Destin Mayor: 'Casino Gambling Wouldn't Be a Fit Here'

The mayor of Destin and the Destin Chamber of Commerce won't wait for the next round of discussions on casino gambling in the state Legislature. They want to do something right now to make sure it can't come to their city.

In a TV3-Pensacola interview, Mayor Mel Ponder said Wednesday, "Casino gambling wouldn't be a fit here ... One of the biggest things on my heart is to make sure we maintain the DNA of family in our city. And those things that impact family I believe impact really the culture and community of our city."

Several months ago, the Destin Chamber of Commerce led the way, coming out against gambling in the city, saying it would "damage Destin's brand."

Ponder knows some residents think gaming could take a tourist town to the next level. But he is convinced most people in Destin share his feelings. Though he's not sure yet what's legally possible, he and the City Council are talking to their lawyers seeing what can be done, because "it's time to start the discussion."

Said Ponder, "If we really don't want casinos in town, as a community then let's explore what options we really have. And if we don't that's fine. But if we do, let's go ahead and raise that standard now."