Copyright Tallahassee Democrat
The state of Florida purchased 4 acres of undeveloped land at Norriego Point in Destin. This land, once slated for condo development, will now become a public park managed by Okaloosa County. The purchase aims to preserve public access to the coastline and prevent further private development. There is a rare stretch of undeveloped paradise with white beaches and serene waters located between Destin Harbor and East Pass. This is called Norriego Point, and it’s not just a scenic sandbar; it’s the heart of Destin’s harbor and a crown jewel of the Emerald Coast. More: DeSantis, Cabinet OK $83 million land buy from GOP donor The state’s recent decision to purchase 4 acres at Norriego Point is more than a real estate transaction. It’s a declaration of what kind of Florida we want to leave behind; one where public access to the coast is not a luxury available only to the wealthy. This gem was once destined for development. Now, thanks to state leadership and a partnership with local lawmakers, Okaloosa County will turn this former condo site into a new public parkland on Destin’s waterfront. Critics have asked about the price tag of the land, which is understandable. But the real cost would have been if the state had done nothing. Florida has seen year after year high-rise condos and other private properties take up our beautiful coastlines, and once they are built, public access is gone for good. While $83 million sounds steep, the appraised values do not reflect the true market value of the undeveloped waterfront land. Private properties with access to water routinely sell for tens of millions an acre or more. In nearby Walton County, a “gulf front lot” is on the market for $5,395,0000 for .15 acres. That’s just shy of $36 million an acre. The state paid the market rate for an irreplaceable piece of land for Floridians. And Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet deserve credit for recognizing the urgency to secure it for the public good. Without their swift action, this land could have been sold to private developers. Local officials in Okaloosa County have praised this action as an investment in the community’s future. Okaloosa County will manage the land as a public park, which will include state-of-the-art public marina and beach access, and will preserve the site’s natural environment and habitats to maintain the area’s long-term coastal resilience. We should celebrate the visionary leadership that values legacy over headlines. Because in 50 years, we will not remember the cost, but the gift of beaches for our children to play on and unobstructed views of sunsets that belong to the people of Florida. Brandon Tucker is executive director of the Florida Landowners Association. JOIN THE CONVERSATION
