It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
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 the historic Destin History & Fishing Museum 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
Service AreasSince 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.
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.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home 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:
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:
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 with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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:
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.
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.
As the summer travel season continues, Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) had some good news to announce on July 17.What new route will soon be available at VPS?American Airlines announced on July 17 that it will be offering daily direct service to Miami — VPS to Miami International Airport (MIA) — starting Dec. 19.What service expansion at VPS was announced?American said it will extend its existing service from VPS to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) from seasonal to year-round...
As the summer travel season continues, Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) had some good news to announce on July 17.
American Airlines announced on July 17 that it will be offering daily direct service to Miami — VPS to Miami International Airport (MIA) — starting Dec. 19.
American said it will extend its existing service from VPS to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) from seasonal to year-round. Flights to Chicago on American will now be offered daily through both the winter and summer seasons.
Now. Tickets became available starting July 21 at aa.com or through American’s mobile app.
The expanded service times are as follows:
According to the airport website:
+ More than 50 flights daily
+ Slogan: "The aviation gateway to the Emerald Coast."
+ It is part of the Okaloosa County Airports System, along with the Bob Sikes Airport (CEW) and Destin Executive Airport (DTS.)
The airport has many shops and eateries for all travelers. It also has the USO Freedom Lounge for military members and their families. It's across from the ticketing area.
In May, Avelo Airlines announced that it is resuming nonstop service between Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport and Southern Connecticut’s Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN.)
The airline said it will operate the route twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays using Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft.
“The return of Avelo’s nonstop service to the Florida Panhandle from Connecticut showcases the continued demand for convenient, affordable and industry-leading reliability,” said Avelo Airlines founder and CEO Andrew Levy in a news release.
Jim Ross and Collin Bestor contributed
Greetings From celebrates the heart of a place: a home city, college town, vacation destination, or another special place. We ask notable figures to share the restaurants, businesses, attractions, and hidden gems that make their favorite destination stand out—so we can all travel like a local celebrity.I grew up going on one big summer vacation every year. It was much anticipated; my sister and I had planned what we would do, eat, and wear months in advance. I will never forget the year our summer vacation took us to the magical...
Greetings From celebrates the heart of a place: a home city, college town, vacation destination, or another special place. We ask notable figures to share the restaurants, businesses, attractions, and hidden gems that make their favorite destination stand out—so we can all travel like a local celebrity.
I grew up going on one big summer vacation every year. It was much anticipated; my sister and I had planned what we would do, eat, and wear months in advance. I will never forget the year our summer vacation took us to the magical city of Destin, Florida, for the first time. We hopped out of the car after a 10-hour road trip and were stunned by the beauty of the crystal clear green water and white sandy beaches. Our trip only got better from there, and in the years since, I've returned to Destin over and over again. In my dozen (or more) trips to The World's Luckiest Fishing Village, I've honed a list of the city's best restaurants, nature activities, shopping experiences, and attractions.
Destin has absolutely amazing seafood, possibly the best in the state, which no doubt ties back to its history as a fishing village. It was named after Captain Leonard Destin, a fisherman who settled in the area around 1850 and established the local fishing industry. The city maintains a massive commercial fishing fleet and a prominent fishing culture.
Diners can enjoy delicious seafood at several local restaurants. My favorites include The Back Porch, an oceanfront restaurant with a laid-back atmosphere serving incredible dishes. Some of my favorites are the Seafood Nachos, the Amberjack Sandwich, and the General Cobb Salad, a massive bowl of fresh greens, cucumbers, bacon, tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and hot, crunchy popcorn shrimp.
Another favorite waterfront restaurant is Pompano Joe's Seafood House, located in nearby Miramar Beach. It serves up fresh Coconut Shrimp, Grilled Shrimp Salad, and Grouper Guadalupe. It has a welcoming, casual vibe and offers incredible views of the emerald-green waters. One last favorite seafood restaurant is Lulu's Destin, owned and named for Lucy Buffett, the late Jimmy Buffett's sister. Lulu's sits on the Choctawhatchee Bay. Diners enjoy sweeping bay views, cocktails, beer, and dishes like Shrimp and Grits, a Mahi-Mahi Sandwich, and seafood baskets. There's also a large sand area where kids can kick off their shoes and play.
I can't talk about food in Destin without mentioning the Donut Hole Bakery and Cafe. This is my must-visit spot for mouthwatering doughnuts. Everyone has their favorite doughnut flavor, but I'll go on record saying that they're all delicious. The restaurant also serves hot breakfast dishes, such as omelets and French toast, as well as amazing pies. No trip to Destin is complete without a stop (or several) at the Donut Hole.
I highly recommend Destin visitors prioritize a dolphin cruise during their stay. Crab Island Dolphin Tours offers private tours, accommodating up to 12 guests, led by an experienced and knowledgeable captain. The tours are personalized, allowing guests to choose their preferred activities. Wayne Burnette, who owns Crab Island Dolphin Tours, explained that guests can choose to visit Crab Island, lounge on a secluded beach, or explore the area in search of dolphins.
Wayne explained that their pontoon boat tours often place guests within feet of dolphins. "They swim very close to the boat ... you can literally just lean over the side of the boat and be within, you know, four or five feet from them." Wayne emphasized how special Destin is, saying, "It's the prettiest place in the southeastern United States."
Consider adding a dolphin tour to your next visit to Destin. Wayne summed it up: "I always tell people, 'You know, if you come to Destin and go to the beach seven days in a row, you'll have a fine time. But if you miss our waterways, you're missing what we're famous for... Destin was founded on our waterways.'" For more information, visit Crab Island Dolphin Tours' website and Facebook page.
It's no surprise that a beach town teeming with natural beauty has incredible nature activities. Henderson Beach State Park is ideal for enjoying the undeveloped, pristine coastline and clear ocean waters. In addition to enjoying the beach, sand, and sun, visitors can fish and walk a nature trail. The park offers free beach wheelchairs for visitor use, and they can be picked up at the ranger station.
The Mattie Kelly Park and Nature Walk is another must-do nature activity. The approximately 10-acre park protects a bayou environment that is home to a diverse array of wildlife. The park also serves as an arboretum. Visitors can stroll out onto the pier, enjoy a picnic, lounge on the beach, or take a 0.2-mile loop trail to experience the wetland habitat and native birds. The park is open daily from dawn until dusk.
What would a vacation town be without great shopping? Destin's HarborWalk Village is the place to go to for shopping and entertainment. Shops like Life is Good, Sunset Lifestyles, Harbor Shell, A Christmas to Remember, and the Aloha Surf Company are perfect for picking up souvenirs, gifts, or a new outfit to wear on your vacation. There's also a zipline, rock climbing wall, and frequent live entertainment; during my last visit, a fire dancer wowed the crowd. I especially love dining at one of the harborside restaurants and strolling along the harbor afterward, taking in the views of the water and boats.
Destin is one of the best affordable travel destinations in the USA. While I've highlighted my favorite spots in Destin, there are many more that are deserving of a shout-out. The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Destin Commons, and Big Kahunas Water & Adventure Park are also great places to visit. Louisiana Lagniappe, Brotula's Seafood House and Steamer, and Crackings, with its infamous breakfast croisseignets, are fantastic restaurants. I can't wait to head back to one of the southeast's best vacation spots soon.
While enroute to become an artificial reef in the Gulf, the Nekton Rorqual got stuck under the Marler Bridge in Destin on Friday morning.It was a sight to see, as many boats were passing by and passengers looking at the 75-foot vessel wedged between the pilings at the highest point of the bridge. The waterway traffic was blocked from going under the bridge at that spot for about two hours.“It was a momentary mishap,” said Nick Tomecek, Okaloosa County public information officer.The Rorqual is one of two Nekto...
While enroute to become an artificial reef in the Gulf, the Nekton Rorqual got stuck under the Marler Bridge in Destin on Friday morning.
It was a sight to see, as many boats were passing by and passengers looking at the 75-foot vessel wedged between the pilings at the highest point of the bridge. The waterway traffic was blocked from going under the bridge at that spot for about two hours.
“It was a momentary mishap,” said Nick Tomecek, Okaloosa County public information officer.
The Rorqual is one of two Nekton scuba boats that have been acquired by the county to be deployed as artificial reefs. The other is the Nekton Pilot, an 80-footer.
The Nekton Rorqual was the first of the two to be deployed and was headed out the morning of Aug. 15 when it took a turn for the worse.
The contractor who was taking the vessel out slowed down “and got caught up in the current” and wedged the boat between the pilings, Tomecek said.
“It hit the bumpers on the side,” Tomecek said, noting there was no damage to the bridge or to people.
Coast Guard Destin and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office responded and were able to assist in dislodging the boat from under the bridge.
Total Wine & More now open in Destin, the largest retailer of wine and liquorTraffic on the bridge was closed for approximately 10 minutes, according to Nicole Hodskins, public information officer for the sheriff’s office.
“FDOT responded to check for any damage and there were no injuries,” Hodskins said.
“It was impressive how quickly multiple agencies got out there to help,” said Tamara Young, public information officer for the city of Destin.
“They did shut down traffic on the bridge to ensure safety while the boat was being moved, but the closure was less than 15 minutes,” Young said.
Work is continuing to transform the world's fastest ocean liner to the world's largest artificial reef.The aft stack and last remaining onboard propeller were removed Aug. 8, according to the SS United States Conservancy, following the removal of the forward stack and mast earlier in the week.The SS United States is at port in Mobile, Alabama, before it ends up in its final resting place in the Gulf off the coast of Okaloosa County along Florida's Panhandle.It's been a long road for the retired ocean liner that set the t...
Work is continuing to transform the world's fastest ocean liner to the world's largest artificial reef.
The aft stack and last remaining onboard propeller were removed Aug. 8, according to the SS United States Conservancy, following the removal of the forward stack and mast earlier in the week.
The SS United States is at port in Mobile, Alabama, before it ends up in its final resting place in the Gulf off the coast of Okaloosa County along Florida's Panhandle.
It's been a long road for the retired ocean liner that set the transatlantic speed record on its maiden voyage, crossing the Atlantic in 3.5 days in July 1952. It's a record that remains in place today, 73 years later.
Once the ship finishes undergoing cleaning and removal of any environmentally hazardous materials, it'll be sunk off Florida's Gulf Coast.
Florida officials are planning to build a museum on land for the ship, which will display the ship's funnels, radar mast and other components.
The SS United States was the fastest ocean liner ever to cross the Atlantic Ocean, setting the transatlantic speed record on its maiden voyage, crossing the Atlantic in 3.5 days. It's a record that still holds today, according to the SS United States Conservancy.
After being anchored at Pier 82 on Philadelphia’s Delaware River since 1996, the SS United States was moved to Mobile, Alabama, in February 2025.
Its progress was tracked by thousands as it moved south along the eastern coast of the U.S. and into the Gulf.
After cleaning and renovating in Mobile — where "all of the environmentally unsafe materials will be removed" — it'll be moved to Okaloosa County, to be sunk as an artificial reef.
The ocean liner will be sunk off the coast, where it will become the "world's largest artificial reef," at nearly 1,000 feet long, according to the Destin-Fort Walton Beach's tourism website.
"She will create essential habitat for a diverse range of marine life, attracting divers and anglers from around the world, and resulting in an anticipated direct economic impact of more than $3 million per year."
Officials in Okaloosa County bought the SS United States from the SS United States Conservancy in 2024.
"Our marine species will be the greatest benefactor as it will provide much-needed habitat for them to thrive," Okaloosa County's website said.
"In addition to the usual reef fish species like red snapper and grouper, the size of the SS United States will also attract the more pelagic species of fish such as amberjack, mackerel and tuna."
The reef is expected to attract not only anglers, but divers.
Destin and Fort Walton Beach are located along the Gulf Coast, in the western Florida Panhandle.
The communities are both in Okaloosa County and less than 10 miles apart. Fort Walton Beach, the farthest west, is located about 35 miles east of Pensacola. Destin is about 125 miles west of Tallahassee. The two are about 90 miles east of Mobile, Alabama.
The SS United States is expected to be "deployed" in late 2025, according to destinfwb.com and the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners on Facebook.
It was previously estimated that remediation of the ship in Alabama would take about a year.
The exact location has not yet been announced.
"She will be towed to about 20 nautical miles south of Destin-Fort Walton Beach at a permitted location to be sunk," Okaloosa County's website said.
"The exact location will be identified prior to the deployment date."
The proposed depth of the reef is 180 feet to the bottom and about 55 feet to the upper deck.
"Okaloosa County will be developing a plan in the coming months to make viewing her deployment accessible either virtually or in person via the media," according to the county's website.
In Florida, the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners voted to allocate $10.1 million to the entire project including towing operations, remediation, the purchase of the SS United States and funding to help the SS United State Conservancy create a land-based museum in the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area.
"The project has already seen a return in its efforts to promote the Destin-Fort Walton Beach destination and the history of the vessel due to the amount of interest from the public and media worldwide."
The museum in Destin-Fort Walton Beach will "preserve the history of the SS United States, tell her many stories and bring an interactive experience to all who visit the museum that will safeguard her history for generations."
No. Okaloosa County has sunk "more than a dozen large vessels" in recent years.
The ocean liner:
850.797.8710
