Destin’s Deeper Purpose: More Than Just a Beach Town

Faith, Community and the Sea: Destin’s Week of Blessings Returns May 25-30

By Lori Leath Smith

We all have our reasons for calling Destin home. Some come for the beauty, others for the lifestyle—but many of us feel we were drawn here for something greater. Yes, to the outside world Destin is now a beach destination. But long before the tourists and high-rises, this was a humble fishing town—a place where hard work met the sea, and faith anchored the community.

Known proudly as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” I believe Destin’s blessings go far beyond its natural beauty. Every year, we gather to bless our boats, our Harbor, our children, our leaders and our people. Could it be that this annual act of faith and unity brings favor to our city? That beneath the sparkle of our shoreline lies something even more powerful: a shared purpose and a spirit that keeps our little paradise thriving? Many Destin fisherman, locals and area professionals alike will tell you they believe their success rides on blessings.

Destin’s beloved Week of Blessings returns May 25-30, 2025. Organized by the Church of Destin, Inc., this cherished tradition brings together neighbors, businesses, fishermen and faith leaders for a heartfelt week of prayer, unity and gratitude that includes a series of faith-focused, family-oriented activities leading up to Ascension Day, 40 days after Easter, with the Blessing of the Fleet.

On Thursday, May 29, is the highlight of Destin’s Week of Blessings—the 68th Annual Blessing of the Fleet, Destin’s second oldest, annual tradition that pays homage to our city’s deep-rooted maritime heritage and is held behind Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer. (The oldest is our annual Fishing Rodeo first held in 1948.)

This time-honored tradition got started when more than a half century ago, Destin’s Immanuel Anglican Church began blessing a tiny fleet of perhaps four to five boats. From this handful of small boats, the fleet has grown and prospered into the largest fishing fleet in North America, with more than 125 charter-fishing boats. Captains fly the small blue cross-and-dove Blessing of the Fleet flag to indicate they and their vessels have been blessed.

The festivities commence at 4 p.m. with a Captain’s Testimony and Worship Service under the tent, open to all. At 5:15 p.m., the Blessing of the Vessels begins, where clergy from various local churches will bless each commercial boat one-by-one that makes its living on the sea, praying for safety and prosperity in the upcoming season. In 2024, over 158 vessels participated in this important procession.

Following the blessings, attendees are invited to a community fish feast provided by Brotula’s, with donations appreciated. Free parking is available at Brotula’s and the City of Destin’s harbor district lots.

For those not in a vessel, the event can be viewed from various vantage points around the harbor. Additionally, SkyBar at Edge Seafood is hosting a Blessing of the Fleet Watch Party starting at 4 p.m., featuring live music by The Six Piece Suits at 6 p.m. and a firework display at 9 p.m.

Captains wishing to have their vessels blessed can register by emailing immanuel@iacdestin.org with their vessel’s name, captain’s name, business contact information and mailing address.

Though the Blessing of the Fleet is the focal component of the extended week of events, the Week of Blessings is now a 20-year tradition that brings together faith, family and the workplace alongside the fishing community.

For example, at the Blessing of the Marketplace, local pastors gather to pray over business owners, first responders and industry leaders seeking guidance and prosperity for their businesses and the community.

Organized by the Church of Destin, Inc., the Week of Blessings reflects our city’s deep-rooted connection to the sea and its enduring faith through all facets of life. Several pastors make up the ‘Church of Destin’ formed 20 years ago as a symbol of unity, crossing denominational barriers. As the Blessing of the Fleet grew, so did the hundreds of people, families and businesses in the area who also wanted to be blessed. And before you knew it, the vision expanded into a full “Week of Blessings.” That’s how the Blessing of the Marketplace was born, enabling the “blessing” to impact further to other locals, professionals and visitors, too.

“This week is a reminder of what makes Destin truly special,” said one of the event organizers. “We’re a fishing village, yes—but we’re also a faith-filled community that supports one another through every season.”

God continues to richly bless our “Little Fishing Village” and we shall continue to call upon Him to bless, preserve and protect those who make their living from our bountiful seas.

For more information, contact Immanuel Anglican Church www.iacdestin.org, 850-837-6324 or the Church of Destin at info@iacdestin.org.

Blessing of the Families – Sunday, May 25
The week begins with the intentional blessings made over families in our community during Sunday services.

Day of Prayer and Fasting – Monday, May 26
Pray for your neighbors, your community, the leaders of our nation and our world.

Blessing of the Marketplace – Wednesday, May 28, 11:30 a.m.
The business community is invited to worship together and be blessed. Lunch will be provided by Big Red Truck from 11:30 – 1:30 at Destin Methodist Church, 200 Beach Drive in Destin.

Blessing of the Youth – Wednesday, May 28, 6-8 p.m.
The Youth Pastors welcome middle and high school students for worship and blessings at Harborwalk Village. There is free parking at Harborwalk Village for those attending the event.

Blessing of the Fleet – Thursday, May 29, 4 p.m.
Festivities begin at 4 p.m. with a Captain’s Testimony and Worship Service under the tent behind Brotula’s. At 5:15 p.m., boats of all sizes will line the harbor to receive blessings from local pastors as prayers are lifted for safety, abundance and calm seas in the season ahead. Immediately following the fleet blessing, all are invited to a community fish fry—an evening of fellowship, food and friends on the waterfront. Donations are welcome.

Practice Random Acts of Kindness – Friday, May 30th
Share the love of Jesus by practicing random acts of kindness throughout our community. Leave big tips, lend a helping hand, give generously of your time and resources, however your heart leads.

From bow to bowline and storefront to sanctuary, the Week of Blessings is a celebration of what binds Destin together: faith, family and an enduring love for the water. We celebrate our city’s deep spiritual roots and strong ties to the sea– the Blessing of the Fleet remains a poignant reminder of the city’s origins and the enduring spirit of its fishing community.

THE CHURCH OF DESTIN is a community organization presenting a unified voice for all churches in the greater Destin area. Its mission is to unify the body of Christ in Destin through fellowship and prayer, recognizing one church, many congregations.