January 2022

Destin, FL Destinites

***Scroll to the bottom left of your email and click where it says view entire message. That will open up our entire newsletter for you.

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Patricia Lee

From The Publisher

Welcome to our January newsletter and Happy New Year to everyone!  I hope you enjoy this newsletter, as it had to be put together during the holidays between shopping, decorating, parties and family gatherings, extra cooking, stuffing my face with all the extra goodies around and well, you know the drill.  Busy, busy!  Speaking of all those extra goodies, if you are looking to lose those holiday pounds you gained, be sure to have a well planned diet which will include one rich in nutritious foods.  The general rule is to keep that diet to around 1200 to 1500 calories a day but that may not be enough for some people to maintain their health.  Please be sure to check with your doctor before starting any specific diet.  If you are looking to start exercising with that diet, just remember that simply taking a daily brisk walk can do a world of good.  Don't be too ambitious at first with tons of different exercises and working yourself to death.  That's what causes so many people to quit after a week or two.  Start with the walks and work up from there.  Having success with your diet plan is all about setting goals you can actually attain and always check with your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program. 

Here is a link to some very good low calorie meal plans.  Check it out.
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/healthy/g4259/low-calorie-meals

Er..um.. just ignore that recipe I added to this newsletter for Ranch Drop Biscuits. Yiks, they aren't diet friendly but maybe you could treat yourself after reaching your diet goals. ENJOY!

Next month look for some articles in our newsletter to be written by some of our local citizens and look for my special feature titled "Person of Interest."  This will be someone in our community who has a special or unique personal story of inspiration to tell.  If you would like to nominate someone for this spot, write to me at [email protected].

Regards,
Patricia Lee, Destinites Newsletter Publisher
Owner: www.Destinites.com
Creator: www.Facebook.com/groups/Destinites (Private local group)
FOOTNOTE:
I am also Account Executive for Life Media, Inc. freely distributed community newspapers in and around the Destin, FL area.  You may contact me for your newspaper advertising needs at [email protected]

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Lori Leath Smith - Newsletter Contributor

Destin's American Legion

Click the link below to read Lori's article.
https://mydestinlife.com/our-hometown-hero-destins-american-legion

Lori Leath Smith is publisher for Destin Life and Life Media, Inc. freely distributed community newspapers.

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Destinites Ambassador Of The Month:
Wendy Boddie, Owner: The Salty Market
211 Main Street Destin, FL  32541
https://www.facebook.com/thesaltymarket

Destinites Ambassadors are business owners or community leaders who work hard to make our community a better place and this spotlight is to honor them.  This month we honor Destin native, Wendy Boddie.  Wendy is an extremely talented and creative artisan.  She wanted a place to display her artistic projects, plus give other artists a place to display their own work, as well.  Wendy found the perfect spot and The Salty Market was born but it's not just for handmade artwork.  It is actually a farmers and artisan market both. It features garden fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, berries, bees honey, handmade candles and scents, homemade ice cream, handmade quilts and clothing, handmade art of every medium. They are open every 1st and 3rd Saturday.  You really do not want to miss visiting all the unique vendors who participate with this very special market. You will be sure to take home many wonderful treasures made with love by our very own local residents.  Be sure to follow them on Facebook to keep up with their events and find out about new vendors when they are added. There is room for more vendors, so contact Wendy through the link above, if you would like to participate.  Thank you, Wendy, for all of your hard work and bringing this wonderful market to Destin.

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Real Estate Corner

Lets Talk Title with ECTS Podcast - Emerald Coast Title Services
https://ects.com/lets-talk-title-podcast

The latest Podcast talks about the new changes to Florida Realtors' FR/BAR contracts. These new rules went into effect on November 1st 2021.  Be sure to view the previous podcasts which include discussing closing costs and repairs.  Lots of good information there.

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At The Destin Library:
I recommend seeing "Victoria and Abdul" showing Jan. 19th. Serious with funny moments and very interesting. - Patricia Lee

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Check out these tasty Ranch Drop Biscuits at the link below.  Made with ranch dressing and you don't have to roll them out.  You just drop the dough on the pan; hence; "Drop" biscuits.
YUM!
https://www.budgetbytes.com/ranch-drop-biscuits Not diet friendly BUT..........

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The Soapbox: 
by Patricia Lee

Businesses in Destin were short handed well before the Pandemic started.  Locals have long been concerned about no affordable housing being offered here.  Voiced concerns are that people who work here cannot afford to live here and the traffic makes it not worth it to live in another town and commute.  Would government subsidized housing be the answer?  Something to ponder. When you start hearing numerous stories about people losing their rental homes or rooms or businesses closing due to no longer being able to negotiate financial rental terms, it is a serious concern.  If businesses can't afford to pay higher than average wages to get people to drive here from other towns, then how are they going to stay in business?  It's not that hard to find upper income people who can afford to live here but those are not the people who are looking for minimum wage jobs.  You have to have those types of businesses, if you are going to be community and people who work there have to have a place to live.  Landlords are not going to come down on their rent, so I see no alternative than subsidized housing. 

The other main concern I constantly hear about is that our roads are being used like we are the Indy 500.  Loud car/truck engines beyond the legal limit and using our streets for drag racing.  This problem has greatly increased over the 6 years that I lived here.  I used to maybe hear it once or twice a week but now, it is more like a couple of times a night.  Everyone's main concern is the safety of our citizens and the wild life, too.  We all hold our breath hoping no one will get hurt, as we hear that vehicle go ripping down the street. It is going to take more patrolling of neighborhoods, Commons Drive and Main Street to get this under control.  Residents are talking about implementing additional speed bumps and security cameras.  Do the sheriffs have the personnel and funds to increase their presence?  Maybe we should hold a fundraiser so they can hire more officers.  If not, this is going to get worse before it gets better.  Destin is not a raceway and we can't just keep complaining.  We need to be involved.  Write down tag numbers. Make a report when you hear that car racing. Even if they can't catch them the report still needs to be made.  It is important for the sheriff's office to know how often this is happening.  Take action and help be part of the solution. 

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Destin resident, Dan Madson, has written a highly successful series of children's books with his grandson.  Check out this interview done by a local TV station in his hometown of Madison, WI. Book series title:
Burgerhead and Mean Jerry

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Christian Corner: by Patricia Lee
Quoted from The Living Bible Copyright 1971
Psalms 143: 11 and 12
"Lord, saving me will bring glory to your name. Bring me out of all this trouble because you are true to your promises.  And, because you are loving and kind to me, cut off all my enemies and destroy those who are trying to harm me for I am your servant."  Pray this prayer when you find yourself in times of trouble.  Pray with boldness, confidence and faith!  Let Father God know you believe He is there for you and promise Him that no matter how bad things get you will not accuse Him of abandoning you.  Rebuke the devil and stand strong in the Lord. Actually thank the Lord for whatever it is you are going though because He does have a plan.  You may not can see the end of the tunnel but He can!. Turn loose of the fear and let Father God be your eyes.  He wants you to have confidence and trust in Him.  This is very definition of faith.  Never forget that He does love you and does have your best interest at heart. 

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Local Discounts & For Southeast Region Travels:
Tripshock offers activity discounts in over 40 destinations and has been established for many years.  You may also do your booking directly through them.  If you are getting ready to travel, you will want to check them out first. Here are just some of the areas they include:  Panhandle of FL., Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Sarasota, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Washington DC, Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, Hilton Head, Biloxi-Gulfport, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Atlanta, and Maui.
Tripshock home base is right here in Destin, FL..

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