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.
UPDATE (May 28, 7:04 p.m.): The man and woman who drowned in Destin on Tuesday night were husband and wife, according to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.According to an OCSO news release, witnesses said the couple and their adult son were struggling to stay above water. One bystander saw them struggling roughly 75 to 100 yards offshore of 1040 U.S. Highway 98 and had gone into the water to try and rescue them.The couple’s 26-year-old son was rescued, but the incident took the lives of his paren...
UPDATE (May 28, 7:04 p.m.): The man and woman who drowned in Destin on Tuesday night were husband and wife, according to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.
According to an OCSO news release, witnesses said the couple and their adult son were struggling to stay above water. One bystander saw them struggling roughly 75 to 100 yards offshore of 1040 U.S. Highway 98 and had gone into the water to try and rescue them.
The couple’s 26-year-old son was rescued, but the incident took the lives of his parents.
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When first responders arrived on the scene, they first recovered the 54-year-old woman. She was pronounced dead after failed CPR attempts. Soon after, deputies learned her 57-year-old husband was missing. His body was later pulled from the water.
The couple was visiting from Buford, Georgia.
Okaloosa County Beach Safety Rich Huffnagle wants to remind residents to check their surroundings and know limits before going into the water.
“If you’re out there in the water and you’re a poor swimmer, realize that it’s not a pool, and you can get pulled off the sandbar. Conditions can change drastically in an hour,” he said.
PREVIOUS REPORTING
DESTIN, Fla. (WKRG) — The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a man and woman drowned Tuesday night in Destin.
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According to a Facebook post from the sheriff’s office, a man and a woman were visiting Destin. Deputies responded Tuesday, May 27, to the beach near the 1000 block of US 98 where a woman was found unresponsive in the water.
First responders performed CPR, but it was unsuccessful, the post said.
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Deputies also learned a man, reportedly the woman’s husband, was missing.
The post said OCSO marine units located and recovered the man from the water, performed CPR and took him to the Coast Guard station, but the man did not survive.
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This is a developing story. News 5 will provide updates as more information becomes available.
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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – An atmospheric river event is bringing the heaviest rainfall Florida has seen since ...
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – An atmospheric river event is bringing the heaviest rainfall Florida has seen since winter, with widespread downpours expected to continue over the next several days.
Tornado Warnings wailed across parts of the Florida Panhandle on Saturday, including one tornado near Eucheeanna that was confirmed by radar.
Officials in Destin, Florida, reported damage from a possible tornado as severe weather moved through Saturday morning. "Multiple businesses and vehicles were damaged," said officials with the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, noting that there were no reports of injuries but dozens of locations were without power.
In addition to severe weather, computer forecast models show the potential for widespread rainfall, with totals ranging from around an inch in the least-impacted areas to possibly upwards of a foot in communities that see repeated rounds of thunderstorms.
Early Sunday morning, Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport in Panama City picked up a whopping 0.75 inches of rain in just eight minutes between 3:56 a.m. and 4:04 a.m. CT, which is a staggering rainfall rate of 5.63 inches an hour. Panama City's two-hour rainfall total between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. CT was 2.26 inches.
Flood Watches cover a portion of the Florida Panhandle into southern Georgia and Alabama. Storm spotters in Ocean City, Florida, reported multiple flooded roads after heavy rains pushed through.
Further south, rain delayed Tampa Bay Rays games at Steinbrenner Field on Saturday and Sunday, including the MLB team's first-ever home rain delay.
While atmospheric rivers are often associated with winter storms on the West Coast, the phenomenon can occur elsewhere in the U.S. and around the world wherever deep tropical moisture is involved.
The FOX Forecast Center said the system responsible for this surge of precipitation is a low-pressure system that has become cut off from the main jet stream, making it slow-moving and capable of producing prolonged rain.
"When the low pressure is vertically stacked from the floor, all the way to the top of the troposphere, it doesn't really move that fast because nothing's pushing around," FOX Weather Meteorologist Bob Van Dillen said. "That's what we have. And that area of low pressure is going to jack that cold front down and siphon a lot of moisture off the Gulf and the Caribbean too."
Florida won’t be the only state impacted, as a broad swath of heavy precipitation is expected to stretch from Louisiana to the Carolinas, which will last into the first half of the week ahead.
"It’s picking up in intensity, and it's going to be even worse – later on – as we go through the day into Sunday and Monday," Van Dillen stated.
NEW TO FLORIDA? HERE’S WHEN THE SUNSHINE STATE’S RAINY SEASON GETS UNDERWAY
But for the Sunshine State, the rain could help suppress wildfire activity during what is considered to be the peak of the fire season.
Most rainfall deficits in Florida currently range from 2 to 6 inches, with 96% of the state considered to be unusually dry and 25% experiencing severe drought conditions, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor.
The areas expected to receive the most rainfall are along the Interstate 10 corridor, from Pensacola through Tallahassee and Jacksonville.
In contrast, the least amount of rain is expected well south of the Interstate 4 corridor in South Florida.
Unfortunately, that’s where most of the fires have been, with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue recently responding to a large grass fire burning between Florida City and the Florida Keys.
WHERE YOU CAN DITCH THE RAIN AT UNIVERSAL’S EPIC UNIVERSE THEME PARK
So, while the persistent rain will be welcome news, the areas in the most desperate shape may see the least relief.
And of course, any thunderstorms that form have the potential to cause flash flooding and lightning, which can, in some cases, spark new fires.
Still, the ongoing atmospheric river is, overall, just what the doctor ordered and will serve as a reprieve until the state’s wet season kicks in during the next month or so.
The Florida Panhandle is a treasure trove of cheery seaside towns that are perfect for your next beach vacation. From Destin to the famous 30A communitie...
The Florida Panhandle is a treasure trove of cheery seaside towns that are perfect for your next beach vacation. From Destin to the famous 30A communities, there’s an ideal destination for your next trip—whether you’re planning a reunion with the girlfriends or romantic getaway for two. One of the area’s best family-friendly spots is Okaloosa Island. Located on the 24-mile Santa Rosa Island, just across the bridge from bustling Destin, Okaloosa Island is a three-mile stretch of beach that also contains the oceanfront community of Fort Walton Beach. With white sand and emerald water, there’s honestly not much else required for an excellent beach vacation, but the destination overdelivers with a long list of attractions, great restaurants, and beautiful stays. Here are the 12 best things to do on Okaloosa Island, Florida.
You can spend your entire trip at this dining and entertainment hub and never have a reason to leave. Located directly on the Gulf, the Boardwalk not only includes four restaurants where you can get anything from fresh seafood to great burgers or tacos, plus shops and beachfront accommodations, but it’s also home to a county park and public beach access point. Swing by on Wednesdays during the summer for weekly fireworks shows starting at 9 pm.
theboardwalkoi.com; 1450 Miracle Strip Parkway, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
Another of Okaloosa Island’s most iconic destinations, The Island Pier (formerly known as the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier) stretches 1,262 feet into the Gulf and is one of the best places in the area to take in a magnificent sunrise or sunset. If you’re just looking for a stroll, be on the lookout for dolphins or sea turtles in the water below and herons or pelicans flying overhead. Anglers can purchase a daily fishing pass (that includes a license) at the tackle shop and try their luck at catching large tarpon, king mackerel, cobia, and more.
theislandpier.com; 1030 Miracle Strip PKWY SE Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548; 850-244-1023
There’s lots to learn and see inside this museum and science center that offers more than 45 touchable, workable exhibits that teach kids about various natural phenomena and basic scientific principles. Exhibits range in subject matter from dinosaur fossils to reptiles to boating.
ecscience.org; 31 SW Memorial Parkway, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548; 850-664-1261
With three miles of Gulf-front beach and minimal crowds, Okaloosa Island isn’t the type of beach destination where you’ll feel like your chairs and umbrella are sitting right on top of another family. (Though, it does pay to stake your claim earlier in the day if you want a prime spot without anything or anyone in your way of the water.) Choose from 10 different public beach access points spread across the island. Several have public restrooms, parking, shaded picnic tables, and showers to make your experience even easier.
Since 1955, this attraction has been drawing guests of all ages to learn about and have up-close encounters with all kinds of marine life. A general admission ticket gives access to all exhibits, shows, and training demonstrations, while separate “encounter” tickets give guests the opportunity to do everything from snorkel with stingrays to swim with penguins. The all-new Dolphin Oasis habitat provides even more exciting dolphin shows than ever before.
gulfarium.com; 1010 Miracle Strip Parkway SE Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548; 850-243-9046
It’s not uncommon to see a line out the door at this seafood joint and its next-door market. What started as local-favorite inland spot in Fort Walton expanded to include a location closer to the water, and now it’s a popular spot for yearly beachgoers in addition to its loyal locals. Order fresh or fried fish, plus Southern sides like fried okra, grits, and hushpuppies at prices that are hard to match anywhere on the beach. The steamer and seafood market next door offers steamed dinners (grouper, snow crab, Red Royal shrimp, mussels) with sausage, corn, potato, and butter, as well as sandwiches.
stewbys.com; 235 Santa Rosa Blvd., Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547; 850-586-7001
It’s hard to miss the iconic shipping containers and reclaimed, recycled, and salvaged building materials that make up this one-of-a-kind restaurant and bar perched on the edge of the bay. Head to a window to order shareable appetizers like smoked tuna dip and coconut fried fish bites, plus island-inspired fare ranging from Jerk Surf ‘N’ Turf Bowls to Mahi Mahi Tacos with pineapple slaw and Cajun aioli. Then, hit up the bar for tropical drinks like seasonal berry mojitos and spicy palomas, then choose a picnic table, dig your feet in the sand, and enjoy.
thegulf.com; 1284 Marler Ave., Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548; 850-387-1300
Located on the Boardwalk, AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar has been a hot spot for visitors since it opened in 1984. Stop in for an extensive menu of seafood favorites, including fried baskets, charbroiled oysters, and an award-winning gumbo. Come early for happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., or choose a night when there’s live music on the expansive outdoor deck.
ajsoystershanty.com; 108 Santa Rosa Boulevard, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548; 850-226-8108
Another must-visit Boardwalk stop is The Crab Trap, a massive restaurant that sits up high on the sugar beaches, offering an unbeatable view of the water. Seafood arrives daily straight from the harbor, so you know your meal—whether grouper, snapper, shrimp, or wahoo—is as fresh as can be when it arrives at your table. Of course, you can’t eat at the Crab Trap without ordering some crab. Choose from a variety of wild Alaskan crab legs or domestic crab claws.
crabtrapflorida.com; 1450 Miracle Strip Parkway, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548; 850-301-0959
If you’re looking to start your day with a hearty meal, Asiago’s Skillet is your spot. Open daily starting at 6 a.m., this beloved morning destination offers every breakfast food under the sun—and then some. There’s a huge array of skillets and omelets (including special ones filled with bay shrimp and crabmeat), plus fluffy buttermilk pancakes, French toast, burritos, biscuit sandwiches, Benedicts, and more. Pro tip: Ask your server to “Shipwreck” your potatoes and they’ll come covered with bacon, sauteed onions, cheese, and gravy.
asiagoskillet.com; 110 Amberjack Dr., Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548; 850-586-7998
Appropriately named The Island, this full-service resort has had a long history as a favorite spot for tourists, starting as a Ramada Inn back in 1966. In 2018, the property underwent a massive transformation to become The Island Resort, where you get the same access to sugar-white sand beaches and crystal-clear emerald water but this time with modern rooms, five food and beverage options (including the Emerald Coast’s only swim-up bar at the Grotto Pool), and daily resort events like live music and movies by the Cabana Pool.
theislandfl.com; 1500 Miracle Strip Parkway Southeast, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548; 800-874-8962
One of the island’s newest accommodations, Beal House is part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, so you know to expect modern, well-designed rooms; excellent service; and amenities like a gym, pool, and dining. Onsite restaurant The Remedy specializes in coastal fresh cuisine with a dash of Cajun flair. The coastal cool dining room opens up onto the beach, putting you right on island time. Menu items range from anytime favorites like burgers or a daily catch sandwich to morning specials like beignets or a FloriBama Benedict with grilled shrimp, mushroom crawfish sauce, and loaded cheesy potato cakes.
hilton.com/en/hotels/fwbbhup-beal-house-fort-walton-beach; 380 Santa Rosa Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548; 850-243-9444
CPR Cell Phone Repair proudly announces the opening of its newest store in Destin, FL. Owned by JC Dijkhuizen, who also operates CPR Cell Phone Repair Santa Rosa Beach, this new location brings expert electronic repair services to the Emerald Coast community.DESTIN, FL / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / CPR Cell Phone Repair, a global leader in electronics repair, is excited to announce the grand opening of CP...
CPR Cell Phone Repair proudly announces the opening of its newest store in Destin, FL. Owned by JC Dijkhuizen, who also operates CPR Cell Phone Repair Santa Rosa Beach, this new location brings expert electronic repair services to the Emerald Coast community.
DESTIN, FL / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / CPR Cell Phone Repair, a global leader in electronics repair, is excited to announce the grand opening of CPR Cell Phone Repair Destin. Located at 127 Harbor Blvd, Suite B, Destin, FL 32541, the new store provides professional, same-day repair services for smartphones, tablets, laptops, and more to residents and visitors of Destin and surrounding areas.
The store is owned and operated by JC Dijkhuizen, who also owns CPR Cell Phone Repair Santa Rosa Beach. With this expansion, JC continues to deliver trusted and affordable electronic repair services across Florida's Gulf Coast.
CPR Destin specializes in resolving standard device issues such as cracked screens, battery replacements, water damage, and other technical problems. With a team of highly trained technicians and CPR's industry-leading warranty on repairs, customers can expect reliable solutions and outstanding service.
"We're excited to bring CPR's trusted repair services to the Destin community," said JC Dijkhuizen. "Whether you're a local resident or a visitor needing quick, dependable repairs, we're here to keep your devices running smoothly."
CPR Cell Phone Repair Destin is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Customers can contact the store at 850-633-7390 or via email at [email protected]. Additional details about services can be found at https://www.cellphonerepair.com/destin-fl.
About CPR Cell Phone Repair
Founded in 1996 in Orlando, Florida, CPR Cell Phone Repair is the fastest-growing wireless technology franchise in North America, with over 850 locations globally. As a pioneer in the electronics repair industry, CPR offers same-day repair and refurbishing services for cell phones, laptops, gaming consoles, and other electronic devices. For more information about CPR Cell Phone Repair and franchise opportunities, visit www.cellphonerepair.com.
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Christian O'Brien[email protected]877-392-6278
When planning a family vacation last summer, I knew I wanted to travel somewhere with white sand beaches, warm, clear blue water, and sunny weather. However, I didn't want to spend a ton of money on a Caribbean vacation....
When planning a family vacation last summer, I knew I wanted to travel somewhere with white sand beaches, warm, clear blue water, and sunny weather. However, I didn't want to spend a ton of money on a Caribbean vacation.
Instead, I booked a trip to Okaloosa Island, which is on Florida's panhandle in an area nicknamed the Emerald Coast.
Okaloosa, which is a section of the larger Santa Rosa Island, is only a short drive from Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport, making for an easy getaway from my home in New York.
Whether for a quick weekend trip or a relaxing family vacation, this under-the-radar destination is the perfect, wallet-friendly alternative to the Caribbean.
Though I knew I was in Florida, the beaches on Okaloosa Island reminded me of Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos.
The gleaming white sand, which feels almost as soft as flour, is made from fine quartz crystals eroded from the Appalachian Mountains.
The water's vivid blue-green color is another aspect that sets these beaches apart from others I've been to.
Okaloosa Island is near other lively towns such as Fort Walton Beach and Destin, giving us tons of options for activities and dining.
We spent a fun-filled afternoon in Destin Harbor Boardwalk, making the most of the attractions, including the bungee trampoline and the many ice cream spots.
But the best part was that we could escape to our quieter beach town at the end of the day.
I love trying local restaurants when on vacation, and I found some surprisingly cool spots to grab coffee or food in the area.
Some of our favorites included The Gulf, an open-air restaurant built from old shipping containers on the bayfront, and the food trucks in nearby downtown Fort Walton Beach.
Another fun spot is LuLu's in Destin, which is owned by the sister of the legendary singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett.
Though I love relaxing on the beach, I also enjoy getting out and about. During our trip, we found a variety of activities on Okaloosa Island and beyond.
One day, we went on a pontoon snorkeling trip to Spectre Island and saw manatees near the boat. We also rented paddleboards and paddled around Choctawhatchee Bay.
Another thing I love about Okaloosa Island is how much there is to keep the little ones entertained.
One highlight of our trip was the Little Adventurers program, which offers free classes for kids of all ages. The classes are meant to introduce them to activities such as surfing, snorkeling, and pinfishing.
There were outposts on the beach where we signed up for daily activities. My younger daughter tried pinfishing and was very proud of herself for catching one.
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