FORT WALTON BEACH — Okaloosa County commissioners voted Tuesday to prohibit a variety of aircraft activity in and around East Pass and Crab Island in Destin.
In a 4-1 vote, the board approved a change to the county’s land development code that would create an “aircraft restricted zone.”
“It’s a safety issue,” said Commissioner Kelly Windes, a charter boat captain who has lobbied for the ban for 13 months. “What we have here … is by far the busiest waterway and marine recreational area in the county.”
Commissioner Dave Parisot voted against the measure, calling it “bad legislation that has collateral damage on a number of businesses.”
Commissioner Wayne Harris agreed. He called the ordinance “arbitrary and capricious” but ultimately supported the ban in what he said was an attempt to compromise.
Parisot and Harris said the ordinance appeared to have been created specifically to target Timberview Helicopters, which has drawn noise complaints for months.
But Windes said the purpose is to apply “reasonable, common-sense, practical rules” to an area already congested by charter boats, private boats, personal watercraft and swimmers during the summer.
More than a dozen people voiced their opinions, with the majority opposing the ban. Some Destin residents and business owners supported the ordinance, citing safety and noise concerns.
Windes agreed to reduce the restricted area where aircraft activity would be curtailed. He also “reluctantly” agreed to Commissioner Nathan Boyles’ condition that water-propelled jet packs be exempt.
Under the proposed restriction, the use of hang gliders, helicopters, parasails, hot air balloons, seaplanes, glider excursions and similar devices will be prohibited in the designated area in and around East Pass and Crab Island.
Law enforcement, emergency personnel and the military also are exempt.
County Growth Management Director Elliot Kampert said the county will place buoy markers in East Pass to designate the restricted area.
He said the new ordinance likely will take effect before the end of the year.
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Kari C. Barlow at 850-315-4438 or kbarlow@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @KariBnwfdn.