Weekly Wave

September 16, 2025

Good morning!

Congratulations to Wayne Bernheisel, owner of Gulf Coast Shutter, Overhead Door Co of Northwest Florida, and Quality Gates And Openers, on being named Business Person of the Quarter during the Destin Chamber’s Sept. 12 Business Before Hours Sponsored by AGM Secure Money, LLC!

The Business Person of the Quarter is presented directly from the Chamber's Board of Directors to a Destin area business person showing vision for his or her business and leadership in our community. Bernheisel is seen here with 2025 Chairman of the Board Jenni Brunson of Okaloosa Gas.

Read more 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!

Tourism & Hospitality Lunch: Managing Marijuana in the Workplace

Wednesday, September 17 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Location: Destin Chamber

Registration and payment required.

The conversation will focus on 'Managing Marijuana in the Workplace' with Clark Partington Shareholder Daniel Harrell presenting.

Power Hours With Kevin: Free Business Consulting

Thursday, September 18 | 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 Sponsored by Henderson Beach Resort

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

Location: Henderson Beach Resort

Registration and payment required.

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.**

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.

Destin City Lifestyle Magazine

Emerald Coast Rental Management

Gateway Payments and Technology

Thank You To Our Renewing Members

September 24 - Coldwell Banker Realty

October 2 - Welcome Home Kitchen and Bath

October 7 - Axis Physiotherapy Institute

October 21 - Century 21 AllPoints Realty

Ongoing through Thursday, September 18

SelectFlorida's Great Northwest ABC's of Exporting Roadshow

Tuesday, September 16

Florida SBDC at UWF Presents "Practical Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses"

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

Destin Basketball Clinic for Ages 5-6

Wednesday, September 17

Destin Chamber's Tourism & Hospitality Lunch

ROME (Formerly of Sublime with Rome) at Club L.A.

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 18 - Sunday, October 12

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

Thursday, September 18

Kabuki: Hibachi Showdown Benefitting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida

Power Hours With Kevin: Free Business Consulting

Panhandle Job Fair

The Village of Baytowne Wharf's Bubbly Baytowne

Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County Celebrates Anchors Away Artistic Anchor Preview

Little Black Dress Night at Marina Cafe

Friday, September 19 - Sunday, September 20

JudeFrances Jewelry Fall Preview Event

Friday, September 19 - Sunday, September 21

Destin's Battle for the Buckle Benefiting Westonwood Ranch

Friday, September 19

City of Destin K-5 Volleyball Program

The Village of Baytowne Wharf's International Talk Like a Pirate Day

96th Force Support Squadron & Eglin AFB Exchange Presents Beer, Bourbon & BBQ

Karaoke at American Legion Post 296

Northwest Florida Ballet Presents Emerging Choreographers' Project Blackbox

Saturday, September 20 - Monday, September 22

Football Game Day Specials at The Island Resort

Saturday, September 20

City of Destin K-5 Volleyball Program

Baytowne Wharf Farmers Market

Grand Boulevard’s Farmers’ Market

3rd Annual Sandy Bags Cornhole Tournament

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

Burgers, Bourbon & Beer Festival 2025

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar Sips of Summer

Northwest Florida Ballet Presents Emerging Choreographers' Project Blackbox

Sunday, September 21

Sunday Breakfast at American Legion Post 296

Destin Community Farmers Market

Emerald Coast Hospice Care Presents Caring & Sharing of South Walton's Annual Fall Fashion Show

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.