February 2022 Newsletter
Patricia Lee
From The Publisher:
February is the coldest month of the year but our hearts can be warmed when Valentine's Day rolls around. However, for me Valentine's Day means something entirely different. On February 14th 2005, I had a mastectomy for breast cancer. During that surgery, it was discovered that the cancer had broken through the lymph node cells and was running through my bloodstream. I was told it wasn't a matter of if but when and where the cancer would return. I was told I may have a couple of more years to live; yet here I am 17 years later writing to you. I did get a miracle and well remember the night it happened and it's not the first one I have ever received. I also survived Neuroblastoma, as a child (cancer around my kidney and throughout my bone marrow) and a uterine cancerous tumor, in my thirties. I have been healthy now for 17 years but I do have 3 very special stories and invite you to read about them on the About Us page of the Destinites website at www.Destinites.com. I hope the stories will serve to give you encouragement and hope and know that miracles do happen. February may be cold and dreary but it's a month that always reminds me of my many special blessings and that warms me right up!
The story of my last miracle experience is told in this book by ABC Birmingham, AL affiliate, head news anchor, Brenda LaDun who is a breast cancer survivor, herself.. It is at the beginning of chapter 3. You may find her wonderful, encouraging and helpful book on Amazon. It also comes with a DVD. Check it out! https://www.amazon.com/Behind-Scenes-Breast-Cancer-Recovery/dp/1596690917
February is the coldest month of the year but our hearts can be warmed when Valentine's Day rolls around. However, for me Valentine's Day means something entirely different. On February 14th 2005, I had a mastectomy for breast cancer. During that surgery, it was discovered that the cancer had broken through the lymph node cells and was running through my bloodstream. I was told it wasn't a matter of if but when and where the cancer would return. I was told I may have a couple of more years to live; yet here I am 17 years later writing to you. I did get a miracle and well remember the night it happened and it's not the first one I have ever received. I also survived Neuroblastoma, as a child (cancer around my kidney and throughout my bone marrow) and a uterine cancerous tumor, in my thirties. I have been healthy now for 17 years but I do have 3 very special stories and invite you to read about them on the About Us page of the Destinites website at www.Destinites.com. I hope the stories will serve to give you encouragement and hope and know that miracles do happen. February may be cold and dreary but it's a month that always reminds me of my many special blessings and that warms me right up!
The story of my last miracle experience is told in this book by ABC Birmingham, AL affiliate, head news anchor, Brenda LaDun who is a breast cancer survivor, herself.. It is at the beginning of chapter 3. You may find her wonderful, encouraging and helpful book on Amazon. It also comes with a DVD. Check it out! https://www.amazon.com/Behind-Scenes-Breast-Cancer-Recovery/dp/1596690917
*** If you are interested in being a sponsor or article contributor, contact Patricia Lee: [email protected]
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Lori Leath Smith
The Food Hall Phenomenon Brings Its Flavor to Destin: By Lori Leath Smith, Publisher - Life Media, Inc. community newspapers.
A foodie’s paradise, the food hall phenomenon is a trend no longer; it’s a staple in larger cities such as New York, Philadelphia, Denver, Atlanta and Miami. Appreciating them for their variety of affordable options, developers have come to know Food Halls as their anchor—an attractive option for offering a sense of place to an area, not only because of the food component, but sustainable because of the beverages, entertainment, special events, corporate or group events and the experience. When you add in Top Golf, football, hockey and a variety of other simulated sports, along with spacious seating areas and a venue area for events, you’re likely to have the patrons eating out of your hands!
Now, our own little paradise will be joining the fun! Destin Commons will be launching Destin’s first food hall soon—City Food Hall. It will offer a culinary and entertainment gathering place for locals and visitors, as well as a unique opportunity for our area’s up-and-coming and veteran chefs.
I caught up with City Food Hall founders Peter Rounce and Kenzie Motai to help shed some light on what we’re in store for and what drew them to Destin!
Kenzie says he initially didn’t understand how beautiful and how popular our lucky little fishing village is, but when they visited, they fell in love with the area. “We did a lot of market research and that’s one of the reasons why we’re happy to be in Destin; it’s probably the #1 family destination and we’re a one-stop shop for each family member’s palette. And Destin Commons provides an ideal environment for us to capture both visitor and local traffic. We are proud to be part of such a quality destination.”
So, this spring you might find yourself surrounded by more than 10 specialty restaurant concepts, (no dining options repeat) offering food and drinks from around the globe, an expansive indoor/outdoor bar, and two state-of-the-art Top Golf full swing simulators with a variety of multi-sport games, several HDTVs and comfortable lounge seating.
“City Food Hall will be Destin’s newest go-to gathering place,” says Kenzie. “After the challenges of 2020 and 2021, we wanted to create a community destination where friends and family can spend time together sharing great food and drinks with a side of entertainment. Our plan is to have entertainment every single night, with live music every weekend,” he says.
But Kenzie and Peter feel the real draw will be the connections people make. “This food hall concept in and of itself is a great family night, but also a great date place,” says Peter. “The food hall environment is for everyone passionate about food and connecting. Further, people are drawn to the brand Top Golf. “Though it’s a really fun activity, the food and drinks at that venue are also very good, thereby drawing folks in and allowing them to connect,” says Kenzie.
“It will be possible to rent out the entire food hall space, which can become very interactive with a food passport, for example. We can get very creative with those types of events.”
Kenzie says the food hall concept enables his team to “bring new culinary talent to the Destin table,” and they have begun discussions with area chefs specializing in Mexican, Japanese, Mediterranean and other cuisines. Peter explains how the vendors will be chosen. “We always try to stay as local as possible. The popular ones are doing something that speaks to the local community. Then once we bring in that type of cuisine, we won’t duplicate it.” For some vendors, it might be their first concept and they’re able to initiate it in a non-threatening environment, they explain. “The menus presented will always be specific to them and in no conflict with any other restaurant or eatery,” says Peter.
“There’s definitely some regular, normal food items we always seek out for the food hall, but we also seek out the area’s specific tastes and desires for the people in the area,” Kenzie says. “What are people doing in the area? We explore those possibilities. Culture fit? Good food? Do they work well with everyone else?”
City Food Hall at Destin Commons will be located in a 14,000 square-foot space next to Foot Locker. The food hall itself is a turnkey space and 4800 sq. ft. of cooking space within. Vendors will be assigned their own prep area, somewhat like a commissary kitchen. “It’s a shared environment with 10 food stalls. Half are hot stalls (hooded) and half are cold stalls (not hooded) with point of sale units there for each,” says Peter. “All they need is their own staff and their own food. We have the permits.”
Peter says technology is one of the new things. “You can order from different vendors, even order directly from your table, but only have to pay with one check or credit card; it will all be centralized. You’ll also be able to order from your phone via the City Food Hall website and execute all transactions digitally.”
“We take pride in the vendors and caliber of chefs we’re pulling in,” says Peter. “The vendors can perfect their business concept and it’s touching for us, because we are able to play a part in it and it’s a sense of pride,” says Peter. “We’ll have a really wonderful bar program there, too. We want to showcase the food on a beautiful plate in an upscale, casual setting. Your experience can be long or short time-wise.”
City Food Hall is planning to hire roughly 30-40 employees and vendors will hire their own.
For more information or employment opportunities, visit cityfoodhall.com or email [email protected].
A foodie’s paradise, the food hall phenomenon is a trend no longer; it’s a staple in larger cities such as New York, Philadelphia, Denver, Atlanta and Miami. Appreciating them for their variety of affordable options, developers have come to know Food Halls as their anchor—an attractive option for offering a sense of place to an area, not only because of the food component, but sustainable because of the beverages, entertainment, special events, corporate or group events and the experience. When you add in Top Golf, football, hockey and a variety of other simulated sports, along with spacious seating areas and a venue area for events, you’re likely to have the patrons eating out of your hands!
Now, our own little paradise will be joining the fun! Destin Commons will be launching Destin’s first food hall soon—City Food Hall. It will offer a culinary and entertainment gathering place for locals and visitors, as well as a unique opportunity for our area’s up-and-coming and veteran chefs.
I caught up with City Food Hall founders Peter Rounce and Kenzie Motai to help shed some light on what we’re in store for and what drew them to Destin!
Kenzie says he initially didn’t understand how beautiful and how popular our lucky little fishing village is, but when they visited, they fell in love with the area. “We did a lot of market research and that’s one of the reasons why we’re happy to be in Destin; it’s probably the #1 family destination and we’re a one-stop shop for each family member’s palette. And Destin Commons provides an ideal environment for us to capture both visitor and local traffic. We are proud to be part of such a quality destination.”
So, this spring you might find yourself surrounded by more than 10 specialty restaurant concepts, (no dining options repeat) offering food and drinks from around the globe, an expansive indoor/outdoor bar, and two state-of-the-art Top Golf full swing simulators with a variety of multi-sport games, several HDTVs and comfortable lounge seating.
“City Food Hall will be Destin’s newest go-to gathering place,” says Kenzie. “After the challenges of 2020 and 2021, we wanted to create a community destination where friends and family can spend time together sharing great food and drinks with a side of entertainment. Our plan is to have entertainment every single night, with live music every weekend,” he says.
But Kenzie and Peter feel the real draw will be the connections people make. “This food hall concept in and of itself is a great family night, but also a great date place,” says Peter. “The food hall environment is for everyone passionate about food and connecting. Further, people are drawn to the brand Top Golf. “Though it’s a really fun activity, the food and drinks at that venue are also very good, thereby drawing folks in and allowing them to connect,” says Kenzie.
“It will be possible to rent out the entire food hall space, which can become very interactive with a food passport, for example. We can get very creative with those types of events.”
Kenzie says the food hall concept enables his team to “bring new culinary talent to the Destin table,” and they have begun discussions with area chefs specializing in Mexican, Japanese, Mediterranean and other cuisines. Peter explains how the vendors will be chosen. “We always try to stay as local as possible. The popular ones are doing something that speaks to the local community. Then once we bring in that type of cuisine, we won’t duplicate it.” For some vendors, it might be their first concept and they’re able to initiate it in a non-threatening environment, they explain. “The menus presented will always be specific to them and in no conflict with any other restaurant or eatery,” says Peter.
“There’s definitely some regular, normal food items we always seek out for the food hall, but we also seek out the area’s specific tastes and desires for the people in the area,” Kenzie says. “What are people doing in the area? We explore those possibilities. Culture fit? Good food? Do they work well with everyone else?”
City Food Hall at Destin Commons will be located in a 14,000 square-foot space next to Foot Locker. The food hall itself is a turnkey space and 4800 sq. ft. of cooking space within. Vendors will be assigned their own prep area, somewhat like a commissary kitchen. “It’s a shared environment with 10 food stalls. Half are hot stalls (hooded) and half are cold stalls (not hooded) with point of sale units there for each,” says Peter. “All they need is their own staff and their own food. We have the permits.”
Peter says technology is one of the new things. “You can order from different vendors, even order directly from your table, but only have to pay with one check or credit card; it will all be centralized. You’ll also be able to order from your phone via the City Food Hall website and execute all transactions digitally.”
“We take pride in the vendors and caliber of chefs we’re pulling in,” says Peter. “The vendors can perfect their business concept and it’s touching for us, because we are able to play a part in it and it’s a sense of pride,” says Peter. “We’ll have a really wonderful bar program there, too. We want to showcase the food on a beautiful plate in an upscale, casual setting. Your experience can be long or short time-wise.”
City Food Hall is planning to hire roughly 30-40 employees and vendors will hire their own.
For more information or employment opportunities, visit cityfoodhall.com or email [email protected].
Click this picture to find 63 great winter seafood recipes!
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Somebody's mad Granny!
The Soapbox: By Patricia Lee
How about those new power bills? We all knew a rate increase was coming since the take over of Gulf Power but I don't think many were expecting their bills to be double or triple. We have been told a lower rate adjustment will take place in 3 or 4 years but what are residents supposed to do in the meantime who are on fixed incomes? And, what about residents who pay rent and just experienced a major increase due to the barrage of visitors who came here during the Pandemic buying up property causing price increases and bidding wars? Higher rent and double power bills are both taking place for many people. Just where are these residents supposed to get the extra money? Many of these people are already working 2 jobs, so are they now suppose to get a third? Florida is the number one state for retirees, so we have more elderly residents here than any other state. Therefore, we now all have to make a point of checking on these folks more often than usual to make sure they are not sitting in the cold because they can't afford to turn on the heat or eating cat food because now their grocery money is gone or majorly dented. You can't just close your eyes and pretend this is all going to magically work out without any side affects.
Local economy will suffer. You can count on folks cutting back from shopping and eating out because that extra 1, 2, 3 or 400 they used to have is now going to the power company. I may not have all the answers but I am smart enough to know that something has to be done or a lot of people will be crossing the state line to live in one of our neighboring states. I have already begun to hear that discussion among locals. Nobody wants to leave but many may not have a choice. Quality of life matters. It's not acceptable to kill yourself over 2 or 3 jobs and still not have anything left over at the end of the month. Now, if you will excuse me, I am headed to the backyard to check the progress of that money tree I planted. Good luck with yours!
Remember to turn off those lights when you leave a room and keep things unplugged that are not being used. Take shorter showers and wash clothes in cold water. These things do help a little.
From Wear TV. Petition Information: https://weartv.com/news/local/northwest-florida-citizens-create-petition-regarding-power-bill-increases
How about those new power bills? We all knew a rate increase was coming since the take over of Gulf Power but I don't think many were expecting their bills to be double or triple. We have been told a lower rate adjustment will take place in 3 or 4 years but what are residents supposed to do in the meantime who are on fixed incomes? And, what about residents who pay rent and just experienced a major increase due to the barrage of visitors who came here during the Pandemic buying up property causing price increases and bidding wars? Higher rent and double power bills are both taking place for many people. Just where are these residents supposed to get the extra money? Many of these people are already working 2 jobs, so are they now suppose to get a third? Florida is the number one state for retirees, so we have more elderly residents here than any other state. Therefore, we now all have to make a point of checking on these folks more often than usual to make sure they are not sitting in the cold because they can't afford to turn on the heat or eating cat food because now their grocery money is gone or majorly dented. You can't just close your eyes and pretend this is all going to magically work out without any side affects.
Local economy will suffer. You can count on folks cutting back from shopping and eating out because that extra 1, 2, 3 or 400 they used to have is now going to the power company. I may not have all the answers but I am smart enough to know that something has to be done or a lot of people will be crossing the state line to live in one of our neighboring states. I have already begun to hear that discussion among locals. Nobody wants to leave but many may not have a choice. Quality of life matters. It's not acceptable to kill yourself over 2 or 3 jobs and still not have anything left over at the end of the month. Now, if you will excuse me, I am headed to the backyard to check the progress of that money tree I planted. Good luck with yours!
Remember to turn off those lights when you leave a room and keep things unplugged that are not being used. Take shorter showers and wash clothes in cold water. These things do help a little.
From Wear TV. Petition Information: https://weartv.com/news/local/northwest-florida-citizens-create-petition-regarding-power-bill-increases
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Home Maintenance Tip of the Month! By Paul McArthur - Owner: Agape Home Pros
GRAB BARS!
Did you know that, according to the CDC, millions of older people—those 65 and older—fall. In fact, more than one out of four older people falls each year, but less than half tell their doctor. AND… Falling once doubles your chances of falling again.
Falls account for the majority of accidents in people aged 65 and older. These falls can lead to serious injuries and even accidental deaths. Even seniors who appear to be physically strong and healthy can still have a fall. This threat of falling can affect your independence as you may be forced to live with a caregiver. Look up the stats! They are scary!
However, falling in the bathroom is not just a matter of slipping in the bathtub or shower. Simple actions like sitting down, using, or rising from the toilet comprise the third most likely cause of bathroom injuries among seniors. This is followed by getting out of the bathtub or shower.
PROTECT YOURSELF WITH JUST A FEW SIMPLE TIPS AND AFFORDABLE CHANGES TO YOUR HOME!
Get rid of your throw rugs! They are trip magnets.
Put in some non-slip strips in your tub or shower to give yourself the extra grip you need to prevent falls.
Make sure to keep your tub or shower is clean to counteract slippery soap residue or mold.
Keep your bathroom floor dry.
Make sure your bathroom is well lit.
Consider purchasing a toilet seat extender or a toilet with a higher seat.
Get a bath or shower seat.
Install a handheld shower head which will help you minimize movements in the shower.
Never rush. Life is short. Take your time and enjoy your shower.
MOST IMPORTANTLY, INSTALL GRAB BARS OR RAILS!
If this hits home, please do yourself a favor and call your local handyman or contractor to get some help. Grab bars, at a minimum, could save you from serious injury! And they are not expensive – certainly not compared to an ER visit or hospital stay! Stay safe. Keep your home healthy and safe. and be well!
GRAB BARS!
Did you know that, according to the CDC, millions of older people—those 65 and older—fall. In fact, more than one out of four older people falls each year, but less than half tell their doctor. AND… Falling once doubles your chances of falling again.
Falls account for the majority of accidents in people aged 65 and older. These falls can lead to serious injuries and even accidental deaths. Even seniors who appear to be physically strong and healthy can still have a fall. This threat of falling can affect your independence as you may be forced to live with a caregiver. Look up the stats! They are scary!
However, falling in the bathroom is not just a matter of slipping in the bathtub or shower. Simple actions like sitting down, using, or rising from the toilet comprise the third most likely cause of bathroom injuries among seniors. This is followed by getting out of the bathtub or shower.
PROTECT YOURSELF WITH JUST A FEW SIMPLE TIPS AND AFFORDABLE CHANGES TO YOUR HOME!
Get rid of your throw rugs! They are trip magnets.
Put in some non-slip strips in your tub or shower to give yourself the extra grip you need to prevent falls.
Make sure to keep your tub or shower is clean to counteract slippery soap residue or mold.
Keep your bathroom floor dry.
Make sure your bathroom is well lit.
Consider purchasing a toilet seat extender or a toilet with a higher seat.
Get a bath or shower seat.
Install a handheld shower head which will help you minimize movements in the shower.
Never rush. Life is short. Take your time and enjoy your shower.
MOST IMPORTANTLY, INSTALL GRAB BARS OR RAILS!
If this hits home, please do yourself a favor and call your local handyman or contractor to get some help. Grab bars, at a minimum, could save you from serious injury! And they are not expensive – certainly not compared to an ER visit or hospital stay! Stay safe. Keep your home healthy and safe. and be well!
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Wendi Townsend
Volunteering: By Wendi Townsend - Agent, Sand Dunes Real Estate
I love it here so much, people have started calling me the beach clean up Realtor! And I don’t mind. It’s almost a daily morning routine getting out there, seeing the marine life, picking up trash treasures, meeting new friends along the way that see what I’m doing for our community and of course FREE exercise! I especially love the friends I’ve gained doing group clean ups, turtle nest watches and recently scuba certified to join the other scuba divers helping to clean up our waters. We just finished 2.88 miles of dune fence restoration on Okaloosa island and April will bring a sea oats project if you’re interested in helping out. It feels AMAZING and the like minded friends you will meet makes our community a better place #leavenotrace #ddpp #sellingthesunshine
I love it here so much, people have started calling me the beach clean up Realtor! And I don’t mind. It’s almost a daily morning routine getting out there, seeing the marine life, picking up trash treasures, meeting new friends along the way that see what I’m doing for our community and of course FREE exercise! I especially love the friends I’ve gained doing group clean ups, turtle nest watches and recently scuba certified to join the other scuba divers helping to clean up our waters. We just finished 2.88 miles of dune fence restoration on Okaloosa island and April will bring a sea oats project if you’re interested in helping out. It feels AMAZING and the like minded friends you will meet makes our community a better place #leavenotrace #ddpp #sellingthesunshine
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Mercedes Feris
Pet Hair Removal: By Mercedes Feris - Owner: Happy Planet Cleaners
For all you pet lovers, here's a tidbit of good info on how to remove pet hair from your sofa. A great vacuum is important, but if you don't want to be constantly vacuuming try instead, my favorite cleaning tool for pet hair is a squeegee. Yep, you heard me. It's not just for showers anymore but you should still keep one in there to help with hard water build on glass doors.
For upholstered surfaces like couches and carpets, take a squeegee and go over each section in short strokes. You'll be blown away by how much pet hair was hiding in your carpet.
#KeeptheEmeraldCoastGreen
For all you pet lovers, here's a tidbit of good info on how to remove pet hair from your sofa. A great vacuum is important, but if you don't want to be constantly vacuuming try instead, my favorite cleaning tool for pet hair is a squeegee. Yep, you heard me. It's not just for showers anymore but you should still keep one in there to help with hard water build on glass doors.
For upholstered surfaces like couches and carpets, take a squeegee and go over each section in short strokes. You'll be blown away by how much pet hair was hiding in your carpet.
#KeeptheEmeraldCoastGreen
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Christian Corner: by Patricia Lee
Philippians 4:6
"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs and don't forget to thank him for his answers." - We should thank God for His answers before He gives them and we should ask Him to help us to accept whatever answer He decides to give. We shouldn't just be happy and rejoice when we get the answers we want. If we have real faith, then that means accepting God's decisions no matter what the outcome. It means having faith that He can see into the future and know what is best for us and for His greater good.
Philippians 4:6
"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs and don't forget to thank him for his answers." - We should thank God for His answers before He gives them and we should ask Him to help us to accept whatever answer He decides to give. We shouldn't just be happy and rejoice when we get the answers we want. If we have real faith, then that means accepting God's decisions no matter what the outcome. It means having faith that He can see into the future and know what is best for us and for His greater good.
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