Here’s the latest on the Norreigo Point deal will net an ex-con $70 million Collin Bestor December 31, 2025 10:52 am Destin OKALOOSA ISLAND — The embroglio around a controversial land deal that the State of Florida made with a Felon from Louisiana, who was 2024’s top donor in local elections, continued at The Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center on Tuesday. For nearly two hours on Tuesday, speakers gathered at a town hall meeting with Okaloosa County Commissioner Drew Palmer, and other county staff, warning that the county’s draft concepts, tied to the State of Florida’s $83 million purchase of the property, could overwhelm a dead-end residential street with traffic, boats and tourists while changing the character of the park many believed they were getting. “This is 100 percent a quality-of-life issue,” one speaker told county officials. Palmer: “This is the start of the conversation” Palmer, whose district includes the site, opened the meeting by thanking residents for showing up. Related: Okaloosa political super donor opens marina on Okaloosa Island. “I deeply, deeply appreciate you showing up and talking to us about some of your thoughts and feelings about this park and what you want to see — dreams, aspirations, that kind of stuff,” Palmer said. “That’s what we’re here for.” He emphasized that nothing presented on Tuesday was final. “This is the first of many,” he said. “This is not the only chance that you guys will have.” Still, many residents said they felt decisions were already being made...
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