September 23, 2025

Good afternoon!

Please note that our office will close today at 4:30 p.m., for our Business After Hours Sponsored by Henderson Beach Resort, and all day Thursday, Sept. 25, for our Annual Golf Tournament Sponsored by Renasant Bank. Thank you!

Share Your Insights to Help Update Florida’s Strategic Plan 

The Florida Chamber Foundation invites you to complete the Florida 2030 Blueprint Halftime Check-In Survey. This research is an essential step in measuring Florida’s progress toward becoming the 10th largest global economy by 2030. Please take a few moments to share observations, insights, and recommendations to help shape Florida’s future.

Take survey here.

Florida Minimum Wage Increase

On Sept. 30, 2025, the FL Minimum Wage will increase to $14 per hour and tipped employees direct wage increases to $10.98. This is part of the Florida Amendment 2 $15 Minimum Wage Initiative, which passed November 2020. This amendment increases the state’s minimum wage incrementally until reaching $15 per hour on Sept. 30, 2026.

What Does the Elimination of Property Taxes Mean for Florida Businesses?

The Florida Property Tax Primer white paper, created by the Florida Chamber, provides an overview of Florida’s property tax system, including homestead and non-homestead classifications, current revenue collections, and the potential impacts of property tax reform or repeal.

Perks of Your Chamber Membership

Affordable Health Insurance for Your Employees

• ACA-Compliant Health Insurance Plan

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.

Enjoy Credit Union Membership

• Members of the Destin Chamber are eligible for membership with Eglin Federal Credit Union!

Business After Hours Sponsored by Henderson Beach Resort

Tuesday, September 23 | 5 - 6:30 p.m.

Location: Henderson Beach Resort

SOLD OUT! Find details here.

Join us for networking, cocktails, and appetizers, during our Business After Hours Sponsored by Henderson Beach Resort! Door prizes are welcome.

**Please note this is Tuesday, instead of Thursday, due to our golf tournament.**

Power Hours With Kevin: Free Business Consulting

Thursday, September 25 | 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.

Military Affairs Council (MAC) Meeting

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

Location: Destin Chamber

Find details here.

First Sergeant Mark McMillin, USA (Ret.), will reflect on his 20+ years of distinguished service in the Army and his two decades since retirement. Anyone with an interest in the military is invited to attend.

Business Before Hours Sponsored by Hand Arendall Harrison Sale

Friday, October 10 | 7:30 - 9 a.m.

Location: LuLu's Destin

Registration and payment required.

Engage with other local business professionals, while enjoying breakfast and a beautiful bay view.

Ladies Who Launch Powerhouse Women Series Sponsored by Diana Health

Wednesday, October 15 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Location: Destin Chamber

Registration and payment required.

Ladies Who Launch is continuing its Powerhouse Women Series, highlighting impactful women in our community. The October 2025 Powerhouse Woman will be announced soon.

Thank You To Our Renewing Members

• Buccaneer Pirate Cruise
• Davis Watkins Funeral Homes and Crematory
• Destin Mortgage | Fidelity Home Group
• Dolphin Cruise/Southern Star Glass Bottom Boat
• Early Learning Coalition of the Emerald Coast, Inc.
• Evie Mae's Pit Barbecue

• FamilyVest
• Gulf Coast Shutter & Overhead Door
• HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital
• Luther's Pontoon, Waverunner and Kayak Rentals
• Quality Gates And Openers
• The Venue @ Beach Weekend
• The Village Inn
• VidaCann Destin 

September 24 - Coldwell Banker Realty

October 2 - Welcome Home Kitchen and Bath

October 7 - Axis Physiotherapy Institute

October 21 - Century 21 AllPoints Realty

Thursday, September 18 - Sunday, October 12

Emerald Coast Theatre Company Opens 13th Season with 'Beautiful - The Carole King Musical'

Ongoing through Tuesday, September 23

Southern Tide Friends & Family Event

Tuesday, September 23

Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County Fall Class: Painting with Pastels

Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County Fall Class: Ceramic Ghost Luminary Workshop

Destin Chamber's Business After Hours Sponsored by Henderson Beach Resort

Wednesday, September 24

Ribbon Cutting Celebrating Coldwell Banker Realty's New Office

Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County Fall Class: Brush & Breath - Meditative Watercolors

Sip & Shop at EKKO

Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County Presents Cocktails & Clay

The Village of Baytowne Wharf's Wednesday Night Concert Series

Thursday, September 25

Power Hours With Kevin: Free Business Consulting

Destin Chamber's Annual Golf Tournament Sponsored by Renasant Bank

Florida SBDC at UWF Presents "Starting a Business"

Windward Islands Rum Night at Beach Liquors

Little Black Dress Night at Marina Cafe

Friday, September 26 - Sunday, September 28

Destin Seafood Festival

Friday, September 26

City of Destin K-5 Volleyball Program

13th Annual Fore Her Golf Outing

Karaoke at American Legion Post 296

Mattie Kelly Arts Center Presents Speaker John Halligan

Saturday, September 27 - Monday, September 29

Football Game Day Specials at The Island Resort

Saturday, September 27

City of Destin K-5 Volleyball Program

Grand Boulevard’s Farmers’ Market

Baytowne Wharf Farmers Market

Mattie Kelly Family Bay Day

2025 Women’s Expo presented by HCA Florida Healthcare

Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County Fall Class: Eco-Printing with Botanicals and Foliage

Wine Blending Workshop: California Red Blend

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar offers Tapas & Treasures

Sunday, September 28

Sunday Breakfast at American Legion Post 296

Destin Community Farmers Market

Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County Fall Class: Ceramic Ghost Luminary Workshop

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.

Grand Boulevard appoints Tovah Locke, Marketing Director

A2Z Specialty Advertising Presents: The Promo Experience — Coming to the Emerald Coast This October!

Okaloosa County School District Reminds Families to Apply for Free & Reduced-Price Meals

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