Okaloosa commissioner to host town hall on Holiday Isle park plans

OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. — An Okaloosa County commissioner will host a public town hall meeting Tuesday to gather community input on future plans for a waterfront property on Holiday Isle that is expected to become a public park.

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Drew Palmer (District 5) is inviting residents to attend a town hall meeting at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center to discuss the future of a four-acre parcel recently purchased by the State of Florida.

The property is slated to be developed and operated by Okaloosa County as a public park, according to county officials.

County staff are expected to give a brief presentation during the meeting, followed by an opportunity for members of the public to speak and provide input on the plans for the site.

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“This is an amazing opportunity to create something special on that property for the benefit of Okaloosa County residents and visitors,” Mr Palmer said.

“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.”

Aerial view of the marina adjacent to the newly purchased public waterfront site. — The newly purchased parcel includes a marina with 53 public slips, expanding access for boaters and residents. (Contributed)

The Holiday Isle property offers views of the Destin East Pass and Destin Harbor and includes access to the adjacent Norriego Park.

Previously permitted for a dense, multi-story condominium development, the site currently includes a 53-slip marina and seawalls but is otherwise undeveloped.