By Patricia Lee, Owner, Destinites.com
This month in our locals Destinites Facebook group (www.Facebook.com/Destinites), I asked the following question…
“What is one positive thing you would like to see implemented in the Destin area for 2023, which you feel would benefit or even partially benefit the community? I will start the thread by saying I would like to see crosswalk bridges placed in certain areas along Hwy. 98 which lead over to the beach area(s). And, I would especially like to see one that goes over to HarborWalk Village.”
Below are just some of the more than 400 responses I received. Our new mayor, Bobby Wagner, participated and is reviewing all.
1. “Traffic is my primary concern, so here are my suggestions:
A). Road construction projects should be started only when the resources are available to complete the work in the evenings, and completed in full during the off season ONLY.
B). Traffic light controls need to be examined for efficiency, and adjusted for repeatedly slowing the flow of traffic (see intersections of 98 and Mack Bayou, and 98 and Holiday Road for example)
C). Okaloosa and Walton County resident discounts (or exceptions) for the toll bridge. It severely hampers staffing in Destin, resulting in higher costs for businesses.”
2. “Speed bumps on Indian Trail would be helpful for the kids playing. Talking about a speedway.”
3. “I would love to see a crackdown on speeding. Hwy. 98 across Okaloosa Island is like trying to navigate the Indianapolis Speedway. Then they slow down to 55 mph crossing the Destin Bridge. You take your life in your hands if you try to cross Hwy 98 anywhere between the end of the bridge and Whataburger! Write some serious tickets!”
4. “Make it to where locals don’t have to pay $4 to go to Destin or Niceville for work. I find it insane that locals have to pay for that. (Sunpass).”
5. “Banning all chair vendors on all beaches within Destin city limits. Those areas are empty while the tiny slivers of “public” beach are full of people squeezed in like sardines. The chair vendors don’t respect the law that the public can sit in front of the water up to 20 feet from the waterline on ALL beaches. They yell at tourists and tell them they can’t sit there and put their chairs right up on the waterline, which violates law. They push their chairs out onto public beach space outside of their ropes they put up to try to take up even more space. There is no enforcement for this. No official tells chair vendors to move their chairs back. If the public tries, the vendors get nasty. The police say they can’t enforce it. Why? I’ve seen multiple posts about this, seen it happen myself, and still nothing is done. Why does Destin let chair vendors do whatever they want? What’s the point of having the 20-foot law if it’s not enforced? Chair vendors ruin our beaches.”
6. “A solid sports complex center for kids from young age to teenage. We love Destin, but this town caters more towards tourists than locals and more importantly to our kids who will be Destin’s next generation.”
7. “Bathrooms for beach goers! Osteen Beach and Norreiga Point. I mean really, the lifeguards?”
8. “I would like a giant overhead sign about 2,000 ft. from the east side of the track that says “Right lane ends!” FDOT should’ve done that a long time ago!”
9. “Public transport/bus system/trolley system for tourists or visitors during high season.”
10. “Why are rents going up astronomically during such difficult times? It’s pure greed and the whole community will suffer from it. If prices are raised, fewer patrons will frequent your establishment. This is easy economics! This will cause an even quicker downward spiral with businesses closing and less customer service.”
11. “Performing Arts Center!”
12. “I would say there are some street lighting problems around Commons Drive/Walmart and other areas. Some sidewalk or street lighting would be safer for pedestrians walking in really dark areas on the sidewalk.”
Stay tuned for Part 2 next month. If you are a Destin resident or close surrounding area, join our private locals Destinites Facebook group at www.Facebook.com/Destinites — more than 7,400 members. Check out the monthly newsletter and local business directory at Destinites.com. If you own a local business, to advertise in our targeted locals group or in our newsletter, email DestinitesGroupBox@gmail.com.
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