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...
By Whitney Lee
What do you know about Shelter House? The name and logo might give you a clue, but providing shelter is just one service provided by the state-certified domestic violence and sexual assault center that has been serving Okaloosa and Walton counties since 1985. All of Shelter House’s...
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.”...
The Vision: Sharing Hands Network Engaging the Community for Positive Impact is a High Priority
Destin Life -
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...
FWBHS Students Leading By Giving: Through Christmas Connection, Families in our Community will Have a Christmas
Destin Life -
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...