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Hi Destin, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: Brooks Bridge construction progress, SS United States artificial reef plan, Shrimp & Grits Festival with Erin Kinsey, and more.

— Cait Baker

📰 In the news

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.

Backgrounds of two picks: Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Destin businessman Kevin Mason to the University of West Florida Board of Trustees in January. The Acentria Insurance cofounder’s appointment is subject to Florida Senate confirmation — see who else was appointed.

Seasonal service connects communities: Contour Airlines will add a Pensacola International to Cape Girardeau route starting May 6, with Wednesday and Saturday flights on 30-seat jets featuring legroom, snacks, and a free checked bag — get all the details.

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.

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 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.

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.

*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:

• Shop local at Grand Boulevard Farmers Market
• Pink Martini joins Sinfonia Gulf Coast
• Free concert with Below Alabama Band
• Treasure hunt bazaar supports Destin High
• Form your foursome to help kids
• This is the best home warranty (and it’s $150 off right now)
• Over 62? Learn how to turn home equity into tax-free cash

🫶 We got your back

A feast with purpose: Destin’s 7th Shrimp & Grits Festival will be at the Mattie Kelly Foundation Cultural Arts Village on February 28, with Emerald Coast restaurants competing for Best Shrimp and Grit. Proceeds support Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast. General admission costs $100. VIP offers exclusive food options. See pricing and VIP perks.

Fresh choice for shoppers: Aldi opens today at Uptown Station, 99 Eglin Parkway NE in Fort Walton Beach, adding to the county’s lineup. The first 200 shoppers in line get goody bags and a Golden Ticket worth up to a $100 gift card. Expect busy parking and early crowds. Get all the opening details.

Seasonal plates calling: Vin’tij Food & Wine channels a locally driven, seasonal rhythm with inventive plates and a cozy wine-boutique feel. Think easy weeknight date or low-key catch-up, with thoughtful pours and a menu that’s interesting without the fuss.

Remodel without the drama: If sticky drawers and dreary counters are cramping your kitchen, Welcome Home Kitchen and Bath makes upgrades simple, with smart design guidance, quality cabinetry, and stone countertops. That long-postponed refresh finally feels doable, minus the stress.

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.

Take control of your credit card debt: High interest can keep you stuck paying more than you need to. A balance transfer card with 0% intro APR until 2027 and no annual fee gives you time to pay down what you owe without interest working against you. By transferring your balance, more of your payment goes toward the principal so you can actually make a dent in what you owe.

📆 Around town this weekend

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.

🔨 Women’s Build Day @ Habitat for Humanity Walton County | Friday (2/27) at 9:00 AM – Roll up your sleeves for a women-led build day where you’ll trade small talk for power tools, learn the basics, and help raise real walls for Walton County neighbors. It’s empowering, surprisingly therapeutic, and filling fast, so register, bring grit, and leave with bragging rights.

🎨 Art in the Park @ Helen McCall Park | Friday (2/27) at 10:00 AM – Homeschool-curious about Classical Conversations? Meet at the park where kids turn washable paint into art while you get real talk on a Christ-centered, classical community. No commitment, just curiosity, coffee, and a change of clothes. RSVP at the link so we save you a tarp.

🏺 Come Play With Clay @ Bayou Arts Center | Saturday (2/28) at 10:00 AM – If your hands miss getting messy, Sarah Bumanglag’s two-hour open studio hands you 2 lbs of clay to make February’s candy dishes, or whatever you’ve been daydreaming about. Paint it yourself, or let her glaze and fire it, then call it art, and brag forever.

🐱 Cat Café @ Fort Walton Beach Public Library | Saturday (2/28) at 10:00 AM – Fort Walton Beach Library is doubling as a pop-up cat café, with coffee, treats, and a room full of adoptable cats and kittens ready to supervise your reading. Swing by for snuggles, stay for purr therapy, and meet your future roommate, unpaid and furry.

🎬 Incredibles Movie Event @ Suds N Cinema | Saturday (2/28) at 2:00 PM – Suds N Cinema is screening The Incredibles for a superhero-themed fundraiser benefiting Rally Foundation, honoring Rally Kid Phinley. Wear your hero getup, sip something cold, and feel good about saving the day without leaving your seat. Two showings, so even the super-schedulers can make it.

🍤 7th Annual Shrimp & Grits Festival @ Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation | Saturday (2/28) at 4:00 PM – Shrimp and grits level up, with Erin Kinsey onstage and a new home at the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Cultural Village. Expect unlimited bites, plenty of sips, and VIP perks or lawn-chair GA. Same Southern soul, benefiting Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast.

🎷 Michael J Thomas @ Ruth’s Chris Steak House | Saturday (2/28) at 6:00 PM – Nothing beats live jazz with a perfectly seared steak, especially when local sax favorite Michael J Thomas takes over Ruth’s Chris in Destin. Call it date night for people who like actual conversation, great music, a proper pour, and a steak that needs no filter.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Destin report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 69°F – Low: 63°F – Precip: 29%

A chance of rain showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 69. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: Rain showers likely before 3am, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Southwest wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

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Tomorrow – High: 69°F – Low: 58°F – Precip: 77%

Showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 69. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Later: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

This house is wild

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 →

🔥 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
• Regrow thicker hair in 3-6 months + get 20% off for life
• This free tool makes it easy to find a financial advisor
• See how to save up to 58% on GLP-1s with Fridays
• Need new windows? Check out RBA’s latest deals
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%