This week in Destin history
Jan. 27 – Feb 2
35 years ago — 1978
The new Destin Medical Clinic recorded such a good response from residents that the four doctors in charge considered expanding the clinic’s hours.
Destin firefighters complained they often had to wait up to an hour for Gulf Power crews to arrive at emergencies such as downed power lines.
Okaloosa County commissioners denied a bid to rezone property on Joe’s Bayou to business tourism.
30 years ago — 1983
Despite objections from several board members, the Destin Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors endorsed a plan to remove the U.S. 98 medians to ease traffic accessibility problems.
Condominium sales in Destin/South Walton topped $89 million in 1982, a 23.3-percent increase in sales volume from 1981.
Cleanup of pollution in Old Pass Lagoon was among the Destin Chamber’s top priorities for consideration by the 1983 state Legislature.
25 years ago — 1988
Destin City Hall received numerous complaints from residents about loose dogs in the city.
A ban on king mackerel fishing had angry Destin boat captains worried that the charter boat fishing industry would be crippled.
20 years ago — 1993
Although building is still possible along U.S. 98, a city planner advises caution and keeping a close eye on developments and traffic, and said the city needs to continue efforts for alternatives to cars on Hwy. 98 including a proposed Azalea Drive bypass and bicycle improvements.
A prototype catamaran designed by G&S Boats was tested for use as a sport fishing boat. The Buddy Gentry and Steve Sauer boat will sell for $450,000.
The 18-story, 88-unit Jade East Towers condominium, a pale seafoam green with a jade green roof, will be the tallest building in Destin, according to the developer.
10 years ago — 2003
Electricity usage hit an all-time peak the morning of Jan. 24 as Northwest Florida turned up the heat to combat freezing temperatures, with more electricity delivered by Gulf Power between 6 and 7 a.m. than at any time in the company’s 76 years of service.
Studies show that removing the traffic light at Restaurant Row/U.S. 98 and installing a new one at the Row’s east end are no longer necessary.
Roger Hall, president and CEO of the new Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast, carried the first patient, 6-year-old Savanna Hall, into the ER moments after the hospital opened for business.
New banks under construction include The Colonial Bank Centre next to the Abbott Resorts office on U.S. 98; World Savings Bank next to Walgreen’s on Danny Wuerffel Way; and Commerce South Bank at the entrance to Kelly Plantation.