Destin’s 1986 Growth Conflicts and Harbor Plans
Destin faced a busy year with the Emerald Coast Parkway opening May 12 and dozens of disputes over Old 98. The Mid-Bay Bridge Authority was formed to advance the White Point Piney Point bridge while a harbor study and new boater laws emerged. Local politics centered on taxes, growth control, and shorefront development.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
DOT
State Department of Natural Resources
Destin
White Point-Piney Point
Mid-Bay
City of
Joe's Bayou
Old Pass Lagoon
FSU
Flushing
Bob Graham
Water Management District
Destin Fire Board
Terry Watkins
Hank Berry
DWU
Indian Bayou Country Club
Theo Shaw
Bill Phillips
Lloyd Taylor
Okaloosa
South Okaloosa
Walton
State Department of Community Affairs
Destin officials map 1987 road and recreation plans
Destin leaders outline priorities for the new year including extending sidewalks on Main Street from Bayou Drive to U.S. 98 and Airport Road to Gulfshore Drive on 98, adding street lights, acquiring recreational property, and improving the school field with bleachers and restrooms. They aim to four lane Airport Road to U.S. 98 and pave Hickory Street, monitor Destin Harbor, and pursue state funding after gas tax adoption. Mayor Bob Lloyd urges regional cooperation and expanded winter tourism and recreation facilities for Destin.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Mountain Drive
Phillips
Main Street
Bayou Drive
U.S. 98
Airport Road
Gulfshore Drive
Okaloosa County
Destin
Destin Harbor
Cor
Hickory Street
Mid-Bay Bridge
Bob Lloyd
Lloyd
Fort Walton Beach
Jellyfish Overrun Sound Prompt City Inaction
Local officials describe a surge of jellyfish in the Sound as natural, with Brazzell noting the DEA cannot fund cleanups. Heapy complains of inaction and smell, while Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa officials say the issue is not on city property and cite limited options. Commissioner Mitchell calls it unprecedented but natural.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Robert Brazzell
Department of Environmentalon
Brazzell
Nature
DEA
Heapy
Fort Walton Beach
Monte Jackson
Okaloosa County
Mike Mitchell
County lacks jellyfish disposal on private property
Mitchell notes no public disposal method for jellyfish and emphasizes the matter involves private property, not public space. He argues there is nothing public about the jellyfish issue.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Mitchell
EPA designates harbor area with positive step says official
Dudley calls the move a positive step while Dorman cautions it is only one spoke in the effort to improve the harbor. He notes the EPA regulation targets places like Destin Harbor and aims to balance boat access with pump-out needs. If a boat can enter the harbor it can reach a pump-out station.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Dudley
Dorman
EPA
Destin Harbor
Walton plans new retirement village with health care services
Thompson said Walton will offer cardiology and oncology services to both retirement community residents and non-residents. Phase one spans 18 months and builds 80 residential units and 43 assisted care units. Villa Bay Gardens will lack around the clock nursing care, with assisted units aiding daily tasks for seniors aged 65 plus seeking independent living.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Thompson
Villa Bay Gardens
Villa Bay Gardens Project Details and Timeline
Villa Bay Gardens will include dining and recreational facilities a cocktail area an arts and crafts center a retail shop and administrative offices. The plans call for a swimming pool whirlpool and walking paths with Celine Phase two finishing by late summer 1991. A three par golf course will be added in the second phase. Thompson had no cost estimate. IMI Inc. has hired Bechtel Civil Inc. based in San Francisco to design and build the project.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Villa Bay Gardens
Celine
Thompson
IMI Inc
Bechtel Civil Inc
San Francisco
Also Mentioned on This Page
Shoreline
Northwest
Florida
Shoreline Village Mall
Casual Affairs
Captain Chips
Record & Tapes
Susan Collier
Board Room
Toby Francis G. Shoes
Magnolias
the Village
Moppett Shoppe
Hwy
Destin, Fle
the Heart of