It’s been almost two years since the Pigeon Forge, TN., based World Choice Investments purchased four parcels of land in Destin, causing rumors of Dolly Parton’s upcoming arrival to circulate.
Since then, not much has happened until recently.
On Aug. 20, a demolition permit was granted to Gulf Coast Utility Contractors LLC, according to city officials, that would allow the company to raze the old First National Bank building at 17005 Emerald Coast Parkway and remove the debris. Heavy equipment can be seen on the property.
World Choice Investments is affiliated with the Dollywood Company, which operates a variety of entertainment venues in the southeast, such as Dollywood and the Dixie Stampede.
Pete Owens, who works for the Dollywood Company, told The Log that the demolition permit was pulled so the company could be a “good neighbor.”
So does this mean that Dolly is coming to Destin?
Not exactly, Owens said.
“The previous tenant left the lot in a state that needed some attention,” Owens wrote in an email. “In the meantime, we are still evaluating our options there and in other markets.”