September 2025 Newsletter
Patricia Lee
A Note From The Publisher
What’s New in Destin, Florida (2025–onward)
1. HarborWalk Village – Phase II Expansion A significant expansion of HarborWalk Village is moving forward. The second phase includes:
3. City Infrastructure & Recreational Upgrades A slate of planned and ongoing projects includes:
5. Real Estate & Housing Trends Destin’s real estate market is favoring buyers in 2025:
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 12,000+ 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
What’s New in Destin, Florida (2025–onward)
1. HarborWalk Village – Phase II Expansion A significant expansion of HarborWalk Village is moving forward. The second phase includes:
- 245 two-bedroom hotel units (490 sleeping rooms total)
- 60 multi-family condo units
- 16,749 sq ft of conference space
- 56,330 sq ft of retail space (an increase from Phase I)
- A parking garage with approximately 500 more spaces than required
Concerns remain around traffic congestion, particularly at the intersection of Highway 98 and Stahlman Avenue. Tripadvisor City of Destin
3. City Infrastructure & Recreational Upgrades A slate of planned and ongoing projects includes:
- Clement Taylor Park Renovations: Upgraded bathrooms, an ADA-compliant playground, fishing dock renovation, pathways, a picnic pavilion, volleyball court, educational signage, and an outdoor shower. Construction bidding underway, set to begin in early 2025.City of Destin
- Cross Town Connector Completion: Final 1/3-mile stretch of a 5.5-mile alternate route to Highway 98; permitting is underway, with construction starting in early 2025.City of Destin
- Joe’s Bayou Recreation Area: New boating access, fishing pier, walking trails, additional boardwalks, parking, and wetland enhancements are in the early design and permitting stages.City of Destin
- Norriego Point Park Improvements: Planned ADA restrooms, showers, drinking fountains, educational signage, bike racks, boardwalks, dunes crossovers, and parking. Pre-construction meeting held in mid-2024; construction to begin shortly.City of Destin
- Stormwater and Drainage Projects: Addressing erosion and drainage issues at Mattie Kelly Outfall and installing roadside swales to reduce flooding.City of Destin
- Tarpon Beach & Shores at Crystal Beach Parking: Two new public parking lot projects aim to ease congestion along Scenic Highway 98, featuring standard and Low Speed Vehicle (LSV) spaces, restrooms, pavilions, and “Little Adventures” outposts; one is in permitting, and the other under redesign.City of Destin
- Linear Trail Initiative: A multi-use walking and biking path with lighting, landscaping, recreation zones, and stormwater management nearing 90% design stage.City of Destin
5. Real Estate & Housing Trends Destin’s real estate market is favoring buyers in 2025:
- Average Days on Market: ~133 days — offering plenty of time to explore options.
- Absorption Rate: Over 12 months — indicating a strong buyers’ market.
- High Demand for Vacation Rentals: Tourism and bed tax collections are up, maintaining demand for rental properties. discoverdestinrealestate.com Sound Choice Real Estate
- New Construction Focus: Builders are incorporating multi-generational housing designs—dual primary suites, separate entrances, and in-law suites—to meet evolving needs. Sound Choice Real Estate
- Farmer’s Market Series: Every 2nd Saturday (April–October) — local vendors, live music, harbor-side brunches.Crab Island Watersports
- 5th Annual Burgers, Bourbon & Beer Festival: Scheduled for September 20, 2025 — a tasty celebration of gourmet burgers and craft beers.Destin FWB
- Nearby Okaloosa Island: A quieter, family-friendly alternative to busy Destin, featuring beaches, The Boardwalk, interactive exhibits, fishing piers, and solid dining and lodging options. Southern Living
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 12,000+ 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]
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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
Beach theme kitchens. Ideas for decorating your beach home.
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Lori Leath Smith
100 Men Who Care – A Driving Force in Our Community:
Submitted by Lori Leath Smith, Publisher - Life Media, Inc. Destin Life community newspaper
Milestone quarter pushes local giving past $100,000 in donations.
In a world that often moves too fast to notice those in need, a local group of men is
pausing—once a quarter—to make a lasting difference. And that pause is powerful!
This past quarter, 100 Men Who Care – Emerald Coast awarded $9,300 to the Northwest
Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation (NWFGAL), a nonprofit that stands in the gap for
some of our community’s most vulnerable children.
At a recent check presentation, members of the group met with Roslyn Snyder and Donna
Franke of NWFGAL at their Fort Walton Beach offices to learn firsthand how their collective
donation will directly impact children who are navigating the court system due to abuse, neglect,
or abandonment.
“These are young people seeking stability in heartbreaking situations,” said Don Roberts, a 100
Men Who Care member and GAL volunteer. “Many come from homes affected by drug or
alcohol addiction, incarceration, or other traumatic disruptions. Guardian ad Litem steps in so
that every child has someone to stand beside them—someone whose only goal is to advocate for
their best interests. It’s a role that can truly change the course of a child’s life.”
The Florida Guardian ad Litem Office pairs trained volunteer advocates with children
involved in the dependency court system. Here in Okaloosa and Walton Counties, NWFGAL
goes beyond the courtroom—raising funds to meet the daily needs of these children: things like
clothing, school supplies, tutoring, therapy, summer camps, and even birthday gifts—simple
things that remind a child they matter.
“Our mission is about more than just showing up in court,” said Roslyn Snyder. “It’s about
helping children cope and showing them someone cares. Whether it’s ensuring they have shoes
that fit, a backpack to carry to school, or a counselor to help them work through trauma—we
want them to feel seen, safe, and supported. This gift helps make that possible.”
For the men of 100 Men Who Care, the act of giving is rooted in purpose. Since the chapter’s
founding, their “quiet, but aimful pauses” have contributed more than $100,000 to 15
nonprofits throughout Okaloosa and Walton Counties—supporting organizations that serve
children, single mothers, veterans, the homeless and those with unmet medical needs.
The model behind 100 Men Who Care is refreshingly simple—each member commits to
donating $100 quarterly, creating a powerful giving pool. I first spoke with Scott Rude,
founding member of the Emerald Coast chapter, when the group launched in 2021. Scott
networked, met with Rotaries, local chambers, and wherever his message was welcomed, finding
an exceptional number of community minded men to help shape a vision rooted in efficiency and
generosity. These men bring experience from fields such as business, education and nonprofit
leadership, and are united by one common goal: to make a tangible difference in their
community without the barriers of red tape or complex fundraising.
“We didn’t want another complicated nonprofit—we wanted something lean, fast and impactful.
Just real guys doing good things for our community,” said Ed Lagrou, steering committee
member.
By gathering 100(+) like-minded men and pooling contributions, membership provides local
nonprofits with significant, immediate support—without asking for more than a few hours each
year. That concept quickly resonated, and the impact has grown steadily. At each quarterly
meeting, members hear from three nominated nonprofits, then vote on which one will receive the
full donation—now nearing $10,000. In just one evening, lives are changed.
“What amazes me most is the unbelievable people and organizations we’re called on to support.
Our members nominate these area nonprofits, we come together to hear their needs and make a
contribution to help meet needs in our community,” said Scott. “We’re all busy, but this simple
format gives us a way to make real, local impact in just one hour every few months. In an hour,
we’ve changed a life. It’s fast, it’s efficient—and it’s powerful.”
The next quarterly meeting will be held at The Craft Bar – Harbor in Destin at 6 p.m. on
Tuesday, September 16. All men who care about the community are welcome to attend, meet
the members, and learn how they can be part of something bigger.
“This community is full of people with good hearts. Sometimes they just need an easy and
enjoyable way to give back. We may each give $100, but collectively, the ripple effect is far
greater. That’s the beauty of this model—it turns simple generosity into powerful change. That’s
what we built,” said Scott.
And, as their donations continue to grow, so does their impact—one quarter, one check, one
deserving local charity at a time.
To learn more or get involved, visit 100mwcec.com, email [email protected], or connect
with the group on Facebook.
SIDEBAR: Founding and Steering Committee Members of 100 Men Who Care – Emerald
Coast
Established in 2021
• Scott Rude – Retired business executive and community volunteer (Santa Rosa Beach)
• Drew McDowell – Financial Advisor, Mariner Wealth Advisors (Destin)
• Ed LaGrou – Retired Colonel, USAF (Niceville)
• David Glinka – Retired Master Sargeant, USAF and community volunteer (Niceville)
The membership has created a giving circle built on simplicity, local impact, and personal
connection. The model has inspired nearly 100 new members and thousands in charitable giving.
Submitted by Lori Leath Smith, Publisher - Life Media, Inc. Destin Life community newspaper
Milestone quarter pushes local giving past $100,000 in donations.
In a world that often moves too fast to notice those in need, a local group of men is
pausing—once a quarter—to make a lasting difference. And that pause is powerful!
This past quarter, 100 Men Who Care – Emerald Coast awarded $9,300 to the Northwest
Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation (NWFGAL), a nonprofit that stands in the gap for
some of our community’s most vulnerable children.
At a recent check presentation, members of the group met with Roslyn Snyder and Donna
Franke of NWFGAL at their Fort Walton Beach offices to learn firsthand how their collective
donation will directly impact children who are navigating the court system due to abuse, neglect,
or abandonment.
“These are young people seeking stability in heartbreaking situations,” said Don Roberts, a 100
Men Who Care member and GAL volunteer. “Many come from homes affected by drug or
alcohol addiction, incarceration, or other traumatic disruptions. Guardian ad Litem steps in so
that every child has someone to stand beside them—someone whose only goal is to advocate for
their best interests. It’s a role that can truly change the course of a child’s life.”
The Florida Guardian ad Litem Office pairs trained volunteer advocates with children
involved in the dependency court system. Here in Okaloosa and Walton Counties, NWFGAL
goes beyond the courtroom—raising funds to meet the daily needs of these children: things like
clothing, school supplies, tutoring, therapy, summer camps, and even birthday gifts—simple
things that remind a child they matter.
“Our mission is about more than just showing up in court,” said Roslyn Snyder. “It’s about
helping children cope and showing them someone cares. Whether it’s ensuring they have shoes
that fit, a backpack to carry to school, or a counselor to help them work through trauma—we
want them to feel seen, safe, and supported. This gift helps make that possible.”
For the men of 100 Men Who Care, the act of giving is rooted in purpose. Since the chapter’s
founding, their “quiet, but aimful pauses” have contributed more than $100,000 to 15
nonprofits throughout Okaloosa and Walton Counties—supporting organizations that serve
children, single mothers, veterans, the homeless and those with unmet medical needs.
The model behind 100 Men Who Care is refreshingly simple—each member commits to
donating $100 quarterly, creating a powerful giving pool. I first spoke with Scott Rude,
founding member of the Emerald Coast chapter, when the group launched in 2021. Scott
networked, met with Rotaries, local chambers, and wherever his message was welcomed, finding
an exceptional number of community minded men to help shape a vision rooted in efficiency and
generosity. These men bring experience from fields such as business, education and nonprofit
leadership, and are united by one common goal: to make a tangible difference in their
community without the barriers of red tape or complex fundraising.
“We didn’t want another complicated nonprofit—we wanted something lean, fast and impactful.
Just real guys doing good things for our community,” said Ed Lagrou, steering committee
member.
By gathering 100(+) like-minded men and pooling contributions, membership provides local
nonprofits with significant, immediate support—without asking for more than a few hours each
year. That concept quickly resonated, and the impact has grown steadily. At each quarterly
meeting, members hear from three nominated nonprofits, then vote on which one will receive the
full donation—now nearing $10,000. In just one evening, lives are changed.
“What amazes me most is the unbelievable people and organizations we’re called on to support.
Our members nominate these area nonprofits, we come together to hear their needs and make a
contribution to help meet needs in our community,” said Scott. “We’re all busy, but this simple
format gives us a way to make real, local impact in just one hour every few months. In an hour,
we’ve changed a life. It’s fast, it’s efficient—and it’s powerful.”
The next quarterly meeting will be held at The Craft Bar – Harbor in Destin at 6 p.m. on
Tuesday, September 16. All men who care about the community are welcome to attend, meet
the members, and learn how they can be part of something bigger.
“This community is full of people with good hearts. Sometimes they just need an easy and
enjoyable way to give back. We may each give $100, but collectively, the ripple effect is far
greater. That’s the beauty of this model—it turns simple generosity into powerful change. That’s
what we built,” said Scott.
And, as their donations continue to grow, so does their impact—one quarter, one check, one
deserving local charity at a time.
To learn more or get involved, visit 100mwcec.com, email [email protected], or connect
with the group on Facebook.
SIDEBAR: Founding and Steering Committee Members of 100 Men Who Care – Emerald
Coast
Established in 2021
• Scott Rude – Retired business executive and community volunteer (Santa Rosa Beach)
• Drew McDowell – Financial Advisor, Mariner Wealth Advisors (Destin)
• Ed LaGrou – Retired Colonel, USAF (Niceville)
• David Glinka – Retired Master Sargeant, USAF and community volunteer (Niceville)
The membership has created a giving circle built on simplicity, local impact, and personal
connection. The model has inspired nearly 100 new members and thousands in charitable giving.
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Andrea & Paul McArthur
8 Fall Home Maintenance Tips for Florida Homeowners:
By Paul McArthur - Owner: Agape Home Pro
The United States has five major climate zones, so maintenance for a home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, differs wildly from one in moist, tropical Destin, Florida! The Sunshine State also has to contend with hurricanes and an annual average precipitation of about 54 inches.
Muggy Florida summers make almost any outdoor work unbearable. Fall, however, is a perfect time to give your home a seasonal tune-up. To help you get your home ready, we’ve put together eight helpful fall home maintenance tips specifically for Florida homeowners.
#1 Check Your Disaster Supply Kit
When hurricane season ends on November 30, it is important to check your disaster supply kit and make sure you’re ready for the next season or any unexpected weather events. If you don’t currently have a disaster supply kit, stop putting it off and make one! Since Florida is the most hurricane-prone state in the U.S., it’s critical to be prepared at all times. Here are ten essential items to include in your disaster supply kit:
• 2-week supply of medication
• Flashlight
• Battery-operated radio
• First aid kit
• Important documents (including your homeowners insurance info)
• Nonperishable foods
• Water (1 gallon per person)
• Pet supplies
• Solar-powered phone case
#2 Maintain Your Swimming Pool
Florida pools are used nearly year-round, so it’s hard to find a perfect time for maintenance. If you have a pool, you should do a thorough inspection at least once a year, and fall is as good a time as any. Make sure to clean your pool thoroughly, including debris traps, to prevent leaves or rubbish from building up and clogging your pool’s filtration system. Inspect ladders, handrails, diving boards, and other pool equipment for loose parts or any deterioration.
Keep in mind some pool issues are difficult to spot if you’re not a professional. A certified expert can check your pool’s plumbing and water pressure and identify leaks or drainage issues. They can also check motors, pumps and electrical parts like lights and wires.
#3 Care for Your Yard
If you have trees or shrubs on your property, you should add trimming and pruning to your fall to-do list. After hurricane season, there could be broken branches in your trees, which is why fall is the perfect time to trim and prune them. You should remove any branches that could potentially damage your home. Pruning dead branches also helps your trees’ overall health, making them more resistant to storm damage in the future. And now that rainy season is over make sure you are watering and fertilizing your grass.
#4 Make Exterior Repairs
Many Floridians mistakenly forget to inspect their house after hurricane season. The tiniest of storms can cause damage to your home. Take a walk around your property and inspect your roof, siding, and foundation. Look for any small gaps where critters could enter your home. The smallest crack can welcome a ton of un-wanted guests into your home.
#5 Power Wash Windows and Siding
Consider power washing your windows and siding to improve your home’s appearance. The fall provides more comfortable outdoor weather than the hot and humid months of July and August. When done appropriately, a good power wash can banish health hazards like mold and mildew. Power washing can also get rid of buildup and debris, giving your home a renewed look.
#6 Paint Your House
If you want to paint the exterior of your home, fall is a perfect time! It’s best to paint the outside of your home when temperatures start to drop. Plus, there are fewer chances of rain, which can really mess up a paint job. And your house will look its best for the upcoming holiday season.
#7 Check Your Alarms
Now is a great time to check your carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms—and put in fresh batteries. If you do not own a carbon monoxide detector, you should strongly consider purchasing one—especially if you have oil or gas-burning appliances. Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless byproduct of burning oil or gas that can be deadly.
#8 Clean Your Grill
Now that temperatures are becoming more bearable, you’ll probably be using your grill more often. Make sure it’s in tip-top shape! A dirty grill not only makes your food taste bad, but it also creates a fire hazard. Remove all grease and fat build using a grill brush. Try and use a bristle-free brush because bristles can easily break free and land on the grill, creating a possible choking hazard.
To prevent any other fire hazards, make sure your grill is in a location far away from your home or shed. You should also check your propane grill’s gas tank hose for leaks before using it. Wash the hose with a light soap and water solution. If there is a leak, gas will escape from cracks and form new bubbles on the hose’s surface. Smaller bubbles indicate a minor leak, while larger bubbles indicate a more significant leak. If this happens, turn your grill off and replace the hose.
Weather-wise, fall is the perfect time to give your Florida home a checkup. Staying on top of the little things now can help you to avoid costly damages in the future. And if you follow these fall home maintenance tips, your home will be running more efficiently for the year.
As always, there is no shame in asking for help!! And, frankly, depending on your age, you shouldn’t be on a ladder!! There all sorts of quality business in the Destinites Directory who would love to help!
Happy end of summer and getting ready for fall… y’all.
By Paul McArthur - Owner: Agape Home Pro
The United States has five major climate zones, so maintenance for a home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, differs wildly from one in moist, tropical Destin, Florida! The Sunshine State also has to contend with hurricanes and an annual average precipitation of about 54 inches.
Muggy Florida summers make almost any outdoor work unbearable. Fall, however, is a perfect time to give your home a seasonal tune-up. To help you get your home ready, we’ve put together eight helpful fall home maintenance tips specifically for Florida homeowners.
#1 Check Your Disaster Supply Kit
When hurricane season ends on November 30, it is important to check your disaster supply kit and make sure you’re ready for the next season or any unexpected weather events. If you don’t currently have a disaster supply kit, stop putting it off and make one! Since Florida is the most hurricane-prone state in the U.S., it’s critical to be prepared at all times. Here are ten essential items to include in your disaster supply kit:
• 2-week supply of medication
• Flashlight
• Battery-operated radio
• First aid kit
• Important documents (including your homeowners insurance info)
• Nonperishable foods
• Water (1 gallon per person)
• Pet supplies
• Solar-powered phone case
#2 Maintain Your Swimming Pool
Florida pools are used nearly year-round, so it’s hard to find a perfect time for maintenance. If you have a pool, you should do a thorough inspection at least once a year, and fall is as good a time as any. Make sure to clean your pool thoroughly, including debris traps, to prevent leaves or rubbish from building up and clogging your pool’s filtration system. Inspect ladders, handrails, diving boards, and other pool equipment for loose parts or any deterioration.
Keep in mind some pool issues are difficult to spot if you’re not a professional. A certified expert can check your pool’s plumbing and water pressure and identify leaks or drainage issues. They can also check motors, pumps and electrical parts like lights and wires.
#3 Care for Your Yard
If you have trees or shrubs on your property, you should add trimming and pruning to your fall to-do list. After hurricane season, there could be broken branches in your trees, which is why fall is the perfect time to trim and prune them. You should remove any branches that could potentially damage your home. Pruning dead branches also helps your trees’ overall health, making them more resistant to storm damage in the future. And now that rainy season is over make sure you are watering and fertilizing your grass.
#4 Make Exterior Repairs
Many Floridians mistakenly forget to inspect their house after hurricane season. The tiniest of storms can cause damage to your home. Take a walk around your property and inspect your roof, siding, and foundation. Look for any small gaps where critters could enter your home. The smallest crack can welcome a ton of un-wanted guests into your home.
#5 Power Wash Windows and Siding
Consider power washing your windows and siding to improve your home’s appearance. The fall provides more comfortable outdoor weather than the hot and humid months of July and August. When done appropriately, a good power wash can banish health hazards like mold and mildew. Power washing can also get rid of buildup and debris, giving your home a renewed look.
#6 Paint Your House
If you want to paint the exterior of your home, fall is a perfect time! It’s best to paint the outside of your home when temperatures start to drop. Plus, there are fewer chances of rain, which can really mess up a paint job. And your house will look its best for the upcoming holiday season.
#7 Check Your Alarms
Now is a great time to check your carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms—and put in fresh batteries. If you do not own a carbon monoxide detector, you should strongly consider purchasing one—especially if you have oil or gas-burning appliances. Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless byproduct of burning oil or gas that can be deadly.
#8 Clean Your Grill
Now that temperatures are becoming more bearable, you’ll probably be using your grill more often. Make sure it’s in tip-top shape! A dirty grill not only makes your food taste bad, but it also creates a fire hazard. Remove all grease and fat build using a grill brush. Try and use a bristle-free brush because bristles can easily break free and land on the grill, creating a possible choking hazard.
To prevent any other fire hazards, make sure your grill is in a location far away from your home or shed. You should also check your propane grill’s gas tank hose for leaks before using it. Wash the hose with a light soap and water solution. If there is a leak, gas will escape from cracks and form new bubbles on the hose’s surface. Smaller bubbles indicate a minor leak, while larger bubbles indicate a more significant leak. If this happens, turn your grill off and replace the hose.
Weather-wise, fall is the perfect time to give your Florida home a checkup. Staying on top of the little things now can help you to avoid costly damages in the future. And if you follow these fall home maintenance tips, your home will be running more efficiently for the year.
As always, there is no shame in asking for help!! And, frankly, depending on your age, you shouldn’t be on a ladder!! There all sorts of quality business in the Destinites Directory who would love to help!
Happy end of summer and getting ready for fall… y’all.
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MEDICAL CORNER
Recent Noteworthy Advances In The Medical World:
1. Ancient Viral Protein Offers New Diagnostic and Therapeutic Possibilities Scientists have decoded the 3D structure of an ancient viral protein (HERV-K Env) embedded in human DNA. This discovery could pave the way for novel diagnostics and immunotherapies, particularly for cancer and autoimmune diseases.
ScienceDaily
2. Revolutionary Psychedelic Therapies for Mental Health
- LSD shows promise in treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). In a mid-stage trial involving ~200 participants, a single dose resulted in sustained improvement for 65% of the most responsive group and approximately 50% entered remission after 12 weeks, even without accompanying therapy.
AP News - Compass Pathways reports Phase 3 success for its psilocybin-based COMP360 therapy targeting treatment-resistant depression and PTSD, with supportive regulatory designations in both the U.S. and the U.K.
AInvest
The Guardian
4. A Game-Changer for Resistant Hypertension: BaxdrostatIn a global Phase 3 trial with nearly 800 patients, the new drug baxdrostat lowered systolic blood pressure by 9–10 mmHg in those with treatment-resistant hypertension. About 40% achieved healthy blood pressure vs. under 20% with placebo. It targets aldosterone directly, offering hope for billions worldwide.
The GuardianThe Scottish Sun
5. Bees as Non-Invasive Cancer DetectorsMichigan State University researchers revealed that honeybees can detect lung cancer by sensing volatile organic compounds in breath—potentially pioneering a low-cost, early detection tool superior to current invasive diagnostics.
The Times of India
6. Multiple FDA Drug Approvals in 2025
- Novel Drugs (August 2025):
- Dawnzera (donidalorsen) for hereditary angioedema (approved August 21)
- Brinsupri (brensocatib) for bronchiectasis (approved August 12)
- Hernexeos (zongertinib) for HER2-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (approved August 8)
- Modeyso (dordaviprone) for diffuse midline glioma (approved August 6)
- Vizz (aceclidine) for presbyopia (approved July 31)
- Sephience (sepiapterin) for phenylketonuria (approved July 28)
- Anzupgo (delgocitinib) for chronic hand eczema (approved July 23), among other approvals.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Earlier 2025 Approvals:
- Imaavy (nipocalimab): for generalized myasthenia gravis (April 2025)
- Avmapki Fakzynja Co-Pack (avutometinib + defactinib): for KRAS-mutated ovarian cancer (May 2025)
- Encelto (revakinagene taroretcel): the first FDA-approved treatment for macular telangiectasia type 2 (March 2025)
- Journavx (suzetrigine): a first-in-class non-opioid pain relief drug (approved January 2025)
- Semaglutide (Ozempic): expanded approval for chronic kidney disease plus type 2 diabetes (January 2025)
U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationCGTlive™CPHI OnlinePharma GuidelineHCP Live
Neurology live
8. Stem-Cell Therapies Make Strides
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals reports early-stage results where lab-made beta cells allowed some individuals with type 1 diabetes to stop insulin injections—their new cells produce insulin on demand.
MIT Technology Review - A reported stem-cell therapy in China reprogrammed a patient’s own cells into insulin-producing cells, potentially eliminating the need for lifelong insulin.
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
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AREA EVENTS! <-- Please click the picture to view some of our local events for the Destin area. Monthly Calendar. |
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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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September 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: James 4:14, Corinthians 7:17 and 1st Peter 3:10
The Bible encourages appreciating your current life as a temporary gift from God, with James 4:14 and 1 Corinthians 7:17 teaching that life is short and God has placed you in your current situation to be used and enjoyed, not wasted by constant longing for the future. Instead of wishing for a different life, the Bible calls for living each day with gratitude, purpose, and faithfulness to God, as 1 Peter 3:10 links a long and good life to righteous living.
My Granny used to say, "Don't wish your life away!" Yes, it is important to have dreams, set goals and make plans. However, if you spend too many hours dwelling on it or longing for it, you will miss the happiness of the here and now. Just remember, we have no promise of tomorrow or the next 5 minutes for that matter. Learn how to be happy in the moment and your life will be a whole lot less stressful.
BIBLE: James 4:14, Corinthians 7:17 and 1st Peter 3:10
The Bible encourages appreciating your current life as a temporary gift from God, with James 4:14 and 1 Corinthians 7:17 teaching that life is short and God has placed you in your current situation to be used and enjoyed, not wasted by constant longing for the future. Instead of wishing for a different life, the Bible calls for living each day with gratitude, purpose, and faithfulness to God, as 1 Peter 3:10 links a long and good life to righteous living.
My Granny used to say, "Don't wish your life away!" Yes, it is important to have dreams, set goals and make plans. However, if you spend too many hours dwelling on it or longing for it, you will miss the happiness of the here and now. Just remember, we have no promise of tomorrow or the next 5 minutes for that matter. Learn how to be happy in the moment and your life will be a whole lot less stressful.
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Newsletter Est. Dec. 2021