Captain Jason Fulgham of the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office urged the City of Destin to partner on a consolidated facility to house sheriff personnel, EMS and code enforcement and to consider adding a dedicated beach deputy to the city’s contract to improve coverage of Destin and Okaloosa Island beaches.

Fulgham said the current Stallman office is dated, lacks space and separates supervisors from officers, and that a central facility would improve operational coordination and officer relationships. “Part of restoring that dignity comes with the professional image being put forward,” Fulgham said, urging partnership with the Tourist Development Department (TDD) and the city on a new facility.

On beach policing, Fulgham noted that the sheriff’s three beach deputies operate two shifts to maintain seven‑day coverage; with the unit covering both Destin and Okaloosa Island, a single deputy is sometimes responsible for both beaches. He said the beach deputies are busy: over the past five years they averaged 604 arrests a year and 59 distressed‑swimmer calls annually; last year the three deputies answered 7,142 calls for service. “It’s a needed position and I would certainly like to see the city consider adding that to the city contract,” Fulgham said.

Council discussion addressed lease arrangements for current leased space, the potential for shared facilities owned by the city or other public entities, and the role of the TDD and county in any new construction or lease. No formal motion or decision was made; council members expressed willingness to explore partnership options with the sheriff and county.

Ending: Fulgham and council members agreed to continue conversations about site options and partnerships; staff was asked to provide options and costs for future consideration.