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Rise and shine, Destin!
In today’s planning-your-week edition: Pentagon awards revealed, big rig bonanza, and kittens and crawfish fundraiser + all our favorite events happening over the next seven days.
Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Destin protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.
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📰 In the news
Relationship-centered school leadership: Mandy Lopez has been named principal at Destin Middle School, replacing Belinda Small. An Okaloosa educator is focusing on a family-like culture and building connections with students, staff, and families — see her background and goals.
Railroad era roots revealed: DeFuniak Springs, a Walton County gem near South Walton’s beaches, charms with small-town vibes and Lake DeFuniak, one of the world’s only symmetrical spring-fed lakes. Festivals and nature are nearby — explore the heritage and attractions.
Multiple Pentagon awards revealed: Santa Rosa Beach’s Elite PPE won a $763 million Defense Logistics Agency contract for physical fitness gear, a win for the Emerald Coast, with more awards expected under the solicitation — get all the details.
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.
Highlights this week:
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🏆 Gold and silver are heating up
Together with our sponsor American Hartford Gold
Gold just posted its strongest run in decades… and the momentum is carrying into 2026. Silver has become one of the most talked-about assets as investors look for ways to stay ahead of market volatility.
While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning.
If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, AHG has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how investors are approaching precious metals right now.
It’s free and worth reading before the next move.
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🫶 We got your back
Wing night upgrade: Craving saucy, no-nonsense wings that taste like someone cares? At Buffalo Jack’s Legendary Wings & Pizza, locals dig crispy, made-to-order batches, a deep bench of sauces, and an easygoing sports-bar vibe that fits weeknights, game days, or those times the fridge gives you side-eye.
Small-batch suds upgrade: Artful Soap Co.handcrafts natural soaps, sugar scrubs, body butters, and after‑sun goodies in Miramar Beach, perfect for reviving skin after salt, sun, and sand. It’s scent therapy in a jar, plus giftable finds you’ll insist are for others.
Weekend fairway fix: If your irons are acting up, a loop at Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club can reset the mood. Demanding lines, sly water views, and a practice setup that actually helps make for a round that leaves you pleasantly spent, content, and quietly scheming the rematch on the drive home.
Thinning hair? It only gets worse: A few months ago, I noticed my ponytail getting thinner. I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, etc.) but mostly just hoped it would fix itself… until I learned that active follicles can permanently go dormant if you don’t do something about it. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn more about my favorite online options here.
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📆 Our favorite events 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.
🐱 Kittens & Crawfish @ Ivy & Ale | Tuesday (3/3) at 6:00 PM – Nothing beats scarfing mudbugs for a good cause. Ivy & Ale hosts a fundraiser for Animals of Ivy with live music, raffles, silent auction, and drinks while the kitchen naps. Grab a $20 crawfish plate with corn and potatoes, and bring pet supplies to donate.
⭐ 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.
🎸 Wednesday Night Concert Series @ The Village of Baytowne Wharf | Wednesday (3/4) at 7:00 PM – Remember when Wednesday nights were for errands? Skip the aisles and catch Below Alabama Band in The Village, a free concert with good vibes, a spring breeze, and the kind of easy groove that makes you forget email. Grab a chair, claim a spot, relax.
🧹 Cleanest City Roadside Cleanup @ Fort Walton Beach City Hall | Saturday (3/7) at 8:00 AM – Been waiting for a sign to tidy our slice of the Emerald Coast? Grab a bucket with Keep Okaloosa Beautiful and join the First Street cleanup downtown FWB. Meet at First Presbyterian on Beal, then sweep St. Mary to Eglin, and call it morning cardio.
🛍 Saturday Outdoor Market @ De’France Indoor Fleamarket Antiques & Collectibles | Saturday (3/7) at 9:00 AM – DeFrance on Eglin is spilling into the parking lot with a Saturday market full of local makers, vintage finds, shabby chic furniture, and dangerously good snacks. Wander the booths, then duck inside for more treasure hunting, fewer sunburns, and the AC.
🔎 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.
🚛 Big Rig Bonanza @ Destin Commons | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Trade errands for truck bragging rights at Destin Commons, where kids climb aboard fire engines and big rigs. $5 per child or free with new socks or underwear, adults free, a merciful horn-free hour, and early birds score hard hats while proceeds support Junior League.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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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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📻 Destin report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 68°F – Low: 60°F – Precip: 2%
Sunny, with a high near 68. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 60. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 69°F – Low: 61°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 69. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 61. 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 two-level Gulf-front penthouse crowns the 19th and 20th floors of Silver Beach Towers West, just 110 feet from the water. The complex fronts 600 feet of shoreline, with heated pools, a hot tub, a private dune boardwalk, and lit tennis courts. A soaring two-story great room and dual Gulf-front suites showcase travertine, granite, stainless appliances, and a 2-car garage.
Take a peek inside →
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