Destin OK’s 320-room hotel after lengthy discussion on development rules Collin Bestor December 3, 2025 9:30 am Destin In Brief: Destin approved a 320-room hotel after sharp disagreements over parking reductions, traffic safety, and code limitations that left officials frustrated. Council members warned the project could worsen dangerous left turns onto Highway 98, where congestion already operates at failure levels. The sparse landscape plan triggered the strongest pushback, fueling broader concerns that the city’s development code is enabling projects out of step with community expectations. DESTIN — The Destin City Council approved a development order Monday for a six-story, 320-room Drury Plaza Hotel on Highway 98 East, ending a tense debate over traffic hazards, parking reductions and the city’s development rules that several council members said are allowing projects out of step with community expectations. The council added two conditions before approving the project: at least 80% of all required trees must be native species, and the hotel must include a designated pet relief area. Drury representative Eddie Robinson agreed to the conditions only after stepping out during a brief recess to get authorization from company leadership. “I’ll agree to that — and go ahead and put the dog park in it,” Robinson said. The hotel will occupy 10.27 acres at 1001 Highway 98 East, next to Big Kahuna’s Water Park. The plan includes 4,000 square feet of conference space, an outdoor pool, stormwater improvements, pedestrian features, and 333 parking spaces. City staff said the project meets...
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