Life + Culture

Crestview's turning point

How leadership, planning, and people helped shape Crestview's recent growth Article by Cara Voss | Photography by Ernalyn Ruda-Emerald Blue Photography In 2019, Crestview stood at a crossroads. Growth was already coming, but the city’s structure had not yet caught up with its potential. What followed was not a sudden boom, but a deliberate transformation one guided by the will of the people and reinforced by leadership willing to modernize how the city operated. That year marked a change in...

Education

What comes next

How changing markets are pushing Destin area businesses to rethink time, costs, and daily operations Article by Josh Foster | Photography by Emerald Blue Photography LLC By 2026, running a small business feels different than it did just a few years ago. Across retail, restaurants, real estate, lending, and watersports, owners are navigating higher costs, tighter margins, and customers who are more careful with their spending. The boom years of 2022 and 2023 were unusual. People moved in large...

Life + Culture

Empowering Women, Building Community

Celebrating leadership, community sponsors, and the powerful connections shaping today’s growing women’s business network. Article by Cara Voss | Photography by Ernalyn Ruda-Emerald Blue Photography LLC On February 19th the room sparkled with intention and inspiration as professional women from across the Emerald Coast gathered for a Galentine luncheon designed to uplift, connect, and celebrate achievement. From the first warm greeting to the final conversation, the afternoon was thoughtfully...

Life + Culture

KFBMA Celebrates Growth And Independence

Independent wealth firm KFBMA celebrates its successful launch with a festive client evening, expert market insights, and a growing presence within Destin’s high-net-worth community. Article by Cory Fosdyck | Photography by Ernalyn Ruda,Emerald Blue Photography LLC On December 10th, 2025 the KFBMA Wealth Management team hosted their annual client holiday party at the Tree of Life event space in the Farrow Building located in the Regatta Bay Commons business complex.  Over 100 Friends and...

Real Estate

Coastal Living Meets Boater’s Paradise

Life on the water takes on a whole new meaning with this beautiful 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath canal-front home in Gulf Breeze, Florida. Designed for those who love both comfort and adventure, this property blends relaxed coastal living with direct boating access just minutes from the sound.Step outside and discover one of the home’s most impressive features—its private boat dock and slip. Launch into the day with effortless boating, fishing, or sunset cruising right from your backyard. With deep water...

PARTNER CONTENT

Auto + Marine

The Alice Marina Opens in Destin

Destin just welcomed an exciting new addition to its waterfront: The Alice Marina, a premier dry slip marina designed for boaters who value convenience, protection, and effortless access to the water. Located just 500 yards from Crab Island, The Alice Marina places boaters at the center of one of the Emerald Coast’s most iconic destinations, without the hassle traditionally associated with owning and storing a boat.A Prime Location in the Heart of DestinPositioned in Destin with...

Home + Design

Coastal Homes Elevated

Leading realtor, entrepreneur, and mom transforming Northwest Florida’s luxury lifestyle Article by Cara Vass | Photography by Ernalyn Ruda-Emerald Blue Photography LLC Brandi Hezinger sees homes differently. As a seasoned realtor, creative artist, and proud mom of two daughters, she blends heart, strategy, and design to make every listing shine. With formal training in home staging from a Los Angeles design school, Brandi prepares each home with expert precision. She personally walks through...

Event Planning + Services

Where Luxury Meets Beachfire Magic

MysticFlames30A transforms coastal gatherings into unforgettable luxury experiences through curated beach bonfires and elevated picnics. Article by Carmen Foster | Photography by Galina Wells Photography Along the sugar-white sands of 30A and the Emerald Coast, MysticFlames30A is redefining how people gather, celebrate, and connect. Founded by owner Anthony Thomas Jette alongside his high-energy partner Jazzmyn Leigh Youngberg , this luxury beach bonfire and picnic service was created with...

Home + Design

See the Difference: Custom Glass Transforms Your Space

Inside the craft and precision behind Frameless By Design,delivering high-quality glass solutions built to last Article by Tessa Sumner | Photography by provided For more than 25 years, Frameless By Design, The Shower Door Company, has been a trusted name in custom glass across Florida and beyond. They specialize in frameless shower doors, interior glass, handrails, and vanity mirrors. Every project is carefully measured, designed, and installed to fit perfectly, with a sleek, modern look...

Life + Culture

DON’T WAIT FOR VACATION!

Live every day like vacation at Latitude Margaritaville Watersound. Article by Evyenia Papageorge | Photography by Provided It’s time to start living your dream! New move-in-soon homes are available at Latitude Margaritaville Watersound by Minto Communities. Explore a range of floor plans from 2-bedroom Conch Cottages to two-story single-family homes from our limited VistaCollection with stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway. TRY A SLICE OF PARADISE BEFORE YOU CALL IT HOME! Change in...