Roses, Candy, Cards, Sweethearts and LOVE—“The Greatest of these is Love.” Love surely shines brightly through the words and actions of the Schmidt Family—the cover for our Valentine’s Issue. Councilman Kevin Schmidt, wife Natalie, and children (Harper, Harrison, and Hattie) were on the road when I spoke with them about how this family works life. They make it seem so easy. The love they have for the Emerald Coast is non-stop.
Having three children (4, 7, & 10) in three different schools can be a little challenging to any family. Natalie, a full time mom…AND…full time at Harris Insurance Company (family owned & operated since 1965) still manages to find time to volunteer with schools and engage within the community. Councilman Kevin is a local entrepreneur for several small businesses, a member of the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce, past Vice-Chairman of the Public Works & Safety Committee and serves on the local Planning Agency. The family is also involved with their church.
What a cool story! Always thinking ahead, Kevin asked Natalie out for their first date on January 14th, so that the couple’s one month anniversary could be on Valentine’s day of that year. Twenty-one years and Valentine’s Days later…they are still celebrating their love strong. They actually were high school sweethearts. Another interesting part to this story - both Natalie’s parents, Whit & Lisa Harris, as well as Kevin’s parents, Bob and Leslie Schmidt, were high school sweethearts! Most will say that Destin and Okaloosa County are overwhelmed with love. It is this LOVE that drove Kevin to be a councilman here in Destin.
As a Destin Councilman, Kevin has the opportunity to take a hands-on approach to keeping our citizens first. Safety is extremely important to Kevin. After living and working for over 30 years in Okaloosa County, safety was the main reason he sought after his position. When Kevin’s children were small, they lived by a busy road. He wanted to make sure they could ride bikes, when they wanted to, without getting run over. “There is always more to do for safety. Thousands of people travel back and forth through Destin daily. We need to keep all roads - especially the backroads of Destin - safe for the people who live here,” Kevin said to me.
“I love the small town beachy feel and the backroads of Destin. Every local restaurant and convenience store has folks you know. Everywhere we go, we see everyone we know. Our friends own and operate local, as well,” Kevin said in response to why he loves Destin. “I love the community and am happy to be part of it. As a councilman, I am able to take a proactive approach to what goes on around us,” he added.
Family is first to Kevin. Having integrity, loyalty, and vision makes it easier for him to keep it that way. He believes that our area is part of the family, so he fights for all citizens.
A few other fun facts about our Schmidt family—Kevin and Natalie graduated from Fort Walton Beach High School. In addition to that, Kevin has 20 members of his family in Okaloosa County. Natalie’s entire family lives in Okaloosa County as well. Now, their own Schmidt family will grow up and prosper in this area that we call “Home”.