July 2023 Newsletter
Patricia Lee
A Note From The Publisher
There is growing concern from Destin locals about overcrowding of the area and what that brings with it, such as safety issues. A council member weighed in on the conversation saying they were working hard to get the city back. "There is much to discuss and consider."
Here are some suggests already offered by citizens:
1. No more apartment complexes/condos/homes should be allowed to be built here until safety and other issues are under better control.
2. One Destinites group member asked others if they would like to form a committee to help resolve safety issues and received several responders.
3. Marketing for our area needs to be halted.
4. More neighborhood watch groups need to be started.
5. More law enforcement personnel need to be hired and have more of a presence throughout the community.
6. More beach clean-up groups are now needed. Some of the trash left on the beach is actually dangerous for humans and turtles both. There are not enough volunteer groups to stay on top of it anymore.
7. More patrolling of the Crab Island area in general is needed.
8. Random car check points should be set up, especially at night and during holidays.
9. Invite law enforcement to a group forum or ask them to conduct one where concerned citizens can participate with safety ideas.
10. Okaloosa County should implement a gang task force.
If you would like to get involved or have a suggestion, attend a meeting or write to a council member (www.cityofdestin.com).
In next month's issue, I will be addressing how to work from home as an employee with benefits or as an independent contractor. I have experience with both and have been doing it for over 15 years. I am happy to share my experiences because it absolutely changed my life for the better. Working from home does have it challenges and is not for everybody but I will address those issues, as well.
________________________________
Personal Message:
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 8,200+ members. If you own a local business and would like to advertise in our group or here in our newsletter, please email me at [email protected]. Thank you!
If you live in Destin proper, you receive the 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 Destinites, Inc. (TM)
Creator: www.Facebook.com/groups/Destinites Est: October 2018
There is growing concern from Destin locals about overcrowding of the area and what that brings with it, such as safety issues. A council member weighed in on the conversation saying they were working hard to get the city back. "There is much to discuss and consider."
Here are some suggests already offered by citizens:
1. No more apartment complexes/condos/homes should be allowed to be built here until safety and other issues are under better control.
2. One Destinites group member asked others if they would like to form a committee to help resolve safety issues and received several responders.
3. Marketing for our area needs to be halted.
4. More neighborhood watch groups need to be started.
5. More law enforcement personnel need to be hired and have more of a presence throughout the community.
6. More beach clean-up groups are now needed. Some of the trash left on the beach is actually dangerous for humans and turtles both. There are not enough volunteer groups to stay on top of it anymore.
7. More patrolling of the Crab Island area in general is needed.
8. Random car check points should be set up, especially at night and during holidays.
9. Invite law enforcement to a group forum or ask them to conduct one where concerned citizens can participate with safety ideas.
10. Okaloosa County should implement a gang task force.
If you would like to get involved or have a suggestion, attend a meeting or write to a council member (www.cityofdestin.com).
In next month's issue, I will be addressing how to work from home as an employee with benefits or as an independent contractor. I have experience with both and have been doing it for over 15 years. I am happy to share my experiences because it absolutely changed my life for the better. Working from home does have it challenges and is not for everybody but I will address those issues, as well.
________________________________
Personal Message:
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 8,200+ members. If you own a local business and would like to advertise in our group or here in our newsletter, please email me at [email protected]. Thank you!
If you live in Destin proper, you receive the 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 Destinites, Inc. (TM)
Creator: www.Facebook.com/groups/Destinites Est: October 2018
If you are interested in being a sponsor or article contributor, contact Patricia: [email protected]
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Lori Leath Smith
Sip & Splash Brings locals Together:
Submitted by Lori Leath Smith, Publisher - Life Media, Inc. Destin Life community newspaper
Written by: Will Estell
The Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation’s second annual Sip & Splash: An Aquatic Affair, took place May
20 at the Taj Renee Community Aquatic Center in the heart of Destin. Attended by more than 250 guests
in support of the foundation’s mission, the top-tier event was sponsored by Tim Smith Acura, and kicked
off with a wonderfully presented pool-side sunset cocktail hour that featured a list of spectacular craft
cocktails, made from local spirit and craft beer brands, including: Distillery 98, Campesino Rum, Good Clean Wine, Palm Folly Seltzer, and Odd Pelican Beer Company, all served in event logoed cups sponsored by Hand, Arendall, Harrison, and Sale.
During cocktail hour, the 250-plus guests mingled while sipping on their signature beverages, and perusing the array of silent auction items, which included everything from lavish international trips to artworks. Additionally, attendees enjoyed watching local sushi master Yoshie of Camille's create hand- rolled appetizers, while taking in the creation of live art by renowned local artist and gallery owner Maxine Orange.
Following the cocktail hour, guests were seated in the adjacent dining area, where they were served a six-course farm-to-table dinner, prepared by some of Northwest Florida’s most admired restaurants and catering companies. During the course of the dinner, guests were entertained by the always enthusiastic Al Alvarado, before hearing the encouraging stories of The Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation’s Kathi Heapy, Eglin Federal Credit Union’s Jerry Williams and others, as part of the Okaloosa Swimming and
Diving Hall of Fame’s 2023 induction ceremony.
The event planning, coordination and marketing was handled by the uber-talented Jessica Bracken of Proffitt PR, with the proceeds received from guest admissions, silent auction items, donations and corporate sponsorships going toward funding the ongoing efforts and community enhancement of the Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation’s mission of competitive excellence for area adults and children in the fields of cycling, running and swimming.
If you haven’t attended this wonderful event for a fantastic cause, I definitely suggest putting it on your shortlist of fundraisers for next year. I can tell you first-hand that even as someone who is invited to, and tries to attend, quite the array of various worthwhile balls, parties and fundraising events, my wife, Laura, and I were immensely impressed with every aspect – from the multicourse meal to the signature drinks to the innate attention to detail of the setup, décor and service of this special night. You can also find out more about Destin’s Taj Renee Community Aquatic Center, and Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation by visiting www.ecfitnessfoundation.org
Submitted by Lori Leath Smith, Publisher - Life Media, Inc. Destin Life community newspaper
Written by: Will Estell
The Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation’s second annual Sip & Splash: An Aquatic Affair, took place May
20 at the Taj Renee Community Aquatic Center in the heart of Destin. Attended by more than 250 guests
in support of the foundation’s mission, the top-tier event was sponsored by Tim Smith Acura, and kicked
off with a wonderfully presented pool-side sunset cocktail hour that featured a list of spectacular craft
cocktails, made from local spirit and craft beer brands, including: Distillery 98, Campesino Rum, Good Clean Wine, Palm Folly Seltzer, and Odd Pelican Beer Company, all served in event logoed cups sponsored by Hand, Arendall, Harrison, and Sale.
During cocktail hour, the 250-plus guests mingled while sipping on their signature beverages, and perusing the array of silent auction items, which included everything from lavish international trips to artworks. Additionally, attendees enjoyed watching local sushi master Yoshie of Camille's create hand- rolled appetizers, while taking in the creation of live art by renowned local artist and gallery owner Maxine Orange.
Following the cocktail hour, guests were seated in the adjacent dining area, where they were served a six-course farm-to-table dinner, prepared by some of Northwest Florida’s most admired restaurants and catering companies. During the course of the dinner, guests were entertained by the always enthusiastic Al Alvarado, before hearing the encouraging stories of The Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation’s Kathi Heapy, Eglin Federal Credit Union’s Jerry Williams and others, as part of the Okaloosa Swimming and
Diving Hall of Fame’s 2023 induction ceremony.
The event planning, coordination and marketing was handled by the uber-talented Jessica Bracken of Proffitt PR, with the proceeds received from guest admissions, silent auction items, donations and corporate sponsorships going toward funding the ongoing efforts and community enhancement of the Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation’s mission of competitive excellence for area adults and children in the fields of cycling, running and swimming.
If you haven’t attended this wonderful event for a fantastic cause, I definitely suggest putting it on your shortlist of fundraisers for next year. I can tell you first-hand that even as someone who is invited to, and tries to attend, quite the array of various worthwhile balls, parties and fundraising events, my wife, Laura, and I were immensely impressed with every aspect – from the multicourse meal to the signature drinks to the innate attention to detail of the setup, décor and service of this special night. You can also find out more about Destin’s Taj Renee Community Aquatic Center, and Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation by visiting www.ecfitnessfoundation.org
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Andrea & Paul McArthur
SUMMER HOME MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST:
By Paul McArthur - Owner: Agape Home Pro
NOTE: This article was published in our June newsletter but the information is so important that we are leaving it up for July. Look for a new article from Paul in August. You can also click the Past Newsletters tab at the top of this page to read his past article contributions.
Summer is here, and it is essential to maintain your home to ensure everything is running correctly. Even if your home is brand new or a few years old, it’s vital to check up on it to make sure you and your family can enjoy a safe and stress-free summer.
Start with an Inspection:
The first thing you should do when summer begins is inspect the inside and outside of your home. You should start with the outside by checking for any damage to the structure of your home. Next, check out the plumbing in your home and make sure there aren’t any leaks and everything is draining properly.
Once you’re done with the outside, head inside and inspect there. First, check the electrical system by ensuring everything turns off and on and checking on the outlets in your home.
Finally, check your HVAC system and ensure that your home is cooling correctly. If anything you have inspected has any damage or is not working properly, contact a professional to ensure your home is in the best condition. Sometimes it’s best to leave some things to the professionals, but there’s some maintenance you can do inside and outside your home.
Outside Maintenance:
Even though it is hot outside, it’s still important to do maintenance to keep your house in pristine condition all summer long for you and your family to enjoy.
Preparing for bad weather:
One of the first things you should do when it comes to maintaining the outside of your home is to determine whether your weather screens need to be replaced and if so, replace them. This becomes essential because certain parts of the United States experience more storms than others.
Next, you should make a list of all of your outside furniture so you know what must be put away before a bad storm. You should also talk to your insurance agent about what kind of coverage you have if you experience any weather damage. After the first summer storm rolls through, take time and walk through your property to see if there are any leaks or mold. Make sure to check your gutters and downspouts to ensure that they are draining correctly. By finding any leaks or damage early on, you can fix them before they get worse, preventing further damage and saving you money.
Examine your home:
After preparing your home for bad weather, it is essential to go outside and examine the exterior of your home. Start by seeing if there’s any loose or rotten wood; next, check if there’s any chipped or cracked paint. Finally, check your windows for any leaks. Depending on the extent of the damage to the exterior of your home, you may have to contact a contractor; but remember, it’s cheaper to fix it now than later.
Inside Maintenance:
While maintaining the outside of the home is important, it’s also essential to maintain the inside of your house during the summer to ensure your family stays cool, safe, and comfortable.
Maintaining safety:
One of the first things you should do is check the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. You should replace the old batteries with new ones to make sure they’re working. If either of these detectors have batteries inside that are dead, your family will not be alerted in an emergency. So be sure to check all the detectors in your home to keep your family safe.
The cleaning you haven’t thought of:
You likely do cleaning once or twice a week, but there are plenty of places homeowners forget to clean, like your appliances that clean items for you. It’s important to clean your appliances to keep them in good shape. You should clean your garbage disposal by flushing it out with hot water and dish soap. Then you should clean your dishwasher with one cup of vinegar. Place it in the bottom of your empty dishwasher and run the dishwasher with hot water. You should also remove your dishwasher filter and clean it in your sink with dish soap.
While cleaning these appliances, you should go ahead and clean your washing machine and dryer. You can clean your washing machine by running an empty cycle of vinegar and hot water. Finally, you can clean your dryer by vacuuming the inside of it and emptying the dryer vent and exhaust duct. Once you’re done cleaning your appliances, it’s time for them to return to the cleaning.
Even though summer is the perfect time for family fun inside and outside of the home, you must complete some maintenance every summer, not only to keep your home in pristine shape, but also to keep you and your family safe so everyone can enjoy the fun for years to come!
By Paul McArthur - Owner: Agape Home Pro
NOTE: This article was published in our June newsletter but the information is so important that we are leaving it up for July. Look for a new article from Paul in August. You can also click the Past Newsletters tab at the top of this page to read his past article contributions.
Summer is here, and it is essential to maintain your home to ensure everything is running correctly. Even if your home is brand new or a few years old, it’s vital to check up on it to make sure you and your family can enjoy a safe and stress-free summer.
Start with an Inspection:
The first thing you should do when summer begins is inspect the inside and outside of your home. You should start with the outside by checking for any damage to the structure of your home. Next, check out the plumbing in your home and make sure there aren’t any leaks and everything is draining properly.
Once you’re done with the outside, head inside and inspect there. First, check the electrical system by ensuring everything turns off and on and checking on the outlets in your home.
Finally, check your HVAC system and ensure that your home is cooling correctly. If anything you have inspected has any damage or is not working properly, contact a professional to ensure your home is in the best condition. Sometimes it’s best to leave some things to the professionals, but there’s some maintenance you can do inside and outside your home.
Outside Maintenance:
Even though it is hot outside, it’s still important to do maintenance to keep your house in pristine condition all summer long for you and your family to enjoy.
Preparing for bad weather:
One of the first things you should do when it comes to maintaining the outside of your home is to determine whether your weather screens need to be replaced and if so, replace them. This becomes essential because certain parts of the United States experience more storms than others.
Next, you should make a list of all of your outside furniture so you know what must be put away before a bad storm. You should also talk to your insurance agent about what kind of coverage you have if you experience any weather damage. After the first summer storm rolls through, take time and walk through your property to see if there are any leaks or mold. Make sure to check your gutters and downspouts to ensure that they are draining correctly. By finding any leaks or damage early on, you can fix them before they get worse, preventing further damage and saving you money.
Examine your home:
After preparing your home for bad weather, it is essential to go outside and examine the exterior of your home. Start by seeing if there’s any loose or rotten wood; next, check if there’s any chipped or cracked paint. Finally, check your windows for any leaks. Depending on the extent of the damage to the exterior of your home, you may have to contact a contractor; but remember, it’s cheaper to fix it now than later.
Inside Maintenance:
While maintaining the outside of the home is important, it’s also essential to maintain the inside of your house during the summer to ensure your family stays cool, safe, and comfortable.
Maintaining safety:
One of the first things you should do is check the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. You should replace the old batteries with new ones to make sure they’re working. If either of these detectors have batteries inside that are dead, your family will not be alerted in an emergency. So be sure to check all the detectors in your home to keep your family safe.
The cleaning you haven’t thought of:
You likely do cleaning once or twice a week, but there are plenty of places homeowners forget to clean, like your appliances that clean items for you. It’s important to clean your appliances to keep them in good shape. You should clean your garbage disposal by flushing it out with hot water and dish soap. Then you should clean your dishwasher with one cup of vinegar. Place it in the bottom of your empty dishwasher and run the dishwasher with hot water. You should also remove your dishwasher filter and clean it in your sink with dish soap.
While cleaning these appliances, you should go ahead and clean your washing machine and dryer. You can clean your washing machine by running an empty cycle of vinegar and hot water. Finally, you can clean your dryer by vacuuming the inside of it and emptying the dryer vent and exhaust duct. Once you’re done cleaning your appliances, it’s time for them to return to the cleaning.
Even though summer is the perfect time for family fun inside and outside of the home, you must complete some maintenance every summer, not only to keep your home in pristine shape, but also to keep you and your family safe so everyone can enjoy the fun for years to come!
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Daniel Jones
Mountain Biking & Insurance For The Growing Business:
by Daniel Jones, Insurance Agent and Owner: Norton Insurance Agency
Mountain biking is not for beginners. When I was younger I went mountain biking and Colorado. I thought I was skilled but quickly discovered I was out of my element on the unfamiliar steep climbs and sharp drops and my naivete showed right away when I didn’t know bikes could have suspension or handlebar extensions. It buoyed my confidence having friends around and safety gear on, though about halfway through I regretted declining the shinpads.
Businesses similarly reach a point of growth where they move from comfortable operations into mountainous terrain with higher highs, steep cliffs, and imposing obstacles. Faster speeds leads to bigger accidents and now that your risks are greater, it’s time to upgrade your protection. Insurance is one the primary tools for protecting yourself and there may be products you need that you haven’t used because your risks were smaller up until now.
Beyond the insurance you should already be familiar with at this point, here are some new pieces of protective equipment that could make a big difference:
It’s important to note that these policies don’t cover everything, especially whatever creative exclusions insurance companies are coming up with these days, and there are other myriad coverages tailed to your specific business that are not mentioned here. You could cover your body in bubble wrap before mountain biking but maybe there is a middle ground between fun and safety. It will largely be up to you and your advisors to find that sweet spot. There is coverage for nearly everything though so keep your mind open to your risks, avoid the ones you can, control the ones you can’t, and transfer to insurance companies the ones that keep you on the trail and help you feel confident moving ahead.
by Daniel Jones, Insurance Agent and Owner: Norton Insurance Agency
Mountain biking is not for beginners. When I was younger I went mountain biking and Colorado. I thought I was skilled but quickly discovered I was out of my element on the unfamiliar steep climbs and sharp drops and my naivete showed right away when I didn’t know bikes could have suspension or handlebar extensions. It buoyed my confidence having friends around and safety gear on, though about halfway through I regretted declining the shinpads.
Businesses similarly reach a point of growth where they move from comfortable operations into mountainous terrain with higher highs, steep cliffs, and imposing obstacles. Faster speeds leads to bigger accidents and now that your risks are greater, it’s time to upgrade your protection. Insurance is one the primary tools for protecting yourself and there may be products you need that you haven’t used because your risks were smaller up until now.
Beyond the insurance you should already be familiar with at this point, here are some new pieces of protective equipment that could make a big difference:
- Employment Practices liability- alleged harm caused by hiring or firing practices. This could be for breach of employment contract, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, or payment disputes. The cost to defend and settle these types of claims can often cost as much as the claim itself so having this coverage can really come in handy.
- Crime- meant to cover fraudulent acts committed by staff. Options include damage to outside parties as well as internal harm like embezzlement. Employee theft, forgery or alteration, physical theft, computer fraud, disappearance, and other things. This can happen to companies of any size and regrettably often committed by seemingly trustworthy people.
- Cyber liability – the cost for this coverage has increased recently due to the number of claims that have been covered, which is both encouraging and ominous because it means more cyber-attacks are happening and the cost to correct them has increased, but also that means the coverage is working. Coverage includes things like business interruption mentioned below, ransomware event, hotline help, hardware restoration, identity monitoring, telecommunications hack, social engineering attack, data restoration, extortion costs, defense expenses, forensics, incident response, income loss, media incident, negative publicity, transfer of funds, cybercrime and can be global coverage. It’s an underutilized coverage many businesses could benefit from.
- Business interruption – used when a company’s physical location is unusable due to insured damage. There are only certain circumstances that trigger this coverage, with things like government-mandated covid lockdowns being litigated now, but typically used in conjunction with property coverage. The intent of this coverage is to pay fixed expenses during a time when operations are being obstructed.
- Tools and equipment- considering how many years and dollars businesses spend on amassing the assets needed to operate a business, it is vital to properly insure it. It’s important to note whether or not it will be leaving the listed location so it can be properly covered. Equipment falls into a few categories:
- Permanently attached equipment or machinery- immobile equipment like CNC machines, paint booths, bailers, industrial washers, commercial kitchens, etc. These are usually high-value single pieces that could be specifically listed on an insurance policy.
- Mobile equipment – things with wheels or tracks but not tagged for use on the road, like forklifts, bobcats, excavators, lawnmowers, etc. These are usually specifically listed for coverage as well.
- Business personal property – most everything else, like computers, furniture, inventory, or other loose items
- Miscellaneous tools and equipment – this is meant for smaller, lower value items used on and off premises. Typically, there is a blanket “floater” policy used to cover these items and can be packaged in with a Commercial Auto policy, General Liability, or written stand-alone.
- Pollution- if your business handles anything that could be considered a contaminant, cleaning up a spill could cost quite a lot. This is especially important in transportation and trucking where even things like milk can be considered a pollution hazard.
- Cargo – if you are in the business of transporting other people’s stuff, you’ll want to have this coverage. If a contract requires a certain amount, it’s worth considering if the amount you insure would actually cover what you are carrying and who is responsible for it.
- Directors & Officers- management decisions that affect stakeholders. The main coverage intent here is to cover wrongful acts which is any alleged act, error, omission, misstatement, misleading statement, or breach of duty. It can also cover damages resulting from antitrust actions, regulatory violation, HIPAA , management control, or fiduciary responsibilities.
- Abuse or molestation- typically we see this for religious organizations, special events, anyone that works with youths, or counseling, but it can come up in any business. It is most often packaged in with another coverage like the General Liability.
- Bonding – there are three main types of bonds, and you’ll see savvy businesses, even small ones, say they are “bonded and insured”. What bond is needed depends a lot on what the business is, but usually you would get one under some kind of third-party requirement. There are of course bonds that benefit employers or associations as well as individuals.
It’s important to note that these policies don’t cover everything, especially whatever creative exclusions insurance companies are coming up with these days, and there are other myriad coverages tailed to your specific business that are not mentioned here. You could cover your body in bubble wrap before mountain biking but maybe there is a middle ground between fun and safety. It will largely be up to you and your advisors to find that sweet spot. There is coverage for nearly everything though so keep your mind open to your risks, avoid the ones you can, control the ones you can’t, and transfer to insurance companies the ones that keep you on the trail and help you feel confident moving ahead.
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Jessica Fricke
Disney With Littles!
by Jessica Fricke Independent Travel Advisor with Travelmation
One of the most common worries I hear when helping to plan family trips to Walt Disney World is “But what about my baby/toddler? Should I leave him at home?” I know it SEEMS stressful, but I have put together some of my tried and true tips for doing Disney with younger children to help you out. Baby Care Centers: Within each of the 4 theme parks, you will find Baby Care Centers designed for families. These amazing spots offer private nursing rooms, larger restrooms, diaper changing stations, a kitchen with microwave/sink, feeding area with highchairs, and a quiet room that can be used for naps/rest. They also have a small shop inside that has anything you could possibly need- baby food, formula, medicines, diapers, wipes, sunscreen, etc. Utilize this amazing resource! Rider Switch: Utilize this for rides where your little one isn’t quite tall enough. One adult rideswhile the other stays with the non-rider. When the first adult is off the ride, you simply switch places and the second adult goes straight to the front of the line! Just make sure to tell the Cast Members ahead of time that you plan to utilize the Rider Switch option so they are prepared. Don’t miss your favorite roller coaster just because you have little ones! Indoor Play Areas: Another way to take a little “break” and refresh is with the indoor play areas located in some theme parks. At Magic Kingdom, you will find my kids’ favorite playground inside the Dumbo ride. It has a smaller area for younger children and a larger climbing area for older kids. Plus, it’s dark and air conditioned! At Epcot there is an awesome playground inside the back entrance to Mission Space. It also has separate areas for younger and older children, plus some cool interactive technology. *You’ll also find outdoor playgrounds at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom! Splash Pads: You will find water features and small splash pads inside the parks as well. We
always keep a swimsuit and change of clothes in our stroller just in case! We also use these wet/dry bags: https://amzn.to/3Td1C8Y
Preferred Parking: If you are staying on-site at a Disney Resort, you will get free parking at the theme parks; however, with small kids, we 100% find it worth it to upgrade to preferred parking when taking our car. The cost is typically around $15-20 extra, but you will often be so much closer to the entrance (and more importantly – the exit!). Snacks, snacks, snacks (and water!): I think it is amazing that Disney allows you to bring in your own food! Take advantage ;) Bring all the snacks! Also, you can get free refills of ice water at
any of the quick service locations in the parks. Make sure those littles (and you!) stay hydrated. These are our favorite water bottles to use: https://amzn.to/3eJ4hIB. They stay cold all day!
Stroller: Even if your little one hasn’t used a stroller in quite some time, I strongly suggest bringing or renting a stroller for those under 8(ish). We tend to average 30-40,000 steps per day when visiting a Walt Disney World theme park. They WILL want to sit at some point! *If you are interested in a stroller rental, please let me know, and I will take care of this for you. And perhaps, most important of all, use a Travel Agent! We have specific training for Walt Disney World and lots of first hand experience. You will not regret it!
by Jessica Fricke Independent Travel Advisor with Travelmation
One of the most common worries I hear when helping to plan family trips to Walt Disney World is “But what about my baby/toddler? Should I leave him at home?” I know it SEEMS stressful, but I have put together some of my tried and true tips for doing Disney with younger children to help you out. Baby Care Centers: Within each of the 4 theme parks, you will find Baby Care Centers designed for families. These amazing spots offer private nursing rooms, larger restrooms, diaper changing stations, a kitchen with microwave/sink, feeding area with highchairs, and a quiet room that can be used for naps/rest. They also have a small shop inside that has anything you could possibly need- baby food, formula, medicines, diapers, wipes, sunscreen, etc. Utilize this amazing resource! Rider Switch: Utilize this for rides where your little one isn’t quite tall enough. One adult rideswhile the other stays with the non-rider. When the first adult is off the ride, you simply switch places and the second adult goes straight to the front of the line! Just make sure to tell the Cast Members ahead of time that you plan to utilize the Rider Switch option so they are prepared. Don’t miss your favorite roller coaster just because you have little ones! Indoor Play Areas: Another way to take a little “break” and refresh is with the indoor play areas located in some theme parks. At Magic Kingdom, you will find my kids’ favorite playground inside the Dumbo ride. It has a smaller area for younger children and a larger climbing area for older kids. Plus, it’s dark and air conditioned! At Epcot there is an awesome playground inside the back entrance to Mission Space. It also has separate areas for younger and older children, plus some cool interactive technology. *You’ll also find outdoor playgrounds at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom! Splash Pads: You will find water features and small splash pads inside the parks as well. We
always keep a swimsuit and change of clothes in our stroller just in case! We also use these wet/dry bags: https://amzn.to/3Td1C8Y
Preferred Parking: If you are staying on-site at a Disney Resort, you will get free parking at the theme parks; however, with small kids, we 100% find it worth it to upgrade to preferred parking when taking our car. The cost is typically around $15-20 extra, but you will often be so much closer to the entrance (and more importantly – the exit!). Snacks, snacks, snacks (and water!): I think it is amazing that Disney allows you to bring in your own food! Take advantage ;) Bring all the snacks! Also, you can get free refills of ice water at
any of the quick service locations in the parks. Make sure those littles (and you!) stay hydrated. These are our favorite water bottles to use: https://amzn.to/3eJ4hIB. They stay cold all day!
Stroller: Even if your little one hasn’t used a stroller in quite some time, I strongly suggest bringing or renting a stroller for those under 8(ish). We tend to average 30-40,000 steps per day when visiting a Walt Disney World theme park. They WILL want to sit at some point! *If you are interested in a stroller rental, please let me know, and I will take care of this for you. And perhaps, most important of all, use a Travel Agent! We have specific training for Walt Disney World and lots of first hand experience. You will not regret it!
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Kim Schneider
How is Your Home or Rental Handling the Summer Heat?:
by Kim Schneider owner: Home - Coastal Design by Kim
If you’re anything like me, I’ve been enjoying the beach and these long summer days with my big sun hat and SPF50+ in hand! Speaking of summer, how is your home or rental handling the heat? Below are a few tips that can help you minimize sun damage, while improving energy efficiency in your home. WINDOW TREATMENTS can play a significant part in helping keep the heat out. Plantation Shutters are known for their aesthetic appeal, and can help block out the direct sunlight. They also help to provide an additional layer of insulation. Roman Shades can be used to add style and function in any room. They provide a tailored look that can compliment any décor and are available in a variety of materials and colors. When lowered a Day & Night Roman Shade can create an
insulating layer at the window. Woven Woods are able to filter most of the UV rays out, helping to reduce the heat in your home. They’re even more effective when they’re lined and come in an array of colors and textures. Window Films are adhered to the interior glass and come in many different shades and grades. These applications provide a variety of benefits including but not limited to energy savings through solar control, fade control and UV protection, privacy, enhance curb appeal, lessen glare, safety and protection for Destin’s beloved sea turtles.
PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT’s allow you to set automatic temperature controls for maximum comfort throughout the day. You can program them to keep temperatures higher when you’re away to help keep costs down. Love them or Hate them CEILING FANS are effective in pulling warm air up to the ceiling and then pushing it down against the walls to simulate a chilled breeze air
circulation. Make sure your fans are turning in a counter-clockwise rotation to maximize this affect.
by Kim Schneider owner: Home - Coastal Design by Kim
If you’re anything like me, I’ve been enjoying the beach and these long summer days with my big sun hat and SPF50+ in hand! Speaking of summer, how is your home or rental handling the heat? Below are a few tips that can help you minimize sun damage, while improving energy efficiency in your home. WINDOW TREATMENTS can play a significant part in helping keep the heat out. Plantation Shutters are known for their aesthetic appeal, and can help block out the direct sunlight. They also help to provide an additional layer of insulation. Roman Shades can be used to add style and function in any room. They provide a tailored look that can compliment any décor and are available in a variety of materials and colors. When lowered a Day & Night Roman Shade can create an
insulating layer at the window. Woven Woods are able to filter most of the UV rays out, helping to reduce the heat in your home. They’re even more effective when they’re lined and come in an array of colors and textures. Window Films are adhered to the interior glass and come in many different shades and grades. These applications provide a variety of benefits including but not limited to energy savings through solar control, fade control and UV protection, privacy, enhance curb appeal, lessen glare, safety and protection for Destin’s beloved sea turtles.
PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT’s allow you to set automatic temperature controls for maximum comfort throughout the day. You can program them to keep temperatures higher when you’re away to help keep costs down. Love them or Hate them CEILING FANS are effective in pulling warm air up to the ceiling and then pushing it down against the walls to simulate a chilled breeze air
circulation. Make sure your fans are turning in a counter-clockwise rotation to maximize this affect.
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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
Check It Out!
Events Calendar
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AREA EVENTS! <-- Please click the picture to view some of our local events for the Destin area. Monthly Calendar. |
I thank them all for the freedom I get to enjoy. May they rest peace and may God bless all of their families.
Destin City www.cityofdestin.com
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)
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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 |
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July at the Destin Library: Click on the picture to be taken to the Library's calendar of events for the month of May. They have some exciting, fun things taking place! I think you just may be surprised at what all goes on there. There is a lot more than just books at that place. Check it out! |
Christian Corner: by Patricia Lee
Peter 1: 5 verse 7 From The Living Bible 1972 version
"Let Him have all your worries and cares, for He is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you."
God gave us free will therefore, yes, bad things happen to good people every single day. It does not mean He turns a blind eye. But, here is what it does mean.
#1. He will bring comfort to you through the bad times, in ways that only He can do.
#2. He will find a way to bring something good from the bad that has happened.
And, last but not least, #3. If it is a person who has purposely caused you harm or plotting against you, He will have his revenge. Rest Assured.
Pray over everything and worry about nothing. When you get up off your knees in prayer, leave your burdens with Father God. Don't gather them up and take them with you. Go on your way in confidence and faith that your Father is more than capable of handling all that is taking place in your life.
Peter 1: 5 verse 7 From The Living Bible 1972 version
"Let Him have all your worries and cares, for He is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you."
God gave us free will therefore, yes, bad things happen to good people every single day. It does not mean He turns a blind eye. But, here is what it does mean.
#1. He will bring comfort to you through the bad times, in ways that only He can do.
#2. He will find a way to bring something good from the bad that has happened.
And, last but not least, #3. If it is a person who has purposely caused you harm or plotting against you, He will have his revenge. Rest Assured.
Pray over everything and worry about nothing. When you get up off your knees in prayer, leave your burdens with Father God. Don't gather them up and take them with you. Go on your way in confidence and faith that your Father is more than capable of handling all that is taking place in your life.
No part of this website or newsletter may copied or reproduced in any way without expressed written consent of the owner. Destinites is a legally registered name with logo copyright and TM. All rights reserved 2023.
Website Est. 2018
Newsletter Est. Dec. 2021