DESTIN IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS

At an informational meeting Wednesday morning, Destin’s Mayor Sam Seevers and City Manager Greg Kisela met with various faith-based, civic and corporate organizations to plan oil spill recovery efforts for the city.

“There has been a lot of discussions about this topic so far,” Kisela told the crowd of 30-plus, “but there hasn’t been a lot of discussions about helping individuals who have been or may be affected by the oil spill.”

While the groups were ready to brainstorm ideas, Kisela knew they were not going to solve all of the problems in one day, but did say, “this is a good start.”

The city will open an information center at the old Clancey property along the harbor next week, that will be staffed eight hours a day and serve as a clearinghouse for information.

“Those who helped us when we went through Katrina, know we set up a relief center to help folks get assistance and the services they needed,” he said. “The community really came together to help those people and get them back on their feet.”

From the latest reports, Kisela said Destin residents could expect, if anything, to see some oil sheen, which is a thin layer of oil that floats on top of the water, and tar balls.

“Let’s just hope they can cap the well,” Kisela said, “and this becomes a non-issue.”

Former Destin city councilmen Mel Ponder said his group wanted to meet some of the basic needs people will have right away.

“The natural thing that we saw was a need for food and counseling,” Ponder said. “I know that Harvest House and St. Andrews by the Sea will both provide food to those in need.”

WONDERING HOW YOU CAN HELP?

Bill Robinson, Executive Director of the Okaloosa & Walton County United Way, reminded the crowd that May 8 is the National Postal Carriers food drive.

“This would be a great way of helping people in a time of need as well,” he said.

Citizens are urged to put non-perishable food items in their mailboxes or in bags next to their boxes to be picked up Saturday.

In addition to services that will be offered on a city and county-wide level, Destin Chamber of Commerce President Shane Moody said there will be a disaster preparedness and recovery seminar at the Destin United Methodist Church May 14 at 8:45 a.m.

“There are a lot of fake companies in town and people need to learn how to protect themselves,” Moody said.

He did say that things have started to look up.

“More people are calling and asking about vacation reservations and not calling to cancel their plans,” he said. “That is a really good sign. We are seeing a trend at the chamber where the phone calls are becoming more positive, than negative.”

“We just want to know going into next week what we are going to be able to offer,” Kislea said. “I’m hoping the services we have and the services we come up with moving forward are not needed. If we do need them, I don’t want to wait until it’s too late and realize we don’t have anything.”

Mayor Seevers said after a productive meeting, that she was proud of everyone involved.

“This really means a lot to the staff and to the city to know these groups have our backs,” she said. “It is imperative that we still leave with one message though — Destin is open for business, and our beaches are beautiful and ready.”