Nesting season arrives on our coasts for sea turtles and waterbirds
Nesting season has started for both sea turtles and waterbirds in the Sunshine State. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds people they can help protect vulnerable nesting sea turtles and waterbirds this spring and summer while...
By Kenneth Books
Destin isn’t known as the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village for nothing, and more than 50 students at Destin High School have taken that nickname to heart.
The Destin High Fishing Class not only is teaching teens the ins and outs of being a successful – and often professional...
Apply for the 2023 Youth Scholarship Program
Applications for the 2023 Y.S.P. are NOW OPEN! Current high school sophomores and juniors are encouraged to apply for the program taking place June 11 - 15.
The Y.S.P. is an all-inclusive educational experience. Students will learn from marine biologists, conservationists, businessmen and...
The Okaloosa County Tourist Development Department (TDD) Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism continues to focus their efforts on ecotourism with the deployment of the research vessel R/V MANTA. This expansion supports a long-term vision of continuing to grow as a sought-after destination for those seeking premier fishing and diving opportunities....
The Destin Fire Control District (DFCD) has been awarded the Personal Rescue Watercraft Agency Certification by the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA), America’s nonprofit professional association of beach lifeguards and open water rescuers. This certification is for agencies that can demonstrate that their personal rescue watercraft programs operate in...
Harvest of Red Grouper and Lane Snapper
Harvest of red grouper and lane snapper reopened in Gulf state waters on Jan. 1, 2023, after early season closures. The Florida Wildlife Commission is collecting critical recreational harvest fishing data to inform management of popular reef fish, including red grouper. The...
Holiday on the Harbor Boat Parade begins at 6 p.m., Sun., Dec.11
By Lori Leath Smith
Once each year, Destin boat owners make the holidays sparkle and brightly glow by adorning their vessels, any size, with as many lights and decorations as possible; then cruising in with true Destin spirit, all...
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announces the opening of a fall red snapper season for private recreational anglers and state for-hire operations in the Gulf of Mexico on the following weekends:
Nov. 11-13
Nov. 25-27
During this season, private recreational anglers may harvest red snapper in Gulf state and federal...
A new “Aqua Alert” system has been developed after a kayaker disappeared last year in the Gulf. It will notify Emergency Responders and Okaloosa County residents of missing or endangered boaters or kayakers and aid in the search.
It was launched as the result of a collaborative effort between the...
