"The March of Destiny" Boxing Event
Galaxxy Fire Promotions, along with Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and The Palms of Destin, have planned a weekend of professional boxing and entertainment. Saturday will feature a co-main event fight between Danny Santiago and Richard Hall and a main event NBA title fight between former lightweight World Champion, Nate "Galaxxy Warrior" Campbell and his opponent Gilberto “Gordo” Venegas. Many of boxing's living legends and celebrity guests will be in attendance, including Evander Holifield, Roy Jones Jr, Zab Judah, Chad Dawson, and many more. Event will be March 27-29 at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and The Palms of Destin Resort and Conference Center. For tickets visit https://marchofdestiny.eventbrite.com. For information, visit www.marchofdestiny.com or call (904) 300-4938.
Wyndham Vacation Rentals® Associate Wins 4 ADDY Awards
Wyndham Vacation Rentals announced that associate Robyn Patterson was recently recognized with the prestigious ADDY Award for her work on three print campaigns. During the 21st Annual American Advertising Federation (AAF) Emerald Coast chapter ADDY® Awards Gala, Patterson was awarded a Gold ADDY in the category of Sales Promotion and Best of Show-Print for Destin Pointe Living, a company-produced publication in conjunction with ResortQuest Real Estate®; a Gold ADDY in the category of Sales Promotion for Beach Vacation Guide, a company-produced publication; and a Silver ADDY in the category of Non-traditional Advertising for a two-page advertisement in Beaches, Resorts & Parks magazine. To learn more about Wyndham Vacation Rentals and ResortQuest Real Estate, visit WyndhamVacationRentals.com.
Seagar’s Prime Steaks and Seafood Adds Advanced Sommelier, Launches New Website
Located in the beachfront Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Seagar’s Prime Steaks and Seafood has announced the addition of Myres M. McDougal as the restaurant’s director of wine. McDougal holds the distinction of Advanced Sommelier by the Court of Master Sommeliers, and in late 2013 joined the culinary team at Seagar’s, the longest-standing AAA Four-Diamond restaurant on Northwest Florida’s Gulf coast. As McDougal steps in as director of wine, the newly renovated Seagar’s has launched its fully redesigned Seagars.com website. Elegant as it is functional, the new site perfectly captures the traditional, yet sophisticated interior following an extensive renovation of the 4-Diamond restaurant. For more information, call (850) 622-1500 or visit Seagars.com.
Avantgarde Named Salon Today 200 Salon for 2014
Salon Today recognizes the top salons in the industry, and local salon and spa Avantgarde Salon made its 200 Salon list for 2014. To make the list, businesses are evaluated on age, focus, size, diversity, involvement, productivity, competitive pricing, fueling the economy, and services. For more information, visit: http://www.salontoday.com/features/salon-management/2014-SALON-TODAY-200-Defining-Success-for-Salon-and-Spa-Business-238615791.html?utm_source=20&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20.
Galaxxy Fire Promotions, along with Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and The Palms of Destin, have planned a weekend of professional boxing and entertainment. Saturday will feature a co-main event fight between Danny Santiago and Richard Hall and a main event NBA title fight between former lightweight World Champion, Nate "Galaxxy Warrior" Campbell and his opponent Gilberto “Gordo” Venegas. Many of boxing's living legends and celebrity guests will be in attendance, including Evander Holifield, Roy Jones Jr, Zab Judah, Chad Dawson, and many more. Event will be March 27-29 at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and The Palms of Destin Resort and Conference Center. For tickets visit https://marchofdestiny.eventbrite.com. For information, visit www.marchofdestiny.com or call (904) 300-4938.
Wyndham Vacation Rentals® Associate Wins 4 ADDY Awards
Wyndham Vacation Rentals announced that associate Robyn Patterson was recently recognized with the prestigious ADDY Award for her work on three print campaigns. During the 21st Annual American Advertising Federation (AAF) Emerald Coast chapter ADDY® Awards Gala, Patterson was awarded a Gold ADDY in the category of Sales Promotion and Best of Show-Print for Destin Pointe Living, a company-produced publication in conjunction with ResortQuest Real Estate®; a Gold ADDY in the category of Sales Promotion for Beach Vacation Guide, a company-produced publication; and a Silver ADDY in the category of Non-traditional Advertising for a two-page advertisement in Beaches, Resorts & Parks magazine. To learn more about Wyndham Vacation Rentals and ResortQuest Real Estate, visit WyndhamVacationRentals.com.
Seagar’s Prime Steaks and Seafood Adds Advanced Sommelier, Launches New Website
Located in the beachfront Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Seagar’s Prime Steaks and Seafood has announced the addition of Myres M. McDougal as the restaurant’s director of wine. McDougal holds the distinction of Advanced Sommelier by the Court of Master Sommeliers, and in late 2013 joined the culinary team at Seagar’s, the longest-standing AAA Four-Diamond restaurant on Northwest Florida’s Gulf coast. As McDougal steps in as director of wine, the newly renovated Seagar’s has launched its fully redesigned Seagars.com website. Elegant as it is functional, the new site perfectly captures the traditional, yet sophisticated interior following an extensive renovation of the 4-Diamond restaurant. For more information, call (850) 622-1500 or visit Seagars.com.
Avantgarde Named Salon Today 200 Salon for 2014
Salon Today recognizes the top salons in the industry, and local salon and spa Avantgarde Salon made its 200 Salon list for 2014. To make the list, businesses are evaluated on age, focus, size, diversity, involvement, productivity, competitive pricing, fueling the economy, and services. For more information, visit: http://www.salontoday.com/features/salon-management/2014-SALON-TODAY-200-Defining-Success-for-Salon-and-Spa-Business-238615791.html?utm_source=20&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20.
CIC Golf Tourney Raises $30,000 The 8th Annual Children in Crisis Charity Golf Classic, held on March 14, at the Ft. Walton Beach Golf Course, raised almost $30,000 for the abused, neglected and abandoned children of our community. This year’s winning team was Mike Sowers, Greg Lile, Brian Young and Scott Corley with a winning score of 56 net. Over 130 golfers competed for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes, including longest drive/closest to the pin awards. John Williams’ of Ft. Walton Beach was the lucky golfer drawn out of the hat to try for the Million Dollar Shot. Unfortunately, John’s shot just missed going in the hole. To learn more about CIC, visit www.childrenincrisisfl.org, or call (850) 864-4242. |
Dance for Life Event Supports Covenant Hospice The Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Crestview is hosting the 4th Annual Dance for Life, an evening of ballroom dance to benefit Covenant Hospice, on Saturday, April 5, at 6:30 p.m., in the Crestview High School Auditorium. The event will feature amateur and professional dancers from across the Emerald Coast. This year’s featured performers are Justin Guilmette and Kimalee Piedad, winners of both the United States Dance Championship and the British Invitational Exhibition World Championship. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $30 for VIP admission, which will include premier reserved seating for the show and an exclusive post-event cocktail party with Guilmette and Piedad. Call (850) 682-1455. |
Gulfarium Reunites Dolphins, Opens Exhibit
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park announced a family reunion of sorts, welcoming Chopper, a juvenile male dolphin born at Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach, offspring of Gulfarium resident, 18-year old Sebastian. Recently, Chopper made the hour-long road journey from Gulf World accompanied by Gulfarium training staff and veterinarians, while Sebastian's transport was just a short distance from the circular dolphin show habitat to the newly renovated Dolphin Point exhibit on the northwest end of the Gulfarium. While limited dolphin encounters have already begun, The Dolphin Point exhibit is estimated to open for park guest viewing in early April. For more information, visit www.gulfarium.com.
Harbor Docks Charities Hosts Cobia World Championships
Harbor Docks Restaurant announced its 30th Annual Cobia World Championships kicked off March 21. It is the area’s premier cobia fishing tournament and continues to grow and incorporate new aspects to remain unique in the world of competitive fishing. After hosting the largest and most successful tournament to date in 2013, the Cobia World Championships has expanded to now feature four different weigh-in locations across the Gulf Coast including Orange Beach, Pensacola, Destin and Panama City. The tournament will end on May 4, 2014. For more information and a complete list of events, visit www.cobiaworldchampionships.com.
Harmony Beach Vacations Welcomes Guests to 2nd Cajun Crawfish Bash
For stays April 26 – May 4, Harmony Beach Vacations is offering 10% off and two tickets to its 2nd Cajun Crawfish Bash. The event is May 2, at 5:30 p.m., at the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village. Live music will be provided by Season Ammons Band. Tickets are $50. Visitwww.luvdestin.com, call (866) 501-0551, or email rentals@harmonybeachvacations.com to select your vacation home.
Make History - Volunteer!
Valparaiso, FL - Have you been thinking you would like to give back to your community in some way and do something that can really make a difference? Do you enjoy history and working in a positive and inspiring environment? Then you ought to consider volunteering your time and talent with the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida. Friendly and reliable volunteers are needed to greet guests and answer phones in the Museum’s Gift Shop. Help is needed Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. or 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. If you’re interested, call the Museum today at (850) 678-2615, info@heritage-museum.org, or stop by 115 Westview Avenue, Valparaiso, FL.
Murder Mystery Fundraiser Dinner
The Okaloosa Arts Alliance and Act4Murder are holding a fundraiser at the Wyndham Garden Inn on Okaloosa Island on April 12, 2014. Social/Cash Bar begins at 6:15 p.m., and dinner and show begin at 7 p.m. Enjoy a delicious 3-course plated dinner and HUNDREDS of laughs during this fundraising event for a worthy cause. Tickets are $50 per person and may be purchased at (850) 499-8335 or www.okaloosaarts.org. The show, ON STAGE FOR MURDER, gives you a backstage look at what REALLY goes on in the green room during a night of songs, dances, and plenty of murderous fun!
The Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart to Host 45th Annual Pediatric Symposium
The Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart is hosting the 45th Annual Pediatric Symposium May 23 – 26, at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. The Symposium is designed to give primary care providers of children information on the latest developments for diagnosing, treating, and managing the pediatric, adolescent, and young adult patient. For more information or to register for the conference, visit www.psdestinfl.org or contact conference coordinator Teri Bowman at (850) 416-6204.
Shelter House Becomes Certified Rape Crisis Center
Shelter House is now the certified rape crisis center for Okaloosa and Walton counties. The local agency recently received official notification from the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence (FCASV). Shelter House began providing sexual violence services to the community in 2013, with the goal of becoming a certified center this year. Services include a 24/7 hotline, crisis counseling, medical and law enforcement accompaniment, support groups, and emergency shelter. The center also offers community education and support for friends and family members of victims. Shelter House, Inc. is the first new rape crisis center to achieve certification since 2005. For details, visit www.shelterhousenwfl.org.
SimpleHR Welcomes Keller as Staffing Administrator
SimpleHR announced Megan Keller as its new staffing administrator. She is responsible for all staffing activities to include recruiting for the company job bank, answering candidate’s questions, interviewing, completing new hire paperwork on temporary employees, and other numerous responsibilities related to staffing. She is also responsible for overseeing the strategic development of SimpleHIRE and is integral to the success of the staffing functions. Keller is a Panama City Beach native with seven years’ experience as a recruiter and staffing specialist. You may reach Keller at www.mysimplehire.com.
United Way of Okaloosa-Walton Counties Announces Fund Allocations
United Way of Okaloosa-Walton Counties approved the allocation of funds from the 2013 Campaign. Allocating funds to the Partner Agencies’ programs is a very involved process. Many trained volunteers from within our community serve on the Fund Distribution Committee (one in Okaloosa and one in Walton County) which focuses on three key areas: Children & Education, Financial Stability & Disaster Preparedness, and Health & Prevention. Volunteers who serve on the United Way Fund Distribution Committee are caring individuals who annually evaluate the community problems and direct your dollars given to the Community Care Fund to the area of service that will make the greatest impact. To see the allocations, visit www.united-way.org/press.htm.
Instructions to Submit Member News ItemsDo you have special business information you would like to share with all Chamber members and our website visitors? Please send your exciting news, which can be about an upcoming event or other timely information, to news@DestinChamber.com. Only Chamber members are allowed to post news, each news item has to be less than 100 words, only one item per member is allowed each week, and Chamber staff reserves the right to reject or edit postings that do not meet the requirements. All news items are due by Friday for posting the following Monday. The link to this page will be sent out in our weekly Tuesday Talking Points email, and the news item will remain on the website until the next Monday's posting. We will not keep an archive of these pages, and no photos, logos or general business descriptions will be posted. Also, member news items will only be published once.
Shannyn Stevenson joined Newman-Dailey Resort Properties’ team of real estate sales agents. Stevenson moved to the area in 1980 and became an accredited buyer’s agent in 1999. She added listing agent to her portfolio four years later. She specializes in selling and buying rental investments, second homes, and all beachside communities along the Gulf Coast. Visit
Don't miss the 28th Annual Sandestin Wine Festival on April 10-13, named the “Best Annual Event” by Destin Magazine. It is a picture perfect event complete with white tents, flowing wine, food, ladies strolling in hats, and live music. It draws thousands of people to the Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort every year. Four days of unique events open up a wide range of experiences from attending wine dinners, participating in preview events throughout the year, and taking part in wine tastings that showcase an unprecedented hundreds of international and domestic wines. Discount for advance tickets and accommodations are available (Code: WINE14). Visit 
The Walton County Snowbirds, Inc., visited Children in Crisis (CIC) and the kids living at the CIC Neighborhood for a final goodbye of the season. Seen in this photo, CIC President and CEO Ken Hair (center) welcomes Snowbirds President Dom Trolian, Dee Trolian, and other members of the Walton County Snowbirds. The Snowbirds adopted CIC as one of its “Home Town” charities to support and presented a $1,000 check to help feed, clothe and care for the at-risk foster children. The group also supported CIC with numerous volunteer projects, the David Seering Concert, the CIC Charity Golf Tournament, work projects, and more. To learn more about Children in Crisis call (850) 864-4242 or visit
Destin Water Users announces General Manager Richard Griswold has retired. Griswold’s decision to retire will bring to a close a remarkable career of nearly 15 years serving as the general manager with the company. Griswold assumed the leadership role at Destin Water Users in August 1999. During his employment, Destin Water Users has won well over 20 State and National awards, including being named Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Water Plant of the Year, Wastewater Plant of the Year and EPA Reclaimed Water System of the Year.
Tracy Steely joined World Impact Real Estate as a full time agent. She holds two Bachelor of Science degrees and has a great deal of knowledge about the real estate industry. While living in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia, she sold real estate and worked closely with building contractors and land developers. Today, she lives and works in the Santa Rosa Beach area. She is a certified Military Relocation Professional, and 10 percent of all of her proceeds are donated to the United Service Organizations (USO). For details, visit 
During a donation ceremony last week, the Okaloosa County Sheriff First Judicial Circuit Law Enforcement Association presented a check for $750 to Children In Crisis, Inc., along with several other community charities. Those in this photo include L. A. Woodall, Horizons; Julie Hurst, Children’s Advocacy Center; Okaloosa County Sheriff Larry Ashley; Julie Mcnabb, Horizons CEO; Ken Hair, CIC President & CEO; and J. D. Peacock, Okaloosa Sheriff’s Department Administrator. The funds will be used to purchase computer and educational equipment for at risk children living at the CIC Neighborhood. For additional information on CIC or ways to support the CIC vision, please visit
On March 28 – 29, McCaskill & Company will host a Konstantino Trunk Show, featuring the extraordinary collection of handcrafted jewelry from Greece. Event is 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
The Mid-Bay Rotary Club recently donated $500 to the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida in support of its upcoming 38th Saturday in the Park event, planned for April 26, from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday in the Park is a family oriented festival that includes the Heritage 5k Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run, live entertainment, historic exhibits, demonstrations, re-enactors, craft & food vendors, and a kid zone. Additional sponsors and craft vendors are invited to participate. For event information, contact info@heritage-museum.org or call (850) 678-2615. Seen in this photo are Dave Underwood, Mid-Bay Rotary; Harold Peek, Mid-Bay Rotary; Gordon King, Museum Chairman; Gina Marini, Museum Manger; and Don Bohler, Mid-Bay Rotary.