From Norriego Point to CO2 pipelines: The Stories That Defined the Emerald Coast in 2025 Collin Bestor December 31, 2025 4:21 pm News This year on the Emerald Coast was defined by decisions — about land and water, schools and safety, growth and identity. From multimillion-dollar land deals and charter fights to snowstorms, speed cameras, military moves and environmental battles, residents repeatedly found themselves asking the same questions: Who benefits? Who decides? And what kind of community do we want to be next? Some stories sparked controversy. Others brought opportunity, uncertainty, or rare moments of wonder. Here are the stories that defined 2025. Norriego Point land purchase The Norriego Point land purchase rose to the top of our stories of the year list because it combined staggering numbers with serious public-trust questions. The State of Florida’s plan to spend roughly $83 million on land appraised locally at about $10.5 million — and owned by a convicted felon and prominent political donor — immediately sparked debate about fairness, transparency, and whether taxpayers were getting a good deal. What followed revealed just how complicated the issue truly was. Residents learned about marina infrastructure, parking plans, and potential park development inside a tight residential area already strained by traffic and safety concerns. Meetings grew tense. Questions surfaced about Sunshine Law compliance, campaign donations and who actually gets to decide what happens on Destin’s shoreline: the state, the county, or the city. Ultimately, the story wasn’t...
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