Probably the most publicized leg of the Triple Crown is the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Kentucky. This year our fair city is riding on the coat tails of one of the entries - "Destin."

The horse is owned by Twin Creeks Racing Stables in Versailles, Kentucky and used Destin (the city) as inspiration when naming the colt. The mother's name is "Dream of Summer" and as explained by one of the owners, Randy Gullatt, who has visited our beautiful white beaches; "Destin is a great place to dream of summer."

In addition, the name "Destin" also means fate or destiny. So does Destin have a shot at this thing? Well, he's in the top 10, with 15-1 odds at the time of this writing.

According to Jockey Javier Castellano, ""He could be destined to win it — who…

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Half a sheep...During peak seasons, including spring break and April, experienced Destin Realtors understand that vacation homes and condos must be shown to buyers between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. This time frame, called the "turnover", is when the property is vacant as last weeks guest leave and next week's new renters arrive.

Last week, I had a serious buyer in town that was interested in looking at seven condos in the Destin area. We were able to schedule five viewings without any difficulty. However, two agents were unwilling to work Saturday, so their clients missed an opportunity to sell. 

One agent sent me a text that said "Can not do it this weekend, or Monday morning. Plan on an open house on Wednesday. Maybe that will work."

While the other agent said "I…

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Destin beachfront condos are surprising affordable. You'll find plenty of quality listings to choose from in today's market. By starting your search with a beachfront property, you're going to get the best return for your money. These are, by far the most sought after types of real estate on the Emerald Coast.

Here are a few of our favorite choices for Destin beachfront condos under $400,000:

8573 Gulf Blvd. 702, Navarre, FL - $395,000 - MLS# 742323Summerwind West: 8573 Gulf Blvd. 702, Navarre, FL - $395,000 - MLS# 742323

This Navarre condominium in Summerwind West is truly a hidden gem. Just minutes from the excitement of Destin, your beachfront condo is a sanctuary that you can return to each day. Take the private walkway to the quiet, uncrowded beach or spend an afternoon fishing, or wildlife…

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Occasionally a new Destin condo opportunity comes along that allows buyers to take advantage of pre-construction pricing. Getting in early also gives buyers the chance to pick their own colors and features, and personalize their new condominium. New construction also means condos are built according to the latest wind, structural and environmental codes. One final benefit, a new build can take anywhere from 1-3 years, which may give buyers a bit of leeway with their financial plan or budget.

Here are three such condos along the Scenic 30A.

Blu Condominiums, Fort Walton Beach

Location: Santa Rosa Boulevard & Scallop Court, Okaloosa Island

Blu Condominiums, Fort Walton Beach FL

Just when you thought there was no room for another condo on Okaloosa Island, along comes Blu…

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The Brownstones at Kelly Plantation & 125 Crystal Beach Drive

For anyone seeking a low maintenance lifestyle in a resort setting, have we got news for you. Two exciting new Destin townhome developments are are now available - 125 Crystal Beach Drive and The Brownstones at Kelly Plantation. These are also ideal for anyone looking for a ground floor investment opportunity. 

125 Crystal Beach Drive townhomes in Destin FL

125 Crystal Beach Drive

125 Crystal Beach Drive is a resort-style townhome located in the Gulf front community of Crystal Beach. The townhomes are situated 3 blocks from the water, but walking distance to local shops and restaurants. Panera Bread, Starbucks or the AMC Movie Theater are all just a short walk. Pricing starts at $309,000.

Choose from two floor plans:

Sea…

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Uber coming to South WaltonAfter being on again and off again, it looks like Uber is back providing service in Destin, South Walton County and the Pensacola, Florida area. This makes our already busy roads safer by providing more options for carpooling and reduced transit costs, and hopefully a reduction in incidences of DUI offences. It's a win - win for everyone.

If you need a quick ride and never used Uber, check out the guide below.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Uber

Ready to give Uber a try? It's pretty simple:

1. First, go to www.Uber.com, register and download the app.

2. Open the app, pick the desired vehicle type. Tap the vehicle image for rates.

  • UberX: The least expensive Uber service. Seats 4 riders. Drivers use sedans like Toyota Prius, Honda Accord.…

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Spring events in DestinWe have great weather year-round in Destin, but there is something about the change of the seasons that just makes you want to get out and get active. Try something new, go exploring, be a tourist in your own town. Here are a few ideas for enjoying sping in Destin.

1. Go explore a new beach park

Destin and the surrounding coast has so many amazing beaches, why not pick one you've never been to, pack a lunch and go explore. Henderson State Park Beach was just named one of the top beaches in the United States, if you've never been, it's time to find out why.

2. Spend a day on the water

If you have a boat, make time for the family and spend a day fishing, or moored by a beach. The Gulf Islands National Seashore is a great spot for shelling and…

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the bestWaterColor Real Estate Remains the Luxury Front Runner

Luxury homes along Florida's Scenic 30A Highway are among some of the most exclusive in the State. Peppered with several beachfront communities, WaterColor real estate continues to maintain its elite status with 7 homes closing and another 7 going under contract. Buyers in WaterColor tend to favor the world class amenities, exquisite attention to detail, and proximity to fine restaurants and boutique shopping. The Beach Club, sitting atop of 30A’s famous bluffs, is absolutely amazing. Secure your membership by purchasing one of the many fine WaterColor homes for sale today.

Most Expensive 30A Homes Sold in January 2016

WaterSound - 126 Compass Point Way : $2,855,000

Rosemary Beach -…

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Trip Advisor has just released the winners for the 2016 Top 25 Beaches in the U.S. Four of the selected beaches were from our beautiful Emerald Coast!

Top beaches by Trip Advisor

Pensacola Beach

Pensacola Beach is located south of the actual town of Pensacola on the barrier island of Santa Rosa Island. Home to a large snowbird population in the winter, Pensacola Beach is also great for families. The bar and tourist scene is much tamer here, with nothing but miles of seashore to explore. Walk barefoot on the soft white beach and find out why Pensacola Beach has been nicknamed "the talking sands," due to the high quartz content.

Panama City Beach

With 27 miles of white sand and two State Parks Panama City Beach prides itself on expansive, clean beaches. Walk for miles…

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