By Lori Leath Smith
Destin, Okaloosa County and the state of Florida have enacted several emergency measures for the safety and health of locals and visitors during COVID-19.
At the time of this printing, all beaches within the city limits of Destin and Gulf front in Okaloosa County are closed through...
By Rita L. Sherwood
Starting their sixth season of monitoring and protecting our local area’s precious sea turtles, dynamic father/daughter duo George and Sara Gray continue their labor of love with the Emerald Coast Turtle Watch organization. George founded the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge 12 years ago, and was also...
By Heather Bennett|
We have all been affected by cancer in some capacity, and too many families are forced to endure childhood cancer. There is a beacon of hope for these families, and it can be found here along the Emerald Coast, at Lighthouse Family Retreat. LFR has been hosting...
By Lori Leath Smith
EOD Warriors are the men and women who graduate as Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians through all branches of the military from the Navy’s EOD School at Eglin Air Force Base. EOD technicians are the ones responsible for disarming, rendering safe and disposing of bombs. Highly-trained,...
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...
Turning a Dream into a Home
By Heather Bennett
“Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.”
— Proverbs 31:9
BeGenerous Founder and Director Stephanie McMinn has served her local community for the past 10 years by aiding, resourcing and supporting women and their families in desperate...
By Kay Phelan
Heartbreaking Stories:
…A six-year-old sexually abused by the grandfather.
…A 12-year-old with severe burns that were getting no attention.
…The young child who witnessed one of their parents being brutally murdered.
These are but a few of the many children right here in the local community that have been helped by...
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...
33rd Annual Holiday on the Harbor Lighted Boat Parade!
By Lori Leath Smith
In most places, it’s “Deck the Halls,” but for Destin locals, it’s “Deck the Bows” with the Holiday on the Harbor Boat Parade, where we like to light up the holidays a little bit bigger and brighter. Each...
