July 2025 Newsletter
Patricia Lee
A Note From The Publisher
A living will is a crucial legal document that ensures your medical wishes are respected if you become incapacitated and can’t speak for yourself. Here’s why it matters:
What Is a Living Will? A living will (also called an advance directive) is a written, legal instruction regarding your preferences for medical care if you’re unable to make decisions due to illness or injury. It’s not about property—it’s about healthcare choices.
✅ Why a Living Will Is Important?
1. Ensures Your Wishes Are Followed
🧭 When Is a Living Will Used?
📌 How to Create One
🛑 Without a Living Will:
_________________________
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 11,900+ 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
A living will is a crucial legal document that ensures your medical wishes are respected if you become incapacitated and can’t speak for yourself. Here’s why it matters:
What Is a Living Will? A living will (also called an advance directive) is a written, legal instruction regarding your preferences for medical care if you’re unable to make decisions due to illness or injury. It’s not about property—it’s about healthcare choices.
✅ Why a Living Will Is Important?
1. Ensures Your Wishes Are Followed
- You decide in advance what life-sustaining treatments you want (or don’t want), such as:
- CPR
- Mechanical ventilation
- Feeding tubes
- Dialysis
- Pain relief measures
- Doctors and family members won’t have to guess what you would want.
- Without your guidance, loved ones may feel guilty or unsure about making difficult decisions.
- A living will removes the pressure of guessing and prevents potential family conflicts.
- It makes your choices legally binding, helping ensure hospitals and healthcare providers comply with your preferences, even in high-stress or emergency situations.
- If you prefer not to receive extraordinary or invasive measures, a living will can help avoid costly treatments that go against your wishes and offer little benefit.
- Often paired with a durable power of attorney for healthcare, which names someone you trust to make medical decisions for you if you're incapacitated.
🧭 When Is a Living Will Used?
- After a serious accident, stroke, coma, or terminal illness.
- When a person is unconscious or mentally incapacitated and can’t communicate their wishes.
📌 How to Create One
- Download the form from your state’s official site or use a lawyer.
- Clearly outline your preferences.
- Have it notarized or witnessed (requirements vary by state).
- Share it with:
- Your doctor
- Loved ones
- Your healthcare proxy
- Keep a copy accessible
🛑 Without a Living Will:
- You may receive treatments you didn’t want.
- Your family may face emotional distress.
- Legal disputes can delay decisions or lead to court involvement.
_________________________
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 11,900+ 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]
Click the Ad
|
Click the Ad
|
Click the Ad
|
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
Click the Ad
|
Click the Ad
|
Lori Leath Smith
Okaloosa; Walton Counties Strengthen Hurricane Preparedness Amid Active 2025 Forecast:
Submitted by Lori Leath Smith, Publisher - Life Media, Inc. Destin Life community newspaper
As the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season commences on June 1, Okaloosa and Walton Counties
are intensifying their preparedness efforts and want to ensure locals are well-prepared for
potential storms in response to forecasts predicting above-average storm activity. Colorado
State University anticipates 17 named storms, including nine hurricanes and four major
hurricanes, exceeding the 30-year average of 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three
major hurricanes.
Okaloosa County
Building on the success of previous initiatives, Okaloosa County hosted its second annual
“Florida’s Greatest Hurricane Preparedness Party” on May 3, 2025, at the Okaloosa County
Administration Building in Shalimar.
The event featured expert presentations from Patrick Maddox, Okaloosa County Director of
Public Safety, and Jason Beaman, Meteorologist-in-Charge at the National Weather Service in
Mobile. Attendees received complimentary 2025 Hurricane Guides, engaged with various
vendors and participated in public safety discussions with first responders.
In tandem with the expo, the county released its comprehensive 2025 Hurricane Guide, offering
residents detailed information on evacuation zones, emergency contacts, shelter locations and
post-storm recovery resources. You can download it at https://myokaloosa.com/emergency-
management.
You can sign up for emergency notifications through AlertOkaloosa.com or by texting
“OKALOOSAFL” to 888777. Additionally, the county’s Emergency Management Division
provides resources and updates via their official website, MyOkaloosa.com, and social media
platforms.
Walton County
Walton County Emergency Management (WCEM) has launched several initiatives to bolster
community readiness. Please review evacuation routes, assemble emergency supply kits and
sign up for local alerts. The county’s official website offers resources and updates to assist in
these preparations: https://www.mywaltonfl.gov/1063/Emergency-Management.
Additionally, WCEM is hosting the 2025 HERricane Florida | Landfall: Walton County camp from
July 29 to August 1. This free program aims to educate 7th to 9th-grade girls about emergency
management and public safety careers, fostering the next generation of leaders in disaster
response. More information can be found at https://www.mywaltonfl.gov/1348/HERricane-
Florida-Landfall-Walton-County.
Overall Quick Safety Tips:
• Stay in your safe place – Get to high ground if flooding is a risk and shelter during high winds.
• Check weather updates – Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts and monitor changing conditions.
• Watch for flooding – Never drive through floodwaters. Just 1 foot can sweep a car away!
• Listen to local officials – Follow evacuation orders and stick to recommended routes.
Key Hurricane Preparedness Steps:
• Know Your Evacuation Zone: Determine your evacuation zone and route. Okaloosa County
provides detailed maps and information at https://myokaloosa.com/gm/evacuation-zones.
Walton County provides detailed maps and information at
https://www.mywaltonfl.gov/1063/Emergency-Management.
• Assemble an Emergency Supply Kit: Include essentials such as non-perishable food, water,
medications, flashlights, batteries, chargers and important documents. Crank your generator
monthly to keep it in good shape, and don’t forget — June 2–15 is Florida’s Disaster Supplies
Tax-Free Holiday! A comprehensive checklist is available at
https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/hurricane-supply-checklist/.
• Sign Up for Emergency Alerts: Stay informed by registering for local emergency notifications
through AlertOkaloosa or by texting “OKALOOSAFL” to 888777. Stay informed by registering for
local emergency notifications through Alert Walton at
https://www.mywaltonfl.gov/1063/Emergency-Management.
• Prepare Your Home: Secure loose outdoor items, install hurricane shutters, trim trees, clear
debris, make sure gutters drain properly and ensure your home is in good repair to withstand
high winds.
• Plan for Pets: Make arrangements for your pets in case of evacuation, including food, water
and shelter.
• Review Insurance Policies: Ensure your homeowner’s insurance covers hurricane-related
damages and understand the claims process. Review your policy for gaps, document your
belongings, and save important files on a thumb drive or in waterproof/fireproof containers.
For more information and resources, visit:
Okaloosa County Emergency Management at https://myokaloosa.com/emergency-
management
Walton County Emergency Management at https://www.mywaltonfl.gov/1063/Emergency-
Management.
• Evacuation Zones Information; Routes:
https://myokaloosa.com/gm/evacuation-zones;
https://www.mywaltonfl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/29365/Flood-Zone-Evacuation-
Map?bidId=
• Road Closures and Delays:
https://fl511.com (Statewide real-time traffic info)
• Kids Get a Plan and Children’s Needs (Family Emergency Planning Tool for Children):
https://kidsgetaplan.com; https://www.mywaltonfl.gov/555/Childrens-Needs
• Pet Shelter Information During an Emergency:
https://myokaloosa.com/emergency-management/pets;
https://www.mywaltonfl.gov/556/Pet-Needs-and-Safety
• Shelter in Place Guidelines:
https://myokaloosa.com/emergency-management/shelter-place
• Shelter Locations and Updates (Okaloosa County):
https://myokaloosa.com/emergency-management/shelters
• Special Needs Registration (Okaloosa Walton Counties Special Needs Registry):
https://snr.flhealthresponse.com; https://www.mywaltonfl.gov/1194/Special-Needs-Shelter-
Registration
• Disabilities (Walton County): https://www.mywaltonfl.gov/1380/Individuals-with-Disabilities
• Business Planning (Walton County): https://www.mywaltonfl.gov/1449/Make-a-Business-Plan
Submitted by Lori Leath Smith, Publisher - Life Media, Inc. Destin Life community newspaper
As the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season commences on June 1, Okaloosa and Walton Counties
are intensifying their preparedness efforts and want to ensure locals are well-prepared for
potential storms in response to forecasts predicting above-average storm activity. Colorado
State University anticipates 17 named storms, including nine hurricanes and four major
hurricanes, exceeding the 30-year average of 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three
major hurricanes.
Okaloosa County
Building on the success of previous initiatives, Okaloosa County hosted its second annual
“Florida’s Greatest Hurricane Preparedness Party” on May 3, 2025, at the Okaloosa County
Administration Building in Shalimar.
The event featured expert presentations from Patrick Maddox, Okaloosa County Director of
Public Safety, and Jason Beaman, Meteorologist-in-Charge at the National Weather Service in
Mobile. Attendees received complimentary 2025 Hurricane Guides, engaged with various
vendors and participated in public safety discussions with first responders.
In tandem with the expo, the county released its comprehensive 2025 Hurricane Guide, offering
residents detailed information on evacuation zones, emergency contacts, shelter locations and
post-storm recovery resources. You can download it at https://myokaloosa.com/emergency-
management.
You can sign up for emergency notifications through AlertOkaloosa.com or by texting
“OKALOOSAFL” to 888777. Additionally, the county’s Emergency Management Division
provides resources and updates via their official website, MyOkaloosa.com, and social media
platforms.
Walton County
Walton County Emergency Management (WCEM) has launched several initiatives to bolster
community readiness. Please review evacuation routes, assemble emergency supply kits and
sign up for local alerts. The county’s official website offers resources and updates to assist in
these preparations: https://www.mywaltonfl.gov/1063/Emergency-Management.
Additionally, WCEM is hosting the 2025 HERricane Florida | Landfall: Walton County camp from
July 29 to August 1. This free program aims to educate 7th to 9th-grade girls about emergency
management and public safety careers, fostering the next generation of leaders in disaster
response. More information can be found at https://www.mywaltonfl.gov/1348/HERricane-
Florida-Landfall-Walton-County.
Overall Quick Safety Tips:
• Stay in your safe place – Get to high ground if flooding is a risk and shelter during high winds.
• Check weather updates – Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts and monitor changing conditions.
• Watch for flooding – Never drive through floodwaters. Just 1 foot can sweep a car away!
• Listen to local officials – Follow evacuation orders and stick to recommended routes.
Key Hurricane Preparedness Steps:
• Know Your Evacuation Zone: Determine your evacuation zone and route. Okaloosa County
provides detailed maps and information at https://myokaloosa.com/gm/evacuation-zones.
Walton County provides detailed maps and information at
https://www.mywaltonfl.gov/1063/Emergency-Management.
• Assemble an Emergency Supply Kit: Include essentials such as non-perishable food, water,
medications, flashlights, batteries, chargers and important documents. Crank your generator
monthly to keep it in good shape, and don’t forget — June 2–15 is Florida’s Disaster Supplies
Tax-Free Holiday! A comprehensive checklist is available at
https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/hurricane-supply-checklist/.
• Sign Up for Emergency Alerts: Stay informed by registering for local emergency notifications
through AlertOkaloosa or by texting “OKALOOSAFL” to 888777. Stay informed by registering for
local emergency notifications through Alert Walton at
https://www.mywaltonfl.gov/1063/Emergency-Management.
• Prepare Your Home: Secure loose outdoor items, install hurricane shutters, trim trees, clear
debris, make sure gutters drain properly and ensure your home is in good repair to withstand
high winds.
• Plan for Pets: Make arrangements for your pets in case of evacuation, including food, water
and shelter.
• Review Insurance Policies: Ensure your homeowner’s insurance covers hurricane-related
damages and understand the claims process. Review your policy for gaps, document your
belongings, and save important files on a thumb drive or in waterproof/fireproof containers.
For more information and resources, visit:
Okaloosa County Emergency Management at https://myokaloosa.com/emergency-
management
Walton County Emergency Management at https://www.mywaltonfl.gov/1063/Emergency-
Management.
• Evacuation Zones Information; Routes:
https://myokaloosa.com/gm/evacuation-zones;
https://www.mywaltonfl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/29365/Flood-Zone-Evacuation-
Map?bidId=
• Road Closures and Delays:
https://fl511.com (Statewide real-time traffic info)
• Kids Get a Plan and Children’s Needs (Family Emergency Planning Tool for Children):
https://kidsgetaplan.com; https://www.mywaltonfl.gov/555/Childrens-Needs
• Pet Shelter Information During an Emergency:
https://myokaloosa.com/emergency-management/pets;
https://www.mywaltonfl.gov/556/Pet-Needs-and-Safety
• Shelter in Place Guidelines:
https://myokaloosa.com/emergency-management/shelter-place
• Shelter Locations and Updates (Okaloosa County):
https://myokaloosa.com/emergency-management/shelters
• Special Needs Registration (Okaloosa Walton Counties Special Needs Registry):
https://snr.flhealthresponse.com; https://www.mywaltonfl.gov/1194/Special-Needs-Shelter-
Registration
• Disabilities (Walton County): https://www.mywaltonfl.gov/1380/Individuals-with-Disabilities
• Business Planning (Walton County): https://www.mywaltonfl.gov/1449/Make-a-Business-Plan
Click the Ad
|
Click the Ad
|
Andrea & Paul McArthur
Protecting Your Florida Home: A Guide to Hurricane Season:
By Paul McArthur - Owner: Agape Home Pro
It’s that time of year again!!! We’ve been lucky the last number of years. Hopefully, our luck holds this year. BUT, just in case…
With hurricane season upon us, Destin families can’t afford to wait until a storm is on the radar. Each year, storms grow more unpredictable—and so do the costs of recovery.
The 2025 hurricane season is expected to bring above-average storm activity. But beyond the wind and rain, there’s another storm brewing: rising prices across the board. It happens almost every year, as soon as a named is approaching, prices go up and supplies become scarce. With Hurricane Ian in 2022, Floridians saw prices soar on basic supplies. Cases of bottled water went from $5 to $8-10, the average for AA batteries went from $7 to $12 or more (if you could find them), even canned food rose 10%-20%!
Translation? If you delay preparations until a storm is a few days away, you could be left without enough supplies and financial strain when you’re at your most vulnerable.
Step 1: Get Ahead with a Solid Plan
Sit down with your household and discuss:
• Evacuation routes and storm shelter options
• A communication options in case power and cell towers go down
• A designated safe room in your home, away from windows
• Update your contact list and make sure all-important numbers are written down in case your phone battery dies
Step 2: Build a Smarter Supply Kit
Don’t wait for the store shelves to empty. Your disaster supply kit should include:
• 3–7 days of water (1 gallon per person per day)
• Canned or dry food, a manual can opener, and utensils
• Flashlights, extra batteries, and power banks
• First aid supplies and prescription medications
• Copies of important documents in a waterproof bag
• Pet food, leashes, and crates
• Cash on hand—ATMs may not work after a storm
Step 3: Hurricane-Proof Your Property
Protect your home now to avoid major damage:
• Clean gutters and secure outdoor furniture
• Trim trees and branches that could damage your home
• Inspect and reinforce your roof, windows, and garage door
These preventative steps are helpful, especially when materials and contractor services are in short supply after a hurricane.
Step 4: Review Your Insurance Coverage
Insurance is your financial safety net, and with rising rebuilding costs, now’s the time to make sure it’s enough.
Questions to ask:
• Is your coverage limit at the right level to protect your home and valuable contents?
• Do you have flood insurance? (Remember, it’s not part of standard homeowners policies.)
• Are your deductibles manageable?
• Do you have coverage for temporary living expenses if your home is uninhabitable?
Your agent should be ready to help you review and update your policy. Even small adjustments today can save you thousands down the line.
After the Storm: Act Smart and Stay Safe
Once the skies clear:
• Use caution around downed lines, sharp debris, and contaminated water
• Take photos or video of any damage before beginning cleanup
• Save receipts for any repairs, hotel stays, or temporary purchases
• Report claims as soon as possible
Don’t Wait for the Next Storm Warning. Hurricanes may be a fact of life in Florida, but the best defense is preparation and that starts today. When storms hit, families who took action early have a major advantage in safety, security, and financial recovery.
Stay safe and be ready Destin!!
By Paul McArthur - Owner: Agape Home Pro
It’s that time of year again!!! We’ve been lucky the last number of years. Hopefully, our luck holds this year. BUT, just in case…
With hurricane season upon us, Destin families can’t afford to wait until a storm is on the radar. Each year, storms grow more unpredictable—and so do the costs of recovery.
The 2025 hurricane season is expected to bring above-average storm activity. But beyond the wind and rain, there’s another storm brewing: rising prices across the board. It happens almost every year, as soon as a named is approaching, prices go up and supplies become scarce. With Hurricane Ian in 2022, Floridians saw prices soar on basic supplies. Cases of bottled water went from $5 to $8-10, the average for AA batteries went from $7 to $12 or more (if you could find them), even canned food rose 10%-20%!
Translation? If you delay preparations until a storm is a few days away, you could be left without enough supplies and financial strain when you’re at your most vulnerable.
Step 1: Get Ahead with a Solid Plan
Sit down with your household and discuss:
• Evacuation routes and storm shelter options
• A communication options in case power and cell towers go down
• A designated safe room in your home, away from windows
• Update your contact list and make sure all-important numbers are written down in case your phone battery dies
Step 2: Build a Smarter Supply Kit
Don’t wait for the store shelves to empty. Your disaster supply kit should include:
• 3–7 days of water (1 gallon per person per day)
• Canned or dry food, a manual can opener, and utensils
• Flashlights, extra batteries, and power banks
• First aid supplies and prescription medications
• Copies of important documents in a waterproof bag
• Pet food, leashes, and crates
• Cash on hand—ATMs may not work after a storm
Step 3: Hurricane-Proof Your Property
Protect your home now to avoid major damage:
• Clean gutters and secure outdoor furniture
• Trim trees and branches that could damage your home
• Inspect and reinforce your roof, windows, and garage door
These preventative steps are helpful, especially when materials and contractor services are in short supply after a hurricane.
Step 4: Review Your Insurance Coverage
Insurance is your financial safety net, and with rising rebuilding costs, now’s the time to make sure it’s enough.
Questions to ask:
• Is your coverage limit at the right level to protect your home and valuable contents?
• Do you have flood insurance? (Remember, it’s not part of standard homeowners policies.)
• Are your deductibles manageable?
• Do you have coverage for temporary living expenses if your home is uninhabitable?
Your agent should be ready to help you review and update your policy. Even small adjustments today can save you thousands down the line.
After the Storm: Act Smart and Stay Safe
Once the skies clear:
• Use caution around downed lines, sharp debris, and contaminated water
• Take photos or video of any damage before beginning cleanup
• Save receipts for any repairs, hotel stays, or temporary purchases
• Report claims as soon as possible
Don’t Wait for the Next Storm Warning. Hurricanes may be a fact of life in Florida, but the best defense is preparation and that starts today. When storms hit, families who took action early have a major advantage in safety, security, and financial recovery.
Stay safe and be ready Destin!!
Click the Ad
|
Click the Ad
|
Click the Ad
|
HAPPY INDEPENDANCE DAY!
Celebrate your freedom & never take it for granted.
Celebrate your freedom & never take it for granted.
|
Click the Ad
|
Medical Corner:
Stage 4 Lung Cancer Breakthrough Targeted Therapies:
- Telisotuzumab vedotin (Emrelis)
• Approved May 2025 for NSCLC with high c-Met expression. This antibody-drug conjugate offers a new line of therapy for patients beyond first-line treatment en.wikipedia.org. - Zenocutuzumab (Bizengri)
• Approved Dec 2024 for NSCLC harboring NRG1 gene fusions; the first targeted therapy for this rare subset arxiv.org+8en.wikipedia.org+8lungcancerstoday.com+8. - Ensartinib (Ensacove)
• ALK-positive metastatic NSCLC; received U.S. approval in Dec 2024 en.wikipedia.org. - Repotrectinib (Augtyro)
• Targets ROS1 and TRKs, FDA-approved Nov 2023; effective in ROS1-positive metastatic NSCLC en.wikipedia.org. - Zipalertinib
• A daily oral EGFR exon 20 inhibitor showing a ~35–40 % response rate and average ~9‑month PFS post-chemotherapy in phase II trials sciencedirect.com+15mskcc.org+15medscape.com+15. - Sugemalimab (Cejemly/Eqjubi)
• Approved in China, EU, and UK (through late 2024) as first-line therapy in combination with chemotherapy, targeting PD-L1 for metastatic NSCLC en.wikipedia.org. - Ivonescimab (AK112)
• In US phase III trials; approved in China (May 2024) for EGFR-mutant NSCLC. AstraZeneca is in talks for a potential US launch .
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)
Events Calendar
|
AREA EVENTS! <-- Please click the picture to view some of our local events for the Destin area. Monthly Calendar. |
|
|
|
|
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 |
|
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
BIBLE: Book Of Habakkuk
From the Living Bible 1971
Chapter 2: Verse 3
"But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!"
It is difficult to have patience when waiting upon the Lord to answer our prayers but it shouldn't be. If you really believe that God is in control and has your best interest at heart, then it is easy to have patience. The more faith you have in Him, the easier it is to be patient. Show Him your faith in His decisions by thanking Him before He even answers your prayers. Sing His praises out loud and be confident that His Will is best for all; even when His answer was not the outcome "you" wanted. Remember, He can see the big picture and you can't. He loves you!
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 2025.
Website Est. 2018
Newsletter Est. Dec. 2021