COMMUNITY CALENDAR Feb. 19
Send your meetings. fundraisers and events to pgriffin@thedestinlog.com.
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.
Town Center CRA-AC, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 19
Harbor Capacity Study Steering Committee
The City of Destin is now accepting applications for appointment to the Harbor Capacity Study Steering Committee. Application forms and the mission statement for this committee are available on the City of Destin website at www.cityofdestin.com, and at Destin City Hall, 4200 Indian Bayou Trail. You can also obtain a copy by contacting the Office of the City Clerk at 837-4242. Members of the public who wish to apply online can visit https://www.cityofdestin.com/FormCenter/City-Clerk-9/Harbor-Capacity-Study-Steering-Committee-63 . The application deadline is 5 p.m. Feb. 25.
Snowbird Movie Matinee
See Yesterday at 2 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Destin Library. Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis and you are welcome to bring your own light refreshments. Jack Malik is a struggling singer-songwriter in an English seaside town whose dreams of fame are rapidly fading, despite the fierce devotion and support of his childhood best friend, Ellie. After a freak bus accident during a mysterious global blackout, Jack wakes up to discover that The Beatles have never existed. Performing songs by the greatest band in history to a world that has never heard them, Jack becomes an overnight sensation with a little help from his agent.
Feb. 26: Ford v. Ferrari: American automotive designer Carroll Shelby and fearless British race car driver Ken Miles battle corporate interference, the laws of physics, and their own personal demons to build a revolutionary vehicle for the Ford Motor Co. Together, they plan to compete against the race cars of Enzo Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France in 1966.
Snowbird Free Cone Day
Ben & Jerry’s in Miramar Beach is having a Snowbird Free Cone Day from 12-4 p.m. Feb. 19 to say thank you, snowbirds.
Alzheimer’s Association Brain Bus
The Alzheimer’s Association Brain Bus will be at Destin Library from 1-3 p.m. Feb. 19. The Brain Bus is a mobile outreach initiative that educates and raises awareness about Alzheimer's Disease and related dementia. This program addresses the benefits of early detection, early diagnosis, brain health and risk reduction. The Brain Bus helps normalize the disease and guides the community to reliable and useful information and resources. These services are provided at no cost to participants. Contact the Library at 837-8572 if you have any questions. Computer Bytes Tech Talks at the Destin Library
Learn the basics of a variety of computing concepts with a “byte”- sized 30-minute presentation on The Web and You at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 19. These talks are free and no registration is required. Call 837-8572 or email mfontaine@cityofdestin.com if you have any questions.
Feb. 26: Using Email
Snowbird Writers Group
The Destin Snowbird Writers will present an entertaining program of poetry, short stories, music, and the visual arts at 1 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Destin Library. A reception will follow. This event is free and open to the public.Call 837-8572 with questions.
Super Smash Brothers Tournament
The Destin Library hosts an evening of smash-powered madness from 6-9 p.m. Feb. 21. Registration is now open for the Super Smash Brothers: Ultimate Tournament, a free event for kids 12 and up, and all skill levels are welcome.
To register, visit www.cityofdestin.com, click on the Library page under the Services tab and then select Teen Services from the menu. Controllers will be provided, and play will be bracketed by skill level if there are enough competitors. There is a $25 grand prize to the winner. If any participants have unique needs, please contact the library at least a week prior to the tournament so accommodations can be made. The Oculus Rift VR system will be available for participants to use between rounds.
Free Notary Services
The Destin Library now has a full-time, certified notary on staff. Kitti Capps will be available to provide notary services Monday through Friday during normal library hours. There is no charge for this service and appointments are encouraged, but not required. Call 837-8572.
Spring Craft Show
The City of Destin’s 14th Annual Spring Craft Show will be held at the Community Center from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 21 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 22. There will be over 70 vendors showing handcrafted jewelry, woodcarvings, paintings, food items and much more. Vendor booths are available for $45/residents and $55/non-residents (Foyer $65). Space is limited so vendors need to register early. Admission is free to the public.
Genealogical Society
The Okaloosa County Genealogical Society will meet at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 22 in the Fort Walton Beach Library. Presentation will be “African American History: The Challenges and Rewards.” Speaker Jodie Biles is a local genealogist who has done a great deal of research on African American History and Genealogy.
Mardi Gras Golf Scramble
Registration is open for the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida’s fourth annual Mardi Gras Golf Scramble on Feb, 22. The day begins at 8:30 a.m. at Shalimar Pointe Golf Club, 302 Country Club Road, and concludes with a silent auction on items and gift baskets. All proceeds benefit the Museum’s education and community engagement initiatives as well as improvements to existing exhibits. Register at www.heritage-museum.org/special-events.
Coin Show
The Fort Walton Beach Coin Club will host a coin show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 22 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 23 at the Meridian at Westwood, 1001 Mar Walt Dr. in Fort Walton Beach. Please park in the White Wilson parking lot. Free admission and parking and attendees receive a free new collectible quarter while supplies last. Dealers will buy, sell and trade coins, currency, gold and silver. Free appraisals.
Embroiderers’ Guild
The Sand Dunes Chapter of Embroiderers' Guild of America February stitchin is from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Feb. 24 in the Religious Education building, Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 1200 Valparaiso Blvd. in Niceville. Visitors are welcome. Call 862-3466 with any questions.
City of Destin Workshop
The Destin City Council will host a workshop to discuss the proposed Destin Community Events Center at 6 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Destin City Hall Annex Council Chambers, 4100 Indian Bayou Trail. For any questions, call 837-4242.
ECPRO
Members of The Emerald Coast Public Relations Organization (ECPRO) will meet at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 25 at AJ’s on the Bayou, 200 Eglin Parkway NE in Fort Walton Beach for Lunch and Learn. David Triana from Conexion Media Group will talk about the International Festival, which is organized by Conexion. Lunch is $15/members, $20/associates of members, $25/non-members and $10/students. If you do not want to eat but want to hear the program, the cost is $10.
For more information, contact Kathy Morrow at 974-3662, info@emeraldcoastpr.org, or visit the ECPRO website, www.ecpro.org.
Beanstalk Brigade
The storytime program continues at the Destin Library for beginning readers ages 4-7 at 4 p.m. Feb. 25. This program is free to attend, and no registration is required. Participants will explore their imaginations with great stories using longer picture books, poetry, flannel stories, folk tales, and expressive art. Activities encourage attention and listening skills, as well as language acquisition and reading readiness. Call 837-8572.
Okaloosa County Republicans
Okaloosa County Republicans will meet at 6 p.m. Feb. 27 at the American Legion Hall, 235 at 105 Hollywood Blvd. SW in Fort Walton Beach. Dinner is available for $15/members and $17/guests. For reservations and further information, contact Nate Lepper at nathanlepper@yahoo.com.
Livery Vessel Meeting
The City of Destin Code Compliance Department and Community Development Office will host a follow-up meeting regarding livery vessels from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Feb. 28 at the Destin City Hall Annex, 4100 Indian Bayou Trail. Code Compliance Manager Joey Forgione, along with his staff, will give an update on new processes, potential ordinance changes that will affect vendor applications and provide an opportunity for questions and answers. More than one councilmember may be in attendance. For any questions, call 837-4242.
2020 Leap Year Mega Dance Party
The 2020 Leap Year Mega Dance Party will be held Feb. 29 at the Emerald Coast Convention Center. Dance through the years with the Emerald Gold Band playing 50s, 60, 70s, 80s, and 90s music. Plus silent auction, Wii Sport games, vintage pinball and arcade machines. This biggest one night dance party on the Emerald Coast benefits the Special Operations Warrior Foundation and the Air Commando Foundation. Advance tickets are $15 or buy four and get one free at Beach Community Bank or the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce. Cost $20 at the door.
Ladies Night Out
Fort Walton Beach Medical & Twin Cities Hospital present Ladies Night Out: An Evening of Health, Wellness and Fun from 5:30-8:30 p.m. March 5 at The Henderson Resort in Destin. From botox to aching feet, chair massages and fabulous mini makeovers, attendees will have a chance to talk one-on-one with over 18 physicians and experts about various health and wellness topics that are most important to women. Ladies will be greeted with champagne upon arrival and will also indulge in a delicious display of heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, and have the opportunity to win over 25 door prizes. Tickets are $50/person and can be purchased at EmeraldCoastLNO.com. This event is held in partnership with Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, Twin Cities Hospital and Destin Chamber of Commerce.
Hank Klein Presentations
Destin historian, author and speaker Hank Klein will present GENEALOGY – Discovering Your Family History at 9:30 a.m. March 7 and Publishing and Enjoying Your Genealogy Work at noon March 7 at the N.W. Florida Family History Fair 2020 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 339 Lake Dr., NW in Fort Walton Beach.
World’s Greatest Baby Shower
The Healthy Start Coalition of Okaloosa and Walton Counties will host The World’s Greatest Baby Shower from 5:30-8 p.m. March 12 at the Emerald Coast Convention Center on Okaloosa Island. This event is especially designed for expectant parents, new parents who have had a baby within the last three months, and their families. There will be 50+ informative exhibits highlighting topics such as parenting, prenatal health, new baby care and community resources. There will also be numerous prizes, guest bags, and light refreshments. Admission is free and no pre-registration is required. For more information, call 833-9284 or visit www.healthystartokawalton.org.
Biophilia Easter Egg Hunt
Come meet the Easter Bunny and participate in age-divided egg hunts from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 28 at E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center in Freeport. Participate in Egg Olympics games, interact with live animals and get your face painted. Cost is $10/child and registration required at www.eowilsoncenter.org.
Food For Thought Golf Tournament
Food For Thought will return to the Santa Rosa Golf and Beach Club April 9 for their Ninth Annual Charity Golf Tournament. Festivities will begin at 10:30 a.m. with light food, refreshments and check-in/registration, followed by a noon shotgun start. An awards ceremony and after party follows at the clubhouse of the Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club. All proceeds support the work of fighting childhood hunger in Walton and Okaloosa Counties. For registration options, visithttps://fftfl.org/.
RECURRING EVENTS
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. No registration is required, and the class is free to attend, however donations are appreciated. Call 837-8572.
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.
Peer to Peer Support Group
Mental Health Association of Okaloosa and Walton Counties is sponsoring a Peer to Peer Support Group every Thursday at Santa Rosa Beach Community Church, Room 206, 3524 US Hwy 98, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Whether you want to learn new life skills or better understand Mental Health Recovery, you will find support here. The group is open to adults (18+), free to participate, confidential, and guided by trained peer facilitators. For more information, call the Mental Health Association in Fort Walton Beach at 244-1040.
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.
— Cardio, Shape and Stretch: Classes are every Monday from 9-10 a.m. These hi-low aerobics workout is set to increase strength and balance by using your body weight, core, and completed with a final stretch. Fee is $4/class and are open to all ages and fitness levels.
‒ Chair Yoga: Classes from 10-11 a.m. Thursdays. Fee is $5/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. at Buck Destin Park 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 ages 10 and older from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays.
— Gentle Yoga: Classes are 12-1 p.m. Thursdays beginning Jan. 2. Recommended for beginner exercisers and/or active older adults. Please bring a mat and towel.
• Line Dancing: Class will be held Thursdays beginning Jan. 9 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 is $6.
• Pickleball: Sessions are Mondays from 12:30-3:30 p.m. and Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Fee is $3/session. Racquets and balls are available, just bring your gym shoes.
‒ 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. The team’s miles are reported on the 4th Friday of each month at the Destin Senior Membership’s Potluck.
— Shape and Sculpt: Fitness class is offered on Wednesdays from 9-10 a.m. This lightweight workout is set to fun music with a focus on strengthening your muscles, balance, and core. Classes are $4/class and are open to all ages and fitness levels.
‒ 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.
‒ Zumba Gold Toning: Classes will be held from 11 a.m. to noon every Thursday is an effective full body workout combining light weight strength conditioning with the spicy rhythms of Zumba Gold. Fee is $6/session.
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.