By Patricia Lee, Owner Destinites.com
Do you own property or live in the local surrounding Destin area? We would love for you to attend our 4th Meet-n-Greet. These gatherings are always a lot of fun and include local business product/services giveaways! Details will be posted in our Destinites private Facebook group. If you are a Destin resident or in the close surrounding area, I invite you to join our private targeted group for locals and property owners at Facebook.com/groups/Destinites with 11,400+ members (Est. Oct. 2018). Check out our monthly newsletter and local business directory at Destinites.com where 400+ local businesses are already listed.
In our Destinites group this past month, I shared a progress update by Mayor Bobby Wagner regarding Joe’s Bayou Destin (800 Beach Drive Destin 32541). Construction is set to begin September 2025 with $12.2 million secured through the NRDA Final Restoration Plan RP-1. “I just returned from the capital with strong momentum for an additional $1 million in state Storm Water Resiliency Funds to improve the outfall,” said Mayor Wagner.
“What’s coming? 1. New boat trailer parking lot. 2. Mooring dock. 3. Restrooms. 4. Picnic pavilions. 5. Upgraded fishing pier. Big steps toward better access and sustainability for our waterfront! More updates to come.”
Below Are Some of Our Group Member Responses:
1. Now can we add more public fishing spots? Public parks? Maybe open up Okaloosa side of Destin bridge again to locals?
Mayor Wagnor’s Response: “Yes, yes and yes. Even this plan at Joe’s comes with a new fishing pier that has been redesigned to allow for better fishing.”
2. Another over done project. Just look at Norriego Point; what a mess.
3. So cool, it’s gonna be an awesome addition for the community!
4. Looks awesome Mr. Mayor! Thank you!
5. I like how quiet and reserved Joe’s Bayou is right now. So much of it is still untouched and it’s like my fav place to go to just chill because of how quiet it is.
6. Was wondering for all the water loving dogs? Can you make a safe place for the dogs to get into the water? Please. I believe there would be a lot of happy dogs!
7. What about leash laws? There is already a problem here with dogs running around off leash while folks are trying to launch their boats. It’s a safety hazard for people and dogs. Is there going to be a fenced-in area for dogs now?
Mayor Wagnor’s Response: “Yes, the current law that would be grandfathered into the new park, if nothing changes, would be on leash.”
8. I hope we are allowing for large boat trailer parking and turn radius. We have several local people who use the overflow lot for this purpose.
9. This looks like it’s taking away all of the gravel boat trailer overflow parking and the boat ramp attendant stand. That gravel lot held a lot of spots that are needed and having the parking attendant to tell people to move prevents people from holding up the ramp during peak seasons! They’re going to cut out half of the boat trailer parking at the main Destin boat ramp? That makes no sense.
10. Looks great! Keep up the hard work, Bobby. We appreciate you.
Mayor Wagnor’s Response: “Thank you for sharing the news!” Full details on the website: joesbayoudestin.com.
As always, the mayor is welcome and we thank him for his participation in our group. He is so very appreciated!
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