By “Doc” Doug Stauffer
Before sunrise touched the emerald waters of the Gulf, excitement had already begun in Destin. Long lines wrapped around Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill as people gathered hours before dawn to welcome the nationally televised morning show FOX & Friends and one of its most recognizable personalities, Steve Doocy.
For many in attendance, the event was far more than a television broadcast. It became a celebration of community, patriotism, military pride, and the distinctive spirit that defines the Florida Panhandle.
The May 15 stop in Destin was part of the show’s “For All America” road trip, celebrating America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. Yet, as cameras rolled live, it quickly became clear that the story was not just about a television show coming to town. It was about the energy of the people who arrived long before daylight, simply to be part of something memorable.
The crowd was jubilant from the start. Some arrived before 3 a.m., and by the time the broadcast began, the atmosphere inside and outside was electric. Red, white, and blue clothing filled the venue, while local families, veterans, community leaders, and supporters of the show packed every available space.
One of the highlights of the morning was watching Steve Doocy interact with the crowd. While many television personalities keep their distance once the cameras stop rolling, Doocy seemed to thrive on personal connections. Between live segments, he moved through the crowd, taking selfies, shaking hands, telling jokes, and making everyone feel included.
At one point, Doocy laughed about how many people mistakenly called him “Peter,” referencing his son, senior White House correspondent and fellow FOX host Peter Doocy. The audience loved it, and his humor immediately made the event feel personal rather than staged.
Perhaps the biggest crowd-pleasing moment came when Doocy decided to crowd surf through the audience. After a single practice, he confidently launched himself into the cheering crowd, where people, including myself and Life Media’s own Scott Miller, held him above their heads during the live broadcast. The moment perfectly captured the morning’s relaxed, fun-loving atmosphere and instantly became one of the event’s most talked-about memories.
The 70th-anniversary celebration of Billy Bowlegs also added a distinctly local flavor to the broadcast. Pirates from the Krewe of Bowlegs arrived in full force, bringing their pirate ship, cannons, costumes, and enthusiasm. The pirate-themed entrance to Fudpucker’s became one of the show’s visual centerpieces and showcased the traditions that make the Emerald Coast unique.
For many locals, seeing Destin highlighted on national television sparked a sense of pride. Throughout the morning, people received text messages and calls from friends and family across the country, each saying they had seen Destin live on television.
That may have been one of the most meaningful parts of the broadcast. Beyond the entertainment and excitement, the event reminded viewers nationwide that communities like Destin still embody something deeply American — patriotism, hospitality, faith, military appreciation, family values, and genuine friendliness.
The Fort Walton Beach High School Stars Dance Team added excitement and energy to the early-morning broadcast as they lined the entrance to Fudpucker’s, waving pom-poms and cheering on the crowd. Despite the pre-dawn start, their enthusiasm helped create the electric atmosphere that defined the event.
For three hours, Destin became America’s front porch, and those present experienced far more than a television show. They experienced a celebration of community that many will not soon forget.
