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 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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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,
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,
Terésa R. Hebert Inducted into the Prestigious Marquis Who’s Who Biographical Registry
Terésa R. Hebert has been inducted into Marquis Who’s Who. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process. For nearly four years, Ms. Hebert has served the City of Destin as a councilwoman. Before her tenure in the public service sector, she enjoyed a career in both the military and
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
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
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
Destin Library Closed in December
The Destin Library will be closed starting December 4 and will reopen January 2, 2024. This closure is necessary to install new carpeting throughout the Library. Programing will be suspended while the building is closed, and the Library’s collection will be unavailable to patrons for check out. However, the Library will be open for the annual “Visit with Santa” event on December 1 at 6 p.m. Bring the kids for cocoa, cookies, and a picture with Santa Claus! If you have any questions, please contact the
City of Destin to Host Open House
The public is invited to attend the City of Destin’s Open House on Wednesday, Oct. 25 from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., at the Destin Community Center. "This year’s theme is ‘Music to Our Ears’, and we'll have a local band to add a little flair to an already great annual event,” said Tamara Young, Public Information Director. “Jones and Company will share their talent, and the event gives City departments and important partners a chance to engage with the community on what we do." Nonprofit organizations
September Proclaimed Suicide Prevention Month
In honor of The Tatissa Zunguze Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the Okaloosa Suicide Prevention and Support group, Mayor Bobby Wagner and the Destin City Council proclaimed September 2023 as National Suicide Prevention & Action Month in the City of Destin. All residents are encouraged to take time to understand mental health through education and recognize that we need to take care of ourselves while we take care of each other. Tatissa was one month from college graduation when she took her life. She
Captain Royal Melvin Heritage Park Opens
After 17 years in the making, the Captain Royal Melvin Heritage Park officially opened to the public on Tuesday, July 18. Members of the City Council, Chamber of Commerce and relatives of Royal Melvin took part in cutting the ribbon to what has been nicknamed the “Gateway to the Harbor.” The park is located at 206 Harbor Boulevard. “We are the sons of Captain Royal Melvin,” began Bo Melvin, as he and his brother Scott took to the podium at the celebration. “It is an honor to be here today. It has been a
Public Works Vacuum Truck in Area
The City of Destin Public Works Department has rented a large Vacuum Truck from Vermeer to assist with cleaning the major stormwater drainage structures. Starting the week of July 10, work with structures along Highway 98 will begin, followed by the Weir on Gulf Shore Drive. After those two areas are completed, drain boxes and pipes throughout the City will be cleaned. Disruptions to residents and tourists will be kept as minimal as possible, but please be advised there could be traffic delays at times as
