The fee-based sharing of their backyard retreats by some Destin property owners has caught the attention of City Councilwoman Prebble Ramswell.
"Did you know people are now renting out their backyards and pools by the hour?" Ramswell wrote in the latest edition of her quarterly newsletter, "The Ramswell Review," that highlights various city issues.
"I hav...

The city of Destin has partnered with the Army Corps of Engineers to undertake a Carrying Capacity Study through the Corps of Engineers' Planning Assistance to States Program.
The Harbor Capacity Study will, among other things, focus on the following three goals:
• Protect the environmental health of the harbor and surrounding waterways.
• Promote safety and enjoyment on our local waters.
• Promote the economic viability of businesses operating on or along...
More than 50 divers from across the region are expected to put their scuba skills to use Sunday to removing monofilament, fishing tackle and other debris from the underwater areas surrounding the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier.
The pier is partnering with the Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center, Angler's...
Ground was broken this week in Walton County for a $4.7 million water and sewer infrastructure improvement project along and near U.S. Highway 331 aimed at boosting residential and commercial development along part of the road corridor and enhancing the Northw...

In 2020, Okaloosa County was contacted by the Brannon Family out of Freeport, FL who wanted to donate a 65ft experimental military "fast response" catamaran for use as an artificial reef.
The catamaran was originally purchased in Maine and transported by trailer to Freeport where it sat for more than 20 years.
According to Alex Fogg, Coastal Resource Manager for the Okaloosa TDD, the original plan was to retrofit the vessel and use it as a house boat or other semi-permanent living quarters.
However, the vessel retrofit was never started and the vessel was never placed in the water or ran. Because the vessel was never named, it was eventually given the working name of the BRANNON in honor of Mr. Ronnie Brannon, who passed aw...