Home Care In Destin, FL

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Destin History & Fishing Museum in Destin, FL gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Destin, FL is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

Home Care Services

Home Care in Destin, FL
The Always Best Care Difference
Types of In-home Care in Destin, FL
Benefits of Home Care in Destin, FL
Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors
Affordable Care Plans
Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers
Assisted Living Referral Services
Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

Service Areas

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

Hear from Our Clients

Elderly Care for Jett B.

“I live in a different state from my mother. Always best care are there for”

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In-home Care for Eric B.

“Jeremy and his care team provided trustworthy and compassionate home care for my parents. I”

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Home Care Services for connie P.

“I would like to thank you all for taking such good care of my friend”

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In-home Care for melissa S.

“I truly appreciated the extra mile the caregiver went to give my parents the care”

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In-home Care for Marsha M.

“Jeremy and Tracy are so very helpful, polite and very accommodating and willing to go”

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Home Care Services for Jeneen H.

“We needed help fast with our father and Always Best Care Senior Services stepped in”

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In-home Care for Beth O.

“I think the administration are very professional and sent out an employee that's a perfect”

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In-home Care for Sheila K.

“We give Always Best Care five stars. We had two different caregivers and each one”

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Jett B.

Eric B.

connie P.

melissa S.

Marsha M.

Jeneen H.

Beth O.

Sheila K.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Destin, FL?

Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

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Types of Elderly Care in Destin, FL

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

Eating
Mobility Issues
Incontinence

Bathing
Dressing
Grooming

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Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

Medication Reminders
Meal Preparation
Pet Care
Prescription Refills

Morning Wake-Up
Walking
Reading

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Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Henderson Beach State Park in Destin, FL with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

Grocery Shopping
Transportation to Appointments
Nutritional Assistance
Conversation

Planning Outings
Completing Errands
Transportation to Community
Events and Social Outings

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Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Ruth's Chris Steak House or visit HarborWalk Village, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

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Benefits of Home Care in Destin, FL

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Age in Place

According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.

Peace of Mind

If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.

Socialization

Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.

Personalized Care Plan

No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Destin, FL, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your FL's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.

Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.

Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.

Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.

Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Destin, FL understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

Housekeeping
Laundry
Recreational Activities
Social Outings
Emergency Medical Response
Medication Monitoring
Family Visitation
Personal Care

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

Sun Fun & Retirement
Brookdale Destin
Visiting Angels
The Blake at Miramar Beach

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Destin, FL 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

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Hooters in Destin is closed

No more chicken wings served up by women in tight orange shorts.Hooters, located at 15015 Emerald Coast Parkway, has closed its doors after nearly three decades.Hooters opened in the mid-1990s and has been a mainstay for folks to catch the ball game and eat chicken. Over the years, Hooters has sponsored adult softball teams, fishing reports in The Log, and made donations to the Destin Little League. It also hosted a monthly classic car show, Show N Shine.In the past 12 months, several Hooters restaurants across the Unite...

No more chicken wings served up by women in tight orange shorts.

Hooters, located at 15015 Emerald Coast Parkway, has closed its doors after nearly three decades.

Hooters opened in the mid-1990s and has been a mainstay for folks to catch the ball game and eat chicken. Over the years, Hooters has sponsored adult softball teams, fishing reports in The Log, and made donations to the Destin Little League. It also hosted a monthly classic car show, Show N Shine.

In the past 12 months, several Hooters restaurants across the United States have closed their doors.

Hooters donates to Little LeagueCheck out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!

As for the Hooters in Destin, the reason behind the closure is unknown.

Hooters closed the first week of January, although its lease runs through the end of April, according to Craig Barrett, broker/Realtor with NBI Properties Inc.

The Hooters building is a 6,000-square-foot restaurant with 2,000 square feet of outdoor seating. It sits on 2.3 acres (about the area of a Manhattan city block).

“The property is owned by a local trust,” Barrett said.

Currently the property is for lease.

“We have had numerous offers to lease it,” Barrett said, as well as a few to purchase.

A few of the offers to lease have been from “national chain restaurants” as well as “national developers,” Barrett said.

“We’re just waiting to see what the owners want to do,” he said.

To contact Barrett about the property, call 850-243-0007.

As for Hooters, “I’m not aware of them opening anywhere in the area,” Barrett said.

Hooters is closing over 30 locations across U.S. Here’s where in Florida

The Log reached out to Hooters for comment but was unable to make contact.

Top 5 Dog-Friendly Beaches Outside Destin, FL (2026 Update)

Destin, Florida might be a place you are considering to go if you’re looking to take a vacation with your dog. The city is home to multiple parks that allow you to explore the trails with your furry friend.While Destin has some dog-friendly parks, unfortunately, this does not apply to the beaches. Dogs are not permitted on the beaches in Okaloosa County, where Destin is located. However, since Florida is surrounded by beaches, we came up with a list of places around Destin where you can take your dog if you want to venture outsi...

While Destin has some dog-friendly parks, unfortunately, this does not apply to the beaches. Dogs are not permitted on the beaches in Okaloosa County, where Destin is located. However, since Florida is surrounded by beaches, we came up with a list of places around Destin where you can take your dog if you want to venture outside this famous fishing village.

Top 5 Dog-Friendly Beaches Outside Destin, FL

? Address:	599 Scenic Gulf Dr, Destin
Open Times:	24/7
Cost:	Free
Off-Leash:	No

? Address:	518 Pennsylvania Ave, Palm Harbor
Open Times:	Dawn to dusk
Cost:	Free
Off-Leash:	No

? Address:	125 Jungle Hut Road
Open Times:	8 AM to PM
Cost:	Free
Off-Leash:	Yes

? Address:	4281 FL-20, Niceville
Open Times:	8 AM to 5 PM
Cost:	$45 for an annual pass
Off-Leash:	No

? Address:	11610 US-98, Miramar Beach
Open Times:	9 AM to 5 PM
Cost:	Free
Off-Leash:	No

Final Thoughts

Some vacation spots may be exciting and beautiful, but they’re often far from pet friendly. While we would not call Destin “unfriendly” toward pets because there are dog parks, no dogs are permitted on the beaches. The main reasons for setting up this policy are health issues regarding left dog feces and owners not controlling unruly dogs. It is unfortunate that situations in the past led to the current policy. However, there are other places outside of Okaloosa County where you and your dog can play on the sand.

See also:

Featured Image Credit: Bertrand Bouchez, Unsplash

An Inspired Chat with Kristen Evans of Destin, FL

Kristen Evans shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.Kristen, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: When have you felt most loved—and did you believe you deserved it?Wow, what a question. I’d have to say when I met my wife; tha...

Kristen Evans shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Kristen, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: When have you felt most loved—and did you believe you deserved it?Wow, what a question. I’d have to say when I met my wife; that’s when I felt the most loved. At the time, I didn’t believe I deserved it. No one had ever shown me a love like that before, and it was everything I didn’t even realize I needed plus some.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?My name is Kristen, and I’m originally a Tennessee girl who packed up at 20 to start a new life in Florida, the best decision I ever made for myself. I’ve now been here 11 years, happily married, and building the business of my dreams. Photography became my passion because I believe time is a thief, and every moment, big or small, deserves to be remembered. That’s why I pour my heart into capturing not just pictures, but memories people can hold onto forever.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?Another deep question. Growing up, I didn’t believe I was worthy of a healthy love. My relationship with my father was toxic, and it shaped the way I viewed love, I thought chaos and pain were normal. That belief led me from one toxic partner to the next, chasing something that wasn’t really love at all. It wasn’t until I met my wife that I learned love should feel calm, safe, and steady. So today, I no longer believe in settling, not in love, and not in any part of life. Never settle.

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?For a long time, I hid my pain. I thought if I didn’t talk about it, maybe it wouldn’t feel as heavy. But in the last few years, as I’ve truly started finding myself, I’ve learned to open up and share the things that once hurt me. In doing that, I’ve been able to heal parts of myself and grow into a better version of me every day. What I’ve realized is that when you speak your pain out loud, it not only frees you, it often gives someone else the courage or hope they’ve been searching for.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?Loaded question, but yes, the public version of me is real, just at a surface level. I’m open and authentic with my work and the people I serve, but I’m also fiercely guarded of my heart and selective about who I let in. Building my business and showing up more on social media has pushed me to share more, and that vulnerability has been healing. It reminds me (and others) that we’re not alone, even while I still protect the deeper parts of myself.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?If I knew I had 10 years left, I’d stop caring what people think. That’s so hard in today’s world where everything you do, say, or post is instantly judged. Social media especially can take a huge toll on your mental health, it makes comparison almost unavoidable when it’s always right at your fingertips. But if time was limited, I wouldn’t waste a second living for anyone else’s approval.

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Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

A Florida Gulf Coast city plans a new waterfront park featuring parking, trails, dining, more

Destin officials recently announced Florida has purchased land on Holiday Isle to build a public park with trails, pavilions and around 100 parking spaces in an effort to expand access to the Gulf Coast city’s beaches.The four-acre lot, once slated for an eight-story condominium, is scheduled to open in March 2027. It could generate between $500,000 to $1 million in revenue during its busiest tourism season, from March through October, according to the project management plan.Officials described the park as “a trans...

The four-acre lot, once slated for an eight-story condominium, is scheduled to open in March 2027. It could generate between $500,000 to $1 million in revenue during its busiest tourism season, from March through October, according to the project management plan.

Officials described the park as “a transition” between residential condos and the tourist-heavy Norreigo Point, noting that it would bring far less traffic, noise and marina congestion than the original development plan.

At the same time, it would complement its neighboring Norreigo Point by providing amenities not suitable for the beach — including concessions, food trucks and a fishing pier and boardwalk — while adding public parking, restrooms and trails that connect the two sites.

Besides the pavilion, officials said a one or two-story building would be constructed to house marina offices and amenities, a small tourism office and some deck space. The ground floor would provide picnic tables and food services to visitors, while the second floor could be rented out for small events with a daily snack bar serving coffee, refreshments and concession items. A passenger pick-up and drop-off location, as well as short-term dockage space for boaters, is also being considered.

Construction costs have not yet been determined by Okaloosa County, which includes Destin. A town hall meeting is scheduled for Dec. 30 to discuss the waterfront property and give residents the opportunity to share concerns and ideas.

The waterfront property is part of a broader initiative by Mayor Bobby Wagner, who has said the city aims to “buy and build more public beaches over the next two years.”

Earlier this year, city officials announced the construction of Tarpon Beach Gulf Front Park — a $16.75 million project including 340 feet of public beach access, along with restrooms and more than 40 free parking spaces. While the beach at Tarpon is already open, Wagner said additional amenities are expected to be completed next spring.

Both projects come amid ongoing tensions over limited shoreline access in Destin, where large portions of beachfront are privately owned, and vendor operations contribute to crowding.

The Holiday Isle project also coincides with a shift in travel patterns that emerged during the pandemic, as more vacationers have turned to the Mississippi and Alabama Gulf Coast, drawn by less-crowded beaches and more affordable lodging.

Blue Raiders travel to Destin for second annual Emerald Coast Classic

DESTIN, Fla. – Middle Tennessee heads to Destin, Florida, to compete in the second annual Emerald Coast Classic women's college basketball tournament, presented by Global Sports. MTSU is set to face Providence on Monday, Nov. 24 inside Raider Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT. The game will air on the Blue Raider Network and broadcast on FloSports.GAME SIX» Monday, November 24 - 11 a.m. » Raider Arena » Destin, Florida...

DESTIN, Fla. – Middle Tennessee heads to Destin, Florida, to compete in the second annual Emerald Coast Classic women's college basketball tournament, presented by Global Sports. MTSU is set to face Providence on Monday, Nov. 24 inside Raider Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT. The game will air on the Blue Raider Network and broadcast on FloSports.

GAME SIX

» Monday, November 24 - 11 a.m. » Raider Arena » Destin, Florida

SERIES HISTORY

» This marks the first meeting in series history between the Blue Raiders and Friars. » MTSU is 8-6 all-time against teams in the current Big East, with its most recent win coming against DePaul in the 2023-24 Women's Battle 4 Atlantis.

BLUE RAIDER NOTES

» MTSU enters the matchup coming off of a 41-85 setback to 13th-ranked Tennessee. A pair of Blue Raiders scored double figures, including a career high 18 points from Savannah Davis. This marks just the fourth time in Coach Insell's career that MTSU has dropped three consecutive games. » The Blue Raiders are 84-66 all-time in in-season tournaments and are 24-13 under Head Coach Rick Insell in in-season tournaments » MTSU has enjoyed great success on neutral site courts under Head Coach Rick Insell. The Blue Raiders are 121-79 (60.7 percent) overall and 58-27 under Coach Insell, for a 69.1 percent winning ledger. » Middle Tennessee is one of only a handful of Division I programs that do not feature a single returning starter on the roster. According to available national data, Santa Clara is the only program in the country bringing in more newcomers while also returning zero starters. » Senior Alayna Contreras was selected to the CUSA Preseason All-Conference Team. The Minneapolis, Minn., native started all 33 games last year and led UMKC in scoring (17.3 ppg), minutes, field goals made, three-pointers made and free throws made. » Middle Tennessee was picked third in the CUSA preseason poll. This marks only the sixth time in Rick Insell's 21 seasons — and just the fourth time in CUSA — that the Blue Raiders have not been selected as the preseason favorite.

SCOUTING THE FRIARS

» Providence enters the matchup with a 4-1, 0-0 Big East record. The Friars are coming off a 75-64 win over Yale. » The Friars are leading the BIG EAST in scoring defense (55.6 ppg) and field-goal percentage defense (.343) through five games. The Friars have held two opponents to 45-points or less. Additionally, Providence has held each of its five opponents below 40-percent shooting from the field. » Sabou Gueye is the lone Friar to reach double digits in the scoring column in all five games this season. She leads the team with an average of 18.2 points per game. Five other players on the roster have reached double figures, including Teneisia Brown (two), Payton Dunbar (two), Sophi Hall (one), Orlagh Gormley (one) and Audrey Shields (one). » The Friars have reloaded their roster for the 2025-26 season after losing 10 players to graduation (seven seniors and three graduate students). Junior Sophi Hall and sophomores Orlagh Gormley and Audrey Shields are the only returning players on the roster that previously saw game action in a Friar uniform. The remainder of this year's roster is made up of five transfer student-athletes, five true freshmen and one red-shirt freshman.

FOLLOW THE BLUE RAIDERS

Follow Middle Tennessee Women's Basketball on social media on Facebook (/MTSUWBB), X (Formerly known as Twitter) (@MT_WBB) and Instagram (@mt_wbb).

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