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.
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.
Amy Morgan named Destin Elementary School’s New Principal
Amy Morgan will lead Destin Elementary School into the 2026-7 school year thanks to a vote from the Okaloosa County School Board Monday Night.
A New Life Underwater: SS United States Begins Its Final Transformation
Okaloosa County has taken a major step toward sinking the historic SS United States as an artificial reef, approving a key agreement that clears federal review hurdles.
Massive Vision, Limited Time: Destin’s Funding Challenge
Destin’s ambitious $65 million Town Center plan promises a walkable future, but with its primary funding source expiring in 2028, questions remain about how it will be paid for.
SS United States Toxic Final Voyage to the Depths
As Okaloosa County prepares to sink the SS United States, a debate is surfacing over whether the historic vessel will become a thriving reef or a toxic legacy beneath the Gulf.
Left Behind, Never Forgotten: A Second Chance for Cats
A $20,000 grant is helping a local nonprofit bring more adoptable cats, many from military families, to Destin this weekend.
After Hurricane Damage, Destin Beaches Get a $10M Makeover
A $10 million project will restore sand to eroded Destin beaches damaged by Hurricane Sally, with work starting the week of March 23.
Destin Vacation Abuse Ends in a Life Sentence
An Okaloosa County jury convicted Justin Andrew Busby of sexually battering a 10-year-old child, leading to a life sentence in state prison.
