Council rejects offers for Armory parcels, opts to retain property for municipal use

DeFuniak Springs — The City Council voted March 9 to reject multiple recent purchase offers for the 75‑year‑old Armory and adjacent city parcels and to keep the land under municipal control while exploring long‑term options.

Mayor and staff outlined several offers received in recent weeks, which ranged from low five‑figure bids on single lots to combined proposals above $400,000 for multiple parcels. The mayor suggested splitting sales to achieve roughly $450,000 total while retaining a large staging lot, but several council members and residents urged caution.

“Don’t sell any of that property without an appraisal if you considered selling it,” real‑estate broker Don Arnold told the council, saying the contiguous assemblage is more valuable held together than parceled off. Melinda Henderson, who identified herself as a citizen and CRA participant, said structural engineers had advised that the Armory building may be beyond repair and that demolition had already required some city expense.

Supporters of sale argued proceeds could help fund pressing infrastructure projects, including an estimated $425,000 of fire‑station renovations discussed earlier. Opponents argued municipal needs for staging, parking and future expansion — especially given adjacent acreage the state is transferring to the city — counseled keeping the parcels in public hands.

After public comment and council debate, a motion to reject the offers and retain the parcels passed by voice vote. Council directed staff to proceed cautiously, to engage the newly contracted professional real‑estate broker services that the council recently approved, and to consider appraisals before any future sale.

What happens next: City staff will coordinate with the newly engaged broker and consider an appraisal and marketing plan before returning to council with options; the parcels remain under city ownership for now.