Destin City Hall4200 Indian Bayou Trail

Destin, FL 32541

Phone: (850) 837-4242Fax: (850) 837-3267

www.cityofdestin.com

Destin City CouncilMayor

Mel Ponder

CouncilmembersRodney Braden

Tuffy DixonJim ForemanCyron Marler

Prebble RamswellSandy Trammell

Jim Wood

City ManagerGreg Kisela

Stay informed!Visit www.cityofdestin.com

Be sure to catch Okaloosa Today on Cox 6 where Public Information Manager Doug Rainer hosts guests to discuss important city issues, events and programs that take place in Destin.

• Tuesday at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.• Wednesday at 6 p.m. • Thursday at 9 a.m.• Friday at 6 p.m.• Sunday at 8 p.m.

Destin City Council Meetings are held the first and third Monday of every month beginning at 6 p.m. at the City Hall Annex (4100 Indian Bayou Trail).

Agendas can be downloaded from the city’s website, www.cityofdestin.com.

WATCH LIVE City Council Meetings

Community Development UpdatesPlanning Division: Envision Destin, the city’s process to help update its Comprehensive Plan (the document that sets the guidelines for future growth), continued with a second series of public workshops in July with excellent public participation.

The first set of workshops in May included an overview of citywide assets and challenges, 244 completed Community Values Surveys, and open discussions. In preparation for the second series of public workshops, Canin Associates, the team the city hired to guide the visioning process, thoroughly analyzed the public’s survey results, comments, ideas and concerns and looked closely at Destin’s existing Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code to pinpoint policies and regulations that might conflict with the vision of Destin’s residents.

At the July meetings, attendees were able to explore, assess and comment on different development outcomes by reviewing 3D models, photo simulations and site plans. The next step in the process will be for the city council to review the recommended changes this fall and make a decision as to how to move forward.

Building Division: As of June 30, the new 2014 Florida Building Codes are now in effect, including the 2011 NEC. All permit applications will now be issued under the new code. Call the Community Development Department at 837-4242 for more details.

The FY 2016 local Business Tax Receipt renewal period began July 1, 2015. Businesses MUST renew their business tax receipts by September 30, 2015, to avoid late fees. Please contact the city’s Building Division at 654-1119 or email btr@cityofdestin.com with questions about how to renew.

Code Enforcement Division: In June, the Code Enforcement Division sent out 1,057 short-term rental informational letters to properties in the allowable short-term rental zoning districts (Crystal Beach & Holiday Isle) to inform property owners about the city’s Code of Ordinances requirement to register all single-family, detached dwelling units that are renting for 6 months or less.

This mailing list was comprised after a street-by-street inventory was conducted by Code Enforcement staff along with verification through the Okaloosa County Property Appraiser’s website identifying non-homesteaded properties. Properties that are renting short-term and fail to register may be brought before the Code Enforcement Special Magistrate where fines may be levied for non-compliance with Article VI of the Destin Code of Ordinances. Short-term registration forms are available on the city’s website at www.cityofdestin.com. The entire short-term rental ordinance can be viewed at www.municode.com under Article VI of Destin Code of Ordinances.

Things To KnowBig Truck Day will be held on August 7 at the Community Center beginning at 9 a.m.

Annual Open House will take place October 22 at the Community Center beginning at 11:30 a.m. Come out for a free lunch and hear a message from the mayor.

Destin Library’s 75th Anniversary Celebration will take place Aug. 21 from 2-6 p.m. with an old-fashioned ice cream social. The public is invited to learn about the history of the Destin Library and enjoy ice cream treats!

The city and Trees Destin shared the cost to install 17 palm trees along Main Street in an effort to enhance the area through a public/private partnership!

More than 1,000 people gathered for the kickoff of the USSSA Baseball Tournament at Morgan Sports Center in July. 155 teams competed in the tournament.

Destin applied for funds through the Restore Act process for Clement Taylor Park improvements and Capt. Royal Melvin Heritage Park construction.

The Friends of the Destin Dog Park plans to raise funds to install grass pavers in high-traffic areas to mitigate the wear of turf and to provide a safe playing surface.

July is Parks & Recreation Month and the Destin Parks & Recreation Department was recognized for its outstanding work in the city at the July 6 council meeting.

The library’s digital media lab is open, offering the public the ability to edit audio/video projects, as well as create new videos using the library’s equipment.

Hundreds of Destin residents attended the May and July Envision Destin public meetings to help determine the future of the city’s Comprehensive Plan.

Team Destin won a $250 donation to the United Way of Okaloosa & Walton Counties at Big Kahuna’s first Kowabunga Racer 500 on July 15!

PlaneNoise™ is an airport noise complaint management system that provides information on where noise complaints are being generated, how often and by whom. Noise complaints can be made by visiting the Destin Airport website at www.FlyDTS.com or by calling (850) 651-7097.

Ramswell Appointed to Chair Growth Management and Economic Affairs Committee for Florida League of Cities

The Florida League of Cities has appointed Destin Councilwoman Prebble Q. Ramswell as Chair of the 2015-2016 Growth Management and Economic Affairs (GMEA) Legislative Policy Committee. As chair of one of five legislative committees, Ramswell has also been selected

to serve on the 2015 Resolutions Committee and the 2015 Legislative Committee for the League.

“It is an honor to be selected to serve the League, the State of Florida, and the City of Destin by working to ensure proposed bills are representative of local and state needs. I look forward to working with my Vice-Chair Mayor Bill Capote (Town of Palm Bay) and committee to select our legislative priorities for the 2016 Florida Legislative Session,” stated Ramswell.

Ramswell served on the GMEA committee in 2014-2015, working with other appointees to select and advocate for bills via the creation of resolutions and discussions with Senators and Representatives during the Legislative session earlier this year. Ramswell also serves on the Florida Senate Committee Veterans Florida.

Legislative Policy Committee chairs, vice-chairs and members are appointed annually by the League president. Any city official is eligible to serve on a Policy Committee, and appointments are typically based upon a city official’s support and advocacy of the League’s adopted Legislative Action Agenda, participation at meetings, Legislative Action Day and other legislative-related activities.

Trammell Honored with 2015 Home Rule Hero Award

The Florida League of Cities has recognized Councilwoman Sandy Trammell with a 2015 Home Rule Hero Award.

This prestigious award was presented to Trammell for her tireless efforts to advance the League’s legislative agenda and help protect the home rule powers of Florida’s cities during the

2015 legislative session. Home Rule Hero Award recipients are local government officials – both elected and nonelected – who consistently responded to the League’s request to reach out to members of the legislature and help give a local perspective to an issue.

“Strong home rule powers ensure government stays close to the people it serves,” said Trammell. “That’s why I have been, and will continue to be, an advocate for the League – to help eliminate unfunded mandates and preemptions, and protect cities’ right to home rule powers.”

Trammell is currently in her second term on the Destin City Council. She serves on numerous local and state committees and is the Mayor Pro Tem for the city. She is also the chair of the Community Redevelopment Agency Board and serves on the board of directors for the Florida League of Cities and the Northwest Florida League of Cities.

“Councilwoman Trammell embodies the definition of a Home Rule Hero. She is extremely dedicated and works hard for the citizens of Destin,” said Florida League of Cities Legislative Director Scott Dudley. “She brings that same level of commitment and energy to helping the Florida League of Cities lobbying team and is always ready and willing to contact legislators and help advocate in support of home rule.”

Destin City Council’s Annual Visioning ExerciseThe Destin City Council held its annual Visioning exercise in April to discuss and determine the city’s priorities and objectives over the next several years. As a result, the council agreed on the following priority objectives. More information can be found at www.cityofdestin.com.• Maintain a high level of safety and security for residents, businesses

and visitors.• Complete visioning process, update of Comprehensive Plan and review

Land Development Code.• Safe pedestrian crossings on Hwy. 98 (designate non-crossing areas).• Build pedestrian trail along Gulf Power easement.• Landscape improvements for Town Center CRA.• Restore Act Plan – identify and design projects.• Expansion of Joe’s Bayou Park and boat launch.• Explore opportunities to provide additional beach for the public.• Explore pay to park in appropriate areas of city.• Develop parks and recreation master plan.• Implement Code Compliance Action Plan.

A Complete Kelly Street!

We owe a special thanks to the city council and the city’s Public Services Department for seeing this project through.

The improved Kelly Street now has upgraded stormwater utilities and wide pathways, as well as new curbing, pavement, striping and landscaping, offering residents a tranquil drive through the heart of the city!

Destin to Receive $500,000 State Grant for Stormwater Improvements

Thanks to the efforts of the council and staff, along with Sen. Don Gaetz and Rep. Matt Gaetz, the City of Destin will receive a $500,000 state grant to improve stormwater utilities in the Heritage Run subdivision. This project follows a federally-funded stormwater project to improve stormwater quality and quantity in other areas of the city.

“It is vital to the health of our city and waterways that all stormwater utilities operate as effectively and efficiently as possible,” said City Manager Greg Kisela. “Grants like this make important projects a reality for Destin and allow our residents’ tax dollars to be concentrated on other core city services.”

The $500,000 grant is approximately half of the cost of the Heritage Run stormwater pump upgrade. City staff will provide the city council with options to move forward.

Norriego Point StabilizationFlorida Department of Environmental Protection has selected an engineering firm to review the existing stabilization design and to design the new recreation area. The bid for a coastal marine contractor will go out in late 2015. The stabilization construction is expected to begin in early 2016 and last 9-12 months. Construction of the recreation area is expected to begin the last quarter of 2016 and be complete in May 2017.

on the schedule. The last day to register a team is Friday, Aug. 21. Individual fees are $20 for Destin residents and $40 for non-residents. Individual fees must be paid before a player is eligible to play. All players must be at least 17 years old to participate.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT COED SOFTBALL begins Wednesday, Sept. 2. A mandatory team captains’ meeting will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 6:30 at City Hall. Space is limited to the first 15 team that register. The team fee is $300 and must be paid before the team is placed on the schedule. The last day to register a team is Friday, Aug. 28. Individual fees are $20 for Destin residents and $40 for non-residents. Individual fees must be paid before a player is eligible to play. All players must be at least 17 years old to participate.

YOUTH TACKLE FOOTBALL LEAGUE registration runs July 31 for ages 5-12 years (age as of Aug. 1, 2015). A birth certificate is required with registration. The fee is $65 for Destin residents and $95 for non-residents. Registration can be completed online at www.cityofdestin.com or in person at the Destin Community Center Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Space is limited, therefore early registration is recommended. Practice begins the week of Aug. 1 and games begin Aug. 22.

YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE registration runs through Aug. 21 for ages 3-15 years (age as of Aug. 1, 2015). The fee is $45 for Destin residents and $65 for non-residents. Practices begin the week of Sept. 7. All games will be on Friday nights at Morgan Sports Center beginning Sept. 25. Registration can be completed online at www.cityofdestin.com or in person at the Destin Community Center Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Space is limited, therefore early registration is recommended. Coaches are needed. If interested in coaching, contact 650-1241.

For more information about these programs and events, please call 650-1241 or email bkellar@cityofdestin.com.

Persons with disabilities who require assistance to participate in these programs or events are requested to notify the Parks and Recreation Director at 650-1241 at least 48 hours in advance.

SENIORS OF DESTIN SUMMER/FALL ACTIVITIES

The Seniors of Destin is an active group! Call Senior Coordinator Pat Markey at 685-5310 for more information. Spring/Summer activities:

• Biloxi day trips• BINGO at Buck Destin• Cruises• Golf outings to local courses• Golf lessons with Pat• Pickleball lessons at the Community Center• Monthly pot luck birthday party at Buck Destin• Monthly lunch bunch trips to local restaurants• Monthly Senior Movie Day at Buck Destin• Senior Book Club with Tina at the Destin Library• Senior Cookout in May• Step Up walking program on Tuesdays and

Thursdays• Tennis Doubles Drop-in at Buck Destin• Drop in Center at Buck Destin Senior Center

DESTIN LIBRARY SUMMER/FALL CALENDAR

JULYMonday, July 27: 9:30 a.m. Every Hero Has a Story (Kids 6-12 yoa): Invent a Superhero

Wednesday, July 29: 1-4:45 p.m. YA Internship Program

Thursday, July 30: 9:30 a.m. Every Hero Has a Story (Kids 2-5 yoa): Invent a Superhero 6 p.m. The Not “In Real Life” Teen Book Club

AUGUSTWednesday, August 5: 1-4:45 p.m. YA Internship Program

Thursday, August 6: 9:30 a.m. Cuddlers & Toddlers Storytime6 p.m. The “Not In Real Life” Teen Book Club

Friday, August 7: 9:30 a.m. Expanding Horizons Book Club

Wednesday, August 12: 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Seniors of Destin Book Club

Thursday, August 13: 9:30 a.m. Cuddlers & Toddlers Storytime3:30 p.m.-5 p.m. The Page Turners Book Club

Friday, August 14: 3 p.m. Friends of the Destin Library Program

Saturday, August 15: 10:30 a.m.-Noon: Writers in Sandals

Tuesday, August 18: 4 p.m. Independent Film Series

Thursday, August 20: 9:30 a.m. Cuddlers & Toddlers Storytime

Friday, August 21: 2-6 p.m. 75th Anniversary Celebration Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social

Thursday, August 27: 9:30 a.m. Cuddlers & Toddlers Storytime3 p.m. Non-Fiction Book Club

DESTINfocusSummer 2015

City Happenings!COMMUNITY CENTER

SUMMER/FALL PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

15TH ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL will take place Monday, Oct. 26, from 5-8 p.m. Please bring one non-perishable food item for admission. There will be booths with fun games and activities, a cakewalk, a costume contest, a spacewalk/ slide, food for sale, and candy for those just stopping by to Trick-or-Treat. Tickets for games and food will be on sale for 4 for $1 with most games costing one ticket. Registration for the costume contest is from 5-6 p.m. with judging at 6 p.m. There will also be a Jack-o-Lantern contest! Carved pumpkins must be dropped off before 3 p.m. Judging is at 5 p.m. Come join the fun!

17th ANNUAL BIG TRUCK DAY will be held in the Destin Community Center parking lot from 9-11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 7. Children of all ages are welcome to come see all the unique trucks we have working in our community. There is no charge for this event.

BABYSITTING SAFETY COURSE for ages 11-15, July 28 and Aug. 4 from 1-4 p.m. The fee is $30 for Destin residents and $45 for non-residents. Students will be certified in CPR and First Aid by the American Heart Association. Space is limited so please register early at the Destin Community Center.

DODGEBALL CAMP for ages 9-14, Aug. 3-6 from 1-3 p.m. Participants will learn the official rules of the National Amateur Dodgeball Association, several different dodge ball games, sportsmanship, skill drills, special techniques and strategies of dodgeball. The fee is $20 for Destin residents and $30 for non-residents.

FALL CHEERLEADING registration runs through July 31 at the Destin Community Center. The program is designed for youth ages 5 through 12 years. The fee is $35 for Destin residents and $40 for non-residents plus cost of uniforms. Practices begin the week of Aug. 17 and games will be played on Saturdays beginning Aug. 22.

GAME ROOM/OPEN GYM The game room and gym open to children 12 and older Monday through Friday (call 654-5184 for times). Children under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Games include ping-pong table, a pool table, a foosball table, an air hockey table and a basketball & volleyball court.

KIDS’ NIGHT OUT Theme: “Glow in the dark” for ages 5-12 years will be held on Aug. 7 from 6-9:30 p.m. The cost is $20 for Destin residents and $30 for non-residents.

KIDZ KLUB after school program is offered at the Destin Community Center Monday through Friday from 3-5:30 p.m. There will be help with homework, games, movies, snacks, crafts and lots of fun offered for children K-4th grades. Weekly fees are $20 for Destin residents and $30 for non-residents.

SUMMER SPLASH DAY for ages 5-12 on Friday, Aug. 14, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. There will be slip’n slides, a monster wave slide and a bounce house that includes an obstacle course and slide. Lunch and afternoon snacks will be provided. The fee is $30 for Destin residents and $40 for non-residents. Space is limited so please register early at the Destin Community Center.

VOLLEYBALL CAMP for ages 9-14, July 27-30 from 1-3 p.m. The fee is $25 for Destin residents and $35 for non-residents. The camp emphasizes ball control, spiking, setting and posting.

For more information, please call the Community Center at 654-5184 or email bmiller@cityofdestin.com.

PARKS & RECREATION SUMMER/FALL PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

17TH ANNUAL PINFISH CLASSIC will take place on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 8:30-10 a.m. at the weigh-in station on Destin Harbor behind AJ’s. This catch and release event is open to children ages 14 and under. Participants must bring their own poles – bait is provided. Registration must be completed on location by 8:30 a.m. Awards will be presented at 9:45 a.m. Awards include the largest and smallest pinfish catches in each age group, as well as an award for the most pinfish caught overall. The event is free to all youth and the first 50 participants to register will receive a free T-shirt.

ADULT FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE begins Wednesday, Sept. 9, at the Morgan Sports Center. A mandatory team captains’ meeting will be held on Monday, Aug. 10, at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. The team fee is $300 and must be paid before the team is placed on the schedule. The last day to register a team is Friday, Sept. 4. Individual fees are $20 for Destin residents and $40 for non-residents. Individual fees must be paid before a player is eligible to play. All players must be at least 17 years old to participate.

MEN’S FALL REAL SKILLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE begins Thursday, Aug. 27. A mandatory team captains’ meeting will be held on Monday, July 27, at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall. Space is limited to the first 16 teams that register. The team fee is $300 and must be paid before the team is placed on the schedule. The last day to register a team is Friday, Aug. 21. Individual fees are $20 for Destin residents and $40 for non-residents. Individual fees must be paid before a player is eligible to play. All players must be at least 17 years old to participate.

MEN’S TUESDAY NIGHT SOFTBALL begins Tuesday, Aug. 25. A mandatory team captains’ meeting will be held on Monday, July 27, at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Space is limited to the first 16 teams that register. The team fee is $300 and must be paid before the team is placed

SEPTEMBERComputer classes will begin in September. Classes, dates and times are to be announced. Please contact Will Rogers at wrogers@cityofdestin.com to receive email updates.

Wednesday, September 2: 4 p.m. Reading Buddies at Destin Elementary

Thursday, September 3: 9:30 a.m. Cuddlers & Toddlers Storytime

Friday, September 4: 9:30 a.m. Expanding Horizons Book Club

Saturday, September 5 – Monday, September 7: Library Closed for Labor Day

Tuesday, September 8: 9:15 a.m. Destin Garden Club Meeting & Program3 p.m. Katie’s Kids After School Storytime & Crafts

Wednesday, September 9: 10 a.m. Seniors of Destin Book Club4 p.m. Reading Buddies at Destin Elementary

Thursday, September 10: 9:30 a.m. Cuddlers & Toddlers Storytime3:30 p.m. The Page Turners Book Club

Friday, September 11: 3 p.m. Friends of the Destin Library Program

Monday, September 14: 9 a.m. Tai Chi

Tuesday, September 15: 4 p.m. Independent Film Series

Wednesday, September 16: 4 p.m. Reading Buddies at Destin Elementary

Thursday, September 17: 9:30 a.m. Cuddlers & Toddlers Storytime6 p.m. The “Not In Real Life” Teen Book Club

Saturday, September 19: 10:30 a.m.-Noon: Writers in Sandals

Monday, September 21: 9 a.m. Tai Chi

Wednesday, September 23: 4 p.m. Reading Buddies at Destin Elementary

Thursday, September 24: 9:30 a.m. Cuddlers & Toddlers Storytime3 p.m. Non-Fiction Book Club

Monday, September 28: 9 a.m. Tai Chi

Wednesday, September 30: 4 p.m. Reading Buddies at Destin Elementary

OCTOBERComputer classes will continue in October. Classes, dates and times are to be announced. Please contact Will Rogers at wrogers@cityofdestin.com to receive email updates.

Thursday, October 1: 9:30 a.m. Cuddlers & Toddlers Storytime

Friday, October 2: 9:30 a.m. Expanding Horizons Book Club

Monday, October 5: 9 a.m. Tai Chi

Wednesday, October 7: 4 p.m. Reading Buddies at Destin Elementary

Thursday, October 8: 9:30 a.m. Cuddlers & Toddlers Storytime 3:30 p.m. The Page Turners Book Club

Friday, October 9: Friends of the Destin Library Program

Monday, October 12: 9 a.m. Tai Chi

Tuesday, October 13:9:15 a.m. Destin Garden Club Meeting & Program3 p.m. Katie’s Kids After School Storytime & Crafts

Wednesday, October 14: 10 a.m. Seniors of Destin Book Club4 p.m. Reading Buddies at Destin Elementary

Thursday, October 15: 9:30 a.m. Cuddlers & Toddlers Storytime6 p.m. The “Not In Real Life” Teen Book Club

Saturday, October 17: 10:30 a.m.-Noon: Writers in Sandals

Monday, October 19: 9 a.m. Tai Chi

Tuesday, October 20: 4 p.m. Independent Film Series

Wednesday, October 21: 4 p.m. Reading Buddies at Destin Elementary

Thursday, October 22: 9:30 a.m. Cuddlers & Toddlers Storytime3 p.m. Non-Fiction Book Club

Monday, October 26: 9 a.m. Tai Chi

Wednesday, October 28: 9:30 a.m. Annual Cuddlers & Toddlers Halloween Parade4 p.m. Reading Buddies at Destin Elementary

Thursday, October 29: 9:30 a.m. Cuddlers & Toddlers Storytime

For more information about the above programs and activities at the Destin Library, please call 837-8572.