Good morning!
The City of Destin is still making good on their promise to explore and (potentially) acquire more land for public beaches.
There has long been a complaint that there isn’t enough parking for beachgoers at the current public beach access points, and even then, the actual public beach is limited in frontage.
With HB 631 being such a hot topic in 2018 followed by the enormous push-back on chair vendors setting up huge rows, city officials “hope to have appraisals of eight Gulf-front parcels completed within about the next two to three months”, according to The Destin Log.
According to the City of Destin’s website, there are 13 beach access points within the city limits of Destin. Eleven are city-owned facilities, one site is owned by the county and one site is owned by the state.
Locations of the 8 potential parcels:
- Henderson Beach Villas – 1.11 acres
- Crystal Port – 0.33 acres
- Shores at Crystal Beach East Expansion Parcel – 0.44 acres
- Shores at Crystal Beach East Expansion #2 Parcel – 0.44 acres
- Capri By The Gulf – 2.1 acres
- Tarpon Beach Access Expansion – 2.04 acres
- Sunfish Street – 0.37 acres
- Vacant Lot – 0.32 acres
- So what do you think of Destin’s continued pursuit of purchasing more public beach land?
Where is your favorite place to setup?
Keep your New Year’s Resolution goals
This week on “Everything!”, CrossFit Epically Awesome co-owner John Reece gave us a few simple tips to help you keep your New Year’s Resolution goals! This even applies to those who hate the gym and aren’t even going!
Press play and give it a listen while you’re getting ready this morning!
How ’bout some headlines?
Gulfview Hotel renovations expected to be complete soon
If you’ve driven past the Gulfview Hotel recently, you know that they have made some serious progress on the building. As WEAR TV put it,
During that time, crews have been renovating the hotel top to bottom, including applying fresh paint and a new roof.
City officials say the project should be ready for a ribbon-cutting in late February or early March. As of right now, the historic hotel will house the Fort Walton Beach Welcome Center and have leased office space available.
To watch the video on the hotel, click here.
Adventures Unlimited preserves historical buildings amid nature
While many visit Adventures Unlimited for weddings, honeymoons, zipline tours, canoeing or other adventures, owner Jack Sanborn has been preserving old buildings and structures across the 200-acre parcel since the 90’s.
The Inn was once the School House in Fidelis, Florida (about 15 miles from Adventures Unlimited.)
The school was transformed into an Inn at about 15 years ago. Each room has hardwood floors, high ceilings, large windows, and is furnished with antiques.
Click here to read about his renovating and restoring!
‘Bringing this district back together’ – Marcus Chambers’ first school board meeting.
On Monday night, the Okaloosa County School Board held their first board meeting with Marcus Chambers at the helm.
Chambers was appointed the superintendent position last Friday with the sudden announcement that Governor DeSantis had suspended former Superintendent Mary Beth Jackson.
With the confidence of many school board members, Chambers said,
I am humbled by the confidence the Governor has in me to take on such an important role at such a critical time. Our school district is full of outstanding educators and support staff who work tirelessly for the students of Okaloosa County. I am proud to work alongside these dedicated professionals.
In the days ahead, I will be meeting with these stakeholders to seek input, foster relationships, and restore trust in the school district. The future of our students is brightest when we work together to make our schools the best in the nation.
To read more on the first school board meeting with Chambers, click here.
Ok, that’s all I have for you this morning! I hope you have a great Tuesday and I’ll see ya tomorrow!
Jared