Destin To Become Part of Walton County?

Destin city officials are threatening to leave Okaloosa County and join Walton County. Find out… instagram.com/p/BQWB347hq3j/ @WMBBTV Twitter account.

Why would Walton County want Destin?

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Interesting opinion piece.

Opinion: Go ahead Destin, Dexit on out of here!

In case you haven't heard, Destin is seceding from the Union, or, at least, Okaloosa County. The lovely little city on the sea has had enough. To hear Destin City Hall tell it, they've been put upon and abused by the rest of us Okaloosians one too many times. Who knew being so blessed, as the City of Destin undoubtedly is, could be such a curse.

As we all know, of course, the grass is always greener on the other side. Destin incorporated in 1984 to take control of its own destiny from the County. Some might wonder if incorporation has really amounted to much, beyond higher taxes and a duplicative layer of government, of course. Destin has no city fire department, no city police department, no ambulances, no jail, no judges or courthouses, no (public) airports, no water or sewer system, and no tourism development department. Destin has two public beach accesses with public parking, while Okaloosa County has 11. Destin does have a library, which thanks to the tremendous City-County partnership known as the Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative, is open free of charge to all citizens of the county, not just Destin residents.


When all the rhetoric is scrubbed away, Destin City Hall's only real added value is as an additional regulatory and permitting agency. Given the constant flow of new regulations proposed by Destin City Hall, no one would question the City's prowess as a regulatory powerhouse. As a permitting agency, their record may be less distinguished.

The boundary of Destin can be difficult to find. As you drive along Highway 98 through "Destin" (in the generic sense), for substantial stretches one side of the road is in the City and the other is in the unincorporated County. I would challenge anyone to note any discernible distinction. Thus, if the County has done well planning and permitting, so has Destin. And if the County has done poorly, so too has Destin. Why pay extra for the same services? And to be sure, the citizens of Destin do pay extra each and every year, a whopping 35 percent extra in property taxes compared to citizens in the unincorporated County. Perhaps City Hall should be discussing dissolution rather than secession.

It is possible that Destin would find Walton County to be more suitable, or maybe not. I consider Walton County to be a well-run county and a great place to live. And yet, there is a group in South Walton that is pushing for incorporation as a city as a way to, you guessed it, take control of their own destiny. Maybe South Walton residents will find incorporation is the answer to all that ails them, but probably not. As I age, I am learning more and more to be satisfied where I am. There is little that can't be fixed with open dialogue.

Destin City Hall is unlikely to get everything that it wants through dialogue with the County, but I would argue it is likely to be more productive than bombastic rhetoric and idle threats. And, at any rate, secessionist movements do not have much of a history of success in these parts.

This guest column is by Nathan Boyles, Okaloosa County Commissioner for District 3.

When I told my wife I was leaving her for her sister, she rolled her eyes and laughed. I repeated it and she stabbed me with a kitchen knife.

The article outlines all the reasons A Better South Walton is failing.

No one is looking at establishment of our own Law Enforcement, Courts and other areas.

We pay about 50% of our taxes to WCSO and I don't believe we get that amount of representation from them, man power wise.

I'd favor a public safety program where we use SWFD and build upon what already exists there.

As for courts, we would need a place for the "city" infractions to be heard. Don't have that...

We'd have to rely on Judges Green and Wells and they just don't have time for that sort of thing. Why do you think WCSO is not more aggressively issuing parking and traffic citations? Because the recipient has a right to be heard and our busy court system just can't be bothered...

The only thing ABSW is offering is control over development. Why not focus all that attention to the real problems in Walton Co.?

I'll give you a guess what that is and where to find it.

THERE WAS A GRAND JURY INVESTIGATION THERE.

No go find it and work to fix it.

Otherwise, please put some real costs to the Incorporation plan that include the missing areas aforementioned.

Are you saying 50% of tax revenue goes to sheriff?

Are you saying 50% of tax revenue goes to sheriff?

Commissioner Comander stated in a county commissioners meeting awhile ago that the sheriffs budget is 54% of ad valorem. The sheriff is paid to provide a lot of services.

We get NO representation..... If your lucky enough to find a deputy who likes to enforce laws and can get their number ( which I've done) most time if she is working will show up ASAP and write tickets..one day last summer she was here for a hour writing...so obviously lots of laws broken..But if they ARE getting 50% for doing nothing..why bother writing tickets?

Commissioner Comander stated in a county commissioners meeting awhile ago that the sheriffs budget is 54% of ad valorem. The sheriff is paid to provide a lot of services.

Most of services (i.e.Parking) do NOT include law enforcement for tourist. They spend average $3,000.00 min.per week so they feel entitled.

Incorporation just ain't all it's cracked up to be.

Sounds like a win win for all those wanting to self govern. Just bring Destin into Walton county, split from the north and call the area Destin. Built in name and government. We can all enjoy paying more for not much.

Its really all about what people want to see changed and made better in SoWal. Planning is a complete disaster and IF that's the focus, why layer it with more B.S.? Focus and attack it at the source. Don't give people like Attorney Dana Mathews and his banker buddy talking points for his anti-incorporation movement. Local Media already jumped on this.

If half of the effort used for a ABSW was spent having people hold the Walton County Planning Department and BCC accountable, we'd be better off and on the right track.

Now we get two opposing groups, spending $ and effort to move this boulder forward, while one never realizes that worthless Brad Drake and this new clown Joyner will put it down if it ever did get legs. Hello, they are on the other team.

Wrong Ideas to Incorporate are the focus here.

Fight the fight in front of you and show up to BCC Meetings, Planning Meetings, etc. Ask questions, Email your ELECTED BCC Members.

Hold Larry Jones Accountable.

Why did Wayne Dyess leave? Anyone invest time in that?

Has anyone read the full Grand Jury documentation, not just the sanitized Cliff Notes B.S., the real stuff that is now Public Record?

Probably not and that's why you'll fail and allow Walton County to continue to be run by Good Ole' Boyz.

GUEST COLUMN: Incorporation will not 'save' South Walton

"...It's sole purpose is to control the comprehensive plan for South Walton."

What's so bad about that? Right now it's still on the friends and family plan.

For those who can't click the link from "work"...

Reader notes: The advocacy group for incorporating South Walton is selling the same phony rhetoric (as Destin in 1984) — we need change to save South Walton.

In 1984, Destin incorporated to control development. Citizens of Destin were sold a bill of goods, and got nothing they were promised. One look at Destin today, "the world's luckiest fishing village," should cause a resounding NO to South Walton incorporation.

The advocacy group for incorporating South Walton is selling the same phony rhetoric — we need change to save South Walton. That change is more government. There is no evidence offered that bigger government, more regulation and higher taxes will save us, or improve our lives.

This is the fourth attempt at South Walton incorporation since the mid-1970s, when there were no county services south of the bay. That is no longer the case. We have all government services and a south government annex, schools, hospital, library and a college; increased law enforcement, water and sewer, trash collection twice a week, South Walton fire department and mosquito control. There is no logical reason for South Walton to invite more government encroachment into our lives.

Most importantly, WHO would run the new city?

Elections determine who runs a government, and government changes with each election. Why would we want to pay salaries and benefits for seven more elected officials, administrative staff, city attorney and the expense of a City Hall for a one-function government? This is another layer of bloated bureaucracy with its sole purpose to control a comprehensive plan for South Walton.

Forty-four percent of South Walton is government-owned land. The remaining private land is substantially built out or planned. Only 5 percent of developable land is left to control.

Our beach communities along 26 miles of Gulf front have each developed their own unique character. From Rosemary Beach to Blue Mountain Beach to Miramar Beach, throwing everything into the same bucket called a city is incomprehensible.

Buyer Beware! Governments cost money. A government can't run on hope, which the feasibility study reflects; hope property taxes won't increase, hope for grants and shared state sales tax revenue. A city is required to negotiate contracts for law enforcement, trash collection and road maintenance. One way or another, we will pay for this government, whether increased property taxes, sales taxes, franchise or special fees.

We are not victims of county government, nor are we disenfranchised taxpayers and voiceless citizens. Adding more government is not a solution to improving representation. Incorporation merely swaps one set of problems for another.

Two county commissioners were elected from South Walton in the early 2000s. Projected population growth will give South Walton a voting majority in the next election. Candidates from all three county commission districts south of the bay can be elected. Increased voter turnout is the real solution for change in South Walton.

This guest column is from Bonnie McQuiston, a resident of Santa Rosa Beach.

Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote.

Much of what Ms. McQuiston says is true. Its what she doesn't say that sorta leaves you breathless.

This is another layer of bloated bureaucracy with its sole purpose to control a comprehensive plan for South Walton.

Yes, another layer of bloated bureaucracy which, means that the WCSBA (in particular a certain developer) who controls the comprehensive plan now, would no longer have control. That's not such a bad thing Ms. McQuiston. I also think the editorial would have been much more informative had you disclosed your own personal connection to said developer(s), not to mention you sit on the board of the WCSBA who has spent an untold amount of money to purchase seats on the BCC. The puppets whose seats have been purchased work exclusively at the direction/discretion of said developer(s) and not for ALL of the people who elected them!

Elections determine who runs a government, and government changes with each election.

That statement is only partly true Ms. McQusiton! Money has become the determining factor in who runs this counties government and unless people wake up and stop recycling the garbage that got us here in the first place and unless the aforementioned developer(s) backs off and allows government to work as it was intended, or the County stops recreating/changing the land development code and comprehensive plan at the whims of said developer(s) not much is likely to change.

Forty-four percent of South Walton is government-owned land.

Much of that land was or is being purchased now because of over development and the fact that much needed infrastructure was not and still is not in place prior to greedy developers controlling OUR government.

We are not victims of county government.

Absolutely correct! We are victims of greedy developers and a dumbed down county government that has been brutally beaten by costly lawsuits when developers don't get their way.

Nor are we disenfranchised taxpayers and voiceless citizens.

NOT true! Citizens have very little voice in their government anymore particularly because big developers BUY our County elections and we keep recycling the garbage.

Two county commissioners were elected from South Walton in the early 2000s. Projected population growth will give South Walton a voting majority in the next election. Candidates from all three county commission districts south of the bay can be elected. Increased voter turnout is the real solution for change in South Walton.

I am actually shocked to hear you say that Ms. McQuistion. SHOCKED I tell ya! Just SHOCKED...Given who you have crawled in the proverbial bed with, who do you suggest we vote for? I'll grant you recycling has NOT worked out well for SoWal!

I can't name certain folks but I can say that if ANY candidate who intends to run has anything to do with or is TOTALLY supported by BIG developers, VOTE NO! If any candidate is supported by the WCSBA, VOTE NO! If any candidate has been recycled in Walton County government for eons, VOTE NO! If any candidates platform includes the words, "I was born and raised in Walton County", VOTE NO!

The force is strong with kaydence...This one is well informed and understands reality even if the voters don't or don't want to believe it, it is simply true.

I should have added that putting individuals in the planning department (2 of which are stooges for the 2 aforementioned stooges that were purchased by the WCSBA) 1 of whom was given the "title" of "Asst. Director" who knows absolutely nothing about planning but simply got the job because of his daddy is a problem. The only things he has ever attempted to manage was a high rise and obviously wasn't successful at that because now WE got him.

The other got there because he did what the stooges told him to do and not because he had experience in either planning or land development code unless you consider code enforcement experience. Codes I might add that were never effectively enforced anyway and not worth the paper they were written on.

I wish Ms. McQusition had pointed out that there are NO public hearings as to who our elected officials place in those jobs because if we actually had a voice, some of those folks would still be pounding the pavement looking for work!

Much of what Ms. McQuiston says is true. Its what she doesn't say that sorta leaves you breathless.



Yes, another layer of bloated bureaucracy which, means that the WCSBA (in particular a certain developer) who controls the comprehensive plan now, would no longer have control. That's not such a bad thing Ms. McQuiston. I also think the editorial would have been much more informative had you disclosed your own personal connection to said developer(s), not to mention you sit on the board of the WCSBA who has spent an untold amount of money to purchase seats on the BCC. The puppets whose seats have been purchased work exclusively at the direction/discretion of said developer(s) and not for ALL of the people who elected them!

That statement is only partly true Ms. McQusiton! Money has become the determining factor in who runs this counties government and unless people wake up and stop recycling the garbage that got us here in the first place and unless the aforementioned developer(s) backs off and allows government to work as it was intended, or the County stops recreating/changing the land development code and comprehensive plan at the whims of said developer(s) not much is likely to change.

Much of that land was or is being purchased now because of over development and the fact that much needed infrastructure was not and still is not in place prior to greedy developers controlling OUR government.

Absolutely correct! We are victims of greedy developers and a dumbed down county government that has been brutally beaten by costly lawsuits when developers don't get their way. NOT true! Citizens have very little voice in their government anymore particularly because big developers BUY our County elections and we keep recycling the garbage.

I am actually shocked to hear you say that Ms. McQuistion. SHOCKED I tell ya! Just SHOCKED...Given who you have crawled in the proverbial bed with, who do you suggest we vote for? I'll grant you recycling has NOT worked out well for SoWal!

I can't name certain folks but I can say that if ANY candidate who intends to run has anything to do with or is TOTALLY supported by BIG developers, VOTE NO! If any candidate is supported by the WCSBA, VOTE NO! If any candidate has been recycled in Walton County government for eons, VOTE NO! If any candidates platform includes the words, "I was born and raised in Walton County", VOTE NO!

BRAVO!!!! The Walton County Small Business Association is a front housing the worst of the worst good old boys, and Bonnie is their rambling mouthpiece. Best as I can tell, they could give a hoot about small business and only want to get the worst puppets seated on the BCC and oppose anything that might loosen their grip on the county. Problem is, they are very, very good at what they do. I am beginning to think that the only way to loosen their chokehold is to put the legitimate businesses that join the group on notice that a boycott may be brewing if they don't renounce their membership...I know that sounds terrible, but infighting and instability is really the only way to get at them I'm afraid.

BRAVO!!!! The Walton County Small Business Association is a front housing the worst of the worst good old boys, and Bonnie is their rambling mouthpiece. Best as I can tell, they could give a hoot about small business and only want to get the worst puppets seated on the BCC and oppose anything that might loosen their grip on the county. Problem is, they are very, very good at what they do. I am beginning to think that the only way to loosen their chokehold is to put the legitimate businesses that join the group on notice that a boycott may be brewing if they don't renounce their membership...I know that sounds terrible, but infighting and instability is really the only way to get at them I'm afraid.

Totally agree. The only way to fight corruption is for honest, hard working citizens to stand up and fight this CRAP.

I am often reminded of late (Trump's election hasn't helped) of a quote by Martin Neimoller:
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

We are and have been complicit in not standing up and fighting for what's right for all of us and not just some of us.

BRAVO!!!! The Walton County Small Business Association is a front housing the worst of the worst good old boys, and Bonnie is their rambling mouthpiece. Best as I can tell, they could give a hoot about small business and only want to get the worst puppets seated on the BCC and oppose anything that might loosen their grip on the county. Problem is, they are very, very good at what they do. I am beginning to think that the only way to loosen their chokehold is to put the legitimate businesses that join the group on notice that a boycott may be brewing if they don't renounce their membership...I know that sounds terrible, but infighting and instability is really the only way to get at them I'm afraid.

I've stopped shopping at WCSBA affiliated business going on two years. It's unfortunate for some of the owners that drink the coolade because they don't know what they are drinking, not yet at-least...

@ 30A Skunkape,

Let me encourage you and everyone to write the papers. Its my understanding that Ms. McQusiton sent her Editorial to both the NWFL Daily News and the Herald.

At the Herald send letters to bruce@defuniakherald.com

The NWFL Daily News is a little harder to get printed because you are limited to 250 words unless you can get a Guest Editorial spot but they print just about anything under 250 words.

If everyone would get involved "WE" (COLLECTIVELY) could take back our county.

The Herald / Breeze would really gain readers with some "investigative reporting".

Lots of issues not only in DFS but all of Walton County that people would pay .75 cents a week and have a subscription for.

You need to dig a little bit folks at the DFS Breeze. People call and Email all the time with tips, go vet them and investigate.

No one is asking for you to walk away from the small town model there, but for gosh sakes, this County is a pool of stories, just waiting for a journalist to jump into.

If you get into trouble in that pool, I know there are several people with life rings ready to assist in your "saving".

Jump In

Why would Walton County want Destin?

Seriously? Destin does not really want to join Walton County. Destin has a lower sales tax, more amenities, an actual harbor, and not nearly as pretentious as the 30A crowd. (South) Walton County is controlled by them ol' boys, and girls, in Defuniak Springs..