President's Comments-

John L. Medina

BEACH RENOURISHMENT PROJECT WEST OF HENDERSON BEACH PARK.

In order to expedite the process (technical evaluation, permitting and funding application) and to reduce cost, an Interlocal Agreement was signed between the City of Destin and Okalossa County last year.  Recently, Eglin Air Force has also decided to be part of this agreement in order to protect their Okaloosa Island property.

The project start up date has been set for the end of 2008.  This is a significant improvement over the recently completed project east of Henderson Beach Park.  It took eight years to get that project started.

A project manager, Jim Trifilio, with experience in this field was hired last year.  Coastal Technology Corporation has been selected to explore, expedite application procedures and secure funding sources.

Have you ever heard of the expression "It takes an Act of Congress to Get It Done."  Well, that is what it takes to get Federal Funding for Beach Renourishment.  It takes a minimum of five years!!! 

Coastal Technology has completed a very preliminary Project Financing Estimate for the Destin Section of the Project, 4.2 miles west of Henderson Beach Park to Noriego Point.  At an estimated cost of $4 Million per mile it equates to $16 Million to complete that section of the project.

This preliminary estimate assumes funding from the following sources:

55% from the visiting Tourist via the TDC (Tourist Development Council) Bed Tax.  It assumes that the current TDC Tax rate will be increased from 4 cents to 5 cents. 

11% from the public via State Taxes managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Funding is based on the number of public access and parking available along the beach.

34% from beach front owners via Municipal Services Benefit Units.

The estimate included 5,200 properties south of Hwy 98.

Based on the above assumptions the average annual assessment for each beach property owner comes out to $134 per year for a period of 8 years.

Just keep in mind that this is not the final recommendation, it will be up to "US" to decide the fastest and most economic way to secure funding.

In the near future, Coastal Tech will schedule a number of meetings to discuss funding options.  You will be invited to participate and share your opinion.

We intend to keep you posted via our website.

DREDGING OF THE EAST PASS.

Some sections of our beach cannot wait until the end of 2008 to get protection from hurricanes.  Therefore, we continue to work diligently to find other opportunities to protect the most critically eroded sections of our beach.

The East Pass needs dredging once again.  Therefore, a tentative agreement has been reach between the City of Destin, Holiday Improvement Association, Jetty East, Destin Point and Holiday Surf and Racquet Club to fund $100,000 for a Joint Coastal Permit Application that will allow the placement of dredged sand from the East Pass on this section of our beach.

We encourage you to visit our website for updates.

PROPERTY TAX CUT.

The first half of the biggest tax cut in Florida's history became law on June 28. 2007.  It represents cuts of $15.6 billion overall in the first five years.

The second half will be up to the voters. Via a constitutional amendment it could double the overall savings.  The amendment will be in the Florida's Jan. 29 presidential primary ballot.

Savings for primary home owners (homestead) are estimated at 7 percent for the first year.  Second homes and other residential properties are also estimated at 7 percent and commercial-industrial at 6 percent.

The following months will offer an opportunity for YOU to get involved and make a difference.

Once again stay tuned by visiting our website.

With God's blessing, let's hope for two to three years without hurricanes.  In the meantime, please read the hurricane preparedness section and be ready during this upcoming season.

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