Tuesday, April 24, 2018

It was a wild week in Destin


The biggest news of the week was a tornado hitting Ft. Walton Beach on Sunday. It started out as a water spout then came ashore on Okaloosa Island crossing the island, going into the Sound then hitting land again by The Original Crab Shack. It damaged a bunch of cars in their parking lot, hit city hall across the street then hit an apartment. Luckily no one was hurt as it could have been bad.

Sunshine Cindy and I had a busy week. Tuesday we went to the harbor to see our friends Alan and Jackie. They came into town for a few days. I am glad to say Alan is looking good after a health scare. We met them at Crab Island Cantina then we all went to Harry T’s. It was awesome catching up with them again. They will be back in June with the family.

Friday and Saturday we did more yard work spreading more stones. We are almost done with that project. Friday afternoon we went to The Crab Trap on old 98 for a late lunch. We had a good meal while enjoying the Gulf of Mexico. The water was a perfect blue. After eating we went to their beach bar. Old friend Glen was bartending. We have not seen him in a long while. We had a fun time talking to him and some tourist and locals that were at the bar.

Saturday morning Sunshine Cindy and I went to Harry T’s for brunch. We were amazed at the number of rental pontoon boats that were going out. Saturday evening our good friends Mike and Brodie got married. They rented a house on the beach in Destin Pointe and had a great day for their wedding. It was a beautiful ceremony that even had dolphins swimming by for a nice touch.

Sunday was a rainy day with storms on and off as witnessed by the tornado. Sunshine Cindy and I went to Tailfins for some lunch. Victoria was working the bar. It was a slow day because of the weather.

Here is another reason why I love my Parrot Head friends. Music on the Bay is an event in Tampa held each year. This year they presented to the Shriners Hospital for Children a check for $57,500!!! Since they started MOTB they have donated over $269,000! Parrot Heads sure do know how to party with a purpose!

Last Tuesday night / Wednesday morning the 112 year old Gulfview Hotel was moved. It will become a welcome center in downtown Ft. Walton. They threw a big party for the move since they had to shut down 98. The move went well and the hotel is now in its new location.

With Alan and Jackie in town I was able to get some news on things on the island. Last year it was announced a Hard Rock resort was going to go in at the Ramada Inn. Will I guess that has fallen through and it will stay a Ramada Inn. I suppose that is why they were doing so much renovation to the place.

I have been wondering what was up with the Fuds location on the island. They have been closed since the first of the year. It was reported they were remodeling but now I understand it was sold to the owner of the Ramada Inn and Jay Odem who plan to open a new restaurant there. I wonder that happened to cause Fuds to sell.

Back on the harbor, Carlos continues to expand his Crab Island Cantina empire. He is moving his Carlito’s deli from the little space in the Cantina to the old Tropical Smoothie location across from the big stage in Harborwalk. He will be doing breakfast too. It should be opening soon.

The McGuire’s bus is back. The double-decker bus has been a landmark in front of McGuire’s since they opened. A few months ago a car crashed into the bus so it had to have repairs made. The repairs are done and the bus is back greeting everyone as they go to McGuire’s.

The city of Destin is talking about not allowing any commercial activity on Crab Island. First I don’t know that they have any jurisdiction out there. And second something should have been done a long time ago. Pretty soon you won’t be able to get any boats out there due to all the structures selling stuff. This will be an interesting fight.

The Tampa Bay Lightning are moving on to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Let’s keep the momentum going guys!

This Friday the Emerald Coast Parrot Head club will be meeting at Crab Island Cantina. The fun starts at 5:30. Come out and help us raise some money for our charities.

Have a great week. See ya next Monday!

Destin Steve

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