March 2022 Newsletter

From The Publisher:
As many of you know, we do have Coyotes here in the Destin area. Please read the information below which was posted by https://www.facebook.com/ADFC.LOST.PAWS. It is very important to be aware!
"Coyotes will be protective of their turf in the coming weeks as mating season is underway in January and February and pupping season begins in April and May.
So please do not let your dogs out alone and don’t allow your outdoor cats to roam. Although coyotes are prevalent in outlying and rural areas, they’re also thriving in suburban and urban areas, and smaller towns as well.
Coyote breeding typically peaks in late February and early March, the gestation period averages 58 to 63 days. Male coyotes can become more aggressive during this time of year, the long and short of it all is that coyotes always pose a risk to your dog (and other small pets). That risk increases during mating season.
Spay or neuter your pet. Coyotes are attracted to and can mate with un-spayed or un-neutered domestic dogs. Un-spayed female dogs in season can attract male coyotes. Un-neutered male dogs can be lured away by the scent of a female coyote in her ovulation cycle. Additionally, male dogs can be lured by the female coyote’s scent and killed by male coyotes.
You should also be mindful that clever coyotes learn the daily schedules of people and their pets. If you let your dog out every evening at 9 p.m., chances are that a coyote is well aware of your routine. He might be waiting in the shadows at 9 p.m. sharp. So change your schedule a bit, walk your dog on leash close to you, and keep a close eye on them at all times.
Strategies to keep your pets safe during coyote mating season.
Coyote caution
* Never feed coyotes — it is illegal to feed coyotes in most places. Feeding endangers your family and neighbors as it lures coyotes into neighborhoods.
* Keep unattended cats and dogs indoors or in completely enclosed runs, especially at night, and do not assume that a fence will keep a coyote out of your back yard.
* Accompany your leashed pet outside. Make sure you turn on lights if it is dark to check your back yard for unexpected wildlife.
* Keep dogs on short leashes while walking outside; the Division of Wildlife recommends a leash no longer than six feet.
* Leave noisemakers on hand to scare away coyotes that may enter your yard, such as whistles and horns.
* Yell, clap hands, blow a whistle and try to make yourself look larger if you have a close encounter with a coyote.”
As many of you know, we do have Coyotes here in the Destin area. Please read the information below which was posted by https://www.facebook.com/ADFC.LOST.PAWS. It is very important to be aware!
"Coyotes will be protective of their turf in the coming weeks as mating season is underway in January and February and pupping season begins in April and May.
So please do not let your dogs out alone and don’t allow your outdoor cats to roam. Although coyotes are prevalent in outlying and rural areas, they’re also thriving in suburban and urban areas, and smaller towns as well.
Coyote breeding typically peaks in late February and early March, the gestation period averages 58 to 63 days. Male coyotes can become more aggressive during this time of year, the long and short of it all is that coyotes always pose a risk to your dog (and other small pets). That risk increases during mating season.
Spay or neuter your pet. Coyotes are attracted to and can mate with un-spayed or un-neutered domestic dogs. Un-spayed female dogs in season can attract male coyotes. Un-neutered male dogs can be lured away by the scent of a female coyote in her ovulation cycle. Additionally, male dogs can be lured by the female coyote’s scent and killed by male coyotes.
You should also be mindful that clever coyotes learn the daily schedules of people and their pets. If you let your dog out every evening at 9 p.m., chances are that a coyote is well aware of your routine. He might be waiting in the shadows at 9 p.m. sharp. So change your schedule a bit, walk your dog on leash close to you, and keep a close eye on them at all times.
Strategies to keep your pets safe during coyote mating season.
Coyote caution
* Never feed coyotes — it is illegal to feed coyotes in most places. Feeding endangers your family and neighbors as it lures coyotes into neighborhoods.
* Keep unattended cats and dogs indoors or in completely enclosed runs, especially at night, and do not assume that a fence will keep a coyote out of your back yard.
* Accompany your leashed pet outside. Make sure you turn on lights if it is dark to check your back yard for unexpected wildlife.
* Keep dogs on short leashes while walking outside; the Division of Wildlife recommends a leash no longer than six feet.
* Leave noisemakers on hand to scare away coyotes that may enter your yard, such as whistles and horns.
* Yell, clap hands, blow a whistle and try to make yourself look larger if you have a close encounter with a coyote.”
*** If you are interested in being a sponsor or article contributor, contact Patricia Lee: [email protected]
~PRAYERS FOR PEACE~

Hope Medical Clinic - Keeping Our Community Healthy: By Lori Leath Smith, Publisher - Life Media, Inc. community newspapers.
It’s a Tuesday morning, and I find myself in a morning staff huddle at the Hope Medical Clinic. The Clinic’s director, Dr. Tim Roberts, listens intently and compassionately, gives directions and courses of action, so all staff know what to expect and are ready for their patients’ care. No one is a number; they have a name. It’s personal. Private. Caring.
A vital part of keeping our community healthy, Hope Medical Clinic offers just what its name infers—Hope. Hope for the hurting—mentally, physically and emotionally. We all know healthcare can be complex and expensive even for those with insurance. For those without insurance, it can mean the difference between living healthy and productive lives and suffering from, or even dying of, highly treatable conditions. Serving the people that make our communities possible, Hope Medical Clinic opened its doors in 2009 to provide free, quality, accessible healthcare to the working uninsured and medically underserved residents of Okaloosa and Walton counties.
In partnership with our communities, it continues its goal to serve in this capacity. “We do this in a respectful environment in which patients, health care professionals, students and the community learn from one another,” says Dr. Roberts. “The experience is that each patient is respected, cared for and welcomed when they walk through the door.”
The Hope Clinic believes that health is more than the absence of disease, and can be achieved by addressing the physical, mental, spiritual and emotional needs of its patients. “From the first appointment, we assess a person’s physical, but also mental and emotional background to try to find out what’s happened in their lives, where they’re coming from and the resources they need to get well. Then we strive to provide those resources,” says Dr. Roberts. This is done initially through an ACE (Adverse Child Experiences) survey. “As a patient, we want to know who you are, what you’ve experienced and how that affects your health,” he says. “It’s not necessarily traditional, but gives us insight. We’re very serious about it and what we can do about your situation.”
Dr. Roberts says some results show major issues, while others simply mean a patient is at risk for certain issues. “As a nonprofit, we believe that we can create a better future through innovation such as the ACE survey. This sense of hope leads us to this creative approach and a model that works. We’re a healthcare home, not a walk-in clinic,” he continues. “We have a program that patients can be admitted into if they qualify. If admitted, they’re scheduled with a provider we feel best matches their needs. We’re going to get our patients the help they need or get them where they need to go. We can connect them, supply options, help them navigate, whether it’s mental health integration or primary care, etc.,” says Dr. Roberts.
Doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and licensed mental health counselors donate their time as their schedules allow as well as volunteer nurses and clinic volunteers, all a vital part of the clinic’s backbone.
Hope Medical Clinic also provides students pursuing careers in medicine and healthcare to help address the immediate and long-term needs of our community, and in doing so, equip them with skill sets that will serve them throughout their careers. For example, they have the ability to become an intern and work with a mentor at the clinic. “We strive to create an environment in which our team feels heard, safe, respected and supported, carefully managing their time and talents and spending wisely the funds invested in us,” says Dr. Roberts.
Hope Clinic’s range of services include women’s health, mental health, counseling, diabetes, prescription assistance, basic lab work and blood work, referrals and more.
Dr. Roberts’ passion, compassion and devotion to his patients and the community shines. He’s made this community and work his life’s mission. “I packed everything I owned into the back of truck, and through someone who knew someone who knew someone, ended up here.”
To make an appointment at one of the clinic’s two locations, call (850) 837.8424 or email [email protected]. Visit www.hopemedclinic.org for more information.
It’s a Tuesday morning, and I find myself in a morning staff huddle at the Hope Medical Clinic. The Clinic’s director, Dr. Tim Roberts, listens intently and compassionately, gives directions and courses of action, so all staff know what to expect and are ready for their patients’ care. No one is a number; they have a name. It’s personal. Private. Caring.
A vital part of keeping our community healthy, Hope Medical Clinic offers just what its name infers—Hope. Hope for the hurting—mentally, physically and emotionally. We all know healthcare can be complex and expensive even for those with insurance. For those without insurance, it can mean the difference between living healthy and productive lives and suffering from, or even dying of, highly treatable conditions. Serving the people that make our communities possible, Hope Medical Clinic opened its doors in 2009 to provide free, quality, accessible healthcare to the working uninsured and medically underserved residents of Okaloosa and Walton counties.
In partnership with our communities, it continues its goal to serve in this capacity. “We do this in a respectful environment in which patients, health care professionals, students and the community learn from one another,” says Dr. Roberts. “The experience is that each patient is respected, cared for and welcomed when they walk through the door.”
The Hope Clinic believes that health is more than the absence of disease, and can be achieved by addressing the physical, mental, spiritual and emotional needs of its patients. “From the first appointment, we assess a person’s physical, but also mental and emotional background to try to find out what’s happened in their lives, where they’re coming from and the resources they need to get well. Then we strive to provide those resources,” says Dr. Roberts. This is done initially through an ACE (Adverse Child Experiences) survey. “As a patient, we want to know who you are, what you’ve experienced and how that affects your health,” he says. “It’s not necessarily traditional, but gives us insight. We’re very serious about it and what we can do about your situation.”
Dr. Roberts says some results show major issues, while others simply mean a patient is at risk for certain issues. “As a nonprofit, we believe that we can create a better future through innovation such as the ACE survey. This sense of hope leads us to this creative approach and a model that works. We’re a healthcare home, not a walk-in clinic,” he continues. “We have a program that patients can be admitted into if they qualify. If admitted, they’re scheduled with a provider we feel best matches their needs. We’re going to get our patients the help they need or get them where they need to go. We can connect them, supply options, help them navigate, whether it’s mental health integration or primary care, etc.,” says Dr. Roberts.
Doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and licensed mental health counselors donate their time as their schedules allow as well as volunteer nurses and clinic volunteers, all a vital part of the clinic’s backbone.
Hope Medical Clinic also provides students pursuing careers in medicine and healthcare to help address the immediate and long-term needs of our community, and in doing so, equip them with skill sets that will serve them throughout their careers. For example, they have the ability to become an intern and work with a mentor at the clinic. “We strive to create an environment in which our team feels heard, safe, respected and supported, carefully managing their time and talents and spending wisely the funds invested in us,” says Dr. Roberts.
Hope Clinic’s range of services include women’s health, mental health, counseling, diabetes, prescription assistance, basic lab work and blood work, referrals and more.
Dr. Roberts’ passion, compassion and devotion to his patients and the community shines. He’s made this community and work his life’s mission. “I packed everything I owned into the back of truck, and through someone who knew someone who knew someone, ended up here.”
To make an appointment at one of the clinic’s two locations, call (850) 837.8424 or email [email protected]. Visit www.hopemedclinic.org for more information.

Click this picture to find favorite gulf coast recipes by Deep South Dish!

Destinite Spotlight: By Author, Patricia Lee
Meet local, Amy Sievers. She owns the Oasis Santa Rosa Beach restaurant. The restaurant recently had a kitchen fire, so it may be a couple of months before it re-opens. Please visit their Facebook page for updates https://www.facebook.com/theOasisSRB Below is an inspirational message from Amy which can benefit anyone who reads it. She is a resilient lady with courage and faith and an uncanny ability to keep pressing forward through many of life's obstacles. This is her message..........
"At the end of the day I’m a good woman. I may not be perfect but my heart is pure and my intentions are good. I’ve been, molested, raped, robbed, and left for dead. I’ve been abused and hurt, unprotected, and left by those who said they loved me. I’ve lost a child and watched my other children grow and suffer, struggle, and succeed, be happy, and be sad. I’ve loved with all I had left in me. I’ve cried until I threw up and then I’ve cried more. I’ve fought demons in my head and loved God with all my heart. I’ve made mistakes and I’ve learned hard lessons. I’ve begged God not to wake up in the morning and also have begged God to save me from being killed. I have grown and changed to mold myself into the woman I am today. No one was going to come save me. No one was going to fix me and my broken heart and mind. No one could fix me. I have dedicated my life to try and make other peoples lives better so they know that someone is out there caring. I still struggle with self love, self acceptance, and moody moments. But I am doing my best to be the person I am meant to be and it’s MY responsibility to make that happen. No lack of love, trauma, past issues, current issues give me an excuse to be anyone less than who I am meant to be. Daily I have a choice to make decisions that elevate me or bring me lower. But it’s all up to ME. I am choosing love and happiness for me. I don’t want to live in the past and I don’t want to dwell on what ifs and should haves. The truth is that everything happens for a reason and I am here today because of the the path that my past led me on. I am grateful for the lessons and I am thankful to be where I am. I don’t want to erase my memories of the past but I no longer want to dwell on them or in them. This is MY life and it’s my responsibility to make it what I desire it to be.
You never know someone’s past or path. You have no idea what they hold inside while they smile outside. We all have crosses to carry and lessons to learn. Be as kind as you can be, as forgiving, and as unconditionaly loving as you can. BUT At the end of the day fight for what is yours. Fight for that peace, love, happiness, and contentment you desire. YOU! YOU fight for that! THIS IS YOUR LIFE and you have to make choices in the end that will be right for you. You are the only one that will answer for your life. How do you want to live it.
Your past is not an excuse. Your trauma is yours to heal. Your attitude is yours to fix. Your heart is yours to mend. Make the right choices for you today!"
Meet local, Amy Sievers. She owns the Oasis Santa Rosa Beach restaurant. The restaurant recently had a kitchen fire, so it may be a couple of months before it re-opens. Please visit their Facebook page for updates https://www.facebook.com/theOasisSRB Below is an inspirational message from Amy which can benefit anyone who reads it. She is a resilient lady with courage and faith and an uncanny ability to keep pressing forward through many of life's obstacles. This is her message..........
"At the end of the day I’m a good woman. I may not be perfect but my heart is pure and my intentions are good. I’ve been, molested, raped, robbed, and left for dead. I’ve been abused and hurt, unprotected, and left by those who said they loved me. I’ve lost a child and watched my other children grow and suffer, struggle, and succeed, be happy, and be sad. I’ve loved with all I had left in me. I’ve cried until I threw up and then I’ve cried more. I’ve fought demons in my head and loved God with all my heart. I’ve made mistakes and I’ve learned hard lessons. I’ve begged God not to wake up in the morning and also have begged God to save me from being killed. I have grown and changed to mold myself into the woman I am today. No one was going to come save me. No one was going to fix me and my broken heart and mind. No one could fix me. I have dedicated my life to try and make other peoples lives better so they know that someone is out there caring. I still struggle with self love, self acceptance, and moody moments. But I am doing my best to be the person I am meant to be and it’s MY responsibility to make that happen. No lack of love, trauma, past issues, current issues give me an excuse to be anyone less than who I am meant to be. Daily I have a choice to make decisions that elevate me or bring me lower. But it’s all up to ME. I am choosing love and happiness for me. I don’t want to live in the past and I don’t want to dwell on what ifs and should haves. The truth is that everything happens for a reason and I am here today because of the the path that my past led me on. I am grateful for the lessons and I am thankful to be where I am. I don’t want to erase my memories of the past but I no longer want to dwell on them or in them. This is MY life and it’s my responsibility to make it what I desire it to be.
You never know someone’s past or path. You have no idea what they hold inside while they smile outside. We all have crosses to carry and lessons to learn. Be as kind as you can be, as forgiving, and as unconditionaly loving as you can. BUT At the end of the day fight for what is yours. Fight for that peace, love, happiness, and contentment you desire. YOU! YOU fight for that! THIS IS YOUR LIFE and you have to make choices in the end that will be right for you. You are the only one that will answer for your life. How do you want to live it.
Your past is not an excuse. Your trauma is yours to heal. Your attitude is yours to fix. Your heart is yours to mend. Make the right choices for you today!"

Just A Little Laugh With Good Advise By Patricia Lee
30 years ago when my daughter, Alex, was 2 and half years old we lived in West Palm Beach. We had a house with a pool and our master bathroom had a door that opened to the back patio area. We were going through potty training at the time and one day I had her sitting on that toilet, in the MBR. She sat and sat there and I finally decided nothing was going to happen so I took her off the toilet seat. As I did, I looked down and noticed a small FROG sucked to the inside of the bowl at the front. SAY WHAT? Can you even imagine what would have happened had that frog decided to jump while Alex was sitting there? That child would probably have had nightmares the rest of her life and still be wearing diapers. (ha) Moral to the story, always look inside the toilet bowl first before you sit your child down on that seat, especially if you live in Florida!
30 years ago when my daughter, Alex, was 2 and half years old we lived in West Palm Beach. We had a house with a pool and our master bathroom had a door that opened to the back patio area. We were going through potty training at the time and one day I had her sitting on that toilet, in the MBR. She sat and sat there and I finally decided nothing was going to happen so I took her off the toilet seat. As I did, I looked down and noticed a small FROG sucked to the inside of the bowl at the front. SAY WHAT? Can you even imagine what would have happened had that frog decided to jump while Alex was sitting there? That child would probably have had nightmares the rest of her life and still be wearing diapers. (ha) Moral to the story, always look inside the toilet bowl first before you sit your child down on that seat, especially if you live in Florida!

Spring Maintenance For Your Home! By Paul McArthur - Owner: Agape Home Pro
Spring is in the air! The days are getting warmer (thankfully), the birds are chirping and flowers are starting to bloom. And, as the Beatles said, “Here comes the sun, and I say, it's all right!”
When springtime rolls around, almost everyone thinks of cleaning. That’s fine (we probably all need to do a little more of that, after all), but there’s something even more important to keep in mind: home maintenance.
A change of seasons always necessitates a few special chores, and spring is also a great time to tackle some annual tasks that shouldn’t be forgotten. From gutters to getting your AC ready, these chores will get your home in shape from top to bottom.
Home Safety
Change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Check to see if your fire extinguisher is expired – if you don’t have a fire extinguisher, get one!
Have your dryer vent cleaned (lint found here is a common cause of house fires).
Interior and appliance
It’s well worth it to spend a little time on home maintenance this spring, so that wear and tear doesn’t turn into something more serious.
If you need help with your spring cleaning projects, do yourself a favor and call your local handyman or contractor. Being proactive with your home NOW, could save you thousands in costly and unnecessary repairs later!
Spring is in the air! The days are getting warmer (thankfully), the birds are chirping and flowers are starting to bloom. And, as the Beatles said, “Here comes the sun, and I say, it's all right!”
When springtime rolls around, almost everyone thinks of cleaning. That’s fine (we probably all need to do a little more of that, after all), but there’s something even more important to keep in mind: home maintenance.
A change of seasons always necessitates a few special chores, and spring is also a great time to tackle some annual tasks that shouldn’t be forgotten. From gutters to getting your AC ready, these chores will get your home in shape from top to bottom.
Home Safety
Change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Check to see if your fire extinguisher is expired – if you don’t have a fire extinguisher, get one!
Have your dryer vent cleaned (lint found here is a common cause of house fires).
Interior and appliance
- Check your property and/or crawlspace for any signs of standing water or dripping.
- Vacuum refrigerator/freezer coils for efficiency.
- Clean exhaust fan outlets and screens.
- Check all air filters and replace, if necessary.
- Have your AC condenser cleaned.
- Check for damage to your roof and have a professional inspection, if necessary.
- Go into the attic. If there is visible moisture or discoloration, your roof might be leaking.
- Examine the paint on your siding and trim. If it is peeling, you might need new paint to protect against the effects of weather.
- Check for leaks around window and door sills. Improving your seals can lower your energy bills (no thanks to Gulf Power!).
- Check for signs of rodents and other pests.
- Clean your gutters and downspouts, and make sure they are draining away from the home.
- Trim overhanging tree branches and shrubs.
- Have your house, patio, and deck pressure washed
It’s well worth it to spend a little time on home maintenance this spring, so that wear and tear doesn’t turn into something more serious.
If you need help with your spring cleaning projects, do yourself a favor and call your local handyman or contractor. Being proactive with your home NOW, could save you thousands in costly and unnecessary repairs later!

Volunteering: By Wendi Townsend - Agent, Sand Dunes Real Estate
Hey Sunshines! It’s your favorite beach clean up Realtor here! We are doing another fun one Saturday March 5 at 9am Crab Trap Scenic 98 for about an hour. Please come out and meet awesome friends! Also, remind your family and friends to fill in their holes in the sand because the mother turtles will be laying their eggs soon. When turtles fall into a hole, they struggle to get out. Please help keep our awesome beaches #cleandarkflat
Hey Sunshines! It’s your favorite beach clean up Realtor here! We are doing another fun one Saturday March 5 at 9am Crab Trap Scenic 98 for about an hour. Please come out and meet awesome friends! Also, remind your family and friends to fill in their holes in the sand because the mother turtles will be laying their eggs soon. When turtles fall into a hole, they struggle to get out. Please help keep our awesome beaches #cleandarkflat

Local Gardening: By John Jordan - Owner: Destin Organic Gardening
If you live here in Destin, you’ve most likely noticed that Spring has sprung! The birds are chirping, the morning sun greets us with its warmth, the sky is cobalt blue, and the days are getting noticeably longer. For those of us who garden, the anticipation of working in the soil, and planting our favorite veggies, fruits, and flowersis almost too hard to contain. Every Spring, there is a renewing and healing that happens when I’m working in the soil, amending it, sowing seeds, planting seedlings, watering, and seeing the finished product. It’s therapeutic and proven that this hobby is healthy for the mind and the soul. The body is a different story. I admit after a day working the land, my back, hands, and knees have taken all that they can take. Those of us who passionately work to grow our own produce that’s much better and tastier than store-bought, will agree… It’s well worth it! A nice hot shower does wonders in concluding a productive day.
Speaking of passion, I grow all kinds of veggies like zucchini, yellow squash, cucumbers, peppers, okra, greens, beans, etc., and enjoy them all. But there is one veggie that is my favorite, and it’s not even a veggie. It’s a fruit we all know as the tomato. The types, varieties, colors, sizes, textures, aromas, and tastes of fresh, vine-ripened tomatoes mesmerize those who truly can appreciate how difficult they are to grow here in our Destin area. The sand, the heat, the humidity, the bugs, and the weather all wreak havoc on our attempts to grow them successfully and consistently. The tomato plant is a sensitive one. It does not handle our climate well, resulting in lack of pollination, and ultimately plant failure.
Here along the Gulf Coast, there is a short window of opportunity for us to grow healthy tomato plants that pollenate and produce your favorite tomatoes. In Destin, we have a micro-climate influenced by the warm waters of the Choctawhatchee Bay, meaning our planting time is earlier. By March 1, your tomato plants should already be in the ground. It’s too late to start seeds and expect decent tomatoes. Get your tomato plants in the ground now. Then what? There is a lot more to this than a short article such as this. Don’t worry. I’m launching a Facebook group called Destin Area Homegrown Tomatoes. It’s dedicated to growing tomatoes you never knew you could grow. And eat. Man, oh man! There is nothing better than a Mater sandwich made from your very own homegrown. How about homemade salsa, or your favorite spaghetti, or even sun
dried tomatoes?
I’m offering a hands-on tomato class/course that will be weekly on Saturday mornings from 8:00 – 10:00 am. In order to sign up for classes, you must first be a member of the group. More info on curriculum and schedule will be posted on the site. Every new week will be real-time gardening for the entire season. You will be able to compare your plants with mine and learn how to grow successfully right here in Destin. Happy growing, Destinites!
If you live here in Destin, you’ve most likely noticed that Spring has sprung! The birds are chirping, the morning sun greets us with its warmth, the sky is cobalt blue, and the days are getting noticeably longer. For those of us who garden, the anticipation of working in the soil, and planting our favorite veggies, fruits, and flowersis almost too hard to contain. Every Spring, there is a renewing and healing that happens when I’m working in the soil, amending it, sowing seeds, planting seedlings, watering, and seeing the finished product. It’s therapeutic and proven that this hobby is healthy for the mind and the soul. The body is a different story. I admit after a day working the land, my back, hands, and knees have taken all that they can take. Those of us who passionately work to grow our own produce that’s much better and tastier than store-bought, will agree… It’s well worth it! A nice hot shower does wonders in concluding a productive day.
Speaking of passion, I grow all kinds of veggies like zucchini, yellow squash, cucumbers, peppers, okra, greens, beans, etc., and enjoy them all. But there is one veggie that is my favorite, and it’s not even a veggie. It’s a fruit we all know as the tomato. The types, varieties, colors, sizes, textures, aromas, and tastes of fresh, vine-ripened tomatoes mesmerize those who truly can appreciate how difficult they are to grow here in our Destin area. The sand, the heat, the humidity, the bugs, and the weather all wreak havoc on our attempts to grow them successfully and consistently. The tomato plant is a sensitive one. It does not handle our climate well, resulting in lack of pollination, and ultimately plant failure.
Here along the Gulf Coast, there is a short window of opportunity for us to grow healthy tomato plants that pollenate and produce your favorite tomatoes. In Destin, we have a micro-climate influenced by the warm waters of the Choctawhatchee Bay, meaning our planting time is earlier. By March 1, your tomato plants should already be in the ground. It’s too late to start seeds and expect decent tomatoes. Get your tomato plants in the ground now. Then what? There is a lot more to this than a short article such as this. Don’t worry. I’m launching a Facebook group called Destin Area Homegrown Tomatoes. It’s dedicated to growing tomatoes you never knew you could grow. And eat. Man, oh man! There is nothing better than a Mater sandwich made from your very own homegrown. How about homemade salsa, or your favorite spaghetti, or even sun
dried tomatoes?
I’m offering a hands-on tomato class/course that will be weekly on Saturday mornings from 8:00 – 10:00 am. In order to sign up for classes, you must first be a member of the group. More info on curriculum and schedule will be posted on the site. Every new week will be real-time gardening for the entire season. You will be able to compare your plants with mine and learn how to grow successfully right here in Destin. Happy growing, Destinites!

Christian Corner: by Patricia Lee
Hebrews: 13:2
"Don't forget to be kind to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels." That is certainly something to ponder. Also, now more than ever we need to display kindness towards each other. We have experienced a lot of division amongst ourselves for some time now and we need to focus back on unity. Everyone's stress level has been heightened, so take a deep breath and make a concerted effort to be kind. It's really not that hard. Take your smile and a good attitude with you when you leave the house. Even the most simple act of kindness displayed can help make someone's day better which affects their attitude inflicted on others. Were you the reason today that someone smiled or the reason they cried or went into a raging anger? Treat others the way you wish to be treated.... always. Remember, we are all God's children whom He loves (the good and the bad) and He sees how we treat each other. He is watching.
Hebrews: 13:2
"Don't forget to be kind to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels." That is certainly something to ponder. Also, now more than ever we need to display kindness towards each other. We have experienced a lot of division amongst ourselves for some time now and we need to focus back on unity. Everyone's stress level has been heightened, so take a deep breath and make a concerted effort to be kind. It's really not that hard. Take your smile and a good attitude with you when you leave the house. Even the most simple act of kindness displayed can help make someone's day better which affects their attitude inflicted on others. Were you the reason today that someone smiled or the reason they cried or went into a raging anger? Treat others the way you wish to be treated.... always. Remember, we are all God's children whom He loves (the good and the bad) and He sees how we treat each other. He is watching.

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