Destin schedules public workshop on proposed state park parcel; council appoints representative, seeks state clarity

The City of Destin council voted unanimously on Nov. 3 to set a public workshop for the week of Jan. 12, 2026 (preferably Jan. 12) to gather public input on the future use of a parcel under consideration for a state park, and to appoint the mayor pro tem as the city’s representative should the county decide to move forward.

Council member Bagby, who moved the appointment and the workshop, said the aim was to "get the public's input" and to conduct the discussion in the sunshine rather than in private meetings. The council also approved a separate motion directing the city manager to contact the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Representative Sarah Trumbull to clarify any state interest or management intentions for the parcel.

Why it matters: the parcel may require changes to local land‑use approvals if the final proposed use differs from the existing designation. Staff warned the council that proposals could necessitate multiple local approvals — including a comp plan amendment, rezoning or development‑order amendments — depending on the eventual use.

What the council approved and why: the motions produced three discrete outcomes. First, the mayor pro tem was nominated as the city's standby representative for any county‑level working group related to the parcel. Second, the council directed staff to schedule a public workshop the week of Jan. 12 so residents and elected officials can provide input together. Third, the council asked the city manager to contact DEP and Representative Trumbull to learn whether and how the state intends to be involved. Council members described the actions as preparatory steps so the city would not be caught unprepared if the county or state moved forward on the property.

Council discussion reflected skepticism about prior, low‑level staff discussions with county staff. Several members said they wanted a transparent, joint forum so residents would hear the same information at once. Council member Smith said she preferred hearing directly from the state rather than from county staff secondhand.

Next steps: staff will coordinate with county staff and with the city manager to schedule the workshop during the week of Jan. 12, 2026, and will attempt to invite the Board of County Commissioners and state contacts to attend.