THIS WEEK IN DESTIN HISTORY: Jan. 15-21

30 years ago — 1982

Destin residents strongly criticize Rep. Ken Boles (D-Fort Walton Beach) for his intention to propose legislation allowing the people of Destin to vote on incorporation without voting on a proposed city charter.

Destin endured a wintry week with cold winds, rough seas, occasional fog and ice, chilling rain — and a light dusting of snow. Temperatures sank to 10 degrees, pipes burst and schools were closed for what some called Destin’s worst winter week ever.

The Destin Chamber of Commerce economic development committee recommends expanding the Destin Airport runway by 7,000 feet and adding additional aircraft parking ramps.

Brutal murder of 86-year-old Irma Bell, bludgeoned to death in her bed in 1977, was still unsolved five years later. Deputies believe the murderer still lives in Destin. 

Renewed efforts to co-locate a proposed Coast Guard helicopter station with the Destin Coast Guard Station are underway by a task force from the Destin Chamber of Commerce.

Destin Girl Scouts and Brownie Troops begin preparations to sell cookies at the end of the month.

Ordinance requiring that no structure shall be located closer than 10 feet to any side or rear property line between multi-family and multi-story buildings was unanimously adopted by Okaloosa County commissioners.

Twenty-eight man crew continues drilling offshore in Destin Dome and reaches 10,000 feet.

20 years ago — 1992

Although tens of thousands of planes land each year at Destin Airport, it doesn’t generate enough income to earn matching funds from FAA to remodel terminal.

Dredging boat in Destin’s East Pass to dig the main channel into the Gulf of Mexico to depth of 12 feet. Sand removed to be deposited on nearby beaches.

Fisherman meet to express feelings against changing reef rules about the use of tires and other materials of opportunity as reef materials.

“No Thru Trucks” signs at Luke Avenue intersections will be first step in curbing excess traffic in Crystal Beach.

Authorities investigate an incident in the parking lot of Destin’s Walmart in which a man was shot in the leg and a gunman threatened to kill a woman’s baby.

Price Oil, Inc. in Montgomery, Ala., announces it will move its Celebrity Golf Tournament to Regatta Bay Golf Course in Destin.

10 years ago — 2002

Compromise attempted in developing noise ordinance for Destin to be fair to both business and residential owners, including measuring decibel levels only at the violator’s property line.

Enrico’s Italian Market, owned by Henry “Hank” Faccini and Ann Freeman, begins second year of business in Shoreline Village Mall.

Destin Log offers $250 reward for information about those responsible for a recent rash of newspaper rack burglaries in Destin and South Walton.

Local fishermen and businesses say they take extra precautions to make sure there is nothing unsafe about local seafood after report by Consumer Report magazine says much of seafood not fit to eat.

— Compiled by Pam Griffin