crab Island Safety Corridor for use at East Pass. Stephens said he reached out to the county, which told him the specific buoys would be a maintenance nightmare in that location.
Stephens said he contacted FWC’s waterway management team, which he said confirmed the city can apply for a Florida Uniform Waterway Marker Permit for danger or informational signage either on the water or on shore. He said the signage could include language such as “danger, extremely strong current.”
- Any signage, whether placed in the water, on the rocks or in the sand, would require a permit and coordination with FWC, the submerged land lease landowners, FDEP, the Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Coast Guard, according to Stephens.
Stephens also raised the idea of a life jacket loaner program that had been recommended by the Harbor and Waterways Board but never made it to the council. The program was originally planned for Joe’s Bayou, but Stephens suggested redirecting it to the East Pass area, potentially in conjunction with the lifeguard stations there.
He said Destin Fire Chief Kevin Sasser supports the idea and that multiple outside funding sources are available, including programs through FPL, BoatUS and the Sea Tow Foundation.
“We shouldn’t have to pay anything if we can use these programs,” Stephens said.
Councilman Dewey Destin supported the motion but urged staff to move quickly, noting that the council had previously discussed installing signs and directed that they be put up.
“Every day we put off is another chance for somebody to drown,” Destin said. He added that signs placed on dry land or public property should not require a submerged land lease.
Councilwoman Teresa Hebert seconded Stephens’ motion. The vote passed unanimously.
