Weekly Wave

February 11, 2025

Good morning, Elizabeth!

Last week, Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an update on Florida’s insurance market, highlighting significant progress in stabilizing rates, expanding consumer protections, and fostering a competitive environment. The update included Florida’s 2024 record of lowest-in-the-nation average rate increases and several new insurers entering the market.

In light of this, we are looking forward to Friday's Business Before Hours Sponsored by HCA Florida Healthcare, which features a panel discussion on property insurance with Drew Armacost of Affordable Home Insurance, Brantlee Lawrence of Liufau McCall Insurance Group, and Daniel Morrow of Allstate Insurance - Ryland/Morrow Agency.

Florida Chamber Unveils 2025 Florida Jobs and Competitiveness Agenda

Yesterday, the Florida Chamber released its annual Florida Jobs and Competitiveness Agenda, Where We Stand 2025, outlining legislative priorities designed to continue Florida’s economic growth and maintain its position as an international leader in business competitiveness and opportunity. The agenda reflects input from local businesses across the state and underscores the Chamber’s commitment to securing Florida’s future.

Focus areas include Lawsuit Abuse Reform, Insurance Market Stabilization, Workforce Housing Solutions, Infrastructure Investments, Mental Health, Rural Growth, Tax Reduction, and Focused Talent Development and Alignment. Read more here.

Are You Searching for Part-Time, Seasonal Workers?

We are hosting a job fair for Destin High School juniors and seniors from 8:30 - 11 a.m., on Tuesday, March 11, at the school. The event is limited to the first 35 Chamber member businesses to respond. Email Gretchen at membership@DestinChamber.com to secure your spot. You are welcome to bring a table, sign, applications, and collateral material. For details, call (850) 837-6241.

Perks of Your Chamber Membership

Affordable Health Insurance for Your Employees

Savings On Your Email Marketing Program

Save up to 25% with Constant Contact

Save $ On Office Supplies

You now have access to savings on everything your business relies on with ODP Business Solutions (Office Depot® OfficeMax®). Register today for your no-cost business account with ODP Business Solutions or use this card to save in-store.

Power Hours With Kevin: Free Business Consulting

Thursday, February 13 | 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 Before Hours Sponsored by HCA Florida Healthcare

Friday, February 14 | 7:30 - 9 a.m.

Location: Destin Methodist Church

Registration and payment required.

Please join us and sponsor HCA Florida Healthcare! We will host a panel discussion addressing the current state of property insurance and recent developments within the industry. Panelists include Drew Armacost of Affordable Home Insurance; Brantlee Lawrence of Liufau McCall Insurance Group; and Daniel Morrow of Allstate Insurance - Ryland/Morrow Agency.

Ladies Who Launch Powerhouse Women Series Sponsored by Douglass Chiropractic and Featuring Tami Groth of Cadence Bank

Wednesday, February 19 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Location: Destin Chamber Conference Room

Registration and payment required.

Ladies Who Launch is continuing its Powerhouse Women Series, highlighting impactful women in our community. The February 2025 Powerhouse Woman is Tami Groth, Community Bank President of Cadence Bank. Cost is $15 to attend, and lunch will be provided thanks to sponsor Douglass Chiropractic.

Multi-Chamber Business After Hours Sponsored by The Venue at Beach Weekend

Thursday, February 27 | 5 - 7 p.m.

Location: 109 Brooks St. S.E., Fort Walton Beach

Registration required.

Join us and our friends from the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber for networking, cocktails, and appetizers at this picturesque waterfront venue. Food and drinks are being provided by Wood Foot Beer Co. and The Cowhead.

Military Affairs Council (MAC) Meeting

Wednesday, March 5 | 12 - 1 p.m.

Location: Destin Chamber

Find details here.

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

February 18 - EXIT Realty Anchor South

March 4 - 850 Froyo & Kwench Juice Bar

March 6 - Spark by Hilton

Congratulations to Beachside Inn on last week's ribbon cutting celebrating the recent completion of renovations!

A Storage Solution of Destin

Doctors Direct of Destin

Thank You To Our Renewing Members

Tuesday, February 11

FREE Coworking Every Tuesday at Beachworx Destin

Young Professionals of Destin Sunset Social Sponsored by Fudpucker's Beachside Bar & Grill

Destin Library Kids Valentine Craft Night

Wednesday, February 12

Shape & Sculpt Class

Destin Library Winter Wednesdays: Cyanotype Print Making Craft

Thursday, February 13

Power Hours With Kevin: Free Business Consulting

Little Black Dress Night at Marina Cafe

Friday, February 14 - Sunday, February 16

Valentine's Dinner for Two at the Gulfarium

Friday, February 14

Destin Chamber's Business Before Hours Sponsored by HCA Florida Healthcare

Emerald Coast Theatre Company Presents Timeless Love: Songs through the Ages Valentine's Day Musical Revue

Valentine's Celebration Days at Melting Pot

Valentine's Dinner at Emeril's Coastal Italian

Valentine's Day Dinner at Primrose

Karaoke at American Legion Post 296

Saturday, February 15

Grand Boulevard’s Farmers’ Market

Baytowne Wharf Farmers Market

CALM Furniture Resale Store Open 9am -1pm every Saturday

Foster Gallery Partner Exhibition

LuLu's Tropical Reunion Wedding Vow Renewal Ceremony

The Ultimate Elvis in Vegas

Sunday, February 16

Sunday Breakfast at American Legion Post 296

Destin Community Farmers Market

Sunday Brunch at Soleil

Fort Walton Beach Annual Mardi Gras Parade & Downtown Celebration

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.

CALM Seeks Sponsors for March 6 Fundraiser

SS United States Set to Depart Philadelphia to Begin Journey to Become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef

Sinfonia Gulf Coast Announces Five Crescendo! Vintner Dinner Pairings

Beachside Inn Offers Spacious, Updated Rooms in Heart of Crystal Beach

HCA Florida Healthcare Announces KC Donahey as Chief Executive Officer of HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital

Read the February 2025 Issue of VIP Destin Magazine

Northwest Florida State College Celebrates the Grand Opening of Raider Village

Okaloosa County School District First Semester Highlights 2024-2025

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

DestinChamber.com | (850) 837-6241