The meeting opened with the declaration of Flood Awareness Week and an update on tourism from Jennifer Adams of the Okaloosa County Tourist Development Department, who reported a 6.5% growth in visitors and a direct spend of $734 million in 2023. Discussions on tourism also touched on the county’s strategic marketing plan, which aims to make time spent in the city more valuable by focusing on family engagement and addressing challenges like high energy costs, the cost of living, and weather events.

The parking program proposals were extensively debated, as the council weighed options between different vendors. Park Mobile was recommended for a three-year contract negotiation, but concerns regarding the cost implications for transaction fees, merchant service fees, and state tax led to an exhaustive comparison with the current vendor, Passport Labs. The council expressed the need for transparency and clarity on the services provided and their costs before making a final decision.

The Fuel and Pollutant Abatement Plan discussion revolved around the standardization of contingency plans for fuel spills and pollution at marinas. The timeline for implementation and the impact on businesses, particularly seasonal operations, were of concern. The council eventually passed a motion to adopt the plan with modifications, incentivizing early compliance and setting deadlines for voluntary and mandatory adherence.

The council also engaged in debates over public safety, specifically the allocation of tourist development tax funds for this purpose. A member raised the need to explore alternative funding sources to increase public safety spending. Additionally, the allocation of funds for beach renourishment and the establishment of reserves for emergencies or storms was discussed, acknowledging the need to build up reserves.

Public participation was evident in discussions about marketing language, with concerns about the exclusive use of “mom” instead of “parents” in promotional materials. A local parking issue was also brought up, regarding the potential removal of designated parking spaces that had been utilized for 40 years, although no immediate action was taken.

The Destin Little League’s request for funding and renegotiation of the lease agreement to reflect maintenance responsibilities was received positively, with a motion passed to work with the organization on their needs. The council highlighted the role of citizens in the decision-making process, particularly through involvement with the Parks and Recreation committee.

Ben Wesley, market president for premiparking, expressed his company’s willingness to work with the city and improve parking operations. The chair of the Destin Youth Council presented their annual report, outlining initiatives for beach cleanups and a recycling system in schools, with the council members showing unanimous support.

Other matters included the upcoming presidential preference primary, the city’s Land Development Code rewrite, and the process for a referendum on annexation. The potential acquisition of the White House property and a property swap were also debated, considering financial and resource implications for the city.