Featured

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...

By Heather Bennett Harvest House is a Christian based nonprofit organization, and Executive Director Lori Joyner believes they are doing God’s work for the community. They continue to pray for those in need, helping people from all walks of life and situations. “We are God’s hands and feet. Everybody who’s...

By Lori Leath Smith, Publisher What began as a twinkle of an idea five years ago is now becoming a reality. “Local artist-created banners will soon be displayed in the medians on Main Street,” says Ron Sandstead, Flutterby Antiques owner. “It’s a beautiful thing to see your baby finally born.”...

By Heather Bennett Zig Ziglar said, “Success is what happens when preparation meets opportunity” and Sharing Hands Network’s (SHN’s) steady growth over the last several years prepared them to answer the call to help with relief efforts following Hurricane Michael. I had the pleasure of speaking with SHN’s founder Esther...

By Lori Leath Smith Did you know that more than 700 students ride a bus from Destin to their high schools? But, in the future, it’s likely that Destin’s high school students will have a school to call their own. Destin Lifers have been discussing the desire for a Destin High...

By Lori Leath Smith Our December Hometown Heroes are students! And, yes, they're heroes for tons of parents who have no way to provide a Christmas for their children. These are Fort Walton Beach High School Leadership students who stand at the forefront of Okaloosa County's community service volunteers and...

A band of “brothers” in my neighborhood are my “Hometown Heroes.” They’ve relentlessly traveled to the other side of Panama City, chainsaws, gas, food, and tools in hand, day in and day out letting us know of needs and then delivering them back, helping in whatever way possible. The...

By E. Jennifer Esses, M.D., FACOG I live where other people vacation and I consider myself pretty lucky. Even on my worst days, I remind myself of this fact. There is another beach community just 50 miles to the east of us called Mexico Beach; there the coastline is known as...

By Cali Hlavac October means the Destin Fishing Rodeo is officially here, a favorite time of year for amateur and professional anglers alike. Part 1 of our series covered the history of the Destin Fishing Rodeo, how anglers can participate, what you can win and some of the upcoming rodeo...

By Dee Cruce Originally from North Dakota, the late Chelsea Berler decided to take a chance and spontaneously move to Florida. She was in her early 20s and looking for a fresh start. Her family still in North Dakota, she was feeling extra lonely one afternoon and decided to call...