After Bertha Passes, Three Sea Turtles Finally Swim Free
Three rehabilitated sea turtles returned to the Gulf of Mexico Friday after Tropical Storm Bertha delayed their release. Gulfarium CARE Center staff released Frida, Ziti and Monroe at James Lee Park following medical treatment for fishing injuries and a dramatic rescue from the rocks at Norriego Point.
Destin councilwoman arrested after allegedly driving stranger’s truck from boat ramp
A Destin City Councilwoman is facing a criminal charge after police say she entered and drove a stranger’s truck without permission at a city boat ramp on July 4. Mayor Pro Tem Teresa Hebert was arrested on a charge of trespassing on conveyance. The case remains under investigation.
The unknown Civil War battle you’ve never heard of at this unique Florida vacation destination
On a quiet summer morning in 1861, a minor skirmish at East Pass, Florida—later dubbed the “Battle of Destin”—marked a tense confrontation between the USS Water Witch and local Confederate militia. This brief, bloodless exchange near the Choctawhatchee Bay reveals the war’s grip on the local community, specifically the family of Leonard Destin, whose loyalties were tested amid the shifting tides of the American Civil War.
Destin Council Challenges State and County in Twin Votes on Ramswell, Norriego Point
The Destin City Council challenged both state and county officials Monday night, approving a symbolic vote supporting Prebble Ramswell while warning ethics complaints over Norriego Point could still come if negotiations fail.
CIVIL WAR HISTORY: Destin demands ship’s quick return
When the Civil War reached the bayous of the Choctawhatchee Bay, Leonard Destin, a Connecticut native living in Florida, faced a dangerous dilemma. Suspected of harboring federal sympathies and living as a squatter on naval land, Destin’s life became a high-stakes negotiation when he boarded the USS Water Witch in July 1861 to reclaim his confiscated fishing boat. His actions, intended only to secure his livelihood, inadvertently fueled the suspicions of the local Confederate Walton Guards, placing him and his family at the center of the conflict.
Today in History: The Mid-Bay Bridge opens with stampede of runners
On June 27, 1993, 5,200 runners from across the country came to inaugurate the Mid-Bay Bridge with a 5K run across the span. Florida Governor ‘Walkin Lawton’ Chiles pulled the trigger on the starting gun and set the runners on their way to Destin across the 3.6 mile structure above the Choctawhatchee Bay. The bridge, which was built for $81 million and initially cost $2 to cross each way, cut off about 25 minutes of travel time and was finished five months ahead of schedule.
Florida Beach Chair Manufacturer Honored in USA Made Showcase
Destin’s Sunrise Chair Co. has been selected to represent Florida in a nationwide showcase celebrating American-made products and America’s 250th anniversary.
Golden Hour for Good: Popular Wine & Fries Event Returns to Destin
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida will host its annual Wine & Fries fundraiser in Destin, raising money to help families stay close during medical treatment.
Cruise on in to Eglin Federal Credit Union for America’s 250th Celebration Giveaway
Eglin Federal Credit Union is celebrating America’s 250th birthday with patriotic branch events and a chance to win a cruise vacation for two.
Eglin Issues a New Gulf Warning Ahead of Munitions Testing
Eglin Air Force Base will conduct munitions testing in the Gulf of America from June 1-6, prompting safety warnings for boaters near Destin.
