Holiday Isle resident raises concerns about Noriega Point state purchase; council says public input will be possible

At the City of Destin meeting a resident, identifying himself as Frost Jones of Harbor Landing, used the public-comment period to raise concerns about a reported state purchase of property at Noriega Point and asked how the public could provide input before closing.

Jones said he was worried about traffic and public access if the property becomes a state park with parking and that he understood the parcel had been purchased for an earlier price and now carries a much higher valuation ‘‘per acre’’ as stated in his remarks. He described the acquisition as having occurred without public input and asked what avenues remained for citizen involvement.

Mayor Pro Tem responded that the council was listening during the public-comment period and that there likely would be "opportunity for public input before anything happens," and advised the commenter to stand by for notices. Jones asked whether notification would be posted on the city website; staff and council indicated they were not aware of a formal public-notice schedule at the time.

Council members later suggested that residents concerned about county land purchases also consider attending county meetings and the county commissioner's public hearings; no formal council action or directive on the Noriega Point transaction was taken at the meeting. The remarks were recorded as public comment and the council noted that future public engagement opportunities would be posted if and when they are scheduled.