Update: The White House has now released nationwide guidelines that recommends Americans to avoid gatherings of more than 10 people.
“To protect the well-being of our citizens,” the city wrote in a press release, “the City of Destin is cancelling tonight’s executive session at 5:30 p.m. and the regular city council meeting slated for 6 p.m. at the Destin City Hall Annex, located at 4100 Indian Bayou Trail. The City is also suspending activities through Monday, March 30th, 2020, at the following facilities:
- Destin Community Center
- Morgan Sports Center
- Buck Destin Park
- Destin Library
These facilities will be closed as a proactive measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Destin City Hall will remain open as well as other department facilities. Destin’s beach parks and facilities will also remain open.
Original story below:
After consultation with City staff, the City’s attorneys, and public health officials, the City of Destin has will institute special measures relating to the March 16, Destin City Council Meeting.
First, the meeting will proceed as scheduled. “While we recognize that caution must be exercised in meetings of large groups of people, this caution must be balanced against the public’s right to be heard,” said the City in a press release.
Second, the following measures will be implemented:
- The meeting will be held in person, as scheduled, at 6:00 pm, Monday, March 16, 2020, in the Destin City Hall Annex.
- Hand sanitizer will be located throughout the facility and members of the public are welcomed and encouraged to engage in the frequent use of this product.
- Prior to entering the facility, please practice safe hygiene habits such as washing your hands. While in the facility, please, to the extent possible, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and coughing without covering your mouth.
- No member of the public will be turned away.
- However, if you elect to stay home, but still wish to present comment or other documents to the City Council, the City will accept these written comments or documents in a written or electronic format in lieu of any verbal comment.
- The City Council must have time to review any written comments or documents that you wish to present. Therefore, your written comments or documents must be submitted by either hand delivery or electronically, to City Clerk, Rey Bailey, by 4:00 pm, Friday, March 13, 2020 at 4200 Indian Bayou Road, Destin, Florida 32541 or rbailey@cityofdestin.com.
- To reduce the potential spread of COVID-19, electronic submission via email is highly encouraged.
- To reduce the potential spread of COVID-19, no documents will be accepted from members of the public the night of the meeting.
- To reduce the potential spread of COVID-19, electronic submission via email is highly encouraged.
- To reduce the potential spread of COVID-19, no documents will be accepted from members of the public the night of the meeting.
- All of the above includes public comment and documents relating to any item on the agenda in addition to any other public input.
- At this time the Florida Department of Health recommends social distancing. The City encourages residents to livestream the council meeting at www.youtube.com/cityofdestin.
