Story

Spring break calm, but underage drinking citations rise

Robbyn Brooks, Florida Freedom Newspapers

DESTIN, FL - With spring break only halfway over, the number of underage drinkers cited by sheriff's deputies is already equal to last year's total. According to statistics from the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, in 2007 deputies cited 141... Full story

Sloowww going

Despite headaches, local officials say heavy traffic in Destin is good thing

Andrew Gant, Florida Freedom Newspapers

DESTIN, FL - A few weeks ago, it'd take Rosie Souza three minutes to get to work at the Hard Rock Café. Today, it can take a half-hour.     That's all right with tourism officials.     "This is our... Full story

On beaches, it's time for rites of spring break

Kimberly White, Florida Freedom Newspapers

  OKALOOSA ISLAND, FL - With volleyball nets up, suntan lotion out, surfboards waxed and swarms of seagulls swirling overhead, spring break has descended on the Emerald Coast. But with the market as unstable as it has been, it's anyone's... Full story

Back to the beach

Lifeguards returning as officials look to tourist season

Kimberly White, Florida Freedom Newspapers

SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL — Bent over at the shoreline with her hands on her knees, Whitney Winkel caught her breath and watched gentle, emerald-green waves dissipate into froth at her feet.  She was among the 16 Walton County... Full story

From Hogwarts owls to the Emerald Coast seagulls

Fraser Sherman, Florida Freedom Newspapers

DESTIN, FL - Training seagulls for an Emerald Coast tourism commercial is a lot different from working with the owls in the Harry Potter films, animal trainer Dave Sousa says. "Seagulls are opportunists," Sousa said. "They basically hang at the... Full story

South Walton Fire District lifeguards take to the beach

WALTON COUNTY, FL - South Walton Fire District lifeguards will report to their towers at eight beach access points this March 7. The South Walton Fire District Beach Safety Program began the season two weeks ago as new and returning lifeguards... Full story

Miramar Beach parking design first of its kind

Mary Brady, Florida Freedom Newspapers

DESTIN, FL - When hurricane Dennis roared through the area in 2005, he left behind a big problem for Pompano Joe's restaurant on Old U.S. Highway 98. The beach access and parking next door was destroyed. Now rebuilt by the Walton County Tourist... Full story

Time for a spring in Destin's economy?

Jenni Rich, Florida Freedom Newspapers

DESTIN, FL - The Snowbirds are starting to trickle out, but don't expect U.S. 98 traffic to ease up - as of this week, Spring Break is officially upon us. The Destin Area Chamber of Commerce keeps tight tabs on the inquiries that they get from... Full story

Beyond the Tan

Salons Branching out, Adding Atmosphere

By Carol McGraw

Carolyn Geiser goes to Sun Spot Atlantis tanning salon three times a week, but most of the time she doesn’t get in a tanning booth. She changes into a spa robe and comfy slippers in the VIP lounge, grabs water out of the fridge then picks the... Full story

Beach Photography: Capturing the Perfect Beach Memories

By Jennifer Otto

Anyone can take a picture, but not everyone can take a good picture. With a little help, you will be taking better beach pictures than all of your friends. Not to mention, you may actually look at your beach vacation shots again rather than leaving... Full story

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