Destin, FL February 2023

Love Local

LI F E + C U LTU R E

KEVIN SCH M I DT A CIT Y COU NCI LM AN’ S LOVE FO R CO M MU N IT Y

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Local Love

February 2023 PUBLISHER

Carmen Ionascu | Carmen.Ionascu@citylifestyle.com MANAGING EDITOR

Josh Foster | josh.foster@citylifestyle.com

Art comes in many different forms, and it gives us a glimpse of someone’s heart—a part of them we don’t see on the surface. We are all drawn to various expressions of art in different ways, and we tend to appreciate artistic expression that makes us feel something and that resonates with us. I have always admired the vast creativity that artisans of all kinds pour into their craftsmanship.

Our February issue is dedicated to sharing about local products, makers and artists in our area. As you read about a few local artisans in our community and their stories of passion and self-expression, we hope you are inspired to pursue what you love. After all, February is the month of love.

With the hectic schedules we often keep, it is easy to let our hobbies, talents and special interests fall by the wayside. We just have to be deliberate about allowing ourselves time to pour into interests that we love and that fill us up.

So, while you fill your home with chocolates, flowers and valentines (and perhaps college basketball) this month, remember to give yourself some time to do what you love. Find what makes you feel alive, and don’t forget to share it with us. And while you are at it, don’t forget to shop local and support our local makers and artists right here in our community.

EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

Cheryl Forde | cheryl.forde@citylifestyle.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Mary Hrvatin-Nash, Zandra Wolfgram, Joanna Dubois CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Robert Young, Desiree Gardner Photography, Sean Murphy, Ramona Robbins

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

CARMEN IONASCU, PUBLISHER @DESTINCITYLIFESTYLE

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/DESTIN |

Proverbs 3:5-6 Destin City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Destin area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Destin City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue The Local Love Issue

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F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

18 Love For Community

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Lifestyle Letter

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City Scene

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Business Monthly

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Local Limelight

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Must See

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Trend Setter

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Locally Sourced

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Events

Love is what drives Councilman Kevin Schmidt

24 Sinfonia Gulf Coast - CRESCENDO! Event TOP 10 REASONS TO CRESCENDO!

28 Cutting Edge and More

A visit to the Sean Murphy Photography studio

LO CA L S ERV I C ES

36 Extra Ordinary Delights Veteran-made Confections

Wounded Veteran Aaron Hale’s Story Will Capture Your Heart and Sweet Tooth!

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Robert Young Destin City Councilman Kevin Schmidt and Natalie Schmidt celebrate love for each other and their community on Valentine’s Day.

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LI FE + C U LT U R E

S HO PPI NG S HO PPI NG

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city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

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ALEXANDER REA

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1: 7th Annual Prohibition Repeal Party presented by @30avacations benefiting @foodforthought Gatsby Theme. 2-3: Women Council of Realtors Installation party and 2023 Board of Directors awards 4: Emerald Coast Title Services Christmas party Ashley Bowen, Ed Smith with Re/Max realty,Rachel Huff 5: Chuck Mitchell and family catering ECTS Christmas party event with their new venture (Redneck Riviera Smokers) 6: Pepitos owner and his wife, manager and her husband at ECTS Christmas party 7: 5th Annual Holiday Party @ Beyond Measure Jewellers, owner Ashleigh Woolly, Renee Krul, Irina G Roberts.

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Tag your Instagram photos with @DestinCityLifestyle

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C I T Y SC E N E

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business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Destin Chamber Awards Outstanding Members Destin Chamber members celebrated the holidays and the Chamber’s most outstanding individuals and businesses during the Annual Holiday & Awards Party, sponsored by Trustmark. 2022 Destin Chamber Chairman Jennifer Gutai Comella of Hand Arendall Harrison Sale and Destin Chamber President & CEO Shane A. Moody, CCE, FCCP, led the awards presentation. Alan Gieseman, CEO of WhiteWilson Medical Center, was named the 2022 Business Person of the Year.

Photography Destin Chamber

Tyler Jarvis Honored as Business Person of the Month At Destin Chamber’s Business Before Hours, sponsored by Gateway Payments Gulf Coast, Tyler Jarvis, Co-Founder and Operating Partner of The Bald & The Beard Restaurant Group, was honored with the Chamber’s Business Person of the Month award. This award is presented directly from the Chamber’s Board of Directors to a Destin area businessperson showing vision for his or her business and leadership in our community.

Photography Destin Chamber

William Edward Blanken Jr., CEO/Senior Investment Advisor at Blanken Management Blanken Management is a Registered Investment Adviser offering customized guidance based on one’s entire financial position. It is fundamentally important that we customize your financial goals responsibly, attentively, and personally. Our goal and fiduciary responsibility are finding solutions aligned with your complex financial needs. Blanken Management branched out to develop a coffee company, “Tactical Financial Coffee”, coffee that is just right for those who are day trading or casually looking over their retirement statements. blankenmanagement.com

Photography Destin City Lifestyle

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Destin

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LOVE FOR COMMUNITY Love is what drives Councilman Kevin Schmidt

Roses, Candy, Cards, Sweethearts and LOVE—“The Greatest of these is Love.” Love surely shines brightly through the words and actions of the Schmidt Family—the cover for our Valentine’s Issue. Councilman Kevin Schmidt, wife Natalie, and children (Harper, Harrison, and Hattie) were on the road when I spoke with them about how this family works life. They make it seem so easy. The love they have for the Emerald Coast is non-stop.

Having three children (4, 7, & 10) in three different schools can be a little challenging to any family. Natalie, a full time mom…AND…full time at Harris Insurance Company (family owned & operated since 1965) still manages to find time to volunteer with schools and engage within the community. Councilman Kevin is a local entrepreneur for several small businesses, a member of the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce, past Vice-Chairman of the Public Works & Safety Committee and serves on the local Planning Agency. The family is also involved with their church.

What a cool story! Always thinking ahead, Kevin asked Natalie out for their first date on January 14th, so that the couple’s one month anniversary could be on Valentine’s day of that year. Twenty-one years and Valentine’s

Days later…they are still celebrating their love strong. They actually were high school sweethearts. Another interesting part to this story - both Natalie’s parents, Whit & Lisa Harris, as well as Kevin’s parents, Bob and Leslie Schmidt, were high school sweethearts! Most will say that Destin and Okaloosa County are overwhelmed with love. It is this LOVE that drove Kevin to be a councilman here in Destin.

As a Destin Councilman, Kevin has the opportunity to take a hands-on approach to keeping our citizens first. Safety is extremely important to Kevin. After living and working for over 30 years in Okaloosa County, safety was the main reason he sought after his position. When Kevin’s children were small, they lived by a busy road. He wanted to make sure they could ride bikes, when they wanted to, without getting run over. “There is always more to do for safety. Thousands of people travel back and forth through Destin daily.

We need to keep all roads - especially the backroads of Destin - safe for the people who live here,” Kevin said to me.

“I love the small town beachy feel and the backroads of Destin. Every local restaurant and convenience store has folks you know.

Everywhere we go, we see everyone we know.

ARTICLE BY MARY HRVATIN- NASH PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT YOUNG

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE

Photography Robert Young

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Photography Robert Young

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE

Photography Robert Young

“I love the small town beachy feel and the backroads of Destin.”

Our friends own and operate local, as well,” Kevin said in response to why he loves Destin. “I love the community and am happy to be part of it. As a councilman, I am able to take a proactive approach to what goes on around us,” he added.

Family is first to Kevin. Having integrity, loyalty, and vision makes it easier for him to keep it that way. He believes that our area is part of the family, so he fights for all citizens.

A few other fun facts about our Schmidt family—Kevin and Natalie graduated from Fort Walton Beach High School. In addition to that, Kevin has 20 members of his family in Okaloosa County. Natalie’s entire family lives in Okaloosa County as well.

Now, their own Schmidt family will grow up and prosper in this area that we call “Home”.

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SAVE THE DATE 18TH ANNUAL

Destin Charity Wine Auction

Weekend APRIL 28 - 29, 2023 PRESENTED BY The Jumonville Family

LEAR N M O R E: D C WAF.ORG Connecting wine enthusiasts to raise money benefiting children in need in Northwest Florida since 2005.

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Ashleigh Woolly, Owner / Operater NEW LOCATION: 4495 Furling Lane #170 | Destin, Fl 32541 | (850) 424-7011

VINTNER DINNERS Friday, Feb. 24 Celebrity vintners and chefs in stunning homes and venues. $500/person

CRESCENDO! MAIN EVENT Sunday, Feb. 26 Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa World-class vintners, delectable bites, a seated lunch, expert spirit purveyors, amazing auction items and award-winning entertainment. $195/person CRESCENDO! 2023 IS PRESENTED BY:

BOX OFFICE: SinfoniaGulfCoast.org | 850.460.8800

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Sinfonia Gulf Coast -

CRESCENDO! TOP 10 REASONS TO CRESCENDO! ARTICLE BY ZANDRA WOLFGRAM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DESIREE GARDNER PHOTOGRAPHY & JIM CLARK

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M UST SE E | LOCA L SERV I CE S

Need some nudging to experience the social event of the season?

If you love to gather with like-minded friends, celebrate, wine, dine and feel divine, Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s annual fundraising event is a must-not-miss experience. To motivate you, we give you ten of our favorite reasons to … CRESCENDO! 1. Cre·scen·do (/krə’SHendō/) Even the name is full of fun! It’s such an exciting word — it’s a noun, adverb, adjective and verb.

4. Sinfonia Gulf Coast is presenting this event … that means … live entertainment! Last year, we were treated to an electric performance by amazing Ezinma.

We cannot wait to see what surprises Sinfonia has in store for us this year!

5. The venue. The event will be held at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, so it is sure to be a swank soiree. You had us at “ballroom.”

2. We love a themed party! This year’s theme is “Ebony & Ivory Ball.” Whether you want to go black with a touch of cream or white with a hint black — any variation on the elegant theme of Crescendo noir (en blanc) will do.

6. We’re starved! With the excitement of this extravaganza, we’ve already worked up quite an appetite. We love a proper Sunday luncheon served at linen clothed tables set with candles and creative decor. Delish!

3. The chic artwork by international fashion illustrator Lindsey Kate tells us CRESCENDO! 2023 is going to be a bold, hold-on-to-your-hats-ladies-andgents, affair to remember.

7. Party prizes! The raffle, the silent auction of art, wine, jewels, excursions and more, plus the live auction of curated A-list travel getaways, you couldn’t possibly plan yourself. Win-win!

8. Gathering with gal pals and gents. The perfect way to shake off the winter blues and usher in spring with the sizzle of Crescendo!

9. Treble Makers! As a member of the Treble Makers, you considered a VIP at CRESCENDO!. Your $550 contribution will enable Sinfonia to continue to perform music with 3,500 elementary students throughout Okaloosa and Walton Counties, thanks to Link Up — Sinfonia’s collaborative partnership with Carnegie Hall’s Weill Institute of Music.

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Local kids!

Proceeds from CRESCENDO! benefit Sinfonia and its music education programs, which include musicians/guest artists in schools, free orchestra concerts, bus transportation for students, Sinfonia Youth Orchestra program, Arts in Medicine initiative with Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast and Link Up. Purchase tickets on our website: sinfoniagulfcoast.org.

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John Harrington (Photo Credit)

Cutting Edge and More A visit to the Sean Murphy Photography studio ARTICLE BY MARY HRVATIN-NASH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SEAN MURPHY

We are so lucky to have Sean Murphy Studio located here locally in Fort Walton Beach! Sean Murphy is a well-known and gifted photographer. There is nothing like this multi-functional work/play space outside of Los Angeles. I had the opportunity to chat with Sean Murphy a few weeks back about his incredible, complicated story… where he started, where he has been, and where his life is progressing and evolving.

Recently turning 54, he emphasized to me that everything he does counts - all has a purpose.

“Sobriety is my primary purpose,” Sean said. He hosts weekly AA meetings at his house. “I am a master at my

craft and a master of not doing drugs,” Sean added.

Amen to that! Mentoring individuals who want to make it in the highly competitive world of photography is what this master gives back to the world.

Growing up in Fort Walton Beach and graduating from Choctawhatchee High School at 18, Sean headed to Hawaii to surf for a while. While there, he took in the natural beauty around him. After a great deal of surfing, he got a little serious and went to school in Orlando.

He took one photography class and was told his talent was a step above most. So, he moved north and CONTINUED >

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“I am a master at my craft and a master of not doing drugs.”

graduated Valedictorian from the New England School Of Photography in 1993.

After graduation, it was off to Hawaii to shoot the beauty he knew.

Sean then moved to San Francisco, where he auditioned for MTV’s “The Real World". Not getting that gig was a blessing.

Sean started shooting celebrities such as Christina Aguilera, Green Day, Rolling Stones, Weezer, Kid Rock, Adam Sandler, Devo, Engelbert Humperdinck, Queens Of The Stoneage, Tony Hawk, Offspring, Peter Murphy, My Chemical Romance, Tenacious D, Blink 182, Tommy Lee, Korn, PJ Harvey, Andy Dick, Bad Religion, John Taylor, Limp Biskit, Misfits, Rage Against The Machine, Sugar Ray, Rob Zombie, AFI, A Perfect Circle, Nina Hagen, and others! Moving to Los Angeles, his career skyrocketed from 1996-2019. He continued to shoot “everything”. The music industry used him for more album covers. The celebrities were using his work for Rolling Stone, US Weekly, and other big magazines. Life was good, exciting, and extremely fast-paced.

A great deal had been accomplished in a short period of time.

Sean decided to come back to the Emerald Coast in 2019. After being based in L.A. for much of his career, he’s bringing thirty-plus years of global shooting experience back to his home, Fort Walton Beach. Being based between coasts gives him easy access to nationwide locations.

With both New Orleans and Atlanta within driving distance, the Fort Walton Beach location is ideal.

Traveling all over the world, gathering ad campaign content for BOTE is his primary work focus. Sean’s collaboration with BOTE, the world’s largest-selling stand up paddleboard company with a warehouse right here in Ft. Walton Beach, has presented him with the opportunity to move into video production.

This has helped him create the identity and voice of a cutting-edge brand through fully-documented epic travels. Anything that you see to advertise and market BOTE boards and accessories comes to you via Sean Murphy and a partner videographer.

BOTE is everywhere you look around the Emerald Coast. Many folks take their BOTE supplies to Crab Island for the day. In addition to BOTE, he is collaborating with I Like You - a subsidiary of Universal Music owned by Ahmet Zappa (the late Frank Zappa’s son) - to license old music and celebrity images of the late 80’s, 90’s, and 2000’s.

A new addition to Sean Murphy Photography is a print shop, which gives Sean the capability to sell high-end prints of musicians and celebrities. On the weekends, you may find Sean out shooting local projects. The Murphy Photo Production team delivers full-service video and stills production for multi-platform campaigns, including advertising, editorial, social media, and video.

Getting personal, I asked Sean about Jessica Hite, a very accomplished violinist, who captured Sean’s heart. The couple met several years ago at a photoshoot.

CONTINUED >

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Blink 182

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Christina Aguilera

They re-met at another photo shoot a year ago and have been together ever since. Obviously, the couple have an extremely busy lifestyle, but do carve out quality together time. Sean has three children - one lives here locally and the other two are in L.A. The Emerald Coast has many treasures. Look around. We have so much to be grateful for and cherish right here in our amazing area. Finding Sean Murphy Photography gives you the inside view to treasures from our “Redneck Riviera". Sean does have a passion for gritty Americana—along with seeing treasures from around the world. What an amazing experience it has been to visit with this local world treasure! By the way, we are so incredibly fortunate to have Sean Murphy shoot for City Lifestyles Magazine! Thank You, Sean Murphy!

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“The Emerald Coast has many treasures. Look around. We have so much to be grateful for and cherish right here in our amazing area.”

Weezer (White Album Cover)

Green Day

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Extra Ordinary D e l i g h t s Ve t e ra n made Confections WOUNDED VETERAN AARON HALE’S STORY WILL CAPTURE YOUR HEART AND SWEET TOOTH!

ARTICLE BY JOANNA DUBOIS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAMONA ROBBINS

After serving 14 years in both the Navy as a Chef to the Commander of the US 6th Fleet and then transitioning to become a team leader in one of the Army’s most dangerous jobs, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Army Staff Sergeant Aaron Hale was blinded by an IED. His life changed forever on the day he returned to duty after a furlough to visit his family in the States for Thanksgiving. On the caravan back to home base, an IED was spotted. Aaron sent out a robot to diffuse it, then went to collect evidence not knowing there was a secondary IED. When he woke up from the initial shock, he thought his helmet was covering his eyes and reached to move it. It wasn’t there and he knew immediately the seriousness of his injuries.

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Medics worked on Aaron and called in for a helicopter.

Within 48 hours Aaron was at Walter Reed Medical Center. At first, like anyone, Aaron was angry. However, hearing the voices of his brothers-in-arms in that hospital ward made him realize he was lucky to have just lost his sight and didn’t want to let his brother’s down. At that point, Aaron decided if he had to be blind, he was going to be the best damn blind guy he could. He, with the help of technology, googled “blind man climbs mountain”, “blind man white water rafts”, and reached out to these guys to find out about their adventures. And he did it! Not letting his injuries hold him back, Aaron became an EOD instructor, motivational speaker, mountain climber, white water kayaker, and ultra marathon runner.

Four years later, tragedy struck again when Aaron contracted bacterial meningitis which robbed him of his hearing, leaving him not just 100% blind, but completely deaf as well. Again,

Aaron picked himself up, dusted off, and continued to chase the best of what life has to offer. Today, he’s thriving and sharing his story of resilience.

Through everything, Aaron has never lost his sense of humor.

In the Army he was in Explosive Ordinance Disposal so he named his chocolate company E.O.D. - Extra Ordinary Delights.

The online store offers Aaron’s signature fudge flavors, Sea Salt Caramels, the Ultimate Colossal Apple (regular or Valentine) and many more sweet, delectable and luxurious confections.

Visit eodfudge.com now to check out the products available. The site also offers “Challenge Accepted” t-shirts, E.O.D. Apparel, and Aaron’s favorite, the E.O.D. Kitchen Combat Apron.

Aaron is married to McKayla Hale, a local Realtor who specializes in Destin, 30A and areas in and around the Emerald Coast.

Together, they have three sons - Cameron and twins, Owen and Wyatt. He handles it all like a champ.

CONTINUED >

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I share my tools of perseverance, mind ove r m a t t e r, g r i t a n d d e t e r m i n a t i o n t o motivate and inspire people!

He’s helping to motivate people wherever he tells his story of tragedy to triumph. Aaron says, “I’m proud of my service to my country and know it’s part of the reason I am the man I am today. I share my tools of perseverance, mind over matter, grit and determination to motivate and inspire people!”

Aaron is a keynote motivational speaker at conventions, galas, fundraisers and more. From the Folds of Honor Gala to the Historic Gulf Cemetery on Veterans

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Day, to Fox Business, NBC Nightly News and an appearance on Rachel Ray, you just can’t keep Aaron down. He is always working towards goals and reaching them…then setting more goals. Very motivational and inspiring.

Many would ask how – Aaron finds the solution and moves directly to it. If you haven’t had the chance to order his luscious fudge and confections, now is the time to impress your Valentine with the best tasting treats!

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F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 3

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

F E B R UA RY 4 T H

7th Annual Palate and Palette Wine Dinner

LEG EN DARY MAR IN E | 6:00 PM The event will be held Saturday, February 4th, at Legendary Marine. It will feature hand-selected wine pairings by Elite Worldwide and a pop-up dinner from five of the most sought-after, premier local chefs. Complete with signature craft cocktails, the trendy beats of a feature DJ, and the experience of a live painting. one.bidpal.net/palate2023/ticketing(details:ticketing-summary) destinchamber.com/events/details/7th-annual-palate-and-palette-wine-dinner-50104 F E B R UA RY 1 2 T H

I Love Destin 5K Run/Walk!

DESTIN MIDDLE S CHOOL | 8 :3 0 A M Join us for the upcoming first annual "I Love Destin 5K Run/Walk"!!

All funds raised will provide technology upgrades for the students at Destin Middle School. This race is a fast "out and back" course that starts and ends on the DMS track and runs through Regatta Bay. This will be a fun event for the whole family!

Website: ILoveDestin5k.ItsYourRace.com F E B R UA RY 1 8T H

Mardi Gras Celebration

H ARBORWALK VILLAG E, 34 HA R B O R B LV D, DE ST I N, F L | 2:0 0 P M Mardi Gras Celebration Let the Good Times Roll at HarborWalk Village! Celebrate Mardi Gras on the Harbor with LIVE music by Fais DoDo, followed by beads, dazzling floats, and street performers as the parade rolls through the Village at 4:00 PM. Live Music | 2:00 PM,Parade | 4:00 PM F EB R UA RY 2 4 T H

Vintner Dinners by CRESCENDO

VA RIOUS VEN UES | 6:00 PM Vintner Dinners by CRESCENDO! CRESCENDO! Vintner Dinners are hosted in elegant private homes, restaurants, and resort hotels throughout the region featuring some of the country’s most exclusive vineyards that have included Darioush, Frias Family Vineyards, Oakville Ranch, Fleury Estate, Thompson 31Fifty, Chateau Gaby, Bouchaine and others.

SinfoniaGulfCoast.org F EB R UA RY 2 5T H

34th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival

T HE VILLAG E OF BAY TOW N E WH A R F | 1 2:0 0 P M The Village of Baytowne Wharf & Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort announces great gumbo paired with firstrate family fun at the Gulf Coast’s favorite winter food event – the 34th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival, Saturday, February 25th at The Village of Baytowne Wharf. People from all over the southeast are expected to join in the festivities!

Website: SandestinGumboFestival.com F EB R UA RY 2 6T H

CRESCENDO! Main Event

H ILTON SAN DESTIN BEACH G O L F R E S O RT & S PA | 1 1 :30 A M CRESCENDO! is the season’s cultural event extravaganza. This energy-infused experience will celebrate the cultural and culinary arts by showcasing world-class vintners, expert spirit purveyors, amazing auction items, and a live musical performance. This year's theme is Ebony & Ivory Ball. Enjoy reserved table seating, hors d'oeuvres, a seated lunch and an all-inclusive afternoon of incredible fun!

SinfoniaGulfCoast.org

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MODERN REAL ESTATE

raditional Luxury

Jacqui Luberto, Broker/Owner 850.830.5955 JacquiLuberto@gmail.com Cora Rasmussen, REALTOR® 253.509.2516 CoraRasRealtor@gmail.com