Emerald Coast lost a Hero this week

Destin is a resort town but the entire Emerald Coast area is truly supported by the military. We have several bases and the largest military reservation in the country with Eglin reservation. We have our fair share of hero’s that call this area home. But this past weekend our community lost a gentleman who was probably our most famous citizen, retired Air Force Col. Robert “Bob” Gates. Col. Gates served in three wars, was the first commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing and he was even mayor of Fort Walton Beach for a while.

Col. Gates was best known as the pilot who flew Bob Hope around the world on his USO events. He first flew Bob Hope to a show in 1942 and they became lifelong friends. Col. Gates’ son works with me. I was lucky to have had a chance to visit with Col. Gates at his home several years ago. It was a modest home but the inside was like a step back in time with pictures from all over the world of Col. Gates with presidents, dignitaries and entertainers. It was an honor having a chance to meet him.

He passed away this weekend. He was 95 years old. RIP Colonel….

Sunshine Cindy and I got out on Wednesday evening to Chan’s Craft Bar. We enjoy the atmosphere and ambiance of the place. Paul waited on us. He is remembering us now. I once again had several different type of craft beers. We also ordered a burger to share. It was probably one of the best burgers I have had. They are doing this concept up right. Randy the GM stopped by and chatted with us too. We told him “don’t change anything.” LOL

Chan's Craft Bar

One of the buildings in town that has been empty for several years now has a “under contract” sign in front of it. The old Destin Diner that sits in front of Club Destin looks like it might be finally coming back to life. I thought that about a year ago and that deal fell through so I will wait till I hear something more concrete this time.

Calypso Nuts Friday at Crab Island Cantina

The rest of the week we have been getting ready to publish the Crab Island Mambo Mullet Wrapper newsletter and preparing to announce the opening of registration for the 2015 Phlocking of the Phaithful Trop Rock party in Put in Bay, Ohio. This has been keeping us pretty busy. Check out our Crab Island Mambo web site: http://www.crabislandmambo.com/

This weekend looks like it’s going to be pretty good weather wise. We have our August “Embrace the Chaos! Trop Rock Music Series at the Cantina” show Friday from 5-9 pm. The Calypso Nuts will be playing on the Crab Island Cantina stage for us. See us there to get your Mambo Member card to get 15% off your entire bill the night of the show. We hope to see everyone at the Cantina for this fun night of music, friends, food and drinks.

Have a great weekend. A full report will be posted Monday. See ya then!