Community input sought as state-owned Holiday Isle property shifts from condos to park
Okaloosa County, Florida – Okaloosa County Commissioner Drew Palmer is inviting those who live in or visit the county to a public town hall meeting about the future of a newly acquired waterfront property on Holiday Isle. On Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 3 p.m., the meeting will be held at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center. The goal is to get input from the community early in the planning process.
The main topic of the debate will be a four-acre piece of land on Holiday Isle that the State of Florida just bought and plans to turn into a public park. Okaloosa County will run the park once it is built, which is a change from how the site was previously planned to be developed.
County authorities indicate that the town hall will start with a short presentation by staff about the property’s history and current state. After that, attendees will get a chance to talk about their thoughts, concerns, and priorities regarding how the property should be used. Commissioner Palmer stressed that getting people involved is very important and that the County wants residents to have a direct say in what happens in the end.
“This is an amazing opportunity to create something special on that property for the benefit of Okaloosa County residents and visitors,” said Okaloosa County Commissioner Drew Palmer (District 5). “We are committed to keeping this process open to the public and value their input as we move toward finalizing the details of this endeavor.”
The property has great views of the Destin East Pass and Destin Harbor, and it is close to Norriego Park. The land was formerly allowed to be turned into a complex, multi-story condominium, but it is still mostly empty today. There is already a new 53-slip marina and sea walls on the property, so the rest of the area is accessible for future park design.
County leaders have already put $5 million on improvements, which shows that they are in it for the long haul. However, officials note that the planning effort is still in its earliest phases, with no final design or layout decided. The town hall is meant to assist shape those early ideas and make sure the park meets the needs of the community.
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County officials hope that by holding the meeting now, they can create confidence and transparency while looking for ways to make the waterfront site a public treasure that everyone can use. The County will use the feedback it got on December 30 to help it decide what to do next as it works on building the Holiday Isle park.
