The person behind the mysterious G.I. Joes amusement park sign at 1001 U.S. Hwy 98, adjacent to Big Kahunas has finally been revealed. Former professional football player and local entrepreneur, Maxwell Joseph Bruner is currently in the process of purchasing the eight acre parcel of land.
Bruner, the original owner of Big Kahuna’s water park, has plans to construct a new amusement park on the plot.
In a statement provided to The Log from Bobby Parish, the Realtor for the property, Bruner is, “Now venturing into another attraction that will continue to help with local jobs, and better the economy.”
The statement also mentions Bruner’s other adventure business endeavor in Holt, and pleads with the city and county to support his cause.
“This land, in accordance with the 200-plus acres in Holt FL, (Black Water Joes River Adventures) will provide an amazing benefit for our local youth, while creating a number of new jobs. Mr. Bruner hopes that with the help of Okaloosa County, the city of Destin and multiple local contractors we are able to have something that Okaloosa County and the city of Destin can be proud of.”
Over the past few weeks, the sign, which went up and down and handful of times, announcing the proposed project stumped city officials and the former property owners, as they couldn’t say who had placed the sign on the property. The parcel of land was previously owned by Miami-based company Rialto Capital Management LLC.