Mayor Bobby Wagner presented an expansive vision for Destin’s future during his State of the City address Tuesday, outlining infrastructure improvements, park renovations and solutions for persistent traffic issues while emphasizing the city’s commitment to both residents and visitors.

• “Whether you’re here for a day, a month, or a lifetime, if you love Destin, this is your home,” Wagner said in his opening remarks before the regular city council meeting.

Wagner, now midway through his four-year term, announced a $3.6 million annual commitment over the next five years to repave every road in the city. “Seventy percent of our roads are over 20 years past their shelf life,” Wagner said. “We’ve been kicking the can down the road when it comes to infrastructure and roadways in Destin.”

The mayor highlighted several major park renovation projects, including a $1.7 million upgrade to Clement Taylor Park funded primarily through federal Restore Act and BP oil spill money, with the city contributing $700,000. The project will include new playgrounds and pavilions, with construction expected to begin this year.

• A $12 million renovation of Joe’s Bayou boat ramp facility, funded through BP oil spill settlement money, will improve boat access and create new park space. Wagner said the project will also address stormwater management issues for First Street and surrounding communities.

Addressing persistent concerns about beach access and vendor management, Wagner announced the city has successfully levied its first court-upheld fine against a beach chair company. “We actually have some teeth and we can at least toe the line,” Wagner said, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining community relationships.

Two new public beach access points are in development: Crystal Beach and Tarpon Beach, with the latter featuring over 300 feet of beachfront access. Wagner indicated Tarpon Beach construction could begin as early as spring.

Traffic concerns along Highway 98 received significant attention, with Wagner revealing that plans to expand to six lanes on the western portion of Destin in the Harbor District were shelved after a state feasibility study found land acquisition costs would exceed those of the new Pensacola bridge. Instead, the city is pursuing alternative solutions including median closures and signal optimization.

• “Eighty-nine collisions happened in the past four years due to stop-and-go traffic,” Wagner said, highlighting safety concerns at Stahlman Ave and 98. Plans include potential pedestrian overpasses or underpasses at key intersections, which studies indicate could significantly improve traffic flow.

Wagner also unveiled plans for a new bridge to replace the current Destin bridge once the Brooks Bridge project is completed. “My vision for this bridge is to make it a landing destination,” Wagner said. “This is the heart of Destin… and I think we should have a bridge that reflects our heritage, our design, and things that make this beautiful place inherently unique for our area.”

The mayor concluded by addressing annexation plans for unincorporated areas of Destin, announcing he would personally meet with homeowners associations to discuss potential benefits. “A rising tide raises all boats,” Wagner said. “I truly believe that there is a want and a will to bring everyone together.”

The address marked Wagner’s second year as mayor of Destin, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2024. Early in his remarks, Wagner acknowledged the dedication of the city’s leadership, noting that all elected positions, including the mayor and council members, are unpaid. 

• “Every elected official in Destin is an unpaid position,” Wagner said. “Everyone behind me here is giving their heart, time, and energy into this, because this is their home as well.”

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