$40 Million Dollars of Marine Inventory Coming to Aaron Bessant Park
More Than 400 Boats to be Displayed in Panama City Beach
Curated Premier Line-Up of Exhibitors for Those Who Love the Coastal Lifestyle
It only happens one weekend a year. From the Panhandle to Tallahassee, boating, fishing and outdoor lifestyle enthusiasts...
By NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which officially ended on November 30, showcased above-average activity. It had a profound impact on recreational fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, causing recreational fishers to face challenges and interim closures. Hurricanes Beryl, Helene, and Milton caused devastating effects...
The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners recently approved a contingent contract to acquire the SS United States that could see the historic ocean liner converted into the world’s largest artificial reef, in an announcement from Destin-Fort Walton Beach and the SS United States Conservancy.
Part of the deal would...
SEPTEMBER
Rodeo Judges Meeting (Monday, September 9th)
Volunteer Rodeo Judges will meet at 5 p.m. at the Destin Community Center for an informative meeting regarding the record-keeping of the Rodeo. If you are interested in participating as a Rodeo Judge, Contact the Rodeo office at 850.837.6734.
Meet Miss Destin (Thursday, September 19th)
Thursday,...
Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center Releases Five More Sea Turtles Back to the Gulf
Amidst a gathering of locals, tourists and passionate sea turtle advocates in June, five rehabilitated sea turtle patients were joyously returned to their natural habitat in the Gulf of Mexico. The event, held at Topsail Hill State Preserve,...
Marine life in the Gulf of Mexico now has hundreds of additional underwater habitats thanks to a $1.26 million artificial reef project funded by the Natural Resource Damage Assessment Fund.
The project included 133 different reef sites and the deployment of 279 total reef structures ranging from 6-25 feet. The...
By Cali Hlavac, To Do In Destin
The Emerald Coast of Destin is not just a picturesque backdrop for tourists; it is also a battleground against an invasive species – the lionfish. On May 18-19, 2024, the Lionfish Festival returns to Destin, rallying the community in an ongoing effort to combat this...
By Lori Leath Smith
We all have reasons why we live here. But, I believe, many are drawn here, because our city is so blessed…After all, Destin IS known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.”
Not only a beach destination, our town was founded on fishing! But despite the legendary stories...
By Cali Hlavac, To Do In Destin
As the vibrant colors of spring emerge, fishermen and families flock to our piece of paradise, Fort Walton Beach and the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” for a spring fishing adventure. With the warming temperatures and inviting waters, springtime in Fort Walton Beach offers...
By Nick Tomecek, Okaloosa County PIO
The northern Gulf of Mexico has a new addition to its extensive artificial reef system with the deployment of the 239-foot R/V DEEP STIM III. The vessel, deployed on Jan. 30, 2024, joins hundreds of other artificial reefs already deployed off the shores of...
