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City of Destin to host public forum on underground utility work concerns

Utility company representatives will address resident questions about ongoing utility projects affecting neighborhoods across the community.

Jared Williams

The City of Destin will host a public forum Wednesday, July 16, from 4-6 p.m. at City Hall where utility companies will address questions and concerns about underground drilling taking place throughout the city.

Representatives from eight companies involved in the utility work will attend the drop-in forum at 4200 Indian Bayou Trail. The companies include Destin Water Users, ADS, Cox, Live Oak Fiber, Gigapower, Okaloosa Gas, Mears Broadband, and Utility Consultants of Florida.

Residents planning to attend are asked to email publicinfo@cityofdestin.com with their name, address and any issues they’ve experienced or questions so company representatives can prepare appropriate responses.

The forum comes as the city regularly receives contacts from residents about concerns related to the construction work. The city is taking the opportunity to connect the public directly with the various entities involved in the projects.

The city has also implemented coordination measures to manage the various underground utility projects following a water line strike on Holiday Isle in May. City Manager Larry Jones detailed these measures in a May 22 email to council members, which was also discussed during the June 2 city council meeting.

As part of project coordination, utility companies will be limited to holding one active permit at a time, with each permit requiring full completion before additional permits are issued. Work has also been restricted on Fridays and holidays.

To minimize disruption during the busy summer season, work south of Highway 98, including within the Highway 98 right-of-way, is suspended until after Labor Day. During this period, permitted work will focus on residential neighborhoods north of Highway 98.

Companies working with ADS, the city’s underground contractor, may continue their operations during this period.

“This is your chance to make sure your voice is heard and any questions/concerns are addressed,” city officials stated about the upcoming forum.

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