By Patricia Lee, Owner, www.Destinites.com
This past month, in our targeted locals Facebook group, Destinites (www.Facebook.com/groups/Destinites), Mayor Bobby Wagner shared that a drone show could potentially be part of Destin’s Fourth of July celebration.
Members enjoy hearing directly from the mayor and having an opportunity to share their opinions and suggestions. Below is a copy of his post, along with several responses from the community.
Mayor Bobby Wagner’s Post
John Adams didn’t ask for fireworks. He asked for illuminations.
“Pomp, parades, shows, games, sports, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other, from that time forward forever.”
— John Adams, July 3, 1776
“This year, I’m seeking to have Destin deliver on all of it. Sunrise ceremony, parade, veterans honored, bells, fire, illumination by drone show. For our vets. For our families. For our coast. For America. God bless Destin. God bless America.”
Community Responses
- “Me and my dogs are on board with this. I look forward to it.”
- “I think City Hall is about to get packed full. Don’t have a problem with drones, but they are dangerous to our environment. How many drones were recovered from our water that crashed? Where will these drones be launched from, and will they be required to pay the fee as well? They can hit birds, people and buildings. See everyone at the next city meeting. Come early and bring chairs.”
Mayor’s Reply: “That is what democracy is all about. Will of the people. Council will have a firework contract, drone contract or a combination of both to consider.”
- “I think that on the country’s 250th anniversary, you should give serious consideration to tradition.”
Mayor’s Reply: “With so much input, positive and negative, I believe there will be much more than just consideration at the council meeting on June 1. Thank you for caring and speaking up. WE, together, make up our community and what we do with it.”
- “Soooo, are we stopping the Thursday night fireworks too … or just the Fourth of July???”
Mayor’s Reply: “The biweekly fireworks are done by HarborWalk Village, a private company, not the city. The city typically handles the Fourth of July and New Year’s. While it is up to them if they would like to continue their shows with the new $9,000-plus fee for each show, that is their decision to make. Ideally, I would like to work with them and the STEM/drone programs we have in our high schools to build out multiple drone shows to offset or replace their fireworks. But again, as a believer in the free market, it is up to them. I am here to help if they would like it.”
- “It’s not like drones really help with dogs, etc. Every neighborhood has kids who will be shooting fireworks late into the night, just like always. Personally, I’d rather see a professional fireworks presentation over a drone show. It’s been done, it was cool, but you only get one shot to celebrate 250 years as a nation!”
- “While I like fireworks, I think the drones are definitely a cool show. I’m fine with either — not that my opinion is worth much.”
Mayor’s Reply: “It’s worth one vote, just like everyone else! Thank you for your input.”
- “If the city does drones, then take the money we save to clean up Main Street! Like all the junk houses with trash and clean the sidewalks toward Indian Trail.”
- “Having both would be pretty nice, but I’m sure it’s twice as expensive.”
For Destin and the surrounding area, we invite you to join our private, targeted group for locals and property owners at Facebook.com/groups/Destinites. We now have more than 12,700 members since launching in October 2018.
You can also visit our Local Business Directory at Destinites.com, where more than 500 local businesses are listed, and learn more about advertising opportunities within our community group.
