Tomorrow night Mayor Mel Ponder will take the stage for his first State of the City address. As 2015 marks the 30th anniversary of the city of Destin, his address will reflect not only on the past year’s accomplishments but also the three decades of Destin’s rich heritage.
The Log caught up with Ponder and asked for a quick preview of his upcoming speech.
Q: What is your overall message for the State of the City speech?
A: Celebrating what we were able to accomplish in 2014, while honoring our past, present, and future as a city.”
Q: Why is it important for residents to come out to the address, and what can the audience expect?
A: “It is always good to build and further relationships within the city. It is what separates us…our deep sense of community and family feel. It’s what makes us strong! So, I absolutely invite all residents to come out if they can.”
“What they can expect is great food, great time with friends, and a message from the mayor celebrating the things the staff and council have achieved in 2014, while sharing his heart on who we are as a city and where we go from here. Would be a great honor to have them there!”
Q: How do you feel to be mayor in this 30th anniversary for the city, and the 30th year for the state of the city address?
A: “Very humbled. Our city is amazing and a gift! To serve as Mayor is a great blessing for me and my family. We have been fortunate to have had a strong team of mayors since our inception. So, for me to come behind them is an honor. Their ceiling has become my floor. I hope to help remind our city of our heritage so that we have the foundation of where we go as a city in the next 30-years.”
The State of the City address will be held on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 5:30 p.m. at the Destin Community Center at 101 Stahlman Ave. All residents are encouraged to attend. For more information call 837-4242.