January 2025 Newsletter

A Note From The Publisher
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I hope everyone enjoyed this past holiday season. Now that decorations are down and everything is back in order, I have a suggestion. Start this new year off by focusing on yourself and specifically your health and well being. Get a wellness check up. Yeah, I see you rolling your eyes but listen up. You would be surprised at what can be found when you have no idea anything was wrong. It's a pain and none of us want to take time to do it but it can save your life. Are you over 50 and tired? Are you thinking it is all to do with old age? Well, maybe not. Catching cancer or anything else early is key to your very survival. Procrastinating, being lazy or just plain stubborn and choosing to ignore signs you "think" mean nothing can cost you your life. And, guess what? That doesn't just affect YOU. It affects everyone in your life who loves you and/or needs you. Get up off that sofa and make that wellness check up appointment! Now! Time is not your friend.
And, another thing, taking care of yourself also includes getting rid of all that is toxic in your life and that includes people. The first step is the hardest but once it's done, you will feel like the weight of the world is off your shoulders. You will be proud of yourself and feel more empowered than ever. You need to love and care about yourself enough to know you deserve a good life with good people in it. Make it happen!
Personal Message From Patricia:
If you are a resident of the Destin or close surrounding area, I invite you to join our private locals Destinites Facebook group at www.Facebook.com/Destinites with 11,100+ members.
If you live in Destin proper, you receive a freely distributed Destin Life newspaper. Please look for my article every month titled "Ask Destinites."
Palms 144: 1 & 2: From The Living Bible 1972 version
"Bless The Lord who is my immovable Rock. He gives me strength and skill in battle. He is always kind and loving to me; He is my fortress, my tower of strength and safety, my deliverer. He stands before me as a shield. "
Patricia Lee, Owner: www.Destinites.com Est. 2018 Destinites, Inc. (TM)
Original Newsletter created: December 2021
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I hope everyone enjoyed this past holiday season. Now that decorations are down and everything is back in order, I have a suggestion. Start this new year off by focusing on yourself and specifically your health and well being. Get a wellness check up. Yeah, I see you rolling your eyes but listen up. You would be surprised at what can be found when you have no idea anything was wrong. It's a pain and none of us want to take time to do it but it can save your life. Are you over 50 and tired? Are you thinking it is all to do with old age? Well, maybe not. Catching cancer or anything else early is key to your very survival. Procrastinating, being lazy or just plain stubborn and choosing to ignore signs you "think" mean nothing can cost you your life. And, guess what? That doesn't just affect YOU. It affects everyone in your life who loves you and/or needs you. Get up off that sofa and make that wellness check up appointment! Now! Time is not your friend.
And, another thing, taking care of yourself also includes getting rid of all that is toxic in your life and that includes people. The first step is the hardest but once it's done, you will feel like the weight of the world is off your shoulders. You will be proud of yourself and feel more empowered than ever. You need to love and care about yourself enough to know you deserve a good life with good people in it. Make it happen!
Personal Message From Patricia:
If you are a resident of the Destin or close surrounding area, I invite you to join our private locals Destinites Facebook group at www.Facebook.com/Destinites with 11,100+ members.
If you live in Destin proper, you receive a freely distributed Destin Life newspaper. Please look for my article every month titled "Ask Destinites."
Palms 144: 1 & 2: From The Living Bible 1972 version
"Bless The Lord who is my immovable Rock. He gives me strength and skill in battle. He is always kind and loving to me; He is my fortress, my tower of strength and safety, my deliverer. He stands before me as a shield. "
Patricia Lee, Owner: www.Destinites.com Est. 2018 Destinites, Inc. (TM)
Original Newsletter created: December 2021
If you are interested in being a sponsor or article contributor, contact Patricia: [email protected]

Travel & Day Trips Around Florida
There is a website you might enjoy called, Florida Back Roads Travel. Here is a link to one of their pages where you can find day trips by theme; for example: amusment parks. Check it out! https://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/florida-day-trips-by-theme.html
There is a website you might enjoy called, Florida Back Roads Travel. Here is a link to one of their pages where you can find day trips by theme; for example: amusment parks. Check it out! https://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/florida-day-trips-by-theme.html

Jerry Williams: The American Dream & the Very Human Experience
Submitted by Lori Leath Smith, Publisher - Life Media, Inc. Destin Life community newspaper
Written By: Kelly Murphy-Redd
Jerry Williams retired as the highly respected and successful President/CEO of Eglin Federal Credit Union (EFCU) and moved back into his newly remodeled home four weeks prior to this interview. He and his wife, Jean, feel like they have a new home. It even has that “new house smell.” They love their Poquito Bayou neighborhood, knowing their neighbors, and walking their rescue dogs. Jerry and Jean have been married 21 years.
Jerry was born in Crestview. His dad was a farm boy from Baker and his mother a city girl from Bloomington, Ind. Jerry’s Army vet dad and his mother met in Indiana. They married and moved to Baker. It turned out “Green Acres” was not the place to be, for her, and they moved to Fort Walton Beach when Jerry was age six.
After attending local elementary and high schools, he attended OWJC and UWF, earning a degree in mathematics. His dad was an air conditioning mechanic on Eglin AFB and Jerry credits learning his blue-collar work ethic and trouble-shooting skills from him. He credits his people skills to his mother. A real mix of the two people.
After he graduated high school, his mom and dad took a contract labor job to clean the EFCU building on Eglin AFB at night. While attending OWJC, Jerry cleaned the Hurlburt location at night to pay for school.
He went on to be engineer support for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in West Palm Beach. In Jerry’s words, he was a geek who applied mathematical formulas to the engineer’s work. He was then offered a job at a small defense contractor developing the AMRAAM missile seeker at Eglin, AFB.
Bill Webster, president of a small company in Fort Walton Beach, lured Jerry away from the defense industry. They moved to Memphis where Bill started a company developing software for credit unions. EFCU was their largest client. Bill eventually sold his company and moved back to Fort Walton Beach. While Jerry was in Memphis, Jim Appleton, president of EFCU, called and offered him the position of Vice President of Data Processing. He moved back to Fort Walton Beach in 1994.
He held various IT positions over 20 years. During this time, he met his wife Jean who was Bill Webster’s sister. She was working at Bank of America.
Thinking about the future and the idea he may be considered for president one day, he decided it was time to “quit being a nerd” and get out of the computer room. Jerry joined co-worker Sherry Harlow at FWB Chamber events. He talks glowingly about chairing the Military Affairs Committee, being an Honorary Commander at Hurlburt Field, and being an Eglin 33rd Fighter Wing Civic leader. These associations gave him deep appreciation and knowledge about military bases in our community and opened many doors.
In 2014, he was made president of EFCU. He was invited to numerous events and felt he was invited because of the person he was, not the position he held. He retired after 30 years of service to EFCU. Jerry knows there will be less invitations coming his way. Still passionate about being involved in the community, he told his co-worker Neko Stubblefield, he still makes a great “+1.”
When asked how he created the enthusiastic culture at EFCU, as demonstrated by the large turnout of employees at events and their contagious excitement, Jerry says the more involved he was, the more involved his employees were. Leading by example, he told the team he would “be at the front of the band leading the charge.” He also worked to make sure there were resources to support community involvement. EFCU eventually joined at the highest membership levels at all chambers with his board’s support.
He and Jean enjoyed traveling to conferences and being involved in the community. They discovered they enjoyed bike riding together. They recently completed a six-day, 171-mile ride along the shores of Lake Michigan.
Retirement holds challenges for Jerry and Jean. He has been diagnosed with Genetic Ataxia, a general term for diminished motor skills. There are 75-100 variations, but it basically means a faulty protein is causing the cerebellum to die. He has Spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6). The blessing about this variation is, it is late onset and slow progression.
The symptoms start with awkwardness and progress to fumbling and falling. Walking on uneven terrain or stairs is very difficult. His progression will involve using a cane, a walker and then a wheel chair. Talking and eating will be affected. He and Jean have remodeled their home to be accessible, no matter what happens.
Jerry wasn’t born with a quitter gene. If he falls down, he gets up. He will minimize the effect and maximize what he can do. In the past, he’s been scuba diving and sky diving. At 57 he competed in an Ironman triathlon. He can’t run now, but can still bike and swim. He uses a recumbent mountain bike and magnetic shoes and pedals. There is a Multiple Sclerosis medication that is showing some promise and there will be decisions about whether he should try it or worry about side effects. He’s not done yet and is inspired by wounded warrior friends facing greater challenges than he faces.
Jerry says he will keep moving forward and keep giving back. It is what it is, and it will become what it will become. He doesn’t want sympathy, but instead seeks awareness and understanding. He’s not ignoring his diagnosis, but charging ahead. He considers himself blessed.
Submitted by Lori Leath Smith, Publisher - Life Media, Inc. Destin Life community newspaper
Written By: Kelly Murphy-Redd
Jerry Williams retired as the highly respected and successful President/CEO of Eglin Federal Credit Union (EFCU) and moved back into his newly remodeled home four weeks prior to this interview. He and his wife, Jean, feel like they have a new home. It even has that “new house smell.” They love their Poquito Bayou neighborhood, knowing their neighbors, and walking their rescue dogs. Jerry and Jean have been married 21 years.
Jerry was born in Crestview. His dad was a farm boy from Baker and his mother a city girl from Bloomington, Ind. Jerry’s Army vet dad and his mother met in Indiana. They married and moved to Baker. It turned out “Green Acres” was not the place to be, for her, and they moved to Fort Walton Beach when Jerry was age six.
After attending local elementary and high schools, he attended OWJC and UWF, earning a degree in mathematics. His dad was an air conditioning mechanic on Eglin AFB and Jerry credits learning his blue-collar work ethic and trouble-shooting skills from him. He credits his people skills to his mother. A real mix of the two people.
After he graduated high school, his mom and dad took a contract labor job to clean the EFCU building on Eglin AFB at night. While attending OWJC, Jerry cleaned the Hurlburt location at night to pay for school.
He went on to be engineer support for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in West Palm Beach. In Jerry’s words, he was a geek who applied mathematical formulas to the engineer’s work. He was then offered a job at a small defense contractor developing the AMRAAM missile seeker at Eglin, AFB.
Bill Webster, president of a small company in Fort Walton Beach, lured Jerry away from the defense industry. They moved to Memphis where Bill started a company developing software for credit unions. EFCU was their largest client. Bill eventually sold his company and moved back to Fort Walton Beach. While Jerry was in Memphis, Jim Appleton, president of EFCU, called and offered him the position of Vice President of Data Processing. He moved back to Fort Walton Beach in 1994.
He held various IT positions over 20 years. During this time, he met his wife Jean who was Bill Webster’s sister. She was working at Bank of America.
Thinking about the future and the idea he may be considered for president one day, he decided it was time to “quit being a nerd” and get out of the computer room. Jerry joined co-worker Sherry Harlow at FWB Chamber events. He talks glowingly about chairing the Military Affairs Committee, being an Honorary Commander at Hurlburt Field, and being an Eglin 33rd Fighter Wing Civic leader. These associations gave him deep appreciation and knowledge about military bases in our community and opened many doors.
In 2014, he was made president of EFCU. He was invited to numerous events and felt he was invited because of the person he was, not the position he held. He retired after 30 years of service to EFCU. Jerry knows there will be less invitations coming his way. Still passionate about being involved in the community, he told his co-worker Neko Stubblefield, he still makes a great “+1.”
When asked how he created the enthusiastic culture at EFCU, as demonstrated by the large turnout of employees at events and their contagious excitement, Jerry says the more involved he was, the more involved his employees were. Leading by example, he told the team he would “be at the front of the band leading the charge.” He also worked to make sure there were resources to support community involvement. EFCU eventually joined at the highest membership levels at all chambers with his board’s support.
He and Jean enjoyed traveling to conferences and being involved in the community. They discovered they enjoyed bike riding together. They recently completed a six-day, 171-mile ride along the shores of Lake Michigan.
Retirement holds challenges for Jerry and Jean. He has been diagnosed with Genetic Ataxia, a general term for diminished motor skills. There are 75-100 variations, but it basically means a faulty protein is causing the cerebellum to die. He has Spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6). The blessing about this variation is, it is late onset and slow progression.
The symptoms start with awkwardness and progress to fumbling and falling. Walking on uneven terrain or stairs is very difficult. His progression will involve using a cane, a walker and then a wheel chair. Talking and eating will be affected. He and Jean have remodeled their home to be accessible, no matter what happens.
Jerry wasn’t born with a quitter gene. If he falls down, he gets up. He will minimize the effect and maximize what he can do. In the past, he’s been scuba diving and sky diving. At 57 he competed in an Ironman triathlon. He can’t run now, but can still bike and swim. He uses a recumbent mountain bike and magnetic shoes and pedals. There is a Multiple Sclerosis medication that is showing some promise and there will be decisions about whether he should try it or worry about side effects. He’s not done yet and is inspired by wounded warrior friends facing greater challenges than he faces.
Jerry says he will keep moving forward and keep giving back. It is what it is, and it will become what it will become. He doesn’t want sympathy, but instead seeks awareness and understanding. He’s not ignoring his diagnosis, but charging ahead. He considers himself blessed.

Safe Connections Curbs Domestic Violence:
By Kenneth Brooks - Life Media, Inc. contributor
Divorce can be vicious. Sometimes marriage can, too. Until 1997, there were few local places families could turn to in order to exorcise the hatred, violence and mistrust that are often the aftermaths of a failed marriage.
But since 1997, an organization has existed to serve children and families dealing with domestic violence and other, related, issues.
Safe Connections, with offices in Okaloosa and Walton counties, “specializes in supervised visitation and court-ordered custody exchanges,” according to executive director Carole Antoon. “Our staff is very well trained and training is quite extensive. Our manual on sex abuse is almost 200 pages. The supervised visitation training manual is about 400 pages.” In addition, there is roughly 24 hours of further training annually.
Helping that goal is the passage of Florida House Bill 385, “The Safe Exchange of Minors” law, which came into effect in July and which allows families experiencing domestic violence to use Safe Connections for their court-ordered custody exchanges. When there is a domestic violence injunction, the court can order monitored exchanges, or supervised visitation, to take place at Safe Connections’ facility. “This ensures that parents do not have any contact during the exchange, and the process is documented and conducted smoothly,” Antoon said.
One of the founders, Sharon Rogers, who recently retired as executive director, said the organization’s birth was a joint venture between volunteers and Shalimar United Methodist Church. “It was brought to the church that we needed a safe place for kids,” Rogers said. “The church formed a committee, which offered the old church building for the organization.
“We had no money, but we had space and interested people,” Rogers, who was serving as a Guardian ad Litem, providing a legal advocate for the child in difficult circumstances, at the time, said.
“Everything was free,” Rogers said. “We had donated furniture, toys. We used a model that had been started in Jacksonville and just went from there. Eventually, we got some money and decided we should hire somebody. I applied. It was just a very small amount, just a part-time job.”
Donated space was the early prerequisite for Safe Connections. “The only way we could have done it was with that donated space,” she said. It allowed us to expand into other areas, such as Walton County, in 2001.
Then, in 2012, Safe Connections got a substantial grant from Impact 100, its first. “We bought a building in Crestview and we’ve been there since,” Rogers said.
Recently, the organization bought a building on Beal Parkway, just past Hollywood, for $86,000. “It needs a ton of work,” Rogers said. “We have to put in the safety parameters, flooring and bathrooms need to be done and it needs an entirely new air conditioning system.”
“We’re in the process of getting handicapped accessible ADA compliance bathrooms done,” Antoon said. “We need money for a security system. We do have parents who get really angry and threaten us. Those systems cost a lot but we’re trying to get to the point where we’re self-sustainable.
“We want this to be a place where parents and children can rebuild those bonds from prior to whatever family event happened.”
“Child sex abuse, neglect, domestic violence – We have parents who have tried to kidnap their kids,” Antoon said. “We have so many different categories. It’s so hard to understand others’ experiences so we try to put ourselves in their situations.”
Safe Connections had a “giant field grant that carried us for years,” she said. “We were competing with major entities (for grants).” But that grant expired. “We’re in a major funding crisis right now,” she said.
Those wanting to help can do so on the Safe Connections Website, safe-connections.org/donate.
A fundraiser, “Cruisin’ Into Christmas,” hosted by Emerald Coast Harley Davidson, is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 5, 6:30 to 9 p.m., with a catered dinner, adult beverages, live entertainment and live and silent auctions. Tables of eight are available. For more information, go to safe-connections.org.
Some of Safe Connections’ encounters are less than cordial. For example, said Antoon, “We had military father. We could tell from a domestic violence injunction that he had lot of anger and he was horrible to our staff. Finally, we let him know his actions were unacceptable.
“He came in one day after that and apologized to the staff. He’s now a much more engaged parent. He asked questions like ‘What should I do here?’ We got his daughter to write him a letter and tell him what her concerns were. He got angry and said he was never coming back. We asked him, ‘What if this was you talking to your father and you just wanted him to know what was going on and how you felt?’ We talked to him about canceling his visits. Every so often we get a text that things are going good. He got his children back. He’s been doing unsupervised visitation for about a year now.”
By Kenneth Brooks - Life Media, Inc. contributor
Divorce can be vicious. Sometimes marriage can, too. Until 1997, there were few local places families could turn to in order to exorcise the hatred, violence and mistrust that are often the aftermaths of a failed marriage.
But since 1997, an organization has existed to serve children and families dealing with domestic violence and other, related, issues.
Safe Connections, with offices in Okaloosa and Walton counties, “specializes in supervised visitation and court-ordered custody exchanges,” according to executive director Carole Antoon. “Our staff is very well trained and training is quite extensive. Our manual on sex abuse is almost 200 pages. The supervised visitation training manual is about 400 pages.” In addition, there is roughly 24 hours of further training annually.
Helping that goal is the passage of Florida House Bill 385, “The Safe Exchange of Minors” law, which came into effect in July and which allows families experiencing domestic violence to use Safe Connections for their court-ordered custody exchanges. When there is a domestic violence injunction, the court can order monitored exchanges, or supervised visitation, to take place at Safe Connections’ facility. “This ensures that parents do not have any contact during the exchange, and the process is documented and conducted smoothly,” Antoon said.
One of the founders, Sharon Rogers, who recently retired as executive director, said the organization’s birth was a joint venture between volunteers and Shalimar United Methodist Church. “It was brought to the church that we needed a safe place for kids,” Rogers said. “The church formed a committee, which offered the old church building for the organization.
“We had no money, but we had space and interested people,” Rogers, who was serving as a Guardian ad Litem, providing a legal advocate for the child in difficult circumstances, at the time, said.
“Everything was free,” Rogers said. “We had donated furniture, toys. We used a model that had been started in Jacksonville and just went from there. Eventually, we got some money and decided we should hire somebody. I applied. It was just a very small amount, just a part-time job.”
Donated space was the early prerequisite for Safe Connections. “The only way we could have done it was with that donated space,” she said. It allowed us to expand into other areas, such as Walton County, in 2001.
Then, in 2012, Safe Connections got a substantial grant from Impact 100, its first. “We bought a building in Crestview and we’ve been there since,” Rogers said.
Recently, the organization bought a building on Beal Parkway, just past Hollywood, for $86,000. “It needs a ton of work,” Rogers said. “We have to put in the safety parameters, flooring and bathrooms need to be done and it needs an entirely new air conditioning system.”
“We’re in the process of getting handicapped accessible ADA compliance bathrooms done,” Antoon said. “We need money for a security system. We do have parents who get really angry and threaten us. Those systems cost a lot but we’re trying to get to the point where we’re self-sustainable.
“We want this to be a place where parents and children can rebuild those bonds from prior to whatever family event happened.”
“Child sex abuse, neglect, domestic violence – We have parents who have tried to kidnap their kids,” Antoon said. “We have so many different categories. It’s so hard to understand others’ experiences so we try to put ourselves in their situations.”
Safe Connections had a “giant field grant that carried us for years,” she said. “We were competing with major entities (for grants).” But that grant expired. “We’re in a major funding crisis right now,” she said.
Those wanting to help can do so on the Safe Connections Website, safe-connections.org/donate.
A fundraiser, “Cruisin’ Into Christmas,” hosted by Emerald Coast Harley Davidson, is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 5, 6:30 to 9 p.m., with a catered dinner, adult beverages, live entertainment and live and silent auctions. Tables of eight are available. For more information, go to safe-connections.org.
Some of Safe Connections’ encounters are less than cordial. For example, said Antoon, “We had military father. We could tell from a domestic violence injunction that he had lot of anger and he was horrible to our staff. Finally, we let him know his actions were unacceptable.
“He came in one day after that and apologized to the staff. He’s now a much more engaged parent. He asked questions like ‘What should I do here?’ We got his daughter to write him a letter and tell him what her concerns were. He got angry and said he was never coming back. We asked him, ‘What if this was you talking to your father and you just wanted him to know what was going on and how you felt?’ We talked to him about canceling his visits. Every so often we get a text that things are going good. He got his children back. He’s been doing unsupervised visitation for about a year now.”

Winter in Destin: Top Homeowner Tips for The Start of the Year:
By Paul McArthur - Owner: Agape Home Pro
Happy New Year Destinites!!
January is often known for resolutions and fresh opportunities. One of the most important tasks you can do is follow a few homeowner tips to make sure your house is well-prepared for winter – rumor has it this January is going to be BRUTALLY cold here!. Be proactive by preparing your home for colder weather can help you avoid future issues and save you from a lot of stress.
Here are a few homeowner tips you should do to prepare your house for winter.
Check Your Roof
Leaves and other debris can eventually pile up on your roof and cause long-term damage. Hiring someone to inspect and sweep off your roof is important in protecting your house. You might also need to hire a roofing company to make a few repairs. Taking care of repairs now can save you money in the future and extend the lifespan of your roof.
Flush Water Heater
One often overlooked part of home maintenance is flushing your water heater. Doing this will remove any built-up sediment and it helps your system to operate more efficiently. It’s even possible to prolong the lifespan of your water heater by performing this task once or twice a year. You can learn more about this process by checking out this article about flushing your water heater.
Inspect Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can eventually stop working. Sometimes, they only need their batteries replaced. Winter is the perfect time to check these detectors and replace batteries if needed. These steps will only take a few minutes, and it’s well worth the effort to keep you and your family safe.
Switch Out Your HVAC Filters
Air filters in your home need to be replaced every few months. Usually, it’s a good idea to switch out these filters during the start of a new season. A new filter allows your heater and air conditioner to operate more efficiently, and it puts less strain on your system. You are less likely to deal with repairs and it helps to lower your utility bill.
Review and Update Your List of Inventory
Making sure to keep your inventory list up to date is essential for insurance purposes. An inventory list makes it much easier to file a claim if any of your items are ever lost or damaged due to an incident. Looking over your inventory list shouldn’t take too long, and you can add any new items to make sure everything is current.
Check Your Pipes
Pipes can freeze during the winter, and this can cause water damage in your home. A plumber can inspect your pipes to make sure there are no leaks or damages. Getting your pipes insulated for the colder temperatures is one of the most important homeowner tips. Insulated pipes are much less likely to burst, and it’s one less thing you will need to worry about during the winter months.
Prepare for Emergencies
An emergency can happen at your home when you least expect it. While tropical storms aren’t common in January, it’s still a good time to go over your emergency plans for the future. Creating an emergency kit and reviewing your family’s plan for these situations are all keys to staying safe. Planning ahead of time for different situations will make it much easier to deal with any crisis.
Weatherproof Your Home
Spending time weatherproofing your house for winter is also important. You can do this task in various ways, such as checking the doors and windows for any drafts of air. You might need to add caulk to the windows or install new weatherstripping for the door. Doing these steps can make your home more comfortable and save you money on your energy bill.
Don’t Forget About Your Yard
Trying to follow all these homeowner tips can make it easy to forget about your yard. However, it’s important to trim back tree limbs and remove any vegetation that’s too close to your home. Doing this now helps to keep your yard looking neat, but it also reduces the risk of damage to your house.
Make a resolution to work on these tips every month when you get the Destinites newsletter! Your home is your biggest investment. Take care of it and it will take care of you and your family for a lifetime!
As always, there is no shame in asking for help!! And, frankly, depending on your age, you shouldn’t be on a ladder!! There all sorts of quality business in the Destinites Directory who would love to help!
Wishing each of you a happy, prosperous and blessed New Year!
By Paul McArthur - Owner: Agape Home Pro
Happy New Year Destinites!!
January is often known for resolutions and fresh opportunities. One of the most important tasks you can do is follow a few homeowner tips to make sure your house is well-prepared for winter – rumor has it this January is going to be BRUTALLY cold here!. Be proactive by preparing your home for colder weather can help you avoid future issues and save you from a lot of stress.
Here are a few homeowner tips you should do to prepare your house for winter.
Check Your Roof
Leaves and other debris can eventually pile up on your roof and cause long-term damage. Hiring someone to inspect and sweep off your roof is important in protecting your house. You might also need to hire a roofing company to make a few repairs. Taking care of repairs now can save you money in the future and extend the lifespan of your roof.
Flush Water Heater
One often overlooked part of home maintenance is flushing your water heater. Doing this will remove any built-up sediment and it helps your system to operate more efficiently. It’s even possible to prolong the lifespan of your water heater by performing this task once or twice a year. You can learn more about this process by checking out this article about flushing your water heater.
Inspect Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can eventually stop working. Sometimes, they only need their batteries replaced. Winter is the perfect time to check these detectors and replace batteries if needed. These steps will only take a few minutes, and it’s well worth the effort to keep you and your family safe.
Switch Out Your HVAC Filters
Air filters in your home need to be replaced every few months. Usually, it’s a good idea to switch out these filters during the start of a new season. A new filter allows your heater and air conditioner to operate more efficiently, and it puts less strain on your system. You are less likely to deal with repairs and it helps to lower your utility bill.
Review and Update Your List of Inventory
Making sure to keep your inventory list up to date is essential for insurance purposes. An inventory list makes it much easier to file a claim if any of your items are ever lost or damaged due to an incident. Looking over your inventory list shouldn’t take too long, and you can add any new items to make sure everything is current.
Check Your Pipes
Pipes can freeze during the winter, and this can cause water damage in your home. A plumber can inspect your pipes to make sure there are no leaks or damages. Getting your pipes insulated for the colder temperatures is one of the most important homeowner tips. Insulated pipes are much less likely to burst, and it’s one less thing you will need to worry about during the winter months.
Prepare for Emergencies
An emergency can happen at your home when you least expect it. While tropical storms aren’t common in January, it’s still a good time to go over your emergency plans for the future. Creating an emergency kit and reviewing your family’s plan for these situations are all keys to staying safe. Planning ahead of time for different situations will make it much easier to deal with any crisis.
Weatherproof Your Home
Spending time weatherproofing your house for winter is also important. You can do this task in various ways, such as checking the doors and windows for any drafts of air. You might need to add caulk to the windows or install new weatherstripping for the door. Doing these steps can make your home more comfortable and save you money on your energy bill.
Don’t Forget About Your Yard
Trying to follow all these homeowner tips can make it easy to forget about your yard. However, it’s important to trim back tree limbs and remove any vegetation that’s too close to your home. Doing this now helps to keep your yard looking neat, but it also reduces the risk of damage to your house.
Make a resolution to work on these tips every month when you get the Destinites newsletter! Your home is your biggest investment. Take care of it and it will take care of you and your family for a lifetime!
As always, there is no shame in asking for help!! And, frankly, depending on your age, you shouldn’t be on a ladder!! There all sorts of quality business in the Destinites Directory who would love to help!
Wishing each of you a happy, prosperous and blessed New Year!

2025 Interior Design Trends:
by Kim Schneider owner: Home - Coastal Design by Kim
As the saying goes, out with the old, in with the new! That applies to décor styles too. If
you find yourself looking to update your space in the new year, I’ve listed a few hot
ticket trends you will see more of this year.
Dark and Moody colors are in! You will see lots of color drenched rooms in saturated
colors. Using one color in different finishes creates a cohesive room. Example: Use flat
paint on the ceiling, satin paint on the walls and semi-gloss paint on the trim and doors
all in the same color. You can balance the intensity of the color by using neutral accents
in the room.
Textured Walls & Ceilings as exploding! Expect to see lots of wallpaper and wood
paneling (think shiplap and tongue & groove) on the ceilings and walls. Plaster finishes
are becoming popular again too. These applications add depth, texture and interest in
your space.
Comfortable Furniture is the rage! Create a casual, relaxing space by using furniture
that is not only comfortable, but they’ve got curved edges like a conversation sofa, wing
back chairs and coffee tables with rounded corners.
Vintage pieces are making a big comeback! Think scalloped edges on nightstands and
tables. Wingback chairs too! When mixing old furniture pieces with new pieces it will
help create a nostalgic feeling with a story that’s uniquely yours.
Mixing Fabric Patterns creates visual interest! Consider using animal prints, florals
and plaids or stripes. Color is key and should be harmonious. Select one large scale
pattern to be the focal point and the smaller patterns to create balance. Limit your
patterns to three, four max to avoid it becoming too busy.
Layer Metals for a sophisticated look! Warm metals such as gold, bronze and copper
pair beautifully with both neutral and dark and moody interiors. These metallics can be
mixed but do it thoughtfully to avoid a mismatched look. Example: Don’t try to match
two golds next to one another or it will look like you missed, but you can use two
different/similar golds in your lighting and hardware because they’re not next to one
another.
As you know, trends come and go but I always say “YOU should stick with what you
love!”. Coastal Design by Kim can help you bring beautiful, functional designs to life!
Contact us today to make your dreams become a reality. (850) 904-6622 or
www.coastaldesignbykim.com.
by Kim Schneider owner: Home - Coastal Design by Kim
As the saying goes, out with the old, in with the new! That applies to décor styles too. If
you find yourself looking to update your space in the new year, I’ve listed a few hot
ticket trends you will see more of this year.
Dark and Moody colors are in! You will see lots of color drenched rooms in saturated
colors. Using one color in different finishes creates a cohesive room. Example: Use flat
paint on the ceiling, satin paint on the walls and semi-gloss paint on the trim and doors
all in the same color. You can balance the intensity of the color by using neutral accents
in the room.
Textured Walls & Ceilings as exploding! Expect to see lots of wallpaper and wood
paneling (think shiplap and tongue & groove) on the ceilings and walls. Plaster finishes
are becoming popular again too. These applications add depth, texture and interest in
your space.
Comfortable Furniture is the rage! Create a casual, relaxing space by using furniture
that is not only comfortable, but they’ve got curved edges like a conversation sofa, wing
back chairs and coffee tables with rounded corners.
Vintage pieces are making a big comeback! Think scalloped edges on nightstands and
tables. Wingback chairs too! When mixing old furniture pieces with new pieces it will
help create a nostalgic feeling with a story that’s uniquely yours.
Mixing Fabric Patterns creates visual interest! Consider using animal prints, florals
and plaids or stripes. Color is key and should be harmonious. Select one large scale
pattern to be the focal point and the smaller patterns to create balance. Limit your
patterns to three, four max to avoid it becoming too busy.
Layer Metals for a sophisticated look! Warm metals such as gold, bronze and copper
pair beautifully with both neutral and dark and moody interiors. These metallics can be
mixed but do it thoughtfully to avoid a mismatched look. Example: Don’t try to match
two golds next to one another or it will look like you missed, but you can use two
different/similar golds in your lighting and hardware because they’re not next to one
another.
As you know, trends come and go but I always say “YOU should stick with what you
love!”. Coastal Design by Kim can help you bring beautiful, functional designs to life!
Contact us today to make your dreams become a reality. (850) 904-6622 or
www.coastaldesignbykim.com.
How to Navigate the 30a Songwriter’s Festival:
By: Bay Life Staff
Contributed by 30a Songwriters Fest
JANUARY 16 - 20
People, new ticket buyers in particular, are asking for advice on how to best navigate the 30a Songwriter’s Festival as well as tips on who to go see. So, let’s take a swing at this:
DAY ONE – FRIDAY1 – Are you type A with boundless energy? Go to the box office early Friday long before the 4 p.m. official start of the event. Stock up on t-shirts, a warm hoodie and a commemorative hat. Tighten your wristband on your arm and you are good to enter all venues for the entire weekend. Head to a kick-off party at AJ’s (Josh Joplin Band, the Stews) or the big stage at the Lyceum (the dBs, Chuck Prophet, special guest TBD). Enjoy the crowd of like-minded patrons as excited as you to be off and running. By early evening when most venues open, you will already have seen a couple of very original songwriters who happen to have kick ass bands.
Next, I suggest you jump on Hwy. 98 and head to the east end of 30A and work your way back west. Choose acoustic solo acts or artists in the round at Rosemary Town Hall (Chris Stills, Langhorne Slim, Abe Partridge) or the Pearl (Emerson Hart, Kelley Willis) and nearby LaCo (Darrell Scott, Ruthie Foster). Shoot down to Old Florida Fish House and catch an act on the porch or main stage (the Pink Stones, John Driskell Hopkins, the Krickets). Keep on the move – Seaside/WaterColor, which are side by side present five more performance options no matter what time you arrive, e.g. Bud & Alley’s (Josh Rouse, Garrison Starr), Pickles (Robbie Hecht, Eliot Bronson), the REP Theatre (Ellis Paul, Bradley Cole Smith), Fish Out of Water (Liv Taylor, Kim Richey, Mary Gauthier) or the Watercolor Lake House (second ASCAP Nashville songwriter’s set of the evening). As it is getting late, check out Drive the Coast (Bee Taylor, Gurufish, Shawn Mullins) for more original bands.
2 – Perhaps you are a laid-back couple that wants to find a comfortable place and kick back for the evening, have a cocktail, grab a bite to eat, have another cocktail and see whoever is playing at the venue over the course of the evening. Easily done. Consider Caliza at Alys Beach (Hayes Carll, Secret Sisters) or the Big Chill (Jeffrey Steele, Black Opry Revue). Or head to the bridge at Hwy. 331 and hang all night at The Bay Restaurant (Jill Sobule, Charlie Mars) and North Beach Social (Chuck Cannon, Florence Dore). The venues are across the street from each other.
3 – No matter what your personality type, study the app ahead of time AND create your own schedule. Double book your time slots so as you navigate the night and weekend, you have well thought out first and second choices in each area you go to. If you decide to call an audible, you have your playbook on your phone app! Let me give you an example. If you get to the Watercolor Lake House on Friday night at 8:30 p.m. and it is already at capacity, view your back up on your custom schedule OR look at the app time line for who is playing currently at all venues across the board in real time! Note: There are six sets over three days of the very popular ASCAP Lake House shows. You have many opportunities to see one.
4 – Pace yourself. Don’t try to see all your favorites on night one. You have three more days of music, drinks and food.
We’re just scratching the surface here to give you an idea of the wealth of talent spread out before you beginning on Friday late afternoon!
For those new to the scene, the 30A Songwriters Festival celebrates its 16th year in 2025 with six headline performances at the 6,000 capacity main stage at Grand Boulevard’s Town Center in Miramar Beach together with over 250 artists performing over the four-day weekend in 30+ indoor venues ranging in capacities from 75 to 800. All of the listening rooms are located along the 30A resort corridor on the Gulf of Mexico in WaterColor, Grayton Beach, Seaside, Alys Beach, Seacrest, Rosemary Beach and Blue Mountain in Northwest Florida.
Past Festival performers include iconic artists Jackson Browne, Lyle Lovette, Brandi Carlile, Brian Wilson, Emmylou Harris, Elvis Costello, Indigo Girls, Graham Nash, Chris & Rich Robinson (the Black Crowes), Mavis Staples, Jason Isbell, the Bangles, John Prine, Rickie Lee Jones, Jenny Lewis, Rosanne Cash and Steve Earle. The Festival has supported emerging artists over the past decade such as the War & Treaty, Morgan Wade, Ruthie Foster, Madison Cunningham, Amythyst Kiah and Paul Thorn.
Since its inception in 2010, it has become the largest and most prestigious songwriter’s festival in the southeast benefitting the Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) of Walton County and has won many national accolades with sell-out crowds every year. The event is co-produced by Russell Carter Artist Management and the CAA. Purchase Day or Weekend Pass tickets at 30asongwritersfestival.com.
As the creative core of Walton County for 30 years, the Cultural Arts Alliance provides accessible opportunities for all forms of art, every variety of maker, all levels of learners and art lovers. 100% of the Festival’s net proceeds support the not-for-profit organization’s mission to advance the Arts in Walton County through leadership, advocacy, funding, programs and education. Learn more and become a member at CulturalArtsAlliance.com.
By: Bay Life Staff
Contributed by 30a Songwriters Fest
JANUARY 16 - 20
People, new ticket buyers in particular, are asking for advice on how to best navigate the 30a Songwriter’s Festival as well as tips on who to go see. So, let’s take a swing at this:
DAY ONE – FRIDAY1 – Are you type A with boundless energy? Go to the box office early Friday long before the 4 p.m. official start of the event. Stock up on t-shirts, a warm hoodie and a commemorative hat. Tighten your wristband on your arm and you are good to enter all venues for the entire weekend. Head to a kick-off party at AJ’s (Josh Joplin Band, the Stews) or the big stage at the Lyceum (the dBs, Chuck Prophet, special guest TBD). Enjoy the crowd of like-minded patrons as excited as you to be off and running. By early evening when most venues open, you will already have seen a couple of very original songwriters who happen to have kick ass bands.
Next, I suggest you jump on Hwy. 98 and head to the east end of 30A and work your way back west. Choose acoustic solo acts or artists in the round at Rosemary Town Hall (Chris Stills, Langhorne Slim, Abe Partridge) or the Pearl (Emerson Hart, Kelley Willis) and nearby LaCo (Darrell Scott, Ruthie Foster). Shoot down to Old Florida Fish House and catch an act on the porch or main stage (the Pink Stones, John Driskell Hopkins, the Krickets). Keep on the move – Seaside/WaterColor, which are side by side present five more performance options no matter what time you arrive, e.g. Bud & Alley’s (Josh Rouse, Garrison Starr), Pickles (Robbie Hecht, Eliot Bronson), the REP Theatre (Ellis Paul, Bradley Cole Smith), Fish Out of Water (Liv Taylor, Kim Richey, Mary Gauthier) or the Watercolor Lake House (second ASCAP Nashville songwriter’s set of the evening). As it is getting late, check out Drive the Coast (Bee Taylor, Gurufish, Shawn Mullins) for more original bands.
2 – Perhaps you are a laid-back couple that wants to find a comfortable place and kick back for the evening, have a cocktail, grab a bite to eat, have another cocktail and see whoever is playing at the venue over the course of the evening. Easily done. Consider Caliza at Alys Beach (Hayes Carll, Secret Sisters) or the Big Chill (Jeffrey Steele, Black Opry Revue). Or head to the bridge at Hwy. 331 and hang all night at The Bay Restaurant (Jill Sobule, Charlie Mars) and North Beach Social (Chuck Cannon, Florence Dore). The venues are across the street from each other.
3 – No matter what your personality type, study the app ahead of time AND create your own schedule. Double book your time slots so as you navigate the night and weekend, you have well thought out first and second choices in each area you go to. If you decide to call an audible, you have your playbook on your phone app! Let me give you an example. If you get to the Watercolor Lake House on Friday night at 8:30 p.m. and it is already at capacity, view your back up on your custom schedule OR look at the app time line for who is playing currently at all venues across the board in real time! Note: There are six sets over three days of the very popular ASCAP Lake House shows. You have many opportunities to see one.
4 – Pace yourself. Don’t try to see all your favorites on night one. You have three more days of music, drinks and food.
We’re just scratching the surface here to give you an idea of the wealth of talent spread out before you beginning on Friday late afternoon!
For those new to the scene, the 30A Songwriters Festival celebrates its 16th year in 2025 with six headline performances at the 6,000 capacity main stage at Grand Boulevard’s Town Center in Miramar Beach together with over 250 artists performing over the four-day weekend in 30+ indoor venues ranging in capacities from 75 to 800. All of the listening rooms are located along the 30A resort corridor on the Gulf of Mexico in WaterColor, Grayton Beach, Seaside, Alys Beach, Seacrest, Rosemary Beach and Blue Mountain in Northwest Florida.
Past Festival performers include iconic artists Jackson Browne, Lyle Lovette, Brandi Carlile, Brian Wilson, Emmylou Harris, Elvis Costello, Indigo Girls, Graham Nash, Chris & Rich Robinson (the Black Crowes), Mavis Staples, Jason Isbell, the Bangles, John Prine, Rickie Lee Jones, Jenny Lewis, Rosanne Cash and Steve Earle. The Festival has supported emerging artists over the past decade such as the War & Treaty, Morgan Wade, Ruthie Foster, Madison Cunningham, Amythyst Kiah and Paul Thorn.
Since its inception in 2010, it has become the largest and most prestigious songwriter’s festival in the southeast benefitting the Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) of Walton County and has won many national accolades with sell-out crowds every year. The event is co-produced by Russell Carter Artist Management and the CAA. Purchase Day or Weekend Pass tickets at 30asongwritersfestival.com.
As the creative core of Walton County for 30 years, the Cultural Arts Alliance provides accessible opportunities for all forms of art, every variety of maker, all levels of learners and art lovers. 100% of the Festival’s net proceeds support the not-for-profit organization’s mission to advance the Arts in Walton County through leadership, advocacy, funding, programs and education. Learn more and become a member at CulturalArtsAlliance.com.

Meet Studio 237 Music Teacher: Kimberly Burke
By Bay Life Staff
We’d like to introduce to you our new voice teacher at Studio 237 Music Lessons, Kimberly Burke, a singer/songwriter from Tennessee and a Nashville recording artist who recently relocated to Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. She is a classically trained musician with a degree in voice performance and also plays the acoustic guitar.
Kimberly loves teaching and has instructed students of all ages and abilities. As a classically trained vocalist, she encourages emphasis on technique and breath support, teaching her students to sing in a way that will strengthen their voices, empowering them to improve in their skills, range, and confidence. Kimberly’s approach is a custom-tailored program for each student, always stimulating fun and enjoyment. She takes a lot of time helping her students find material they are excited to learn. She loves children and enjoys inspiring them to make music a part of their lives. “Music is such a valuable emotional outlet. It’s a language of its own that we can all identify with. I love helping young people and adults discover the gift of music,” she explains.
Kimberly is available to give lessons of any vocal genre including but not limited to country, rock, blues, soul, jazz, music theater and classical. Whether you just want to sing for fun or need some guidance preparing for an audition, she is happy to help. In addition to vocal training as a singer/songwriter she also teaches songwriting and can assist students with learning to accompany themselves with some basic guitar. As a teacher with experience teaching music appreciation and a student of music history and ethnomusicology (the study of the music of different cultures), she’s also available to teach an independent curriculum for homeschooled students or for any student wishing to delve deeper into the subject, of performance, and experience of music.
Studio 237 Music Lessons’ location in East Point Washington, Florida at 237 Dawson Road is only 21 minutes or 15 miles going West on Highway 98 from the Publix Supermarket in Ocean Park Pavilion, Panama City Beach. We are also 13 miles and 20 minutes south of the Publix supermarket in Freeport, Florida on Highway 331.
If traveling from the Grand Boulevard Publix Supermarket in Miramar Beach, Florida, to Studio 237, it is only 11 miles east on Highway 98 or 20 minutes to our location at 237 Dawson Road in the East Point Washington area of the Santa Rosa Beach community.
January 2025 will begin our 15th year as a place for music teachers to teach and for music students to learn. We have been blessed with seven outstanding teachers and students, which has produced some great musicians and many happy parents. To contact us, visit our website at Studio237Music.com/registration and we will contact you. Visit our list of teachers at Studio237Music.com/all-teachers-listing or call (850) 231-3199 or text (850) 797-3546 and ask for Ray.
By Bay Life Staff
We’d like to introduce to you our new voice teacher at Studio 237 Music Lessons, Kimberly Burke, a singer/songwriter from Tennessee and a Nashville recording artist who recently relocated to Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. She is a classically trained musician with a degree in voice performance and also plays the acoustic guitar.
Kimberly loves teaching and has instructed students of all ages and abilities. As a classically trained vocalist, she encourages emphasis on technique and breath support, teaching her students to sing in a way that will strengthen their voices, empowering them to improve in their skills, range, and confidence. Kimberly’s approach is a custom-tailored program for each student, always stimulating fun and enjoyment. She takes a lot of time helping her students find material they are excited to learn. She loves children and enjoys inspiring them to make music a part of their lives. “Music is such a valuable emotional outlet. It’s a language of its own that we can all identify with. I love helping young people and adults discover the gift of music,” she explains.
Kimberly is available to give lessons of any vocal genre including but not limited to country, rock, blues, soul, jazz, music theater and classical. Whether you just want to sing for fun or need some guidance preparing for an audition, she is happy to help. In addition to vocal training as a singer/songwriter she also teaches songwriting and can assist students with learning to accompany themselves with some basic guitar. As a teacher with experience teaching music appreciation and a student of music history and ethnomusicology (the study of the music of different cultures), she’s also available to teach an independent curriculum for homeschooled students or for any student wishing to delve deeper into the subject, of performance, and experience of music.
Studio 237 Music Lessons’ location in East Point Washington, Florida at 237 Dawson Road is only 21 minutes or 15 miles going West on Highway 98 from the Publix Supermarket in Ocean Park Pavilion, Panama City Beach. We are also 13 miles and 20 minutes south of the Publix supermarket in Freeport, Florida on Highway 331.
If traveling from the Grand Boulevard Publix Supermarket in Miramar Beach, Florida, to Studio 237, it is only 11 miles east on Highway 98 or 20 minutes to our location at 237 Dawson Road in the East Point Washington area of the Santa Rosa Beach community.
January 2025 will begin our 15th year as a place for music teachers to teach and for music students to learn. We have been blessed with seven outstanding teachers and students, which has produced some great musicians and many happy parents. To contact us, visit our website at Studio237Music.com/registration and we will contact you. Visit our list of teachers at Studio237Music.com/all-teachers-listing or call (850) 231-3199 or text (850) 797-3546 and ask for Ray.

Volunteer Opportunites: Posted from the Destin City website at Volunteer Opportunities | Destin, FL - Official Website (cityofdestin.com)
Volunteer Opportunities City Boards/Committees (details)
Volunteer Opportunities City Boards/Committees (details)
Okaloosa County Master Gardeners: Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OCMGA
If you want to know what to plant and when, check out this Planting calendar on the OCMGA website. https://www.ocmga.org |

Christian Corner: by Patricia Lee
- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
- "Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. "
Not only should you take care of your body for your own wellbeing, but also for your loved ones and the Lord, himself. He gave you that body and you should honor it. It is so difficult for us to discipline ourselves to exercise. Most of us need some type of motivation other than just to do it for ourselves. Figure out what that motivation is for you and put a great big picture of it on your fridge or bathroom mirror. Place it wherever you can constantly see it for inspiration. Train your brain to focus on that motivation and that will help get you up and going.

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Website Est. 2018
Newsletter Est. Dec. 2021