Hello Destin! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Free books for young readers, poolside magic shows, and a drone light show + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
City budget pressure mounts: Fort Walton Beach council rejected a fire assessment fee and moved to outsource youth sports and senior programs and shift utility billing online to close a $500,000 gap -- see what changes are planned.
Boosting young readers: Okaloosa families can apply now for free books for pre-K through fifth graders via the New Worlds Reading Initiative, building at-home literacy. Apply by July 12 -- see how to apply.
Regional growth in motion: Step One Automotive Group opened a state-of-the-art Kia dealership in Fort Walton Beach with 29 service bays and an air-conditioned shop, adding full-time jobs and economic activity across the community -- see the new dealership.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
The bill all retirees 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.*
You've traveled abroad without being able to speak the local language. You can change that in just 10 minutes a day. Most people are holding real conversations within three weeks. In fact, 92% of users improved their proficiency in just two months, with 25 million subscriptions sold -- take 55% off.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Rain plan, solved: When the Gulf is choppy or the AC just isn't cutting it, Fat Daddy's Arcade is pure Destin serotonin. 100 arcade games, a shiny new prize center, and enough ticket-chasing chaos to tire out the kids, then you, so go claim some friendly-competition bragging rights.
Midweek beach reset: This week, sneak in a locals-only recharge at Henderson Beach State Park with sugar-white sand, a boardwalk to the beach, and a pet-friendly nature trail. There’s even a legit campground if your quick visit “accidentally” rolls into sunrise.
Greener yard, less guesswork: Wildwood Garden Design & Consulting maps out your landscape with on-site consults, thoughtful plant picks for our salty, sandy conditions, and clear visuals so you can see the glow-up before you dig. Perfect if your beds look tired or your HOA wants a plan, like, yesterday.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Need cash but can't take on another monthly payment? This gets you a lump sum from your home's equity with no monthly bill and no interest, because it isn't a loan. Use the funds for anything, whether that's home improvements, paying off debt, or a large purchase, and pay it back by the end of your 30-year term. Checking your offer is easy, fully online, and won't affect your credit score. *See your cash offer →
Buy one window treatment this summer, get the second 50% off: “My fourth order over 8 years. Product reliability, consistency to values & warranty kept me returning!” See what keeps customers coming back to 3 Day Blinds. Book your free consultation and enjoy summer savings on blinds, shades, and drapery. *Claim your summer savings →
Carrying $5,000 or more on your cards? Stop the interest charges: A balance that size racks up interest fast, and at today's rates it barely budges no matter how much you pay. This card gives you 0% intro APR until 2028 on balance transfers (made in the first 60 days), with a $0 annual fee. That means almost two years to pay down what you owe with no interest charges. *See if it's a fit →
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🎈 Poolside Play Days: Magic Shows & Balloon Art @ Beach House Pool Deck (Miramar Beach) | Thursday (6/25) at 12:00 PM – Free poolside magic shows and balloon art the kids love, and you can tolerate. Thursdays on The Beach House pool deck, they giggle at sleight of hand and balloon critters while you nurse a cold drink, admire the Gulf, and practice selective hearing.
🧜 Swim With A Mermaid On The Pool Deck @ Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village | Thursday (6/25) at 2:00 PM – If the grandkids need proof that Emerald Coast magic exists, Mermaid Caspian is clocking in at the Emerald Grande pool deck. Thursdays all summer, for Emerald Grande guests only, expect glittery fins, easy photo ops, and memories that outlast wet towels.
🚁 Thursdaze Light Show | Drones @ The Village of Baytowne Wharf (Miramar Beach) | Thursday (6/25) at 9:00 PM – Drones are lighting up the Village sky with a choreographed light show that pairs cutting-edge tech with coastal charm. It is basically fireworks that went to grad school, minus the smoke, the boom, and the dog hiding in the bathtub.
👩 Mother Son Night Out @ The Melting Pot (Miramar Beach) | Friday (6/26) at 11:00 AM – Trade soccer practice and screen time for molten memories at Mother Son Night Out, where cheese fondue and chocolate fondue run $29.95 for two, and an extra kid is $12.95. It is sweet, slightly messy, and exactly the kind of bribery that builds character.
🏺 Come Play With Clay @ Bayou Arts Center (Santa Rosa Beach) | Saturday (6/27) at 10:00 AM – Need a break from the to-do list? In this open studio with Sarah Bumanglag, get 2 pounds of clay to wing your idea or make a Botanical Leaf Imprinted Platter, with guidance, paint options, and kiln magic. Kid friendly, adult approved, pickup in 2-3 weeks.
🇺 Summer Program Week 5-US Celebrating America June 29 – July 3 @ South Walton Academy (Santa Rosa Beach) | Monday (6/29) at 8:30 AM – Got kids 3 to 14 and a calendar that says Fourth of July is looming? This weeklong America-themed camp in Santa Rosa Beach mixes history, red-white-and-blue crafts, and energy-burning fun like trampolines, rock walls, and playground time, so they learn, bond, and sleep like champs.
🤖 STEAM Machine: 3D Puppet Lab @ Emerald Coast Science Center (Fort Walton Beach) | Tuesday (6/30) at 10:30 AM – All aboard the STEAM Machine for a 3D Puppet Lab where you and the kids use 3D pens to design wearable finger puppets, then give them personalities worthy of prime time. Hands-on, family friendly, creative chaos, first come, first served.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The Destin report Weather forecastToday — High: 87°F — Low: 76°F — Precip: 18%
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 87. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tomorrow — High: 87°F — Low: 79°F — Precip: 26%
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 79. Southwest wind 0 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. This house is wildThis fully renovated 4-bed, 3-bath Holiday Isle retreat pairs beach days with deep-water canal living just two blocks from the sand. Spacious living areas on both levels, stylish finishes, and modern appliances keep things polished, while expansive outdoor spaces invite easy entertaining. Vacation rental ready, it delivers coastal comfort with boating access and standout location.
Take a peek inside → |
Shout out to our community partners! Love the newsletter? Show your support by checking out our partners at the link below. Each one is vetted, verified, and highly recommended! Check 'em out here → |
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