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 Bolivar Peninsula Tourism and Visitors Center 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 Crystal Beach, 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.
“Always best care tarpon Springs office has been a life saver with caring for my”
“Cyndi is an extraordinary caregiver and ABC service has been reliable, responsive and outstanding.”
“I'm a former employee of ABC and I had an awesome experience working with them.”
“We have used Always Best Senior Care more than once. Their service has always exceeded”
“I have used Always Best Care for two extended periods. All the staff assigned to”
“Raina King is a true angel, a gift from God. Our beloved Grandmother passed away”
“I love working for for ABC. The owner's are very compassionate about their clients and”
“I'm a HHA for this company and there amazing people to work for!!”
“I’ve worked for Always Best Care going on a year. I love Jeri and Keith,”
“Always Best Care of Tarpon Springs has given me peace of mind knowing that my”
“Keith and Jeri are angels that walk among us. My in-laws have been receiving care”
“ABC is a well managed and high quality home health care service. All the workers”
“Always Best Care of Tarpon Springs has given me peace of mind knowing that my”
“Always best care tarpon Springs office has been a life saver with caring for my mother with dementia. Her caregiver Linda is so dedicated to her job, and my mom and me love her to death. She is very communicative, and passionate about what she does. My mom could not live independently if i did not have always best care and linda by her side. Also whenever speaking with scheduling and office staff- they are always helpful and friendly too! Thanks guys! Yall do amazing work!”
“Cyndi is an extraordinary caregiver and ABC service has been reliable, responsive and outstanding.”
“I'm a former employee of ABC and I had an awesome experience working with them. The office staff is very warm and welcoming. The owners, Keith and Jeri are super nice and personable. They recognize their employees every month, they also have different events where we could get together and socialize. I've learned so much more, that wasn't taught at "school". Not a bad company to work for.”
“We have used Always Best Senior Care more than once. Their service has always exceeded our expectations. I would not hesitate to recommend them.”
“I have used Always Best Care for two extended periods. All the staff assigned to take care of my father were excellent and punctual. The office staff are great and have become great friends. I would recommend this company for the care of your family members.”
“Raina King is a true angel, a gift from God. Our beloved Grandmother passed away today and unfortunately we live far away. Raina was in constant communication with us through the entire journey. She gave great comfort to our loved one and we could not have been blessed with a better person to be by Gram’s side. God Bless you and all that you do. ????????❤️ Highly recommend.”
“I love working for for ABC. The owner's are very compassionate about their clients and caregivers. They go above and beyond to help those in need. I have 20+ years in healthcare and I have never worked with such an AMAZING team!”
“I'm a HHA for this company and there amazing people to work for!!”
“I’ve worked for Always Best Care going on a year. I love Jeri and Keith, very understanding. Rebeca, Natalie and Lisa, Also in the office, all listen to our needs and concerns. They are very understanding to all the caregivers, I feel like a big family with our clients. Working for this company is like having a very big extended family and I love it and would not give it up. And yes I would definitely and highly recommend Always Best Care of Tarpon Springs Florida. The extended family that I don’t have, but I do now. Thank you for letting me be a part of Always Best Care of Tarpon Springs Florida.”
“Always Best Care of Tarpon Springs has given me peace of mind knowing that my mom is in good hands. She enjoys their services and I highly recommend them! Thank you for your love and kindness.”
“Keith and Jeri are angels that walk among us. My in-laws have been receiving care from Always Best since May 2019. They are in their 90’s and still in their own home. This has been a year of challenges as my mother-in-law has dementia and my father-in-law’s health has gotten more tenuous. Keith has taken my dad to the hospital and urgent care, grocery shopped for them and scrambled to provide aides on short notice after hospitalization. We live out of state and I have had to depend on them so much. Jeri and Keith go above and beyond and I trust them implicitly! I can’t say enough good about them and I know that they will be successful because they are ethical, caring and operate their business with the highest degree of integrity. We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have been referred to them.”
“ABC is a well managed and high quality home health care service. All the workers have been consistently good and provide excellent care for our father. Rebeca has been awesome to ensure our needs are satisfied and that we always have the round the clock coverage we need.”
“Always Best Care of Tarpon Springs has given me peace of mind knowing that my mom is in good hands. She enjoys their services and I highly recommend them!”
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 Lazy Pelican RV 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 Vintage On 5th or visit USS Cavalla (SS 244), 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 Crystal Beach, 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 Crystal Beach, 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 Crystal Beach, 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.
Florida is home to various unforgettable small towns, and there is no better way to start exploring than visiting the Emerald Coast. The coastal area along the Gulf of Mexico stretches for 100 miles through five Florida counties, including Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, and ...
Florida is home to various unforgettable small towns, and there is no better way to start exploring than visiting the Emerald Coast. The coastal area along the Gulf of Mexico stretches for 100 miles through five Florida counties, including Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, and Panama City Beach. If the beauty of the white powdery sand and still Gulf water isn't enticing enough, then be sure to check out these small towns and their quaint promenades, main streets, and low-key attractions for the perfect relaxing sun-bathed getaway. These nine small towns will take you on a journey highlighting Florida's beauty.
Grayton is perhaps the best beach town on the Emerald Coast due to the variety of experiences you can have. You get everything from emerald green gulf waters to further inland, lush pine forest that hosts incredible sand dunes and lakes. You can try a variety of water sports, such as surfing or water skiing, or take a calm, leisurely swim in the inland lakes. There is great scenic hiking for the land lovers, bringing you up close to Florida's natural flora and fauna. Tired feet? Try horseback riding or rent an ATV for an additional thrill.
Seaside is one of the most picturesque cities on the emerald coast, with its quaint brick streets, pastel-colored beach houses, iconic whitewashed post office, and architect-designed walkways leading to the sugar-white sand. In fact, the town inspired some Hollywood investment, becoming the setting for the 1998 film The Truman Show, starring Jim Carey. The beaches offer crystal clear views of the white sandy bottom and are a great place for relaxing in the sun or going for a laid-back swim. Don’t miss the incredible local art scene, shop at the quaint boutiques, and stroll through Central Square's record and books stores. For music lovers, check out The REP Theater, which boasts an open-air amphitheater and performing arts space. No wonder Seaside has become the number one retirement destination.
Are you looking for a lazy beach town to catch up on your rest and relaxation? Mexico Beach is the place for you. About an hour outside of Panama City, this small town is full of beaches and not many crowds.
This town is a well-guarded “secret” vacation spot for families that offer long, relaxing days on our uncrowded white-sand beaches, genuine mom-and-pop restaurants and shops, and some of the best sport-fishing in the world.
Located only minutes from Destin, Crystal Beach is a picturesque community boasting gorgeous beaches. It invites visitors to bike through its scenic neighborhoods adorned with pastel-colored homes and charming white picket fences. The dedicated bike path offers a serene journey amidst this beauty. On the shores, the allure of white powdery sand beckons for relaxation while a selection of romantic waterfront restaurants serves up local delicacies. With its blend of natural beauty and community charm, Crystal Beach is the ideal destination for both family-friendly day trips and intimate romantic getaways.
Navarre Beach is known for its white sand, stunning emerald green water, and a vibe many might call: relax! In fact, it is self-proclaimed as “Florida’s Most Relaxing Place.” Part of the Pensacola Metro area, Navarre Beach is the less crowded, less-known beach in the area and really is an incredibly relaxing town.
When the Navarre Pier was built, it became the longest pier along the Gulf of Mexico coastline, stretching 1545 feet long and 30 feet above the water.
From the pier to the east is Navarre Beach Marine Park, formerly a state park (before 2009). This naturally preserved coastline with dunes and a wide open beachfront is a perfect way to enjoy the natural beauty, a day of surf fishing, kayaking, walking, shelling, bird watching, or simply relaxing. The area beyond the Marine Park is Eglin Air Force Base.
Mom’s Beach is the first beach on the Soundside of Navarre Beach Marine Park. This beach has calmer waters and is popular for families with small children. It is also the spot for kayaking and canoeing on the island's sound side.
The Navarre Beach Marine Park is also home to The Navarre Beach Marine Science Center, The Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary, and the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center.
Blue Mountain Beach Blue Mountain Beach routinely receives acclaim for its breathtaking shoreline, but this dune's size is truly incredible; it boasts the highest elevation in the entire Gulf of Mexico. This beach neighborhood draws its name from the blue lupine flowers that sway in the coastal breeze. The community has a laid-back bohemian atmosphere and is home to many local artists, restaurants, old-fashioned ice cream parlors, and delicious bakeries. The community also features two rare coastal dune lakes and connects to nature trails in the Point Washington State Forest and the bike path along Scenic 30-A.
The unforgettable Village of Rosemary Beach is at the far eastern end of Scenic 30A, about eighteen miles from Dune Allen Beach's western gateway. It is a beautiful colonial Dutch West Indies-styled coastal village. The town boasts a long, lush lawn that serves as a village green where outdoor concerts, old-fashioned Americana-styled family games, art shows, festivals, and seasonal fireworks are featured. Take a walk down towards the Western Green Village Beach Access, and you will find a quaint street filled with specialty shops, fashion boutiques, bistros, and homes.
Nestled in the Florida Panhandle’s pristine white sands and sparkling blue water sits a seaside community that feels miles away from its surrounding cities. A typical day in Alys Beach could involve hiking the numerous nature trails, such as the Timpoochee Trail, or enjoying a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood nature preserve. The town definitely has a younger “hip” crowd feel, perfect for bachelorette groups, girls' trips, couples' trips, or an anniversary trip! It has a few great restaurants & coffee shops that are all walkable if you stay locally.
Niceville is just as its name suggests, a nice town part of the Fort Walton Beach - Crestview - Destin Metropolitan Area, and located just northwest of Eglin Air Force Base. It is also home to Northwest Florida State College. It is best known for its natural landscape and two main state parks. The Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park has hiking trails, a boardwalk, and a more adventurous hike to Perdido Bay, which is a great spot for birding and wildlife viewing. The Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park boasts boating and fishing activities. The town has plenty of shops and restaurants, and the best restaurants often overlook the water. The Matty Kelly Arts Center at Florida State offers Broadway and theater shows, symphony performances, and art exhibits.
There is also a beautiful golf course in Niceville, the Rocky Bayou Country Club, which is open to the public.
Miramar Beach is one of the Emerald Coast's most fun and diverse beach neighborhoods. You can spend your days active and outside, playing beach volleyball, renting jet skis, going on parasail rides, or just relaxing and soaking in the sun. Those who love shopping will have a blast meandering through the town's antique shops and premiere outlets, and evenings can be spent at the many fine dining restaurants or the New Vision Theatres Boulevard 10 Cinema.
There are plenty of additional ways to stay active in Miramar Beach, where, in addition to golf, tennis, or swimming, you can take advantage of the weather by taking a run or bike along the 3-mile Scenic Highway 98 Trail.
St. George Island is a quiet barrier island located at the western end of Apalachicola Bay. The island is home to miles of white sand beaches and plenty of outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, and bird-watching. You can also take a stroll down historic Apalachicola Avenue, explore nearby state parks, or just relax on your own stretch of beach. St. George Island is also one of the few pet-friendly beaches in Florida. Many of their vacation homes, stores, and restaurants welcome four-legged visitors with open arms. Additionally, St. George Island is every fisherman and fisherwoman’s wonderland. When you throw your line out, you can expect to land sheepshead, speckled trout, flounder, whiting, redfish, and tripletail. This is the ultimate family vacation destination, with bike paths, nature parks, paddleboard and kayak rentals, and family-friendly restaurants.
Florida's Emerald Coast is more than just its famous beaches; it's a tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty waiting to be explored. From Seaside's historic charm to Grayton's natural wonders, each town offers a unique experience. So, the next time you plan a trip to Florida, consider venturing off the beaten path and discovering the hidden gems of the Emerald Coast.
Support local journalism. Unlock unlimited digital access to floridatoday.com Click here and subscribe today.Flanked by apartment buildings and restaurant-retail boardwalk venues, a future 5- to 7-acre Crystal Lagoon off NASA Boulevard will help the city's key employers retain and recruit young workers, Melbourne Orlando International Airport Executive Director Greg Donovan believes....
Flanked by apartment buildings and restaurant-retail boardwalk venues, a future 5- to 7-acre Crystal Lagoon off NASA Boulevard will help the city's key employers retain and recruit young workers, Melbourne Orlando International Airport Executive Director Greg Donovan believes.
“Every single one of our aerospace companies that we do business with — most recently with Dassault Falcon — that recruit in, it's always about the lifestyle of the engineers in their workforce that are coming on board,” Donovan told the Melbourne City Council earlier this month.
“And while I might be really happy with cleaning the pool and mowing the lawn on the weekend, you might have 20-year-old, 30-year-old engineers that want to have a little more social," Donovan said.
"This was something that I think really opens up some opportunities for our community and helps our major employers — our biggest employers — actually retain and recruit. So it is very good use of the property."
More:Crystal Lagoon: Here's what we know about proposed Melbourne 'Lakoona Beach' complex
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Named Lakoona Beach, the Melbourne manmade Crystal Lagoon project would be built across a wooded 56-acre tract that was conveyed from the federal government to the city in 1947 as part of the former Naval Air Station Melbourne. Managed by the airport, the site lies off the south side of NASA Boulevard, east of Broadband Drive, west of Woody Burke Drive, and north of Hibiscus Boulevard.
In October, the Melbourne Airport Authority unanimously authorized selling the land for $8.93 million to Adëlon Capital, a Hollywood developer, for the Crystal Lagoon plan. The City Council followed suit with a unanimous vote on Dec. 13, approving the land deal.
Adëlon Capital founder and co-chairman Jonathan Cohen has said the aquatic resort complex could create 2,600 direct and indirect jobs.
"This unique, multi-use development project will offer Class A residential housing units, retail, restaurants, and entertainment venues that will surround the signature Crystal Lagoon and its pristine beaches and family water play area," said an Adëlon Capital press release following the City Council vote.
"The Lagoon will be both open to public access with cost of admission and offered as an amenity for residents of Lakoona Beach," the press release said.
Next, per contract, Adëlon Capital will have a due diligence window through Aug. 23 to conduct an environmental study of the land, determine the project's feasibility, and close the deal.
"Airport staff reports that within this parcel is a former city-owned landfill site, which restricts the types of development on this property. A sale is being contemplated because there is no future operational need for this land, and it has garnered little developer interest," a City Council agenda memo said.
"The purchaser will be responsible for any remediation needed on the site. Airport staff believes that this type of development will be appealing to its growing international passenger traffic."
Lakoona Beach has also advanced to the design and permitting phase. The Federal Aviation Administration must ultimately approve the 56-acre land acquisition.
Council Member Yvonne Minus said she was “just tickled pink” to see Lakoona Beach expand the entertainment options in the airport vicinity.
“I'm very excited about it, because now we have TUI here. And you know, it's very disappointing to me to see them get off the airplane, get on buses (and) go to Orlando," she said.
Minus also cited the airport's five-story, 143-room Hyatt Place with rooftop bar and swimming pool in the final stages of construction just west of the passenger terminal, on Harry Sutton Road. Adëlon Capital is building the hotel, which Cohen said should open in early 2023.
Cohen said his company has been working with airport officials for nearly two years on the Lakoona Beach proposal.
Airport officials will earmark the $8.93 million in sale proceeds for future land purchases. Donovan said the 56-acre parcel off the south side of NASA Boulevard is not "airside," meaning it is not contiguous to the airfield.
"We've had substantial discussions at the airport authority level about making sure these funds are available for future land acquisition," Donovan told council members.
"We do have aspirations of finding land, and there is land available periodically that's adjacent to airside locations, which would serve the airport's purposes much better."
In October, Dassault Falcon unveiled plans to create 400 jobs at a future $115 million aviation maintenance facility on airport property off Apollo Boulevard. The project was previously labeled Project Vista, a code name assigned by the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office.
Rick Neale is the South Brevard Watchdog Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY (for more of his stories, click here.) Contact Neale at 321-242-3638 or [email protected]. Twitter: @RickNeale1
It looks like beachgoers in Destin's Crystal Beach neighborhood may soon have more public space to plant their umbrellas in the sand.The city of Destin and the Okaloosa County Commission approved this week an inter-local agreement to purchase 336 feet of beachfront property adjacent to Destin's Tarpon Street public beach access on Scenic Highway 98.The deal, negotiated by the nonprofit Trust for Public Land, calls for the purchase of three separate beachfront parcels for just over $14 million. All three parcels h...
It looks like beachgoers in Destin's Crystal Beach neighborhood may soon have more public space to plant their umbrellas in the sand.
The city of Destin and the Okaloosa County Commission approved this week an inter-local agreement to purchase 336 feet of beachfront property adjacent to Destin's Tarpon Street public beach access on Scenic Highway 98.
The deal, negotiated by the nonprofit Trust for Public Land, calls for the purchase of three separate beachfront parcels for just over $14 million. All three parcels have the same owner and the trust currently has an agreement with an option to purchase in October and close in November.
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The total cost of the project, including property acquisition and demolition of the current structures, as well as designing, permitting and building a new park facility is estimated at $16.75 million.
The cost would be split 50/50 between the city of Destin and Okaloosa County, with the city taking over ownership of the new park and its future maintenance.
"Once we secure the property, then the city and the county will collaborate on a design for the park," said Catherine Card, public information manager with the city of Destin. Card, emphasizing the new park would operate under the same regulations and ordinances as the city's other parks with regards to beach vendors.
The Tarpon Beach park project is similar to a 2020 arrangement that Destin and Okaloosa County made to purchase three properties adjacent to Destin's Shore at Crystal Beach Park, located about a half-mile to the west on Scenic Highway 98.
"This initiative is one of the highest priorities for the city of Destin," said Destin Mayor Gary Jarvis during an April 2021 groundbreaking ceremony for the newly expanded Shore at Crystal Beach Park. "Our tourist tax dollars are being reinvested back into public beaches so that we can deliver on the promise of the Destin brand and meet the expectations of our residents and visitors."
The Crystal Beach neighborhood in east Destin is densely populated, both with full-time residents and with visitors. Card said the acquisition of these three new parcels will be a great help.
"It's really going to help with the pressure we've had on that end of the beach," said Card, noting the city's current 5-foot-wide beach access at Tarpon Street means visitors only have five feet of public space on the beach.
"Now that five feet will be extended to 340 feet," Card said.
DESTIN — Details on future parking upgrades and other possible improvements at the city-owned Shore at Crystal Beach Park will be determined during the design process for the expanded park site, city spokeswoman Catherine Card said Friday.She said the cost of the improvements, how they will be paid for and when they w...
DESTIN — Details on future parking upgrades and other possible improvements at the city-owned Shore at Crystal Beach Park will be determined during the design process for the expanded park site, city spokeswoman Catherine Card said Friday.
She said the cost of the improvements, how they will be paid for and when they will be completed also will be figured out during the design process, with the project being a collaboration between Destin and Okaloosa County.
“We do not have a timeline at this time” for the design work, Card said in an email.
County spokeswoman April Sarver said Thursday that while the park expansion project is a joint one between the county and city, Destin “is leading the charge.”
The Gulf-front park is at 2966 Scenic Highway 98 at the south end of Hutchinson Street.
In 2020, the city partnered with the county and the nonprofit Trust for Public Land to buy two parcels and expand the park.
One of the parcels is immediately west of the park and the other stands two lots east of the park. The purchases — which cost a total of $6.7 million and were paid for with county bed tax money and a portion of the city’s share of local option half-cent sales tax dollars — allowed the park to be expanded to a total of 184 linear feet.
As part of the project, a contractor demolished short-term rental housing units on the two new parcels last spring.
The park’s existing restrooms, showers and pavilion, as well as its original nine parking spots, remain open to the public.
Also, “All existing parking (spaces) on the new parcels were preserved and are currently being utilized for the park properties,” Card said. “The additional parking and beach space has provided an immediate relief valve for our visitors and residents.”
She said Destin officials continue to work to acquire a third parcel that stands immediately east of the park and contains a short-term rental house. The addition of that parcel, which is owned by entity in Miami-Dade County, would expand the park to a total of 251 linear feet.
The Trust for Public Land had offered to pay $3.9 million for the third parcel. But early last year the property owner terminated a voluntary purchase and sale agreement with the Trust without giving a reason, according to Destin officials.
Card said city staff plans to provide the City Council with an update on the expansion project in March.
DESTIN — A more than $10 million expansion of the Shore at Crystal Beach Park is anticipated to be completed this summer, possibly in June, and offer residents and visitors much more public beach to enjoy in tourist-heavy Destin.A groundbreaking ceremony for the project is set for 10 a.m. Monday, April 12, at the Gulf-front park at 2964 Scenic Highway 98 at the south end of Hutchinson Street.When completed, the project is expected to see 184 feet of beach added to the city-owned, 67-foot-wide park, for a ne...
DESTIN — A more than $10 million expansion of the Shore at Crystal Beach Park is anticipated to be completed this summer, possibly in June, and offer residents and visitors much more public beach to enjoy in tourist-heavy Destin.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the project is set for 10 a.m. Monday, April 12, at the Gulf-front park at 2964 Scenic Highway 98 at the south end of Hutchinson Street.
When completed, the project is expected to see 184 feet of beach added to the city-owned, 67-foot-wide park, for a new total of 251 feet. The park’s upland area also will be enlarged.
The project represents a partnership between Destin, Okaloosa County and the nonprofit Trust for Public Land.
“In Crystal Beach, there is not much public beach access compared to Okaloosa Island,” county Tourist Development Department Director Jennifer Adams said Friday. “To have more access for families is a win for us all.”
Local officials earlier earmarked about $6.28 million in county bed tax dollars and about $4.37 million from Destin's share of the local option half-cent sales tax to pay for three Crystal Beach parcels that will be used to expand the beach park.
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One of the parcels is immediately west of the Shore at Crystal Beach Park, one is immediately east of the park and one is a bit farther east.
The parcel west of the park contains the five-unit, short-term-rental Crystal Port Townhomes development. Both parcels east of the park contain short-term rental houses.
While the city has bought the property west of the park and the one farthest east, its purchase of the parcel immediately east of the park is pending.
After the April 12 groundbreaking ceremony, the town homes west of the park will be demolished and cleared away, Destin spokeswoman Catherine Card said.
That work could take about a week and a half. Demolition and removal of the structures to the east will follow.
Jobe’s Dirt Works of Baker will be paid $137,477 to raze and remove all the buildings.
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The initiative to provide more public beach in Destin is one of the city’s top priorities, Destin Mayor Gary Jarvis said in a news release.
“Our tourist tax dollars are being reinvested back into public beach so that we can deliver on the promise of the Destin brand and meet the expectations of our residents and visitors,” Jarvis said.
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County Commission Chairwoman Carolyn Ketchel also praised the use of bed tax money to make much of the project possible.
“The bed tax dollars are brought in by outsiders who use our properties, and that money is used to benefit residents and visitors alike,” Ketchel said Friday. “We’ve really heard from the people that they want more beaches available to go swimming and recreate. More and more, our beaches are being taken away (or privatized) by those who have beach property in front of them.”
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