“I think it’s important that we celebrate the city,” Mayor Mel Ponder told the crowd of 130—plus, as he led off his first State of the City Address Thursday night at the Destin Community Center. “The hard part is coming behind Mayor (Craig) Barker and Mayor Sam Seevers.”
As part of the city of Destin’s Charter, which governs the way the city operates, the mayor must give a State of the City Address on an annual basis. Walking into the venue, each seat had a flyer promoting Ponder’s “High Five Values,” which are family, hospitality, honor, opportunity, and generations.
“I think it’s easy in today’s society, we’re bombarded with media and a lot of negative aspects, I think it’s important to honor what we did and be thankful for what we’ve achieved,” he said.
Looking back at the year that was 2014, Ponder touched on a variety of accomplishments ranging from the city celebrating its 30th anniversary, the city’s response to flooding that struck the area, securing a $3.6 million stormwater grant, sports tourism at Morgan Sports Center, and restoration of the old Destin Post Office and the Primrose.
“We didn’t solve all of the problems, but we solved the major problems,” Ponder said of the floods that inundated the city in April and May.
With 2015 upon us, Ponder told the crowd “it’s a good year to be in Destin,” pointing to a newspaper clipping announcing the new Goodyear store under construction.
“I think it’s declarative,” he said. “I think this is a starting point of where we are going.”
And 5-10 years from now, Ponder urged people to think about what the city wants to be known for. He said it’s crucial that the city embraces a “culture of family,” regardless of neighborhood.
“We’re the same city… I’m not from Indian Bayou, I’m not from Holiday Isle, I’m from Destin,” Ponder said, adding that the city is using the hashtag #DestinFamily on social media.
Focusing on the family and hospitality aspect of Destin is something Ponder says will position the city above others who also compete for tourism. Whether it’s the convenience store clerk, the grocery store employee or a restaurant server, Ponder says they all play a role in making an impression on Destin’s visitors.
“Hospitality is the connection point between the host and the guest,” he said. “It’s that moment of truth.”
Ponder said if the city filters every decision through his “High Five Values,” nothing but success can be in the future.
“That to me is the core decision we can stand on,” he said. “It will give us clarity, it will give us confidence. It will honor our past, present and future.”
To view the entire State of the City Address, CLICK HERE.