Community

By Christopher Manson In January 2022, a partnership between Okaloosa Island’s Gulfarium and the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism Department was launched. “C.A.R.E.”ing for Turtles takes place at the Gulfarium every Wednesday through the end of July; then every other Wednesday in August. The hour-long program is $15 for ages eight...

By Lisa Woodrum For 20 years, Children in Crisis has answered the desperate need for foster care through its group homes at the Fort Walton Beach property. It has provided stable and consistent home environments for a multitude of displaced children in the midst of severe circumstances. CIC originated from a small...

By Will Estell The Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation’s second annual Sip & Splash: An Aquatic Affair, took place May 20 at the Taj Renee Community Aquatic Center in the heart of Destin. Attended by more than 250 guests in support of the foundation’s mission, the top-tier event was sponsored by...

By Elizabeth Spies The Destin Chamber celebrated the graduation of 21 business professionals from its 14th Destin Forward class May 2. The prestigious Destin Forward Leadership Award, chosen by class vote, was presented to Kayla O’Leary of Waypoint Title. Destin Forward, a community education and leadership program, was created to help...

By Patricia Lee, Owner Destinites.com This month in our local Destinites Facebook group, Mayor Bobby Wagner posted about plans for the proposed improvement of the city center area where the new Publix will be located. He presented a drawing of what the complex might look like, including landscaping and the...

By Kim Schneider Patios are like an extension of our home. Our patio furniture needs to be able to withstand our intense UV Rays, salty air and rainstorms. Since good outdoor furniture can cost as much as our indoor furniture, it’s important to consider the materials and maintenance required to...

The ladies pictured above were recognized at the Women of Honor event at UWF Emerald Coast May 4. The event was sponsored by the Okaloosa County Commission on the Status of Women (OCCSW). Each woman’s name has been added to a plaque that hangs on the Wall of Honor...

By JoDell Haverfield, Have Travel Memories There are two main dynamics affecting travel in 2023: Supply and Demand. If I hear the phrase “pent-up demand” one more time, I think I’ll scream! Unfortunately, it perfectly describes the way it is. Many people have not been able to travel due to...

It’s time for more “reel” talk from the Mayor and me. This time, the City of Destin’s Mayor, Bobby Wagner, and I sat down and discussed turtles, trash and other beach issues. Email me at tyoung@cityofdestin.com if you’d like to submit a question or have a topic you’d like...

By Will Estell Destin-based 501 C3, Trees On The Coast, recently helped 200 graduating fourth graders at Destin Elementary plant 15 Live Oaks, while Destin Mayor and Trees On The Coast CEO Bobby Wagner, along with TOC board members Rebekah Manley and Will Estell, gave the students a lesson on...