Destin officials, residents push back on Okaloosa County’s draft plan for Noriega Point park

Summary

City officials and dozens of Destin residents told Okaloosa County on Dec. 28 they oppose elements of a draft management plan for the newly acquired Noriega Point parcel — particularly plans for commercial marina operations, expanded parking and buildings — and argued the city retains land‑use authority within its limits.

Okaloosa County officials presented a draft management approach for the newly acquired Noriega Point parcel and faced unified opposition from Destin city leaders and scores of residents who said the plan would commercialize a small, storm‑exposed beach and harm neighborhood safety, water quality and scenic views.

"The county essentially is stepping into the shoes as a developer and must comply with local regulations," said Kimberly Romano Cupp, city attorney for the City of Destin, who told the meeting the parcel sits entirely inside city limits and that the county’s draft plan appears inconsistent with Destin’s adopted comprehensive plan and land‑development code. She said any nonresidential uses would require comprehensive plan amendments and multiple public hearings.

Commissioner Drew Palmer (Okaloosa County, District 5) and county staff framed the meeting as an early public outreach step after the state’s governor and cabinet approved the acquisition and designated Okaloosa County to manage the site. Palmer reviewed a timeline of county outreach and said county staff will post materials and answers on a project page and hold further meetings. "This is the first of several that we'll have," Palmer said as he opened public comment.

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Destin officials, residents push back on Okaloosa County’s draft plan for Noriega Point park

Summary

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