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Hi Destin, we made it to Thursday!
In today’s fun-for-grown-ups edition: Florida spring break searches, gold and silver surge, and Ruston Kelly benefit + plenty of reasons to put on real pants 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.
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📰 In the news
Where travelers are looking: New analysis shows Florida leading spring break searches, with Destin, Key West, and Orlando drawing top interest. Internationally, Mexico ranks highest while Greece and Iceland earn attention for 2026 travel — explore the travel search trends.
More room for game day: Destin officials are weighing the purchase of 446 Calhoun Avenue to ease the crunch at Destin Little League fields, a move that could nearly double parking for families — get all the details.
Ancient cultures, modern storytelling: Fort Walton Beach’s Temple Mound Museum reopened on February 28 after a major expansion and updated exhibits. Regular admission remains $5 for adults, with discounts for seniors, military, and children — see admission and funding details.
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:
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🐾 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.
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🫶 We got your back
Burger craving this week? When that ‘I need a real burger’ feeling hits, McGuire’s Irish Pub serves hefty, house-ground steak burgers, including the notorious Terrible Garbage Burger, plus saner builds and a local-brew vibe. Zero pretense, just satisfying bites for a midweek treat or a low-key weekend refuel.
Lace up and roll: Skip the treadmill and glide at Bongo’s Fun Center, home to a classic roller rink, lively arcade, and roomy indoor playground. When you need a breather, grab scoops at Bongo’s Beats & Bites… an easy midweek energy burn or weekend reset for the whole crew.
History you can cast: At Destin History & Fishing Museum, dive into local lore, nostalgic photos, and a fish wall that begs you to ID every catch. Peek into the Destin Fishing Rodeo’s roots, then savor a laid-back, midweek reset that reconnects you with home without trying too hard.
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.
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📆 Destin for grown ups
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.
🧹 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.
🔎 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.
🔨 Women’s Build Workshop @ Habitat ReStore | Monday (3/9) at 5:00 PM – At Habitat ReStore, Habitat’s Women’s Build workshop featuring Build with Rosa tackles wallpaper and decorative window film you can actually live with, not curse at. Expect hands-on tricks that make your place look polished, private, and personal; spots are limited, so register early.
🏺 Storytelling Busts in Clay @ Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County | Tuesday (3/10) at 5:00 PM – Ready to trade small talk for something you can actually put on the mantel? In this two-day clay workshop you will hand-build a figurative bust, add texture and story, then layer underglaze for depth, symbolism, and bragging rights. Supplies included, open to 16+, $265.
🖼 Clay Rice Silhouettes @ La Luna Children’s Boutique | Thursday (3/12) at 3:00 PM – Swing by La Luna Children’s Boutique to book a spot with silhouette artist Clay Rice for a frame-worthy profile of your favorite tiny human. Five minutes of snip snip, a lifetime of mantel bragging, and proof they were this cute once, so reserve early.
🎤 Ruston Kelly @ WaterColor LakeHouse | Thursday (3/12) at 5:00 PM – Grab a ticket to a benefit concert with Ruston Kelly, and let him spill the stories behind the songs. Gourmet bites, good pours, and a silent auction you’ll swear you’re browsing, all to support neurodiverse families across the Panhandle. Do some good, enjoy the soundtrack.
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: 69°F – Low: 64°F – Precip: 11%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 69. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 70°F – Low: 65°F – Precip: 18%
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 70. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. 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 single-level, new-construction 4-bed, 3.5-bath sits on nearly half an acre along Regatta Bay’s 1st hole. A 16-foot foyer leads to nearly 1,000 square feet of covered outdoor living. The chef’s kitchen with Thermador opens to the main living areas, and the primary suite spans the left wing. Golf cart access connects to the clubhouse, marina, and Destin Commons.
Take a peek inside →
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