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Let’s get to the news you need to know this Monday…
POLITICS
City of Destin passes resolution opposing large-scale development projects in Florida state parks
The City of Destin has formally opposed large-scale development projects in Florida state parks, following reports that the state’s environmental agency had withdrawn its proposals.
- On September 5, the Destin City Council adopted Resolution 24-10, expressing official opposition to development plans for state parks, including nearby Topsail Hill Preserve State Park.
This action comes after First Coast News reported on August 29 that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) had withdrawn all proposed amendments to state parks.
According to First Coast News, the DEP provided a statement saying, “At the Governor’s direction and following feedback from the public, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has withdrawn all remaining proposed amendments to state parks. We will shift to discussions with our local park managers and will revisit any park improvements, if needed, next year.”
The DEP had initially planned extensive developments in several state parks, including high-density lodging, golf courses, and recreational facilities at Topsail Hill Preserve. These plans, part of the department’s 2024-2025 Great Outdoor Initiative, sparked significant public concern.
- Following public outcry, the DEP canceled a scheduled August 27 meeting and subsequently withdrew the proposals.
Despite this reported withdrawal, Destin’s resolution urges the state to reevaluate these plans, considering environmental preservation and public interest. The resolution cites concerns about the potential destruction of natural landscapes, displacement of wildlife, and degradation of park environments.
The resolution highlights the city’s vested interest in preserving the region’s natural beauty and environmental health, noting their importance to the local economy, tourism, and residents’ well-being.
- It calls for increased public consultation in decisions regarding Florida’s state parks and directs the City Clerk to send copies to the DEP, the Governor of Florida, and local state legislators.
The resolution took effect immediately upon its adoption on September 5, 2024.
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PARKS+REC
Destin City Council approves mural at Captain Royal Melvin Heritage Park
The Destin City Council unanimously approved a motion Thursday to move forward with the installation of a mural at Captain Royal Melvin Heritage Park as part of the city’s 40th anniversary celebration.
- The mural project, initially approved by the council in 2023, aims to celebrate Destin’s arts, culture, and history. The council directed the city manager to work with the public information director on the design and installation of the artwork.
Kelly Pierre, an award-winning artist known for his coastal-themed work, has been selected as the muralist for the project. Pierre, who recently won the 2024 Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Poster Contest, has created a rendering that celebrates both the City of Destin and honors the marine area where the mural will be placed.
The city’s community development staff and attorney worked to ensure appropriate language for the one-time mural installation. Planning experts, along with parks and recreation and public works staff, were consulted to ensure signage in the area remained appropriate.
- The mural project aligns with the city’s strategic goals to enhance quality of life and create aesthetically pleasing infrastructure. The council had previously approved a budget of $8,000 for the project.
Pierre, who maintains a studio at the Destin Harbor and regularly exhibits at the Festival of the Arts in Destin, is known for creating art that reflects the beauty, culture, and diversity of the coastal area.
The mural is expected to enhance and beautify the area along the Harbor and contribute to the overall cultural landscape of Destin.
POLITICS
Candidate forum set for upcoming Destin City Council election
A candidate forum for the upcoming Destin City Council election is scheduled for October 1st at the city hall annex.
- The event, organized by the Destin Chamber of Commerce and the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors (ECAR), will run from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Although not officially a city event, it will be treated as a sunshine meeting due to the expected attendance of multiple council members.
All seven candidates vying for the five open council seats are planning to participate in the forum. The November election will fill four seats for full four-year terms and one seat for a partial two-year term, the latter resulting from a resignation in early January.
The candidate list includes incumbents Dewey Destin, Teresa Hebert, Kevin Schmidt, and John Stephens. Stephens was appointed in January 2024 to fill a vacancy left by Matthew Sweetser’s resignation. Former city officials Rodney Braden, Lance A. Johnson (former city manager), and Sandy Trammell round out the field of candidates.
In Destin’s electoral system, council members are elected at-large, with voters selecting their preferred candidates from the entire pool. The top four vote-getters will secure the full-term seats, while the fifth-place finisher will take the partial-term position.
- The city plans to treat the forum as a public meeting, with the city clerk taking minutes and the possibility of live-streaming the event under consideration.
According to the city charter, the candidate elected to the partial term would only be eligible to serve one additional four-year term afterward. This provision ensures rotation in council membership while maintaining continuity in city governance.
The forum offers Destin residents an opportunity to hear from all candidates before making their choices in the November election, providing insight into the perspectives and plans of those seeking to serve on the city council.
SPORTS
High School Football Scoreboard
Choctawhatchee High School (3-0) – 14
Crestview High School (2-1) – 0
Next Games:
- Choctawhatchee: @ Pine Forest High School, Sept 13, 7:00 PM
- Crestview: vs Niceville High School, Sept 13, 7:00 PM
Niceville High School (3-0) – 36
Pine Forest High School – 14
Next Game:
- Niceville: @ Crestview High School, Sept 13, 7:00 PM
Baker High School (3-0) – 42
Central High School – 7
Next Game:
- Baker: @ Jay High School, Sept 13, 7:00 PM
Fort Walton Beach High School (2-1) – 14
West Florida High School – 0
Next Game:
- Fort Walton Beach: @ Booker T. Washington High, Sept 12, 7:00 PM
Destin High School
Destin had a bye-week this past Friday.
Next Game:
- vs Pensacola High School, Sept 13, 7:00 PM
TRAFFIC
Okaloosa and Walton Counties Traffic Advisory
Okaloosa County:
Brooks Bridge Replacement Project – Drivers may encounter the following traffic disruptions, Sunday, Sept. 8 through Thursday, Sept. 12, between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for utility work and construction activities:
- U.S. 98 alternating lane closures between Ferry Road and Pier Road.
- Santa Rosa Boulevard alternating lane closures from east of Amberjack Drive to Ross Marler Park.
Mid-Bay Bridge Rehabilitation Project – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on the Mid-Bay Bridge, Sunday, Sept. 8 through Thursday, Sept. 12, from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. for construction activities.
U.S. 98 Resurfacing from Josie Road to Florida Place Southeast – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 98 lane closures, between Josie Road in Mary Esther and Florida Place Southeast in Fort Walton Beach, Sunday, Sept. 8 through Thursday, Sept. 12, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
State Road (S.R.) 189 Intersection Improvements – Drivers may encounter intermittent S.R. 189 lane closures and traffic signal interruptions at Pelham Road and Lewis Street, Sunday, Sept. 8 through Thursday, Sept. 12, between 6:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for signalization work. Law enforcement will be on site to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
S.R. 85 Improvements from S.R. 123 to U.S. 90 – Drivers may encounter intermittent S.R. 85 lane closures from Redstone Avenue to U.S. 90 Sunday, Sept. 8 through Thursday, Sept. 12 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for concrete work and manhole adjustments.
Mary Esther Boulevard (S.R. 393) Resurfacing from U.S. 98 to Beal Parkway (S.R. 189) – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Mary Esther Boulevard for crews to place thermoplastic striping and perform traffic signalization work at the following locations and times:
- Sunday, Sept. 8 through Thursday, Sept. 12 from U.S. 98 to Hollywood Boulevard between 7 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.
- Sunday, Sept. 8 through Saturday, Sept. 14 from Hollywood Boulevard to Beal Parkway between 7 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.
U.S. 90 Routine Maintenance at Spring Creek Boulevard – Motorists may encounter intermittent daytime lane closures west of S.R. 85 Monday, Sept. 9 through Thursday, Sept. 26 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for routine maintenance.
Walton County:
U.S. 98 Driveway Construction at Casa Laura in Miramar Beach – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 331 southbound lane closures, between Oaklawn Drive and I-10, Sunday, Sept. 8 through Thursday, Sept. 12, from 7:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for concrete work.
SCHOOL
New football stadium opens at Lewis School
The Okaloosa County School District celebrated the grand opening of Lewis School’s new football stadium with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.
- The event marked a significant milestone for Lewis School, which has shared Niceville High School’s football stadium since opening in 1971. This year, the Lewis Falcons will play their first home games in their own stadium.
Superintendent Marcus Chambers joined school and city leaders, students, and community members at the ceremony.
“We are thrilled to see this vision come to life for Lewis School,” Chambers said. “This stadium will serve as a gathering place for students, families, and the community for years to come. It’s more than just a field—it’s a symbol of the support and dedication we have for our schools.”
The new stadium is part of a major capital project that includes LED stadium lights, visitor bleachers, and a home stand with a press box. A scoreboard is slated for installation soon.
Former coaches and principals who have played key roles in the school’s history attended the event as special guests. The Haugen Family donated the stadium’s goal posts.
- The ceremony was hosted by Lewis School staff, district administrators, the City of Niceville, and the Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce.
District officials say the new facility will enhance school spirit, student engagement, and community pride, demonstrating the district’s commitment to providing high-quality facilities for students.
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