Peter Bos’ request for open container drinking between Destin Commons, Turnberry Harbour and Legendary Yacht Club has sparked opposition among locals, but the developer maintains his plans are misunderstood.
Commissioner Wayne Harris said he’s heard from several residents – all of whom are against the idea.
“The gist is ... people are thinking there’s going to be all kinds of ruckus and noise and music and partying,” he said. “They don’t want that.”
Earlier this month, Bos asked county commissioners to pass an ordinance allowing alcoholic beverages to be carried throughout Destin Commons and north to the harbor area on Choctawhatchee Bay.
Commissioners agreed to consider the idea.
In the past week, Bos has met with local residents, making his case and assuring folks that his proposal isn’t to build an additional Destin Commons-like project. It’s to offer open container drinking at Destin Commons – including the new phase that opens in July – and connect it to the bay area using wide sidewalks and linear parks.
Alcohol already is readily available at Destin Commons, Regatta Bay Golf Club and the marina area on the bay, Bos said.
“It’s kind of silly to not allow someone to walk around one area to the next (with a drink),” he added. “... If I have a glass of wine and I live in Regatta Bay and I would like to take a walk down between Destin Commons and walk to the harbor in the evening, wouldn’t that be a nice thing?”
On Choctawhatchee Bay, Bos plans to expand Legendary Yacht Club, bringing in Lucy Buffett’s Lulu’s, a popular burger and seafood restaurant in Gulf Shores.
He said he’s trying to encourage people to leave their cars at home and instead walk to Destin Commons or use golf carts.
But not all of the folks who live near Destin Commons share Bos’ vision.
“I can’t tell you how many emails I’ve gotten,” Okaloosa County Commissioner Kelly Windes said. “I’m hearing from a lot of people, and they’re not happy."
"You’ve got two upscale developments on either side of it,” Windes said of the residents who have complained to him. “... They’re older. They’re reserved. They’re conservative.”
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Kari C. Barlow at 850-315-4438 or kbarlow@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @KariBnwfdn.