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Hey Destin, hope your week’s off to a good start! A new healthy food spot, Ruston Kelly’s benefit concert, Pink Martini at Crescendo, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Open seven days a week: Destin will get The Bowled Healthy Food Company’s third Florida location in early March, owned by Stephanie and Karomenya Reynolds, serving customizable bowls, salads, and smoothies — learn opening plans and hours.
Balancing public safety and privacy: The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office explains how Flock Safety cameras help spot suspects and find stolen cars locally, while addressing who can access data and how long it is kept — see how data is handled.
Familiar storefront gets new life: Moby Dick’s, a discount shop for souvenirs, beach gear, toys, and clothing, is moving into Destin’s blue Blalock Seafood building and is expected to open by the end of February — get all the details.
New momentum in defense modernization: KBR was awarded a $149 million contract for AFLCMC’s Armament Directorate at Eglin AFB, bringing seven years of analytics, digital transformation, and engineering support to the area — see scope, value and timeline.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why precious metals are back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Early land buys boost project: Okaloosa County commissioners approved $10 million to help FDOT widen a one mile stretch of State Road 85 in south Crestview between Live Oak Church Road and PJ Adams Parkway. The $36.2 million construction ties into $200 million for the Southwest Crestview Bypass and I-10 interchange projects. Get all the project details.
Expanded responder capabilities: Nearby Fort Walton Beach has introduced new water patrol boats for its police and fire departments, aimed at boosting safety on local waterways. Each boat cost $139,000 and was paid for with a county tax. Police Chief Robert Bage says the additions will help crews respond to incidents more quickly. See how it was funded.
Take your weekend higher: Been wondering if trading US 98 traffic for airspace is the move? Destin Flight Works, an FAA Part 141 school, offers training from private to commercial, plus local Introductory/Discovery flights to show you the Emerald Coast in a way you’ve never seen it before.
Refresh your nest: Resort Resale curates a constantly changing mix of quality furniture, art, and coastal decor, ideal for refreshing any room without big-box blahs. When a space feels stale, the treasure-hunt vibe turns “I’ll just look” into “yep, that works,” and suddenly your place feels new.
What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.
Take control of your credit card debt: High interest can keep you stuck paying more than you need to. A balance transfer card with 0% intro APR until 2027 and no annual fee gives you time to pay down what you owe without interest working against you. By transferring your balance, more of your payment goes toward the principal so you can actually make a dent in what you owe.
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📆 Around town this week
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
This week
🖍 Painting with Pastels @ Bayou Arts Center | Tuesday (2/24) at 9:00 AM – If your camera roll is overflowing with sunsets, grandkids, and the family dog, this pastel class with artist Melody Bogle turns them into frame-worthy art. Work from your own photos, all levels welcome, materials provided for your first go, small group vibe, no art-school attitude.
🎭 Forever Plaid @ Emerald Coast Theatre Company | Wednesday (2/25) at 2:00 PM – Think you know your 1950s harmonies? Forever Plaid brings a ghostly barbershop quartet back for one last, pitch-perfect bow, crooning classics like Chain Gang, Sixteen Tons, and Catch a Falling Star. It’s sweet, silly, and nostalgic enough to polish your bobby socks.
🍷 Premium Wine Tasting @ ABC Fine Wine & Spirits | Wednesday (2/25) at 5:30 PM – Think you can tell a Napa cab from a Tuesday night red? ABC in Destin is hosting a premium in-store tasting, with sips worth savoring, knowledgeable pours, and zero pretense. Come swirl, chat, and upgrade your vino IQ, then pretend it was accidental.
This weekend
🎭 Fort Mardi Gras 5K Fun Run/Walk & Fest @ Ferry Park | Saturday (2/28) at 9:00 AM – Earn your beads the honest way with a Mardi Gras 5K at Ferry Park, then stick around for the new Gumbo Kickoff with local chefs, music, and community. It’s festive cardio for a good cause, backing mental wellness, and your knees will forgive you.
🌸 Learn to Make a Spring Wreath @ Etcetera By DeFrance | Saturday (2/28) at 10:00 AM – Whether your front door needs a facelift or you just want an excuse to sip, snack, and play with ribbon, Claudia’s small-group wreath class at DeFrance has you. Supplies and step-by-step coaching included, only five spots, $125. Call 850-314-7500.
🍵 Tea Fore Her @ Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa | Sunday (3/1) at 12:00 PM – Bring your best hat and your generous streak to Hilton Sandestin for Tea Fore Her, where the silent auction is elegant, the wine pull is dangerously fun, and the cause matters. Dress the hat, loosen the wallet, and help Northwest Florida women in treatment.
🎶 Crescendo! 2026 Main Event @ Sandestin Beach and Golf Resort | Sunday (3/1) at 3:00 PM – Break out the dress shoes and your generous bidding hand for the splashiest Crescendo. Pink Martini joins Sinfonia Gulf Coast for a first-ever Crescendo set, plus wine, spirits, hors d’oeuvres, a late lunch, and an auction supporting music education, which makes day drinking feel noble.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Destin report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 56°F – Low: 49°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 56. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 49. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 67°F – Low: 63°F – Precip: 14%
Partly sunny, with a high near 67. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Later: A chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. South wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
This house is wild
This extraordinary harbor-front estate in Destin, Florida frames sweeping emerald-water views and luminous sunsets. The privileged setting sits within Destin’s renowned boating culture, close to sugar-white beaches, seafood dining, and lively harbor events. A statement-making address on the Emerald Coast, defined by salt air, sparkling horizons, and the easy cadence of waterfront life.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
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