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Happy weekend, Destin! In today’s edition: SS United States reef plan, Kittens & Crawfish fundraiser, La Vie En Rouge gala, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

New mobility investment progresses: Pier construction continues on the $171 million Brooks Bridge replacement in Okaloosa County, as FDOT crews drive concrete piles and build reinforced footings for two new six lane bridges — see how work is progressing.

Hazard removal clears the way: Okaloosa County set a tentative date to sink the 1952 SS United States to create the world’s largest artificial reef west of Destin. Final Coast Guard inspections will begin soon — see how it’s being prepared.

Culinary icon elevates classics: Chef Tim Creehan is back on the harbor. Nonna’s Ristorante is now open at HarborWalk Village at Emerald Grande, serving family-inspired Italian with daily handmade pastas and cracker crust pizzas. Expect an outdoor bar and a deck with sweeping views of Destin Harbor, East Pass, and the Gulf. Get all the details.

A museum with a menu: At Magnolia Grill in Fort Walton Beach, dinner comes with history, as co-owner Tom Rice shares a century of local treasures, from family military honors to Jaws 2 memorabilia — see what’s inside the collection.

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.

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.

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/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.

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.

🔥 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.

• Got debt? See if you qualify to pay up to 45% less
• This is the best home warranty (and it’s $150 off right now)
• This free tool makes it easy to find a financial advisor
• Over 62? Learn how to turn home equity into tax-free cash
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%
• Open a GoldCo account & get up to 10% in free gold/silver

📆 Sneak peek at next 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.

🍞 Food Pantry @ Calvary Chapel Fort Walton Beach | Wednesday (3/4) at 9:30 AM – Take a midweek breather and swing by the food pantry at 99 Eglin Parkway, Suite 2B. Need groceries, come get them; feeling helpful, we’ll put you to work faster than you can say canned green beans. It’s neighbors, real conversations, and kindness that fills bellies.

⭐ 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.

🎵 Music Bingo @ Soundside Waterfront Bar | Wednesday (3/4) at 6:00 PM – Whether you live on Yacht Rock or hum along to anything with a chorus, Music Bingo at the Soundside spot in downtown Fort Walton Beach is free to play, 21+, and rewards your mixtape years. Call hits, win buckets of beer, enjoy the breeze.

🏓 Fit Pickleballer Social Play @ Walton County Sports Complex | Thursday (3/5) at 3:00 PM – Pickleball without the chest-thumping. Six courts at Walton County Sports Complex, all levels who know the basics, rotating games, friendly rallies, and plenty of laughs, all free. RSVP, bring a sense of humor, and meet the folks you usually wave at from the parking lot.

❓ Trivia Night @ AJ’s On The Bayou | Thursday (3/5) at 6:30 PM – Thursday nights just got smarter at AJ’s on the Bayou, with trivia, breezes, and a healthy dose of bragging rights. It’s free to play, prizes come from AJ’s, and you’ll finally use all that ‘80s jingle knowledge for something besides annoying your family.

🌹 La Vie En Rouge @ Emerald Coast Theatre Company | Friday (3/6) at 6:00 PM – Break out your fanciest rouge, we’re doing Paris for a night here. An immersive Moulin Rouge! gala with surprise performances, bottomless craft cocktails, and gourmet bites in a sultry red glow, all for a cause. Dress up, lean in, enjoy the scandal.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Destin report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 69°F – Low: 57°F – Precip: 0%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 69. East wind around 5 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 57. Northeast wind around 5 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 69°F – Low: 57°F – Precip: 0%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 69. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 57. East wind 0 to 5 mph.

Most popular house this week

Seller financing available. The Retreat at Old Pass is a four-home waterfront enclave on Destin Harbor with deep water slips on two private docks. Harbor and Gulf views crown a three-level layout featuring elevator, pool, spa, outdoor kitchen, Viking appliances, and a fireplace in the primary suite. Shops and dining are nearby, with Destin Pass and Crab Island minutes away.

Take a peek inside →