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By Lori Leath Smith For years and years, one of Destin’s most vital assets, Norriego Point, functionally and aesthetically, was losing its battle against nature. Multiple thousands of dollars have been spent trying to clear the Harbor so that recreational boats, as well as the charter fishing fleet, could get...

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Celebrates 25 Years! Publisher note: Many in our community are familiar with Mattie Kelly concerts, Festival of the Arts, and some of the other fundraising events. But, do you know the history behind how the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation was founded, its great impact in...

By Heather Bennett   Westonwood Ranch, founded by Lindy Wood, is a non-profit organization located in Freeport that will offer a farm-based learning program for individuals with autism.  They will focus on providing functional learning opportunities to prepare young individuals and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder a transition into the workforce. Lindy...

Kay Fant has been an interior designer for 42 years, and owned a design center in Destin Florida.  As recently as August, Fant closed the doors to her business to dedicate more time to her non-profit organization, Set Free to Be...

By Richard Olivarez, Ocean Reef Vacation Rentals & Real Estate Waves gently crashing, a pair of twin diesel engines roaring and a salty mist in the air – this is where I fell in love with deep sea fishing. Only a handful of miles from the sandy white shores of...

In South Walton, there are several organizations that support environmental conservation and education. “The common goal is to protect our environment, and we’re all doing that through different volunteer activities,” says Laurie Reichenbach, a board member of the Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles (FOSWST), and Director of the...

By Dave White Steve Vaggalis, lead Pastor of Destiny Worship Center (DWC), along with his wife, Jackie, are the founders of a multi-campus church with locations in Destin, Panama City Beach, Freeport, Crestview, and soon, Fort Walton Beach. Beginning in 2001, Destiny has grown from 100 in attendance at their...

Celebrating 50 Years, 1969-2019 By Lori Leath Smith Meet our Hometown Hero, local Special Olympics Florida founder Charlie McFarland, who has something in common with Eunice Kennedy Shriver, iconic Special Olympics national founder. Like Eunice, Charlie believes in the spirit and souls of those who have special needs. Even though Charlie...

Destin Seafood Festival Oct. 6-8 | Friday 4-10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. By Cali Hlavac One of the locals’ favorite times of year is the Destin Seafood Festival, back for its 45th year! So popular is this exciting, delicious, delectable event that more than 60,000 locals and...

By Josette Rhodes As a citizen of the United States we are promised certain inalienable rights; Life, Liberty, and The Pursuit of Happiness. These are endowed by our creator and guaranteed to us by the Constitution. There are no exceptions. As a country we so strongly believe in these rights...