This week in Destin history: DOT declines to lower speed limits on Hwy. 98

June 16 - 22

35 years ago — 1978

Destin Chamber of Commerce established a fundraising effort called "Operation Green Thumb" to maintain the U.S. median strip.

Destin residents, including several extras that appeared in the film, enjoyed a special showing of the movie, "Jaws II."

The state Department of Transportation declined to lower speed limits on U.S. 98 through Destin, saying speeding resulted from poor law enforcement rather than the posted limits.

Burney Henderson announced a shopping center would be built on land he owned at the corner of U.S. 98 and Main Street.

30 years ago — 1983

Destin was deluged with six inches of rain in two days, with more on the way.

The Holiday Isle Improvement Association voted to scuttle the idea of depending on the Okaloosa Sheriff's Department for summer security, and decided to hire a professional security company.

Members of the Destin Alliance placed sidewalks in Destin at the top of their priority list for the year.

25 years ago — 1988

The city of Destin discussed the purchase of property on Legion Drive to create a park.

First National Bank of Destin merged with AmSouth Bank.

Air New Orleans filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection which meant Destin residents headed to New Orleans had to go by way of Memphis.

Destin Water Users launched a program to reduce an "unacceptable" level of annual water loss from the system.

20 years ago — 1993

Men urged to stop shaving as part of the city's Fourth of July celebration included a contest to see who had grown the longest beard.

Destin Fire Chief Tuffy Dixon reacted in disbelief when told that emergency vehicles crossing the Mid-Bay Bridge would be charged a toll to return to Destin after an emergency or if they responded to an accident in the middle of the bridge.

A 38,000-square-foot bowling alley proposed for the intersection of Emerald Coast Parkway and Matthew Boulevard.

Destin radio station WMMK boosted its signal strength to 25,000 watts.

10 years ago — 2003

Destin City Council gives approval to new 175,000-square-foot shopping center on the south side of U.S. Highway 98 between Hutchinson Street and Crystal Beach Drive, same location that stirred controversy in 2000 when Home Depot was proposed for site.

Workers continue work on one of the towers at the new Destin Commons under construction.

Heavy rains for six days brought flooding to area, with rainfall totals 2.8 above average for the month of June.