Vacations - Destin, Florida

Airports seek cheaper flights

Dusty Ricketts and Pat Kelly, Florida Freedom Newspapers

WEST BAY, FL — As Airport Authority officials say they are close to announcing a new low-cost carrier for the airport under construction here, two other Northwest Florida airports are stepping up their own campaigns.     For... Full story

Free Labor Day Weekend

SEASIDE, FL – Free Labor Day Weekend activities at Seaside include: Seaside Amphitheater rocks the night away on Sept. 4 with live music from Dread Clampitt from 6-8 p.m. On Saturday, Sept. 5 enjoy fresh produce at the Seaside Farmers Market... Full story

Beach efforts honored

Kimberly White, Florida Freedom Newspapers

SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL - Walton County officials accepted one of the 2008 Best Restored Beach awards from the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association during a recent trip to Washington, D.C.     Sonny Mares, executive director... Full story

How not to save a beached whale

Mona Moore, Florida Freedom Newspapers

DESTIN, FL — What would you do if you found a beached baby whale? Encouraged by a group of people on a boat ride Friday night, two men jumped off the boat and swam to the rescue. Although no laws were broken, officials say the rescue may... Full story

Billabong Grom Comp

MIRAMAR BEACH, FL - Billabong Destin and Ride On Surf School are teaming up again to host the second Billabong Grom Comp of the summer season on Saturday, Sept. 5 at the Pompano Joe’s Beach Park in Miramar Beach beginning at 9... Full story

Mainsail in Miramar Beach: A new look at a classic property

Sharon Dooley, Florida Freedom Newspapers

MIRAMAR BEACH, FL - Classics never go out of style, and since the early 1980s Mainsail condominiums has created a classic combination of vacation resort and second-home options. Located across U.S. Highway 98 from the Silver Sands Factory... Full story

A Great idea realized

Fraser Sherman, Florida Freedom Newspapers

DESTIN, FL - Anyone who has lived along the Emerald Coast for any length of time can tell you - things come and go here. Maybe it's just part of life in the region, where Mother Nature can make major changes in the landscape with what chambers of... Full story

Smart ways summer travelers can cut hotel costs

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - How does your family plan to save money on summer vacation this year? Driving rather than flying? Maybe carrying all the items you need instead of renting once arriving at your destination? These are all great ways to save! But how do you... Full story

Rough Surf

Robbyn Brooks and Dusty Ricketts, Florida Freedom Newspapers

SOUTH WALTON COUNTY, FL - A total of 10 people were pulled from the surf in South Walton County and in Destin on Friday while red beach flags warned of dangerous conditions.     One of the victims was taken to a local hospital after... Full 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

Deer Lake State Park

Deer Lake State Park is home to Deer Lake - an extremely rare coastal dune lake. If being rare was not enough, it is located on County Road 30A - the road that connects some of the country's most famous beach communities. Nature enthusiasts travel... Full story

Deer Lake supporters consider nonprofit

Kimberly White, Florida Freedom Newspapers

SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL - Talk about the possible closure of Deer Lake State Park as part of the state's budget-cutting efforts has been a catalyst for a community volunteer effort.     About 45 people attended a meeting... Full story

Walton considers taking over Deer Lake State Park

Kimberly White, Florida Freedom Newspapers

SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL - Walton County commissioners have agreed to consider taking over management of Deer Lake State Park, one of 19 state parks that could be closed indefinitely to help ease the state's financial crunch.     "We do... Full story

Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park

Whether you enjoy bicycling, hiking or boating, Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park offers a little something for every type of traveler. The park, purchased in 1966 through a lease agreement with the Forest Service, was named after Air Force Col.... Full story

Hiking the Emerald Coast

By Jennifer Otto

The Emerald Coast is more than sand and sea! The Emerald Coast is a hiker’s paradise with a number of trails just waiting to be discovered by you.   This is a nature enthusiast’s guide to hiking on the Emerald Coast. Get ready... Full story

Things to Know Before You Tow

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Many people will soon be hitching up their boats, trailers and RVs and hitting the road on vacations. Catching up on the latest safety features will help these weekend warriors get out on the open road quickly and safely. Before you set out... Full story

Mattie Kelly Arts celebrates 13th annual festival

Join the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation on Oct. 25 and 26 to celebrate the 13th annual Destin Festival of the Arts at Henderson Beach State Park.     It's an opportunity for a fall family cultural experience in a natural backdrop... Full story

Henderson Beach State Park

Henderson Beach State Park is located in beautiful Okaloosa County where the beaches were voted number one in a reader poll conducted by USA Today. This park makes camping on the beach a reality with all the amenities of a campground including an... Full story

Upgrades to park near completion

Kimberly White, Florida Freedom Newspapers

SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL - The numerous upgrades to Topsail Hill Preserve State Park are almost complete, and the park has released a summer schedule for the tram service to shuttle visitors from the entrance to the park on Walton County Road 30A.... Full story

RVing green is second nature at Florida’s state parks

DESTIN, FL - The recreational vehicle (RV) travel season is in full swing and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is encouraging Floridians and visitors to RV green. For frequent outdoor travelers, being eco-friendly is... Full story

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