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Rise and shine, Destin!
Before we get into today’s email… I’m excited to share that we quietly launched BaseLocal Business last week, and 400+ businesses have already signed up 🥹 If you own or manage a local business and want to see what the platform’s all about, you can sign up for free in less than five minutes (if you haven’t already).
We launched the platform to make it easier for the community to connect with local businesses in a meaningful way that benefits everyone… and so far it’s going great.
So I just wanted to say THANK YOU to each and every one of you for being here and helping us make this newsletter better every day.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Plan targets pinch-point culverts: Okaloosa County commissioners voted to seek $1.9 million to address flooding on Wynnehaven Beach Road at U.S. 98, requiring a match and marking a second try after 2023 — get all the project details.
A toast to agave: Cabana Cantina & Tequileria has opened at The Island Resort in Fort Walton Beach, serving a Mexican-inspired menu and a tequila-forward bar, open to locals and resort guests — read the full story.
Regional gas price snapshot: Florida gas prices fell 14 cents last week to $2.67, the lowest since March 2021. Crestview and Fort Walton Beach had the state’s cheapest average, about $2.50 for Destin drivers — see which areas are cheapest.
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.
Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had its best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
*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
Easier parking for locals: Annual parking passes are now available for Destin residents living inside city limits. They cover free parking at several paid spots around Crystal Beach, Holiday Isle, and the Harbor District. A valid driver’s license and vehicle registration are required. 2025 passes are honored through January while you apply. See how and where to apply.
Custom hat, zero fuss: Family-owned since 1995, Destin Nation Airbrush hand-airbrushes trucker hats and visors with beachy graphics, names, and team logos as you watch. Grab a quick custom cap you’ll actually wear, then brag about it at the next beach day.
Fresh lashes, less fuss: Skip the mascara battle and let Destin Lash & Beauty Bar elevate your look with eyelash extensions, volume sets, and lash lifts/tints. Thoughtful application keeps lashes light, polished, and everyday-comfortable, so you look awake longer and feel ready for anything.
A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.
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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.
✂ Empanola Ribbon Cutting @ Empanola | Tuesday (1/20) at 4:00 PM – Empanola Destin is cutting the ribbon, then feeding us like we earned it. Family-owned and proudly channeling Argentina and Chile, they’re slinging golden empanadas that crunch, comfort, and pair well with a beach day. Come for the civic duty, stay for the flaky pockets.
🌳 Bonsai Workshop @ Wood Foot Beer Co. | Tuesday (1/20) at 6:00 PM – Swap your inbox for a tiny tree at Wood Foot Beer Co, where Zen Den’s bonsai workshop pairs craft beer with calm. You’ll pot, prune, and wire with pro John Hunter, then leave with a tree, a Japanese pot, and care kit. Spots are limited.
☀ Hello Sunshine @ Painting with a Twist | Wednesday (1/21) at 6:30 PM – Shake off the week and paint your own Hello Sunshine on an 11×14 for 30 bucks. Low commitment, high cheer, and perfect for walls that could use a smile. Plan to arrive early, they mean it, and cancellations get store credit with notice, no-shows forfeit.
🎤 Sail, Sip, & Sing Karaoke Cruise! @ Harborwalk Village | Wednesday (1/21) at 7:00 PM – Because sometimes you want karaoke with dolphins as your backup singers, this sunset cruise delivers a full bar, tasty bites, and sea breezes. Belt out your go-to hits, enjoy the free parking, bring the family. It’s just $20, and available for private events.
🐦 Gathering – Walton County Snowbirds @ Destin Methodist Church | Thursday (1/22) at 8:00 AM – Take a breather and flock with the Walton County Snowbirds for a morning of entertainment, prizes, club updates, and a 50/50 that funds local scholarships. Come early to schmooze vendors, snag free samples and discounts, enter door prizes, and even join the club.
🍷 Destin Chamber’s Awards Party & Wine Pairing Dinner @ Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer | Thursday (1/22) at 6:00 PM – Dress up without the fuss. The Destin Chamber’s Awards Party and Wine Pairing Dinner, presented by Trustmark, is where we toast the new year, enjoy courses with proper pours, and find out which locals take home the Chamber’s top hardware.
☕ Coffee House Concert @ Destin Library | Friday (1/23) at 6:00 PM – Skip the bar noise and slide into the Destin Library for a cozy Coffee House Concert with Neal Kelly. Mellow tunes, comfy chairs, and a welcoming room where you can actually hear the music. Yes, clapping is allowed.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Destin report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 54°F – Low: 37°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 54. North wind 5 to 10 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 37. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 54°F – Low: 42°F – Precip: 0%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. Northeast wind around 10 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. Northeast wind around 10 mph.
This house is wild
In Destiny East, minutes from the beach, this four bedroom top-to-bottom renovation pairs 10 to 12 foot ceilings with LVP flooring. The eat-in gourmet kitchen has quartz counters, a breakfast bar, and connection to the family room. The primary suite opens to the back porch, and its spa bath features a 70 inch soaking tub, dual sinks, a marble walk-in shower, and a closet. A central bunk room adds flexible sleeping.
The home is sold fully furnished and operates as an established rental. Community perks include two pools, a hot tub, tennis, a fitness center, and a playground, plus quick access to Destin attractions, water sports, and beachside dining.
Take a peek inside →
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Thanks for reading! If you know someone who’d love BaseLocal, send ’em here so they can sign up too 🙂
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