Destin Life | News, Events and Community Information

Author: Destin Life

  • Want to Help Make Paradise Even Better?

    Want to Help Make Paradise Even Better?

    From the Mayor’s Office

    As your new mayor, I am honored to lead our community forward to better serve the residents, small businesses, and tourists—in that order. But I cannot do it alone.

    Are you looking to make a positive change in Destin?

    Destin needs passionate residents looking to improve their community through critical and creative thinking. With a newly elected 2022-2026 Destin City Council, it is now time to appoint citizens to Destin’s trusted advisory boards and committees to help lead Destin forward with a local voice.

    Committee volunteers are appointed officials by city council members. Your role will be to evaluate new ideas and issues facing the city, collaborate with city staff and fellow committee members at meetings, and create well-crafted recommendations to present to the council that will solve problems and improve the quality of life for all.

    For positive change to take place, we each must BE the change we wish to see!

    Currently, the city has seven different committees/boards with twenty-three openings to fill. Please review the following committees/boards and consider joining the one that calls to you. Thank you for taking the time to consider the possibility of serving Destin by being on a committee/board.

    With service in mind,
    Bobby Wagner
    Mayor of Destin

    Please apply at:  https://www.cityofdestin.com/volunteer

    For more information about how to join a city committee, please get in touch with City Clerk Rey Bailey at (850) 837-4242.Below is a list of all committees/boards with their descriptions:

    Board of Adjustment
    The Board of Adjustment’s role is to hear and decide upon applications for variances, special exceptions, and administrative appeals when it is alleged there is an error in any order, requirement, decision or determination made by an administrative official in the enforcement of any zoning ordinance. Members of the Board of Adjustment are required to file an annual Financial Disclosure form for which there is an automatic per day penalty imposed by the Ethics Commission for late filing.
    Meetings: First Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m., as needed

    Parks & Recreation Committee
    This committee focuses on environmental issues that will improve the appearance, aesthetics and ecological quality of life for our community. The committee also identifies and recommends to the City Council projects relating to recreational matters, including the need for additional parks and recreational programs and facilities for the citizens and visitors of Destin. The committee shall also perform such duties and services as may be assigned to it by the City Council.
    Meetings: Fourth Tuesday of each month at 4 p.m.

    Harbor & Waterways Board
    The purpose of the Harbor Board is to inventory all existing and potential sources of pollution; to monitor the overall condition of Destin Harbor; to review and recommend plans for future growth development of Destin Harbor, including the review of projects requested to be located on the harbor; and to review plans for development on the waterways of Destin, including Choctawhatchee Bay, bayous, and other estuaries. Meetings: Fourth Monday of each month at 5 p.m.

    Harbor Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Committee
    The Harbor CRAAC was created to provide recommendations to the CRA Board of Directors on how best to implement the adopted Harbor CRA Plan.
    Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m.

    Local Planning Agency
    Recently revamped in responsibility, the Local Planning Agency’s major focus is to act in an advisory capacity to the City Council on matters relating to the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code amendments, re-zonings, and vacations of rights-of-way/easements. Members of the Local Planning Agency are required to file an annual Financial Disclosure form for which there is an automatic per day penalty imposed by the Ethics Commission for late filing.
    Meetings: First and Fourth Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m.

    Public Works/Public Safety Committee
    The Public Works/Public Safety Committee’s role is to identify and review various functional areas relating to public works, including street construction and maintenance, public parking areas, sidewalks, city rights-of-way and the like; assess the need for projects relating to matters of public safety including, but not limited to traffic signals, street lights, crosswalks and the like and to make recommendations to the City Council.
    Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m.

    Town Center Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Committee
    The Town Center CRAAC was created to provide recommendations to the CRA Board of Directors (City Council) on how best to implement and improve Main Street and surrounding areas inside the adopted Town Center CRA Plan.
    Meetings: Third Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m.

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  • A Pastor’s Ponderings: The Day Heaven Went Silent

    A Pastor’s Ponderings: The Day Heaven Went Silent

    By Pastor David Holland

    And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the village inn. Luke 2:6, NIV

    I saw him, the object of the Father’s affections, in a vision. I recognized him as the captain of angel armies, the glory of Heaven. He is the Light of very Light, God of very God, clothed with power, might and dominion. Innumerable legions of angelic creatures sang his praises and marched at his command. Suddenly, without warning, the Son stood from his throne and strode toward the exit gates of Heaven.

    The Son descended from his throne, flinging off his mantle of omnipotence as multitudes of angels gasped. Then he marched toward the gates discharging his infinite knowledge.
    Finally, as he opened the gates to leave, he poured out his omnipresence. Jesus abandoned heaven’s glory to be born a vulnerable babe, trading his divine prerogatives for diapers. For the first time in eternity, Heaven was empty of the presence of the Son of God.

    “Whoosh! What was that?” the angels cried as the Breath of Heaven blew out the door. He left Heaven and poured himself into a tiny human body far away on the dark planet. Did the music suddenly stop? Were the heavenly hosts perplexed when the object of their eternal affection was absent? When the Singer of the eternal Song departed, did heaven go silent?

    Heaven rejoiced in the radiance of God’s glory for eon upon eon. The love dance transpiring between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit twirled in rhythm from time immortal. The friction from their constant expression of love toward one another created such a warm glow the universe basked in its light. But then, the Son departed.

    How did God feel the day Jesus left Heaven to pour himself into a human body? Visualize the moment the Trinity’s love party stopped. Did God grow lonely for his Son? Did he mourn his loss? Did the Father long for the fellowship they once had? Did God suffer the empty nest syndrome?

    Yes, God knew the end of the story. He knew his Son would return in victory. But that does not change the loss he must have felt. God the Father sacrificed the immediate presence of Christ to send his Son to earth. Love presents itself in sacrifice and no one’s sacrifice was greater than the Father God’s.

    Jesus intentionally left heaven to become human. Paul describes the heavy price Jesus paid to become one of us:

    Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. Philippians 2:5-7.

    What did Jesus willingly give up becoming that child in the manger? Christ emptied himself of his divine privileges of all-power, all-knowing, and all-presence to become a vulnerable babe. Beyond that,he also emptied Himself of the heavenly fellowship and glory that he shared with the Father and the Spirit.

    It is hard for us to fathom the price the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit paid to enable Christ to be born among us. They endured this pain to redeem us from every kindred, tongue, and tribe. God loves us so much that he allowed this great sacrifice to bring you and me into his family. Heaven lost the glory of the Son for a seaSon that we might receive the glory of the Son for eternity.

    Dave Holland pastored churches for thirty-eight years before retiring in Destin, Florida. Hisbook, “Christmas Jesus” is now available at Amazon.com for $7.99. You can get a copy of his books from his Website, DaveHolland.org, or at Amazon.com. Pastor Dave is available to preach and teach at churches and conferences. Contact him at DavidvHolland54@gmail.com.

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  • Ask Destinites: Finding Happiness

    Ask Destinites: Finding Happiness

    By Patricia Lee, Destinites

    The holidays mean many different things to many different people. It’s not always a happy time of year. However, no matter who you are or what all has happened over the past year, you can find at least one thing for which to be happy. I would like to share with you some of the responses by our locals in our Destinites Facebook group. As for me, I am happy that the good Lord worked it out so that I may be the one to help take care of my Daddy who is in the last stages of Alzheimer’s disease. I am blessed and honored to take care of this incredible man who raised and took care of me for many years.

    Here are some responses from our locals:
    1. “Thankful for OCSO and our local EMT’s for protecting our lives and always being where needed.”
    2. “Thankful to have not lost my oldest son earlier this year from sepsis. Didn’t know if he would be here to celebrate. Still struggling but not like he was to survive.”
    3. “I’m Thankful we made the move here almost two years ago to Beautiful Destin. Thankful there are gifts even in our difficult times…My father-in-law passed away from Alzheimer’s a few years back. Family really came together for him, showed him dignity and love, and love and respect for each other. Thoughts and prayers with you and your family. Reach out if you need someone to talk to.”
    4. “I am so grateful that my chronically ill husband has been feeling well enough to get out and about for the last couple of months.”
    5. “I am thankful my husband survived three strokes in Dec. 2021. Still recovering but grateful to be alive. Moved to Destin to be with family and not be alone in this journey of healing.”
    6. “I’m thankful that my wife was able to recovery from breast cancer and today is cancer free! Praise the Lord!”
    7. “I am truly grateful that my family and I were able to make a change and live with you Destinites!”
    8. “I’m thankful for the Gardiner scholarship! It has made it possible for our special needs twins to go to the perfect school for them (South Walton Academy) and has literally changed our lives!”
    9. “I am thankful for the Angels, you being one Patricia Lee, on earth the Lord sends my way to encourage me to persevere in this life through their own testimonies.”
    10. “I am thankful to be alive to read all of these!”

    Just reading some of those comments makes me ashamed to ever complain about anything. Remember, happiness is a choice. One of the best ways to make yourself happy when you are down is to help others. I am nothing if I am not helping someone else in some way, form or fashion. We should all be focused on encouraging each other, building each other up and being supportive. Go out there and be that for someone today!
    Happy Holidays to all! If you live in the Destin or close surrounding area, I invite you to join our local’s group at Facebook.com/groups/Destinites with 7,000-plus members. It is an active, friendly, and welcoming community place, no drama zone. We are there to help each other, discover community happenings, make new friends and have a laugh or two. Anyone may sign up for our monthly newsletter at Destinites.com. Also, local businesses listed in our website local directory may advertise in our locals Facebook group.
    Author: Patricia Lee, Owner, Destinites.com, Destinites, Inc. & TM, Facebook.com/groups/Destinites Est: Oct 2018

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  • Sean of the South: Christmas in Mayberry

    Sean of the South: Christmas in Mayberry

    sean dietrichBy Sean Dietrich

    Christmas Eve night. The mountains of North Carolina were giant silhouettes in the darkness. Sheriff Andy Taylor sat on the bench outside the courthouse, watching the stars.

    It had been a hard year. Maybe the hardest of his career. The sheriff was downhearted, which didn’t happen often. But then, sheriffs have feelings too.

    When it started to snow, Taylor shoved his hands deep into his coat pockets and slipped into a trance. Christmas morning was only a few hours away, and he wanted to feel cheerful, but he couldn’t seem to make it happen.

    His deputy joined him on the bench. The scrawny, high-strung lawman had just finished doing his nightly rounds, shining a flashlight into storefront windows; checking doorknobs. All quiet in Mayberry.

    “Whatcha doing, Ange?” said his deputy. “Why the long face?”

    Taylor flashed a fake smile. “I’m just looking at stars.”

    The deputy was obviously concerned, but Taylor hardly noticed. He was too busy thinking about all he’d seen during his years serving this sleepy hamlet. He’d seen it all. Or just about.

    He’d once seen the town drunk ride a cow down mainstreet. He’d seen a local goat eat dynamite. He’d jailed bank robbers, swindlers, chicken thieves, speeders, escaped convicts, moonshiners, and Danny Thomas.

    Life was moving too fast. The world had gone from AM radios to color TVs. He’d watched the tailfins on Chevys and Fords get taller each year. He’d seen skirts get shorter, hairstyles get shaggier, music get louder, and people get meaner. Airplanes gave way to rocketships. A man hit a golf ball on the moon. Divorce was becoming more fashionable than blue jeans.

    But this year…

    This year was a humdinger. It was worse than the rest. This was the year the world fell apart. People in town were more frightened and skittish than ever before. And sometimes it seemed like nothing in Mayberry was going right.

    Taylor looked at the nightscape and tried to figure out which constellations he was looking at. But he was never very good with astronomy. A single star hung in the distance over the nearby backwater of Mount Pilot.

    “You see that star?” said Taylor to his deputy.

    “Which star?”

    “That one.”

    “Yeah. I see it.”

    “You reckon that’s how the Bethlehem star looked?”

    “Bethlehem? Are you sure you’re okay? You worry me.”

    The sheriff never took his eyes from the sky. “What do you think it was like, Barney? Bethlehem and everything?”

    The deputy seemed to be thinking about this. The sheriff could hear the cogs in his friend’s head.

    His deputy said, “Well, I think it woulda been darn crowded in that stable, for one thing. All them goat herders and wise guys.”

    “Men. You mean wise men.”

    “Correct. Males. No ladies were present.”

    The sheriff paused. “No women? It was a childbirth.”

    “Well, except for Mary. She stopped in for a little bit.”

    Good old Barney.

    The deputy went on, “I, for one, think it woulda been pretty dang exciting to see the Three Kings bearing their gifts, the gold, the silver, and the bronze.”

    “You mean the frankincense and myrrh.”

    “Exactly.”

    “Do you even know what myrrh is, Barn?”

    “Do I? What do you take me for? What I know is that it was quite an important night. There were angels in the sky, and cherubs proclaiming, ‘Peace on earth! Goodwill to men! Glory on the eggshells day-oh!”

    “Eggshells?”

    “It’s French. Read the book, Ange.”

    The sheriff and the deputy fell silent. They watched their tiny hometown do what it did best. Which was nothing at all. Wreaths adorned each window. Shopfronts featured twinkling lights. The snow was picking up tempo.

    Sheriff Taylor asked his deputy, “You think we’ll get through this year, Barney? It’s been a difficult one.”

    It was a serious question indeed. And it hung between them for a while. Even the sheriff could feel the weight within his own voice. There was doubt in it.

    “Yes, I do,” said his deputy. “I know we’re gonna get through it. In fact, I’m certain.”

    “What makes you so sure?”

    “What makes me sure?” The deputy raised his voice. “Because, Andy. I just know it.”

    “But how? How do you know?”

    His deputy looked away like he was blowing a fuse. “You beat everything, you know that? Because I know, Ange. I just do. You wanna know how I know?”

    “Yes.”

    “You really wanna know?”

    He nodded.

    “Well, then I’ll tell you. I know because this morning I drove to pick up Miss Emma Brand from her hospital checkup. And do you know what I saw when I walked into the hospital?”
    Taylor shook his head.

    “Babies, Ange. I passed the maternity ward and saw all kinds of babies. Lots. The nurse even let me hold a few. They spit up on me and everything.”

    “Is that right?”

    “It was beautiful. And last week, when I directed traffic for the school crossing, do you know what every boy and girl did when they passed me? They said ‘Merry Christmas, Barney,’ and gave me handmade Christmas cards.”

    “They didn’t.”

    “Every last one. I got forty-three cards. It’s enough to make a grown man go all to pieces.”

    The sheriff looked at his shoes. The somber silence made his deputy uncomfortable.

    “Andy…” The deputy’s voice was breaking now. “You can’t be sad. Cheer up, pal. You’re the heart of this town. You’re my best friend. I need you. If we lose you, we’ve lost everything. C’est la vie, man! E pluribus unum! Status quo! Non sequitur! Et cetera, defacto!”

    “Huh?”

    “It’s Latin, it means ‘tit for tat,’ and qué será será, and livin’ la vida loca.”

    Taylor was laughing now. “What are you talking about?”

    “It means we’re gonna get through this, Ange. One day we won’t even remember this horrible year, and it’ll be like old times.”

    Then the skinny deputy threw his arms around his old pal in an embrace and slapped the sheriff’s back so hard it stung. Taylor could hear his deputy sniffling in his ear. The sheriff smiled, then squeezed his oldest friend in earnest.

    And somehow Andy Taylor knew that no matter what happens in this raggedy world, a person can face anything if they have a friend.

    Anything.

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  • The Road to Redemption: Children in Crisis and The Children’s Neighborhood

    The Road to Redemption: Children in Crisis and The Children’s Neighborhood

    By Victoria Ostrosky

    When she heard the authoritative knock on her front door, she quickly ran to her baby brother and grabbed his hand. Her eyes were great pools of fear and, with a trembling voice, she begged to not be separated from her little brother. Their home, such as it was, was home no longer, and she didn’t know what would happen next.

    CicThe vision for Children in Crisis, a non-profit 501(c)(3), began in 2002 in a living room of concerned citizens who worked in school systems and foster care. They were concerned about how many times children, removed from their abusive and unsafe homes, were shuffled from one foster home to another because of the severe shortage of foster parents. More often than not, siblings were separated, further traumatizing the children. This core group wanted a better way to meet the needs of these vulnerable children, with a vision of opening a foster care neighborhood.

    Children in Crisis and their Children’s Neighborhood is now a reality, sitting on 20 acres of beautiful land in Fort Walton Beach, through a charity land lease by Northwest Florida State College. They serve Circuit 1, comprising the counties of Walton, Okaloosa, Escambia, and Santa Rosa. On this land, Children in Crisis has an emergency shelter for children removed from abusive environments on short notice, where they can stay temporarily. Then there are five family-style foster homes where foster parents live on site, and eight studio apartments for young adults who have aged out of foster care but aren’t ready to be on their own yet.

    Children in Crisis’ mission is to keep brothers and sisters together. They’ve worked diligently to obtain the funding to build the neighborhood and have placed foster parents in each home to watch over and care for children, keeping brothers and sisters together, greatly mitigating the need to move them from one home to another; thereby giving them a better chance to heal and grow strong.

    Every adult who works at The Children’s Neighborhood lets the children know they are in a safe environment. Many of the kids that are removed from homes arrive with only a Walmart bag of a few items. Many don’t even know how to use a shower. And because many have lived not knowing when they would eat again, hide food in their rooms. These are just some of the behaviors these abused children need help with overcoming.

    Children in Crisis has seen lives transformed and children able to trust adults again and flourish at school because of the unique setting at The Children’s Neighborhood.

    Their greatest need right now are foster parents. They have two empty homes waiting to accept and house children, but no foster parents to receive them. Fostering is a calling, and though it’s not an easy job, God equips those who are prepared to do the work.

    The Bible doesn’t directly instruct us to be foster parents, but it does speak of taking care of the fatherless and the widow and loving each other sacrificially. We are told to take in strangers and be like the Good Samaritan who stopped and got involved, giving his time and money to care for another.

    Who is our neighbor? The person in need who God puts in front of us.

    To get involved, please check out www.childrenincrisisfl.org. You can fill out their application online, or call 850-864-4242, come visit the neighborhood, and find a way to be part of rescuing children in great need right in your backyard.

    You can hear the entire story about Children in Crisis and listen to many other incredible interviews on the weekly Road to Redemption radio show and podcast at www.roadtoredemptionpodcast.com.

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  • Insights for Investors

    Insights for Investors

    By Maurice Stouse, Financial Advisor and Branch Manager

    As one year closes out and another one begins, we have some thoughts for our clients on things to review and consider.

    First: Know What you Own
    We suggest it is a good idea to review your assets, stocks, bonds, cash, real estate, business interests and family interests, among others.

    Second: Know Where you Own It
    It is a good idea to conduct an inventory of all your assets and where they are held.

    Third: Know How You Own It
    Is the account taxable or tax deferred? Is it a retirement asset (401k, IRA, pension or other retirement asset)?

    Also, do all your assets have a beneficiary?
    Many people want their families to avoid the probate process if possible. Having a beneficiary on as many assets as possible is a common practice. Some might find that using a living or revocable trust is an effective way to ensure that assets pass directly and avoid probate. Single people, be they widows or widowers, might want to review how their home is titled and to give some thought to how that asset will pass upon their death.

    Next, we suggest you think about what your estate plan is. Whether you have a formal plan or not, you do have an estate plan. Formalizing it might make sense:

    Chief among these is to have a will. It usually makes sense to at the very least have a will. It is often a good idea to also have a power of attorney in place (we suggest a durable power of attorney, which takes effect if you are physically or mentally incapacitated. Note, those cease at passing). Also, an advanced medical directive for family, friends and loved ones to carry out your wishes if necessary. That would include things such as a do not resuscitate order for your caretakers.

    Next, what is your long-term care plan?
    Whether formalized or not, everyone has a long-term care plan. Will it be workable for you and your family is the question. Long-term care can come in the form of insurance (be it a term policy for pay as you go, or the increasingly popular asset based long term care insurance). Many people want to be able to rely upon family so it is a good idea to perhaps formalize that and to learn what support and benefits might be available to them (for example, some states are allowing family members to apply for payment, through Medicaid, for providing in-home care for a family member). Most people will need some form of long-term care and the need grows for most people in their last two or three years of life.

    Also consider if you have a permanent source of income at retirement
    It is a good practice to go to ssa.gov and get updated on what your Social Security benefits are scheduled to be. Also, do you have a pension (most estimates are that fewer than 15 percent of private sector workers have these anymore)? Perhaps you have deferred annuities that can pay you and or a beneficiary income for a lifetime.

    Do you have a protected or conservative source of cash on which to draw for emergencies and opportunities?
    Is that cash in the bank, a money market mutual fund, or CDs? For some it might be cash value life insurance which we feel is best left as a strategic reserve particularly if you are taking an income stream from your investments. That way you can shield yourself from the effects of the sequence of returns (which means you are taking more of your principal in down years and might run out of that source sooner than expected). We feel most retirees, or those needing a consistent source of income should not ever tap into principal.

    It is considered a good practice to review and perhaps update all things as they pertain to your wealth and your health periodically or at the very least to go through this exercise on a yearly basis. Here at The First Wealth Management, we look forward to helping you review and discuss and perhaps help you find solutions.

    Maurice Stouse is a Financial Advisor and the branch manager of The First Wealth Management and Raymond James. Main office located at First Florida Bank, a division of The First, 2000 98 Palms Blvd, Destin, FL 32451, with branch offices in Niceville, Mary Esther, Miramar Beach, Freeport and Panama City; 850.654.8124. Raymond James advisors do not offer tax advice. Please see your tax professionals. Email: Maurice.stouse@raymondjames.com.

    Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC, and are not insured by bank insurance, the FDIC or any other government agency, are not deposits or obligations of the bank, are not guaranteed by the bank, and are subject to risks, including the possible loss of principal. Investment Advisory Services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. First Florida Wealth Group and First Florida Bank are not registered broker/dealers and are independent of Raymond James Financial Services.

    Views expressed are the current opinion of the author and are subject to change without notice. Information provided is general in nature and is not a complete statement of all information necessary for making an investment decision and is not a recommendation or a solicitation to buy or sell any security. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

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  • Enjoying This Holiday Season

    Enjoying This Holiday Season

    By Kay Leaman, Health Architect

    We all know that the word ‘healthy’ gets rescheduled to Jan. 1 during this season. We’re not ready to relinquish our favorite recipes for a healthier option. My recommendation in the arena of food and sweets during this season: Be present and aware of how much you eat and savor every bite.

    Now, let’s take a different look at having a healthy holiday season. Health does not only consist of physical sustenance. It also includes our emotional state, and the holiday season tends to run our feelings and emotions through the obstacle course.

    In my research for this article I discovered that I have been living with sadness and the physical effects are surfacing. Joy, anxiety, stress, sadness, loneliness, happiness, frustration, apprehension, etc., can all be experienced during the holidays. Whatever you experience during this special season of hope and giving, being mindful of our emotional state can improve our health and our holiday season.

    Sadness can involve feelings of despair, loss, anger, sorrow or defeat. It can make us outspoken and highly sensitive to any situation. The negative effects on overall health can include constipation, diarrhea, chest pain, dry mouth, back pain, fatigue, headache, HBP or heart palpitations. It can also affect our appetite, sex drive, and lead to anxiety.

    JOY on the other hand promotes a healthier lifestyle, boosts the immune system, fights stress and pain and supports longevity. Joy releases serotonin and dopamine in the brain (two types of neurotransmitters and heavily associated with happiness), helps us to solve problems, think more clearly and aids in fighting disease.

    Laughing can bring on joy. It decreases pain, improves the heart and lungs and helps muscles relax. So, when your feelings and emotions begin to go a bit wacky, stop and take time to write down what you are grateful for. And if it’s the “other person” who’s experiencing these emotions, take time to remember why you love and care about them.

    A few things I am grateful for: the sunshine on my face, a comfy bed, ocean waves and the privilege I have for being able to share with all of you each month information that can help you live a healthier and grateful life.

    Have a fabulous Christmas and New Year. Our community is better because you’re here. To Happiness and Health

    ~ Kay Leaman, Health Architect, succeed.hdhl@gmail.com

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  • There’s Nothing Like Pecan Jacks for the Holidays!

    There’s Nothing Like Pecan Jacks for the Holidays!

    By Heather Bennett

    Tim and Ronnie Wyatt, who were high school sweethearts, also share a love for sweets. When their printing business started to slow during the economic downturn, they turned towards pralines to help supplement their income. Having made the delicious, sugary treats for years for family and friends, they decided other people might enjoy them and want to purchase them. So, they started selling their homemade pralines around their home State of Virginia. “We sold out of our Caribbean Rum in three hours,” recalled Ronnie. Needless to say, the pralines were a big hit, and the Wyatt’s began the transition from operating a printing business to Pecan jacks.

    Tim and Ronnie spent the next two years selling their pralines at wine and food festivals throughout Virginia. In 2012, they decided to try a brick and mortar location, a holiday store in a Richland mall. They signed a two-month lease and played it by ear. “We did so well and had so much fun, we ended up staying five years,” said Ronnie. Then, they opened a second Pecan Jacks location in Richmond in the Omni hotel.

    But what makes them so good? “Tim and I have a love of flavor and a love of taste,” said Ronnie. Their pralines and brittles are made with various flavor profiles. The pralines come in flavors such as Traditional, Caribbean Rum, Bourbon and Sweet Heat, while the brittles embody Pistachio, Cashew, Bayou Pecan and Picante. All the recipes are homemade.
    The Wyatts vacationed for years in the area, dreamed of moving here, and so decided to bring Pecan Jacks to the beach. They closed their original location in the mall, and opened a Pecan Jacks location on 30A across from Ed Waline Beach. And now, after a few years, they’ve opened a new Pecan Jack’s in Destin!

    Tim and Ronnie serve more than 40 flavors of homemade ice cream they’ve created at both Pecan Jack’s area locations. “We are an authentic operating candy and ice cream store where we make the candy and ice cream right there. We package it and have gorgeous gifts for the holidays,” said Ronnie. “We’re not just an ice cream store.”

    If you are looking for a something to bring to Christmas dinner, a holiday party, or a gift to send to family and friends, you can stop by Pecan Jacks and order filled gift box collections full of their amazing, handmade candies, brittle, toffee, milk-chocolate cashews, gourmet chocolate pecans, dark chocolate espresso and much more. “What’s better than locally crafted fresh candy?” Ronnie asked. The store is stocked with corporate gifting and holiday boxes, too, where they can package and ship directly from the store. We’re all about presentation and delicious sweets,” Ronnie said. Pecan Jacks has holiday ice cream flavors, too, such as Peppermint Bark and a Cherry Cordial with Amaretto for the adults.

    As our area is a melting pot of people from different regions, I asked Ronnie, is it pronounced PRAW-leen or PRAY-leen? “There’s no right or wrong way,” he said. “No matter how it’s pronounced, it’s a delicious piece of candy that everybody should try.”

    You can check out Pecan Jacks at 4368 W County Hwy. 30A across from Ed Waline Beach, or the new Destin location at 535 Harbor Blvd. (98 West) in Destin (850-427-3080). Hours Noon to 9 p.m. daily. Visit the website at www.pecanjacks.com. But I suggest a visit to sample the candy and ice cream as soon as possible! You can find Theo the Turtle there, too!

    Speaking of Theo the Turtle—Both Pecan Jack’s locations are stocked with great Theo-themed gifts, including the lovable Theo Plush, Christmas Ornaments and the new “Adventures of Theo” children’s book, all attractively priced for the holidays!

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  • Locals’ Holiday Gift Ideas for Every Personality

    Locals’ Holiday Gift Ideas for Every Personality

    It’s that time of year again, time to spend with family, time to enjoy the Christmas season, time for all of the parties, and of course, time to shop for everyone on your Christmas list. Whether you’re local or want to shop like a local, why not give back to our many small businesses right here in Destin? The following is a gift guide that is sure to please even the fussiest on your list:

    Gifts $25 and under:
    Pecan Jack’s, The Melting Pot, Café Destin, Holi Indian Cuisine, AJ’s, Fatboys, Austons on 98, Tailfins, Landshark’s Pizza, Tequila’s, Boathouse, Oasis, Harbor Docks $25 gift certificate for lunch or dinner.

    HoneyMed Raw Honey with three powerful superfoods – Turmeric, Ginger and Cayenne Pepper. 16 oz. $25; or HoneyMed Raw Honey with Bee Pollen, Propolis and Cinnamon. 8 oz. $18. Visit local Farmers Markets or honeymedbiz.com.

    Gifts $50 and under:
    Otto’s Express Car Wash Membership $29.98 per month, or the Supreme Car Wash Membership for $43.98 per month; both include unlimited washes and free vacuums. Ottoscarwash.com.

    Hotel Effie’s Spa Lilliana Classic Manicure $50. Hotel Effie at Sandestin. Call 850-351-3020.
    Destin’s Founding Father: The Untold Story of Leonard Destin book for $33, available at the Destin History and Fishing Museum at 108 Stahlman Ave., Destin. Also, be sure to check out their cute starfish ornaments!

    Gifts $75 and under:
    A favorite year after year, Timberview Helicopters Destin Harbor Helicopter Tour $59 per person for 10 miles of unforgettable views of the Destin Harbor and jetties of East Pass, call (850) 774-0991 or Destinhelicopters.com.

    Beverly Hills Day Spa, $50-60 for 30-minute Massage. 114 Palmetto Dr., Suite 6, Destin, or call (850) 654-8544.

    Private Personal Training with Lisa Turpin, LisaTurpinFitness on Facebook, or call (850) 974-2005.

    Hotel Effie’s Spa Lilliana Classic Pedicure $70 60 minutes. Hotel Effie at Sandestin. Call 850-351-3020.

    The gift of music that keeps on giving. Holiday Pops: Featuring The Doo Wop Project on Fri., Dec. 9 at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center. Benefits Sinfonia Gulf Coast and its music education initiatives. Tickets range $15-$55. Purchase online at https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=142924.

    Gifts under $100:
    Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Membership for the art lover in your life! Memberships from $75. They will enjoy discounts and benefits to Festival of the Arts, Concerts in the Village, Artful Dining events and more all year long. Choose the level that best suits you and yours. Proceeds benefit MKAF and its art education community outreach programs. https://mkaf.org/membership.

    Today’s Boutique Katie Knit Keyhole Wrap – Snowflake $70 (850) 269-0781, 4106 Legendary Drive, Destin Commons (Next to Belk). Call (850)837-5565 or visit todaysboutique.com.

    Beverly Hills Day Spa, $85-$95 for 60-minute Massage; $85-$95 for Hydra facials and Facial peels. 114 Palmetto Drive, Suite 6, Destin, or call (850) 654-8544.

    CRYO850 Pagani Cryo Facial ($80) Call (850) 279-4145 or visit facebook.com/CRYO850 or www.cryo850.com.

    Frill Seekers Gifts DOG-GONE PAWsome Pet Gifts. Customize and order online at FrillSeekersGifts.com or visit in person at City Market Bayside off Hwy. 98 in Destin. Call (850) 460-2700 or visit facebook.com/FrillSeekersGifts frillseekersgifts.com.

    Ron Adams Las Vegas Elvis Tribute, NYE-Lucille’s Music Hall at Seascape from 7:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Buffet tickets available; band starts at 9 p.m. Tickets $49.99-$99.99 at Eventbrite.com.

    Party Boat Fishing Charter on the Destin Princess or Destiny, 6-Hour Trip Adult $99; Military/Senior/Child/Rider $94. (850) 753-8667, info@DestinPartyBoatFishing.com, destinpartyboatfishing.com, Destin Harbor.

    Spa Lilliana–When you purchase a gift card for $100 or more, you receive a free deluxe LATHER gift set. Call (850) 351-3020.

    Luxury gifts:
    The gift of Design Magic from Coastal Design by Kim with a Gift Certificate in any denomination. Interior design is the gift that keeps giving long after it’s been redeemed. It’s the gift of a joyful space! Gift wrapping available upon request. Call (850) 994-6622; email kim@coastaldesignbykim.com.

    14k Blue Topaz and Diamond ring from Beyond Measure Jewelers, $1,165. 4495 Furling Dr #170, Destin. Call (850) 424-7011 or visit beyondmeasurejewelry.com.

    CRYO850 Wellness Circuit Two-Week Pass $249; Three-Week Pass $299. Three-month Student Season Pass ($333). Call (850) 279-4145 or visit facebook.com/CRYO850 or www.cryo850.com. City Market Destin.

    Pure & CouturePure & Couture Gift Card An array of services including hair color, extensions, makeup, makeovers, therapeutic massages and amazing facials. (850) 424-3935 or visit facebook.com/Pureandcouture, pureandcouture.com. City Market Destin.

    Ara Rooftop Pool and Lounge at Hotel Effie New Year’s Eve celebration! Tickets $200 per couple; $500 poolside daybed for up to 4 people. Jam out to live music from DJ DFunk, sip on hand-crafted cocktails, and enjoy the stunning panoramic view of the Baytowne Wharf fireworks shows. Hotel Effie at Sandestin. Visit hoteleffie.com or call (833) 873-3343.

    Gift Cards for Botox, Laser Aesthetics or other services in any amount. Destin Botox Laser and Facial Esthetics, 4942 U.S.-98 #19, Santa Rosa Beach, destinbotox.com. Call for consultation at (850) 267-0777.

    Enneagram Coaching with Todd Craig, 6 Sessions for individual or couple – $900. Make 2023 your best year ever! Enneagram coaching helps people gain self-awareness, clarity and confidence to become their best selves using practical tools and powerful growth strategies—a great gift for anyone wanting to pursue personal transformation, improve communication skills and strengthen relationships at home or work. Call (918) 740.1232; www.journeybravely.com.

    Anything from the Verragio line at Emerald Lady Jewelry. 34940 Emerald Coast Pkwy.
    #161, Destin. (850) 344-1678. EmeraldLadyJewelry.com.

    30a Songwriters Festival Tickets. Weekend pass $425 presale rate (Access to all venues throughout the 4-day weekend on a first come, first served basis); Weekend Pass + VIP Access $995 presale rate. Visit freshtix.com/events/2023-30asongwritersfestival.

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  • Do’s and Don’ts for Holiday Decorating

    Do’s and Don’ts for Holiday Decorating

    By Kim Schneider

    Now that we’ve all recovered from our turkey hangover, it’s time to decorate for the holiday season! Decorations add lots of cheer to the chilly and sometimes rainy holiday season. Whether you’re decorating for Christmas, Feliz Navidad, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, I’m sharing some of my favorite decorating tips and tricks with you. Let’s get started.

    Decorate every room in your home. Keep your decorations cohesive so they tell a story – your story. Choose colors and a theme or style that suits you! Add festive throw pillows in the bedroom. You can even wrap garland or festive ribbon around the headboard and footboard of the beds. Kids love mini trees or light-up menorahs in the room. Add a small dish with greenery and a scented candle in the powder room for a cheery touch. In most cases I employ the adage of “less is more.”

    Hosting dinner? Holiday tables are a great way to let your personality shine. Select your favorite linens, mix and match your dishes for a bit of flavor. Combine china with your everyday wear and don’t forget to add a floral arrangement or two. Keep them low so they don’t compromise your conversations. Use unscented candles so they don’t interfere with the aromas of all the delicious food you’ve prepared. Instead of place cards, use ornaments, dreidels, coins or mini-pinatas or masks at each table setting with your guests’ names on them. These will be a great memento of the holiday too.

    If you’re wrapping gifts, keep your theme in mind. Wrap gifts in paper that compliment the rest of your decorations. Big rolls of double-faced ribbon can be used on gifts, to hang door decorations, drape around your garland and hang ornaments, dreidels, piñatas or masks from your chandelier.

    If you have little ones, try making an advent calendar. String mini stockings or little drawstring pouches through garland or wide ribbon and fill them with little surprises. Building anticipation is fun for everyone!

    When it comes to decorating your front door, I’m going back to the “less is more” statement. Avoid overcrowding the entry of your home by using one prominent piece, like a big wreath. It’s welcoming and classy.

    Everyone in the neighborhood loves a house that’s beautifully decorated for the holidays. Hanging lights on the house adds holiday cheer, but decide in advance how you’ll hang them and gather all of your supplies before you begin this task. If it involves a ladder, have an assistant to hold it steady for you. Use light clips that attach to your gutters vs. a staple gun that can damage your wood and create other problems down the road. You could also accidentally staple through the wire and that could be a hair-raising experience. All jokes aside, safety comes first when tackling this holiday project.

    Skipping the oversized inflatables will keep the exterior of your home looking neat and tidy. Inflatables are not eco-friendly, as they require a large amount of energy, but if you’ve got kiddos I get it. One inflatable strategically placed will be worth the smiles on their faces.
    Keep the use of extension cords to a minimum in an effort to prevent a fire or trip hazard. Ensure anything you use to decorate outdoors is rated to withstand the moisture and temperatures.

    Hope these tips were helpful! However you choose to decorate, make it uniquely yours. Coastal Design by Kim is happy to help give you holiday decorating ideas for your home. Call us today at (850) 904-6622.

    Wishing you and yours a festive and safe holiday season! Cheers and happy 2023!
    kim@coastaldesignbykim.com

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