Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state Cabinet will consider a proposal on Tuesday, Sept. 30, to purchase approximately 4 acres of waterfront property in Okaloosa County for $84.5 million, converting land zoned for luxury condominiums into public parkland with significant local government support.

• The state would acquire the property from Pointe Mezzanine, LLC and Pointe Resort, LLC under an option agreement that values the land at about $20.8 million per acre, to include the added marina, sea wall and other improvements. The purchase price matches an appraisal completed in March by a state-approved appraiser.

Okaloosa County has pledged more than $5 million in direct investment and support for the project, according to an August letter signed by County Commission Chairman Paul Mixon to state environmental officials on behalf of the board. The letter was sent after Commissioner Drew Palmer sought unanimous consensus from the board to commit to managing the property and to work with the state.

“If the State buys this property, it means that the public will always have access to it, and I think that’s a beautiful thing,” said Palmer. “The public – our residents and visitors – will get to participate and experience our beautiful coastline and our natural resources here in Okaloosa County.” 

The property sits near the Gulf Islands National Seashore and shares its western boundary with the City of Destin’s Norriego Point Beach Access and Park. State officials say the acquisition would expand the park area to nearly 16 acres and provide enhanced public access by connecting it to Gulf Shore Drive.

• According to the Board of Trustees agenda, the property is currently zoned for high-density residential use. The sellers originally planned to develop 80 luxury condos on the site, which they purchased in 2016 and 2017 for $7.9 million.

“We’re not making beachfront property anymore, especially parcels that are as well positioned as this one,” said Sen. Jay Trumbull, who helped craft the legislation. “I think it’s incredibly important to give people access to one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire world.”

The developers have already completed significant infrastructure improvements, including construction of a marina, installation of a sea wall, road and parking construction, and utility connections. The marina operates under a sovereign submerged lands lease that would transfer to public use.

“It’s a beautiful piece of property and something that is very unique,” added Palmer. “ The City of Destin and Okaloosa County have already partnered in many ways to expand public beach access including projects like Tarpon Beach and Crystal Beach. I love the idea of continuing to expand access to locals and to visitors alike.”

If approved, Okaloosa County would manage the new park in collaboration with the adjacent City of Destin facility. According to the state agenda, the county “will organize the management, maintenance, and operation of the subject property, and will oversee all aspects of the new park, including capital projects, construction procurement, insurance, staffing, utilities, and rule enforcement.”

Trumbull said he became aware of the opportunity during the legislative session as he was looking to identify resources for Northwest Florida projects while pursuing customary use. The funding came from existing Florida Forever conservation funds that had been appropriated but not spent on other projects, according to Trumbull.

“It’s not often that we have a chance to create a new state park – a new piece of property on the coast – because everything’s already been built on,” Trumbull said.

Deputy County Administrator Craig Coffey wrote to state officials in January that the acquisition would “create sustainable swathes of land on both sides of the East Pass Inlet” and prevent the already fully-designed-and-permitted, 9-story condo project from happening. 

• He also noted the new park would “provide much-needed public beach access in Destin and take pressure off Henderson Beach State Park, which is often closed due to being at full capacity in the peak season.”

Trumbull said the acquisition aligns with broader efforts to expand public beach access across Florida, including his fight for customary use. “When I was a kid, we had the ability to walk up and down the beaches with no problem at all. Unfortunately, because we don’t own Gulf Front property, my children don’t have that same opportunity today,” he said. “I believe that’s totally wrong.”

The state and City of Destin are completing a $12 million project to improve the existing Norriego Point park, which officials say will complement the potential new acquisition. The combined facilities would offer over 100 parking spaces and recreational opportunities for boating, fishing and swimming.

“We buy a lot of upland property, and land around springs and military installations – which is great,” added Trumbull. “But we don’t usually have this type of opportunity.”

The Board of Trustees approval requires support from two members, with one being the Governor, when four members vote. The sellers have 120 days after approval to complete the transaction.