Monday, April 27, 2026

Heads up for pet parents: An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.*

Fresh space for local banking: Origin Bank has opened a new Financial Center on Racetrack Road in Fort Walton Beach, revitalizing a long-dormant building with a modern lobby, offices, conference rooms, and a multi-lane drive-thru -- explore features and location.

New stewardship plan emerges: Okaloosa County commissioners voted to send a delegation to Tallahassee after Destin sought support to manage Holiday Isle park, proposing docks and a fishing pier while keeping most land conserved -- learn what the plan includes.

Inside local enforcement efforts: Walton County deputies reported a successful spring break effort, with 20% fewer underage drinking arrests. Noise complaints rose 42% as 30A curfews for unaccompanied minors and rental coordination kept order -- read the full story.

The bill everyone over 50 should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy.*

Retirees are making moves: After gold's best year in nearly five decades, more folks than ever are moving part of their savings into precious metals. Not all of it... just enough to hedge against inflation. AHG put together a free guide that explains how it works -- grab your copy here.*

Make errands enjoyable: Destin Commons nails the local trifecta: open-air errands, legit dinner options, and an AMC/IMAX for when you’d rather sit in cold, dark bliss. Bonus points for the splash pad, murals, and the monthly market that sneaks up and turns your Saturday into a mini block party.

Designer gems, locally found: If you’ve been mentally “shopping your closet” a bit too hard, LuxExchange stocks pre-loved designer finds and the occasional vintage surprise, smart and sustainable upgrades that make weekday errands and date nights feel more put-together, minus the buyer’s remorse.

That pie you deserve: The Donut Hole keeps Destin mornings dangerously happy with fresh donuts, buttery pastries, and homemade pies you swear you’ll save for later. Ideal for low-key treat-yourself moments or an impromptu dessert run that turns a random Tuesday into a small victory.

The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →

Your homeowners insurance has a blind spot: It covers your house if a tree falls on it. It doesn’t cover your furnace when it quits in January, your AC when it dies in July, or your water heater when it starts leaking on a Tuesday. Those are all classified as "normal wear and tear," and they're 100% on you. American Home Shield can help fill that gap for ~$1/day (even if your appliances and systems are really old).*See what it covers →

Selling your house doesn't have to take months: If you need to sell quickly — because you're downsizing, relocating, or just ready to close this chapter — Liz helps seniors sell their houses fast. As-is. No repairs, no showings, no drawn-out back-and-forth. You pick the closing date. *See how it works →

Unknown-number calls aren't random: Scammers don't just pick numbers out of a hat. They pay data brokers a few bucks and get everything they need to harass you, trick you, rob you, or steal your identity outright. Incogni removes all of your personal info from these data broker sites and keeps an eye out to make sure it stays gone for good. *Get protected →

For women who've been feeling off for years: The fatigue, the weight creeping up, the mood swings, the sleep that won't hold. Turns out most of those "it's just aging" problems are actually caused by hormones, and proper HRT can get you back to feeling like yourself. The catch? You can't get it without a full hormone panel and a doctor who understands what those numbers mean. Most women never get either, but Hone Health gives you both. *See how it works →

✨ Blush Bloom & Beam @ Blush Beauty Lounge – Grayton (Santa Rosa Beach) | Wednesday (4/29) at 9:00 AM – This launch at Blush Beauty Lounge in Grayton lets you test-drive Aerolase, the no-downtime laser tackling acne, rosacea, fine lines, and sun souvenirs. Expect live demos, complimentary consults, and event-only pricing. Bring a friend, sip, shop, and pretend SPF was enough.

🎨 Painting Techniques @ Arts & Design Society (Fort Walton Beach) | Thursday (4/30) at 9:00 AM – Dust off your brushes and swing by for a relaxed painting class with Vincent Zingaretti, all levels welcome. Work in oils, soft pastels, or acrylics, bring your own supplies, and a photo you actually like. Cheaper for members, priceless for your sanity.

🎈 Poolside Play Days @ Beach House Pool Deck (Miramar Beach) | Thursday (4/30) at 12:00 PM – Every Thursday at The Beach House pool deck, live magic and balloon art keep the kids laughing while you claim a shady chair, a cold drink, and a Gulf breeze. Free, low effort, and everyone goes home happy, for once.

🎸 Rumours ATL @ Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village | Thursday (4/30) at 7:00 PM – Round up the crew and hit Dugas Pavilion for a Fleetwood Mac tribute from Rumours ATL. Sing along to Dreams, The Chain, and Go Your Own Way as you spread a blanket, graze on food truck fare, sip something cold, and attempt a Stevie twirl.

🦞 8th Annual Crawfish Boil @ Renovation Flooring (Miramar Beach) | Friday (5/1) at 3:00 PM – Roll up your sleeves and join the 8th Annual Crawfish Boil, a charity feast with seasoned crawfish, corn, potatoes, and sausage, plus live music, a bouncy house, and sweet treats. Kids bounce, adults sip something cold, everyone wins, and your bib supports a good cause.

🎨 ArtQuest Fine Art Show @ Grand Boulevard at Sandestin (Miramar Beach) | Saturday (5/2) at 10:00 AM – If you want a weekend with culture, the 38th year of ArtQuest's juried show brings 100-plus artists from across the country, courtesy of the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County. Expect real-deal work, fewer trinkets, and those 'I could make that' pieces you could not.

🐰 Bunny Adoption Event @ Pet Supplies Plus | Saturday (5/2) at 11:00 AM – Skip the beach crowds and hop to Pet Supplies Plus in Destin for a family-friendly bunny adoption with Bunnychick Haven of Navarre. Meet adoptable rabbits, get real talk on care from rescue volunteers, and maybe find the only spring-breaker you want living in your house.

Yacht-ready and grand, this Indian Bayou estate spans nearly an acre with 158 feet of deep-water frontage and a private mini marina with two lifts and dual slips, including 70+ foot capacity. Hurricane-rated windows frame Choctawhatchee Bay views. A sandy shoreline, fiber-optic lit saltwater pool, Southern-style porch and gazebo, and stackable garage for up to eight cars set the vibe.