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City of Destin replaces the faded “Welcome to Destin” sign

Out with the old in with the new. On Friday morning, several members of the City of Destin’s Public Works team replaced the iconic “Welcome to Destin” sign. If you’re looking at the sign and thinking, “This looks exactly the same…” You’re correct! The previous sign has been up since 2020 but the sun definitely takes its […]

Out with the old in with the new. On Friday morning, several members of the City of Destin’s Public Works team replaced the iconic “Welcome to Destin” sign.

If you’re looking at the sign and thinking, “This looks exactly the same…” You’re correct!

The previous sign has been up since 2020 but the sun definitely takes its toll on the color. Not to mention, shortly after replacing it in 2019, someone tagged the sign with graffiti. Thankfully, the city had another banner on hand and was able to quickly replace it.

“Welcome to Destin” sign after it was tagged in 2020.

As you can imagine, the “Welcome to Destin” sign has drawn some comments from the public now that access to it is blocked by a fence. 

The heavily-photographed sign currently stands at the western foot of the Marler Bridge. That property is owned by Eglin Air Force Base, who erected a 10ft fence down that stretch of land leading to Redneck Beach. 

  • The popular East Pass Beach Area was closed by 96th Test Wing Commander Brig. Gen. Scott Cain back in May 2020 due to illegal commercial activity happening on the federal property, along with trash being dumped and parking issues.

Since 2008, the City of Destin has partnered with Eglin Air Force Base for the maintenance and replacement of the banner.

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Community Comments

“Why the H... does anyone vote for any politician who is in favor of having the horrible disgusting private beaches? Every resident, every visitor, every tax payer MUST have a...”
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“The air force doesn't own or need the land! It isn't theirs. It was mostly Choctawhatchee National Forest. The air force tried to sell that land in the 2000's but...”
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“Those signs that you recommend have been there for years, just people annoyed them to the point that Eglin has now had to step the game up”
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“Now that Ms. Ketchel has torn down more dunes, plus paved over what was beautiful sand, golf carts can drive from one end to the other. No way to cross...”
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“It shows the beach being a part of the property. This was part of the plot plan. When the documents were shown to the attorney in depositions the Walton County...”
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“Great history lesson. The only point I'll disagree with is the multi use path... I think its a good thing. Maybe a lot of money but it may save a...”
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“This fence is a colossal waste of DoD dollars and needs to be investigated. These dollars should have been spent supporting the warfighter. The ruse that it protects environmentally sensitive...”
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“This article is obviously written by someone with 0 knowledge of the area. The erosion happening now is because " The Wall," as anyone that's been here since the 70's...”
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“How are peoplele going to swim when there are nets every few feet??”
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“I'm looking at this paragraph and thinking, why would city officials allow a DO in 2009 to be vested for 22 years? Wouldn't you think they'd realize the traffic increases...”
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