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Hello Destin! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. 

In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Lasheeda Perry’s Food Network baking championship bid, a $35 million beach renourishment, and a Ruston Kelly benefit concert + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.

Today’s sponsor, Spot Pet Insurance, is something I wish I had before a late-night emergency vet visit left me with a $10,000 credit card bill. It’s cheaper than Netflix… and means you never have to choose between your pet and your savings. It takes less than 5 minutes to sign up – get started here.

📰 In the news

Officials move to fix missteps: After scathing transit revelations, Okaloosa commissioners approved a retroactive $1 million contract fix to keep about $900,000 in state funding, and potential bus system changes could affect Destin riders soon — read the full story.

Abstract, approachable pastry artistry: Fort Walton Beach’s Lasheeda Perry, co-owner of Queen of Flavor, will compete on Food Network’s new “The Ultimate Baking Championship,” premiering March 9 at 8 p.m., with $50,000 at stake — read the full story.

Taxpayers fund coastal overhaul: Crews are pumping 1.5 million cubic yards of sand onto 8.1 miles of Pensacola Beach in a $35 million renourishment set to finish this month, possibly before Spring Break’s peak — see where else it’s happening.

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 they’re 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/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.

Highlights this week:

• Learn wallpaper and window film with Rosa
• Catch High Tide live in The Village
• Ruston Kelly headlines neurodiversity benefit
• This top-tier home warranty is 50% off right now

🐾 One pet emergency can cost $10,000+

Together with our sponsor Spot Pet Insurance

Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache.

From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving.

As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Spot.

It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% on qualified vet bills. It was too late for me, but it’s not too late for you. Sign up today.

🫶 We got your back

Tapas vibes, Destin edition: When a true tapas spot is hard to find, The Wine Bar – Destin delivers shareable cheese-and-charcuterie, seasonal small plates, and an easygoing wine list. Low-key for a Tuesday, polished for date night, and conveniently nearby when you’d rather not cross town.

Local tackle intel: Half Hitch stocks rods, reels, lures, apparel, and local know-how that fills coolers. Check the weekly Destin fishing report, chat rigs with the crew, then roll out with gear and confidence tuned for our bays, jetties, and beach.

Dinner + a movie? Skip the multiplex and make a night of it at Suds N Cinema in Fort Walton Beach, where big screens meet real food, cold beer, and comfy vibes inside a historic 1940 building. Easygoing enough for low-key date nights, relaxed enough for spontaneous friend hangouts.

Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.

📆 Fun for the whole fam

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.

⭐ Create Starfish Characters Workshop and Book Signing @ The Big Chill 30A | Wednesday (3/4) at 3:00 PM – Skip the souvenir run and head to The Big Chill for a starfish character workshop and book signing. Choose your starfish, outfit, colors, and accessories, then craft a starfish family member. All supplies included, $20 per character, think build a bear, but beachier.

💃 Dancing With Our Stars @ Luna Ballroom | Thursday (3/5) at 6:30 PM – Got a teen who treats the living room like a stage? This Santa Rosa Beach program teaches middle and high schoolers viral routines from Dancing with the Stars, inspired by Charlie D’Amelio, Robert Irwin, and more. Fewer eye rolls than home practice, with real choreography.

🥕 Grand Boulevard Farmers Market @ Grand Boulevard at Sandestin | Saturday (3/7) at 9:00 AM – Whether you’re stocking the fridge or stretching your legs, this park-side market delivers: Gulf seafood, tupelo honey, artisan breads, and crisp produce under shady trees by the fountain. Sample freely, buy greens to justify dessert, and call the whole thing quality time, not errands.

🔎 Neighborhood Treasure Hunt Bazaar @ Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Amphitheatre | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Ready to treasure hunt without cleaning the garage first? Mattie Kelly Amphitheatre becomes a community bazaar benefiting Destin High with student performances, artisan vendors, yard-sale gems, and food trucks, plus $5 kid wristbands so you can browse, eat, and pretend this counts as spring cleaning.

🚗 7th Annual Motors in March Auto Show @ The Village of Baytowne Wharf | Saturday (3/7) at 11:00 AM – Nothing beats chrome by the bay when it benefits Children in Crisis. The 7th annual Motors in March takes over Baytowne with muscle, classics, exotics, and a blessed no-rev rule, plus free admission, raffles, trophies, and an excuse for a High Noon victory lap.

🐰 Bunny Adoption Event @ Pet Supplies Plus | Saturday (3/7) at 11:00 AM – Take a break from the beach traffic and hop to Pet Supplies Plus in Destin for a bunny adoption day with Bunnychick Haven. Meet sweet rescues, learn rabbit care, and chat with volunteers. Kid-friendly, heart-melting, and yes, adoption is a commitment, not an impulse buy.

👪 Family Day @ Melting Pot | Sunday (3/8) at 12:00 PM – Sunday is your excuse to eat out without calculating the cost of chicken tenders. Buy an adult entrée, and each kid 12 and under scores a free kid’s entrée, one-to-one. No stacking deals or holiday loopholes, just an easy win for family peace.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 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.

• Thinning hair? Don’t wait – here are 3 treatments that work
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• Protect your pet from disaster with this pet insurance plan
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account
• Treat yourself: Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

📻 Destin report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 69°F – Low: 62°F – Precip: 1%

Patchy fog before 8am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 69. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Later: Patchy fog after 3am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. Southeast wind 0 to 5 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 70°F – Low: 64°F – Precip: 10%

Patchy fog before 8am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Someone Googled you this week 👀

It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.

Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.

Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.

This house is wild

This ICF-built showpiece pairs strength and superior insulation with storybook drama, showcasing a 30-foot domed ceiling with twinkling starlight, artisan woodwork, and a private elevator to a personal theater. The primary suite brings lake views, fireplace, gold-crusted chandelier, and spa-like bath. A gourmet kitchen, world-class office, resort-style pool with water features, three-car garage, and lemon-laden citrus trees complete the estate.

Take a peek inside →