Art of Giving Raises Funds for Food for Thought
More than $48,000 was raised for Food for Thought, during the 2nd Art of Giving event. For details and event photos, click here. For more information about Food for Thought, visit FoodForThoughtfl.org.
Luminaria Run Benefits Shelter House
The 4th Annual Luminaria Run to End Domestic & Sexual Violence will light up the streets of Destin on Dec. 6, but you need to register now to take advantage of early bird pricing! The discounted registration ends Sept. 30. For details, click here.
Do You Have Cellulite?
Regatta Chiropractic and Laser Center offers verju by Erchonia, the world’s first and only FDA-cleared laser system to help with the appearance of cellulite. It reduces the appearance of cellulite by 25 – 50 percent in two weeks. It is clinically proven, safe and effective, with zero pain, zero surgery, and zero downtime. The introductory price is $495 for a 2-week cellulite package. For details, call (850) 424-7856 or visitDestinLipoLaser.com.
City of Destin Open House and 30th Anniversary Celebration
The City of Destin will host its Open House and 30th Anniversary Celebration on Thursday, Oct. 23, from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., at the Destin Community Center. The public is invited and encouraged to join the mayor, council, staff, and community partners for a free luncheon, volunteer recognition, and presentation by the mayor. This annual event provides the city with the opportunity to show its residents, businesses, and visitors how much they are appreciated and also showcase the services, projects, and departments of the city. The city will also host a FREE Community Shred Day during the event. Residents and businesses can bring old documents to be shredded from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., at the Community Center. City staff will cook lunch for everyone. Lunch will be served buffet-style, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Remarks from the mayor and volunteer recognition will begin at noon. Council, staff, and city partners will be on hand to meet and talk with the public. If you have questions, please call City Hall at (850) 837-4242.
More than $48,000 was raised for Food for Thought, during the 2nd Art of Giving event. For details and event photos, click here. For more information about Food for Thought, visit FoodForThoughtfl.org.
Luminaria Run Benefits Shelter House
The 4th Annual Luminaria Run to End Domestic & Sexual Violence will light up the streets of Destin on Dec. 6, but you need to register now to take advantage of early bird pricing! The discounted registration ends Sept. 30. For details, click here.
Do You Have Cellulite?
Regatta Chiropractic and Laser Center offers verju by Erchonia, the world’s first and only FDA-cleared laser system to help with the appearance of cellulite. It reduces the appearance of cellulite by 25 – 50 percent in two weeks. It is clinically proven, safe and effective, with zero pain, zero surgery, and zero downtime. The introductory price is $495 for a 2-week cellulite package. For details, call (850) 424-7856 or visitDestinLipoLaser.com.
City of Destin Open House and 30th Anniversary Celebration
The City of Destin will host its Open House and 30th Anniversary Celebration on Thursday, Oct. 23, from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., at the Destin Community Center. The public is invited and encouraged to join the mayor, council, staff, and community partners for a free luncheon, volunteer recognition, and presentation by the mayor. This annual event provides the city with the opportunity to show its residents, businesses, and visitors how much they are appreciated and also showcase the services, projects, and departments of the city. The city will also host a FREE Community Shred Day during the event. Residents and businesses can bring old documents to be shredded from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., at the Community Center. City staff will cook lunch for everyone. Lunch will be served buffet-style, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Remarks from the mayor and volunteer recognition will begin at noon. Council, staff, and city partners will be on hand to meet and talk with the public. If you have questions, please call City Hall at (850) 837-4242.
Twin Cities Hospital Auxiliary Installs New Officers Twin Cities Hospital Auxiliary installed its 2014-2015 officers on Wednesday, Sept. 17. Congratulations to (from left to right) Wanda Stapleton, corresponding secretary; Caroleen Swanson, treasurer; Sue Evans, assistant treasurer; Pat Willoz, second vice president; Joanne Blues, first vice president; and Catherine Conroy, president. Carolyn Van Pelt, recording secretary, is not pictured. The Twin Cities Hospital Auxiliary is currently more than 70 members strong and is a vital part of the daily operations at Twin Cities Hospital. If you are interested in becoming an Auxilian, please call (850) 678-4131. For more information about Twin Cities Hospital, please visit TCHospital.com or call (850) 678-4131. |
Acentria and Gateway Insurance Merger Finalized
Acentria, Inc. (Acentria), and Gateway Insurance Agency, L.C. (Gateway), have announced the completion of their joint venture to consolidate and join forces in the South Florida marketplace. Gateway, a cornerstone of the independent agent community, has been proudly serving Dade, Broward, and West Palm Beach communities since 1952. Acentria, with 10 Florida locations, is expanding into the southeast corridor of Florida with this strategic merger. The joint-venture now named Gateway-Acentria will continue to meet the needs of the community with locations in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. For more information on Acentria Insurance, visit Acentria.com or call (850) 650-1950.
12 Northwest Florida Charities Receive $2.035 Million from Wine Auction Foundation
Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation donated $2.035 million to 12 Northwest Florida children’s charities on Sept. 23, marking the Foundation’s largest charitable distribution to date. Some of those receiving funding, included the following:
- Children in Crisis received $200,000.
- Children’s Volunteer Health Network received $175,000.
- The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center received $150,000.
- Food for Thought received $100,000.
- Horizons of Okaloosa County received $235,000.
- Opportunity Inc. received $100,000.
- Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast received $150,000.
- Shelter House of Northwest Florida received $150,000.
Local World Impact Realtor Fighting for Causes
Real estate professional Justin Myers with World Impact Real Estate is a diversified agent. At 15, he began mixed martial arts (MMA) fighting. Myers fought in seven matches and then began refereeing in 2005. He began his real estate career in 2009. He has been successful both in the ring and out. Myers has now partnered with Keith Wood and Paul Andres hosting “Caged 4 Combat,” which is sanctioned by A.L.F.A. (Association Licensed Fighters of America). These are live, ultimate amateur cage fights. The next event is being held at the Emerald Coast Convention Center on Friday, Oct. 3. Doors open at 6 p.m., and fights start at 7 p.m.
Tax Collector Receives State Award for Excellence
Okaloosa County Tax Collector Ben Anderson earned a Legacy Award for excellence in the field of financial operations, from Florida Tax Collectors, Inc. This is the highest achievement that can be awarded to a local tax collector. A judging panel performed a detailed review of the Tax Collector’s financial records, practices, and use of technology in considering Anderson for the honor. For more information, visit OkaloosaTax.com.
Sacred Heart Guild to Host Fourth Annual Emerald Coast Duck Regatta on Oct. 11
Do you have a duck in this race? Registration continues for the 4th annual Emerald Coast Duck Regatta benefiting the Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast Guild. On Saturday, Oct. 11, approximately 4,000 ducks will begin their race across the Lagoon at the Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Prizes will be awarded to the owners of the first ducks to cross the finish line, including a $5,000 first-place prize! For details, visit EmeraldCoastDuckRegatta.com.
“LeCiel” to become “Bayside at Sandestin”
Returning to its roots, the condominium building now known as “LeCiel” will be changing its brand identity name to “Bayside at Sandestin.” Previously known as the Bayside Inn since it was built in 1985, the building underwent a major renovation in 2012 and rebranded itself under as LeCiel, which means “the sky” in French, to portray its South Beach-esque styling. After much consideration with unit owners and management, the association felt the name didn’t reflect some of the building’s best attributes: being positioned directly on the shores of the Choctawhatchee Bay (literally the water is less than 10’ from the building!) and being located in the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, one of the premiere resorts in Northwest Florida. Most units are available for either short term or long term rentals through various local rental agencies, such as Sandestin Resort, Ocean Reef Rentals, Beachview Vacation Rentals, Destin Memories, and Coastline Luxury Rentals.
Crash Gonzo’s Wedding
The Crash Gonzo's Wedding Benefit Concert & Charity Auction will be held on Oct. 25, at Club L.A. in Destin, to benefit the 1 Lap Ahead Foundation for the Prevention of Youth Suicide & The Emerald Coast Out of the Darkness Community Walk (A.F.S.P.). It will feature Neil Alday & Further South, Startisan, and the Helvetica Effect. Tickets are on sale at RockDestin.com for $10. With your ticket purchase, you will also receive a bidding package for the silent auction items up for purchase. The silent auction will feature unique autographed memorabilia from the biggest names in rock-n-roll music today. Items up for bid may be viewed at 1031theblaze.com. For more information, contact Gonzo at (850) 424-7991.
United Way’s 21st Annual Days of Caring a Monumental Success
“Real People. Real Results.” This has been the driving idea behind United Way of Okaloosa & Walton Counties’ 2014 campaign, and it certainly held true on Friday, Sept. 19, during the Destin/South Walton Day of Caring. More than 200 volunteers from the Destin/South Walton community donated their time and efforts to help 14 non-profit agencies with 16 projects ranging from painting and landscaping to interacting with clients to building a bench …all making an immediate and positive impact to the Destin/South Walton area. For more information, visit United-Way.org.
$25 Off Sunset & Dinner Cruises
Dine, dance, and cruise on the 125’ SOLARIS yacht, with three decks of indoor and outdoor fun, chef-prepared meals, and live entertainment. For a limited time, receive $25 off your experience. For details, click here.
Covenant Hospice Offers Free Evening Education Series
Covenant Hospice will offer a free seminar for healthcare professionals, “Emergent Spiritual Care: The Power of Presence,” on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 5:15 p.m. at the Fort Walton Beach branch office, located at 220 Eglin Pkwy. N.E., in Mariner Plaza. A light meal will be served. Joshua Woods, MTS, Chaplain will present the course. Healthcare professionals can expect to learn how to define spirituality, spiritual need, spiritual care, and emergent spiritual care, as well as identify spiritual pain, the need for emergent spiritual care, and emergent spiritual care methodology and methods. There is no cost, but reservations are required by Thursday, Oct. 16. Call (850) 729-1800 to RSVP. For more information about Covenant Hospice, visitCovenantHospice.org.
More than $18,000 Raised for "All Kinds of Art" Local celebrity servers rallied together last week at Bonefish Grill to bring awareness for arts education and raised more than $18,000 to fund Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation's "All Kinds of Art", an educational outreach program serving students and special needs children in Okaloosa and Walton Counties. The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation would like to thank all of its servers an also to recognize Rhonda Murray, Top Celebrity Server raising nearly $1,700, and Greg Kisela as the Mad Hatter, for Best Costume. Become a "Friend of AKA" today by contacting Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation at (850) 650-2226 or donating directly online atMattieKellyArtsFoundation.org. |
Destin Harvest Seeks Sponsors for its Mobile Billboards
Destin Harvest is a non-profit food rescue operation servicing Okaloosa and Walton County. Destin Harvest's fleet of refrigerated trucks pick up good nutritious food items from local retailers, restaurants, and wholesalers daily. The surplus foods rescued goes directly to more than 35 active feeding programs in Okaloosa and Walton County. Annual Sponsorship is an effective way for any business or organization to spend advertising dollars and support a growing organization that is effectively combating local hunger. 'Platinum' and 'Gold' sponsors will be recognized by having their logos placed with prime visibility on 'mobile billboards,' otherwise known as DH's delivery truck. For details, click here.
Free Seminar for Selling Your Business
Emerald Coast Business Brokers presents a free educational seminar to help you prepare your business to sell, determine the value of your business, and help you decide when you need a business broker. The seminar is Wednesday, Oct. 22. Light refreshments will be served from 5:30 – 6 p.m., and the seminar will take place from 6 – 6:30 p.m. Limited seating is available. The location is 4481 Legendary Dr., Ste. 101, in Destin. Email ghasley@ecbrokers.com or call (850) 424-7541 for details.
Real estate sales agent Bill Robbins recently joined the team at Newman–Dailey Resort Properties. Robbins comes to Destin after 20 years in Key West, where he was involved in residential real estate sales and the re-development of many historic conch properties. His down to earth nature and the unique ability to assist clients in painting the canvas of possibilities, to see beyond a properties’ existing condition, has assisted many customers in realizing their real estate goals. As a realtor, he is a member of the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, the Florida Association of Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors. Visit 
Broker Rodney Elkins of World Impact Real Estate announced that Debra Kirk has become a part of the WIRE Team. Kirk has lived in the Destin area for more than 14 years and says real estate has always been a passion. Her goal of enabling others to realize their dream home is the most rewarding part of the business for her. You may reach Kirk at (850) 974-5795. For more information about World Impact Real Estate, call (850) 225-7000 or visit 
The United Way of Okaloosa-Walton Loaned Executives visited Children in Crisis (CIC) during their annual orientation and training day. The Loaned Executives are from organizations and business all around the counties. These specially selected volunteers will be the front-line contact for the community United Way Campaign. The goal this year is to raise $1,225,000 to support local charities and their on-going missions of providing services to those in need in the local area. Seen here, Ken Hair, CIC President & CEO, welcomes and thanks the executives during their visit. For information about CIC, please call (850) 864-4242 or visit 
The Emerald Coast Community Cares Foundation (ECCCF) held its annual Golf Event at Burnt Pines Country Club this year. The well-attended event included a great dinner with music the night before. All proceeds are dedicated to LOCAL organizations/families in need of assistance. For more information on ECCCF, visit 
In October 2004, the first edition of the Life’s A Beach Visitor’s Guide hit stands, and a new publishing company began to bloom. It now publishes its visitor’s guide three times a year. Life’s A Beach has more than 300 distribution points along the Emerald Coast and prints more than 500,000 copies of its guide annually with 165,000 copies of 11 different in-room directories, all reaching more than 1.5 million readers. It is also the proud publisher of the Destin Visitor’s Guide & Membership Directory, Currents: Greater Fort Walton Beach Community Information Guide and Membership Directory, and Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast Vacation Guide. It has won numerous awards, including ADDYs and Inhouse Design Awards. Life’s A Beach contributes to its community through donations and time to local charities and events. For more information, visit
Broker Rodney Elkins announced the addition of Joseph Biamonte to the World Impact Real Estate Team. Biamonte has worked in the Florida, Boston, Maine, New Hampshire, North and South Carolina, New York, and Tennessee real estate markets. He enjoys representing buyers and sellers of local homes, land, commercial properties, and businesses, and he has 30 years of experience in all facets of real estate investment. He retired from a successful mortgage banking career in 2007. His real estate philosophy is “Simple, Efficient and Accommodating.” For more information, call (850) 227-5318. For more information about World Impact Real Estate, call (850) 225-7000 or visit 
Howard Group welcomed Leigh Moore to the company’s new Community Affairs division. Moore will work with local, state, and federal governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and private companies as an advocate for responsible growth and development. In addition to years of business, management, and human resources experience, Moore served as executive cirector of the Scenic Corridor Association. She represented the organization throughout the region, provided external and internal communications and coordinated the implementation of a $700,000 median beautification project. The mission of Howard Group’s Community Affairs division is to serve as an advocate by working with government officials and citizens to promote a balance between a robust business environment and the sustainability of the local communities. For more information, visit 
The Niceville O’Reilly Auto Parts Store showed its support to the community by donating $200 to Children in Crisis (CIC) during its recent grand-opening event. The Niceville location on Highway 20 is the latest store to open in the area. Seen here, Niceville O’Reilly Auto Parts store manager David Beck presents a donation of $200 from its recent grand opening event to CIC volunteer & events coordinator Laura Moore, along with CIC president & CEO Ken Hair, O’Reilly events marketing specialist John McMillan, and O’Reilly district manager Craig Garrison. For information about CIC, please call (850) 864-4242 or visit
In July, Tracy Steely was the top selling, pending, and closed transactions producer with World Impact Real Estate. A former teacher, Steely will tell you her secret is “she loves helping people.” For more information or to discuss your real estate needs, call Steely at (850) 803-9822.
The Kiwanis Club of South Walton recently presented Children in Crisis, Inc. (CIC), a donation of $1,000 to help feed, clothe, and care for the children living at the CIC Children’s Neighborhood. Seen here, Bill Whitney, president of the South Walton Kiwanis, presents a check for $1,000 to Ken Hair, CIC president and CEO. To learn more about Children in Crisis, call (850) 864-4242 or visit 
Vue on 30a announced that Cherryl Marcey has joined the management team to lead weddings and events for 30A’s acclaimed Gulf front dining restaurant. Marcey is known in the hospitality and restaurant industry for her creative and thoughtful approach to hospitality and events. Prior to joining the Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club, Marcey held management and executive positions in the restaurant and event industry for Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort; Hearty Restaurant located in Chicago, Illinois; Broadway Cellars located in Chicago, Illinois; and more. For more information about Vue on 30a weddings, visit 
For the seventh year, Tommy Bahama Tropical Café will help sponsor the Sugar Sands Charity Golf Classic benefiting the kids of Children in Crisis, Inc (CIC). The tournament will be held at Kelly Plantation Golf Course on Columbus Day, Oct. 13. On the evening prior to the tournament, Tommy Bahama will host the golfers and guest to an awesome pre-registration party at the Grand Boulevard Sandestin location. Seen here, Ken Hair, CIC president and CEO, presents Mario Mardones, Tommy Bahama’s general manager, with a memento to thank the restaurant for its support. For more information, visit