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April 23, 2026 Harbor and Waterways Board Meeting: April 2026

City of Destin

9. Make the Sea Tow Foundation grant-funded life jackets available for the general public to

This item concerns a plan to make life jackets available for public borrowing at no cost. The Sea Tow Foundation is providing the life jackets through a grant. The City of Destin's Harbor and Waterways Board is reviewing this proposal. If approved, the city will need to provide a contact phone number and location information for the loaner station(s). This information will be shared on the Sea Tow Foundation's online map. The project involves setting up a system for loaning life jackets and providing public information about it. This could lead to opportunities for businesses that supply safety equipment or provide related services.

Board:
April 23, 2026 Harbor and Waterways Board Meeting
Date:
2026-04-23
Type:
Agenda_item

9. Notify the Sea Tow Foundation of any loaner station location changes or closures.

April 23, 2026 Harbor and Waterways Board Meeting listed this item on its agenda for 2026-04-23 in City of Destin. The posted record gives the item title and nothing else, so there is no site, no size and no applicant on file for it yet. Local businesses that want to follow it can open the official agenda link above and watch for the fuller write-up the body posts as the meeting gets closer.

Board:
April 23, 2026 Harbor and Waterways Board Meeting
Date:
2026-04-23
Type:
Agenda_item

A) Net Positive Environmental Benefit (NPEB) Fee - Fund Balance & Other

The City of Destin's Harbor and Waterways Board is reviewing a proposed change to the Net Positive Environmental Benefit (NPEB) fee structure. The current system, which relies on a percentage of project costs for new construction, is financially unsustainable and operates at a deficit. The Local Planning Agency is recommending a new annual fee of $50 for residential docks and $100 for commercial docks, aiming to generate approximately $87,000 annually to cover operational costs and provide predictable funding. This proposal includes exemptions for homesteaded properties and tiered exemptions for those who have paid fees recently. The review process is in its early stages, with the recommendation moving forward to the City Council. If approved, this change would involve administrative adjustments and potentially new systems for tracking and collecting annual fees, rather than large construction projects. Contractors, suppliers, and service providers in related fields should monitor this proposal's progress as it moves through the City Council, as early engagement could provide an advantage before final plans and permits are established.

Board:
April 23, 2026 Harbor and Waterways Board Meeting
Date:
2026-04-23
Type:
Agenda_item

A) October 23, 2025 Minutes

April 23, 2026 Harbor and Waterways Board Meeting listed this item on its agenda for 2026-04-23 in City of Destin. The posted record gives the item title and nothing else, so there is no site, no size and no applicant on file for it yet. Local businesses that want to follow it can open the official agenda link above and watch for the fuller write-up the body posts as the meeting gets closer.

Board:
April 23, 2026 Harbor and Waterways Board Meeting
Date:
2026-04-23
Type:
Agenda_item

A) October 23, 2025 Minutes

April 23, 2026 Harbor and Waterways Board Meeting listed this item on its agenda for 2026-04-23 in City of Destin. The posted record gives the item title and nothing else, so there is no site, no size and no applicant on file for it yet. Local businesses that want to follow it can open the official agenda link above and watch for the fuller write-up the body posts as the meeting gets closer.

Board:
April 23, 2026 Harbor and Waterways Board Meeting
Date:
2026-04-23
Type:
Agenda_item

A) Vice Chairman Stephens - Work Plan Item, Life Jacket Loaner

April 23, 2026 Harbor and Waterways Board Meeting listed this item on its agenda for 2026-04-23 in City of Destin. The posted record gives the item title and nothing else, so there is no site, no size and no applicant on file for it yet. Local businesses that want to follow it can open the official agenda link above and watch for the fuller write-up the body posts as the meeting gets closer.

Board:
April 23, 2026 Harbor and Waterways Board Meeting
Date:
2026-04-23
Type:
Agenda_item

A) Vice Chairman Stephens - Work Plan Item, Life Jacket Loaner

April 23, 2026 Harbor and Waterways Board Meeting listed this item on its agenda for 2026-04-23 in City of Destin. The posted record gives the item title and nothing else, so there is no site, no size and no applicant on file for it yet. Local businesses that want to follow it can open the official agenda link above and watch for the fuller write-up the body posts as the meeting gets closer.

Board:
April 23, 2026 Harbor and Waterways Board Meeting
Date:
2026-04-23
Type:
Agenda_item

April 23, 2026 Harbor and Waterways Board Meeting Agenda

This document is an agenda for the Harbor and Waterways Board Meeting on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the Destin City Hall Annex Chambers. The agenda includes standard meeting procedures like Call to Order, Agenda Approval, and Approval of Minutes from previous meetings (October 23, 2025, and March 26, 2026). Current Business and Board Member Comments are listed, with Vice Chairman Stephens to discuss a Work Plan Item regarding a Life Jacket Loaner Program. Public Comments are also scheduled. The document notes that accommodations for disabilities can be arranged by contacting the City Clerk and advises that a verbatim record may be needed for appeals.

Board:
April 23, 2026 Harbor and Waterways Board Meeting
Date:
2026-04-23
Type:
Agenda
Address:
Destin City Hall Annex Chambers

April 23, 2026 Harbor and Waterways Board Meeting Agenda Packet

[722 Harbor Blvd; case HWB-001666-2025] The Harbor and Waterways Board recommended City Council approval for residential marine construction at 722 Harbor Blvd. The project involves extending an existing terminal platform by 8 ft x 5 ft and adding two 2 ft x 15 ft finger piers. This adds 100 sq. ft. of over-water area, bringing the total dock square footage to 805 sq. ft. The applicant, Gary Gorman, confirmed new framing would be inside existing pilings and the adjacent neighbor had no objections. The recommendation was approved with conditions requiring federal/state approvals and compliance with LDC Section 11.05. [510 Norriego Rd; case HWB-001671-2025] The Harbor and Waterways Board recommended City Council approval for residential marine construction at 510 Norriego Rd. The project includes constructing a new roof structure over an existing upland slip, with an overhang extending approximately 2 feet into the canal. This adds about 72 sq. ft. of new over-water area. Adjacent property owners were notified, and no public comment or objections were received. The recommendation was approved with conditions requiring federal/state approvals and compliance with LDC Section 11.05. [602 Lagoon Dr; case HWB-001682-2025] The Harbor and Waterways Board recommended City Council approval for residential marine construction at 602 Lagoon Dr. The project involves constructing a new marginal dock, 5 feet wide, running along the property line for approximately 227 feet, creating about 1,135 sq. ft. of new over-water construction beyond the platted property line. Notifications were sent to adjacent property owners, and one representative, Ryan Gerdy (attorney for Susan Shackelford), raised concerns about a potential boundary line dispute regarding an existing upland cut, stating his client believes it encroaches on her property. The Board noted that city review relies on submitted surveys and boundary disputes are private civil matters. The recommendation was approved with conditions requiring federal/state approvals and compliance with LDC Section 11.05. The Harbor and Waterways Board discussed the Net Positive Environmental Benefit (NPEB) Fee structure. The current construction-based fee averages $25,000 annually, while harbor operations cost $45,000-$50,000. A proposed new structure, recommended by the Local Planning Agency (LPA), would replace the construction-based fee with an annual fee of $50 for residential docks and $100 for commercial docks, estimated to generate ~$87,000 annually. This proposal aims to stabilize revenue, reduce the financial burden on dock improvements, and simplify administration. Board member Tadlock expressed concerns about the fee being perceived as a tax and equity issues between dock owners and general harbor users. Alternative funding ideas included fees for all waterfront property owners, boat registration fees, and contributions from the Tourist Development Council and businesses. The LPA emphasized the need for a self-sustaining funding model due to current deficits. A motion to support the LPA recommendation with modifications for renovations and eco-friendly materials failed for lack of a second. A motion to support the LPA recommendation as presented and forward it to City Council passed 4-1, with Board member Tadlock dissenting. [Destin Harbor] The Harbor and Waterways Board received an update on the Destin Harbor Pump Operations and Costs. The harbor flushing pump is currently down for repairs due to a burned bearing caused by cooling system failure, with estimated repair time of 1-2 weeks at an approximate cost of $52,000. The board discussed past investments in the pump, maintenance plans, and operational challenges, including the need for specialized equipment and external contractors for repairs. They emphasized the need for future preventative maintenance contracts, a critical spare parts inventory, and faster response to failures. The board also discussed water quality considerations, noting that the pump alone cannot fully address issues and that stormwater runoff remains a major contributor to pollution. The board members discussed the need for future preventative maintenance contracts, critical spare parts inventory, and faster response to failures. [South of Destin Yacht Club] Vice Chairman John Stephens reported on a large, submerged metal cage, possibly a chicken coop, located south of Destin Yacht Club. Staff attempted removal but found it too large and heavy for the city boat. Consideration was given to marking the hazard with a buoy for safety. [Joe’s Bayou Recreational Boat Launch (initial installation); Clement Taylor Park (2028); Leonard Destin Park (2029); Noriego Point Park (2030)] The Harbor and Waterways Board is developing a Life Jacket Loaner Program, with a flagship installation planned at Joe’s Bayou Recreational Boat Launch by February 2027. The program aims to improve public safety by providing life jackets for free use. The board is defining specifications for life jackets and loaner stations, developing standard operating procedures, and exploring funding partnerships with organizations like BoatUS Foundation, Sea Tow Foundation, and FPL. The program will involve monthly inspections by board members and a tracking system for inventory. Future installations are planned for Clement Taylor Park (2028), Leonard Destin Park (2029), and Noriego Point Park (2030).

Board:
April 23, 2026 Harbor and Waterways Board Meeting
Date:
2026-04-23
Type:
Agenda_packet
Decision:
Recommended City Council approval with conditions
Address:
722 Harbor Blvd
Applicant:
Gary Gorman

B) Destin Harbor Pump Operations & Costs - Requested Information - Michael Burgess

The City of Destin is addressing operational challenges with its harbor flushing pump, which is currently down for repairs due to a cooling system failure. An emergency repair contract is in place, with repairs expected to take one to two weeks. This situation highlights a need for improved maintenance and faster response to failures, with the city considering preventative maintenance contracts, spare parts inventory, and potentially increased pump runtime. The city also noted a large, submerged metal cage south of Destin Yacht Club that is too heavy for city boats to remove, with a suggestion to mark it as a hazard. These ongoing issues and future considerations present opportunities for contractors specializing in pump repair, specialized equipment operation, marine salvage, and potentially preventative maintenance services. Early engagement with city staff could provide insight into upcoming needs before formal bidding processes begin.

Board:
April 23, 2026 Harbor and Waterways Board Meeting
Date:
2026-04-23
Type:
Agenda_item
Address:
south of Destin Yacht Club

B) March 26, 2026 Minutes

April 23, 2026 Harbor and Waterways Board Meeting listed this item on its agenda for 2026-04-23 in City of Destin. The posted record gives the item title and nothing else, so there is no site, no size and no applicant on file for it yet. Local businesses that want to follow it can open the official agenda link above and watch for the fuller write-up the body posts as the meeting gets closer.

Board:
April 23, 2026 Harbor and Waterways Board Meeting
Date:
2026-04-23
Type:
Agenda_item

B) March 26, 2026 Minutes

April 23, 2026 Harbor and Waterways Board Meeting listed this item on its agenda for 2026-04-23 in City of Destin. The posted record gives the item title and nothing else, so there is no site, no size and no applicant on file for it yet. Local businesses that want to follow it can open the official agenda link above and watch for the fuller write-up the body posts as the meeting gets closer.

Board:
April 23, 2026 Harbor and Waterways Board Meeting
Date:
2026-04-23
Type:
Agenda_item

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