Florida’s Cabinet, chaired by Gov. Ron DeSantis, has approved an $83.3 million purchase of 4 acres on Destin Harbor to expand Norriego Point Beach Access and Park and block future high-density development. The Sept. 30 decision marks one of the most expensive land acquisitions in state history, aimed at both conservation and public recreation.
According to the Cabinet staff report, the newly acquired land directly abuts Norriego Point and will connect the park to Gulf Shore Drive. While currently zoned for high-density residential use, the purchase preserves the site for public access and prevents construction of up to 80 luxury condominiums.
Once incorporated, the park will total nearly 16 acres and include over 100 parking spaces along with new opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. Okaloosa County will manage the property in partnership with the City of Destin and has discussed contributing up to $5 million toward development.
The seller, Pointe Mezzanine LLC and Pointe Resort LLC, is controlled by Louisiana businessman Robert Guidry, who purchased the parcels in 2016–17 for roughly $8 million. The state’s official purchase price of $83,326,520 (about $20.83 million per acre) is consistent with recent appraisals authorized by the Legislature.
Though Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia expressed concerns about the cost, he ultimately joined other Cabinet members in approving the acquisition as part of a bundled land-deals package. Local leaders applauded the decision, calling it a direct response to public demand for more beach access and parking.
“This is a tremendous asset,” said Okaloosa County Commission Chairman Paul Mixon. “The state has answered that for us.”
Next steps: Okaloosa County will coordinate with the state on operations, capital projects, and rule enforcement, while assuming the docking facility lease to operate a new public marina.
