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Good morning!
Here’s what we have today…
- Sandpiper Cove in Destin welcomes a new beach bar featuring “Old Florida” ambiance, while Billabong marks its new ownership with a local celebration. The Outdoor Adventure Expo returns to Destin Commons this weekend, Crestview launches its annual community cleanup effort, and forecasters warn of possible severe weather on Monday.
BUSINESS
Billabong at Grand Boulevard celebrates new ownership with local launch party
Billabong at Grand Boulevard will host a Local Launch party April 12 to celebrate its new ownership and refreshed look.
- The event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the store, which has been a fixture in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin since 2008.
New owner Tony Crisafi plans to reinvigorate the location with fresh energy and appeal to both locals and visitors.
“We saw the potential to create a destination that speaks to both locals and visitors, offering high-quality products, a strong sense of community, and an atmosphere that feels both aspirational and approachable,” Crisafi said.
Crisafi brings retail experience from his previous ventures. After serving in the Air Force, he established Destin Jewelry in 2012, followed by Harbor Shell and Aloha Surf Company in HarborWalk Village.
- The Billabong store carries brands including Beach Riot, Costa, Maui Jim, Roxy, Vuori and local brand Salty Scents. Crisafi aims to blend surf culture with refined aesthetics while creating up to 12 jobs for the local community.
The launch party will feature food from Black Bear Bread Company, Cantina Laredo and Kilwins, plus wine from Vin’tij Food + Wine. DJ TK will provide music throughout the day.
Guests can enter a raffle for a $20 donation, with proceeds benefiting Food for Thought Outreach, a nonprofit serving food-insecure children in Walton and Okaloosa counties. The grand prize package includes a Billabong shopping spree, surfboard, sunglasses and other items valued at over $2,500.
Prior to the public celebration, Billabong will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce on April 10 at 4 p.m., which the community is invited to attend.
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THINGS TO DO
Outdoor Adventure Expo returns to Destin Commons April 5-6
An outdoor recreation showcase featuring watercraft and vehicles for land-based adventures is coming to Destin Commons this weekend.
- The Outdoor Adventure Expo will take place Saturday, April 5, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, April 6, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is free to attend.
Visitors will have the opportunity to examine fishing boats, pontoons, golf carts, motorcycles and other outdoor recreation equipment. The expo is designed for individuals and families interested in outdoor leisure activities.
Multiple exhibitors will display their products and services, including Captain’s Choice Boats, Emerald Coast Marine, Aqua Force Marine, Adventure Marina, Marine Max, Ecco Motors, Two Georges Marina, KM Cycle & Marine, Decks and Docks Lumber Company, and Demboske Moto Sport.
- According to event organizers, attendees can get “up close and personal” with items designed for outdoor enjoyment.
For more information about the Outdoor Adventure Expo, visit DestinOutdoorExpo.com or call Cumulus Media at 850-243-2323.
SPONSORED
Origin Bank opens new location in Fort Walton Beach
Origin Bank has expanded its presence with a new financial center in Fort Walton Beach.
- Operating from a temporary building at 212 Racetrack Road NW (the intersection of Denton Boulevard NW), the center offers comprehensive banking services including small business and personal banking, home loans, and financial support.
The location currently operates Monday through Friday, with the drive-thru open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and appointments available by calling (850) 904-8613. For more information, click here.
GIVING BACK
Crestview launches 5th annual community clean-up event
The city of Crestview will hold its 5th Annual Spring Clean-Up event from April 12 to April 26, offering residents free access to manned dumpsters at locations throughout the city.
- The “Keep Crestview Beautiful” initiative, started by Mayor JB Whitten four years ago, aims to help residents dispose of unwanted items while improving the appearance of the community.
“It’s important we keep our city clean so we can enjoy everything it has to offer even more,” Mayor Whitten said. “Let’s do our part in keeping Crestview beautiful.”
Dumpsters will be available at three locations: Old Spanish Trail Park on Stillwell Boulevard, Allen Park at 895 McClelland Street, and on Wild Horse Drive between house numbers 114 and 122. The dumpsters will be accessible daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. throughout the two-week period.
Residents can dispose of mattresses, electronics, small household items, and appliances. Tires will only be accepted at the Old Spanish Trail location, where a specific drop-off area will be designated.
- Several items cannot be accepted during the event, including household trash, hazardous materials like paint or chemicals, car batteries, construction debris, and yard waste.
For large appliances, furniture, and yard waste, residents can use the regular garbage service provided by Adams Sanitation. More information is available on the city’s website or through the Adams Sanitation app. Questions can be directed to (850) 537-3282.
Hazardous waste items must be taken to Okaloosa County’s drop-off site at 1759 S. Ferdon Boulevard in Crestview. Additional information about hazardous waste disposal can be found on the county’s website, or by calling (850) 301-2013.
WEATHER
Severe storms possible Monday across Northwest Florida
Residents across Northwest Florida should prepare for severe weather Monday, with forecasters warning of potentially damaging wind gusts and a chance of tornadoes.
- The National Weather Service in Mobile/Pensacola has issued a severe storm alert for Monday morning through early afternoon, with storm risks covering Okaloosa County and surrounding areas.
According to Okaloosa Public Safety Director Patrick Maddox, the Storm Prediction Center has expanded the Enhanced Risk area to cover most of the region for a line of thunderstorms expected to intensify as it moves eastward.
“The main threat will be damaging winds in excess of 60 mph,” Maddox said in an email sent Sunday. “A few tornadoes are possible within the line as well.”
The storm system will begin in southeast Mississippi early Monday morning before progressing eastward through Northwest Florida during the early afternoon hours. Weather officials also expressed concern about potential flooding in Okaloosa County, particularly in coastal areas that received heavy rainfall Sunday evening.
- The Okaloosa County School District is also monitoring the storm. In a statement on Sunday night, the District said, “School will follow its regular schedule tomorrow. Once we have a better idea of the storm’s timing we will provide updates.”
FOOD+DRINK
New beach bar brings ‘Old Florida’ feel to Sandpiper Cove in Destin
by Ashley Armacost
A new beachfront dining spot has opened at Sandpiper Cove, bringing fresh seafood and a touch of nostalgia to the Holiday Isle community in Destin.
- The Sand Flea Beach Bar, owned by local restaurateur Chatham Morgan, offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks with a focus on Gulf seafood in what Morgan describes as an “Old Florida Beach Shack” atmosphere.
“Sandpiper Cove is one of the last sort of old Florida feeling resorts in town,” Morgan said. “It’s a community that deserves something cool, like a really good beach bar.”
The restaurant, which serves from 9 a.m. until 15 minutes before sunset daily (rain or shine), features a mix of original items and favorites from Morgan’s other Destin establishments, La Paz and The Local Market.
Morgan, a Destin native, said naming the restaurant “The Sand Flea” was important to connect with local history.
- “I just thought it would be cool to have something that reflects old Destin and old Florida,” he said. “The locals all tell me how cool of a name it is and the tourists are kind of unsure about the name because they are not familiar with what sand fleas are.”
The beach bar is accessible only to Sandpiper Cove residents and guests, along with people walking up from the beach. Morgan said this creates “more controlled chaos” compared to other beachside establishments.
“It’s not quite as busy as some of the other beachside places, which is nice for the guests because they’re getting better service, shorter lines,” he said.
Menu highlights include Gulf seafood, a cheeseburger that Morgan describes as “killer”, and Harbor Docks smoked tuna recipe. The bar also serves fresh fruit smoothies and cocktails made with “fresh ingredients and good liquors”.
- About 20% of the menu consists of items from Morgan’s other restaurants, including La Paz chips, salsa, queso and fish tacos, along with the Cuban sandwich from The Local Market.
The restaurant’s decor features elements from World War II Liberty Ships, including light fixtures, portholes and glass buoys, reflecting the “old school” aesthetic Morgan wanted to create.
“Destin’s gone through so many changes over the years and there’s not many things that are consistent, but Sandpiper Cove has been pretty consistent in being just a blue collar spot for families to vacation,” Morgan said.
The Sand Flea offers live music every Saturday from 2-5 p.m. with performer Shane Curle, and plans to offer happy hour specials during rainy days. Morgan said the response since opening has been “wonderful” from Sandpiper Cove residents and guests.
- “I think they’re happy to have some new energy here in a place that hasn’t seen many changes in 30 years,” he said.
When asked what he hopes customers will say after their first visit, Morgan’s answer was simple: “That it was cool.”
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