Council rejects Gator Dredging award, tasks Taylor Engineering for new specs; approves Crosstown Connector preliminary plat

The City of Destin moved on two separate infrastructure items March 3: it released the previously awarded dredging contract for Old Pass/lagoon navigational work and approved the Crosstown Connector major development order and subdivision.

Dredging contract: City staff said Gator Dredging asked to withdraw its bid because of timing constraints and that Taylor Engineering had reviewed the bid documents and found them inadequate for the coastal complexities of the project — including proposed spoil placement within the construction footprint and conflicts with shorebird nesting season. City staff recommended releasing Gator Dredging from contract award, rejecting the remaining bids, and returning with a task order to engage Taylor Engineering to prepare improved specifications and rebid the project, aiming for a November start after shorebird nesting season. Council approved the recommendation 7‑0.

Crosstown Connector preliminary plat and development order: Council also voted 7‑0 to approve the Crosstown Connector major development order and preliminary subdivision plat, a separate transportation/capacity project discussed earlier in the council packet. Staff noted the approval would establish right-of-way and zoning steps that allow later construction and design tasks to move forward.

Why it matters: The dredging decision pauses a planned harbor navigational maintenance project and directs staff to create more robust bid documents to avoid costly change orders and environmental conflicts; the Crosstown approval advances a major local connector project that council has prioritized.

Ending: City staff will return with a Taylor Engineering task order and improved bid documents for council consideration and will proceed with Crosstown design and permitting.