June 2016

Beginning early October you can catch a non-stop flight to Las Vegas from Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS). This is really a nice perk for those short 4 day holidays. By the same token, it's a great option for Vegas residents looking for a Florida getaway. Rates are starting at an economical $69 one-way.

If you're looking for a better price, enter the Allegiant Air Christmas in July contest on Facebook for a chance to win a pair of round trip tickets to Vegas.

July 1, 2016

6th Stories by the Sea
Performed by the REP Actors at the Seaside Lyceum Archway. Suitable for children of all ages.
Location: Quincy Circle, Seaside | Time: 4 pm - 4:30 pm | www.lovetherep.com | Phone: (850) 231-0733

Wine Tasting at Wild Olives
Enjoy tastings of select wines along with a gourmet tapas plate
Location: 104 N Barrett Square, Rosemary Beach | Time: 5 pm - 7 pm | www.wildolives@mchsi.com | Phone: (850)-231-0065

Santa Rosa Beach

30A Art Walk
On the first Friday of every month, several South Walton art galleries host a First Friday Art Walk. On this night, galleries stay open late (usually until 8:00 PM). This is your opportunity to see new artwork, meet the artists, and enjoy both refreshments and live music.
Location:

Congratulations to 7 new home owners in Destin and Panama City Beach. It was a pleasure working with you all.

Sold: 05/10/2016 $425,000 | MLS #751262
1008 Highway 98 UNIT 21, Destin, FL 32541
Destin Towers, Gulf front, completely updated and amazing with huge potential for rental income.
DOM: 4!

Sold: 5/20/16 $240,000| MLS #747346
502 Gulf Shore Drive 501, Destin FL 32541
Beautiful Gulf views at Islander Condo with excellent rental potential. Fully furnished and rental ready.
DOM: 48

Sold: 5/20/16 $172,000 | MLS #744328
4207 Indian Bayou Trail #2913, Destin, FL 32541
This covered 9th floor unit in the Palms of Destin overlooks the swimming pool and has awesome gulf views.
DOM: 94

Sold: 05/24/2016 $259,000 | MLS #739617
16819 Front Beach Road UNIT

The Destin area has had some storms of late, and this weather has resulted in some powerful rip tides. There have been several accidents and even drownings that may have been prevented if swimmers and boaters had heeded the warning flags. If you do find yourself trapped in a rip tide, the video below explains how they work and various strategies for escaping them.

This is just a reminder of the flag colors and meanings. When the red flag is waving, the water may not appear all that rough, but the rip currents are probably at their worst.

How to Swim Out of a Rip Tide

Unknowingly caught in a rip current? Don't fight it. Dr. Beach explains how they work and different methods for swimming out of it.

Have fun and enjoy our beautiful

Blue Marlin Classic Quick Facts

Location: Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, Miramar Beach, Florida

Dates: Wednesday, June 22 - Sunday, June 26, 2016

Entry Fee: $5,000 to $71,561 per team with optional entries

Eligible Fish Species: blue marlin (103” minimum), white marlin, sailfish, spearfish (release only), blackfin tuna (20 lb. & 12” minimum), yellowfin and bigeye tuna (20 lb. & 27” minimum), dolphin (20 lb. minimum), wahoo (20 lb. minimum)

Did you know...

2015 Winners

• 78 Teams, 410 Anglers, $1,586,400 in Cash Awards
• 43 Billfish Caught, 39 Released –
• 28 blue marlin, 14 white marlin, 1 unspecified
• Blue Marlin Weighed – 899.6, 551.0, 548.0, 445.8 lbs.
• 112 Gamefish Caught – 52 dolphin, 40 tuna, 20 wahoo

FIRST YEAR

Under attack for the lack of action regarding the issue of private and customary beach use, the Walton County commissioners have found a clever way to begin enforcing this. Chapter 22 of the Beach Ordinance dealing with "Leave No Trace" has been amended to include the placing of signs, poles, chains or roping off of what home owners feel is their gulf front property.

So, without actually addressing the question of customary use, these items are considered part of the beach clean-up ordinance and are to be removed. If homeowners refuse to take down the signs, chains, etc., they will be cited with a code violation. The commissioners are talking about having officers placed on every half mile of beach, enforcing the ordinance. They will also deal with

The debate over customary vs private beach access in Destin and properties along the Emerald Coast is becoming more and more heated. Walton and Okaloosa Counties have miles of beach and how much of this should be designated public or "customary use" needs to be determined. For years, Destin beachfront property has been developed into magnificent resorts, homes, and condos, but now it's time to decide how much of that land is for private use only, and how much can be open to the public.

For city officials, this is a sensitive area where enforcement is not a straightforward task. As a result, they've employed the services of a law firm to decide whether a claim of customary use in Walton County will stand up. However, this type of research takes time,

This Destin real estate update gives you a snapshot of home, condo and land sales in Destin FL and the surrounding Emerald Coast areas for May, 2016.

Destin Home Sales

Destin home sales in May 2016 reflected an active market with almost $30,000,000 in sales volume. The average price was $596,972 and houses closed at an impressive 94% of selling price. Sales of luxury homes on 30A have been red hot with median prices approaching $2,000,000 in both Rosemary Beach and Seaside. WaterColor was extremely popular with 55 homes sold at a median price of $1,275,000. WaterSound came in at a close fourth with 37 sales averaging only 97 days on the market and closing at 98% of the asking price. 

North of 30A, Niceville sold 80 homes at 98% of the list price

For those dreaming of living in a golf course community, the Destin area has an awesome selection to choose from. Median prices for homes on a golf course in Destin range from $463,750 to $1,135,000 with both private and public courses available. Burnt Pine, Kelly Plantation, Regatta Bay, and Emerald Bay are gated while Indian Bayou is not. Some courses require more skill than others but I'll leave that determination up to you.

Year to Date Comparison of Destin Golf Communities as of May 31, 2016

Burnt Pine

Located within the gates of Sandestin, Burnt Pine is the most exclusive golf course community in the Destin area. The average home is over 4,000 square feet with a median sales price of $1,135,000. The most expensive home in Burnt Pine

Whether fishing is your thing or not, the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic is an event that's not to be missed here in Destin. Established in 2003, this is a world-class event and one of the top marlin fishing tournaments in North America. Almost $2 million dollars in prize money is a big draw, but it's the bragging rights that really attracts anglers from all over the country. This is serious business with entry fees ranging from $5,000 to $71,561 per team.

It all begins on Thursday, June 23 at noon with a shotgun start, when close to 100 multi-million dollar fishing boats parade out of their respective marinas and shoot off through Destin Pass. It's not uncommon for these boats to travel 150 miles before reaching the perfect hunting ground.

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