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.
A Destin fishing charter was able to turn a good fishing day into a great one, all because of one surprise guest.Capt. Taylor Bankston was out on a fishing trip with customers when what he thought was a submarine coming out of the water suddenly had "giant teeth and a giant eyeball."“...
A Destin fishing charter was able to turn a good fishing day into a great one, all because of one surprise guest.
Capt. Taylor Bankston was out on a fishing trip with customers when what he thought was a submarine coming out of the water suddenly had "giant teeth and a giant eyeball."
“I immediately knew I had never seen a fish in the water that big. It had to be a great white,” Bankston said.
The great white shark was about 14 feet long and estimated to be between 1,100 and 1,400 pounds. It reportedly swam around their boat for roughly 20 minutes before moving on. Bankston, who operates his boat out of AJ’s on Destin harbor, had four customers aboard the boat from Kentucky, saying it "made their vacation" seeing the shark.
Yes, there are. Florida has one of the largest year-round concentrations of sharks, especially for great whites.
Dr. Bob Hueter, chief scientist at OCEARCH, told the News-Press in 2023 that it would not be rare to see white sharks head to the Gulf for the winter, explaining why they leave their homes near Maine and Nova Scotia.
"As winter approaches, that availability of food gets lessened and it gets too cold for them, so they start moving south," Hueter said. "A lot of these white sharks, most of them actually, tend to kind of come down, they don't really hug the coast in the sense that they're right on the beach, but they stay in the continental shelf waters, most of them and they come south."
He added that they stop in the Carolinas during their migration, too. In their research, OCEARCH found half of their tagged sharks heading to the Gulf of America, formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico, which showcases a pattern.
Great white sharks are also known as white sharks. Most scientists prefer to just use white shark when referring to the species, as there is no 'greater' or 'lesser' white shark.
Many theorize that the reason why "great" was tacked onto its name is due to its size and reputation as one of the largest predators.
Yes, there are restrictions on catching white sharks in Florida.
According to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the white shark is included in the list of prohibited harvest, possession, landing, purchase, sale or exchange.
According to the University of Florida, the shark species responsible for most unprovoked bites on humans are the white sharks, tiger sharks and bull sharks.
They do note that all sharks, regardless of size, are predators and could be capable of inflicting wounds if provoked.
The number of unprovoked shark bites worldwide still remains extremely low, with fatalities decreasing over the past year.
Though Florida saw fewer shark bites in 2024 than the annual average of 19 incidents, the Sunshine State still led the U.S. and world in cases with 14 incidents, according to the International Shark Attack File.
Volusia County had the most shark bites with eight, more than half of the state total, and in line with the county's five-year annual average of nine.
While the chances of being bitten by a shark are very rare, the FWC offers some tips on how to avoid being attacked while out in the ocean:
Contributing: Kim Luciani, USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida
A Kentucky family got a close-up look at a great white shark last Thursday while out fishing on a charter boat in Destin, Florida.Destin’s Capt. Taylor Bankston had taken the family of four out for a fishing trip aboard his 26-foot center console charter boat when something massive caught his eye.“We were on a r...
A Kentucky family got a close-up look at a great white shark last Thursday while out fishing on a charter boat in Destin, Florida.
Destin’s Capt. Taylor Bankston had taken the family of four out for a fishing trip aboard his 26-foot center console charter boat when something massive caught his eye.
“We were on a regular fishing trip, and I looked up ... what I thought I saw in the water was a submarine, and I was waiting next for the periscope to pop out of the water,” Bankston said.
“But it never did ... and then the submarine turned into something that had giant teeth and a giant eyeball,” he said.
Bankston said it swam past the boat.
“I immediately knew I had never seen a fish in the water that big. It had to be a great white,” Bankston said.
Bankston, who operates his boat out of AJ’s on Destin harbor, had four customers aboard the boat from Kentucky, a mom and dad and two daughters. He said the anglers were ecstatic.
“Oh my gosh, it made their vacation,” Bankston said.
Bankston explained that he had the motors off and was using an i-Pilot trolling motor to hold them over a spot. They were fishing about nine miles out of Destin.
“We were just sitting there over the reef catching fish, and she popped up and circled us for 20 minutes,” he said.
At one point, the shark came up and “mouthed the back of the boat, bit it, to see what we were ... and realized that we weren’t anything eatable, and then kept going,” Bankston said.
The shark continued to circle the boat for about another 10 minutes.
“It was just circling us and checking us out,” Bankston said.
Early on, Bankston had gone up in the tower of his boat to get a good look, photos and video.
He said when everybody on the boat walked over to one side, it would lean a bit.
“I was leaning over the top of the great white ... my heart was pumping,” he said.
After the shark circled for about 20 minutes, it just disappeared.
“Then five minutes later we saw a dorsal fin about 100 yards away from us going across the surface slow as all get out ... like the movie Jaws. That was her when she swam away,” Bankston said.
The dorsal fin on the great white was about 2 ½ feet tall.
“Literally the dorsal fin looked like the fin on Jaws,” he said, making mention that the movie "Jaws 2" was filmed in the Destin area.
“You don’t think that theme song – dun, dun, dun – was going through my head when I saw that thing,” Bankston said.
“First thing I thought was ‘captain we’re going to need a bigger boat,’” Bankston said.
Bankston said the great white was about 14-feet long and estimated it to be between 1,100 and 1,400 pounds.
“It’s the biggest fish I’ve ever seen,” he said.
“We were all baffled. It was as if we were viewing a dinosaur,” he said.
Although it was huge, Bankston said they were never really scared.
“I knew I was in a good boat,” he said. “And I knew we couldn’t short clean the boat today.
“You respect the piece of equipment that kept you separate and safe,” Bankston said.
However, he did admit, “If I would have been hooked up to a heart monitor, there would have been some peaking and beeping.
“We weren’t down in the hull crunched up, but we were highly alert and lots of adrenalin flowing,” he said.
After the shark left, they went back to fishing and caught plenty of mingo.
"The mingo had no idea there was a 1,400-pound shark swimming above their heads ... and they were still chewing like crazy,” Bankston said.
“It was a great day."
Great white sharks are no stranger to Florida waters but they're a migratory species, so they don't tend to show up in Florida waters until the water gets cold and food sources become scarce off the coasts of Atlantic Canada and the area around Cape Cod, New England, according to OCEARCH chief scientist Dr. Bob Hueter.
Even when great whites venture southward during their migration pattern, they tend to stay away from the beaches in continental shelf waters, Hueter said. But while it's rare for them to show up, they do occasionally make appearances.
Great white sharks are found in every ocean, though they stay away from the colder waters of Antarctica and the Arctic. They can be found around Florida's coast, from the state's east coast to the Gulf.
North Atlantic great white sharks migrate as far south as Florida and the Gulf in winter, searching for warmer waters and more food sources.
OCEARCH has tagged 125 white sharks, many of them along the Eastern Seaboard and Nova Scotia.
You can follow their journeys on the OCEARCH shark tracker website or by downloading the OCEARCH Global Shark Tracker app.
8 Florida Small Towns With Unmatched FriendlinessTouristic appeal is largely determined by how friendly a place is. The Sunshine State, the top to visit in the US, is very tourist-friendly. Also kid, pet, bike, LGBTQ+, and crypto-bro friendly: there is a vibe and a tide for everyone. From the touristy beaches to the lesser-known gems, there are eight small towns in ...
Touristic appeal is largely determined by how friendly a place is. The Sunshine State, the top to visit in the US, is very tourist-friendly. Also kid, pet, bike, LGBTQ+, and crypto-bro friendly: there is a vibe and a tide for everyone. From the touristy beaches to the lesser-known gems, there are eight small towns in Florida, bursting with good vibes, unmatched in their level of friendliness.
These towns are deeply beloved by locals on a getaway, and visitors return time and again to an enclave that has stolen their heart. Hemingway made his home in Key West. From the Florida Keys to Emerald Coast, Destin is "the world's luckiest fishing village." If the Palm Coast calls your name, Flagler Beach is a colorful, laid-back town along the Matanzas River and the open ocean.
Destin is "the world's luckiest fishing village," thanks to the Continental Shelf just beyond Florida's Emerald Coast. Next to the lively Fort Walton Beach, there’s no shortage of ways to explore, wrapped in coastal serenity. The 24 pristine miles of white-sand beaches inspire long strolls, inevitably giving into the irresistible softness or running towards the warm, calm surf—a runway for kiteboarding. At Topsail Hill Preserve Beach, a scenic boardwalk offers panoramic views as the gulf’s waters shift hues beneath cotton-candy sunsets. Five beachfront parks add to the town’s outdoor splendor.
Henderson Beach State Park is minutes from downtown for snorkeling, paddling, and surfing its crystal-clear waters. The deep blue teems with blackfin tuna, grouper, amberjack, and king mackerel, an angler's paradise.
Beyond the shoreline, Destin Commons and HarborWalk Boardwalk serve up a vibrant mix of dining, waterfront shopping, and entertainment.
Whether you're into fresh seafood, theme parks, or scenic cruising, celebrate its seafaring spirit during the renowned Seafood Festival in September and a month-long Fishing Rodeo—an ode to its deep-rooted maritime heritage.
Most known for its Scottish heritage and two stunning island state parks, Dunedin remains a hidden gem on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The perfect time to visit? The annual Dunedin Highland Games & Festival is a lively weekend celebration each April, featuring traditional music, dance, dress, and mouthwatering cuisine.
During the summer, Caladesi Island State Park beckons with its pristine white-sand beaches, accessible via ferry from nearby Honeymoon Island or private vessel. Caladesi delivers unforgettable coastal serenity, ideal for swimming, boating, fishing, and picnicking.
From the northern shore, Honeymoon Island State Park dominates the horizon, reachable by the Dunedin Causeway. Take the looping drive with stops like a nature center, picnic shelters, and an epic playground. Exploring this impressive park further on foot, Dundedin Beach and Oasis Beach offer fantastic shelling, swimming, and fishing. Among the hiking trails, Osprey Trail leads adventurers through lush vegetation and local wildlife.
Back in town, the Dunedin Fine Art Center invites you to explore engaging galleries, a gift shop, and an onsite café to bookend a perfect day.
With six miles of shoreline and multiple beach access points, Flagler Beach is a true coastal retreat. Planning your trip around the annual Turtle Fest in April guarantees a lively experience, celebrating local conservation efforts with music, food, and family fun.
Between its surfable waves, oceanfront dining, and unique shops, a stroll along the Flagler Beach Boardwalk leads to the eclectic Flagler Beach Historical Museum, a local treasure filled with fascinating exhibits. Local parks like Betty Steflik Park and Wadsworth Park feature scenic boardwalks, playgrounds, sports fields, and a canoe launch.
Whether you're casting a line, paddling picturesque waterways, or simply soaking up the sun, many know of the free coastal access for whatever adventure calls. Graham Swamp East Trailhead draws region-wide mountain bikers with its challenging terrain, while the Lehigh Trail Trailhead features a newly paved route for family strolls and bike rides.
Just south, Bulow Creek State Park stretches for some 5,600 acres, where ancient oaks tower above historic ruins and tranquil nature trails. Meanwhile, Gamble Rogers State Recreation Area offers shelling, camping, and coastal exploration.
Southwest of St. Petersburg, Gulfport is a vibrant waterfront community where culture and retro vibes converge with coastal beauty. Overlooking the shimmering Boca Ciega Bay, Gulfport’s beloved features include the weekly Gulfport Tuesday Market and the 521-foot Williams Pier, perfect for fishing and romantic sunset strolls. Once a humble fishing village, today it thrives as an intimate, artsy enclave. The town’s charming brick-paved streets wind beneath moss-draped live oaks, adding to its warm appeal for both families and the LGBTQ+ community alike.
At the heart of historic downtown, the Beach and Shore Boulevards are lined with colorful boutiques, locally owned restaurants, and cozy cafés. With no parking meters or chain stores, Gulfport embraces an independent spirit. Neptune Grill is a standout counter serve for authentic Greek dishes cooked to order.
Finally, the one-of-a-kind Clymer Park Sculpture Garden, its interactive wind chimes, towering chess pieces, and more. Held annually each February, the prestigious Gulfport Fine Arts Festival celebrates regional creativity in a stunning coastal setting.
Across the Indian River from Melbourne and south of the Kennedy Space Center, Indialantic is often overlooked just off Florida's Space Coast.
The active can explore the crowdfree waterway in a rental from Kenzi Boats, while others enjoy the ocean and the boardwalks. Indialantic Boardwalk and Park spans five blocks next to the beach break of surfable swells, up to 8 feet, breaking over 200 yards. Take in the views from James H. Nance Park, with a beach volleyball stadium, picnic pavilions, and events.
Key West is well known to be Hemingway's haunt. At the southernmost point in the US, it is where creative juices flow in scenic nature and prevailing vibes that you can do anything without feeling inhibited. Now, before breaking out into a hippy dance, forgetting the purpose behind your visit, there's the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory and Key West Aquarium, plus a dedicated Dog Beach. Between historic sites and pastel, conch-style architecture, Duval Street is one of Florida's liveliest main strips, with Sloppy Joe’s bar, the novelist's favorite hangout.
Ernest Hemingway lived here throughout the 1930s, rising up early with the sun to write. Follow his routine with afternoon beach strolls or reinvigorating water sports and evenings spent socializing. Hemingway Home & Museum, his former house, on Whitehead Street, is open for daily tours. Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden is another great place to explore or soak in the serenity. From the bustling Duval Street to the beaches, perfect for swimming and snorkeling, Hemingway Days celebrate the Nobel Prize winner over six days in July.
Northeast of crowded Fort Walton Beach, Niceville invites families and adventurers in the embrace of Choctawhatchee Bay. Explore the bayous in a rental kayak from Jolly Rogers or S.E.A. Chase Watersports, which offers awesome pontoons. The area rings with serenity through the spectacular Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park immediately to the east.
Soak up good vibes at the local 20-acre Turkey Creek Park, with nature trails, a fantastic boardwalk, swimming platforms, and a picnic pavilion to hike, cool off, and relax.
From Eglin Golf Course to Mattie Kelly Arts Center, visitors can enjoy culture and recreation year-round in town. Its trademark Mullet Festival centers around family entertainment that will chase away falltime blues in October. Aircraft and navigation fans can visit the nearby Air Force Armament Museum, free in Eglin, with over 25 planes at the world's largest air base.
Finally for dining, Papa’s Smokehouse serves mouthwatering BBQ along the waterfront, while TradeWinds Italian Restaurant will nurture your soul with seafood, pizza, and pasta.
This Gulf Coast gem on Peace River is popular among sailors, fishers, and watersports fans, with calmer waters than the open ocean. Destroyed by Hurricane Charley in 2004, its historic district lives on, thanks to the crafty locals, with many of the late-19th and early-20th century buildings. Stunning Charlotte Harbor embraces you away from crowded locales. Gilchrist Park is a classic Florida postcard, with picnic and play areas along a waterfront green, plus tennis courts, a fishing pier, and local events.
Among the beguiling beaches, Ponce de Leon Park takes precedence. Play and explore year-round at one of the state's best, with a mangrove boardwalk, a boat launch, and a wildlife center.
There's no place in the world that can mimic Florida's vibe. More than just a relaxed, sunny vacation destination, Florida is incredibly scenic, culturally diverse, and steeped in history—home to the first European settlement in the US, St. Augustine. The Sunshine State ranked the 14th happiest state to live in in a recent survey. Take away the work and add in your loved ones, new friends, and of course, the beach. Now, choose any one of these towns, bursting with good vibes, local pride, and a desire to share its natural slice of Florida's bounty.
When my husband's military assignment brought us to Destin, I never imagined I'd fall in love with it so much.We'd previously never visited the Florida Panhandle before or eve...
When my husband's military assignment brought us to Destin, I never imagined I'd fall in love with it so much.
We'd previously never visited the Florida Panhandle before or even considered living on the Emerald Coast. Then, the military gave us three weeks to find a home, pack up our lives, and relocate to Destin for his job.
Moving away from the familiarities of the Midwest was scary, but we've learned to love our slow-paced life in Destin.
Though Destin isn't huge, it's growing — and our county has a population of about 200,000 people.
My hometown of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is similar in size population-wise, and my husband grew up in the Minneapolis suburbs — one of the biggest metropolitan areas in the Midwest.
Even though I appreciated my small-town upbringing, I missed the luxuries of living in a bigger city. Growing up, we'd have to drive four hours to Minneapolis if we wanted to do some real shopping at the Mall of America or attend a bigger concert downtown.
After we moved to Destin, I was surprised by the abundance of big-city amenities right at my doorstep. Within a 20-minute drive, we have access to multiple shopping centers with everything from well-known retailers to adorable local boutiques.
Our favorite shopping centers include the open-air Destin Commons, the bustling Silver Sands Outlet Mall, and the upscale Grand Boulevard. These lively spots often host weekly farmers' markets, annual festivals, and holiday events throughout the year.
The Destin area is also filled with restaurants, coffee shops, and lively beach bars. My husband and I love getting to enjoy the sunset with a happy-hour cocktail in hand.
When announcing our move to Florida, one of my best friends said I was so lucky to be near 30A. I didn't know what 30A was.
Turns out, it's a picturesque highway along the Gulf of Mexico lined with idyllic seaside towns that's been nicknamed "the Hamptons of the South."
While its town of Seaside has a relaxed beach vibe with pastel-colored homes and white-picket fences, nearby Rosemary Beach features a European-inspired design and cobblestone streets.
Having 30A just a short drive away has been one of the best parts of living in Destin — especially in the offseason. It's now one of my favorite areas to visit.
Living in a city where others vacation was an entirely new experience for us.
Our first visit to 30A was anything but smooth, as we waited for hours in summer traffic and circled endlessly for a parking spot. During our first Labor Day weekend as Floridians, we were naively surprised by the sheer number of boaters at our iconic Crab Island sandbar.
After that, we quickly learned to make the most of Destin's offseason. Late spring through early fall is packed with tourists, but the winter season is slower, with only a few flocks of snowbirds.
Most vacationers choose Orlando or Miami in the winter for sunny beach days. Meanwhile, our offseason is relatively calm because of cooler weather.
This quieter time allows us to try popular restaurants and visit attractions that are often overtaken by tourists in the summer.
Having a strong sense of community is incredibly important to us, especially since my husband is a military pilot who travels often for work.
Fortunately, there's no shortage of Southern hospitality on the Emerald Coast.
Despite our thick Midwestern accents, locals have made us feel right at home. While moving into our house, multiple neighbors greeted us with homemade goodies.
People here are pretty friendly, and even a quick grocery run comes with friendly conversations at the checkout line.
Preparing for our first hurricane truly showcased the kindness of the locals. Our neighbors helped us prepare by giving us much-needed guidance on preparing our house and running our generator.
I'm not sure where the military will take us next, but we hope to stick around Destin for a while.
As a travel enthusiast, I've visited some of the world's best beaches in Croatia, Thailand, Hawaii, Greece, and the Caribbean. Even still, Destin's sugar-white sand and emerald waters surpass them all.
We still can't believe we live 10 minutes from the ocean, let alone some of the best beaches in the US.
Whether it's a winter walk on the beach or a stroll through the enchanting side streets of 30A with a warm coffee in hand, we never take this coastal paradise for granted.
NEW ORLEANS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NewEdge Advisors, LLC, a leading New Orleans-based RIA supporting successful independent financial advisors nationwide, announced today Krueger, Fosdyck, Brown, McCall & Associates, a team based in Destin, Florida, has joined the firm from Merrill Lynch, where they managed $1.4 billion in client assets.“We are delighted to welcome Krueger, Fosdyck, Brown, McCall & Associates to the growing network of seasoned professi...
NEW ORLEANS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NewEdge Advisors, LLC, a leading New Orleans-based RIA supporting successful independent financial advisors nationwide, announced today Krueger, Fosdyck, Brown, McCall & Associates, a team based in Destin, Florida, has joined the firm from Merrill Lynch, where they managed $1.4 billion in client assets.
“We are delighted to welcome Krueger, Fosdyck, Brown, McCall & Associates to the growing network of seasoned professionals at NewEdge Advisors,” said Alex Goss, CEO of NewEdge Advisors. “I am grateful that these industry-leading practitioners have chosen NewEdge as their new home, and we look forward to providing the resources and solutions they need to deliver comprehensive wealth management and planning for families, business owners, and institutions.”
Founders and colleagues Tim Krueger, Cory Fosdyck, Jerry Brown, and Collin McCall, along with Senior Wealth Advisors Nina McClanahan and Gabe Campbell, collectively boast over 150 years of experience. The newly independent team, nine members in total, is based in Destin, Florida. The team chose Goldman Sachs Custody Solutions as their primary custodian.
Bill Dalton, Head of RIA Custody Sales at Goldman Sachs, said, “Our continued collaboration with NewEdge enables us to collectively support advisors and empower them to better serve their clients. We are thrilled to be working with Krueger, Fosdyck, Brown, McCall & Associates, and look forward to supporting the evolution of their business.”
Cory Fosdyck, Co-Founder and Partner at Krueger, Fosdyck, Brown, McCall & Associates, said, “NewEdge Advisors appealed to our team with its ability to prioritize our goals. This transition will enable us to enhance our client service and significantly expand our capacity to offer opportunities to clients, their families, and businesses.”
Tim Krueger, Co-Founder and Partner at Krueger, Fosdyck, Brown, McCall & Associates, said, “We are excited about this new chapter for our team, in partnership with NewEdge Advisors and Goldman Sachs Custody Solutions. There is no single approach to wealth management that suits everyone, and this change gives us the freedom and flexibility to deliver unbiased advice.”
ECHELON Partners served as the exclusive sell-side financial advisor to Krueger, Fosdyck, Brown, McCall & Associates.
About NewEdge Advisors
New Orleans-based NewEdge Advisors is a growth-oriented RIA built by New Orleans residents Alex Goss and Neil Turner. The firm embraces a transparent approach to educating advisors on the independent opportunities that currently exist in the industry landscape. This approach, combined with best-in-class advisor services, continues to attract top-performing advisors from across the country.
Previously known as Goss Advisors, the firm became a part of EdgeCo Holdings in 2020 to lead the 1099 wealth division. In 2021, NewEdge Advisors was created as a part of the launch of NewEdge Capital Group.
Goldman Sachs Custody Solutions Disclosure
Custody, clearing and certain brokerage services are provided by Folio Investments, Inc. d/b/a Goldman Sachs Custody Solutions (GSCS), an SEC-registered broker-dealer and member FINRA/MSRB/SIPC. Additional brokerage services are provided by Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC (GS&Co.), an SEC registered broker-dealer and investment adviser, and member FINRA/MSRB/SIPC. GSCS and GS&Co. are not your investment advisors and do not provide investment advice to you or your investment advisor. The information provided here shall not constitute an offer, solicitation, or advice by GSCS or GS&Co. to buy or sell securities.
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