EmailHeader

September 17, 2024

Good morning, Elizabeth!

Did you know there are six amendments on the Nov. 5 ballot? Read more below.


Amendment 1 - Partisan Election of Members of District School Boards

Amendment 2 - Right to Fish and Hunt

Amendment 3 - Adult Personal Use of Marijuana

Amendment 4 - Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion

Amendment 5 - Annual Adjustments to the Value of Certain Homestead Exemptions

Amendment 6 - Repeal of Public Campaign Financing Requirement

Five Channels

Vote 'Yes' on EDATE in November

EDATE, short for Economic Development Ad valorem Tax Exemption, is an economic development tool that Okaloosa County has utilized since 1981 to assist existing businesses with expansion and to attract new, higher paying jobs to our community. 


EDATE was created by the Florida Legislature for use by local governments, provided that voters reauthorize the program every 10 years through local referendum. The current program sunsetted on Aug. 26, but thanks to the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners, we’ll have the opportunity to renew EDATE for another 10 years on the Nov. 5 ballot.


According to the University of West Florida Haas Center, EDATE has helped facilitate 317 direct and indirect jobs resulting in an additional $19.1 million in local payroll during the past 10 years, while providing a 663% return on investment to Okaloosa County. Learn more at www.jobsforokaloosa.com.

A Superior Air Conditioning Company

City Of Destin Strives for Fire Watch's 'Safe Community' Designation

The Fire Watch is Florida's fight to end veteran suicide. Its goal is to build a lifesaving network of community members and organizations trained to identify the warning signs of veterans in crisis and to direct those veterans to the help they need. 


The City of Destin would like to make Destin the first designated “Safe Community” through the program. This means we have to get at least 10 businesses AND at least 150 individuals certified. To become a Watch Stander, you must watch two or three short training videos, explore resources available to veterans, and sign a pledge. The process takes about 45 minutes.


Visit thefirewatch.org to get started. Include either “DVSC” or “Destin Veteran Safe Community” in the company name field, so that your certification counts towards the Destin goal.


Please contact Dr. Tamara Young, City of Destin Public Information Director, at tyoung@cityofdestin.com or (850) 428-6274, if you’d like more information or a brief 5-minute presentation to your company about this initiative.

Save the Date for Destin City Council Candidates Forum

Join us and the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors (ECAR) as we host an Oct. 1 forum to learn more about the candidates for Destin City Council. The event will take place at the Destin City Hall Annex from 6 - 8 p.m.


The forum format will include opening and closing statements from each candidate. There will be a series of questions from the Destin Chamber and ECAR. Chamber Chairman of the Board Christian Carlee and ECAR's Director of Government Affairs Melissa Garza will be the moderators. Questions from the Chamber and ECAR will rotate throughout the forum. The order in which the candidates answer questions will be done by blind draw.


Candidates include Rodney Braden, Dewey Destin, Teresa Hebert, Lance Johnson, Kevin Schmidt, John Stephens, and Sandy Trammell, and five seats are available.


The election will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 5. For details, including voting registration, early voting information, polling places, and more, visit VoteOkaloosa.gov.

Perks of Your Chamber Membership


Affordable Health Insurance for Your Employees


Savings On Your Email Marketing Program


Save $ On Office Supplies

YP Cornhole
TourismHospitalityLunch

Tourism & Hospitality Lunch: Triumph Gulf Coast Tourism Grant

Wednesday, September 18 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Location: Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club

Registration and payment required.



Jennifer Adams, Okaloosa County Tourist Development Department Director, and Ken Wampler, Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council Chairman and President of Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, will discuss the Triumph Gulf Coast Tourism Grant. This is a three-year grant of $10.5 million to create an innovative regional marketing campaign focused on promoting the region’s outdoor and adventure experiences to drive tourism growth and economic development across Northwest Florida.

Shop Talk Thursdays

Power Hours With Kevin: Free Business Consulting

Thursday, September 19 | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Location: Destin Chamber

Find details here.



Florida SBDC at UWF Business Consultant Kevin Oster will be available for impromptu meetings assisting with business challenges or opportunities. These meetings are confidential and at no cost to you. No appointment is required; however, you are welcome to email KOster@uwf.edu if you would like to schedule one.

Business After Hours

Business After Hours Sponsored by Ruby Slipper Destin

TUESDAY, September 24 | 5 - 6:30 p.m.

*This is on a Tuesday due to Thursday's golf tournament!

Location: 34902 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin

Registration and payment required.

 

Join us at Ruby Slipper Destin for networking, cocktails and appetizers. Door prizes are welcome!

2024 Golf Tournament
Military Affairs Council

Military Affairs Council (MAC) Meeting

Wednesday, October 2 | 12 - 1 p.m.

Location: Destin Chamber

Find details here.



Anyone with an interest in the military is invited to attend.

BusinessBeforeHours

Business Before Hours Sponsored by Hand Arendall Harrison Sale

Friday, October 11 | 7:30 - 9 a.m.

Location: LuLu's Destin

Registration and payment required.



Please join us for our Business Before Hours Sponsored by Hand Arendall Harrison Sale! Enjoy networking and a delicious breakfast overlooking the Choctawhatchee Bay.

Emerald Coast Hospice


The Preserve: A Bluewater Taproom

Thank You To Our Renewing Members

September 20 - The Barrett School


October 8 - Beach Babes Salon


October 15 - CJ's Hangout

Community Events

Tuesday, September 17

Destin vs. Fort Walton Beach Young Professionals Cornhole Tournament Sponsored by The Venue at Beach Weekend

Sinfonia Cabaret at Seagar’s An Evening with Alysha Umphress


Wednesday, September 18

Destin Chamber's Tourism & Hospitality Lunch: Triumph Gulf Coast Tourism Grant

A Party at The Blake at Miramar Beach Featuring the Destin High School Soundwave Marching Band


Thursday, September 19

Power Hours With Kevin: Free Business Consulting

Real Estate Agent and Loan Officer Money Show

Better Together - GriefShare Support Group

Thursdate at Melting Pot

Bubbly Baytowne

Darts & Music at the American Legion Post 296

Better Together - DivorceCare Group Support

Little Black Dress Night at Marina Cafe


Friday, September 20 - Saturday, September 21

JudeFrances Trunk Show


Friday, September 20

The Barrett School Ribbon Cutting

Karaoke at American Legion Post 296


Saturday, September 21

2024 International Coastal Clean Up

Grand Boulevard’s Farmers’ Market

Baytowne Wharf Farmers Market

HOTWORX Destin Celebrates 1 Year Birthday!

4th Annual Burgers, Bourbon & Beer Festival

Alaqua Animal Refuge Hosts Animoré Weekend Featuring the Bluegrass Barn Jam

Gatsby Gala


Sunday, September 22

CBA 2024 Amateur Photo Contest Deadline

Sunday Breakfast at American Legion Post 296

Sunday Brunch at Soleil


Monday, September 23 - Friday, September 27

Celebrate American Business Women’s Day at Beachworx Destin


Monday, September 23

Bingo Fundraiser at American Legion Post 296


If you would like your event listed here, please submit it to the Events Calendar at DestinChamber.com. Be sure to include your company name, as we only publish events of Destin Chamber members.

Step One Niceville Kicks Off Spotlight Charity of the Month Campaign with $500 Donation to Sharing & Caring


Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, Inc. Honors Second Quarter Real Estate Top Producers, Diane Green and Mark DeSalvo


2024 Honorary Commanders Selection


Read the September 2024 Issue of Destin Life


Want to see your business news, blogs and awards listed here? Send your updates to espies@DestinChamber.com.

DestinChamber.com | (850) 837-6241
Facebook  Twitter  Youtube