By Tamara Leigh Young, PhD, Public Information Manager for the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village
It’s time for more “reel” talk from the Mayor and me. For this column, our chat took us on the trail of annexation.
TY: A peculiar and understandably frustrating question we help many locals with is answering, “Do I live in Destin”? While people may have a Destin zip code, many are surprised to learn they are living in unincorporated Destin, which is still part of Okaloosa County. My question is, how did this Northeast portion of Destin get skipped over?
BW: It must be disheartening to live close enough to walk to City Hall or the beach yet be told you are not a City of Destin resident and cannot enjoy the perks. While Destin became a city in 1984, it was not the first time it had tried to incorporate. The city failed to reach the required votes in several prior elections. The late Mrs. Mattie Kelly was against bringing her land into city limits and actively opposed the idea. After an agreement was made to carve out all of Kelly’s land from the city, the additional support was enough to pass the referendum, and the City of Destin, minus a few square miles, was formed.
TY: That carved-out land is now Commons Drive, Kelly Plantation, Regatta Bay, Emerald Bay, and a few other communities in the area. What is the biggest benefit to annexation, and what is the first territory you want to see annexed?
BW: I believe the government closest to the people can best provide meaningful benefits to improve the quality of life for its community. At a fundamental level, the county operates as a regional administrative branch for the state. Municipalities are the only form of government that provides power directly to the local citizens. This is why I am so passionate about unifying Destin. If we were to become one voice, we could guide Destin into an abundant future for generations to enjoy.
TY: If readers are interested and want to learn more or show support toward annexing these unincorporated areas, what can they do?
BW: For those interested, please share this vision with your neighbors and the HOA board. I would be thrilled to present in person at a board meeting or a scheduled evening. You can also reach out to Tamara and myself with any questions.
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