New public parking lot planned

DESTIN, FL - The City of Destin is under contract to purchase 2.12 acres along Harbor Blvd. (US Hwy. 98) across from the City's proposed Capt. Royal Melvin Heritage Park. The property's street locations are 285 & 299 Harbor Blvd. and 222 Mountain Dr. 

City Manager Greg Kisela says, "This property has 250 feet of frontage along Harbor Blvd. as well as frontage along Mountain Drive. Once ownership of the property is transferred to the City, crews will demolish existing buildings, and the land will be cleared for a surface parking lot that could initially hold over 200 cars." 

Parking solutions to harbor access is one of the top four priorities that have been identified by the City Council in order to proceed with the Destin Harbor revitalization plans. The other top items are the reconstruction of Mountain Drive, the development of the Harbor Boardwalk, and the construction of the Capt. Royal Melvin Heritage Park. 

The City Council will consider the contract at its May 18 meeting. If approved, closing is expected to be on or before June 26.