News

Northwest Florida State College Police Department Supports Ongoing “Click It or Ticket” Campaign, Reminding Everyone to Buckle Up

NICEVILLE, Fla. (May 22, 2025) — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is urging drivers to buckle up ahead of a national Click It or Ticket campaign. The national high-visibility seat belt enforcement effort, which coincides with the Memorial Day holiday, runs through June 1, 2025. The Northwest Florida State College Police Department is actively participating in the campaign, emphasizing that wearing a seat belt isn’t just smart — it’s the

Eglin Federal Credit Union Celebrates Grand Opening of New Operations Center

Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (May 22, 2025) - Eglin Federal Credit Union (Eglin FCU) is proud to announce the grand opening of its state-of-the-art Operations Center, a milestone in the credit union’s comprehensive growth and expansion project. The Operations Center is located at 340 Beal Parkway NW, Fort Walton Beach. The event was marked by a celebratory gathering attended by board members, volunteers, team members, and partners who supported the successful completion of this project.Eglin FCU’s President/CEO,

Frances Roy Agency Awards First Roy Warner Memorial Scholarship to Rylee Lorenz

Valparaiso, FL - (May 23, 2025) -  The Frances Roy Agency proudly announces Rylee Lorenz as the first-ever Roy Warner Memorial Scholarship recipient. The $1,500 award was presented to Lorenz during a heartfelt ceremony in Loudon, Tennessee, ahead of what would have been Roy Warner’s birthday on May 23. A senior at Loudon High School in Loudon, Tennessee, Lorenz is a four-year varsity basketball starter, part-time ice cream shop employee, and coach for a sixth-grade girls’ travel basketball team. She will

An Overview of the IRS's 2025 ''Dirty Dozen'' Tax Scams

An Overview of the IRS's 2025 "Dirty Dozen" Tax Scams Compiled annually, the Dirty Dozen lists a variety of common scams that taxpayers can encounter anytime. The IRS warns taxpayers, tax professionals and financial institutions to beware of these scams.Email phishing scams Taxpayers and tax professionals should be alert to fake communications from those posing as legitimate organizations in the tax and financial community, including the IRS and state agencies and tax software companies. These messages

Warren Averett Announces 2025 Fort Walton Beach Promotions

Fort Walton Beach, FL. (May 21, 2025) — Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors is pleased to announce our annual firmwide promotions. The firm promoted four individuals in our Fort Walton Beach office.  Chelsea James, CPA, was promoted to Senior Manager in the firm’s Audit Division. Chelsea is primarily responsible for planning and executing financial statement audits in accordance with GAAP standards, supervising the audit team and cultivating relationships with audit clients.  Destiny Lodge, CPA, was promoted

Destin Water Users Welcomes New General Manager as Esteemed Leader Retires After 25 Years of Service

DESTIN, Fla. (May 20, 2025) – Destin Water Users (DWU) proudly announces a leadership transition as it welcomes Monica Wallis as its new general manager. This milestone marks both an exciting new chapter and a heartfelt farewell to Lockwood Wernet, who is retiring after 25 years of dedicated service and outstanding leadership.  Wernet began his career with DWU in March 2000 after being appointed to the DWU board of directors. He served as the chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee, secretary,

Okaloosa County Recognizes Scouting America Troop 544 for Finding Missing Child

Okaloosa County, Florida – Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon proudly presented a proclamation to the scouts of Troop 544 to recognize them for their role in helping locate a missing 11-year-old autistic child in April this year. Scouts were gathering for their weekly meeting on April 7 at their Scout Hut near Ferry Park in Fort Walton Beach when they were approached by local law enforcement. Once informed of the missing child, the scouts quickly organized into patrols led by the older scouts and

World’s Largest Lionfish Tournament Succeeds in Removing Over 20,000 Invasive Species

Okaloosa County, Florida – Destin-Fort Walton Beach experienced another successful Emerald Coast Open and Lionfish Festival with the removal of more than 20,000 lionfish and plenty of lionfish-inspired dishes, music and informational booths for the public to enjoy at the 2025 event. “This event has brought a lot of awareness to the invasive lionfish species and created a festive atmosphere for the enjoyment of our visitors and residents, while fostering prosperity for our local businesses,” said Okaloosa

Okaloosa County begins Mosquito Control Spray Schedule

The weather is warming up and so is the mosquito breeding season. In an effort to minimize the nuisance of mosquitoes and mosquito-borne disease, our Mosquito Control Technicians have begun regular night spraying operations to begin one hour before sunset. View the schedule for your area at https://bit.ly/2025OkaloosaMosquitoSpraySchedule. The Mosquito Control Division of Public Works is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and may be reached at 850-651-7394 or 850-689-5772. Mosquito

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida and Valerie's House Pensacola Launch ''Val's Pals Northwest Florida: A Big Bond for Grieving Hearts''

Pensacola, FL - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida is proud to launch a new initiative in collaboration with Valerie's House Pensacola: "Val's Pals Northwest Florida: A Big Bond for Grieving Hearts." This initiative connects caring adult mentors with children who are grieving the loss of a loved one and need extra support, encouragement, and someone to simply be there through their healing journey. The Pensacola Chapter of Valerie's House (VHP) and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida

Mattie Kelly Arts Center Galleries at Northwest Florida State College Announce National Call for Art 2025

NICEVILLE, Fla. (May 20, 2025) — The Mattie Kelly Arts Center (MKAC) at Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) welcomes artists of all styles and media to apply for participation in the 33rd Annual Emerald Coast National Juried Arts Exhibition. This competitive exhibition is an open call for ALL STYLES OF ART AND ALL MEDIUMS, including sound, kinetic, sculpture, photography, video, design, functional art, fiber, textile, and performance. This year, we introduced themes of texture and touch, as they

Is Your Storefront Silently Sending Customers Away This Season?

In the heart of Northwest Florida, from the streets of Destin to the shops in Fort Walton Beach and the growing businesses of Walton County, local pride runs deep—and so does the importance of first impressions. While quality products and top-tier service are the backbone of any successful business, many owners overlook a simple but powerful factor: how your business looks from the outside. A clean, well-maintained exterior—clear windows, swept walkways and fresh signage—is key to turning foot traffic into

Emerald Coast Theatre Company Presents Comedy on the Boulevard May 24

Miramar Beach, Fla. (May 20, 2025) — Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) and Panama City Comedy are proud to present Comedy on the Boulevard, Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. Come for an uproarious night of laughs as ECTC presents some of the Southeast’s most hilarious comedians! Ethan Dayo will host this hysterical event, featuring headliner Big Rich Brock and feature act Vien Phommachanh.Big Rich Brock (HEADLINER) A former pastor, "Big Rich," brings his preacher persona to the stage with Clean

Emerald Coast Title Services Announces New Office Location in Fort Walton Beach

Fort Walton Beach, FL (May 20, 2025) - Emerald Coast Title Services is thrilled to announce the relocation of its Fort Walton Beach office to a larger, upgraded space to better serve its clients and accommodate its growing team. Effective June 1, 2025, the new office will be located at 207 Ferry Road SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548, conveniently situated behind Burrito del Sol in the heart of downtown Fort Walton Beach. This move reflects Emerald Coast Title Services’ commitment to enhancing client

Empowerment in Every Purchase!

Treat yourself and uplift a child's future - all in one Ulta Beauty trip! From now through June 14th, when you shop in-store at Ulta Beauty, you'll have the opportunity to donate at checkout and support youth mental health and mentorship through Big Brothers Big Sisters. The Ulta Beauty Charitable Foundation is partnering with us once again to help create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that make a lifelong impact. 100% of donations made in-store stay local - benefiting BBBS programs

Sinfonia Gulf Coast Youth Orchestra Hosts Accelerando Summer Strings Intensive June 9-20

SINFONIA GULF COAST YOUTH ORCHESTRA HOSTS ACCELERANDO SUMMER STRINGS INTENSIVE June 9–20 | 9 a.m.–12 p.m. | Destin High School Band Auditorium Open to Ages 7–18 | Limited to 40 Students  DESTIN, FL (May 19, 2025) — Sinfonia Gulf Coast Youth Orchestra invites young string musicians to take their skills to the next level this summer through Accelerando, a two-week summer intensive designed for students who have completed an After School Beginning Strings course or reached page 25 in Essential Elements

Commissioner Ketchel Recognized for Mental Health Advocacy

Okaloosa County, Florida – Vice Chairman Carolyn Ketchel was among three community leaders recently recognized by Bridgeway Center for her decades of service to advocate for improved access to mental health. The Mental Health Hero Award was presented to Vice Chairman Ketchel, State Representative Patt Maney, and Crestview Mayor J.B. Whitten during the Bridgeway Mental Health Celebration & Walk event at Liza Jackson Park on Friday, May 16, 2025. “I truly appreciate this recognition,” said Vice Chairman

Gulfarium CARE Center Kicks Off 2025 Turtle Season with First Public Release

Destin–Fort Walton Beach, FL – May 19, 2025 – This morning at Henderson Beach State Park, a joyful crowd of beachgoers, marine life enthusiasts, and families gathered to witness the Gulfarium CARE Center’s first public sea turtle release of the 2025 season. Under sunny skies and calm surf, three rehabilitated juvenile sea turtles—Riorson, Pee-wee, and Peony—were successfully returned to the Gulf. This release marks the start of what is anticipated to be a busy season for the CARE Center, which has already

Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) Community Interest Assessment

Would you like to learn more about environmental cleanup projects at Eglin Air Force Base (AFB)/Hurlburt Field? If yes, then please contact Environmental Restoration at (850) 882-7792; or at AFCEC.CZOE.RAB@us.af.mil to get more information on participating in the startup of a Restoration Advisory Board, also known as a “RAB”What is a RAB?A RAB is a community group which meets to discuss and receive information on environmental restoration (cleanup) projects at a military base.What does a RAB do?A RAB

Okaloosa STEMM Academy Excels at 2025 Florida History Day State Competition

Students from the nationally recognized Okaloosa STEMM Academy earned top honors at the 2025 Florida History Day State Competition, showcasing their excellence in historical research, academic achievement, and creative expression. Olivia Scopac received the Florida Digital History Award for her compelling documentary, Vietnam Above the Treetops, highlighting her deep understanding of digital storytelling and historical analysis. Aurora Preston earned the Women’s Heritage Award for her documentary, The Night

Shrimp Basket Launches Gulf to Guest Campaign Featuring Wild-Caught Shrimp

(Pensacola, Florida, May 15, 2025) Shrimp Basket, the popular restaurant chain that celebrates the laid-back experience of the Gulf Coast with locations throughout Alabama, Florida and Mississippi, is proud to set the bar for quality and taste with the launch of its new Gulf to Guest menu offering. Uniquely positioned to celebrate and elevate Gulf Coast seafood, Shrimp Basket’s Gulf to Guest is not a limited-time campaign, rather, it is a lasting commitment to doing seafood right. As guests look to enjoy

Call for Artists for The 33rd Emerald Coast National Juried Art Exhibition

CALL FOR ARTISTS! Theme: Texture & Touch ALL STYLES OF ART AND ALL MEDIUMS are welcome, including sound, kinetic, sculpture, photography, video, design, functional art, fiber, textile, and performance. This year, we have introduced the themes of texture and touch, which suggest connection, involvement, function, use, comfort, and more.Submission Deadline: Friday, June 13, 2025 @ 11:59PMCLICK HERE for more info and to applyJudge:Nicholas Croghan, MA, MFA, Curator, Director of the Pensacola Museum of

Emerald Coast Theatre Company Presents Winston Churchill: Through The Storm

Miramar Beach, Fla. (May 14, 2025) — Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) is proud to present Winston Churchill: Through The Storm Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 7 pm - a fundraising show for ECTC. Prime Minister Winston Churchill reminisces about his life. Moving back and forth from past to present, Churchill recalls his worst and finest hours. Written and performed by stage veteran and local actor favorite Bruce Collier, this expertly woven historical drama is not one to be missed.   “…it is by art man

Two Okaloosa County Middle School Teachers and One Student Receive Prestigious National 180 Awards for Excellence in Literacy

The Okaloosa County School District is proud to announce that two dedicated educators and one exceptional student have been selected as recipients of the 2025 National 180 Awards, a prestigious national recognition celebrating outstanding achievement in literacy and academic growth. Donna Born of Pryor Middle School and Tracy Lott of Shoal River Middle School have been honored with the 180 Educator Award for their unwavering commitment to student success, mentorship, and helping students achieve significant

Cox Recognizes Inspirational Students in Okaloosa County

Niceville, FL - Cox Communications hosted the annual Cox Inspirational Student Hero Awards yesterday at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville. The 37 students honored were selected by a committee of school leaders to honor their resilience in the face of adversity. Whether they have overcome the loss of a family member, medical issues, difficult family situations, or other hardships, they have done so with optimism while continuing to encourage and inspire those around them. "Cox is proud to

Grand Boulevard Names Jenny Taylor As General Manager

Miramar Beach, Fla., (May 14, 2025) – Grand Boulevard at Sandestin® is happy to announce the appointment of Jenny Taylor as the new General Manager of the popular Northwest Florida Beaches Town Center. Ms. Taylor most recently served as General Manager of Market Street in The Woodlands, TX, a premier mixed-use development managed by Trademark Property Company. She had led the team at Market Street since 2015 and her career with Trademark spanned nearly two decades, having also held roles as Assistant

Celebrating 29 Years of Success with Take Stock in Children

For nearly three decades, Take Stock in Children has transformed students' futures—and this year was no exception. The Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation proudly hosted the Take Stock in Children S.T.A.R.S. Ceremony at the Niceville Community Center on Monday, May 12, celebrating 29 years of impact through this transformative program. Seventeen graduating seniors were honored for completing the Take Stock in Children program and were awarded more than $700,000 in scholarships, including their two-year

Hello Frances Podcast: Brave, Focused & Brilliant with Todd Henry

In this episode of Hello Frances, Shantelle and Hillaree sit down with best-selling author, speaker, and creative leader Todd Henry to explore what bravery really looks like, especially in the creative field. Together, they unpack the mindset and habits required to show up courageously in your work, why focus is a superpower, and how brilliance is often built, not born. Whether you're a creative professional or simply navigating bold decisions in your life, this conversation offers powerful insights to help

Fish Window Cleaning: A Great Catch for Destin and Beyond

Fish Window Cleaning of Northwest Florida started serving Destin, Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Inlet Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, Navarre, Mary Esther, Milton, Miramar Beach and 30A in August 2021. It is part of a franchise that boasts nearly 300 locations nationwide. Local Danica LaFaire worked in marketing for a Missouri-based broadband company that was about to be bought out. “I knew I needed to prepare for an exit,” she says. Danica and husband Josh began

Read the May 2025 Issue of Destin Life

Read the May Issue Here

Read the May 2025 Issue of VIP Destin Magazine

Read Here

Sinfonia Youth Orchestra Celebrates Seniors and Expands Scholarship Awards at 2025 Spring Concert

DESTIN, FL (May 12, 2025) – Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s Sinfonia Youth Orchestra (SYO) capped off its 2024–2025 season with an uplifting and memorable Spring Concert entitled “Out of This World” on Sunday, May 4, at Destin High School. The free concert series featured nearly 100 student musicians performing intergalactic-inspired music across two concerts showcasing all levels of the SYO music education programs. Kalle Guerrero, a homeschool student and French horn player, was named the 2025 recipient of the

13 Graduate from Chamber’s Community Education & Leadership Program

Destin, Fla., May 12 – On May 8, the Destin Chamber celebrated the graduation of 13 business professionals from its 16th Destin Forward class. During the event, the prestigious Destin Forward Leadership Award, chosen by class vote, was presented to Allyson Anger of Home2 Suites by Hilton. Destin Forward, a community education and leadership program, was created to help find and educate future city and business leaders.  After a retreat in August, the class spent the next eight months touring and learning

Summer Bridge Program Helps VPK Students Gear Up for Kindergarten Success

The Early Learning Coalition of the Emerald Coast, in partnership with the Okaloosa County School District, is proud to announce the Summer Bridge Program, a vital initiative designed to support Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) students as they prepare for a successful transition into kindergarten. Running Monday through Friday, June 4 – July 7, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., this program focuses on strengthening early literacy and math skills for children who may benefit from additional preparation

Cox to Recognize Inspirational Students in Okaloosa County

Next week, Cox will host the Okaloosa County Cox Inspirational Student Hero Awards at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville. You can learn more below, and we hope you can join us in celebrating these 37 outstanding students.What: Cox Inspirational Student Hero Awards - Okaloosa CountyWhen: Tuesday, May 13, 2025, check-in/reception at 3:00 p.m., Awards Ceremony begins at 4:00 p.m.Where: Northwest Florida State College – Student Services Center, 100 E. College Boulevard, Building 400, Niceville, FL

Okaloosa County School District Celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month this May, the Okaloosa County School District (OCSD) will engage students, staff, and families in activities designed to foster mental wellness, promote conversation, and provide mental health resources. This year’s theme is “Turn Awareness into Action,” with a special focus on resilience and thriving. The district will observe Mental Health Month through various initiatives, from fun activities to open dialogues about mental wellness. These efforts are designed to

The Winners of The 16th Annual OAA Okaloosa County School Poster Contest

FORT WALTON BEACH, FL (May 7, 2025) — The Okaloosa Arts Alliance would like to thank all the Okaloosa County School students who participated in the 16th annual OAA Okaloosa County School Poster Contest. This year the theme was “Arts in Outer Space”. Although we couldn't make everyone a 1st place winner, all 138 entries were on display at the Emerald Coast Science Center on Sunday, May 4th.  All in attendance thoroughly enjoyed the artwork, live music by Grow Your Gift Conservatory of Music and food

Eglin Federal Credit Union Recognizes IRA Assistant Wendy Ellerd for 25 Years of Service

Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (May 6, 2025) - Eglin Federal Credit Union is pleased to congratulate IRA Assistant Wendy Ellerd for 25 years of service. Wendy currently resides in Fort Walton Beach.  “We are incredibly fortunate to have had Wendy as a part of our Credit Union family for the past 25 years. Her dedication, kindness, and exceptional service have made a profound impact on both our team and our members,” said VP Branch Operations Bron Ringstad. “Wendy consistently goes above and beyond, ensuring that

Johna Jones Receives Eglin Federal Credit Union’s 5-Star Employee Award for the First Quarter of 2025

Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (May 5, 2025) - Eglin Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce Indirect Lending Officer Johna Jones has been selected as the 5-Star Performer of the First Quarter of 2025. Johna has been employed with the Credit Union since August 2017 and currently resides in Gulf Breeze. The 5-Star Performer Award is a quarterly employee recognition program. The nominator provides a written submission describing how the employee embraces EFCU’s Five-Star Values: Respectful, Trustworthy,

Okaloosa County School District Announces Graduation Ceremonies for the Class of 2025

The Okaloosa County School District is excited to announce the schedule for the 2025 graduation ceremonies, which will celebrate the achievements of our high school seniors. These milestones mark the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, and we are proud to share in the moment with our students, families, and the community. All ceremonies will be streamed live, allowing family and friends to participate virtually in this momentous occasion. The links to each live stream are provided below:Baker

Kara Grainger to Perform May 8 at Concerts in the Village

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) announces a special addition to its 2025 Concerts in the Village lineup: international blues-rock artist Kara Grainger will take the Dugas Pavilion stage on Thursday, May 8, bringing her signature soulful slide guitar and powerhouse vocals to Destin’s longest-running al fresco concert tradition. Originally from Sydney, Australia, and now based in Nashville, Grainger’s musical journey has taken her across the globe, performing throughout Japan, Europe, and the United

The Buzz: A Moment to Remember – Graduation Day at The Barrett School

There are few moments more meaningful in a student’s academic journey than graduation. At The Barrett School at Destin, this year’s Commencement Ceremony—happening on May 16—will be a heartfelt celebration of growth, perseverance, and community. Families, teachers, and classmates will gather on campus to honor the PreK4, Kindergarten, 5th, and 8th Grade graduates of the Class of 2025. With sunshine in the forecast and pride in our hearts, our school community will come together to celebrate not only

Florida House Speaker Appoints Representative Maney to Select Committee on Property Tax

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Today, Florida House of Representatives Speaker Daniel Perez appointed State Representative Patt Maney of Okaloosa County to the newly formed Select Committee on Property Taxes. The select committee is tasked with reviewing and exploring innovative policy solutions to reduce the financial burden on Florida's homeowners.    "We're on the hunt and everything is on the table," said State Representative Patt Maney. "Florida is proving that government can do more with less and Florida's

Welcome to Our Brand New Website!

One Okaloosa EDC officially launched a new on-line presence today with the announcement of www.oneokaloosa.org. Developed by Appleyard Duncan McCall, a Pensacola-based marketing agency, the site replaces One Okaloosa’s prior site that had been in existence since 2017. One Okaloosa had previously undertaken a website refresh following the organization’s rebranding from the Economic Development Council of Okaloosa County to One Okaloosa EDC in late 2020. “Our prior website served us well for more than seven

World’s Largest Lionfish Tournament returns to Destin-Fort Walton Beach

Destin-Fort Walton Beach proudly hosts Emerald Coast Open, the World’s Largest Lionfish Tournament, May 16-18, 2025. Divers from across the country will compete for over $100,000 in prizes. The event builds upon the success of previous years, with the goal of helping to manage the invasive lionfish population in the Gulf waters.  In the 2024 tournament, more than 100 divers harvested nearly 12,000 lionfish, and this year’s event is expected to surpass those numbers. Competitors will vie for top prizes in

Call For Artists For The 33rd Annual Emerald Coast National Juried Art Exhibition

Emerald Coast Hospice Care Presents Fore Her Organization with Significant Contribution for 2025

Fore Her is proud to announce a generous donation of $11,000 from Emerald Coast Hospice Care, who has once again stepped forward as a key community partner. Over the last several years, Emerald Coast Hospice Care has shown unwavering support for Fore Her, serving as the Presenting Sponsor for the organization’s signature fundraising events, including the annual Pink Walk, Tea for Her, and Golf Outing. This year, Emerald Coast Hospice Care awarded Fore Her a generous contribution to serve as the Presenting

Hello Frances Podcast: The New Leadership Standard

In this episode of Hello Frances, we explore The New Leadership Standard—a transformative approach that prioritizes people, purpose, and community over profits. Bridging insights from our last four episodes, Shantelle delves into how today's leaders must be adaptable, creative, intentional in communication, and open to continuous growth. She challenges traditional leadership models, advocating for stronger team cultures, deeper community connections, and impact-driven decision-making. If you want to

Get Ready To Soar With Sweetness!

Get Ready to Soar with Sweetness! Covenant Cookie Creations LLC is THRILLED to announce an exciting partnership with the Pensacola Beach Chamber for the Blue Angels Pensacola Beach Air Show 2025 on July 12th & 13th! Santa Rosa Island Authority | What’s Happening Blue Angels We're over the moon to design and feature the iconic Blue Angels on a special cookie exclusively shared at the Friends and Family Tent, sponsored by Pensacola Beach Chamber! But that's not all, folks! Covenant Cookie Creations LLC

Sinfonia Gulf Coast Founder Demetrius Fuller Accepted into Florida Chapter of the Recording Academy, Appointed to Education Committee

Sinfonia Gulf Coast, the region's only fully professional orchestra, proudly announces that its Founder and Music & Artistic Director, Demetrius Fuller, has been accepted as a Professional Member into the Florida Chapter of the Recording Academy. Furthermore, Fuller he has been appointed to the Education Committee of the Florida Chapter, playing an integral role in steering statewide decisions that affect music education initiatives and scholarship opportunities, including those supported through the

Gulf Coast Nonprofits Encouraged To Apply For A Sponsorship From Cox

Local Gulf Coast nonprofits planning fundraising and awareness events are invited to apply for a sponsorship from Cox Communications. Cox is currently accepting requests for events and initiatives occurring between July 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025. If your nonprofit is planning an event or initiative that will take place during this period and looking for support, you can apply for cash and/or in-kind sponsorships at Cox’s Charitable Giving Site.   The deadline for applications is Friday, May 23, 2025.

Okaloosa County School District and Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Celebrate Student Talent at the 2025 K-12 Art Show

The Okaloosa County School District, in partnership with the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, proudly hosted the 2025 K-12 Student Art Show on April 23rd and 24th at the C.H. “Bull” Rigdon Fairgrounds (formerly the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds). This annual celebration of creativity featured over 2,000 stunning works of art created by students from over 15 elementary schools and 15 middle and high schools across the district. The event was free and open to the public, welcoming families, educators, and

ECCAC recognized National Child Abuse Prevention month in April

Niceville and DeFuniak Springs FL (April 26, 2025)…The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) just recognized National Child Abuse Prevention throughout the month of April. ECCAC showed the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect. Effective child abuse prevention programs succeed because of partnerships among families, social service agencies, schools, religious and civic organizations, law enforcement agencies and the business community.

Maid-It Cleaning Service Discount

Brunch like a VIP at Ruby Slipper & Ruby Sunshine

Newman-Dailey Resort Properties Celebrates 40 Years Serving the Emerald Coast

MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla.—April 24, 2025—Founded by Jeanne Dailey and Randy Newman on April 15, 1985, Newman-Dailey Resort Properties is celebrating its 40 th Anniversary this month. The company, which specializes in vacation rentals, property management, association management and real estate sales, has weathered many storms and earned a reputation for honesty, integrity and exceptional service over the years. “We are honored to have an extended family of owners, guests and friends that have been with us and

500th Robotic Bronchoscopy Procedure Performed at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital

FORT WALTON BEACH, Florida (April 24, 2025)- HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital (FWDH) announced that it performed it’s 500th robotic-assisted bronchoscopy procedure. The robotic-assisted bronchoscopy system is a minimally invasive method used to biopsy lung nodules so that lung cancer can be caught in earlier stages and more successfully treated. “In using robotic bronchoscopy, we've been able to diagnose patients’ lung cancer much earlier than what we would've have been able to in the past. We've

Newman-Dailey Announces 1st Q Top Real Estate Producers

MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. — April 23, 2025 — Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, Inc. recognizes the exceptional achievements of its top-performing real estate agents within Okaloosa and Walton County for the first quarter of 2025. Heather Sprigler was honored as Top Listing Agent, and Shannyn Stevenson earned Top Sales Agent for January through March 2025. Springler and Stevenson consistently demonstrate their dedication and expertise in listing and closing real estate deals in the Destin, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa

Okaloosa County School District Honors Over 600 Seniors at Annual Anne T. Mitchell Academic Awards Ceremony

The Okaloosa County School District proudly celebrated the academic achievements of 619 high school seniors during the Anne T. Mitchell Academic Senior Honors Assembly held on Tuesday, April 22, at Northwest Florida State College’s Raider Arena. Students from Baker, Choctawhatchee, Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, Laurel Hill, and Niceville High Schools were recognized for their exceptional academic performance. Each honoree has earned a weighted GPA of 3.75 or higher, achieving the distinctions of Cum Laude,

HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital Unit Recognized For Nursing Excellence

NICEVILLE, FL - April 22, 2025 – HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital announced that its post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) nursing unit has earned the 2024 HCA Healthcare Unit of Distinction (UOD) Award, an annual program that recognizes and rewards exemplary nursing units at HCA Healthcare sites of care. The Unit of Distinction designation is achieved through measurable, exemplary performance in the strategic areas of advocacy and leadership, consistency in nursing practice and operations and leveraging scale

Northwest Florida State College Earns Gold-Level Military Friendly® School Designation

NICEVILLE, Fla. (April 23, 2025) - Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) has been recognized as a Gold-level Military Friendly® School for the 2025-2026 academic year, a prestigious designation awarded following an independent evaluation of more than 1,800 colleges and universities nationwide. NWFSC stands out as one of only six public colleges or universities in Florida to achieve the gold-level status this year, highlighting the college’s ongoing commitment to supporting military service members,

Okaloosa County Proclaims April 2025 as ‘Second Chance Month’

Okaloosa County, Florida – In an effort to support the successful reintegration of individuals back into the community following incarceration, Okaloosa County Commissioners unanimously passed a proclamation designating April 2025 as “Second Chance Month.” Each year, about 687,102 individuals are released from incarceration into supervision in Florida. Their success following their time in criminal justice facilities depends on effective support by reentry service providers from community stakeholders,

Eglin Federal Credit Union Recognizes Card Services Manager Alicia Kennedy for 25 Years of Service

Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (April 23, 2025) - Eglin Federal Credit Union is pleased to congratulate Card Services Manager Alicia Kennedy for 25 years of service. Alicia currently resides in Fort Walton Beach.  “Over the past 25 years, Alicia has been a steadfast presence at Eglin FCU, contributing in various roles throughout her tenure. Her dedication and reliability have been instrumental in maintaining the smooth operation of our team,” said SVP/Chief Payments Officer Dawn Oravetz. “We appreciate Alicia’s

2025 All American Thursdays: Hometown Hero Nominations

This summer, HarborWalk Village will honor a different local hero each week during our All American Thursdays celebration — from veterans and first responders to teachers, healthcare workers, and selfless community volunteers. Each Thursday, one nominated individual will be recognized on the Main Stage prior to the 9PM fireworks. Click the link here to nominate your hero:https://form.jotform.com/HarborWalk/2025-all-american-thursdays-hero-no

Board of County Commissioners Declares May as Art Month Walton County

SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL – (Apr. 23, 2025) At the April 22 Board of County Commissioners (BCC) meeting, the Walton County Board of County Commissioners officially proclaimed May as Art Month Walton County, highlighting the county’s ongoing commitment to fostering the arts, supporting local artists, and enriching the cultural landscape of the community. Commissioner Donna Johns shared her thoughts on the importance of the Arts in Walton County, stating, “The Arts are central to Walton County’s identity,

Family Physician Dr. Timothy Tuel Opens MDVIP-Affiliated Practice in Destin

On April 22, Timothy Tuel, M.D., celebrated a ribbon cutting with the Destin Chamber.   A family physician for three decades, Dr. Tuel's MDVIP-affiliated practice offers services, including comprehensive, advanced health screenings and diagnostic tests, that go far beyond those found in concierge medicine practices. These assessments have been shown to help identify certain risk factors, helping doctors to stay on top of your health and can aid in designing a wellness plan. Same-day and next-day

Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance Launches 2025 Amateur Photo Contest on Earth Day

In celebration of Earth Day, the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA) has launched its 2025 Amateur Photo Contest, a Mattie Kelly Environmental Initiative. The annual contest invites amateur photographers of all skill levels to submit original images that showcase the natural beauty and ecological heritage of the Choctawhatchee Bay and surrounding areas. Photographers are encouraged to capture what they love about nature in and around the Choctawhatchee Bay. Submissions may highlight the area’s scenic

Sinfonia Gulf Coast Continues Memorial Day Weekend Tradition with Sinfonia Salutes at Alys Beach

The streets of Alys Beach will come alive with music, laughter, and dancing as Sinfonia Gulf Coast continues its beloved Memorial Day weekend tradition with the annual Sinfonia Salutes pops concert and drone show on Sunday, May 26 at 7:30 p.m. in the Alys Beach Amphitheatre. This festive outdoor performance, which is expected to draw 1,500 music lovers, is free and open to the public. This year’s concert will feature a high-energy program of patriotic and popular tunes will appeal to all ages. Adding to

Northwest Florida State College Announces “Kids on Campus” Summer Enrichment Program for 2025

NICEVILLE, Fla. (April 22, 2025) – Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) is pleased to announce the return of its beloved Kids on Campus summer program for 2025—an engaging opportunity designed to spark creativity, learning, and fun for children entering 3rd through 7th grades. Set on the beautiful NWFSC campus, Kids on Campus blends academic enrichment with hands-on experiences in a true college environment. The program offers a mix of educational and recreational activities, giving young learners a

Sinfonia Gulf Coast Concludes Main Event Season with Hypnotic Tchaikovsky X Drake May 17

Northwest Florida’s only fully professional orchestra in the region concludes main event season with boundary-pushing orchestral mash-up “when symphony meets hip hop” DESTIN, FL (April 17, 2025) – Sinfonia Gulf Coast continues its mission to entertain, educate and inspire with a genre-defying season finale that lives up to its tagline: Your Symphony Experience … Redefined. On Saturday, May 17 at 7:30 p.m., Sinfonia presents Tchaikovsky X Drake at the Destin–Fort Walton Beach Convention Center. This

Okaloosa County JROTC Cadets Awarded Prestigious Scholarships by Air and Space Forces Association

The Okaloosa County School District is proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of five exceptional JROTC cadets recently awarded scholarships by the Air and Space Forces Association (AFA) Eglin Chapter Education Foundation. The scholarship awards were presented during a special reception held on Tuesday, April 15, at the Air Force Armament Museum at Eglin Air Force Base. The honored cadets represent the strength and dedication of our JROTC programs at Choctawhatchee, Fort Walton Beach, and Niceville

Stepping Stones at Roane Needs Your Help to Get Books for Students

Stepping Stones at Roane is launching a Book Blast Book Drive on Monday, April 21, 2025, to provide more books for our students’ home libraries. This program helps enhance literacy skills crucial for success inside and outside the classroom!  Will you sponsor our students? Every dollar you contribute goes directly toward books and educational supplies for our students and staff. To contribute, visit https://tinyurl.com/SSAtRoaneCommLink by Friday, May 2, 2025. We appreciate you!  All the Best, Erin

Northwest Florida State College Launches Futures Forward Summer Camp to Empower Students in Cutting-Edge Careers

NICEVILLE, Fla. (April 16, 2025) – Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) proudly announces its Futures Forward Summer Camp, an exciting opportunity for students in 8th through 12th grades to explore dynamic and future-ready career paths. The four-day camp costs just $100 and provides immersive, hands-on experience in today’s most in-demand fields. Set to run this summer, the Futures Forward camp offers a diverse lineup of specialized programs, including: ESportsScrubs

Hello Frances Podcast: No Joke: Nine Years of Frances Roy

In this special anniversary episode recorded on April 1, Shantelle reflects on nine incredible years of Frances Roy. From the early days to where we are now, she shares how the team has grown, highlights some of the most meaningful work we’ve accomplished, and looks back on the milestones that have shaped our journey. Plus, she teases what’s ahead, including big plans for our 10th anniversary. Join us in celebrating nearly a decade of creativity, collaboration, and community! Listen Now

Request Destin Relocation Guide

Mark Locher of SimpliHom Realty talks moving to or buying a second home in Destin! Click on the video to learn more and email mark@marklocher.com to request his relocation guide with all the information you need for a smooth moving experience.  

VIP Magazine April 2025

Christian Carlee Honored as Destin Chamber’s Business Person of the Quarter

During the Destin Chamber’s April 11 Business Before Hours Sponsored by CRC Data Technologies, Christian Carlee, Market President with First National Bank, was honored with the Business Person of the Quarter Award. This award is presented directly from the Chamber’s Board of Directors to a Destin area businessperson showing vision for his or her business and leadership in our community. Carlee is seen here with 2025 Chairman of the Board Jenni Brunson of Okaloosa Gas. “I’ve known Christian for many years,

Destin Life April 2025

Read the April 2025 Edition Here

Primrose 100th Birthday Party

The Destin History and Fishing Museum is celebrating the 100th Birthday Party for our seine boat the Primrose.

NFB 25/26 Pre-Professional Program, Company and Trainee auditions scheduled for May 3

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. – April 14, 2025 – Northwest Florida Ballet (NFB) Pre-Professional Program (PPP), Company and Trainee auditions are now open for the 2025-2026 season. Auditions will take place on May 3 at the main studio building in downtown Fort Walton Beach and are by reservation only. Trainee auditions will occur from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and auditions for the Pre-Professional and Company programs will be conducted from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Company auditions are open to students entering

The Barrett School in Destin Is Seeking Sponsors for Yacht the Night Away

The Barrett School at Destin is thrilled to announce its Inaugural Gala, Yacht the Night Away, an elegant evening with purpose and heart to celebrate the school's one-year anniversary. Set sail with us for a night of fine dining, dancing, and celebration, supporting our school community. Please see the attached flyer for more details.  We’re currently seeking generous sponsors to contribute to our Silent Auction! Donating an item or experience is a wonderful way to spotlight your business while helping us

Summer Camps 2025

Archery Camp- June: A Bullseye Archery Camp will be held at the Destin Community Center on Monday, June 23rd through Thursday June 26, 2025. Camp will be from 1:00-3:00pm for beginners (minimum grade incoming 4th) and 3:00-5:00pm for Open skilled archers, competitive play/open tournaments will be offered throughout the week.  The fee is $90 for non-residents and $60 for Destin residents.  Each participant must be present on the first two days of camp (Monday and Tuesday), due to safety lessons.  We ask that

Call to Students-16th Annual OAA Poster Contest

Okaloosa Arts Alliance Announces 16th Annual Okaloosa County School Poster Contest: "Art in Outer Space" FORT WALTON BEACH, FL (April 10, 2025) — The Okaloosa Arts Alliance (OAA) is excited to invite all K-12 students in Okaloosa County to showcase their creativity under the theme "Art in Outer Space” for the 16th Annual Okaloosa County School Poster Contest. Students may submit their entries individually or through their schools, with only one submission per student. Each artwork must include the

FDLE Commissioner and NWFSC graduate Mark Glass to deliver Spring Commencement address

NICEVILLE, Fla. (April 10, 2025) - Northwest Florida State College has announced that Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass will serve as the Spring Commencement speaker on May 9, 2025. This is a homecoming for Commissioner Glass, who is an alumnus of NWFSC. “Northwest Florida State College is proud to welcome home Commissioner Glass, and we all look forward to hearing his inspired words to a new generation of Raider alumni,” said NWFSC President Mel Ponder. “Our graduates leave

Okaloosa County School District to Offer Free Parenting Event: “Parenting Through Emotions”

The Okaloosa County School District Title I Department, in partnership with Beachside Community Church, is proud to present a free, in-person event for parents and guardians: Parenting Through Big Emotions will be held on Friday, April 11, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Beachside Community Church (200 Racetrack Road NW, Fort Walton Beach). If you're raising a child with big feelings, this is an event you won't want to miss! This session will provide parents with practical tools and insights to better support

Emerald Coast Theatre Company Presents Legally Blonde The Musical

Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) is proud to present Legally Blonde The Musical, May 2-18, 2025, Thursday - Saturday at 7pm, Sundays and Wednesdays at 2pm. A fabulously fun, award-winning musical based on the adored movie Legally Blonde: The Musical follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Very few people have faith in the super blonde, pink-wearing sorority girl, but she manages to surprise them when she defies expectations while staying

Frances Roy Agency Strengthens Team with New Hires and Key Promotions

Frances Roy Agency announced the addition of three talented professionals to its locally-based team, alongside a series of strategic promotions that underscore the agency's commitment to excellence and growth. This infusion of fresh talent and recognition of proven leadership positions Frances Roy for continued success in delivering innovative solutions to its clients. Frances Roy welcomes its newest team members with enthusiasm. These individuals mark an exciting evolution as the agency expands its

Sinfonia Youth Orchestra Performs Free Spring Concerts May 4

DESTIN, FL (April 7, 2025) – Sinfonia Youth Orchestra’s spring concert promises a musical journey through the cosmos. Gather with family and friends to hear joyous music performed by the Sinfonia Youth Orchestras in concert on Sunday, May 4. Entitled “Spring Concert: Out of This World,” the concert is a fun family-friendly annual tradition that showcases the talent of our area’s finest young musicians. This year’s concerts, which are free and open to the public, will feature After School Beginning

Warren Averett Recognized as One of USA Today’s 2025 Most Recommended Tax & Accounting Firms

Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors, one of the largest accounting and consulting firms in the Southeast, has been recognized on USA Today’s lists: America’s Most Recommended Tax Firms and America’s Most Recommended Accounting Firms for 2025. USA Today collaborated with Statista to compile these national lists, which are based on thousands of surveys and recommendations from both accounting professionals and clients. This is the fifth consecutive year that Warren Averett has been included on Statista’s tax

Destin Welcomes Toxic Freedom: A New Era of Non-Toxic Living Begins

On April 3, Toxic Freedom celebrated a ribbon cutting with the Destin Chamber. Toxic Freedom is a women veteran-owned natural wellness store offering all-natural, non-toxic products for home, body, baby, and beyond.   Toxic Freedom is more than a store—it’s a movement. Created to help families break free from harmful chemicals, the shop features a highly curated selection of eco-friendly, plastic-free products, including herbal teas, organic skincare, pet care, baby care, and more.   “We’re creating a

Get Ready to Rock, Relax and Rewind at the 2025 Concerts in the Village Series Presented by Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) invites music fans to gather under the stars at the picturesque Dugas Pavilion for the much-anticipated 2025 Concerts in the Village series. From April 10 to June 12, every Thursday night promises memorable performances featuring renowned bands, tribute acts, delicious eats from local food trucks, and a new gourmet cheese tray catering option from Wine World’s Cheese Shop. Gates open at 6 p.m., concerts start at 7 p.m. General admission is lawn seating. Bring blankets or

Niceville High School Principal Charlie Marello Named Northwest Florida Regional Director for FASSP

The Okaloosa County School District proudly announces that Niceville High School Principal Charlie Marello has been named the Northwest Florida Regional Director for the Florida Association of Secondary School Principals (FASSP). FASSP, a Florida Association of School Administrators (FASA) division, is dedicated to supporting and empowering secondary school leaders across the state. Founded in 1977, FASA's mission is to enhance Florida's education quality by equipping administrators with the tools and

Sinfonia Gulf Coast Announces Its 2025-2026 Board Of Directors Ahead of 20th Anniversary Season

Sinfonia Gulf Coast proudly announces its expanded 2025-2026 Board of Directors, the 12-member governing body is responsible for providing financial support, strategic guidance, and management oversight. Members of the board are elected for two-year terms and play a crucial role in sustaining and enhancing the orchestra’s mission and vision. Elizabeth Boswell of Premier Property Group leads as Board President, supported by Vice President Joseph Rogers of Avantgarde Salon and Spa. Justin Shane of Forever

Volunteers Make a Difference Saturday April 12 - desperate need for helping hands

The long-running event attracts wine aficionados, celebrity chefs, and restaurateurs to the Village of Baytowne Wharf for four days of all things food and wine. This year’s Sandestin Wine Festival will take place from April 10 - 13. 400 happy, helpful volunteers are needed to staff this multi day event and receive a FREE t-shirt and taster ticket.  A portion of the proceeds benefit our Fisher House on Eglin in a BIG way. Captains who are willing to lead on Saturday, and pourers are our greatest need.

The Big Draft 2025

Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies from across the country are partnering with the NFL Inspire Change Initiative on the 2025 Big Draft. This national effort, which kicked off on February 10th, aims to recruit 10,000 mentors in 60 days. So far, more than 4,354 Bigs have been recruited nationwide, including 86 right here in Northwest Florida, but we still have a long way to go to reach our goals. With the campaign ending in April, we need your help now more than ever! By sharing powerful real-life mentoring

Bit-Wizards Underlines Resilient Data Practices on World Backup Day

Fort Walton Beach, FL – March 31, 2025 – In recognition of World Backup Day, managed IT provider Bit-Wizards encourages companies to recognize and evaluate the role backups play in their business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR) plans. Backups are integral to protecting a company's longevity in the face of data loss from various causes, whether it's due to device failure or a significant weather event.  Unfortunately, business owners often neglect to create backups or follow data resiliency best

Okaloosa County Students Shine at State Science Fair

Fifteen students from Okaloosa County Schools demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication at the State Science Fair, held from March 25-27 at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland, Florida. Competing against nearly 700 students from across the state, these young scientists earned numerous awards and recognitions, showcasing the remarkable depth of knowledge and passion for science in Okaloosa County.Category Awards These awards were selected by subject area experts and professionals, honoring the top

March 2025 Update from One Okaloosa EDC

By Nathan Sparks, CEcD Executive Director of One Okaloosa EDC   Spring has officially sprung along the Emerald Coast. Around here, we all know that with spring comes busier roadways, distracted drivers and that relentless yellow pollen that continues to coat our vehicles while wreaking havoc on our sinuses. That said, spring also brings longer days, warmer weather, beautiful flowers, outdoor events and a sense of new beginnings. Here at One Okaloosa EDC, spring has gotten off to a very busy start. Along

Emerald Coast Association of Realtors Free Community Housing Fair

The Emerald Coast Association of REALTORS® is thrilled to partner with the Fort Walton Beach Police Department for this year’s Construction Junction—an exciting community event drawing thousands of attendees! To enhance this experience, we are hosting a Community Housing Fair and inviting agencies and organizations like yours to be part of our Vendor Expo Village. Last year’s Construction Junction welcomed over 2,000 attendees, and we expect an even larger turnout this year! This is a fantastic

Okaloosa County School District Recognized as a 2024 Florida Purple Star School District

The Okaloosa County School District (OCSD) has been awarded the prestigious Purple Star District of Distinction certification by the Florida Department of Education, recognizing the district's exceptional commitment to supporting military-connected students and families. During the school board meeting on Monday, March 24, Superintendent Marcus Chambers highlighted this significant achievement, emphasizing the district's dedication to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for military families.

We Need You! Help Us Support DCWAF - Be Part of Something BIG!

Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) is one of the largest and most impactful supporters of Children in Crisis, contributing well over $150,000 annually to help us care for the children and families living in The Children’s Neighborhood. Through incredible events like the upcoming 20th Anniversary Destin Charity Wine Auction (April 25–27), DCWAF raises critical funding that directly fuels our programs and services. The volunteer opportunities listed below are essential to helping prepare for this

Florida SBDC Network Hosts Florida Small Business Day at the Capitol

Florida SBDC Network State Office (Pensacola, Fla.) – The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, the state’s principal provider of small business assistance, hosted its annual Florida Small Business Day at the Capitol yesterday, Wednesday, March 26th. Held at the Florida State Capitol Courtyard, this event highlighted the critical role small businesses play in Florida’s economy and provided an opportunity for small business owners and resource providers to showcase products and

European Wax Center Offers Services for Every Body

On March 25, European Wax Center celebrated a ribbon cutting with the Destin Chamber.   Now open in Destin Commons, European Wax Center began as a family-owned business and is now the largest provider of waxing services in the United States. It offers a full suite of waxing services for every body.   Visit WaxCenter.com or call (850) 963-0010 for more information.  

Hello Frances Podcast: Bringing It All Together: Creativity, Communication & Growth in Action

In this special roundtable episode of Hello Frances, Shantelle sits down with members of the Frances Roy team to reflect on the themes of creativity, intentional communication, and growth. Over the past three episodes, we’ve explored the importance of scheduling creative time, fostering clear communication, and embracing neutrality. Now, we’re bringing it all together with honest conversations, insights, and experiences from the people who implement these principles daily. Listen in as we discuss: How our

Auditions for the NFB Académie 2025-2026 Academic Year Scheduled for April 26 & 27

The Northwest Florida Ballet (NFB) Académie is now taking audition appointment reservations for the 2025-2026 academic year. All auditions will take place at the NFB Studios, the Sybil Lebherz Center for Dance Education, located at 310 Perry Avenue SE in Fort Walton Beach. Incoming third-grade students will audition on April 26 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and April 27 from 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Incoming fourth-grade students will audition on April 26 from 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Appointment reservations are required in

Wright Elementary’s Vanessa Wesbur Shines in Regional Spelling Bee

Wright Elementary second grader Vanessa Wesbur made history as the youngest competitor in the Envision Credit Union Regional Spelling Bee in Tallahassee on March 8, 2025. Vanessa, who won Wright Elementary's school spelling bee earlier this year, advanced to the regional competition and impressively tied for sixth place after making it to the fifth round. Vanessa's achievement continues a long-standing tradition at Wright Elementary, which remains the only Okaloosa County School District school

Meet Our New Rescued Manatees at Gulfarium’s Manatee Cove!

We're thrilled about the opening of Manatee Cove at the Gulfarium and we can't wait for you to meet our two incredible residents, Lil Joe and Inigo!​Meet Lil Joe Lil Joe's journey began in 1989 when he was rescued as an orphaned calf near Daytona Beach, weighing just 42 pounds and measuring 3.4 feet in length. Over the years, he's faced challenges, including cold stress and malnutrition, leading to multiple rescues and rehabilitation efforts. Despite these hurdles, Lil Joe has shown remarkable resilience

Fairfield Inn & Suites Destin Chamber Member Discount

**This deal is for Members of the Destin Chamber ONLY**

7th Annual Mac & Cheese Festival Brings in $60,000 for The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast is thrilled to announce that the 7th Annual Mac & Cheese Festival, held Sunday, March 16, 2025, at Destin Commons, raised $60,000 to support the young people we serve across the region. This event showcased the power of community uniting for our club kids. Our mission is to inspire and empower boys and girls by nurturing their sense of competence, purpose, belonging and influence. Through programs focused on academic success, character and citizenship, and

Boys & Girls Club of The Emerald Coast Receives $10,000 grant from Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation's Galentine’s Fundraiser

We are thrilled to share that we have received $10,000 grant from Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation's Galentine’s fundraiser. The grant will support our SMART Girls project serving approximately 200 girls at nine different Club sites and facilitate Girls in S.T.E.M. field trips for approximately 60 girls during summer 2025. We are so appreciative for DCWAF for providing girls in our community with greater access to health and fitness information and exposure to S.T.E.M. careers while enhancing their

Sinfonia Gulf Coast Swells to an Orchestra of Nearly 3,000 for Link Up: The Orchestra Swings

On March 12, the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, transformed into a lively concert hall as Sinfonia Gulf Coast presented its 13th Link Up concert performance, “The Orchestra Swings." Sinfonia Gulf Coast is the only orchestra offering this program to students on the Emerald Coast. This interactive musical experience, held in partnership with Carnegie Hall's Weill Music Institute, showcased the talents of nearly 3,000 local 3rd to 5th-grade students from Okaloosa and

Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County Announces Gerard Frank As 2025 ArtsQuest Featured Artist

The Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) of Walton County, proudly announces Gerard Frank as the Featured Artist for the 37th Annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival. Frank’s custom artwork—One Man Show—will be showcased on all ArtsQuest marketing materials. The festival, a beloved May tradition, will take place May 3-4, 2025, at Grand Boulevard Town Center’s North Park. Frank, a professional artist for 26 years, holds the distinction of being the first living artist included in the permanent collection of the Anna

Local Student Wins 2025 State Oratorical Championship

On March 15, 2025, local American Legion Post 296 representative William Kiker from Fort Walton Beach High School won the State Championship for the 2024-2025 National High School Oratorical Scholarship Competition. The event was held at the Florida American Legion Headquarters in Orlando Fla. Kiker was awarded a $2,500 dollar scholarship and will now compete in the National Championship in Hillsdale, Mich., on May 16-18. This is his second State Championship, having won last year. According to local

Read the March 2025 Issue of Destin Life

Cosmic Drone Light Show Hosts Spring Break Show in Baytowne

Check out a portion of Cosmic Drone Light Show's spring break show in Baytowne! It will host 16 weekly drone light shows in Baytowne this year. Visit CosmicDroneLightShow.com to learn more and preview other events.

Emerald Coast Theatre Company Raises $54,193 at Inaugural Signature Event, “La Vie En Rouge”

Emerald Coast Theatre Company’s (ECTC) signature event, “La Vie En Rouge,” held on Friday, March 7 raised $54,193 for the local organization. Embodied after the hit musical, Moulin Rouge!, the event brought the glitz and glamour of a 19th-century Parisian cabaret to the Emerald Coast. From entry to exit, guests were delighted with spotlight performances sponsored by Presenting Sponsor Blue Water Oral Surgery Center, Grand Boulevard, and Ocean Reef Vacation Rentals and Real Estate. Throughout the evening

Gulfarium Hosts 2nd Annual CARE on the Coast Fundraiser to Support Marine Conservation

Gulfarium is thrilled to announce the return of CARE on the Coast, the highly anticipated annual fundraiser benefiting the Gulfarium CARE Center’s mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and release sea turtles. Set for Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 3:30 PM, this festival-style event promises an unforgettable evening filled with live entertainment, delicious cuisine, marine animal encounters, and a shared passion for ocean conservation. Guests will be immersed in a vibrant coastal celebration, enjoying

Sinfonia Gulf Coast Announces Rescheduling of Classical Connections Featuring Howard Levy To Fall 2025

Sinfonia Gulf Coast announces that its Classical Connections concert featuring Howard Levy, originally scheduled for April 4, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at Destin High School, will be rescheduled to Fall 2025. “We remain committed to delivering exceptional musical experiences and appreciate the patience and support of our patrons,” says Demetrius Fuller, Music & Artistic Director of Sinfonia Gulf Coast. “We look forward to sharing more details about the rescheduled performance soon.” Details regarding the new

Okaloosa Saves Week and America Saves Week proclaimed for April 7-11, 2025 by the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners

The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed April 7-11, 2025 Okaloosa Saves and America Saves Week at their Board meeting Tuesday, March 18. The theme for 2025 is Saving for Your Past, Present and Future. Since 2007 America Saves Week has been an annual celebration as well as a call to action for everyday Americans to commit to saving successfully. Through the support of thousands of participating organizations, together we encourage individuals to do a financial check-in that allows them

Florida SBDC Network to Celebrate National SBDC Day

The Florida SBDC Network, the state’s principal provider of business assistance, will celebrate the ninth annual National SBDC Day Wednesday, March 19, 2025. SBDC Day is a national, collective celebration of the success and impact that America’s Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) foster each year. On SBDC Day, SBDCs nationally will share, in real time, the success stories and notable impacts SBDCs collectively have on the small business community at large. This special day will be celebrated with

ECCAC recognizes 2025 Zeke Bratkowski Award winners

The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) recognized two couples for their remarkable dedication to the community and children in need, Jim and Tammy Pierce and Mike and Valerie Thompson received the prestigious 5th Annual Zeke Bratkowski Award this year at ECCAC’s recent Gala. The professional football quarterback, and later NFL coach, played for three NFL teams for 14 seasons. After his retirement, Zeke Bratkowski lived in Northwest Florida and was a major supporter and spokesperson for ECCAC

Eglin Federal Credit Union recognizes Quality Control/Underwriting Supervisor Susan Dombrigues for 30 years of service

Eglin Federal Credit Union is pleased to congratulate Mortgage Services Quality Control/Underwriting Supervisor Susan Dombrigues for 30 years of service. Susan currently resides in Fort Walton Beach.  Photo caption: (from left to right) VP Mortgage Services Ashley Hall, Maintenance Custodian (Susan’s son) Ryan Dombrigues, SVP/Chief HR Officer Gina Denny, and Mortgage Services Manager Mark Franks congratulate Susan Dombrigues (center) on 30 years with Eglin FCU . “Over the past three decades, Susan has

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Calls For Artists For The 30th Annual Festival Of The Arts

Artist Applications Now Open for the 30th Annual Festival of the Arts Awarding More Than $12,000 in Cash Prizes The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) is now accepting artist applications for the 30th Annual Festival of the Arts, one of the most anticipated art festivals in the Southeast. This juried fine arts show will take place October 25-26, 2025, on the Dugas Pavilion green in Destin, Florida. Celebrating three decades of artistic excellence, the Festival of the Arts features more than 100 premier

DHS Band Vibraphone Fundraiser

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Volunteer Opportunity

Okaloosa County Announces Opening of One-of-A-Kind Playground at Ross Marler Park

Okaloosa County, Florida ­­­­– Okaloosa County and Destin-Fort Walton Beach are proud to announce a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a one-of-a-kind playground at Ross Marler Park on Okaloosa Island, located at 1275 Santa Rosa Boulevard. The ceremony will take place on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 10 a.m. The $1.3 million playground transformation replaces an aging playground structure and was fully funded with revenue paid by tourists. Due to its location near the Choctawhatchee Bay and Gulf, it will benefit

Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation Awarded $100,000 Career Catalyst Grant for ''Growing Laurel Hill'' Program

A significant investment in agricultural education is coming to rural Okaloosa County students. The Consortium of Florida Education Foundations, in partnership with The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation, has awarded $100,000 to the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation (OPSF) through its new Career Catalyst initiative. This grant program specifically targets rural, underserved areas by funding innovative Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that prepare students for high-skill, high-wage jobs. The funds

Hello Frances Podcast: The Art of Staying Open: How Mindset Shapes Creativity, Communication & Growth

In this episode of Hello Frances, Shantelle rounds out the conversation on creativity and intentional communication by exploring the power of staying open to learning and growth. She discusses the importance of a neutral mindset—the ability to process information without immediate judgment or reaction—and how it can transform how we lead, create, and connect. Whether you're an entrepreneur, creative, or lifelong learner, this episode will challenge you to rethink how you approach new ideas and

DHS World's Finest Chocolate Fundraiser

Dear DHS Families, Our World’s Finest Chocolate fundraiser is wrapping up, and we’re offering a sweet deal to close it out! For a limited time, you can purchase a full box of chocolate (normally $60) for just $40!Order now: igfn.us/form/gx9JsA Pick up your boxes at the Destin High School Main Office This is your last chance to support DHS and stock up on delicious chocolate before it's gone. Get yours today and help us make an impact for our students! Thank you for your support! Go Sharks! Destin

Dr. Donna Kelley Named the 2025 Florida NAESP National Distinguished Principal

The Okaloosa County School District proudly announces that Dr. Donna Kelley, Principal of Northwood Elementary School, has been named the 2025 Florida National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) National Distinguished Principal. Established in 1984, this prestigious honor recognizes outstanding elementary and middle-level principals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made a lasting impact on their schools and communities. Dr. Kelley stated, “I am deeply honored and humbled to

Spark by Hilton Destin Offers Consistent, Comfortable & Affordable Lodging

On March 6, Spark by Hilton Destin celebrated a ribbon cutting with the Destin Chamber.  Spark by Hilton Destin offers consistent, comfortable, and affordable stays, to help budget smart and travel happy. Guests will appreciate its many amenities, including comfortable, clean and thoughtfully designed guest rooms; free morning bagel bar and freshly brewed coffee; common area with rocking chairs and picnic tables; 24/7 retail market with snacks and ready-to-eat options; and free WiFi. Spark by Hilton

Impact100 NWF $100,000 Grant

Heads-up about the Impact100 NWF $100,000 grant process. The first step is submitting a Letter of Intent (LOI), and the deadline is sneaking up on us – it's March 31st, 2025. You can find all the details on our website: http://www.impactnwf.org.  It's got everything you need to know – guidelines, eligibility, etc. After the LOI is reviewed, we'll send you the full grant application and an invite to one of our grant workshops. The deadline for the completed grant application is July 15th, 2025. Ready to

Read the March 2025 Issue of VIP Destin Magazine

A 2 Z Specialty Advertising: Happy Birthday Paul Montalvo!

Okaloosa STEMM Academy Celebrated History with National History Day Showcase

The Okaloosa STEMM Academy celebrated history in a big way on February 27th with a National History Day (NHD) Showcase. Students presented their projects, highlighting extensive research and historical analysis tied to this year's theme, "Rights & Responsibilities in History." The theme encouraged students to explore significant historical moments through the lenses of time and place, cause and effect, and long-term impact. Over the last several weeks, students worked diligently to research and develop

Northwest Florida State College Law Enforcement Academy Celebrates Graduating Class

The Law Enforcement Academy at Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) proudly announces the graduation of its latest class of cadets. These dedicated individuals are now ready to serve and protect their communities as members of local law enforcement agencies, including the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, Walton County Sheriff's Office, and Niceville Police Department. “The success of the NWFSC Law Enforcement Academy is a direct result of the hard work and sacrifice of its students, as well as the

Northwest Florida State College Forensics Team Celebrates Statewide Competition Wins

The Northwest Florida State College Forensics Speech and Debate Team showcased their exceptional talent this spring semester, earning top honors at the Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA) Conference and the Florida Intercollegiate Forensics Association (FIFA) State Championship.   At the FCSAA Conference, NWFSC students delivered standout performances, taking first place in Persuasive Speaking and placing in the top five in Informative Speaking: Mason Porter – 1st Place Persuasive

Bit-Wizards & TalkingParents Awarded American Advertising Federation Gold and Silver ADDYs 2025

For the 15th consecutive year, the Bit-Wizards and TalkingParents team earned Gold and Silver "ADDYs" from the Pensacola Chapter of the American Advertising Federation. The ADDY Awards are the largest and most representative competition in the advertising industry, recognizing and rewarding the creative spirit of excellence in the art of advertising. For their work in 2024, the team was awarded three Gold and 11 Silver ADDYs, totaling 14 awards. Recognition spanned a variety of categories, including social

Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County Awarded $20,000 National Endowment for the Arts Grant to Expand the Underwater Museum of Art

The Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) of Walton County is pleased to announce it has been approved by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for a Grants for Arts Projects award of $20,000. This grant will support the 2025 installation of sculptures to expand the nation’s first Underwater Museum of Art (UMA). The NEA awarded 1,127 Grants for Arts Projects awards nationwide totaling more than $31.8 million as part of the recent announcement of fiscal year 2025 grants.  “The CAA’s very first NEA grant was

850 Froyo & Kwench Juice Café Offer Sweet & Healthy Dining Options in Destin

On March 4, 850 Froyo and Kwench Juice Cafe celebrated a ribbon cutting with the Destin Chamber.  850 Froyo offers self-serve frozen yogurt at only 73 cents per ounce. Check out the menu at Froyo850.squarespace.com!  Kwench Juice Cafe offers a wide variety of raw juices and smoothies, invigorating juice cleanses and shots, and delicious acai and pitaya bowls to fuel your health and wellness journey. Its commitment to quality ingredients and innovative recipes ensures a wholesome and delicious experience

Hello Frances Podcast: Intentional Communication - Why Our Midweek Memos Matter

On this episode of Hello Frances, our host Shantelle Dedicke explores the power of intentional communication. Building on our previous episode’s discussion about scheduling time for creativity, she shares how Frances Roy’s Midweek Memo keeps her team aligned and connected. Shantelle emphasizes that teams need more than creativity to thrive—they need clarity, consistency, and a shared sense of direction.Listen now.

SS United States Takes Major Step Forward in Becoming World’s Largest Artificial Reef

Okaloosa County and Destin-Fort Walton Beach are excited to announce the arrival of the SS United States (SSUS) in Mobile, Ala., following an epic 1,800 nautical mile journey from Philadelphia, Penn. The next phase of her journey to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef will include about six to 12 months of work to prepare her for an environmentally safe deployment before she is submerged into the Gulf. This includes removing all non-metal items, wiring and fuel. All of the preparations in Mobile are

Club Youth of the Year and Junior Youth of the Year Winners!

We want to give a huge congratulations to our Club Youth of the Year and Junior Youth of the Year winners!

Legacy Boating Club Celebrates Major Milestone

Legacy Boating Club proudly celebrates its 20-year anniversary, marking two decades of providing a premium, hassle-free boating experience for families and individuals who love the water but prefer not to own a boat. After launching a preopening campaign in 2004, Legacy Boating Club officially opened in the spring of 2005. Since its launch, Legacy has transformed the boating industry with its innovative members-only model, offering access to a luxurious fleet of powerboats without the challenges of boat

Newman-Dailey Resort Properties Announces 2024 Top Real Estate Producers for Listings and Sales along Florida’s Emerald Coast

Real Estate Agents Shannyn Stevenson, Diane Green, Heather Sprigler and Colin Kirkwood recognized for a successful year in real estate in the Destin area Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, Inc., a leader in Florida’s Emerald Coast real estate market, recognizes its 2024 Top Real Estate Producers for listings and sales. In recognition of their successful year, the real estate division honored Shannyn Stevenson, Diane Green, Heather Sprigler and Colin Kirkwood for their 2024 real estate

After 12-Year Run, Sun Sets on Paddle at the Park

After long and difficult consideration, the Destin Chamber's Board of Directors has decided to cancel Paddle at the Park, bringing an end to its 12-year run. The event was also cancelled in 2020 due to Covid. Created to help draw tourists to the area, promote a trendy new sport, and partner with home-grown paddleboard manufacturer BOTE, the event drew close to 175 paddlers at the outset. While that number declined slightly through the years, after the 2020 cancellation, participation never bounced back,

Spring Career Fair

Mardi Gras Parade and Celebration

Sculptural Deployment Planned for Summer 2025

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) is excited to announce a groundbreaking collaboration between the Underwater Museum of Art (UMA) and the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation (FCSF) that will introduce a unique addition to the UMA’s seventh annual installation. The Menina of the Reef: An Infinite Message (La Menina del Arrecife: Un Mensaje Infinito) sculpture by Spanish artist Antonio Azzato will be fabricated and deployed in the Summer of 2025 to raise awareness of FCSF’s mission to

Read the January 2025 Issue of Destin Life

Read the February 2025 Issue of Destin Life

Sponsorships Available for the 4th Annual Destin High School Shark Classic Golf Tournament

Destin High School is excited to announce its 4th Annual Shark Classic Golf Tournament, a premier event designed to bring the community together in support of our student-athletes and academic programs. The tournament will take place on April 6, 2025, at Indian Bayou Golf and Country Club, offering a fun and competitive day of golf while raising crucial funds for our school. See sponsorship levels below.

Helicopter Golf Ball Drop

 WIN $10,000! DESTIN HIGH SCHOOL GOLF BALL DROP  A helicopter. A target. One lucky golf ball wins $10,000!  HOW IT WORKS:  We’ll drop numbered golf balls from a helicopter over a target.  The ball closest to the hole wins the $10,000 grand prize!  $100 per ball or 5 for $450 – more balls, more chances to win! Indian Bayou Golf and Country Club |  April 6, 2025|  Conclusion of Tournament Reserve your spot now at sharkclassic25.givesmart.com NO NEED TO BE PRESENT TO WIN! We’ll notify the lucky

EXIT Realty Anchor South Opens Grand Boulevard Office

On Feb. 18, EXIT Realty Anchor South celebrated its new Grand Boulevard office with a ribbon cutting.  EXIT Realty Anchor South is a full-service, professional real estate company with additional locations in Fort Walton Beach, as well as Lake Martin and Auburn, Ala. It is industry leading in training, marketing and branding. EXIT Realty Anchor South provides agents the opportunity to earn more than 100%, a residual income of 10% between closings, a retirement benefit of 7%, and a legacy benefit of 5%.

LuLu’s Tropical Re-Union Renews 130+ Couples’ Wedding Vows

Love remained in the air for one more day after Valentine’s with LuLu’s popular complimentary annual Tropical Re-Union wedding vow renewals, complete with a rose for the ladies, and individual certificates signed by Lucy Buffett and wedding officiant, Lynn Dominique. This year, right at 130 couples stood simultaneously holding hands while the wedding officiant conducted the official vow renewal ceremony. Afterwards, the couples enjoyed a dance, champagne and wedding cake. LuLu’s also announced the couples

Rescue Tubes Installed at Beach Access Points

The Rotary Club of Destin and the City have worked together on a project to help beach safety. Today (2/15/25), 8 “rescue tubes” have been installed at various beach access points in Destin. The Rotarians brought the idea for the initiative to Councilmembers in September 2040, and a motion was passed 7-0 approving the installation. The Rescue Tube Foundation is dedicated to lowering the number of drowning deaths around the world. Over 600 rescue tube stations are in place in the U.S. and Canada.  To see

Manatee Cove Is Now Open!

A New Chapter in Manatee Conservation at the Gulfarium Get ready for an extraordinary experience! We’re excited to introduce Lil Joe and Inigo, two rescued manatees, who have just arrived at their new home, Manatee Cove! This immersive habitat has been specially designed to provide top-tier care for these gentle giants, featuring stunning underwater views, interactive educational chats, and a chance to see these incredible animals up close like never before! As the first facility in the Florida

SS United States Set to Depart Philadelphia to Begin Journey to Become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef

**Update as of 2/19/2025** America's Flagship is on her way to Mobile, Alabama where she will be prepared as the World's Largest Artificial Reef to be deployed off of Destin-Fort Walton Beach. She left Philadelphia this afternoon (2/19/2025) after nearly 30 years. LIVE TRACKING: Follow her journey to Mobile: https://www.destinfwb.com/explore/eco-tourism/ssus/. The amount of traffic to this site has caused some temporary delays, so be patient. View video/still image assets at

Superintendent Marcus Chambers Announces Two Florida Prepaid 2-Year College Scholarships for OCSD Students

Superintendent Marcus Chambers is excited to announce the opportunity for two Okaloosa County School District (OCSD) students to receive Florida Prepaid 2-Year College Scholarships!Who Qualifies? • Student must be a Senior • Student must attend a public high school in the Okaloosa County School District • Student is going to pursue a career in education • Student must meet the basic requirements to hold a Florida Prepaid College PlanApplication Deadline: Applications are available now and must be

Frances Roy: Make Time for Creativity: Why Scheduling Matters

On this episode of Hello Frances, our host Shantelle Dedicke explores the power of time-blocking for creativity. She discusses how creativity enhances our work, strengthens our leadership, and supports our mental well-being. Shantelle shares why creativity doesn’t happen by chance—it requires intention and planning. Tune in for insights on making space for creativity in your daily life!Listen Now

Read the February 2025 Issue of VIP Destin Magazine

Okaloosa County School District First Semester Highlights 2024-2025

As we enter a new semester, it is my pleasure to share the incredible achievements and milestones of the first half of the school year with our families and community members. It is truly inspiring to witness our students excel in academics, the arts, and athletics while our teachers and staff dedicate themselves to fostering a positive and dynamic learning environment. These highlights are a testament to everyone's collective hard work and commitment to the Okaloosa County School District. Let's take a

Northwest Florida State College Celebrates the Grand Opening of Raider Village

Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) is proud to announce the grand opening of Raider Village, a dynamic, on-campus community designed to enhance the college experience. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony takes place on Tuesday, February 18th, 5 PM at Raider Village (102 E. College Blvd, Niceville, FL 32578), located on NWFSC’s campus. Raider Village marks a significant step in NWFSC’s commitment to creating an enriched and supportive learning environment for students, by offering modern residential

Beachside Inn Offers Spacious, Updated Rooms in Heart of Crystal Beach

On Feb. 6, Beachside Inn, a nostalgic 20-room motor-court style motel, celebrated recent renovations with a ribbon cutting.   Located in the charming Crystal Beach community at the corner of Hutchinson and Scenic Highway 98 across from the Shore at Crystal Beach Park, the pet-friendly neighborhood mainstay has been a popular spot for family beach vacations for decades. With its recent makeover, the Inn has been transformed into a modern coastal motel while still embodying its original roadside charm.

HCA Florida Healthcare Announces KC Donahey as Chief Executive Officer of HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital

HCA Florida Healthcare announced today the appointment of Kenneth ‘KC’ Donahey as chief executive officer of HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, effective Feb. 1, 2025. In his new role, Donahey will oversee the 331-bed hospital in Fort Walton Beach, which has served the community for over 50 years. He will also oversee the hospital’s freestanding emergency rooms in Destin and Navarre. “KC brings a wealth of leadership experience as well as a proven track record of operational excellence and

Sinfonia Gulf Coast Announces Five Crescendo! Vintner Dinner Pairings

Sinfonia Gulf Coast, the region’s only fully professional symphony orchestra, is pleased to announce more delicious details for Crescendo! 2025, its highly anticipated annual fundraiser and cultural and culinary extravaganza. On Friday, Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. Crescendo! weekend will begin with a series of carefully curated vintner dinners hosted in elegant homes, hotels and halls. throughout the Emerald Coast. Each dinner pairs the talents of local and national “celebrity” chefs with some of the country’s most

SS United States Set to Depart Philadelphia to Begin Journey to Become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef

*UPDATED Feb. 7. 2025* -------------------------------------------- Plans to move the SS United States from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Mobile, Alabama have been delayed due to follow-up details requested by the U.S. Coast Guard to ensure a proper tow from Pier 82 to Pier 80. Because of the delay of the pier transition, the departure tow out of Philadelphia originally planned for Feb. 8, 2025 has been delayed. A new date has not been set for departure. We understand the frustration for those who made

CALM Seeks Sponsors for March 6 Fundraiser

https://createcards.io/card/springupforcalmfundraiser2025?lang=en_us

Bit-Wizards Celebrates 25 Magical Years of Business

Fort Walton Beach, FL – Feb. 1, 2025 – Managed IT provider Bit-Wizards celebrates its silver anniversary after 25 years in business. Established as a software engineering company on Feb. 1, 2000, the award-winning business now stands as a leading Managed IT Services (MITS) provider and a steadfast supporter of the Northwest Florida community. After starting the company in Austin, TX, co-founders Vince Mayfield and Louis Erickson brought Bit-Wizards back to their hometown in Shalimar, FL, where they opened

Innovative Cardiac Procedure Debuts at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital

From L to R: Matthew Stokes, RN, Kurt Hudson, RN, Dr. Farhat Khairallah, Cardiac Electrophysiologist, Joyce Collier, Cath Lab Director, Teri Park, Lead EP Tech, and Audrey Thomas, RN.  HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital has made significant advancements in cardiac care by successfully performing its first cardiac ablation procedure using the innovative Boston Scientific FARAPULSE™ Pulsed Field Ablation System. HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital is the only HCA Florida Healthcare facility

Okaloosa County School District Congratulates 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratorical and Poster

The Okaloosa County School District proudly recognizes the outstanding students who competed in the 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratorical and Poster Contests hosted by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Sigma Omicron Omega Chapter. The event occurred on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Niceville High School, where students from kindergarten through 12th grade showcased their talents in honor of Dr. King's legacy. Participants beautifully illustrated this year's theme, "Mission Possible: Protecting

Okaloosa County School District Announces 2025 Teacher of the Year

The Okaloosa County School District proudly announces Ms. Katrina Brownsburger (Brominguez) as the 2025 Teacher of the Year! The announcement was made during last night's school board meeting, recognizing Ms. Brownsburger's exceptional dedication and educational contributions. Ms. Brownsburger, a tenth-grade English Language Arts teacher at Fort Walton Beach High School, has made a significant impact both in and out of the classroom. As the sponsor of the Speech and Debate team, she has guided her

January 2025 Update from One Okaloosa EDC

By Nathan Sparks, CEcD Executive Director of One Okaloosa EDC “Expect the unexpected.” If the recent, record-breaking Florida snowfall taught us anything, it is certainly that! Perhaps it is the “newness” of the year and the anticipation of all the still-to-be-revealed opportunities our community and its businesses will discover over the next 11+ months that have me feeling incredibly optimistic for 2025. I sincerely hope that you share that optimism with me! One thing that we know for certain is this –

Northwest Florida State College Announces Fall 2024 President’s and Dean’s List Honorees

Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) is proud to celebrate the exceptional academic accomplishments of students who earned spots on the Fall 2024 President’s List and Dean’s List. These honors recognize students who have demonstrated outstanding dedication and performance during the semester at the College. “We are proud of all our students who have earned these prestigious distinctions,” said Mel Ponder, President of Northwest Florida State College. “Their hard work, perseverance, and academic success

Want to Live the Destin Lifestyle? Check Out SimpliHom Realty's Comprehensive Guide to Relocation!

Click on the cover to see the full guide.

Hello Frances Podcast: Rising to the Occasion - Handling the Unexpected

On this episode of Hello Frances, our host Shantelle Dedicke shares insights sparked by the recent snowstorm in Northwest Florida and the loss of a recent podcast recording. She reflects on the importance of patience, adaptability, and nurturing a strong foundation. Tune in for a surprising perspective on embracing the process and thriving through unpredictability!Listen now.

Shoreline Towers Completes $25M Renovation

Shoreline Towers recently underwent an extensive $25 million renovation. The upgrades include the following:•New sliding glass doors and windows for enhanced comfort and stunning views.•Beautifully restored balconies to enjoy the fresh sea breeze.•Modernized elevators for a smoother experience.•Upgraded landscaping that blends seamlessly with our stunning natural surroundings.•Enhanced security features including a new gate entry system. And there’s more to come! The resort is preparing to revamp its tennis

Destin Chamber Awards 2024 Outstanding Members

On Jan. 23, Destin Chamber members celebrated the Chamber’s most outstanding individuals and businesses, during the annual Awards Party & Wine Pairing Dinner Presented by Trustmark. Hosted by Brotula's Seafood House & Steamer on the beautiful Destin Harbor, the event featured a cocktail reception and awards ceremony, before guests were treated to a curated dinner and wine pairing.   The 2024 Destin Chamber Chairman Christian Carlee of First National Bank began the awards ceremony by calling Dr. Gilberto

HarborWalk Village Seeks Volunteers for Brunchfest on Feb. 8

We’re calling all brunch enthusiasts! &##129374;&##127859; Brunch Fest is coming to HarborWalk Village on Saturday, Feb. 8, and we need your help to make it egg-stra special!  This is a great opportunity for your organization to raise funds while lending a hand at this fun-filled event. We’ll provide compensation ranging from $12–$18/hour per individual, paid directly to your organization. Plus, volunteers will have the chance to soak in the festive vibes and enjoy a taste of the event! We’re looking for

Okaloosa County School District Kindergarten & New Student Registration Now Open

It is that time of year! Incoming kindergarteners and students new to the Okaloosa County School District for the 2025-2026 School Year can begin registering for school now. Parents will need to create a Focus Parent Portal Account to start the process. Parents will use their Focus Parent Portal Account to:•View their student (s) class schedule and grades•View attendance•View discipline•Communicate with teachers Create a Parent Portal Account To enroll, families must use their child's legal name and a valid

Hello Frances: Honoring a Legacy - The Roy Warner Memorial Scholarship

On this episode of Hello Frances, our host Shantelle Dedicke announces the Roy Warner Memorial Scholarship, a heartfelt initiative created to honor her grandfather's memory. Open to high school seniors, graduates, or students currently enrolled in trade school programs, this scholarship is designed to support those passionate about pursuing careers in the trades. Shantelle reflects on her grandfather's legacy of hard work and generosity, sharing how this tribute ensures his impact continues to inspire and

Read the January 2025 Issue of VIP Destin Magazine

Invitation to Apply for a $100,000 Grant from Impact100 NWF

On behalf of Impact100 of Northwest Florida (Impact100 NWF), I am thrilled to share an incredible opportunity for your organization to continue making a transformative impact in Okaloosa and Walton counties. Impact100 NWF is dedicated to empowering local nonprofits through significant funding and support. This year and every year, we offer $100,000 grants to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations that align with our mission to foster meaningful change in Northwest Florida. We invite your organization to

Hand Arendall Harrison Sale Announces Leadership Changes and Promotions in Florida

Hand Arendall Harrison Sale is pleased to announce key leadership changes and promotions across the firm. Kevin Obos, Panama City, has been elected to the Firm’s Executive Committee and appointed to serve as the Florida Offices Managing Lawyer. Obos steps into this role as Franklin Harrison is stepping down from this position. We extend our deepest gratitude to Harrison for his outstanding leadership and invaluable guidance throughout his tenure.  Furthermore, we are happy to announce that Jennifer

Fort Walton Beach High School’s Reese Armstrong Named Okaloosa County’s 2024-2025 Sunshine State Scholar

The Okaloosa County School District is proud to announce that Reese Armstrong, a Fort Walton Beach High School junior, has been selected as the district’s 2024-2025 Sunshine State Scholar. This prestigious honor is awarded to just over 100 of Florida’s highest-achieving 11th-grade students who plan to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Reese is an exemplary student, excelling academically and in her extracurricular activities. She has been a standout member of the varsity

Niceville High School Seniors Max Diehl and Sophie Broutin Win Prestigious 2025 All Sports Association Scholastic Awards

The Okaloosa County School District proudly announces that Maxwell Diehl and Sophie Broutin, seniors at Niceville High School, have been named the 2025 All Sports Association Scholastic Award winners. This prestigious honor recognizes student-athletes in Okaloosa, Walton, and Santa Rosa counties who excel in academics and athletics. Surrounded by peers, family members, school staff, and representatives from the All Sports Association, Diehl and Broutin received the exciting news in Niceville High School's

Destin Chamber Installs 2025 Board During January Breakfast

During the Destin Chamber’s Jan. 10 Business Before Hours and Annual Membership Meeting at Emerald Grande, 2024 Chairman Christian Carlee of First National Bank officially passed the gavel to 2025 Chairman Jenni Brunson of Okaloosa Gas. After taking the gavel, Brunson explained the goals she and the Board created for the coming year, including continuing to work with local and state officials and organizations in advocating for the needs of the business community, forming a Past Chairman's Council to serve

Seagrass Restaurant Announces Spring 2025 Dates & Themes

Announcing the 2025 Concerts in the Village | Purchase Now & Save at the Door!

The Fabulous Thunderbirds  Thursday, April 10 | 7 p.m. MKAF The Dugas Pavillion, Destin, FL The Fabulous Thunderbirds kick off the 2025 Concerts in the Village with their iconic blend of blues and rock. Known for hits like Tuff Enuff and Wrap It Up, this band delivers an electrifying must-not-miss performance. Gather with family, friends, and colleagues at the Dugas Pavilion stage in Destin for this must-not-miss family-friendly fun. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy dinner al fresco from local

Warren Averett Announces 2025 Members

Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors is excited to announce that seven individuals have been promoted to Members of the firm.  We are pleased to recognize their past accomplishments, and we celebrate their future endeavors as they embark on this new chapter of their careers.  Amber Stout, CPA (Client Accounting Services, Huntsville), has over nine years of dedicated service in the government contracting industry with expertise in various aspects of the field. She is responsible for providing guidance to both

Café Thirty-A Raises Record-Breaking $81,000 for Caring and Sharing of South Walton

Café Thirty-A’s Annual Christmas Charity Ball, presented by honorary sponsors Earl Bacon, the Ellis Family, and Thomas Howell Ferguson, was held on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, and raised a record-breaking $81,000 for Caring and Sharing of South Walton, an organization that provides food and financial assistance to area families and individuals in need.    The sold-out event welcomed more than 250 guests to the festively decorated restaurant, courtesy of Theresa Felton with La Florida Properties. Guests were

Reminder: Local Businesses Invited to Participate in FWBHS Second Viking Voyage Career Fair

Fort Walton Beach High School is hosting the Second Viking Voyage Career Fair, on Friday, April 11, 2025, in the gymnasium from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. VOYAGE stands for Vikings network with Organizations Yielding an Opportunity for Great Exploration of careers." The mission of the event is to provide valuable opportunities to network, explore, and empower students to bridge school and work in various career pathways while connecting learning to the real world.  We are seeking employers, businesses, and alumni

Frances Roy Agency Announces Roy Warner Memorial Scholarship

We’re honored to launch the Roy Warner Memorial Scholarship in memory of Roy Warner, Shantelle’s grandfather and part of the namesake of Frances Roy. His life was a testament to hard work, craftsmanship, and dedication. This annual scholarship supports students pursuing education in the trades—construction, mechanical, industrial, medical, creative, entrepreneurial, and more—reflecting Roy's inspiring journey. If you know someone who shares Roy’s passion for creating and building, please encourage them to

Destin High School Competitive Cheerleading Team is Seeking Sponsors for its Trip to the National High School Cheerleading Championship

Letter from Sam Ruppel, Destin High School Competitive Cheerleading Team Head Coach I hope this letter finds you well. My name is Sam Ruppel, and I am the head coach of the Destin High School Competitive Cheerleading Team. We are thrilled to share some exciting news with you—our team has qualified for the National High School Cheerleading Championship, held at Disneyworld in Orlando, Florida! This marks the first time in three years that Destin High School has achieved this milestone, and it’s a testament

Centennial Bank Spotlights Commercial Lender Alan Davis

Okaloosa County Schools to Celebrate the Legacy of President Jimmy Carter in the Classroom

President Jimmy Carter, who served from 1977 to 1981, passed away on Dec. 29, 2024, at the age of 100. An executive order issued by President Joe Biden on Monday, Dec. 30, designates a National Day of Mourning to honor President Carter's legacy.  The Okaloosa County School District will remain open on Thursday, Jan. 9, including Eglin Elementary School, located on Eglin Air Force Base. Superintendent Marcus Chambers emphasized the district's commitment to honoring President Carter's legacy: "President

City of Destin Parking Passes Available

The City of Destin will once again issue free annual parking passes for Destin residents who reside within the incorporated area of Destin (limit of two passes per household) for use in paid parking areas along Scenic Highway 98 in Crystal Beach, Gulf Shore Drive on Holiday Isle and the Destin Harbor District parking area. Passes can be obtained at Destin City Hall or Destin Community Center. Residents must provide a valid driver license showing Destin residency, as well as their vehicle tag and

Be the Magic Foundation Brightens the Holidays for Fresh Start Families

The Be the Magic Foundation, run by managed IT provider Bit-Wizards, took its holiday tradition of supporting the local community to a whole new level. This year's partnership involved Fresh Start For Children & Families, an organization dedicated to providing comprehensive educational, vocational, and economic housing programs that help homeless families achieve self-sufficiency. Because the families at Fresh Start are in the process of rebuilding their financial independence, parents who wish they could

Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel Awarded Prestigious Mike Mitchell Award

Okaloosa County Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel was recently awarded the coveted Mike Mitchell Award for a second time by the Okaloosa County Republican Club. She remains the only woman to have been recognized with this distinction. “I am deeply humbled to have received this honor again,” said Okaloosa County Vice Chairman Carolyn Ketchel. “Mike Mitchell did so much for Okaloosa County in the years he served this community, and I am thankful to the Okaloosa County Republican Club for this incredible

Gulfarium and Feed Fosters NWF Team Up to Provide Families a Fun-Filled Holiday Celebration

Last Saturday, Dec. 14, Feed Fosters NWF hosted its annual Breakfast with Santa event at the Gulfarium. Families attending the event enjoyed a fully complimentary experience, including a Chick-fil-A breakfast, festive Christmas shopping, photos with Santa, and a visit to the Gulfarium. More than 1,000 people attended the event, supported by more than 150 dedicated volunteers. This heartwarming event celebrated the holiday season while supporting foster families across Northwest Florida. Since its founding

Read the December 2024 Issue of Destin Life

Support Destin High School Through Its Year-End Giving Campaign

Letter from the Destin High School Governing Board Dear Destin High School Supporter,   As members of the Governing Board, we are proud to steward the vision of Destin High School. This year, we invite you to join us in strengthening our vision through our Year-End Giving Campaign.   Your Support, Their Success Destin High School is more than a public charter school; DHS has become a cornerstone for 600 students in our community. As a tuition-free public charter school, we are uniquely positioned to

Christmas Parade Viewing

If you missed this year's City of Destin Christmas parade -- or just want to watch it again to make you smile -- here is the viewing schedule on Cox Channel 6.  Happy Holidays! 12/20 – 7 p.m. 12/21 – 11 a.m. & 10 p.m. 12/23 – 8 p.m. 12/25 – 5 p.m. 12/27 – 8 p.m. 12/30 – 8 p.m. 1/1 – 5 p.m. 1/3 – 8 p.m.

Niceville High School’s NaGISA Program Shines on International Stage in Japan

Eight students and four chaperones from Niceville High School's NaGISA program recently returned from an extraordinary 11-day journey to Japan over Thanksgiving break. Representing the only high school in the United States affiliated with the NaGISA program, the group attended the 2nd World Congress of Marine Stations in Shizuoka, Japan, where they presented their groundbreaking work on marine biodiversity. NaGISA, which stands for Natural Geography of In-Shore Areas, is a Japanese-based international

Okaloosa County School District Earns Prestigious Purple Star District Designation

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the Okaloosa County School District has been named one of only five districts in Florida to earn the prestigious Purple Star District designation. This honor reflects the district’s unwavering dedication to supporting military-connected students and their families, ensuring smooth transitions, access to vital resources, and academic success. The Purple Star District designation means that every Okaloosa County School District school has met the rigorous

Detricks Car Wash Offers Express Car Washing Services in Destin

On Dec. 17, Detricks Car Wash celebrated a ribbon cutting with the Destin Chamber.  Family owned and operated, Detricks Car Wash offers express car washing services with no contracts, one low monthly fee, contact free entry and more. Be sure to ask about its fleet program and fundraising opportunities. Visit the Destin location at 1071 U.S. Hwy. 98 E., in Destin. For more information, visit DetricksCarWashInc.com or call (850) 353-2097.

Eglin Federal Credit Union Recognizes Senior Vice President/Chief Technology Officer Tim Farnsworth for 30 Years of Service

Eglin Federal Credit Union is proud to recognize SVP/Chief Technology Officer Tim Farnsworth’s remarkable 30-year career with the organization, during which he has grown to become an integral part of the credit union's leadership team. He oversees all cybersecurity, business continuity, electronic infrastructure and information technology operations.  "We are thrilled to honor Tim for his three decades of exceptional service and unwavering commitment to Eglin Federal Credit Union," said President/CEO

Warren Averett Releases Latest Season of Podcast Series The Wrap

Warren Averett’s released the latest season of our podcast series, The Wrap, which is designed to help business leaders everywhere access timely information and actionable advice. This newest season covered the complete journey of a business owner, exploring every stage from startup to exit. Guests gave valuable insights on how business owners should navigate both their business and personal lives, depending on their company’s stage.  Episodes included are:-Overview: The Entrepreneurial Journal and Cycle of

Read the December 2024 Issue of VIP Destin Magazine

Happy Bunny Studio Offers Timeless Children’s Clothing & Accessories in Destin Commons

On Dec. 10, Happy Bunny Studios celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting. Located in Destin Commons, Happy Bunny Studio provides essential, high-quality baby basics in timeless, easy-to-match neutral colors. Its collection is thoughtfully curated to bring comfort, style & simplicity to your baby’s wardrobe. The boutique also includes a decorated photography studio, providing the perfect setting to capture your little one's portrait. Call (850) 687-6728 or visit

Ribbon Cutting Celebrates 2024 Opening of Destin Snowbirds Roost

On Dec. 9, the Destin Snowbirds celebrated the annual opening of its roost with a ribbon cutting attended by Destin Chamber ambassadors and staff and community members. The Snowbirds Roost, officially located in the Destin Community Center, offers regular programs and special events to snowbirds visiting the area.  For more information, please call (850) 351-0672 or visit DestinSnowbirds.org. 

Shrimp Basket Offers 2024 Holiday Gift Card Sale

O'Quigley's Seafood Steamer Releases Winter 2024-2025 Early Bird Dinner Specials Menu

Vulnerability Assessment Public Outreach #2

Please note that two or more Council members may be in attendance at the January 6, 2025 City of Destin Vulnerability Assessment 2nd public and stakeholder outreach meeting which starts at 5 p.m. in the Annex. It will take place before the regularly scheduled City Council meeting. This project is an essential planning effort to address the pressing challenges posed by storm surge and other types of flooding to our community’s critical infrastructure. What is a Vulnerability Assessment (VA)? A VA is a

HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital Earns A for Hospital Safety; Recognized as One of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery™

HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital is honored to announce several national recognitions that underscore the hospital’s commitment to high-quality patient care.  HCA Florida Fort-Walton Destin Hospital was recently ranked among the top 100 hospitals in the nation for orthopedic surgery by Healthgrades, the No. 1 online resource Americans use when searching for a doctor or hospital. The hospital received the 2025 Healthgrades Orthopedic Surgery Excellence Award™, ranking it among the top 5% of hospitals

Niceville High School Web Programming Students Win Congressional App Challenge

Congratulations to Niceville High School's Web Programming students for outstanding performance in the Congressional App Challenge for Florida's 1st Congressional District! NHS students showcased their creativity, innovation, and technical expertise, earning 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in this prestigious competition. The 1st place team has been invited to the House of Code reception in Washington, D.C., in April 2025. There, they will present their winning app to members of Congress, further highlighting the

Food For Thought's Thanksgiving Services Reach More Than 700 Families

Find out more about the Giving Tuesday - Secret Santa Donation Match here!

Emerald Coast Theatre Company Opens Registration for 2025 Spring Educational Theatre Programs

Emerald Coast Theatre Company’s (ECTC) 2025 Spring Educational Theatre programs are going to be 'off-the-charts' fun! These programs provide creative and engaging classes designed especially for young thespians from elementary to high school, as well as adult classes. ECTC offers classes for Mini Players (5yrs.-1st), Little Players (2nd-3rd grade), Big Players (4th-5th grade), teens, and adults. This year, ECTC is offering Wizard of Oz as the featured show, Show Choir (4th - 12th), Jazz & Dance for Teens

Sponsorship Opportunities Still Available for the 2025 TeCMEN Industry Day

TeCMEN Industry Day has become a signature event for technology, defense, manufacturing, and workforce education professionals across the Gulf Coast, with 95% of 2024 attendees indicating they would recommend the event to their peers. Sponsorship packages offer organizations an impactful and cost-effective opportunity to enhance their brand visibility among a targeted audience eager for new business ventures. With 87% of exhibitors and attendees from the previous year reporting successful connections that

Help Shape One Okaloosa EDC's New Internship Program

One Okaloosa EDC is building a program to connect businesses with qualified interns and apprentices.  Share your thoughts by completing this brief survey.  Your insights will help ensure this initiative meets your needs and fosters growth across the community. Join us in strengthening our local workforce. Complete survey here!

Super Bowl Champion Helps Cut the Ribbon on Cox Innovation Lab in FWB

Super Bowl champion and Connect2Compete advocate Malcolm Mitchell cut the ribbon on a technology-filled Innovation Lab at The Boys & Girls Clubs Teen Center in Fort Walton Beach. The lab was made possible thanks to a $25,000 grant from the James M. Cox Foundation. Mitchell, who is an author, Super Bowl-champion and founder of the Share the Magic Foundation, joined local officials and Cox leaders for the grand opening of the technology-filled space. The grant is part of a greater gift from the James M.

Christmas Outdoor Decorating Contest

The City of Destin’s Holiday Committee will form and select the best Christmas Holiday Decorations in Destin within City limits.     oParticipation is open to all residents that are within City of Destin limits (annexed to City of Destin)    o Entry is free, no cost or fees apply    oEntry nominations must be received no later than 5 p.m., on Monday, Dec. 16, 2024.    oContest is for exterior decorations only (judges will not enter property to view back or side of yards)    oParticipants agree to have one

Okaloosa County School District Celebrates Oath of Office Ceremony and Organizational Meeting

The Okaloosa County School District (OCSD) proudly held its Oath of Office Ceremony and annual organizational meeting this morning, marking an important milestone for district leadership. Superintendent Marcus Chambers, School Board Member Tim Bryant, and newly elected School Board Member Parker Destin were officially sworn into office during this special event, reaffirming their commitment to serving the students, staff, and families of Okaloosa County. The meeting began with Superintendent Chambers

Northwest Florida State College Confirms Commissioner Melvin P. “Mel” Ponder as President Starting January 2, 2025

The District Board of Trustees of Northwest Florida State College voted to confirm Commissioner Melvin P. “Mel” Ponder as the next President of Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) at the Board’s Nov. 19 Board meeting. President-Elect Ponder will begin as NWFSC President on January 2, 2025.  The Board of Trustees selected President-Elect Ponder as the fifth president of Northwest Florida State College following an approximately six-month search with more than 100 candidates, which yielded four

Eglin Federal Credit Union infuses $1.9M into the Community Through Local Nonprofits

  Eglin Federal Credit Union is spreading holiday cheer by donating $1.9 million into the community through local nonprofits. Monetary donations were made to the Air Force Enlisted Village, Children in Crisis, Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation, Fisher House of the Emerald Coast, Fresh Start for Children and Families, Habitat for Humanity of Okaloosa County, Habitat for Humanity of Walton County, Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation, the Southeastern Credit Union Foundation and the United Way Emerald

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida Celebrates Ribbon Cutting of New Crestview Office

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida proudly celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting of our new office at 121 N Wilson St. in Crestview earlier this month. Joined by the Crestview Chamber of Commerce, city and county leaders, board members, and supporters, we were thrilled to open our doors and invite the community to see firsthand the powerful impact of mentorship. We are deeply grateful to the City of Crestview for graciously providing the space for our new office, which enables us to

HarborWalk Village Seeking Vendors for December 8 Santa Paws - Bark Street Market

HarborWalk Village is pleased to invite you to be a vendor in our 2024 Santa Paws Market, happening on Sunday, Dec. 8, from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. This event offers an exciting opportunity to showcase your organization or business. HarborWalk Village is located in the heart of the beautiful Destin Harbor in The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village. Designated areas throughout the common areas of HarborWalk Village will feature local pet exhibits and Santa will be stationed in the center for guests to bring their

Experts at Destin Weight Loss and Wellness Can Empower You to Reach Your Goals

On Nov. 19, Destin Weight Loss and Wellness celebrated a ribbon cutting with the Destin Chamber. The professionals at Destin Weight Loss and Wellness believe in empowering you to reach your weight loss goals through personalized solutions. Its team of experts creates customized weight management for your needs, motivations, and past efforts. Services include GLP-1 Semaglutide, Cold Plunge Therapy, Infrared Sauna, and Infrared Laser Skin Tightening. The office is located at 3997 W. Commons Dr. Ste. L, in

Bit-Wizards Enhances IT Security and Efficiency for Local Law Firm

Bit-Wizards, a managed services provider (MSP) with clients throughout the southeast, proudly announces the success of its ongoing partnership with Lisa Jo Spencer, P.A., a probate law and estate planning office based in Mary Esther, Florida. Since 2019, Lisa Jo Spencer's team has leveraged the company's Managed IT Services (MITS) to address critical challenges, transforming their efficiency and protecting them from evolving cybersecurity threats.   Before partnering with Bit-Wizards, the law firm faced

Eglin Federal Credit Union Recognizes Hurlburt Head Teller Gina Alford for 25 Years of Service

Eglin Federal Credit Union is pleased to recognize Hurlburt Head Teller Gina Alford for 25 years of service. Gina currently resides in Navarre.  “We are delighted to celebrate a remarkable milestone as we honor Gina Alford, who has dedicated 25 years of exceptional service to our Hurlburt Branch,” said Hurlburt Branch Manager Vivian Gonzalez¬¬. “Her steadfast commitment to this branch, professionalism and friendly demeanor have made a lasting impact on both our team and our members. We are incredibly

Women United Empowers Local Teens with Mental Health Tools and Support

On Nov. 16, United Way Emerald Coast’s Women United hosted a transformative EmpowHER Seminar at the Boys and Girls Club of South Walton. Presented by Eglin Federal Credit Union, the event provided local teens with essential mental health resources, empowering educational tools, and a supportive community to foster self-confidence and resilience. Designed to address the growing need for mental health support across Okaloosa and Walton counties, the seminar featured interactive workshops facilitated by

One Okaloosa EDC Releases Industry Internship Interest & Needs Assessment Survey

We’re excited to announce our upcoming initiative connecting businesses, workforce partners, and educational institutions. To tailor this program to your needs, we invite you to complete our short survey.  Your input will be instrumental in shaping a program that supports your company and the local community. Thank you for your time and valuable feedback!

Enjoy Good Drinks & Great Times at The Preserve: A Bluewater Taproom

On Nov. 14, The Preserve: A Bluewater Taproom celebrated a ribbon cutting with the Destin Chamber. Located in Niceville's Bluewater Bay community, The Preserve: A Bluewater Taproom offers good drinks and great times with friends. Enjoy your favorite sporting events on its many TVs, as well as trivia, bingo, and poker nights. While food trucks are often onsite, you are welcome to bring your own food too. For a full event and food truck schedule, visit

The Salon Trinity Celebrates Five Years of Redefining Haircare and Community Commitment in Northwest Florida

The Salon Trinity, a Platinum Paul Mitchell Focus Salon, marked a significant milestone celebrating its 5-year anniversary on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, with a special Ribbon Cutting ceremony alongside the Destin Chamber of Commerce. The event brought together clients, friends, and community members to commemorate five years of exceptional hair care, unforgettable client experiences, and unwavering commitment to the local community. The celebration featured live music, lite bites, and refreshments, creating

Help Food For Thought with 2024 Holiday Season

This holiday season, Food for Thought will provide Holiday Services over the Thanksgiving and Christmas school holiday breaks. We'll feed more than 700 families during each holiday service by distributing  at least 30,000 pantry staples and more than 11,000 lbs of produce across Walton and Okaloosa counties. Help us spread the joy of Thanksgiving by donating food or sponsoring a family for our upcoming services! Your generosity can make a difference in the lives of the children we

Seeking Local Business Donations for Bingo Fundraiser Supporting Cub Scout Pack 504

Cast Your Vote for Best in Destin 2025

Nominations are over! Now is the time to VOTE! The top ten nominees have moved on to phase two, it is now up to you to choose the Best in Destin. You can vote once per day between Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, at 12:01 AM, and Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, at 11:59 PM Central Time. Click here to vote.

Read the November 2024 Issue of VIP Destin Magazine

Hello Frances Podcast: Small Steps to Keep Going When Things Get Tough

This week on the Hello Frances podcast, host Shantelle Dedicke shares insights on the impact of simple, intentional actions that help us reconnect and reset during difficult times. She explores ways to find balance in relationships, prioritize self-care, and return to the basics as a source of renewal. Tune in for an honest conversation that encourages listeners to embrace small, meaningful steps toward well-being, especially when life feels overwhelming.Listen here.

10th Annual Eggs on the Beach Raises $52,500 for Local Non-Profits

The 10th Annual Eggs on the Beach Big Green Egg Cooking Competition raised an impressive $52,500 for local non-profits, including Fisher House of the Emerald Coast and Food for Thought. Hosted by Bay Breeze Patio at Seascape Towne Center on Nov. 2, this year’s EggFest featured a diverse array of deliciously creative bites presented by 25 cook teams. Bites ranging from desserts to shrimp, ribs, venison, pork belly, brisket, sausage, and chicken were presented to tasters and judges to earn cook teams a spot

Beachworx Destin Named 2024 Neighborhood Champion by American Express

Designed to encourage community and education among proprietors, Beachworx Destin has championed small businesses on the Emerald Coast since its opening in 2016. Now, Beachworx Destin is partnering with American Express as a Neighborhood Champion, encouraging our community to Shop Small® on Small Business Saturday®, November 30, 2024. Started in 2010, Small Business Saturday® is a way to support local economies by spending with independent, local retailers, restaurants and service providers. Always held

NWFSC Hosts Fall Public Safety Law Enforcement Academy Completion Ceremony

Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) held a ceremony on its Niceville campus to recognize 11 students who have completed the College’s Public Safety Law Enforcement Academy program.    Graduates of Northwest Florida State College’s Law Enforcement Academy with program coordinator Wes Haggan (center) (From L to R) John Hertel, Jaysen Davis, Carlos Martinez, Dylan Ehrlich, Jordan Skelly, Cameron Rojik, Wes Haggan- Law Enforcement Coordinator, Dustin Tulley, Connor Manning, Alexis Lambert, Alberto

SS United States Departure Delayed

Operations to move the SS United States (SSUS) have been delayed to ensure logistical details and procedures maintain ideal conditions for the move. Okaloosa County is also monitoring a tropical disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico that could impede safe delivery of the vessel to its destination in Mobile, Alabama. The vessel was originally scheduled to depart Philadelphia on Nov. 15, 2024 at low tide. A new date has not been set.  The County understands that there is considerable interest in the SS United

Capture the Magic of the 2024 Holiday Season with Our Photo Opportunity!

Capture the Magic of the Season with Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park's Holiday Photo Opportunity! Looking for the perfect photo opportunity for your 2024 holiday cards? Look no further! On select dates throughout the holiday season, you can get a picture with one of our adorable African penguins! Slots for these photos are limited, so book yours today! General admission is required and must be purchased separately.   Available Dates: November 9-10, November 16-17, November 23 – December 1, December 7-8,

Eric Navarre Honored as Destin Chamber’s Business Person of the Quarter

During the Destin Chamber’s Nov. 8 Business Before Hours, Eric Navarre, Emerald Coast Market President with Renasant Bank, was honored with the Chamber’s Business Person of the Quarter Award. This award is presented directly from the Chamber’s Board of Directors to a Destin area businessperson showing vision for his or her business and leadership in our community.  “I’ve known Eric for a long time.  I’ve watched him grow and develop into a seasoned business executive and a leader in many facets of our

The Salon Trinity Celebrates Five Years of Exceptional Haircare in Miramar Beach

On Nov. 7, The Salon Trinity celebrated its 5-Year Anniversary with a ribbon cutting. The Salon Trinity, a Platinum Paul Mitchell Focus Salon, offers exceptional, personalized haircare in a warm, community-focused setting. Its services include haircuts, highlights, up-dos, perms, keratin treatments, and more. Let its team of skilled stylists help you create your best look. The Salon Trinity is located at 50 S. Holiday Rd. Ste. 300, in Miramar Beach. To make an appointment, call (850) 614-7344 or visit

Celebrate Thanksgiving with Waterfront Dining: Select Saltwater Restaurants Open in Destin and Fort Walton Beach

Saltwater Restaurants invites families and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving at one of its scenic waterfront locations, including The Crab Trap in Destin, The Crab Trap at The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island, and Surf Hut. Open on Thanksgiving Day, each restaurant offers a memorable holiday experience with traditional flavors and stunning coastal views. Each restaurant provides a unique Thanksgiving menu crafted to bring the warmth of a home-cooked meal to the beach. Guests can enjoy slow-roasted turkey with

Forever Warriors Partners with United Way Emerald Coast to Launch Grants for Military Support Programs

In honor of National Veteran and Military Families Month, Forever Warriors (FW), established by Step One Automotive Group (SOAG), is excited to accept applications for Cohort #2 of the Forever Warriors Foundation Grant Program. With $40,000 in funding available, grants will support programs dedicated to enhancing resiliency, well-being, and reintegration for military service members, reservists, and veterans in Okaloosa County. In September, Forever Warriors selected Cohort #1 grantees and awarded $56,000

Live Your Prime Live with these November Specials

LIVE YOUR PRIME LIFERecharge Your Health This Fall  Are you ready to elevate your wellness journey this November? Prime IV Hydration & Wellness in Destin is thrilled to bring you special offers designed to boost immunity, energy, and overall health during the busy holiday season.  Give Wellness&##127873;: Exclusive Gift Card & IV Deals! Give the Gift of Wellness•For every $100 in Gift Cards purchased, receive $25 in Prime Bucks or an additional gift card! Best Deal for Gift Giving - $99•1 Primary IV + 5

Holi Announces Return of HOLIday Food Drive Benefiting Local Food Banks

In the spirit of giving and gratitude, Holi, a local Indian restaurant with locations in Panama City, Fort Walton Beach, and Miramar Beach, is excited to announce its second annual HOLIday Food Drive. This holiday season Holi will host a non-perishable and canned food drive spanning all three of its locations, each benefitting a different local hunger relief organization. The drive begins Nov. 1, 2024, and ends Dec. 23, 2024.  Holi’s Fort Walton Beach location will be partnering with the local emergency

A Superior Air Conditioning Company Offers $75 HVAC Inspection

A Superior Air Conditioning Company is offering a HVAC inspection at the price of $75. It will consist of checking proper operation of heat, checking refrigerant levels, checking capacitors inside and out, checking amperage on all motors inside and out, and performing a visual inspection for evaporator coils inside and out, as well as drain line. The company will also give a 10% discount for all repairs approved on site. Call now to get scheduled!   

35 & Thriving: Celebrate with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida and Double Your Donation!

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida is excited to announce its 35th Birthday Celebration this November, marking more than three decades of empowering and supporting one-to-one mentoring relationships in our community. As part of this milestone celebration, The Arby's Foundation is matching all donations made in November, dollar for dollar, up to $20,000. This is a remarkable opportunity for our supporters to double their impact. As we celebrate being "35 & Thriving," we reflect on our deep roots

Call to Artists for 2024 Holiday Arts Gallery

The Okaloosa Arts Alliance (OAA) would like to invite all Okaloosa County artists, art & culture organizations to participate in the third annual Holiday Arts Gallery being held on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, from 12 - 3 p.m.  The event is being hosted by HH Arts, which is located at 100 Beal Parkway SW, FWB.     Artists working in all media are encouraged to participate, including painters, sculptors, jewelers, potters, and other creative makers. The Holiday Arts Gallery promises to be a vibrant marketplace

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast Announce 4th Annual Brunchfest Winners

Congratulations to the amazing winners of the 4th Annual BrunchFest! Your delicious creations stole the show and left us craving more! Thank you to sponsors, cook teams, volunteers, staff, and attendees for a day of delicious brunch benefiting the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast. &##127869;️✨ Kids' Choice: &##129353;3rd Place: Slim Chickens (seen here) &##129352;2nd Place: Sauce Boss Burger Co.  &##129351;1st Place: Lesgo Personal Chef  Judges' Choice: &##129353;3rd Place: Don Cha Peruvian

Representative Thomas “Patt” Maney Receives Distinguished Eagle Scout Award

Representative Maney has been named a Distinguished Eagle Scout upon nomination by the Gulf Coast Council and the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). The award is granted to Eagle Scouts who, after 25 years, have distinguished themselves in their life work and have voluntarily shared their talents with their communities. An Awards Dinner and Court of Honor were held on Thursday, Oct. 24, to recognize Maney and his lifetime of service to Okaloosa County, the State of Florida, and, as many stated, the world. Over

Evie Mae's Pit Barbecue Offers 2024 Thanksgiving Pre-Orders (Chilled)

Let Evie Mae's Pit Barbecue help you with the cooking this Thanksgiving. Whole, chilled meats will be available for pickup, Saturday, Nov. 23, Sunday, Nov. 24, and Wednesday, Nov. 27, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. These items will be vacuum sealed, chilled, and ready to re-heat for your Thanksgiving feast. If you are traveling with an order and you would like it to be frozen, please specify in a note when completing your order.Start your order here!  

Hello Frances Podcast: Changing the Game - Animal Rescue with Laurie Hood

This week on the Hello Frances podcast, host Shantelle Dedicke sits down with Laurie Hood, Founder and CEO of Alaqua Animal Refuge, to discuss the game-changing impact Alaqua has on the lives of animals and the community. They explore the recent relocation of animals ahead of Hurricane Milton and how the dedicated staff and volunteers create a safe, loving environment through daily feeding and enrichment. Laurie shares the incredible ripple effect of Alaqua’s mission, from saving animals to inspiring others

HCA Florida Healthcare Hospitals Prepare for Cold and Flu Season

As we head into fall and winter, the rise of cold and flu viruses become a big concern. Each year, approximately eight percent of Americans are sickened by influenza. HCA Florida Healthcare providers urge everyone to take proactive measures to protect themselves and their loved ones during this season. "The flu is more than just a cold; it can strike suddenly and lead to serious complications like pneumonia, dehydration and even death,” said Dr. John Krause, internal medicine physician at HCA Florida Twin

Northwest Florida State College Selects Finalists in Presidential Search

Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) is pleased to announce the selection of four finalists who The District Board of Trustees of Northwest Florida State College has invited to interview on Nov. 4 and 5, 2024. Following an Oct. 25, 2024 vote of the nine-member Presidential Search Committee, consisting of the eight members of the Board of Trustees and the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Northwest Florida State College Foundation, the following are the names of the finalist candidates (in

Okaloosa County to hold Groundbreaking for State-of-the-Art Reclaimed Water Facility

Okaloosa County’s Water & Sewer Department is excited to announce that a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Shoal River Ranch Water Reclamation Facility (SRRWRF) will be held on Nov. 1, 2024, at 10 a.m., located at the corner of Jericho Road and U.S. Highway 90. “Okaloosa County has steadily worked to improve infrastructure as our population grows,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon. “This new facility recognizes the forward-thinking of our Water & Sewer staff and it will provide the

Alaqua Animal Refuge Seeks Public Support for Animals Displaced by Hurricane Milton Despite National Assistance

Alaqua Animal Refuge is urgently seeking public support to continue providing life-saving care for animals displaced by Hurricane Milton. While national animal welfare organizations have stepped in with emergency grants, food, and bedding, Alaqua remains in critical need of monetary donations, volunteers, fosters, and adopters to sustain the ongoing care for these animals. As the designated emergency shelter for Hurricane Milton, Alaqua quickly mobilized to meet the needs of displaced animals, even before

Gulf Coast Bank and Trust Company Offers Community Banking & Innovative Products in Miramar Beach

On Oct. 22, Gulf Coast Bank and Trust Company celebrated its new location with a ribbon cutting. Gulf Coast Bank and Trust Company's mission is to strengthen its relationship with its customers by combining the values of old-fashioned community banking that focus on individualized customer service with innovative, competitive banking products and trust and brokerage services. Banking services include checking and savings accounts with online and mobile banking options, as well as personal loans, home

United Way Unveils New Brand Strategy to Reflect Its Transformative Approach Forward

Today, United Way Emerald Coast (UWEC) joins United Way Worldwide (UWW) to announce a refreshed brand to reflect the organization’s reach and impact in communities as one of the world’s largest and oldest privately funded charities that helps more than 48 million people annually, including 82,467 of those in the Emerald Coast area. “The global brand refresh is a significant milestone in our organization’s 137-year history and represents our commitment to evolve and innovate in order to meet the changing

Ladies Become a Treble Maker Today & Enjoy Exclusive Benefits

The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island to Host Family-Friendly Halloween Event Featuring Local Community Partners

The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island is gearing up for a thrilling Halloween celebration filled with fun and excitement for all ages. Join in on Thursday, Oct. 31, from 5-8 p.m., for a night of trick-or-treating, live entertainment, carnival games, costume contests, and more!  The evening starts with guests receiving a Treasure Map and a Kids Eat Free voucher at The Boardwalk's Main Entrance. Participants will follow the map to visit each merchant for a unique "X," and upon completion, they can drop off their

Big Brothers Big Sisters Expands Mentoring Program to UWF, Empowering Students for Future Success

The University of West Florida welcomed 20 Pensacola High School juniors to its Pensacola campus on October 9th for the launch of the Beyond School Walls program at UWF, a workplace mentoring initiative by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida. The two-year program pairs students with volunteer UWF faculty and staff mentors to help them build the confidence and skills needed to succeed in post-secondary education, vocational training, and the workforce. During the school year, students will visit

Register Now for Saturday's 2024 Fenner Ride

Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance and FORCE BLUE Team Up for Coastal Conservation at Liza Jackson Park

The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA), in collaboration with Okaloosa County Coastal Resources, Oyster Corps, and FORCE BLUE, has successfully kicked off a major coastal restoration project at Liza Jackson Park. Sponsored by Publix, this initiative aims to create a living oyster reef shoreline, enhance habitat restoration, and strengthen coastal resilience.  Veterans from FORCE BLUE, a unique organization that redeploys retired special operations veterans on conservation missions, made an extraordinary

2025 30A Songwriters Festival Headliners Announced

 30A Songwriters Festival will celebrate its 16th year with performances on the main stage at presenting partner Grand Boulevard’s Town Center in Miramar Beach with headline performances by renowned artists MELISSA ETHERIDGE, AMOS LEE, THE JAYHAWKS, THE DEVON ALLMAN PROJECT, MAGGIE ROSE, and SECRET SISTERS. The festival welcomes for the first time to 30A CHARLIE STARR & BENJI SHANKS (BLACKBERRY SMOKE), NATALIE HEMBY, BRANDY CLARK, CHUCK PROPHET & HIS CUMBIA SHOES, LINDSAY LOU (BAND), BRETT DENNAN, the

Local Businesses Invited to Participate in FWBHS Second Viking Voyage Career Fair

Fort Walton Beach High School is hosting the Second Viking Voyage Career Fair, on Friday, April 11, 2025, in the gymnasium from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. VOYAGE stands for Vikings network with Organizations Yielding an Opportunity for Great Exploration of careers." The mission of the event is to provide valuable opportunities to network, explore, and empower students to bridge school and work in various career pathways while connecting learning to the real world.  We are seeking employers, businesses, and alumni

Resources Available for Small Businesses Impacted by Hurricanes Helene, Milton

The Florida SBDC Network, the state’s principal provider of business assistance, encourages small businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton to seek available disaster assistance. "This year has been especially challenging for Florida’s small business community," said Greg Britton, state director of the Florida SBDC Network. "Just as we began to pick up the pieces after Hurricane Helene, we find ourselves, once again, navigating recovery following Hurricane Milton. At the Florida SBDC, we

Hello Frances Podcast: Changing the Game - The Leitbox Way with Bill Leitner

This week on the Hello Frances podcast, host Shantelle Dedicke chats with Bill Leitner, the visionary behind Leitbox Storage Partners, about his journey into the self-storage industry. Bill discusses the game-changing strategies his team employs and how Leitbox sets itself apart from the competition. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts to hear how Leitbox is transforming the self-storage landscape, one project at a time!Listen now.

Read the October 2024 Issue of VIP Destin Magazine

Sponsor a Family with Food for Thought This Holiday Season

This holiday season, Food for Thought will provide Holiday Services over the Thanksgiving and Christmas school holiday breaks. We'll feed over 700 families during each holiday service by distributing 30,000 pantry staples and more than 11,000 lbs of produce. #YouCanhHelp food-insecure children across your community by Sponsoring a Family for the Holidays.Sponsor here!

Coastal Carpet And Tile Offers Luxury Flooring to Emerald Coast

On Oct. 16, Coastal Carpet and Tile celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a ribbon cutting. Since 1999, Coastal Carpet and Tile has offered Emerald Coast homes and businesses luxury vinyl tile, waterproof flooring, laminate, hardwood, tile, vinyl, area rugs and carpet. Visit the beautiful showroom at 36070 Emerald Coast Pkwy., in Destin, to see products and learn more about its interior design and installation services. For more information, please call (850) 269-0303 or

Read the October 2024 Issue of Destin Life

CJ’s Hangout is New Family Friendly Destin Sports Bar for Locals

On Oct. 15, new Destin restaurant CJ’s Hangout celebrated a ribbon cutting with the Destin Chamber. CJ's Hangout is a full service, family friendly sports bar catering to locals. The menu features pizza, wings, salads and subs. Come meet your friends, watch all the games, play music bingo, sing karaoke, and more!  Visit CJ's Hangout at 385 Harbor Blvd., Ste. 2, in Destin. Find out more at CjsHangout.com.

The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach Offers Gulf Coast Resident Rate*

Collegiate High School Students Honored for Accomplishments

Collegiate High School at Northwest Florida State College continues to uphold its tradition of academic excellence, as demonstrated by several significant achievements. We are thrilled to announce that two of our students, Camille Peck and Roy Thomas, have been named Semi-Finalists for the National Merit Scholarship Program. These exceptional students now have the opportunity to advance to the final stage of the competition, where nearly $28 million in scholarships will be awarded. The National Merit®

Gulfarium CARE Center Releases Rehabilitated Sea Turtles, Including Critically Endangered Kemp’s Rid

A heartwarming scene unfolded today at Inlet Beach Regional Access as the Gulfarium CARE Center released two rehabilitated sea turtles back into the Gulf of Mexico. Among the attendees were evacuees from Southern Florida, seeking relief from Hurricane Milton’s devastation. For many, the turtle release offered a much-needed moment of hope and inspiration. Locals, tourists, and evacuees alike gathered to witness the triumphant return of these resilient sea turtles to their natural habitat, symbolizing

Eglin Federal Credit Union names Cathie Staton new President/CEO

The board of directors has appointed Cathie Staton as the new President/CEO of Eglin Federal Credit Union effective Oct. 28, 2024. She succeeds Jerry Williams who is retiring after 30 years of service with Eglin FCU, the last 10 years as President/CEO. Under Williams’ leadership assets grew by more than $1 billion to nearly $2.9 billion with 124,000 members worldwide. He is well known for his involvement in several area chambers of commerce, economic development councils and nonprofit organizations. He

Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County Announces Newest Art In Public Spaces Project Celebrating Walton County Fair Centennial

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) is proud to announce that local artist Sarah Page has been selected from the CAA’s pre-vetted Public Artist Directory and commissioned to create a vibrant large-scale mural at the Walton County Fairgrounds located at 790 N. 9th Street in DeFuniak Springs. With support from the Walton County Tourism Department, the CAA partnered with the Walton County Fair Board to produce this installation as part of the fair’s upcoming Centennial Celebration.   Measuring

HarborWalk Village Seeking Sponsors & Vendors for Nov. 9 Blues, Brews & BBQ Event

Get ready for a flavorful showdown at the annual Blues Brews & BBQs event, where culinary creativity meets community spirit! This exciting competition invites local restaurants to showcase their culinary masterpieces to more than 1,500 guests while supporting local charities. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Destin Harbor, guests can stroll through vibrant tasting stations featuring innovative BBQ styles, fresh coastal dishes, and refreshing local craft brews. With 20+ tasting booths on hand,

Time for the Best in Destin 2025 Ballot

Enter your nominations for VIP Destin Magazine's Best in Destin 2025 once per day between Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. at 12:01 AM and Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, at 11:59 PM Central Time. You can vote once per day between Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, at 12:01 AM and Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, at 11:59 PM Central Time. Click here to participate.

HOTWORX Destin Celebrates 1-Year Anniversary

HOTWORX Destin celebrated its 1-year anniversary on Sept. 21, with great food from Crawfish Billie, vendors, raffles, and discounts. The event included a special appearance from legacy virtual instructor Maria Barr from Ocean Springs, Miss. HOTWORX members enjoy unlimited, 24-hour access to virtually instructed, infrared sauna workouts and achieve their fitness goals with 3D Training, a powerful combination of heat, infrared energy, and exercise. Visit http://www.hotworx.net/studio/destin or call (850)

Gulfarium Offers 2025 Resident Pass For Purchase in October Only

For a limited time only, from Oct. 1-31, you can secure your 2025 Resident Pass for $64.99 and enjoy unlimited visits* to Gulfarium throughout the upcoming year and the rest of this year! But hurry—this fall-exclusive offer is only available until Oct. 31!*Blackout dates apply: November 23, 2024 - December 1, 2024; December 26, 2024 - January 3, 2025; March 15 - April 6; May 24 - September 1; November 22 - November 30. Passes are valid from the date of purchase until December 20, 2025.Claim your pass

Warren Averett's Branden Crosby Participates in Leadership Northwest Florida Program

Branden Crosby, CPA, is a Member in Warren Averett's Tax Division, has been selected to participate in Leadership Northwest Florida’s Class III.  Leadership Northwest Florida is an educational program offered to industry leaders that helps them grow their knowledgebase, networks and skillsets. This year’s class is composed of 17 participants from a variety of backgrounds.  Class III participants will be immersed in a seven-month educational program focused on regional collaboration. They will meet other

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Destin Offers Chamber Members 30% Off Meeting Room Rates

Learn more about the Marriott Elite Experience here.

A Call for Festival of the Arts Volunteers

  Greetings Fabulous Volunteers! It's time for the 29th annual Festival of the Arts! We are looking forward to an amazing weekend of spectacular art, music, comradery and FOOD! We could not present this fantastic festival without the help of MANY volunteers. Stephanie Shea is our 2024 volunteer coordinator., you can reach her at sshea@boemortgage.com or call/text her at 850-217-2833 with any questions. She will also be your day(s) of event point of contact, so please give her a courtesy call or text

Family Bay Day 2024 Brings Community Together to Celebrate Choctawhatchee Bay's Natural Beauty

The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA), in partnership with the Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Program and with financial support from the Mattie Kelly Environmental Initiative through the Northwest Florida State College Foundation, successfully hosted Family Bay Day at Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park on Saturday, September 28, 2024. Over 450 attendees gathered to celebrate the beauty and ecological significance of the Choctawhatchee Bay.  The event was a resounding success. It offered activities and

Destin-Fort Walton Beach and the SS United States Conservancy Take First Step Toward World's Largest Artificial Reef

Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida, and the SS United States Conservancy announced today that the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners has approved a contingent contract to acquire the SS United States that could see the historic ocean liner converted into the world’s largest artificial reef. Part of the deal would also include funding from the county to support the Conservancy’s establishment of an innovative landbased museum that will provide divers, local residents and visitors an opportunity to

Eco Clean Marine Leads Successful Trash Pickup at Fort Morgan Fire Station One

Eco Clean Marine brought the community together in a remarkable effort to keep our beaches clean this past weekend at Fort Morgan Fire Station One. In just one hour, 112 enthusiastic volunteers managed to collect a staggering 400 5-gallon buckets of trash, helping protect marine life and preserve our beautiful coastline. The event, organized by Eco Clean Marine, saw families, friends, and eco-warriors from all over the area gather for a fun and impactful Saturday morning. Armed with gloves, buckets, and

Food For Thought 2023-2024 Annual Report

For more information, or to view the report, click HERE.

A Superior Air Conditioning Company Introduces the Ecobee Thermostat

A Superior Air Conditioning Company is a team of local experts that truly care about each and every person living in Northwest Florida. Our service before self-commitment is well established with over 23 years of hard work and continual giving back. Our consumer incentive plans are designed to provide even more care to Veterans, First-Responders and you. It’s all about looking after the communities we live, work and play in. It’s all about looking after you with exceptional care and never giving up on a

Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative Helps Over 50 Adults Earn High School Diplomas

The Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative (OCPLC) is proud to announce the successful graduation of 52 students from the Career Online High School program over a five-year period. The program seeks to help adults achieve their high school diploma despite many obstacles they have encountered in their lives. Individuals who participate in Career Online High School are stay-at-home moms, working parents and business owners with dreams of bettering their life through education. Their high school education

Shane Moody Named State Chamber Association's Executive of the Year

The Florida Association of Chamber Professionals (FACP) awarded Destin Chamber President & CEO Shane A. Moody (right), CCE, FCCP, with its prestigious Executive of the Year Award, during the organization’s Annual Conference, held September 24-25, 2024, at the Boca Raton Marriott at Boca Center in Boca Raton, FL. The award was presented by FACP Chair-Elect Noel Martinez, President & CEO of the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce.  The award recognizes a chamber executive who has made outstanding

Learn More About Destin City Council Candidates at October 1 Forum

Hear from the candidates for Destin City Council, during an Oct. 1 Candidates Forum Sponsored by the Destin Chamber and Emerald Coast Association of Realtors.  The forum format will include opening and closing statements from each candidate. There will be a series of questions from the Destin Chamber and ECAR.  Chamber Chairman of the Board Christian Carlee and ECAR's Director of Government Affairs Melissa Garza will be the moderators.  Questions from the Chamber and ECAR will rotate throughout the forum. 

Share With A Veteran & First Responder - Free Appreciation Luncheon!

Veterans & First Responders Free Appreciation Luncheon

The Barrett School Combines STEM, Outdoor Activities & Play Theory to Inspire Pre-K Through 12th Grade Students

On Sept. 20, The Barrett School celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting. The Barrett School's mission is to cultivate a diverse community of learners, from Pre-K through 12th grade, by harnessing the power of hands-on STEM education, integrated with play theory and the boundless classroom of the outdoors.  Embracing both atypical and neurotypical students, The Barrett School commits to nurturing curious, innovative and empathetic minds prepared to thrive in both the natural world and the

LuLu’s Restaurant Group Announces New Corporate President & COO, Johnny Fisher

Lucy Buffett, founder, and owner of LuLu’s restaurants with locations in Gulf Shores, AL, Destin, FL and North Myrtle Beach, SC, announces Johnny Fisher as the new President and COO. A native of Mobile, AL, Fisher has a long-time impressive background in the restaurant industry, including being the General Manager of LuLu’s in Gulf Shores from 2005 to 2012. “I am thrilled to have Johnny Fisher take the helm of LuLu’s,” commented Lucy Buffett. “There is no question that he was responsible for putting our

Cumulus Media Rocker 99ROCK/99.5 WKSM-FM Brings Stroke Mastro to Mornings in Fort Walton Beach, FL, as On-Air Host of “The Morning Movement” With Taryn Driggers

Cumulus Media (NASDAQ: CMLS) announces that it has appointed Stroke Mastro as On-Air Host, Mornings, 99ROCK/99.5 WKSM -FM in Fort Walton Beach, FL. Mastro joins Taryn Driggers on “The Morning Movement” Monday through Friday from 6-10 a.m., for the Emerald Coast’s destination morning wake-up show. Mastro was most recently heard as a five-year cast member of “That Damn Show” on Audacy Rock station, 98 Rock/KRXQ-FM in Sacramento, CA. Prior to that, Mastro spent 13 years at Magic Broadcasting Rock station

10th Annual Eggs On the Beach Cooking Competition Partners with Tony Chachere’s Seasonings and Angel’s Envy To Bring More Options to 2024 Event

The Emerald Coast’s official Big Green Egg EggFest cooking competition, Eggs on the Beach is celebrating its 10th Anniversary on Nov. 2, and is partnering with two well-known brands—Tony Chachere’s Seasonings and Angel’s Envy—to enhance the cooking competition. Presented by Bay Breeze Patio, the beloved annual event will include more categories for cook teams to compete, and more opportunities for tasters to sample delicious bites and beverages. Held at Seascape Towne Center in Miramar Beach, cook teams

Okaloosa County School District Releases 2023-2024 Annual Report Highlighting Educational Excellence

The Okaloosa County School District is proud to present its 2023-2024 Annual Report, which comprehensively looks at its remarkable achievements and ongoing commitment to educational excellence. As an A+ school district, the report highlights the accomplishments of our students, teachers, staff, and administrators, reflecting a shared dedication to fostering academic success and preparing future leaders. It also showcases key milestones in safety, modern innovation, continuous learning, and community

Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon Appointed to Multiple FAC Committees

Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon was recently appointed to serve as a policy leader in Florida Association of Counties’ (FAC) Health, Safety & Justice and Agriculture & Rural Affairs policy committees. FAC’s policy committees are responsible for proposing, debating and adopting policy positions that focus on improving and preserving home rule of Florida’s counties. “I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as Okaloosa County’s representative to help guide public policy at the state level,”

Melissa Read Honored as Destin Chamber’s Business Person of the Quarter

During the Destin Chamber’s Sept. 18 Tourism & Hospitality Lunch, Melissa Read, General Manager of the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center, was honored with the Chamber’s Business Person of the Quarter Award. This award is presented directly from the Chamber’s Board of Directors to a Destin area businessperson showing vision for his or her business and leadership in our community.  “Melissa has done a great job turning around the direction of the convention center. She’s been willing to work with

Florida Ranks #1 in Education Freedom for Third Year in a Row

Today, the Heritage Foundation announced that Florida ranks #1 in Education Freedom for the third year in a row. This achievement is a direct result of Florida’s priorities to expand school choice, support parental rights in education, and ensure that families can make the best educational choice for their individual child. The Education Freedom Report Card began in 2022, and Florida has earned the top ranking every year since its inception.  “Florida has enacted policies that allow parents to direct where

CALM Furniture Resale/Decor Store Now Accepting Christmas Items

Step One Niceville Kicks Off Spotlight Charity of the Month Campaign with $500 Donation to Sharing & Caring

Step One Niceville has launched its Spotlight Charity of the Month Campaign to support local nonprofit organizations. The campaign kicked off with a $500 donation to Sharing & Caring of Niceville, a nonprofit focused on providing food and assistance to those in need. The donation was presented on Aug. 28 as part of Step One's ongoing commitment to giving back to the communities it serves. Sharing & Caring was selected as the inaugural organization for the Spotlight Charity of the Month Campaign, featuring

Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, Inc. Honors Second Quarter Real Estate Top Producers, Diane Green and Mark DeSalvo

Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, Inc. is delighted to announce the recognition of two outstanding real estate professionals for their performance in the 2nd Quarter of 2024. Diane Green has been named the Top Sales Agent, and Mark DeSalvo earned the title of Top Listing Agent. Both agents have demonstrated unparalleled dedication and expertise, solidifying their status as leaders in the Emerald Coast real estate market. Diane Green’s real estate career spans 39 years, during which she has been instrumental

2024 Honorary Commanders Selection

Congratulations to those selected for the 2024 Honorary Commanders Program at Eglin Air Force Base! 96th Test Wing, BG MassaroBernard Johnson 96th Test Wing Vice Commander, Col TauerBarbra Britt 96th Operations Group, Col BryantJames Hale 96th Mission Support Group, Col HagemyerKelly Jasen 96th Civil Engineering Group, Col Michelle "Lindsey" SterlingDavid Butler 96th Maintenance Group, Col MorelandRocky Hudson 96th Cyberspace Test Group, Col HoffmanAmanda Negron 96th Medical Group, Col BroughTodd

Read the September 2024 Issue of Destin Life

Hello Frances Podcast: Let it Change You - The Fight Against Normal

This week on the Hello Frances Podcast, Shantelle shares a deeply personal story about the profound impact of losing her grandfather, Roy. She opens up about feeling adrift in the wake of his passing and discusses her choice to stop struggling to return to the "normal" she once knew. Instead, she is embracing the reality that this significant loss has changed her. Join us for a heartfelt conversation on grief, healing, and navigating life’s most transformative moments.Listen now.

Read the September 2024 Issue of VIP Destin Magazine

Tenth Annual Signature Event, Houndfest X, to Benefit Alaqua Animal Refuge

Idyll Hounds Brewing Company’s signature event, Houndfest X, will take place Thursday - Saturday, September 26 - 28 with proceeds benefiting Alaqua Animal Refuge.   To kick off the signature event, Idyll Hounds Brewing Company is partnering with Back Beach Barbecue for a VIP dining experience on Thursday, September 26 from 6-9 p.m. at the brewery. Attendees will get an exclusive preview of a few select Houndfest releases and have the opportunity to mix and mingle with brew masters that will be featured

Okaloosa County School District STEMM Academy Student Recognized Among Top 300 Junior Innovators

Okaloosa County School District Celebrates the Grand Opening of Lewis School's New Football Stadium

Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County Announces Installation of 10 Murals In U.S. Highway 98 Pedestrian Underpass

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) is proud to announce that original murals commissioned and created by 10 local artists were recently installed on the walls of Walton County’s first pedestrian underpass at U.S. Highway 98 in Inlet Beach, which opened to the public over Labor Day weekend. The 136-foot-long underpass frames the east end of Walton County at the high-traffic corner of Hwy. 98 and County Hwy. 30A, both designated scenic corridors.   The installation includes artworks by

Sinfonia Gulf Coast Presents A New Offering Luminescence: Catalyst By Candlelight at Seaside Chapel

Sinfonia Gulf Coast ignites its 2024-2025 season with Luminescence: Catalyst by Candlelight, a captivating concert featuring the Grammy Award-winning Catalyst Quartet on Thursday, Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m. This intimate evening of classical music will illuminate the architecturally stunning Seaside Chapel in the Town of Seaside. A diverse program called Intersections will include three pieces by Paquito D’Rivera, Catalyst Quartet’s arrangement of Astor Piazzolla’s Suite del Angel, George Gershwin’s Lullaby and

Warren Averett Makes Accounting Today's Best Accounting Firms To Work For 2024 List

Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors has been named the top firm in the large firm category (250+ employees) on Accounting Today’s 2024 Best Accounting Firms To Work For list for the third consecutive year.  This list celebrates leading employers within the accounting profession. Accounting Today partners with Best Companies Group to conduct anonymous employee surveys and rank companies based on workplace policies, practices, philosophies, systems and demographics. The combined scores determine the top

Curaleaf Offers Premium Medical Marijuana Products in Destin

On Sept. 5, Curaleaf celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting. Curaleaf is dedicated to providing premium, safe and reliable medical marijuana products to its customers. The store is located at the entrance to Kelly Plantation next to Sleep Number. For more information, hours of operation, product list, and more, visit https://curaleaf.com/shop/florida/curaleaf-dispensary-destin.

Jan Hayse Promoted to President of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida proudly announces the promotion of Jan Hayse to President. Hayse, who previously served as Chief Operating Officer, will now take on an expanded leadership role overseeing all aspects of the brokerage’s operations across Northwest Florida. “Jan has been a driving force behind our company’s success for over a decade,” said Hunter Harman, Founding Partner at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida. “Her promotion to President is

Tickets for Sinfonia Gulf Coast's Stellar 2024-2025 Season On Sale Now

Gulf Coast Sexual Assault Program Seeking Volunteers

Gulf Coast Sexual Assault Program is seeking 18 volunteers to provide a direct service for its victims. A direct service can include things like yoga therapy, art therapy, support group, equine therapy, going through our donation closet and packing bags for our advocates to take victims at the hospital exams, financial literacy class, etc. Service can be as little as one hour of your time.  The direct service volunteer will have to fill out the Level 2 and/or 3 paperwork and follow the procedures. Download

11th Annual Stock the Pantry Party Is A Success

Food For Thought thanks the dedicated teams and generous sponsors for making the 11th Annual Stock the Pantry Party a success!  More than 37,000 food items were donated and more than $35,000 was raised.

Eco Clean Marine Makes a Splash with Trash Pick-Up at Sharky's Beachfront Restaurant

Eco Clean Marine took to the sands of Panama City Beach this past weekend, proving once again that teamwork and a passion for the environment can turn a sunny Saturday into a fun and fulfilling adventure. Our destination? The iconic Sharky's Beachfront Restaurant, where the mission was simple: pick up trash, save marine life, and have a great time doing it! With the Gulf of Mexico as our backdrop, six enthusiastic volunteers joined forces for one hour of dedicated trash collecting. Armed with nothing but

Destin Methodist Church Offers GriefShare and DivorceCare Support Groups to the Community

GriefShare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life's most difficult experiences. You don't have to go through the grieving process alone. GriefShare seminars and support groups are led by people who understand what you are going through and want to help. We look forward to helping you and your family and loved ones get through the loss of your family member or friend. This group meets every Thursday from 1 - 3 p.m., through Oct. 31, 2024.DivorceCare is a safe

NWFSC Foundation Hosted its Annual Board Installation and Recognition Ceremony

The Northwest Florida State College Foundation held its Annual Board Installation and Recognition Reception on Thursday, August 22, 2024, to welcome new Foundation directors, recognize new officers, thank outgoing directors, and highlight some of the Foundation’s many accomplishments within the last year. Alan Wood, 2023-2024 Foundation Board Chair, recognized the Foundation’s two outgoing board members, Dr. Bo Arnold, past Foundation Board Chair; and Gordon King, Chief Executive Officer at Okaloosa Gas

Junior League of the Emerald Coast Hosts the Second Annual Toast on the Coast to Benefit the Child Clothing Project

The Junior League of the Emerald Coast (JLEC) will host their second annual Toast on the Coast fundraising event on Friday and Saturday, September 27-28, at Henderson Beach Resort to benefit a great cause while enjoying culinary delights from participating vendors.  Proceeds from Toast on the Coast will go to benefit the Junior League of the Emerald Coast's mission and help support their community impact projects such as the Child Clothing Project which annually clothes 300-400 children in Okaloosa and

Hello Frances Podcast: Stepping Away - Balancing Business and Life's Major Moments

This week on the Hello Frances Podcast, Shantelle delves into a deeply personal topic: the emotional and practical aspects of stepping away from your business to honor significant family events. Don’t miss this candid discussion filled with practical advice and personal reflections.Listen now.

The Thirty Second Annual Emerald Coast National Juried Fine Art Exhibition

Mattie Kelly Art Center Galleries at Northwest Florida State College presents the Thirty-Second Annual Emerald Coast National (ECN) Juried Fine Art Exhibition! This year's Emerald Coast National includes work by eighteen artists. Artists represented in the 2024 ECN tend to be either emerging artists or established teaching art faculty nationwide. The Emerald Coast National began regionally, and this year's show includes several Florida artists. This year's guest judge was Sarah Knobel, Professor of Art

Read the August 2024 Issue of Destin Life

Get Back to Passionate, Purposeful Life with GameDay Men’s Health-Destin

On Aug. 22, GameDay Men’s Health-Destin celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting. GameDay Men's Health can help get your testosterone levels back to what they should be, so you can live your passionate, purposeful life. Enjoy free TRT tests, no contracts, man cave offices, and more.  For more information, visit GameDayMensHealth.com/destin or call (850) 250-1201. The new location is inside Regatta Commons at 4477 Legendary Dr. Ste. 201, in Destin.

Northwest Florida State College Energy Program Earns Best-In-Class Award

A dedicated 10 year-long effort to create healthier, more efficient buildings not only paid off financially for Northwest Florida State College but is earning industry recognition for setting an example for others to follow.   Northwest Florida State College has cut expected energy use by 61.9 percent since partnering with Cenergistic, the pioneer and leading provider of technology-enabled conservation services, which presented the NWFSC Board of Trustees its Cenergistic Best-In-Class Award on August

Call for Student Artists: Participate in the 2024 Art Show at the Northwest Florida Fair

The Arts & Design Society (ADSO) is excited to announce the upcoming Student Art Show, open to high school, middle school, and elementary school students from Northwest Florida. This event is a fantastic opportunity for young artists to showcase their creativity and compete for cash prizes. Registration will be Friday, September 20, 11 AM – 4 PM or Saturday, September 21, 9 AM – 12 PM.   *No late entries will be accepted.   Reception and Awards Presentation will be on Sunday, September 22, 2 PM – 4 PM,

Vitas Healthcare Opens In-Patient Destin Location

On Aug. 20, Vitas Healthcare celebrated its new Destin location with a ribbon cutting. VITAS Healthcare offers in-patient and out-patient hospice care, pain and symptom management, and psychosocial support. Its hospice care experts are available 24/7 to answer questions and provide support. The Destin location is at 195 Mattie Kelly Blvd., in the rear of the Destination Health and Rehabilitation building. There is also a nearby Niceville location at 4576 E. Hwy. 20, in Bluewater Bay. For more

Destin Sport Clips is Award-Winning

Sport Clips leaders and managers from all over the United States and Canada (1,800 stores) met in Nashville, Tenn., recently to celebrate the National Huddle 2024 Conference and National Awards.    The Sport Clips teams met with industry favorites, educators and enjoyed celebrations with THE LOOK contest and BATTLE OF THE HAIR Contest. The Destin Sport Clips Store received the acclaimed CHAIRMANS CLUB award for attaining top performance in all areas of performance, PRO Stylist metrics, and client

Okaloosa County School District Announces Graduation Dates for the Class of 2025

Mark Your Calendars! The Okaloosa County School District is thrilled to announce the graduation dates, times, and locations for the Class of 2025. For those unable to attend in person, we’ve got you covered—these special events will be live-streamed. Stay tuned for streaming links, which will be available in May!

Stay Connected with the Okaloosa County School District: Two Essential Apps

Are you staying informed about the latest news from the Okaloosa County School District? Parents and guardians can easily access their student's schedule, grades, and attendance by downloading the FOCUS App. Additionally, stay updated with school and district news, events, documents, and emergency notifications through the OCSD Apptegy App. Both apps are available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play. For more information, visit www.okaloosaschools.com.

Community Comes Together for Students: Nine Schools, 90 Volunteers, and 540 Volunteer Hours

In a display of community spirit, 90 dedicated volunteers successfully prepared nine schools in the Okaloosa County School District (OCSD) for the 2024-2025 academic year. The collective effort, totaling 540 volunteer hours, underscores a strong partnership between the district and local organizations, ensuring an enriched educational environment for students. Volunteers from HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, Eglin Federal Credit Union, Florida Power and Light, and Hurlburt Field Air Force Base were

ECCAC announces Serena Campbell as new CFO

The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) announced they have a new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) on their staff, Serena Campbell.     Lee Curtis, ECCAC’s Director of Development commented, “We are so glad to have Serena on board with us, this is the first time over the years that we have hired a CFO. She is professionally qualified, has an excellent background, and is well suited for her new position.”   Born in Tampa, FL, Serena Campbell was a military child who relocated with her

SmartBank Earns 2024 Great Place to Work Certification

SmartBank is proud to announce that we have been Certified™ by Great Place To Work® for the first time this year. This prestigious recognition is based entirely on what our associates say about their experience working at SmartBank. This year, 94% of our associates said SmartBank is a great place to work—significantly higher than the average U.S. company. You can view our profile on the Great Place To Work® website here.  Great Place To Work® is the global authority on workplace culture, employee

HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital Announces Patrick McVey as Chief Operating Officer

HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital has announced the appointment of Patrick C. McVey, MBA, BSN, RN, as chief operating officer.  McVey, whose new role was effective June 24, comes to the hospital with a distinguished background in healthcare management. Most recently, he served as regional vice president for HCA Healthcare's North Florida and South Atlantic divisions, where he oversaw patient logistics including behavioral health, centralized patient placement, transfer center operations, and

HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital was honored with the 2022 Excellence for Maternal Care Award

HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital has been presented the 2022 Excellence for Maternal Care Awards from the Florida Department of Health and the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. This award, given to 31 hospitals across the state, recognizes those facilities demonstrating a commitment to maternal health care and supporting health outcomes for mothers and newborns.    These awards recognize hospitals surpassing the Healthy People 2030 target goal of 23.6% for optimizing cesarean section

Four Endangered Sea Turtles Released Back into the Gulf by Gulfarium CARE Center at Inlet Beach

Today, Gulfarium CARE Center, a leading organization in Florida for rescuing and rehabilitating bycatch endangered sea turtles, celebrated the release of four rehabilitated sea turtles at Inlet Beach Regional Access. The event drew a diverse crowd of beachgoers, volunteers, sea turtle advocates, and school students who came to witness this remarkable marine conservation effort. The Gulfarium CARE Center, based in the Destin-Fort Walton area, regularly conducts releases at locations like Inlet Beach to

Hello Frances Podcast: Permission to Pass: It's Okay to Say No to Giving Advice

This week on the Hello Frances Podcast, our host Shantelle Dedicke discusses the importance of knowing when to give advice and when to abstain, particularly when you don’t feel qualified. She shares her recent reflections on being more selective and deliberate with her guidance, explaining how advice can sometimes hinder others from finding their own way. Tune in to hear more about her insights on this delicate balance!Listen now.

Okaloosa County Takes Major Step Toward New Shoal River Ranch Water Reclamation Facility

Okaloosa County has taken a major step forward in expanding wastewater treatment capacity for future north Okaloosa needs, by issuing an “Intent to Award” to J&P Construction Co. to construct the Shoal River Ranch Water Reclamation Facility (SRRWRF). J&P Construction was found to be the lowest responsive bidder, following a competitive sealed bid. “The need and demand for sewer services for north Okaloosa residents and businesses continues to grow,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon. “The

Okaloosa County School District Encourages All Families to Apply for Free or Reduced School Meals for the 2024-25 School Year

As the new school year begins on August 12th, we invite ALL families to apply for Free or Reduced School Meals by visiting www.myschoolapps.com. Even if your family was approved for Free or Reduced meals last year, you must reapply for the 2024-25 school year. A 30-day grace period will be in effect, but it's crucial to complete your application as soon as possible. Why should ALL families apply, even if you think you might not be eligible? Because you might be surprised—many families qualify without

Superintendent Marcus Chambers Welcomes Students and Families Back to the 2024 – 2025 School Year

Hello Students and Parents, I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. As we embark on another exciting academic year, I want to extend a heartfelt welcome to each and every one of you. Whether you’re returning students or new faces, we’re thrilled to have you as part of our Okaloosa County family. Having been an educator for over two decades, I understand the importance of creating a nurturing and supportive environment for our students. As a parent myself, I share your hopes and dreams

Sinfonia Gulf Coast Announces Open Registration for 2024-2025 Music Education Programs

Sinfonia Gulf Coast is excited to announce that registration is now open for the 2024-2025 Music Education programs. As the only program affiliated with a professional orchestra in the Emerald Coast region, the Sinfonia Youth Orchestra (SYO) offers student musicians unparalleled opportunities to enhance their musical talents and perform in a variety of ensembles throughout the school year under the mentorship of professional musicians. Programs include the Symphonic Orchestra, for intermediate to advanced

Don't Miss the Chance to Place Your Business in the Spotlight | Advertise in Bravo! Beat

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida Welcomes New Governing Board of Directors Leadership

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida is thrilled to announce our new Governing Board of Directors leadership. We are proud to have a compassionate and dedicated group of individuals who are committed to doing whatever it takes to help change children's lives for the better and with their guidance, we are confident we will continue to thrive and reach new heights. Our staff is eager to work alongside this exceptional team to set and achieve our goals for the coming fiscal year and beyond. Please

Artist Kelly Pierre Named 2024 Festival of the Arts Poster Contest Winner

Alaqua Animal Refuge Hosts Animoré Weekend Featuring the Bluegrass Barn Jam

Alaqua Animal Refuge is thrilled to announce the return of the Animoré Weekend with the exciting addition of the Bluegrass Barn Jam! This vibrant event, set for Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, promises to be an unforgettable day of music, community, and support for animal welfare. The Bluegrass Barn Jam features an outstanding lineup of nationally and regionally recognized Bluegrass acts, set to perform across multiple stages on the beautiful and expansive Alaqua property. Music enthusiasts and animal lovers

Okaloosa County School District Transportation Department Announces 2024-2025 School Bus Schedule

The Okaloosa County School District Transportation Department has released the bus routes for the 2024-2025 school year. Families and guardians can easily find their students' bus routes by visiting Bus Routes. In addition, the district is excited to introduce Bus Bulletin, a notification system designed to keep parents informed of any unexpected delays or schedule changes affecting their student’s bus. Understanding the importance of student safety and punctuality, this system provides timely updates to

Sinfonia Gulf Coast Launches Stellar 2024-2024 Season

Entering its 19th season, Sinfonia Gulf Coast continues its tradition of "redefining" the symphony experience. Led by Music & Artistic Director Demetrius Fuller, the region’s only fully professional symphony orchestra aims to entertain, educate, and inspire the Northwest Florida Gulf coast. Sinfonia is elated to present a sensational lineup of concerts for the 2024-2025 season. From the revolutionary talents of Grammy award-winning composer and harmonica player and pianist Howard Levy, to the powerhouse

Northwest Florida State College Invites Stakeholders to Participate in the Presidential Search

Northwest Florida State College invites the College community throughout Okaloosa and Walton Counties to provide feedback on the next president of the College. Alongside meetings scheduled for students, faculty, and staff, the College encourages community leaders and members of the public to attend town halls and complete a survey as the Board of Trustees kicks off the presidential search. Two Town Hall meetings will be open to the public in August: On Monday, August 12, 2024, at 5 p.m., join the College

Bit-Wizards Earns #5 Spot on Top 100 Best Companies List

Bit-Wizards was recently named one of Florida's Best Companies To Work For for its 15th consecutive year. The annual Best Companies To Work For In Florida list featured in the August issue of Florida Trend magazine ranks 100 companies in small, medium, and large employer categories.   "We're so excited to be named to the Florida Trend Best Workplaces list for the 15th year in a row! Our company culture is vital to our success, and we live our core values daily. This recognition shows our team's fantastic

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida Hosts Annual Fenner Ride Cycling Event

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida, along with the West Florida Wheelmen Bicycle Club, present the annual Fenner Ride on Oct. 26, 2024. This cycling event gives riders a unique chance to experience Northwest Florida's native wildlife, natural environments, and beautiful scenery along the Blackwater Heritage Trail. The ride will start at 7:30 a.m. the Clyde L. Gracey Community Center, located at 5629 Byrom St. Milton, Fla. Participants of all skill levels will have the opportunity to choose the

TalkingParents Ranks #3 on Top 100 Best Companies List

TalkingParents was recently named one of Florida's Best Small Companies To Work For, landing a top 5 accolade in its inaugural year on the list. The annual Best Companies To Work For In Florida list featured in the August issue of Florida Trend magazine ranks 100 companies in small, medium, and large employer categories.    "We are thrilled and honored to receive our first Florida Trends Best Workplaces award! Our dedication to our core values and employees has created a wonderful work culture. Everyone

Community Non-profits Invited to Enter a Cook Team in Eggs on the Beach Big Green Egg Cooking Competition

Bay Breeze Patio will host the 10th Annual “Eggs on the Beach” EggFest Grilling Competition, Nov. 2, at Seascape Resort in Miramar Beach. To enhance the grilling competition, Bay Breeze Patio is waiving the registration fee for non-profit cook teams. Grill masters are invited to register a team to benefit a designated charity, and compete for a chance to win a cash donation toward the cause. The non-profit team with the most “Taster” votes will earn the title of “best bite” and a $3,500 donation. “The

HighSpeedInternet.com Rates Cox the Fastest U.S. Broadband Provider

In its recently released 2024 annual review, HighSpeedInternet.com (HSI) ranked Cox as the fastest ISP in the nation based on average download speeds for all of 2023. Cox claimed the top spot by delivering average year-long download speeds of 238 Mbps across the country, a full 10 Mbps ahead of its nearest competitor.  “As consumers continue to introduce more connected devices in their homes, the need for fast fiber-powered broadband becomes increasingly important,” said David Deliman, Cox’s Gulf Coast

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Announces Call for the 29th Annual Festival of the Arts Collaborative Art Exhibit

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) is now accepting applications for the Adult Collaborative Art Exhibit component of the 29th annual Festival of the Arts (Friday, Oct. 25 (Arty Kick Off Party at Henderson Beach Resort in Destin) Oct. 26-27 (Festival weekend)) at the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village in Destin, Florida. One of the unique features of MKAF’s Festival of the Arts is the Collaborative Art Exhibit, which showcases the work of seasoned and emerging adult artists and local student artists

Okaloosa County School District Hosts Kindergarten Kickstart for Students 2024

The first day of kindergarten often brings a blend of excitement, confusion, and anxiety for young students. Successful transitions from preschool to kindergarten depend on strong connections between schools and families and between preschool and kindergarten teachers. The Okaloosa County School District offers various activities to support this transition, including the "Kindergarten Kickstart" program at ten Title I schools. This initiative allows incoming kindergarteners to enter the classroom before

A Wave of Clean Fun at Gulf Shores Trash Pickup Event

This past weekend, the parking lot on the east side of The Hangout in Gulf Shores buzzed with energy and community spirit as Eco Clean Marine teamed up with Alabama Young Professionals for a trash pick-up event that combined fun, hard work, and a deep commitment to the environment. 45 enthusiastic volunteers rolled up their sleeves and got to work, making the most of their two-hour mission to keep our beloved waterways clean. Armed with 113 five-gallon buckets, they scoured the area and collected an

High Humidity Combined with Higher Temps Can Lead to Life-Threatening Conditions

With elevated to significant threats of excessive heat in Florida over the next several days, doctors at local-area hospitals are bracing for an influx of patients suffering from heat exhaustion and life-threatening heat stroke.  The chief culprit? High humidity levels which, combined with rising air temperatures, create dangerously hot conditions. “We tend to set aside the dangers of heat when we don’t hear about extreme or record-breaking temperatures, but with high humidity, the heat index can sneak up

Okaloosa County Receives A Rating from the Florida Department of Education

The Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) has released school grades for the state, and the Okaloosa County School District (OCSD) has again earned an A rating for the 2023-2024 school year. OCSD earned 772 out of 1200 possible points, achieving 64% of the total possible points under a new grading scale approved by the State Board of Education. The newly approved grading scale for the 2023-24 school year establishes different criteria for elementary schools versus middle, high, and combination schools.

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Named Kelly Pierre As The 2024 Festival of the Arts Poster Contest Winner.

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) has named Kelly Pierre of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, the 2024 Festival of the Arts poster contest winner.  Recognized as one of Northwest Florida’s premier fine art shows, the Festival of the Arts, produced by MKAF, is one of the most anticipated cultural events of the year on the Emerald Coast. This year’s 29th annual event will kick off on Friday, Oct 25 evening with the Arty Kick Off Party at The Henderson in Destin. The Festival weekend follows on Saturday, Oct. 26,

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Awarded $30,000 National Grant By Emeril Lagasse Foundation

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) — Northwest Florida’s champion of the arts for all abilities — recently was awarded $30,000 (one of four national grants totaling $127,000) from the Emeril Lagasse Foundation.  Founded in 2002 by Chef Emeril Lagasse and his wife Alden, Emeril Lagasse Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity headquartered in New Orleans. The Foundation’s mission is to create opportunities to inspire, mentor, and enable youth to reach their full potential. Since its inception, Emeril

Destin Chamber Trustees Invite Local First Responders to Appreciation Cookout on Sept. 11, 2024

The Destin Chamber Trustee members are celebrating and thanking local first responders with a free cookout on Wednesday, Sept. 11. They will be grilling hamburgers and hot dogs at Destin Fire Station #9 at 848 Airport Road, in Destin, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. All police officers, firefighters, medical personnel, beach safety, EMS and military are invited. Trustee membership is the highest membership level in the Destin Chamber, and it shows a significant commitment to and investment in the Chamber and in

Gameday Men's Health Opens in Destin

Gameday Men's Health is excited to announce its newest location in Destin, Florida, and invites the community to join them for a ribbon cutting with the Destin and Greater Fort Walton Beach chambers of commerce on Thursday, Aug. 22, at 4 p.m. It will be followed by an Open House from 4 - 7 p.m., at 4477 Legendary Drive, Ste. 201, Destin, FL. The Grand Opening Celebration will give guests the chance to explore the man-cave-inspired clinic, meet the team of experts, learn about all the services and

Hello Frances Podcast: Vision Boards - The Creative Journey

On this week’s episode of the Hello Frances podcast, our host Shantelle Dedicke discusses how our team incorporates vision boards into our yearly planning and how you can use a vision board to help manifest your goals. She shares how vision boards have positively impacted our team over the years, why vision boarding is connected to personal growth and much more!Listen now.

Read the July 2024 Issue of Destin Life

Sunset Shoes And Lifestyles Offers Casual, Easygoing Styles for the Entire Family

On July 18, Sunset Shoes And Lifestyles celebrated its newly expanded Destin Commons location with a ribbon cutting. Sunset Shoes opened its doors more than 20 years ago. With four locations in HarborWalk Village, Sandestin, Panama City and Destin Commons, Sunset Shoes' collection is inspired by the beautiful beaches and the relaxed environment of Destin with comfort and easygoing style as the hallmark of its shoe collections. Recently, it added apparel to its arsenal, introducing clothing and

Sponsorships Available for 2024 Sandybags Cornhole Tournament Sponsored by Rotary Club of Destin Sunset

Join the Rotary Club of Destin Sunset for the 2024 Sandybags Cornhole Tournament! This second annual event will take place on  Saturday, Sept. 14, at Als Burger and Beach Bar on Okaloosa Island. Registration starts promptly at 10 a.m., and the competition kicks off at 11 a.m. This year, all proceeds will go to benefit One Hopeful Place and support the charitable initiatives of the Rotary Club of Destin Sunset. We invite you to participate in this community-driven event and consider becoming a sponsor.

Big Brothers Big Sisters wins Best Non-Profit in Pensacola!

We are beyond thrilled to announce Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida has won Best Charity/Non-Profit in VIP Pensacola's 'Best in Pensacola' contest! This incredible honor wouldn't have been possible without the support of our amazing community. We would like to thank everyone who took the time to vote for us. Your belief in our mission to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships is what makes our work so impactful. Together we are building brighter futures for our Littles. Big

Construction begins on Historic Bridge-to-Bridge Path Containing Photoluminescent Stone

Okaloosa County officials and local leaders gathered at the entrance of John Beasley Park for a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, July 8, 2024, to celebrate the beginning of construction for an approximate 4-mile multi-use path between Brooks Bridge and Marler (Destin) Bridge. “This new path will be transformational for the health and safety of residents and visitors looking for recreational opportunities on Okaloosa Island,” said Okaloosa County Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel. “I am so thankful to our

HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital Celebrates 50 Years of Caring for the Community

HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital commemorated a half-century of service to the community with a grand celebration marking its 50th anniversary. Since its founding in 1974, the hospital has stood as a pillar of healthcare excellence, evolving alongside the vibrant community it serves.  Zach McCluskey, chief executive officer at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, welcomed hospital and community leaders, care team members and other guests to the milestone event. McCluskey expressed gratitude to

Destination Health & Rehabilitation Offers State-of-the-Art Rehabilitation Therapies in Destin

On July 11, Destination Health & Rehabilitation celebrated a ribbon cutting with the Destin Chamber. Destination Health & Rehabilitation's facility is designed with style, comfort and state-of-the-art equipment and therapies to help you recover quickly. Specialty programs include, but are not limited to, Orthopedic Rehab, Cardiac Rehab, Stroke Recovery, Pulmonary Therapy, Lymphedema Therapy, Mist Therapy, Wound Care Services, Urinary Incontinence, Pain Reduction, Vestibular Therapy, and Balance

City of Destin 40th Birthday Bash

The City of Destin will hold a 40th Birthday Bash on Saturday, August 10th at HarborWalk Village. All are invited to the event celebrating four decades of incorporation. From 5:30-8:30 p.m., enjoy stilt walkers, live music by Tobacco Road, the City’s first drone show, fire spinning, and much more. “It’s one of those events where there should be something for everyone, no matter the age,” said Tamara Young, City of Destin Public Information Director. “Our Harbor was recently voted 2nd best in the Nation,

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast After-School Program Registration Is Open

Registration for our 2024-2025 after-school program is now open! All registration will take place online through our Parent Portal. Have questions? Please contact your local Club.Register here.   

The Northwest Florida Ballet announces Season 55

The Northwest Florida Ballet (NFB) announces Season 55, a celebration of five and a half decades of excellence in performing arts, which includes Lightwire Theater’s Dino Light at Grand Boulevard and The Nutcracker and Cinderella at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center featuring live music by the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra (NFSO).   The 2024-2025 season begins with Lightwire Theater’s Dino Light, sponsored by Grand Boulevard’s Coastal Culture Art, Entertainment and Events on Sat., Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m. at

Northwest Florida State College Announces Innovative Partnership with Territorium

Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Territorium, a global education technology leader, to advance skills-based education and hiring practices in the region. This partnership will leverage Territorium's cutting-edge LifeJourney solution, which includes a Learning and Employment Record (LER), a skills-first digital wallet, AI-powered career pathways with job-matching technology, and a Comprehensive Learner Record (CLR) of achievement. This

Northwest Florida State College Students Selected to Florida College System Student Activities Association All-Academic Team

Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) is proud to announce that ten of its students have been selected to join the prestigious Florida College System Student Activities Association (FCSAA) All-Academic Team. This recognition highlights the exceptional academic achievements of these students, reflecting their dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence. The students selected for this honor are: · Abdiel Alvarado-Pabon · Joselin Cardenas · Emery DeVane · Joshua Fillion · Karissa Grant ·

Hello Frances Podcast: Building Hope - Affordable Housing with Teresa Jones

This week on the Hello Frances Podcast, our host Shantelle Dedicke is joined by Teresa Jones, Executive Director at Habitat for Humanity of Walton County. Together, they delve into the pressing issue of affordable housing in our communities. Teresa shares her deep insights and experiences, discussing the challenges faced by families and individuals in securing affordable homes, and the impactful initiatives Habitat for Humanity undertakes to address these matters. Join them as they explore practical

Emerald Coast Theatre Company Opens Registration for 2024 Fall Educational Theatre Programs

Emerald Coast Theatre Company’s (ECTC) 2024 Fall Educational Theatre programs are bigger and better than ever. These programs provide creative and engaging classes designed especially for young thespians from elementary to high school, as well as adult classes. ECTC offers classes for Mini Players (5yrs.-1st), Little Players (2nd-3rd grade), Big Players (4th-5th grade), teens, and adults. This year, ECTC is offering Shrek the Musical, Show Choir (4th - 12th), Acting for Musical Theatre, Movie Magic Mondays,

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida Announces the 2024 Escambia County Big of the Year

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida proudly announces Shawn Hall as the recipient of the 2024 Escambia County Big of the Year Award. Shawn's unwavering dedication to mentorship and exceptional commitment have profoundly impacted his Little Brother, culminating in this distinguished honor. With a remarkable 30-year career in the United States Marine Corps, Shawn seamlessly transitioned from military service to mentorship, continuing to make a significant difference in the lives of others. When

Northwest Florida State College Launches Pioneering AI Initiative for Educators and Students

Recognizing the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) is excited to announce the launch of its new AI Initiative. This program, spearheaded by the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL), aims to equip faculty and students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an AI-driven world. AI technologies are rapidly reshaping various industries, and education is no exception. With a focus on fostering innovative

Okaloosa Continues Top Ten Tradition

On Monday, July 1, 2024, the Florida Department of Education released this year’s results for the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) and End of Course Exams. Each year, students are required to take statewide assessments in ELA grades 3-10, Mathematics grades 3-8, Algebra, Geometry, Science grades 5 and 8, Biology, Civics, and US History. A combined analysis of all test results show Okaloosa Schools continue to rank in the top ten school districts out of 67 in the state of Florida for the 2023-24

Cultural Arts Alliance Awards Grants To Walton County Teachers, Students, Artists and Organizations Through Art for All Program

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) is pleased to announce Art for All grants totaling $32,000 were recently awarded to 13 Walton County teachers, students, artists and organizations to support arts education, creative projects and further their artistic endeavors. In its decades of fostering creativity, the CAA has awarded grants totaling more than $845,000.  Thirteen Teacher Grants benefiting seven area schools, including Bay School, Freeport Elementary, Magnet Innovation Center, Seaside

Digital Graffiti Announced as CODAAwards Top 100 Finalist

Please join us in congratulating Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach on their recent selection as a top 100 finalist for the 2024 CODAAwards! In addition to DG's consideration for recognition in the Residential category (DG project profile), DG is also being considered for one of two People's Choice awards, which is based on YOUR VOTES!  Please cast your vote for Digital Graffiti by clicking HERE and scrolling down to row 7 (image of Caliza Courts, Emerging Artists Showcase). It's that easy! Voting ends just

Medical House Calls Expands Staff in Destin, Santa Rosa Beach and Panama City, To Meet Growing Demand

Medical House Calls, which opened in the Emerald Coast (Fla.) area in March, continues to add to its staff as more residents and visitors utilize their services. Sarah Watson, RN, has joined Licensed Family Nurse Practitioner Bryce Amos to provide in-home urgent care, IV services, medical weight loss consultation and more to patients in the comfort and safety of their own homes, condos and hotels.                    “Over the past few months, we’ve seen a steady increase in calls as both full-time

Check Out Hilton's Free Business Program

Hilton is offering a fantastic business program that provides exclusive benefits and discounts designed specifically for small - medium business in Destin. By signing up, you will enjoy the following: - Special rates and discounts on stays across Hilton’s extensive portfolio of hotels. - Access to Hilton Honors points, which can be redeemed for free nights, room upgrades, and other rewards. - Flexible booking policies to accommodate changing travel plans. - Dedicated support to assist with all your

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida Announces Its 2024 Beyond School Walls Big of the Year!

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida is proud to announce Billy Merrill Eggart, Superintendent at D.R. Horton Homes, as the recipient of the 2024 Beyond School Walls Big of the Year Award. Billy's steadfast dedication to mentorship and community engagement has significantly impacted the lives of local youth, exemplifying the spirit of service and leadership. The Beyond School Walls program, through which Billy has been an extraordinary mentor, aims to empower students by providing invaluable

Hello Frances Podcast: Spin Sucks: Gini Dietrich, Creator of the PESO Model

This week on the Hello Frances Podcast, our host Shantelle Dedicke is joined by Gini Dietrich, Founder of Spin Sucks, creator of the acclaimed PESO Model. They delve into the creation of the PESO Model, how this framework shapes effective public relations strategies, how it empowers agencies to demonstrate their impact to clients transparently, and so much more. Trust us, this is one episode you don’t want to miss!   Listen now.  

Bit-Wizards Makes Inc.’s Annual List of Best Workplaces for 2024

Bit-Wizards has been named to Inc.’s annual Best Workplaces list for the eighth year! Prominently featured on Inc.com, the list results from a comprehensive measurement of American companies that excel in creating exceptional workplaces and company cultures, whether operating in a physical or a virtual facility.   “Each year, Inc.’s Best Workplaces program recognizes the very best in terms of companies that have fostered a truly amazing culture,” says Inc. editor-in-chief Mike Hofman. “We use hard

Destin Makes Top 10 for Best U.S. Harbor

For the first time ever, Destin has made the winners list for the U.S. Best Harbor contest! The City also came in #1 for 2024's Gulf Coast winner.   "When we first heard about the contest, I couldn't enter us or promote us fast enough," said Tamara Young, Public Information Director. "If you have ever visited the Destin Harbor area, you know it deserves a top spot."  Thanks to all who voted.  1.Block Island, RI 2.Destin, FL 3.Padanaram, MA 4.Bristol, RI 5.Shelter Cove, Hilton Head, NC 6.Pillar Point,

Carrot Top Designs is One-Stop Shop for New Builds & Remodels

On June 20, Carrot Top Designs celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting. Carrot Top Designs is your one-stop shop for new builds and remodels in Destin and 30A. From cabinets and countertops to windows, flooring and fixtures, its dynamic and creative team can handle the entire project inside the drywall. The celebration continues June 21, as Carrot Top Designs hosts a grand event in its 30,000-square-foot showroom to showcase its brand and exquisite designs. Guests may indulge in complimentary

Read the June 2024 Issue of Destin Life

Gulfarium’s Patrick Berry Honored as Destin Chamber’s Business Person of the Quarter

During the Destin Chamber’s June 14 Business Before Hours Sponsored by Holloway Yacht Charters, Patrick Berry (left), Senior Vice President/Chief Operating Officer of Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, was honored with the Chamber’s Business Person of the Quarter Award. This award is presented directly from the Chamber’s Board of Directors to a Destin area businessperson showing vision for his or her business and leadership in our community. Berry is pictured with 2024 Chamber Chairman Christian Carlee of

Azul Mexican Fusion Offers Delicious Food with Beautiful Harbor View

On June 13, Azul Mexican Fusion celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting. Azul Mexican Fusion offers Mexican + Mediterranean fusion cuisine with a beautiful view of the Destin Harbor in HarborWalk Village.  Visit the restaurant at 2 Harbor Blvd. Ste. 100A or check it out on Instagram at @azul.destin. For more information, call (850) 485-0953.  

Hello Frances Podcast: Community Connections: Inside The Scout Guide with Heidi and Peyton

This week on the Hello Frances Podcast, our host Shantelle Dedicke is joined by Heidi and Peyton from the Scout Guide 30A & Destin. They discuss the upcoming launch of the second volume of their Scout Guide, share insights on how they scout people and businesses, and highlight Frances Roy's involvement in the new edition. Tune in for an engaging conversation about community connections and the excitement surrounding the Scout Guide's latest release!Listen now.

Emerald Coast Theatre Company Presents Comedy at the Boulevard June 28

Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) and Panama City Comedy are proud to present Comedy at the Boulevard, Friday, June 28, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. Come for an uproarious night of laughs! ECTC presents some of the Southeast’s most hilarious comedians! This hysterical event will be hosted by resident funny guy Jason Hedden and features headliner Joel Byars, feature act Joey Nickel and special guests Malcolm Xavier and Scotty Jernigan.  Jason Hedden (host): Jason Hedden is an actor, director, comedian and producer

Emerald Coast Theatre Company Announces Broadway's Lulu Picart as the Musical Director for Musical Theatre Intensive

Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) is proud to announce Broadway's Lulu Picart will serve as Musical Director for the Musical Theatre Intensive: Disney's High School Musical for Teens July 8 - 28, 2024. This three week camp will stretch students' theatre skills and grow them as performers. Students work on acting, vocals, and dance while receiving high quality instruction and direction from ECTC professionals and former Broadway performer Lulu Picart, an acting and creativity coach. Her work in musicals

Read the June 2024 Issue of VIP Destin Magazine

Northwest Florida State College Partners with Knack to Ensure Students Have Easy Access to High-Impact Tutoring

Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) is proud to announce a pioneering initiative in collaboration with Knack, a Florida-based peer tutoring platform. This partnership will ensure all students have access to free, on-demand tutoring starting Fall 2024.This initiative, a collaboration between NWFSC and Knack, aims to significantly enhance student retention and success. As part of this collaboration, NWFSC peer tutors will have access to training modules that comply with the College Reading & Learning

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida Announces 2024 Virginia Thomas Big of the Year in Bay County

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida proudly announces Jacqueline Crow as the recipient of the 2024 Virginia Thomas Big of the Year award in Bay County. This prestigious accolade is given to a Big who has made an exceptional difference in their Little's life, embodying the core values and mission of our organization.  Jacqueline and her Little Sister Naomi have shared a remarkable bond since being matched in 2020. Despite the challenges of her military career, Jacqueline has consistently made time

Ruckel Middle School Teacher and Golf Coach Qualifies for U.S. Senior Open Championship

The Okaloosa County School District is proud to recognize Mr. Jon Olson, who qualified on Thursday, May 30, at the 2024 U.S. Senior Open Championship at Wynlakes Golf & Country Club in Montgomery, Alabama. Eighty players competed to advance to the 44th U.S. Senior Open Championship. Jon Olson of Niceville, Florida, and Robbie Cotton of Brewton, Alabama, each carded four under 68. After a playoff, Olson claimed the final qualifying spot.  "Entering the U.S. Senior Open Championship is a cherished milestone

Fort Walton Beach High School Digital Video Students Win KinderVision/The Greatest Save Teen PSA Competition in the Technical Category

Fort Walton Beach High School (FWBHS) is proud to announce that three students, Maverick Hendley, Michael Dixon, and Kiera Stover, clinched victory for the submission of their video called "Poison" as the 2024 Teen PSA Contest Technical Winner. Poison will be the Teen PSA entry into the After-School Film Institute's Film Festival in Miami in January 2025. Reflecting on the win, Maverick Hendley shared, "This award is my first bit of recognition, and the experience I learned from making this video and being

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida Celebrates Scholarship Awards for Eight Local Students

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida is proud to announce eight local students in our mentoring programs will receive scholarships through a generous award program, paving the way for their higher education journey. This incredible opportunity comes through a collaboration between Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) and the Florida Prepaid College Foundation. Last year, FPL joined forces with the Foundation to award $4.2 million in college scholarships to students from the state's most

30A Fest Early Bird Tickets On Sale Now

     Early Bird Tickets On Sale Now  Hey 30A Fest Fam!Here are 5 reasons to get your 2025 Festival tickets today...Substantial Savings: Current early bird discounts offer up 28% OFF regular price tickets. Now is the time to secure your 2025 weekend passes at the lowest possible price.One-of-a-kind Lineup: 30A Songwriters Festival is world-renowned for its reliably fresh, eclectic curation and original lineups. From national treasures like Jackson Browne, Mavis Staples, and Brian

Lee Curtis Promoted to Director of Development at ECCAC

The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) recently announced the promotion of Lee Curtis as their Director of Development.   Curtis has been with ECCAC since 2022 in a marketing capacity with a well-proven track record. This new leadership role will increase her responsibilities by working to cultivate and maintain relationships with major gift donors and businesses. She will also oversee fundraising events, membership programs, collaborate with ECCAC’s Board of Directors, and other areas

I Heart Mac & Cheese Brings Award-Winning Recipes to Destin Commons

On June 10, I Heart Mac & Cheese celebrated the grand opening of its new Destin Commons location with a ribbon cutting. I Heart Mac & Cheese is a rapidly growing fast casual national franchise specializing in customized, made-to-order macaroni and cheese bowls, grilled cheese sandwiches, quinoa and vegetable-based bowls, gluten free pasta, and vegan bowls. The menu combines award-winning recipes resulting in a sophisticated approach to classic childhood favorites.   Visit the new location at 4285

NWFSC Publishes Proposed Course Fees for 2024-2025 Academic Year

Northwest Florida State College’s (NWFSC) Board of Trustees will be meeting on June 18, 2024, at 3 p.m. to review proposed course fee changes for the 2024-2025 academic year. This meeting is part of the College’s annual budgeting process for each academic year and provides an opportunity to assess ways to improve students’ overall quality of instruction and associated activities.   The proposed course and lab fees recommended for adjustment with the start of the Fall 2024 semester can be found at

NWFSC and FAMU Announce Articulation Agreement for Pharmacy Students

On June 4, 2024, Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) signed an articulation agreement that creates streamlined educational pathways for students aspiring to enter the field of pharmacy.  The agreement was signed during a press conference at the FAMU College of Pharmacy campus in Crestview, Florida.   This collaboration, focusing on an Associate of Arts (AA) pathway, provides a structured and supportive route for students beginning their

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida Announces Orlando Navedo as the 2024 Ronald Mobayed Military Big of the Year

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida proudly announces Orlando Navedo as the recipient of the 2024 Ronald Mobayed Military Big of the Year award. This prestigious accolade is awarded to a Big who has made an exceptional impact on their Little's life.  Orlando, a Defense Paralegal for the U.S. Navy, has been a dedicated mentor to his Little Brother Bryan since they were first matched in February 2023. The two immediately bonded, and Bryan expressed a desire to enhance his basketball skills. Orlando

Hotel Effie Sandestin Joins Prestigious Marriott Autograph Collection

On June 4, Hotel Effie Sandestin celebrated joining the prestigious Marriott Autograph Collection with a ribbon cutting. Hotel Effie Sandestin is where southern hospitality meets modern luxury. Its more than 250 guest rooms and suites are thoughtfully designed for the luxury traveler. With a reserved beach, luxury cabanas at the rooftop pool and lounge, upscale dining options, live music, onsite fitness center, and 20,000 square feet of conference and meeting space, Hotel Effie offers a seamless blend of

CALM Launches Facebook Page for Furniture Resale Store

A Facebook page dedicated to CALM Furniture Resale Store just launched! Be sure to check it out for exclusive access to the latest furniture pieces and be the first to grab them. Crisis Aid for Littles and Moms (CALM) is a non-profit furniture resale store that opens the second and last Saturday of the month. Proceeds support Calm's mission to single moms and also provide an affordable furniture resale source for the community. To DONATE your gently used furniture and small appliances, call or text (850)

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida Announces Orlando Navedo as the 2024 Ronald Mobayed Military Big of the Year

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida proudly announces Orlando Navedo as the recipient of the 2024 Ronald Mobayed Military Big of the Year award. This prestigious accolade is awarded to a Big who has made an exceptional impact on their Little's life.  Orlando, a Defense Paralegal for the U.S. Navy, has been a dedicated mentor to his Little Brother Bryan since they were first matched in February 2023. The two immediately bonded, and Bryan expressed a desire to enhance his basketball skills.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida announces Lt. Chris Coram as the 2024 Bigs with Badges Big of the Year

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida proudly announces Lieutenant Chris Coram as the recipient of our 2024 Bigs with Badges Big of the Year award. This prestigious accolade celebrates Lieutenant Coram's exceptional dedication to fostering trust, respect, and mentorship within our community through his involvement in our Bigs with Badges program.  The Bigs with Badges initiative serves as a vital bridge between the youth of our community and those who protect, serve, and support us through their

Bit-Wizards Compels Businesses to Review BCDR Plans as Atlantic Hurricane Season Begins

With the arrival of this year’s hurricane season, Managed IT Services (MITS) provider Bit-Wizards underlines the necessity for companies to review their business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR) plans. Even though peak storm activity typically occurs in September, experts predict an 85% chance of an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season with an anticipated 17 to 25 named storms in 2024.   Preparation is key to ensuring your BDCR plan gives your business the best chance of survival. By developing an

United Way 40 Under 40 Nominations Open

United Way Emerald Coast's 4th Annual 40 Under 40 Awards, presented by FPL, are just around the corner! It's time to nominate the rockstars in our community who are making a difference at their workplaces and beyond. Submit your nomination here.  

Dippin' Dots Okaloosa Opens New Harbor Front Kiosk

Next time you visit the Destin Harbor, be sure to stop by Dippin' Dots Okaloosa's new kiosk! Located right behind Brotula's Seafood House & Steamer at the Destin Fishing Fleet Marina, Dippin' Dots serves America's #1 beaded ice cream treat in a variety of fun and delicious flavors. In addition to the kiosk, Dippin' Dots Okaloosa can also bring the fun to you with its mobile ice cream truck. Check it out for your next event, from employee appreciations and corporate events to family reunions and

Okaloosa Announces New Efforts in Opioid Epidemic with Revive Awareness Day Event

Okaloosa County, in partnership with the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County, will host a press conference for Revive Awareness Day on Thursday, June 6 at 9:30 a.m. in the Board Chambers at the Okaloosa County Administration Building located at 1250 N. Eglin Parkway, Shalimar, FL 32579. During the press conference, the County, Department of Health, and several community partners will recognize the importance of Revive Awareness Day and announce plans to take additional action in the opioid

Okaloosa County to Hold 2nd Women Veterans’ Day Celebration

Okaloosa County is inviting the public to attend the 2nd Annual Women Veterans’ Day ceremony on June 12, 2024, at 8 a.m. to celebrate the service of women who have served our nation. The event will include an indoor ceremony at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the nearby Women Veterans Monuments at Veterans Park. Women Veterans Day was recognized by the State of Florida by proclamation from Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2021. “This event focuses on a group of

Okaloosa County Schools Participate in Summer Food Service Program 2024

Okaloosa County Schools will be participating in the Summer Food Service Program this summer. Summer Break Spot offers balanced breakfasts and lunches at no cost for kids 18 and under. Meals will be served on site, at no cost. A list of sites and service times is available on the District’s website at the following link: https://www2.okaloosaschools.com/article/1616150.  Summer feeding sites that are located at schools provide meals to all children in the immediate vicinity in addition to those enrolled in

International Business Brokers Association recognizes Jeff Moody

The International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) has recognized Jeff Moody, managing broker with Emerald Coast Business Intermediaries, with the IBBA Producer’s Award for outstanding performance in 2023, as part of its Member Excellence Awards Program. "This year’s award recipients have distinguished themselves through their exceptional professionalism and performance”, stated IBBA Chair of the Board Pino Bacinello. “As an award recipient, Jeff is acknowledged as contributing vastly to our profession.

Destin American Legion Post 296 Attends American Legion National High School Oratorical Scholarship

Destin American Legion Post 296 Oratorical Chairman Jim Wood attended the National High School Oratory Scholarship Competition at Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Mich., on May 18-19, 2024. The local Post’s competitor was William Kiker from Fort Walton Beach High School, the winner of the local Post 296 competition and ultimately the Florida State/Department Championship.    Required speeches centered around the US Constitution in varying lengths from eight to ten minutes and three to five minutes,

Hello Frances Podcast: Operation Innovation: Military Roots and Creative Routes

On this week’s episode of the Hello Frances podcast, our host Shantelle Dedicke is joined by past and present members of the Frances Roy team to discuss the profound influence of military family life on their creative passions. This episode also features a special guest, Mrs. Lee, an esteemed elementary school teacher who left an indelible mark on countless military children.Listen now.

World’s Largest Lionfish Tournament Celebrates Another Successful Year, Records Record-breaking Largest Lionfish

Divers in the Emerald Coast Open lionfish tournament were able to successfully remove 7,411 invasive lionfish despite rough weather in the Gulf of Mexico during the May 17-19 weekend event. Including the pre-tournament, 11,844 lionfish were removed for the entire event. Lionfish have few predators due to their venomous spines and cause negative impacts to the native ecosystem. “These divers put in a lot of effort to help our ecosystem against this invasive species,” said Okaloosa County Vice Chairman

Okaloosa County to Collect Organic/Vegetative Storm Debris

Beginning May 28, 2024, Okaloosa County will begin removing organic/vegetative storm debris beyond the normal services offered by the County. This action is intended to provide immediate relief to residents following the May 10 storms which caused damage to homes and toppled trees in the area. This process will take place on County-maintained roads and is expected to take about one week. Residents are encouraged to remain patient as Public Works crews make the debris collection. The level of damage

Today’s Boutique Bids Farewell After 43+ Years in Business

Get ready to bid adieu with a smile as Today's Boutique, your favorite fashion hotspot for the past 43 years, announces its retirement with a heart full of thanks and love for the community. Owners Kim and Jim Dettle, along with their daughter Kristin Dettle Humphrey, are gearing up for a farewell filled with style, laughter, and lots of memories.   “This bittersweet decision comes with a huge mix of emotions.  As we embark on this new chapter of our lives, our primary focus will be to spend more time

Okaloosa Technical College Ranks 55th in the 2024 National Cyber League Cyber Power Ranking

The National Cyber League (NCL) concluded the Spring 2024 NCL Competition with participation from all over the United States, representing all 50 states. Each season, the NCL publishes its Cyber Power Rankings of the top 100 schools in the competition. These rankings measure students' abilities to work individually and as a team in performing a wide range of cybersecurity tasks. Okaloosa Technical College (OTC) ranked 55th in the nation, with 29 students competing in this competition amongst 7,412 other

May 2024 Update from One Okaloosa EDC

By Nathan Sparks, CEcD Executive Director of One Okaloosa EDC Many of you reading this had the pleasure of knowing Dr. David Goetsch, Emeritus Vice President, Northwest Florida State College, noted author of more than 70 books and proud United States Marine Corps veteran. Among his many accomplishments (and I do mean many), Dr. Goetsch co-founded both One Okaloosa EDC and the Technology Coast Manufacturing & Engineering Network (TeCMEN) in the late 80s. He served as Chairman of the EDC twice and was

Warren Averett Announces Destin/Ft Walton 2024 Promotions

Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors is pleased to announce our annual firmwide promotions. The firm promoted six individuals in our Destin and Fort Walton Beach offices.Penny Mercer was promoted to Principal in the firm’s Client Accounting Services Division. She oversees outsourced accounting responsibilities and effectively manages staff. Additionally, Penny offers valuably advisory, controller and accounting clean-up services and provides comprehensive consulting and training on both QuickBooks desktop and

Okaloosa County School District Highlights Graduates of Okaloosa Up

On Tuesday, May 21, the Okaloosa County School District, families, and friends celebrated the achievements of three remarkable individuals - Reid Soria, Bailey Lamonte, and Diana Dowart, for completing the Okaloosa Unique Professionals program, also known as “Okaloosa UP.” Through Okaloosa UP, they have gained invaluable training and support, enabling them to develop essential career skills and earn occupational completion points, career certificates, and even industry certifications or licensure. All three

Okaloosa County School District Students with Disabilities Graduate from Project Search High School Transition Program for the Second Year

The Project SEARCH program, in collaboration with the Okaloosa County School District (OCSD), has been incredibly successful in providing valuable opportunities for students with disabilities to gain essential job skills and transition into the workforce. For the second year, six students with disabilities from the Okaloosa County School District successfully graduated from the Project SEARCH High School Transition Program on Tuesday, May 21, at the Hilton Garden Inn on Okaloosa Island. The program is for

Destin Forward Celebrates Beautification of Clement Taylor Park

On May 20, the Destin Forward Class of 2024 celebrated the completion of its class project, the beautification of Destin’s Clement Taylor Park, with a ribbon cutting. Improvements include educational signage, upgrades to the volleyball court, and the planting of Florida native plants. Destin Forward, the Destin Chamber’s community education and leadership program, was created to help find and educate future city and business leaders. In addition to the project, the class spent nine months touring and

Okaloosa County School District Announces 2024 Graduation Ceremonies

The Okaloosa County School District announces the schedule of graduation ceremonies for the High School Class of 2024. All graduations will be live streamed and links are provided below.    Baker School – Friday, May 17, Doug Griffith Stadium at 7:30 pm.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeuP4WPLT3U   Choctawhatchee High School – Thursday, May 23, Joe Etheridge Stadium at 7:30 pm.    https://youtube.com/live/6U5w9MCQITs   Crestview High School – Friday, May 24, Jack Foster Stadium at 7:00 pm.   

Okaloosa County School District Highlights Mental Health Awareness Month

During May, Okaloosa County Schools and District offices will observe Mental Health Awareness Month by engaging in fun activities focused on helping our school communities, students, and staff promote mental wellness, providing mental health resources, and helping foster conversations at home around mental wellness. Mental Health is not merely the absence of illness but rather a state of thriving and resilience.  By empowering teachers, engaging parents, fostering community support, and addressing stigma,

Okaloosa County School District to Offer Education Summer Camps

In June, the Okaloosa County School District will host several Career and Technical Education (CTE) Summer Camps for rising 5th and 8th graders. The camp's design is to inspire young students to learn more about CTE career fields. Campers will have options ranging from hands-on skills in building trades, welding, and bio-medical to learning web and app design and coding in computer camps. All camps will be operated by experienced Okaloosa County teachers and will take place at Choctawhatchee High School,

More Than $100,000 Raised at the Food Fore Thought Charity Golf Tournament

On Thursday, May 9, more than 100 golfers gathered at the Emerald Bay Golf Club for the inaugural Food Fore Thought Classic. The event, created in partnership with the Premier Property Group, provided an opportunity to honor the life and legacy of Jon Kazek. The tournament was opened by Board Member Garret McNeil, who introduced Sheriff Adkinson and Anne Kazek. Sheriff Adkinson and Anne shared remarks about Jon Kazek's generosity and love for the community. To honor Jon’s legacy and support the work of

Eco Clean Marine Leads Coastal Cleanup Success: 85 Buckets of Trash Tackled by 43 Volunteers

In a remarkable display of community spirit and environmental stewardship, Eco Clean Marine orchestrated a sensational trash pick-up event at The Original Oyster House Parking Lot in Gulf Shores on May 4, 2024. The initiative drew an incredible turnout with 43 enthusiastic volunteers converging to tackle the tides of trash that had washed up on our shores. Armed with determination and a passion for preserving our coastal paradise, the Eco Clean Marine crew wasted no time. In just one whirlwind hour, these

Read the May 2024 Issue of Destin Life

Step One Subaru Fort Walton Beach Donates $26,676 to Save Underdogs as Part of Subaru's Share the Love Event

Step One Subaru Fort Walton Beach proudly announces its recent contribution of $26,676 to Save Underdogs as part of Subaru of America's annual Share the Love Event. The Share the Love Event is a charitable initiative by Subaru of America where $250 from every new Subaru purchased or leased is donated to a choice of charitable partners. Save Underdogs, a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing and finding loving homes for underprivileged dogs, was the Fort Walton Beach beneficiary of this

Elite Cabinet Designs’ New Showroom Offers Shoppers Immersive Experience

On May 16, Elite Cabinet Designs celebrated a ribbon cutting with the Destin Chamber. The new 5,700-square-foot showroom, located at 11662 Emerald Coast Pkwy., in Miramar Beach, next door to Renovation Flooring, showcases the latest innovations in cabinet designs, hardware, kitchen and bathroom cabinetry, a variety of storage solutions, and outdoor scapes by Renovation Flooring. It highlights Wellborn cabinets on the inside and NatureKast waterproof cabinetry for the outdoor section, as well as coral

The Love of Animals Golf Tournament Sponsors Announced

Alaqua Animal Refuge is excited to announce that Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort + Hotel Effie have stepped up as the Presenting Sponsors and Champions for the Cause at the 3rd Annual FORE! The Love of Animals Golf Tournament. This prestigious event will unfold at The Links Golf Club at Sandestin on Saturday, June 8, 2024, where sport meets compassion in a day full of golf and goodwill.  Simba, an Alaqua Alum and the charismatic canine mascot and esteemed Director of Pet Services at Hotel Effie, is at the

ECCAC hosting a volunteer orientation on June 18

The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) will be hosting an informative Volunteer Orientation on Tuesday evening, June 18,  from 6-7 pm. in their Niceville Center, 401 McEwen Drive. Volunteers are needed to help at their center in Niceville, or volunteers can help in other ways such as community events and more.   According to ECCA Volunteer and Event Coordinator Ana Michalznik, “We invite you to take a guided tour of our Center, hear about the work we are doing in the community and learn more

15th Military Appreciation Free Lunch

Cumulus Media Fort Walton Beach-Destin has partnered with Eglin Federal Credit Union to provide a FREE lunch to anyone who has served or is currently serving our country. The 15th Military Appreciation Free Lunch is on Wednesday, May 15th from 11 am to 1 pm. Current and former military service members can enjoy a free lunch at one of five locations: Hot Head Burritos in Mary Esther and Crestview, Dodge’s Southern Style in Fort Walton Beach, Fazoli’s in Mary Esther, and Task Force Pizza in Fort Walton Beach.

Ready the May 2024 Issue of VIP Destin Magazine

More than 275 Artificial Reefs Recently Deployed off of Destin-Fort Walton Beach

Marine life in the Gulf of Mexico now has hundreds of additional underwater habitats thanks to a $1.26 million artificial reef project funded by the Natural Resource Damage Assessment Fund. The project included 133 different reef sites and the deployment of 279 total reef structures ranging from 6-25 feet. The project was managed by the Coastal Resources team of Destin-Fort Walton Beach in Okaloosa County’s Tourism Development Department. The reefs include some of the deepest modules ever deployed by

Destin-Fort Walton Beach to host World’s Largest Lionfish Tournament

Divers from across the country will be descending on the beautiful Gulf of Mexico waters, May 17-19, 2024, for the main event of Destin-Fort Walton Beach’s Emerald Coast Open, the world’s largest lionfish tournament. This competitive event creates an opportunity for divers to compete for prizes, while also helping the ecosystem recover from the invasive lionfish species that prey upon native fish. Divers are allowed to begin harvesting lionfish from sunrise to sunset and will be competing with more than

Fort Walton Beach High School Receives National Recognition from Project Lead the Way for Commitment to Empowering Students

On Thursday, May 2, Fort Walton Beach High School was recognized as a 2023-24 Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Distinguished School. This honor reflects the dedication to providing students with broad access to transformative learning experiences through PLTW Biomedical Science and Engineering. “Being named a PLTW Distinguished High School is a true honor. We pride ourselves on preparing students for a future in STEM fields related to biomedical sciences and engineering. We strive to foster a passion for

Florosa Elementary Music Teacher Selected as a Country Music Association Foundation 2024 Music Teacher of Excellence

In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, the County Music Association (CMA) Foundation partnered with 30 Country Music stars to surprise music teachers nationwide that they were selected as a Music Teacher of Excellence. Florosa Elementary Music Teacher Sarah Theres was surrounded by co-workers when the announcement was made on Tuesday, May 7, via a special congratulatory video by Country artist Caitlyn Smith that she was selected as a 2024 CMA Foundation Music Teacher of Excellence (MToE). As part of

NWFSC Launches New Workforce Programs

Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) is pleased to introduce three new workforce programs designed to meet both regional and state demands. Starting this fall, we will be enrolling students in Nursing Assistant, Phlebotomy, and a cutting-edge Information Technology program with a specialization in Artificial Intelligence (AI). These programs have been developed in direct response to the needs of our industry partners  "We are thrilled to lead in workforce education and training across Northwest

Warren Averett Named one of Accounting Today’s 2024 Best Firms for Technology

Warren Averett CPAs and Advisorswas named one of Accounting Today’s 2024 Best Firms for Technology. Accounting firms on the 2024 list use deliberate and intentional AI efforts, advancements in technology infrastructure and a comprehensive and solution-focused view of the ever-evolving technology landscape.Accounting Today is the leading information resource for public accountants, providing actionable and insightful content on a variety of subjects, including tax law, accounting standards, technology, audit

Okaloosa County School District Graduation Schedule

The Okaloosa County School District announces the schedule of graduation ceremonies for the High School Class of 2024. All graduations will be live streamed and links are provided below.    Baker School – Friday, May 17, Doug Griffith Stadium at 7:30 pm.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeuP4WPLT3U   Choctawhatchee High School – Thursday, May 23, Joe Etheridge Stadium at 7:30 pm.    https://youtube.com/live/6U5w9MCQITs   Crestview High School – Friday, May 24, Jack Foster Stadium at 7:00 pm.   

Locks on the Docks Offers Secure Temporary Storage of Luggage & Personal Items on the Destin Harbor

On May 7, Locks on the Docks LLC celebrated a ribbon cutting with the Destin Chamber. Locks on the Docks' goal is to provide security to locals and tourists, while they enjoy a harbor excursion, a day on the beach, or any other occasion they may need a locker to temporarily store luggage and other items.  You will find the lockers on the docks at HarborWalk Village between The Cantina and Boogies Watersports' jet skis. Visit https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553928854666 to learn more.

Cox to recognize Inspirational Student Heroes in Okaloosa County

Tomorrow, Cox Communications will recognize 36 special students at the annual Cox Inspirational Student Hero Awards ceremony in Okaloosa County. The event will be held on Wednesday, May 8th at 4:00 p.m. inside Raider Café on the campus of Northwest Florida State College in Niceville. All the pertinent information is below. We hope you can join us and celebrate these wonderful students.  ●What: Cox Inspirational Student Hero Awards in Okaloosa County●When: Wednesday, May 8, 2024, check-in/reception at 3:00

2024 Grace Fulcher Memorial Scholarship Winner

Sinfonia Gulf Coast is pleased to announce that Orion Quinn Beckler of Gulf Breeze, Florida, has been named the winner of the 2024 Grace Fulcher Memorial Scholarship.  This scholarship, created in memory and honor of Grace Bernice Fulcher, is awarded annually to a Sinfonia Youth Orchestra high school senior. The 2024 scholarship recipient was announced following the Sinfonia Youth Orchestra Spring Concert on Sunday, May 5. The scholarship is awarded to contribute to tuition and fees associated with higher

17 Graduate from Destin Chamber’s Community Education & Leadership Program

On May 2, the Destin Chamber celebrated the graduation of 17 business professionals from its 15th Destin Forward class. During the event, the prestigious Destin Forward Leadership Award, chosen by class vote, was presented to Wendi Davis of Eglin Federal Credit Union. She is seen in the photo on the left with 2024 Chamber Chairman Christian Carlee of Trustmark. Destin Forward, a community education and leadership program, was created to help find and educate future city and business leaders.  After a

Cox and ECCPTA to recognize students in Escambia County

Next week, Cox Communications and the Escambia County Council of PTAs/PTSAs will be recognizing 53 special students in Escambia County. The Cox Inspirational Student Hero Awards and ECCPTAs’ Student of the Year ceremony will be held on Monday, May 6th at 4:00 p.m. at the University of West Florida. All the pertinent information is below. We hope you can join us and celebrate these wonderful students.   What: Cox Inspirational Student Hero Awards and Escambia County Council of PTAs/PTSAs Student of the

Sinfonia Gulf Coast & Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Partner to Bring the Paint the Music Program to Nearly 2,000 Students

This unique multi-disciplinary program offered our local youth an immersive experience in visual arts, live theater, and music all in one program. Beginning with an exploration of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s compositions, students from 16 Okaloosa and Walton County schools and home school groups engaged in the "paint what you hear" activity in their classrooms. On April 24, each class browsed their selected masterpieces showcased at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center as part of the Paint the

Celebrating Excellence: The Dynamic Duo of Diane Green and Heather Sprigler

Newman-Dailey Resort Properties Real Estate Division honors Diane Green and Heather Sprigler as its first quarter top real estate producers. A formidable mother-daughter duo, Diane and Heather’s dedication, expertise, and a deep-rooted passion for helping clients buy and sell their dream homes contributed to their achievement as Top Sales and Top Listing Agent respectively. Bringing together decades of combined experience, Diane Green and Heather Sprigler form an unstoppable force in the real estate realm.

Okaloosa County School District Seniors Recognized for Academic Achievement

On Tuesday, April 16th, the Northwest Florida State College Raider Arena hosted the 50th annual Anne T. Mitchell Senior Honor Award Reception. The event recognized 591 high school seniors from Baker, Choctaw, Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, Laurel Hill, and Niceville High Schools who will graduate with honors in May. These students have achieved a weighted GPA of 3.75 or higher, which designates them as Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, or Cum Laude. Superintendent Marcus Chambers expressed his pride and

Team Okaloosa Captures First Place in State Academic Challenge

In an impressive display of academic prowess, Team Okaloosa, comprising eight talented high school students, secured the top spot in the prestigious Commissioner’s Academic Challenge (CAC) held from April 10-13. The CAC, a long-standing tradition since 1986, is Florida’s premier academic competition, celebrating the scholarly achievements of high school students across the state. This spring event tests participants in various subjects, including language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, the fine

Summer Food Service

Summer Food Service  With support from the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, we are starting our Summer Services Strong!  This generous group donated $10,000 to help fight child hunger in their community this summer! Thank you for your support!  The average food-insecure child is at risk of missing 110 meals during summer break while removed from the free/reduced meal plan they depend upon from school.   You Can

May Madness at Regatta Chiropractic and Laser Center

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida Hosts Elevate Awards Gala at Exclusive Luxury Residence in Panama City Beach

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida recently hosted the prestigious Elevate Awards Gala, a special celebration honoring the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Threshold Award Winners of 2023. This exclusive event brought together the top achievers from Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida, recognizing agents who exemplify excellence and dedication in the real estate industry placing them among the top tier of the brand’s global network. Partnering with Detailed

Okaloosa Technical College's Practical Nursing Program Achieves 100% Pass Rate Once Again

Okaloosa Technical College (OTC) is proud to announce that all sixteen students of the 2023-2024 Practical Nursing Program class have passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) with flying colors. This means that all of them have earned their licensed practical nurse certification (LPN). This program is approved by the Florida State Board of Nursing and is designed to prepare students to become safe and competent practical nurses in all areas of the medical field. The program lasts for

Niceville High School Web Programming Student Wins First Place in Annual Congressional App Challenge

On November 18, 2023, U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz announced Niceville High School Junior Andrew Putman as the 2023 Congressional App Challenge winner in Florida's First District at Northwest Florida State College. Andrew's app, Assets4Kids, won first place in the competition, which aims to alleviate child poverty. He was inspired to develop the app after witnessing child poverty during a mission trip to the Dominican Republic.   Congressman Matt Gaetz invited Andrew and his teacher, Carrie Foxhall, to the

NWFSC Launches Youth Entrepreneurship, Leadership, and Mentorship (ELM) Youth Program

Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) is excited to announce the launch of a new secondary education initiative, the Entrepreneurship, Leadership, and Mentorship (ELM) Youth Program. Facilitated through NWFSC’s Workforce Development department, the 10-month program is designed to prepare high school juniors and seniors in Okaloosa and Walton counties for careers in fields that may be pursued through non-traditional academic pathways. Although the curriculum is geared towards students with an interest in

Destin Continues to Provide Flood Protection to Properties

Annually, the City of Destin provides an update to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on the progress made in mitigating flood losses through the planning and construction of stormwater management projects. This update also complies with the requirements for the National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System. Due to the proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, Destin is prone to significant rainfall events that impact the overall number of repetitive loss properties. Typically, these events

Frank Flautt is ECCAC’s newest Zeke Bratkowski Humanitarian Award Recipient

The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) recently awarded Frank Flautt one of their top honors. It was at ECCAC’s Gala this year at the Sandestin Hilton where Flautt was recognized as the 5th annual Zeke Bratkowski humanitarian award recipient. Bratkowski was an NFL professional football player, and an assistant coach in the NFL for over two decades. He passed away in 2019, and was a passionate supporter of ECCAC, founding their first gala and golf event in 1999.  The newest recipient of this

Okaloosa Arts Alliance 15th Annual School Poster Contest Winners

The Okaloosa Arts Alliance would like to thank all the Okaloosa County School students who participated in the 15th annual OAA Okaloosa County School Poster Contest. This year the theme was “Arts in Outer Space”.  Although we weren't able to make everyone a 1st place winner, all 106 entries are on display at Grow Your Gift Conservatory of Music through May 6, 2024. Grow Your Gift Conservatory of Music is located at 105B Lewis St, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547 and their business hours are (9 am-7 pm

Get Your Big Brothers Big Sisters License Plate Today

Is your Birthday around the corner? Looking to add some beachy vibes to your ride? Look no further! This year, when you renew your tags, grab a Big Brothers Big Sisters license plate featuring a picturesque beach scene. Not only will you be cruising in style, but you'll also be supporting our mission.  With each BBBS license plate sold, $25 goes directly towards our one-to-one mentoring programs, driving positive change for kids in our community. Let's transform every journey into an opportunity to make a

NWFSC Student Advisory Board Make a Significant Impact at Florida College System’s Annual Leadership Conference

The Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) Student Advisory Board made a significant impact at the annual End-Year Conference of the Florida College System Student Government Association, hosted by Seminole State College in Sanford, Florida, April 19-20, 2024. Among the accolades, NWFSC student Abdiel Alvarado-Pabon secured the Region Rookie Student Award, Lillian Roller received the Region Student Leadership Award, and Connor Kilroy was honored with the State President's Award. Additionally, the NWFSC

First National Bank Miramar Beach Recognizes Local South Walton High School Student Samantha Cantu with a $1,000 Scholarship

First National Bank Miramar Beach proudly announces a $1,000 scholarship award to Samantha Cantu, a distinguished senior at South Walton High School. Samantha's exceptional commitment to academic excellence and community engagement distinguishes her as a deserving recipient of this prestigious scholarship. The scholarship, presented by Senior Vice President Marketing & Retail Lorenda Smith and Market Manager Springer Williams of First National Bank Miramar Beach, underscores Samantha's dedication to her

Rainbow Pediatrics Celebrates Opening of Santa Rosa Beach Office

On April 23, Rainbow Pediatrics celebrated a ribbon cutting with the Destin Chamber. Operated by a Board-certified pediatrician, Rainbow Pediatrics provides your child the best pediatric care for a bright and vibrant future. Services include well child visits, immunizations, school & health physicals, prenatal & newborn care, allergy testing, respiratory & asthma care, ADHD and behavioral management, and more. Visit the new office at 870 Mack Bayou Rd. Ste. B, in Santa Rosa Beach, or visit

Hello Frances Podcast: Insights from Creative South Conference 2024

This week on the Hello Frances Podcast, our Art Director Janae Erickson, and Digital Media Specialist Nicole Malley take over the microphone to discuss their takeaways from the Creative South Conference in Columbus, Georgia. They share quotes from engaging speakers, their favorite things about Columbus, and much more! Listen now.

Northwest Florida State College Streamlines Math Graduation Requirements

Today, Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) took a bold step in reforming its general education math requirements, setting a precedent for other institutions in Florida by implementing Senate Bill (SB) 366 (2021). As a result, students will no longer be required to take math courses irrelevant to their intended careers.   SB 366 amended a section of Florida law to mandate three distinct math pathways for students, tailored to align math courses with specific programs and the skills demanded by

NFB Pre-Professional Program, Company and Trainee Auditions

Northwest Florida Ballet (NFB) Pre-Professional Program (PPP), Company and Trainee auditions are now open for the 2024-2025 season. Auditions will take place on May 11 at the main studio building in downtown Fort Walton Beach and are by reservation only. Trainee auditions will take place from 9:00 am to 10:30 am, and auditions for the Pre-Professional and Company programs will be conducted from 11 am to 12:30 pm.   Company auditions are open to students entering the eighth grade and up with no less than

Warren Averett Recognized As One of Vault's 2025 Top 50 Most Prestigious Accounting Firms

Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors was named a Most Prestigious Accounting Firm by Vault, a trusted authority in career intelligence resources for professionals and students. This is the third time that Warren Averett has been named to this list.  The 2025 Top 50 Most Prestigious Accounting Firms list was determined through a survey filled out by accounting professionals from late 2023 into early 2024.  The survey asked about life at the survey participant’s current or former firm, and they were also asked

Fort Walton Beach High School Student Places Fourth at National Debate Championship

Incubate Debate recently held its 2024 National Championship on April 5-6 in Jacksonville, FL. The event was attended by 89 students from 23 counties who engaged in competitive debates on various pressing issues, such as the Trump January 6th federal case, the China-Taiwan conflict, college DEI programs, and the climate emergency.  One of the standout students at the event was Christian Bailey from Fort Walton Beach High School, who placed 4th overall in the National Debate Championship. In the final round

Emerald Coast Theatre Company Raises $37,467 at Inaugural Signature Event, “La Vie En Rouge”

Emerald Coast Theatre Company’s (ECTC) signature event, “La Vie En Rouge,” held on Thursday, March 28 raised $37,467 for the local organization. Embodied after the hit musical, Moulin Rouge!, the event brought the glitz and glamour of a 19th century Parisian cabaret to the Emerald Coast. From entry to exit, guests were delighted with live musical performances and interactive experiences from ECTC’s talent troupe of singers and actors, sponsored by Grand Boulevard at Sandestin® and Cabana by The Seaside

HouseMaster® Home Inspection Opens to Serve Destin and Surrounding Communities

Local owners Jeff and Kathleen Cresse are thrilled to announce the opening of their HouseMaster® Home Inspection of Destin, Serving Okaloosa and Walton Counites, a Neighborly® company. HouseMaster® Home Inspection of Destin provides homebuyers and sellers with an independent, third-party, professional, thorough and impartial inspection of a house using the latest industry standards and best practices. HouseMaster® Home Inspection of Destin also can provide the following services: Wind Mitigation, Four

CALM Celebrates Opening of CALM Village with a Ribbon Cutting

Crisis Aid for Littles and Moms held a ribbon cutting ceremony for its newest addition CALM Village, which will double the outreach capability. Each of these four tiny homes are fully furnished and ready for occupancy for qualified moms.  For more information and to apply, visit nicevillecalm.com.

NWFSC’s Fall 2023 President’s and Dean’s List

Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) recognized the superior academic achievement of students who completed the Fall 2023 semester by naming them to the President’s List and Dean’s List. The President’s List includes students with nine or more credits in the semester who earned a grade point average of 3.8 to 4.0 in college-level courses during the semester. The Dean’s List includes students with nine or more credits in the semester who earned a GPA of 3.5 to 3.79 in college-level courses during the

Diana Health Offers High Quality Women’s Healthcare to our Destin/Fort Walton Beach Area

On April 16, Diana Health celebrated a ribbon cutting with the Destin and Greater Fort Walton Beach chambers of commerce. Diana Health is a full-scope OB/GYN practice that believes in delivering evidence-based, high-quality, empowering care to women of all ages. It offers a full range of services to meet your healthcare needs across all stages of your life.  From gynecology, maternity care, mental health services, health and wellness coaching, and more, the professionals at Diana Health will work with

Brenda Gray Named Destin Chamber’s 2023 Ambassador of the Year

Brenda Gray, Director of Sales at the Hilton Garden Inn Destin/Miramar Beach, is the Destin Chamber’s 2023 Paul Woolman Ambassador of the Year! The award was presented by 2023 Chairman Jason Belcher of FNBT, during the Chamber’s April 12 Business Before Hours Sponsored by The Palms Bistro. “Brenda has been a great advocate for the Destin Chamber for many years.  She brings happiness, enthusiasm and excitability to everything she does.  She almost never says ‘no,’ and she truly enjoys her involvement and

Read the April 2024 Issue of Destin Life

Renee Fennell Larkey Promoted to Okaloosa County Clerk's Inspector General

The Okaloosa County Clerk of Court’s Office is pleased to announce Renee Fennell Larkey as the New Inspector General. Renee was promoted from Deputy Inspector General to the position of Inspector General by the honorable JD Peacock. As the Inspector General, Renee oversees and directs the internal audit and investigative functions of the Clerk of Court and the Board of County Commissioners. Renee provides counsel and advice to county officials on matters related to internal and external audits,

Statement From Chair Lori Kelley on Dr. Stephenson’s Selection as the Next President of Florida Polytechnic University

On behalf of the Board of Trustees at Northwest Florida State College, I extend congratulations to Dr. Devin Stephenson on his selection as the next President of Florida Polytechnic University. Dr. Stephenson’s visionary leadership during the past eight years has profoundly impacted our institution, ushering in an era of significant growth and achievement.    His dedication and strategic insight have not only enhanced our academic offerings but have also strengthened the College’s relationship with the

Eglin Federal Credit Union Partners with Okaloosa County School District to Bring Financial Literacy

Eglin Federal Credit Union and the Okaloosa County School District teamed up to bring financial literacy to high school students. Approximately 60 high school students from the 9th to 12th grades participated in lessons facilitated by Eglin Federal Credit Union’s VP Membership and Community Development, Neko Stubblefield, at Crestview High School on April 9. The personal financial literacy course covers a wide range of topics, from opening a checking or savings account to planning for retirement.   “Eglin

Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County Announces the 2024 Festival’s Featured Artist, Bradley Copeland

ArtsQuest, the 36th Annual Fine Arts Festival produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA), is pleased to announce the 2024 Festival’s Featured Artist, Bradley Copeland. Her custom artwork titled “Matapalo'' will be the featured image on all ArtsQuest marketing materials. Copeland’s work will be featured at ArtsQuest, a beloved May tradition taking place May 4th & 5th in Grand Boulevard Town Center‘s North Park. Bradley Copeland is a prolific 26 year-old artist living in Santa Rosa Beach,

Okaloosa Maintains More than 20-year StormReady Designation from National Weather Service

National Weather Service (NWS) has recently renewed Okaloosa County’s StormReady status, a designation that acknowledges the County’s emergency preparedness through robust communications infrastructure and an increased level of severe weather awareness. The County has maintained this designation since 2002. “I am extremely proud that Okaloosa County remains at the highest level of storm readiness,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon. “While we cannot prevent natural disasters, it is important

2024 Okaloosa County Mosquito Control Schedule

The Okaloosa County Mosquito Control Program schedule for treatment by broadcast spraying pesticide for control of adult mosquito populations is detailed below. Maps of showing general treatment area by days of the week are also linked. Broadcast treatment is conducted in the evening and is required by State Law to be justified. Justification is based on mosquito population surveillance data and other methods. Treatments will begin 1 hour before sunset. Map Links North Okaloosa County North Okaloosa

Educate the Educators Plus One Program Provides Okaloosa County Students and Teachers with Opportunities to Explore Local Businesses

On Friday, April 5, a group of fifteen students and teachers from middle and high schools in north Okaloosa County were given a behind-the-scenes tour of several local businesses. This tour was part of the Educate the Educator Plus One program, which was organized by the Okaloosa County School District, One Okaloosa EDC, TecMEN, and Career Source of Okaloosa and Walton Counties. The program aims to provide students and educators with knowledge about the local labor market and job opportunities, and

Zot Artz: Art Events for Special Needs

Emerald Coast Theatre Company Presents Mary Poppins The Broadway Musical

Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) presents Mary Poppins The Broadway Musical, May 3 - May 19, 2024. Sprinkle a spoonful of sugar on your spring with the delightful and enchanting Mary Poppins! This show is “practically perfect in every way” for all ages and feels like a “jolly holiday” with friends and family. Don’t miss this supercalifragilisticexpialidocious show that will lift your spirits and leave you feeling like you want to go “fly a kite!” Tickets available at emeraldcoasttheatre.org. Nathanael

Hello Frances Podcast: Day to Day: 8 Years with Frances Roy

This week on the Hello Frances Podcast, our host Shantelle Dedicke takes us behind the scenes in honor of her 8th work anniversary and the 8-year birthday of Frances Roy. Join Shantelle as she unveils a glimpse into her life, sharing personal and professional aspects of her daily routines. Gain a unique insight into the rhythm of agency life and Shantelle's journey of dedication and growth! Listen now.

“Spring Concert: A Concert of Beginnings and Endings” at Destin High School

Put a song in your heart this spring. Gather with family and friends to hear joyous music performed by the Sinfonia Youth Orchestras in concert on Sunday, May 5 at 2 p.m. at Destin High School.    Entitled “Spring Concert: A Concert of Beginnings and Endings,” the concert is a fun family-friendly annual tradition that showcases the talent of our area’s finest young musicians.   This year’s concert, which is free and open to the public, will feature Beginning Strings, Sinfonietta Strings, Intermediate

Lieutenant Governor Jeannette Nuñez Announces Third Annual Space Art Contest at Plew Elementary

Today, Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez visited Plew Elementary to announce the Third Annual Spring 2024 Florida Space Art Contest for Florida’s kindergarten through fifth grade students. Mrs. Leavins and Mrs. Hill's students welcomed Lieutenant Governor Nuñez, Superintendent Marcus Chambers, and Space Florida’s President and CEO Rob Long to their classrooms. The students showed them some of the STEAM projects they were currently working on. During the announcement at Plew's media center, Lieutenant

Twelve Okaloosa County Schools Designated as “Schools of Excellence” by the Florida Department of Ed

On Friday, March 29, 2024, ten Okaloosa County District Schools, along with two charter schools, were designated by the Florida Department of Education as “Schools of Excellence” for the 2022-2023 academic year. The Schools of Excellence program was established by the Florida Legislature in 2017 under HB 7069 to recognize and reward Florida’s highest-performing schools. The program aims to promote continuous improvement and provide administrative flexibility to the state’s top schools so they can maintain

First High School Health Academy on HCA Healthcare Campus Now Open in Fort Walton Beach

HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and the Okaloosa County School District (OCSD) announced the opening today of the Health Academy of Northwest Florida on the hospital’s campus. The Health Academy of Northwest Florida is the first high school health academy to be housed on an HCA Healthcare hospital campus anywhere in the country. A joint partnership between HCA Florida Fort-Walton Destin Hospital and OCSD, the Health Academy of Northwest Florida provides high school students interested in healthcare

SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Businesses and Residents of Florida Affected by Severe Storms and Tornadoes

Florida businesses and residents affected by severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes on Jan. 8-9 are eligible to apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman announced today. Administrator Guzman made the loans available in response to a letter from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ authorized representative Kevin Guthrie, on March 25 requesting a disaster declaration by the SBA. Businesses and residents in the declared

Easter Bunny and Easter Egg Dash Fun Experience for Kids at LuLu’s

Once again, LuLu’s in Destin held its annual Easter event. Kids were ‘eggcited’ to see the tropically clad Easter Bunny as he helped the kids find 5,000 eggs at the Easter Egg Dash on the sandy beach on the Choctawhatchee Bay. Divided by age groups, Easter eggs, along with prizes in golden eggs, were placed all over for kids to put in their Easter baskets. Kids and their families also got to visit with the Easter bunny on the LuLu’s stage.   “We had a great Easter celebration at LuLu’s,” said GM Jerry

Destin American Legion Post 296 Sponsors State Champion of the 2023-2024 Florida American Legion High School Oratory Scholarship Program

On Jan. 5, 2024, William Kiker from Fort Walton Beach High School won the American Legion Post 296 competition for the American Legion High School Oratory Scholarship Program.  On March 30, we traveled down to Orlando for the State/Department Championship.  William was victorious over five other finalists from across the State of Florida.  For his efforts, William was awarded a $2500 scholarship.  The next step is the National Championship scheduled for May 17-19, in Hillsdale, Michigan.  At this event,

NAD+... The Fountain of Youth

Please see below an Op-Ed, which was published in the April 2024 Destin Life. It was written by Scot Andrews of Prime IV Hydration & Wellness Destin. Click on the image to enlarge it.

A2Z Specialty Advertising: A Refreshing New Chapter under Donna and Paul Montalvo's Ownership

A2Z Specialty Advertising, the cornerstone of promotional products and specialty advertising in the heart of the Florida Panhandle, is thrilled to announce its acquisition by Donna and Paul Montalvo, effective April 1, 2024. This exciting development marks a significant milestone in the journey of A2Z Specialty Advertising, infusing the company with a renewed spirit of enthusiasm and dedication to serving its cherished clients. Donna and Paul Montalvo, the proud new owners, bring with them a wealth of

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida Recognized for Global Achievements

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida is excited to share recent accolades earned by the real estate agency at the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Sales Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana on March 10-12.   The company received the Berkshire Elite Circle Award by ranking No. 26 in gross commission income, a prestigious designation given to the top 50 companies in the global network. Sales Executive Anne Winicki ranked No. 7 among individual agents in the global network receiving a

Hello Frances Podcast: Take Back Your Time

This week on the Hello Frances Podcast, our host, Shantelle Dedicke, reflects on the importance of making time for meaningful work. In a world where it’s all too easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle, she emphasizes the significance of carving out time and delegating tasks that align with others’ skills, offering actionable insights to help you strike a balance between must-do tasks and working on creative, meaningful projects. Listen now.  

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Showcases A Range Showcases A Range of Music At 2024 Concerts in The Village

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) kicks off its highly-anticipated 2024 Concerts in the Village on Thursday, April 4.  The area’s first live concert series is held each spring on Thursday evenings at the MKAF Dugas Pavilion in Destin. This year’s 29th annual family-friendly series will run from April 4 to June 6. The 10-concert live music series will feature premier regional and national musicians and bands performing everything from rhythm & blues, classic and hard rock to disco to modern pop.  Here’s

Auditions for NFB Académie 2024-2025 Academic Year Scheduled for April 20 & 21

The Northwest Florida Ballet (NFB) Académie is now taking audition appointment reservations for the 2024-2025 academic year. All auditions will take place at the NFB Studios, the Sybil Lebherz Center for Dance Education, located at 310 Perry Avenue SE in Fort Walton Beach. Incoming third-grade students will audition on April 20 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and April 21 from 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Incoming fourth-grade students will audition on April 20 from 2:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m.   Appointment reservations are required

The NWFSC Aviation Center of Excellence Hosted a Signing Ceremony for FSU and 5 State Colleges in Northwest Florida

On Monday, March 25, 2024, Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) hosted a signing ceremony at its Aviation Center of Excellence (ACE) in Crestview, Florida. Participants included Pensacola State College (PSC), Gulf Coast State College (GCSC), Tallahassee Community College (TCC), Chipola College, and Florida State University (FSU).   This ceremony served as the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the colleges, signifying their commitment to collaborate on additive and advanced

Read the March 2024 Issue of Destin Life

ECCAC’s 25th Annual Gala & Golf Weekend a Big Success

Presented by Janice and George Hendricks, the community, sponsors, and supporters of the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) came out once again to celebrate 25 years at this year’s annual signature happening, the Gala & Golf Weekend. It raised a significant $650,000 to help children and their families in Walton and Okaloosa Counties.  The Gala featured an energetic live auction with celebrity auctioneer, DawnMarie Kotsonis, also known as “The Gavel Girl.”  ECCAC board member Cindy Cole

Okaloosa County to hold Town Halls for North Okaloosa Planning Study

Okaloosa County is moving forward with the next phase of a planning study to address the needs of the north end of the County as it continues its rapid growth. In addition to the public town hall meeting in 2023, two more town hall meetings have been scheduled in March 2024 as part of this process.  “We are excited to move forward with the next step of this study that will address how we can responsibly manage growth and progress in the County,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon. “We want to

Superintendent Marcus Chambers Offers Two $8,000 Florida Prepaid College Scholarship

Superintendent Marcus Chambers is very excited to have the opportunity to offer two $8,000 Florida Prepaid College Scholarship to a current Okaloosa County School District Student!Who qualifies?Student must be a SeniorStudent must attend a public high school in the Okaloosa County School DistrictStudent is going to pursue a career in educationStudent must meet the basic requirements to hold a Florida Prepaid College PlanApplication Deadline:Applications will be available beginning Friday, March 15, 2024 and

Okaloosa County School District to Host 2024 Career and Technical Education Career and College Signing Day

Okaloosa County School District Superintendent Marcus Chambers and the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department invite media members to the 5th Annual Career and College Signing Day. The event will occur on Thursday, March 28, from 10 a.m. to noon at Mattie Kelley Arts Center, 100 E College Blvd, Niceville. This event will recognize the necessary steps our CTE students are taking to continue their career and technical education after high school, ensuring a skilled future workforce for our community

6th Annual Mac & Cheese Festival Raises $60,000 for The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast

The 6th Annual Mac & Cheese Festival held on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at Destin Commons was a huge success. The event raised $60,000 in support of all local club kids.   The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast is a local non-profit organization whose mission is to promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging, and influence through its programs focused on academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. "Our

Paddle at the Park Set for May 11 at The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island

The 12th Annual Paddle at the Park Sponsored by HCA Florida Destin Emergency will take place in the Gulf of Mexico behind The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island on Saturday, May 11, 2024. This standup paddleboard race features 1- and 3-mile recreational races, a 6-mile elite race and a kids' fun out-and-back paddle. Racers and spectators alike will enjoy the festive atmosphere with displays and booths set up along the beach. The races have staggered start times, beginning at 9 a.m. The event will conclude with

The NWFSC Aviation Center of Excellence to Host Signing Ceremony for FSU and 5 State Colleges in Northwest Florida

The media are invited to join Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC), Pensacola State College (PSC), Gulf Coast State College (GCSC), Tallahassee Community College (TCC), and Chipola College for a signing ceremony with Florida State University (FSU) at NWFSC’s Aviation Center of Excellence in Crestview, Florida.  This ceremony will serve as the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the colleges signifying their commitment to collaborate on additive and advanced manufacturing, aerospace

Kloud 7 Introduces a New Way to Reach Your Clients

Ready to revolutionize the way you connect with your clients? Kloud 7 LLC would like to introduce Transmit, the game-changing platform where impactful communication meets unparalleled success. With Transmit, you can effortlessly spread your message to the world, maximizing engagement and conversions like never before. Say goodbye to traditional marketing hurdles and hello to a new era of effective communication. Unlock unparalleled connectivity and security with our Managed Network Solutions, designed to

Hello Frances Podcast: Surviving the Social Silence: Life Beyond Facebook & Instagram

This week on the Hello Frances Podcast, our host, Shantelle Dedicke is joined by Frances Roy Agency Senior Director of Content & Marketing, Hillaree Somerville to discuss the importance of diversifying your marketing efforts across various platforms. They delve into the recent Facebook and Instagram outage, share invaluable insights on adapting to unexpected challenges in the digital landscape, and much more! Listen now.

Read the March 2024 Issue of VIP Destin Magazine

Tammie Bowyer Honored as Destin Chamber’s Business Person of the Quarter

– During the Destin Chamber’s March 8 Business Before Hours Sponsored by Bit-Wizards, Tammie Bowyer (above right), owner of Stepping Stones Early Learning Academy, was honored with the Chamber’s Business Person of the Quarter Award. This award is presented directly from the Chamber’s Board of Directors to a Destin area businessperson showing vision for his or her business and leadership in our community. Bowyer is seen above with the Chamber's 2024 Chairman of the Board Christian Carlee of

Notice of 45-Day Public Comment Period for the Choctawhatchee Bay and Watershed Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan

This is notice that Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Coalition has drafted a Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan and Executive Summary to be submitted to the US Treasury in accordance with the RESTORE Act.  The Plan and Executive Summary will be made available to the public on March 7, 2024 for a period of 45 days.   The Plan and Executive Summary are available at https://choctawbay.org or to view in person, please contact Melinda Gates, Interim Executive Director, at (850)892-8108 or Sabina

Boys & Girls of the Emerald Coast Opens Summer 2024 Registration

Registration for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast summer program is now open. All registration will take place through the online parent portal. Learn more and register here.   

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Calls for Artist Applications and Poster Art Artists for 29th Annual Festival of the Arts

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation's Festival of the Arts is one of the Southeast's premier festivals and showcases more than 100 artists from across the U.S. The Festival is a celebration of art, music, food, and family fun and features a live music lineup, Cuisine on the Green, a wine and beer garden, art activities for kids, merchandise, and more.  The 29th annual Festival will be held on Saturday, Oct. 26, and Sunday, Oct. 27 in the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village in Destin, Florida.  This is a juried

HCA Florida Hospitals Announce Dr. Dan Hagler as Chief Medical Officer

Dan Hagler, M.D., has been appointed chief medical officer (CMO) of HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital, as of March 4. In this role, Dr. Hagler will lead the clinical and quality initiatives that support consistent clinical performance and practice standards across HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital. Dr. Hagler brings more than 20 years of senior leadership experience with a proven track record of improving quality and

Two NWFSC Students Named 2024 Coca-Cola Academic Team Scholars

Two Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) students have been named as 2024 Coca-Cola Academic Team Scholars.   •Arya Patel, Gold Scholar, from the Chautauqua Center  •Mary Vanderkooy, Bronze Scholar, from the Robert L F Sikes Education Center  Sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, the Coca-Cola Academic Team program annually recognizes 150 scholars—50 Gold, 50 Silver, and 50 Bronze—with nearly $200,000 in scholarships. Each scholar is awarded a monetary scholarship and a commemorative

NWFSC Forensics Speech and Debate Team Triumphs at FCSAA State Championship

On February 9th and 10th, 2024, the Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) Forensics Speech and Debate Team triumphed, demonstrating exceptional skills at the Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA) State Championship. Held virtually, students from 28 schools within the Florida College System competed.  The NWFSC team placed in eleven competitions, with four students winning individual honors. Among them, Aleksandria Herr received the Shira Brownstein Award, which commemorates Tallahassee

Okaloosa County Jail Celebrates Inmate Success with ‘Anchored’ Program

On March 5, 2024, a significant milestone was achieved within the walls of the Okaloosa County Jail as 34 men successfully completed Phase I of the transformative "Anchored" program, administered by the Emerald Coast Life Center. This faith-based initiative is designed to equip participants with the tools and mindset necessary to break the cycle of recidivism and substance abuse. “While we are committed to ensuring the safety of our inmates while they are in the jail, we can also make an effort to better

Destin Water Users, Inc. Unveils Richard F. Griswold Building

On Monday, March 4, Destin Water Users, Inc. (DWU) celebrated the completion of their newest building, the Richard F. Griswold Building, with a ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication luncheon. Located at 14 Industrial Park Lane, the Richard F. Griswold Building started out as a dream that began in 2010 when then DWU general manager, Richard Griswold, began making plans to convert the existing inventory buildings into offices to consolidate all the plant personnel under one roof. His hope was to improve

Minto Communities USA Receives NAHB 55+ Housing Silver Award for Latitude Margaritaville Watersound Town Square Amenity

 Minto Communities USA was recognized with a National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) 55+ Housing Silver Award at the 2024 International Builders Show (IBS) held in Las Vegas, Nevada, February 27-29. Minto’s Latitude Margaritaville Watersound amenity center won the silver “Best in 55+ Housing Award” in the Best Community Amenity category.  Latitude Margaritaville Watersound is located on Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast between Pensacola and Panama City, near Panama City Beach, Florida. Latitude

Florida House Passes Bill Modernizing Florida's Baker and Marchman Acts

Today, the Florida House of Representatives voted unanimously in favor of CS/CS/HB 7021 - Mental Health and Substance Abuse, a bill aimed to significantly modernize Florida’s Baker and Marchman Acts, improving the navigation, service delivery and expected outcomes of the state’s mental health system. Thanks to the championship of State Representative Patt Maney and leadership of House Speaker Paul Renner, the major improvements would be the first made to the Acts in 53 years and 30 years,

Stepping Stones at Roane Provides Structured Early Learning for Ages 1-5 in Destin

On Feb. 29, Stepping Stones at Roane celebrated a ribbon cutting with the Destin Chamber. Stepping Stones at Roane is a Preschool for children ages 1-5 that provides an adventurous setting for those in their early learning years to flourish. Its goal is to teach children to love God, provide a positive foundation for a life-long love of learning, and promote independence with a focus on social and emotional aspects of a child’s development. The preschool offers a structured curriculum along with exposure

Vendor Registration for The Destin Seafood Festival is Open

Northwest Florida State College Expands Access to Skill Training for Childcare Providers

Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC), in collaboration with the Early Learning Coalition of the Emerald Coast, is excited to announce a new initiative to address workforce gaps in the early childhood education space. NWFSC and the Early Learning Coalition of the Emerald Coast will offer a cohort of classes to child care providers to earn staff and director-level credentials.  This initiative is inspired by the charges of both the Florida Department of Education and the Division of Early Learning to help

Regatta Bay Exclusive

Regatta Bay is a community filled with freshwater wonders, where lakes overflow with life, and fishing enthusiasts find their happy place. Two young brothers, Bennett and Grayson Vlahos, aged six and nine, respectively, have a special connection with water and a love for the art of angling. Their fishing expedition was a typical day, but what followed was nothing short of spectacular. However, the essence of their tale isn't solely about the bass but the excitement of the journey and the joy of childhood

Beau Halo Luxury Salon Celebrates Grand Opening in Destin

On Feb. 27, Beau Halo Luxury Salon celebrated a ribbon cutting with the Destin Chamber. Beau Halo Luxury Salon's goal is to transform the lives of clients by providing exceptional hair care services for the ultimate in hair health and beauty. Let its team of stylists help you create your dream look. Book your appointment at www.beau-halo.com, and visit the beautifully remodeled space at 4705 Furling Ln. Ste. 109, in Destin. Be sure to mark your calendars for Beau Halo Luxury Salon's Grand Opening

Hello Frances Podcast: Isn’t It ALL Seasonal?

This week on the Hello Frances Podcast, our host, Shantelle Dedicke shares a fresh perspective on seasonal marketing. She urges you to look at everything you’ve created since the beginning of this year and ask, are you achieving your desired impact, or is it time for a reevaluation? Listen now.  

Minto Communities USA ranked 13th among Top 100 Private Home Builders in U.S.

Minto Communities USA has been ranked 13th among the Top 100 Private Home Builders in the U.S. by Home Builder Executive magazine. Rankings are determined based on 2023 home closings. Minto was ranked 18th on the list in 2022. In addition, Minto ranked second on Home Builder Executive’s list of Top 10 Private Home Builders in the U.S. for greatest gain in closings for the same time period. Minto had 2,350 closings in 2023, resulting in a 33% increase over 2022 closings.  Total revenue in 2023 was $1.24

Forever Warriors, Powered by Step One Automotive Group, Announces Participation in Upcoming Events to Support Military and Local Communities

Forever Warriors, in collaboration with Step One Automotive Group, is proud to announce its involvement in a series of events designed to engage and support military personnel, their families, and the broader community. With activities ranging from gaming conventions to fitness challenges and community festivals, Forever Warriors is dedicated to broadening its reach and impact within the military community by meeting them where they are.  Pensacon: Gaming Everything•Date: February 23-25, 2024•Location:

Bit-Wizards & TalkingParents Awarded American Advertising Federation Gold and Silver Addys

Fort Walton Beach, FL – February 22, 2024– For the 14th year in a row, the Bit-Wizards and TalkingParents team was awarded Gold and Silver “ADDYs” by the Pensacola Chapter of the American Advertising Federation. The ADDY Awards are the largest and most representative competition in the advertising industry, recognizing and rewarding the creative spirit of excellence in the art of advertising.  For their work in 2023, the team received two Gold and six Silver ADDYs, totaling eight awards. Recognition

Warren Averett Recognized On USA Today's 2024 America's Most Recommended Tax Firms

Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors, one of the largest accounting and consulting firms in the Southeast, has been recognized on USA Today’s 2024 America’s Most Recommended Tax Firms and America’s Most Recommended Accounting Firms lists.  USA Today partnered with Statista to create the national lists of highly recommended firms for tax and accounting services; results are based on thousands of surveys and recommendations from both accounting professionals and clients.  While this is USA Today’s inaugural

Cox Enterprises Announces STEAM-Powered Classroom Challenge with DonorsChoose to Provide Teachers with Essential Classroom Materials

Cox Enterprises is piloting a partnership with DonorsChoose, an education nonprofit empowering public school teachers to request essential classroom materials. The Cox Enterprises STEAM-Powered Classroom Challenge will match up to $100,000 in individual community contributions dollar-for-dollar on qualified STEAM and sustainability-related DonorsChoose projects in schools in under-resourced communities.  Cox is dedicated to empowering the next generation of STEAM leaders with diverse skills, the gifts of

Warren Averett Named One Of Clearlyrated's Best of Accounting

Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors received ClearlyRated’s Best of Accounting Award for the first time.  ClearlyRated is a leading provider of survey tools and expertise for professional service firms. They help professional service firms collect actionable feedback from clients and employees so that the businesses can use the critical insights to improve.  The Best of Accounting Award recognizes accounting firms that have delivered exceptionally high levels of client service based exclusively on ratings

Cultural Art Alliance of Walton County Announces Foster Gallery's Spring Rotation Artists

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) is proud to announce the regional artists recently chosen to exhibit their original work in The Foster Gallery’s Spring Rotation, which runs February 21st, through June 22nd, 2024 in its Miramar Beach Creative Campus location at 13370 Emerald Coast Parkway (US Highway 98). The public is invited to attend a special evening celebrating art and creativity on Thursday, March 7th from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. where they can enjoy a live demonstration with Spring Rotation

Okaloosa County’s Shoal River Ranch Gigasite recognized with prestigious ‘Select Site’ distinction by CSX Railroad

Okaloosa County’s Shoal River Ranch Gigasite has joined an elite group of locations across the country as a “Select Site” at the Bronze Level by CSX Railroad, the leading supplier of freight transportation in North America. Shoal River Ranch is one of 19 sites nationwide that received “Select Site” status which positions the County to attract significant economic development. “We are excited to receive this distinction and are proud of the work One Okaloosa EDC has done to achieve this national

Hand Arendall Harrison Sale Best Law Firm In Destin

Hand Arendall Harrison Sale LLC (HAHS), has been announced for the third consecutive year as the best law firm in Destin, Florida.“It is with gratitude to all who voted for us that we announce that our location in Destin has again, been voted best law firm,” stated Dion Moniz, attorney and law office manager for the Destin firm location.  “With the Destin office being one of our eight locations, we have an outstanding team throughout the southeast to support our local community efforts and objectives in the

Hello Frances Podcast: Love Your Marketing Strategy

This week on the Hello Frances Podcast, our host Shantelle Dedicke talks about one of her favorite topics: Marketing Strategy. She explains the things you need to take into consideration when creating a marketing strategy, ways you can implement one in the digital age, and much more! Listen now.  

Okaloosa County School District Kindergarten and New Student Registration Now Open

It is that time of year! Incoming kindergarteners and students new to the Okaloosa County School District for the 2024-2025 School Year can begin registering for school now. Parents will need to create a Focus Parent Portal Account to start the process.   Parents will use their Focus Parent Portal Account to: View their student (s) class schedule and grades View attendance View discipline Communicate with teachers  Create a Parent Portal Account   To enroll, families must use their child's legal

Northwest Florida State College Partners with the Florida Department of Corrections to Provide Workforce Training

Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) is thrilled to reveal the expansion of its workforce training programs tailored for inmates ready to transition into society. Inmates will be trained in sought-after skills in the Trades and Heavy Equipment Machinery sectors at Okaloosa Correctional Institution. Furthermore, those at Santa Rosa Prison will be able to enhance their abilities in Welding and Construction. The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) will be selecting individuals based on time served,

Big Brother Larry Gillespie Wins Prestigious State of Florida Big of the Year Award

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida proudly announces Larry Gillespie as the recipient of the 2024 Big Brother of the Year for the State of Florida! This prestigious award recognizes Larry's outstanding dedication and commitment to fostering a meaningful relationship with his Little Brother, Zorrian, over the span of 8 years. Larry has been a transformative force in Zorrian's life, helping him come out of his shell and instilling confidence through a variety of shared experiences. Their bond has

Read the February 2024 VIP Destin Magazine

Eco Clean Marine Wins Prestigious ICON 2024 National Award and Welcomes New Sponsors Amidst Rapid Organizational Growth

Eco Clean Marine, a Gulf Shores-based nonprofit advocate for waterway conservation and cleanliness, is thrilled to announce its victory in securing the ICON 2024 national award by Iconic USA. This recognition is a testament to the organization's dedication to environmental literacy, community engagement in conservation efforts, and its leadership in initiatives aimed at safeguarding marine and aquatic ecosystems.  Eco Clean Marine has experienced remarkable growth in just two years, swiftly becoming a

Okaloosa County School District First Semester Highlights

As we embark on the start of a new semester, I would like to share with our families and community members our highlights on District projects, programs, and successes during the first semester of the school year. As Superintendent, it fills my heart to see the successes of our students excelling in academics, the arts, and athletics. I also see our teachers and administrative staff giving their all to build a positive school culture and prepare our students for college, the military, and the workforce. So

Newman-Dailey Recognizes the 2023 Real Estate Top Performers

Newman-Dailey Real Estate announces the remarkable achievements of its top performers for 2023. Newman-Dailey’s Real Estate Sales Division proudly recognizes Shannyn Stevenson with the Top Sales and Top Listing Agent Awards, reaffirming her dedication to excellence in the Gulf Coast real estate market. Other 2023 Top Producers include Heather Sprigler, the second highest performing agent for listings and sales; Diane Green, the third highest performer for sales; and Colin Kirkwood, third highest volume of

NWFSC to Receive Funding from the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program

Last week, Governor DeSantis announced Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) as a recipient of the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant. NWFSC plans to further incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills and coursework into its Computer Science and Cybersecurity curriculum, effective Summer 2024. The introduction of these courses aligns with the College’s commitment to providing students with innovative educational opportunities that meet the demands of the ever-evolving technology

NWFSC student Lillian Roller Selected to Serve on the FCSSGA State Executive Board as Chair of the Temporary Committee

Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) student Lillian Roller has been selected to serve on the Florida College System Student Government Association (FCSSGA) State Executive Board as the Chair of the Temporary Committee. As the Chair, Roller will lead the planning efforts for the Student Leadership conferences in February and April. These two Florida Conferences host representatives from all twenty-eight Florida College Student Government Associations. In her role, she will report directly to the FCSSGA