COMMUNITY CALENDAR Aug. 17
All area codes are 850 unless noted.
Destin City Hall
All City Council meetings, workshops, executive sessions and CRA Board meetings are held at the City Hall Annex, 4100 Indian Bayou Trail. All other board and committee meetings are held at City Hall, 4200 Indian Bayou Trail. All meetings are subject to change or cancellation.
City Council, 6 p.m. Aug. 19
Technical Review Committee, 11 a.m. Aug. 20
Special Magistrate Hearing, 5:30 p.m. Aug. 20
Harbor & Waterways Board, 5 p.m. Aug. 26
Parks & Recreation Committee, 4 p.m. Aug. 27
Restoration Days
The Heritage Museum, 115 Westview Ave. in Valparaiso, is rebuilding two of its most prominent rooms to freshen them up and make them more interactive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 17. People are needed to help and will receive free admission on a future date of their choosing, and the Museum will provide drinks and food. This is also a great opportunity to get in those volunteer and community service hours.
Scholarships
A-1 Auto Transport is offering three scholarships of $1,000, $500 and $250. These scholarships are open to all nationalities and there are no fees to apply. They are all offered on a continuous basis so they will be available for 2019 and onwards. Contact scholarships@a1autotransport.com for more information.
Seniors of Destin
The Seniors of Destin meet the fourth Friday of the month for a covered dish and to celebrate all birthdays for the month. The program is sponsored by the city of Destin and Gentiva Home Health. Each month has a featured guest speaker that pertains to senior living. Call 685-5310.
Okaloosa LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus
The Okaloosa LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus (AKA Pride Squad) will meet at 6:15 p.m. Aug. 19 at Democratic Headquarters: 1270 Eglin Parkway Ste. C-10 in Shalimar. Join us as we make our voices heard by voting and insuring that the Democratic Party and Democratic candidates address the issues important to our community.
SHRM
The Society for Human Resource Management of the Emerald Coast (SHRM-ECC) presents Interplay of ADA, FMLA and Worker’s Compensation at 11:15 a.m. Aug. 21 at Community Life Center at First Baptist FWB, 21 First St SE. Jason Taylor is guest speaker. Cost is $25/members, $40/non-members and $35/first time attendee. Lunch is included with the cost of admission. Register at www.SHRM-EmeraldCoast.org by Aug. 19.
Gardening Lecture
The Okaloosa County Master Gardener Association will offer a free lecture on landscape renovation from 10-11:30 a.m. Aug. 21 at the Okaloosa Extension Annex, 127 Hollywood Boulevard NW, in Fort Walton Beach. Assess your needs, set goals, and find design ideas to help renovate your landscape. Seating is limited and reservations are required at Extension Office at 689-5850 or email achisholm@myokaloosa.com.
Diabetes Program
Community members are preventing type 2 diabetes together with the yearlong PreventT2 Lifestyle Change Program.
The program starts Aug. 22 at Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast. For more information on enrollment, class schedules, cost or to speak to an education specialist, call 278-3546 or email Linsey.Hall@ascension.org Hurricane Information Guide available
Hurricane season began June 1 and ends Nov. 30. The 2019 City of Destin Hurricane Guide is now available on the City of Destin website and City of Destin Government Facebook page. This guide is designed to provide valuable information that you can use before, during and after a storm. For more information, visit: https://www.cityofdestin.com/DocumentCenter/View/10333/2019-Destin-Hurricane-Guide-FINAL?bidId=
Genealogy Society
Jim Young, webmaster for Genealogy Society of Okaloosa County, will give a presentation on Writing and Publishing Your Family History at the monthly meeting at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 24 at the Fort Walton Beach Library. For more information, call 243-0352.
McCaskill & Company
The community is invited to McCaskill & Company Aug. 24 in the Destin gallery, 13390 US Hwy. 98 W. for the exclusive opportunity to buy a diamond straight from the diamond cutter with more than two million dollars worth of certified diamonds to choose from. Call 650–2262.
• Sept. 10-12: The Great Estate Buying Show
Estate-buying company National Rarities will be at McCaskill for guests who are ready to sell valuables such as gold, sterling silver, diamonds, jewelry, coins and currency, watches, artwork, paintings, autographs, old photos, antique toys, vintage advertising and other collectible and rarities. National Rarities will pay on site in exchange for any of the above valuable items.
• Nov. 8-9: The Erica Courtney Adventure
Named as one of the Top 3 Jewelry Designers in the World by United Brands, Erica Courtney travels the world and mines for some of the rarest and most beautiful gems. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet her in person and experience her exquisite collection of jewelry and gemstones.
Embroiderers’ Guild
The Sand Dunes Chapter of Embroiderers' Guild of America will have its final summer stitch-in from 1:30-4:30 p..m. Aug. 25 at the Religious Education Building, Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 1200 Valparaiso Blvd. in Niceville. Visitors are welcome. Call 496-3466 with any questions.
ECPRO August Lunch and Learn
Members of The Emerald Coast Public Relations Organization (ECPRO) will meet for the Lunch and Learn program from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.Aug. 27 at AJ’s on the Bayou, 200 Eglin Parkway NE in Fort Walton Beach. Monica Herrera, ECPRO president, will speak about the Air Force Commercial Sponsorship and Advertising Program and its benefits as a direct channel for businesses to communicate effectively with the local military community. Lunch is $15/members, $20/associates of members, $25/non-members and $10/students and those who do not want to eat. For more information, call 974-3662, email info@emeraldcoastpr.org, or visit www.ecpro.org.
Art Classes for Home Schoolers
The Arts and Design Society is offering Art Classes for Home Schoolers, ages 6-12, on Tuesdays from 1:30-3 p.m., on Sept. 3, 10, 17, and 24. The instructor is Marcy Eady. Cost of the month is $60/members and $70/non-members. All supplies are included. Each class will explore a different medium or artist, emphasizing style, brush strokes, and color. For further information and to sign children up for this class series, visit the ADSO website at www.artsdesignsociety.org, or call 850-244-1271.
Holistic Health Expo
The Fourth Annual Holistic Health Expo will explore, experience and embrace natural health, complementary medicine, holistic wellness and inspired living. Events at the Emerald Coast Convention Center include Exhibitor Showcase from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 7 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 8. Presentations are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 7 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 8. Workshops will be at noon both days.
Gardening in the Panhandle classes
The University of West Florida’s Center for Life Long Learning (CLL) Gardening in the Panhandle classes will begin Sept.16 and run seven weeks. These classes are offered by Okaloosa County Master Gardener volunteers as non-credit continuing education courses each spring and fall semester. Information on class description, schedule, location, cost and instructions for registration can be found at http://cll-fwb.org/RegistrationSchedule.html. Class size is limited and registration and payment is handled through the college.
Amvets fundraiser for kids
American Veterans Post 29 in Destin is planning the first Vets for Kids Christmas Fundraiser to raise money for the Destin Community Center's annual Christmas gift drive for local underprivileged families. The event, with many musicians and a silent auction, will be held Sept. 20 and 21at 106 Benning Drive. All donations are welcome for the auction, including art, jewelry, clothes and gift certificates.
Styling Your Table: Tablescaping for Special Occasions
Enjoy award-winning tablescapes in individual and commercial categories, hosted by the Green Thumb Garden Club, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 11 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 12 at 400 Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach..
Code Club
Learn about Android app design using MIT’s Scratch language at The Destin Library’s Code Club for middle schoolers at 4:30 p.m. Fridays. For more information or to sign up call 837-8572 or message Library on Facebook.
Tai Chi Class
The Destin Library will offer one-hour Tai Chi classes with Barbara Rezmer, a certified Tai Chi for Health instructor, on Monday mornings at 9 a.m. The cost is $5/session. Enrollment is limited to 12 participants with registrations (on a first-come first-served basis) accepted by phone or in person. Call 837-8572.
Good Grief luncheons
An Emerald Coast Hospice\ lunch is open to anyone who has experienced a loss and is looking for some support and company through the grieving process. We encourage attendees to also bring a friend or family member. Everyone orders off the menu and pays for his or her own lunch. To RSVP, call 837-2589. Third Monday lunch is at Olive Garden Destin and third Tuesday lunch is at Applebee’s Miramar Beach, 8670 Hwy. 98 West.
Healing Walking Group
The Emerald Coast Hospice walking group is open to bereaved individuals who have experienced the death of a significant person in their life. Walk and talk, at a relaxed pace, with others who are grieving and share ideas, comfort and companionship from 9-10:30 a.m. Tuesdays in Miramar Beach and Thursdays in Destin. RSVP at 837-2589
Caregiver Support Group
Covenant Alzheimer’s Care support group for those caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or a dementia-related illness is held at 5:30 p.m. the first Thursday of every month at Brookdale Fort Walton Beach, 233 Carmel Ave. Call 864-4600.
Kiwanis Club of Destin
The Kiwanis Club of Destin meets at 8 a.m. the 1st and 3rd Thursday in the Coffee Café at the Village Baptist Church, 191 Matthew Blvd. in Destin. Visitors welcome.
Destin Rotary
The Destin Rotary meets at 7:15 a.m. every Tuesday at Rutherford’s 465. Visit www.facebook.com/pages/Rotary-Club-of-Destin/241220675890226.
Flotilla 1-4 USCG Auxiliary
Flotilla 1-4 USCG Auxiliary meets at 8 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month at Coast Guard Station Destin on Okaloosa Island. Anyone wishing to become a member is welcome to attend. Prior military duty is not required. Call 865-9130
Grand Boulevard Farmers’ Market
The market will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday in Grand Park in Miramar Beach between Cantina Laredo and Tommy Bahama’s. Vendors will offer locally sourced food-based items including produce, eggs, milk, butter, grass-fed beef, chicken, lamb and pork, honey, pickled vegetables and gourmet jams.
30A Farmers’ Market
This community event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays in Town Center in Rosemary Beach features fresh vegetables, fruits, eggs, honey, cheese and more. Market is held on Sundays from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Seaside Farmers Market
Get your pick of fresh produce, baked goods, dairy products, native plants and other unique offerings Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Amphitheatre behind Raw & Juicy. Enjoy special cooking demos and activities.
Destin Life Center
Recreation and fitness activities at Destin Life Center at Destin United Methodist Church, 200 Beach Drive, are from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Closed Sundays. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday visit the Soul Café for lunch. Call ahead for dine in or pick up. For information, call the DLC at 837-2021. Only recreation right now is Pickle Ball. Please call the Connection Desk for the current calendar at 837-2021.
Destin Community Center
All activities are at the Destin Community Center, unless noted. Call 654-5184 or email recreation@cityofdestin.comfor information and to register. Persons with disabilities who require assistance are asked to notify the center 48 hours in advance.
‒ Capoeria: Class in the Brazilian martial art that combines the elements of dance, acrobatics and music will be held Wednesdays at 7 p.m. for all ages.
‒ Chair Yoga: Classes from 10-11 a.m. Thursdays. Fee is $4/class and is open to everyone.
‒ Dance Exercise: Class will be held from 12-1 p.m. every Wednesday and Friday for men and women of all ages and incorporates modern dance styles, yoga, and Tai Chi movements. Fee is $3/session non-residents and $2/session residents.
‒ Destin Senior Chair Exercise 50+ years: Monday and Wednesday mornings from 10-10:45 a.m. consists of performing light exercises to help improve balance, flexibility, strength, and circulation. Free/residents.
‒ Destin Senior Membership: Join the Destin Seniors to enjoy multiple festivities including the senior lunch bunch, potluck, casino trips, cruises, bingo, chair exercise, knitting, scrabble, and Mexican dominoes. Members must be a Destin resident.
‒ Game Room: Open to children age 10 and older from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays.
• Line Dancing: Class will be held Thursdays with beginner lessons at 12:30 p.m. Open dance is 1:15-1:45 p.m. Intermediate lessons are at 1:45 p.m. Class us $6.
• Dodgeball: Open Dodgeball will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursdays for children ages 8 to 14. Fee is $3/non-residents and $2/residents per session. A waiver will be required for your child.
‒ Senior Book Club: The Destin Senior Members meet at 10 a.m. the 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Destin Library, 150 Sibert Ave.
‒ Senior Drop-In Hours: The Destin Senior Center at Buck Destin Park, 724 Legion Drive, offers senior drop-in hours from 9 a.m. to noon every Tuesday and Thursday for Seniors (50 years and older) to meet and enjoy each other’s company, participate in games such as Mexican Train Dominoes, Scrabble, cards, etc.
‒ Senior Knitting: Sessions and lessons for beginners and all skill levels from 1-2:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the Destin Senior Center at Buck Destin Park, 724 Legion Drive. No registration required.
‒ Senior Walking Club: The Destin Senior Members walk around the Destin Community Center’s gymnasium from 8-9 a.m. Monday-Friday. All of the miles that you walk will be added to the “team map” as we travel from one region to the next.
‒ Table Tennis: Play from 9 a.m. to noon Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Paddles and balls provided. Fee is $2/resident and $3/non-resident.
Betterment Alliance
The Main Street Betterment Alliance meets at 6 p.m. Tuesdays at the American Legion, 311 Main Street. Call 837-3818.
Destin Business Builders
Destin Business Builders Networking group meets from 7:15-8:45 a.m. every Wednesday at the Destin United Methodist Life Center. Call 651-1300 ext. 13.
Food Buying Club
A small group interested in eating healthy and purchasing smart meets at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at 125 Scottsdale Court in Mary Esther. On the second Tuesday, the group meets at Fountain Square in downtown Fort Walton Beach for the Growing Local film series. Call 863-4040.