There’s no denying the role that social media plays in our daily lives, whether it’s Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram. Given Destin’s beauty, it’s no surprise that locals and visitors alike share the city’s wonder on social media. A Social Scene focuses on images of Destin’s splendor shared in the social realm. Share your photos with us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

Although Destin may be a relatively new city by historical standards, there is no denying the abundance of local lore. Days Gone By will showcase photos of Destin’s yesteryear. To submit your photos, send them to news@thedestinlog.com or share them on our Facebook page. Note: Additional copies of the paper are available for sale, but the actual photos may not be purchased.

Destin Log Editor Matt Algarin was at tonight's City Council meeting and offered a live play-by-play of what was discussed.

To read more, CLICK HERE.

The 2015 Mardi Gras on the Harbor parade rolls at 2 p.m. Feb. 7. The 2015 King is Shane Moody, president and CEO of the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce and this year’s Queen is Suzy Hunt, events coordinator at the Destin Chamber. \

More than 100 floats, carts, brass bands, dancers and festive marchers will throw beads, treats, T-shirts and trinkets to parade-goers down the harbor on the mile long boardwalk along the Destin harbor. After the parade, the party continues at HarborWalk Village all through the evening.

King Shane Moody

Mardi Gras King Shane Moody is also considered a bit of a joker to all who know him well enough to enjoy his enthusiasm for life and contagious smile. King Moody has been president and CEO of the Destin Chamber since 2004. During his tenure, he has used his keen sense of humor and positive attitude to help develop The Destin Area Chamber of Commerce into the award winning and productive organization it is today.

King Moody is a graduate of Institute for Organization Management and under his leadership, the chamber has won the American Chamber of Commerce Executives Award for Excellence. Originating in South Carolina, Moody is an avid Gamecocks fan.  We all know him as a pillar in our community and appreciate his extraordinary leadership while still preserving our small town charm. King Shane Moody’s  greatest accomplishment is his three beautiful children, also known as his royal court.  

Queen Suzy Hunt 

Local, vocal and chock full of energy, Queen Suzy Hunt was chosen to reign as this year’s queen thanks to her vibrant and outspoken personality and her ability to uplift others in the face of turmoil or personal trials. In 2007, she was already heavily involved in the community during her career as a professional broadcast personality and manager, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Unafraid to speak out about her diagnosis, she raised awareness within her sphere of influence, sharing phrases like “Catch it on arrival, better chance of survival.”  

Queen Hunt did not stop as simply a health advocate, she actively held a fundraising event aptly titled “The Breast Party in Town” and The Suzy Fund was born. Sacred Heart Hospital offers screenings and diagnostic mammograms to qualifying Okaloosa and Walton County women through this effort.

Queen Hunt is a Fort Walton Beach High School graduate and has been working with the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce since 2012. She is the proud parent of two-four legged fur children, Rudy and Tink, and a die hard Browns Fan.  

This week was literacy week at Destin Elementary School and in the spirit of light-hearted competition each class was challenged to come up with their own reading-inspired door display.

“It’s nice to have an author or genre to spotlight so you can really focus with the children,” Kindergarten Teacher Emily Stephens said of the event. “We are working on rhyming words in our class and what better author to study that than with Dr. Suess?”

Altered words from Dr. Suess’s book “Green Eggs and Ham,” greet students entering Stephen’s class and student illustrations featuring their favorite cover the bulletin board beside it.

Neighboring teacher, Katie Thillet chose a marine life theme with the words, “Caught Reading,” posted amongst fish and photos of her students reading in class.

“The kids really loved it,” said Thillet.

Every hallway depicted books and authors on increasing grade levels with short essays written by children in the upper grades. Each door revealed both the creativity of the children and their teachers as the coveted prize for the winning design is $50 towards a Scholastic Book order for the entire class.

For more photos of the door competition CLICK HERE

It was chef against chef, but the competition was lighthearted and delicious in the Fourth Annual Destin Desserts competition held this past week. Seven chefs from six area restaurants went head-to-head to see who could create the best original dessert using different Girl Scout cookies as an ingredient in their dish.

Why a Girl Scout cookie you ask? The fundraiser was created to benefit the Girl Scout Council of the Florida Panhandle, and this year the funds went towards the organization’s Camp Kolomoki near DeFuniak Springs which has fallen into disrepair.

“The spring rains washed out the roads in the major flood we had last April and 900 girls were turned away from the outdoor and leadership experience that they usually get there every year,” said Destin Desserts chair Gretchen Erickson. “The money raised from the event will go to help refurbish the camp which has been closed since April as nature is starting to take over so it is a very critical thing to get community support.”

Erickson told The Log that the dessert competition was an idea she dreamed up four years ago when she served as the Board Chair President of the Girl Scouts on the Panhandle.

“I realized that this area did not have any fundraisers for the Girl Scout council which goes all the way from the Alabama boarder to the Sewanee river covering 19 counties,” she said. “I love the Food Network and Top Chef so I married the two and Destin Desserts was born.”

This year local chefs from Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Bijoux, Highlands House, Travinia Italian Kitchen,  Dockside Café & Oyster Bar and The Palms competed for best dessert serving a crowd of more than 200 people.

“We had to keep it to about six chefs this year but I think we are getting bigger now because we had some chefs that we had to turn away and I don’t want to do that anymore,” Erickson said of the event’s popularity.

Word has gotten out about the competition as chefs from Pensacola to Defuniak have already called to add their names to next year’s list.

“They are like a fraternity, a family of chefs, and they all love the competition so much that all three of our past winners have come back as judges because they love to be a part of it,” said Erickson. “It is so good to see the local community give back, as these chefs are giving up their busy Friday night rush at their restaurants to support this event.”

This year’s coveted first place prize went to Chef Ernie Danjean, owner of Dockside Café & Oyster Bar in Niceville for his dessert, Savannah Smiles Gooey Squares.

“The Savannah Smiles is a lemon sugar-coated cookie,” said Danjean. “We created a play off of a very popular dessert known in Savannah, Georgia called the Ooey-Gooey cake. The crust had the Girl Scout cookie, plus we added pecans, then we did a really gooey center by using powdered sugar, cream cheese and egg. When you bake that on top of the crust it gets nice a gooey like a baked Alaska. Next, we made some fresh homemade butter-cream icing, piped it on there and then to kick it off we made an edible garnish out of real lemon wheels boiled in sugar water, baked, and then covered in granulated sugar so they come out like candy. Finally, to finish it all off we sprinkled the whole dessert with lemon zest. So if you like lemon, you were in the right place on Saturday night!”

This was Chef Danjean’s first time to enter the competition and his excitement for the win was evident. 

“We were competing against some of the best restaurants on the coast, so for us it was a big homerun a really big homerun,” he said. “We are serving it here in the restaurant now as our feature dessert, we just had too.”

However both Danjean and Erickson agree that the real winners of the competition are the donors and local community members who gave to this good cause.

 “It was so much fun to compete in the dessert contest, and really neat to get away from the seafood we make every day; but what made it really fun is that we raised some great money for the Girl Scouts,” said Danjean.

 “The total still coming in, but we raised close to $20,000 just in the one night,” said Erickson. The road is already starting to be rebuilt from an earlier donation from St. Joe’s Properties Foundation but we have a long way to go in order to replace the wells, the pipes, canoes and kayaks, build a new dock, and make it pristine again. But we’ll figure it out, we’ll make it work, that’s what girl scouts do.”

To make a donation towards the rebuild of Camp Kolomoki CLICK HERE

Recipe for Chef Ernie’s Savannah Smiles Gooey Squares

Ingredients Crust:

One Box Savannah Smiles Cookies ground fine

One Box of Yellow Cake Mix

One Cup Minced Roasted Pecans

One Stick Melted Butter

Ingredients Middle:

One Bag Powdered Sugar

One Pack Cream Cheese Softened

One Fresh Whole Egg

1/3 Cup Fresh Lemon Juice

Garnish Topping:

Butter Cream Icing Swirl

Candy Lemon Wedge

Lemon Zest Sprinkle

Directions:

Mix all crust ingredients in mixing bowl. Spread crust mixture in a 12 inch greased pan. Mix middle ingredients till smooth. Spread middle ingredients in pan over crust. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes till golden brown. Remove and let cool then cut in squares. Add garnish and serve.

Ken Wampler, Destin’s newly elected Chamber of Commerce Chairman has not always lived with his toes in the sand, but he worked hard to get here and has now called the Sunshine State home since 1984. Wampler recently sat down with The Log to give a brief look into his life and his journey to becoming Destin’s newest community leader.

“I was a military brat, I was born in England at Chicksands Air Force Base,” Wampler said of his earliest days. He then listed four northern states he lived between with his family before finally settling in Houlton, Maine, his mother’s home town at age 11.

“I grew up in Northern Maine, and if you look on the map you will see the I-95 dead-ends in Houlton; we were right on the border of  Canada,” he said.

 Some little known facts about Wampler include that he speaks conversational French, was an all-around athlete in high school and earned a mere $4 an hour at his first full-time job.

“I gained a scholarship at the University of Maine at Presque Isle for basketball but also played baseball and soccer in the off season,” he said of his college days. “ I double majored in mathematics and recreation and leisure service and as part of my degree I had to do an internship for the fall of 1984.”

Wampler saw this opportunity as his chance to fly south from his frigid northern home and spent the next semester at Amelia Island Plantation just northeast of Jacksonville.

“I was a program coordinator in charge of kids programs, hay rides, bonfires, theme parties, and casino nights. We basically provided things for people to do while on vacation,” he said. “I had to go back to school the next semester but I came back as soon as I graduated because I was offered a job at Amelia right away.”

Some details never fade from memory as Wampler can still recite the exact dimensions of the resort’s fitness center 31 years later, as well as list the various amenities included in it’s facilities.

“When promoting it you never forget,” Wampler said of his sharp memory. “When you work in something you love it’s not like selling something but sharing your passion. My dream was to always start my own health and yacht club and when I worked there I felt like I was getting a taste of that,” he said.

Wampler eventually made his way further south and found himself working for a golf legend.

“I went to work for a gentleman named Arnold Palmer at his Bay Hill Club and Resort in Orlando,” Wampler said. “A funny story I like to tell about him is that he would call down to the bar around nine at night and order blue cheese-stuffed olives — it was a night-cap sort of thing for him.”

After five years at Palmer’s resort, Wampler made his move to Destin, and in 2002 was hired on as Chief Operating Officer for Sterling Resort.

“During the time I worked for Sterling we grew from three buildings in Destin to over 20 properties in three different states,” he said.

However in 2008 the recession hit and Sterling was bought out and Wampler was laid off.

“That’s when I decided to go full time with my business consulting,” said Wampler. “I began consulting for the Forbes family in Houston and also for a resort in Puerto Rico.”

It wasn’t long before Wampler’s great resume landed him a job as President of Resort Properties for Newman-Dailey, his current employer.

But Wampler is not just proficient on the work front, he is also quite active in the community. It was here in Destin that Wampler raised his two children now 17 and 21, and said at one time his evenings were spent volunteering as a little league coach.

“I coached baseball, basketball and softball and spent all my off time at Threadgill(a Destin area ballpark.),” he said.  “I also played city league basketball and softball when I was younger.”

Today, Wampler’s hobbies include gardening and of course supporting the Chamber of Commerce.

“I do a lot of yard work because I love being outside,” he said. “And the chamber is one of my hobbies. I like going to the events.”

As for his role as Chairman, Wampler said he hopes to help build stronger communication between local businesses and the city of Destin.

“The chamber’s role is to make sure the city hears the business’ interests,” he said. “My goal is to make sure that what we do at the chamber in 2015 gets stronger, and how it gets stronger is to listen to the members and figure out what is best for the business owners and their businesses.”

Wampler told The Log that he believes that Destin’s rich history is the key to it’s success in both the business and residential level. 

“What I think is near and dear to Destin is the history and culture,” he said. “The history of Destin cannot be lost; it all started with the fishing village. What generates the most notoriety in Destin is fishing, the white sands and the Gulf of Mexico. All the other businesses generate around that.”

Log Cartoonist Dill Beaty's take on the new solar panels on Eglin Air Force Base.

Okaloosa County and its nine municipalities could close the deal on a local public transit co-op in the next few months.

Several local cities have already approved the agreement, and Destin is set to take up the issue in February.

“It’s moving in the right direction,” said Elliot Kampert, growth management director for the county.

The transit co-op was one of several issues discussed recently at a rare daytime workshop for commissioners. The purpose of the meeting, called by Commission Chairman Nathan Boyles, was to identify top priorities that would not significantly alter the county’s 2014-15 budget.

The co-op would replace the current cash-strapped bus system. If created, the co-op’s first order of business would be to determine the financial contributions of each city.

“Sharing the cost is the only way we can make this work,” Commissioner Wayne Harris said. “Right now ... the county property owners are carrying the load and not the people using the system.”

In July 2014, commissioners agreed to keep local fixed-route buses running for one more year. After the 2014-15 fiscal year, cities must chip in on the cost or the service will be cut.

Boyles said he sees the co-op functioning much like the existing library cooperative.

“I think it’s time we solve the problem, fix the issue and move on,” he said. “... I’m optimistic this may be the year we get that done.”

Destin has a lot to offer, and although its beaches are world-famous and its seafood delicious, there are hundreds of hidden treasures in the surrounding area of Northwest Florida that yield for fun adventures, day trips and weekend getaways. This column which will be featured on Wednesdays, will follow the wanderings of reporter, Savannah Vasquez, and explore the many opportunities in Destin’s surrounding area. I invite you to explore with me Beyond Destin.

When searching for  a place to visit for my weekend column I usually try to think outside the box, but I was surprised to find that this week’s adventure spot has sat quietly beneath my nose for years like a secret garden hidden amidst the resorts and shopping malls of Sandestin.

Coffeen Nature Preserve is one of the only non-profit public land-trusts in the area and as such is only open to the public upon reservation. The preserve is privately run by local couple Susan and Bruce Paladini who actually live on the property and run both the educational tours and vacation rentals on the land. On the day of our tour, Cristian and I met four others and our guide Susan for a historical tour and nature walk around the preserve.

The tour began in the Paladini’s home, which was once a military mess hall built in 1944. As history goes, a man by the name of Robert Bushnel purchased 2,000 acres of land from the Choctawhatchee Bay to the Gulf, and directly afterwards the Air Force sequestered the area as a bomb testing site. It was the end of WWII, and the Allies were seeking to perfect a bomb to use against Nazi launch ramps set up against Brittan. Coffeen Nature Preserve was eyed for its close in proximity to Air Force testing field Eglin, as it had the highest sand dunes around.

So in 1944, the military paid $1 per year to lease the preserve and began practicing with acquired German rocket-bombs the V-1 and V-2. Over the course of a year, the military tested different methods to recreate and improve the bombs in order to create their own. Launch ramps were built on the preserve with iron tracks leading towards the water and the missiles were then shot off into the Gulf. Today, two of those missile ramps are still visible on the grounds as well as three concrete bunkers used as the control board and safe haven from the trial missile launches.

When the war ended in 1945, the military abandoned it’s program at the preserve, but not before producing 600 JB-2 missiles. The bombs were never used in war, but instead were used for target practice by anti-aircraft guns. The land was returned to Bushnel and his sister Dorothy Coffeen, who immediately decided that preservation was the only way to save their beautiful area from further land development. Dorothy eventually sold off the land north of Hwy 98, and along the waterfront in order to sustain her preserve but enforced strict building laws on developers along the water as to height requirements.

“Dorothy was very astute,” Susan Paladini said during our tour. “She cared very much about the land and wanted to keep it’s natural beauty as a haven from development.”

As the tour progressed we learned just what it was that Dorothy fell in love with. We traipsed along pine forest nature trails and beside pristine dunes; we visited a rare dune lake, and finally ended in a serene pine grove that Dorothy chose as her final resting place. We also explored the three concrete bunkers that now feature painted murals inside left by an unknown artist in 1986.  As nature reclaims the old military ruins one of the missile launch ramps is used today as a hiking path, and the other serves as a roadway to the rental units facing the Gulf.

Our Coffeen Nature Preserve tour was arranged by the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance who is offering several eco-tours this spring. To see a list of eco-tour outings and dates visit www.basinalliance.org and click on Spring 2015 Eco-Tours.

WANNA GO?

Coffeen Nature Preserve is located at 146 Coffeen Hill Road in Santa Rosa Beach. Admission is free however, visitors must have reservations prior to entry. Guided tours are limited and on availability basis but brochures are available for an easy self-guided tour. For more information call Susan Paladini at 267-2312 or email fourmile@cox.net.

A Mardi Gras Dog Parade — Registration deadline is this Friday Feb. 6, for walkers, cars, and floats for the parade on Sunday, Feb. 15 at 2 p.m. This Dog Parade is a premier canine event for People and Pooches to Pawti together. It will be at The Village of Baytown Wharf in Sandestin. So dress to impress the judges for creativity, theme, and personality. The theme is “Woofstock” so drag out your old 60’s attire for you and Fido, too. Don’t miss this event, as there’s music and fun for every one of all ages. Yours truly, the Destin Dog whisperer, will be there as a judge for the event.  Check out baytownewharf.com, call 850-267-8110, or email julie@baytownewharf.com

A Mardi Gras People Parade is Feb. 7 at 2 p.m. at HarborWalk Village and the Fat Tuesday celebration is on Feb. 17 at 5 p.m. HarborWalk events always welcome your pooches with lots of smooches. For a pawsome dining experience, there is a harbor side dog seating section at Harry T’s restaurant, so bring along your furry friend.      

Tucker’s Tales — Dog friend Billy Graham once said, “God will prepare everything for our perfect happiness in heaven, so if it takes my dog being there, I believe he’ll be there.”

Lacy’s Licks — My pack leader is often asked; “How do I stop my dog from chewing?” It’s her secret, but I’m spilling the bones. We need to chew. If you put your shoes in a closet and offer us a safe chew toy, we won’t see or bother your leathers. My fearless pack leader gives us a real sterilized hollow core bone with a big Milk Bone marrow bone treat tucked into it tightly. Our chewing cravings get satisfied by gnawing out that marrow bone, and our pearly whites stay clean and bright from the natural bone. PawScript: A brisk walk before you leave will tire us. Use a baby gate to limit areas for dogs in training. All toys and bone use should be supervised and monitored for wear. (Hollow core bones are at local pet stores.)     

It’s Chow time — Now you can order a specially blended dog food to meet your dog’s needs. Purina sets up your dog’s profile and prepares a custom blend for your dog and delivery is free. No more special trips to the pet store. To order visit justrightpetfood.com and you can choose a meat, poultry or fish protein formula based on your input. The bag comes complete with your dog’s name and photo on it too. Try it and bark all about it to.

Want to Vacation in Destin with your Furry Friend? Your dog does not have to stay home. Call 1-800-547-0805 and try using Promo Code RE143 for up to a 15 percent discount on your next vacation stay. Dog friendly accommodations book fast, so reserve yours now.

Sundays are Adoption Days — At PetSmart, rescue groups bring in dogs in need of good homes. Check out adoptive dogs at www.hannashopinc.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dannys.doghouse.

Chow for now and enjoy your adventures in Paradise.

P.A. DeFrenza, a.k.a The Destin Dog Whisperer/Pooch Scoop reporter, is a resident of Destin, freelance writer and American Red Cross volunteer. Contact her at  mustlovedogs@cox.net.

The Destin Harbor Boardwalk transforms into the Big Easy as green, purple and gold fills HarborWalk Village for one big party on the Destin Harbor. The festivities kick off Feb. 6 for the annual Mardi Gras Pub Crawl  at 8 p.m. and continues Saturday, Feb. 7 with the 7th annual Mardi Gras on the Harbor Parade. The party begins at 11 a.m. with the parade rolling at 2 p.m.

Beads, throws, moonpies, doubloons and more will be soaring through the air as more than 100 businesses, organizations, krewes and groups, roll, pedal and push their way through the crowds in dazzling costumes and colorful floats. Celebrity judges will decide who encompasses the best Mardi Gras spirit and the “Best Overall Float” will win a luxurious 3-night stay at Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village.

Costumed revelers get jazzed up with entertainment from The Village Brass Band and Fuzion Band as they perform their fiery zydeco music on the main stage and throughout the parade.

The Destin Area Chamber of Commerce’s President, Shane Moody and Destin Chamber’s Event Coordinator, Suzy Hunt will reign over the parade in lavish costumes as HarborWalk Village’s Mardi Gras King and Queen. 

“It’s always an honor to be asked by other organizations to participate in their events, especially when it’s to be a king and queen. We know this parade is very popular with residents and tourists, so it will be a blast to lead,” said Hunt. 

HarborWalk Village continues the Louisiana-like revelry on Fat Tuesday, Feb. 17, with a celebration at all of HarborWalk Village’s venues. Have a taste of New Orleans with free red beans and rice from Jackacudas Seafood and Sushi and live music from Finga FAYA beginning at 5 p.m.  

“My luck was so good, I could do no wrong …

 I just kept on rollin’ and controllin’ them bones …”  — from “When You’re Hot You’re Hot” as performed by Jerry Reed

A couple is honeymooning in Las Vegas. Late at night in their hotel room, the husband glances at a casino chip bearing the number “17.” He hurriedly heads downstairs alone with five dollars to place a bet on that number at the roulette wheel. It hits, and the 35-1 odds pay him handsomely. 

The man continues to bet on the number “17” and wins repeatedly, and lets his winnings ride every time. Soon he has amassed millions. He wants to bet again, but the house cannot cover his next wager.

Undeterred, he cabs to another casino, one which agrees to cover his action. Again, he bets on “17.” Again, he wins. He now has something like $262 million. And he bets it all again in the same fashion. And loses everything.

When he returns to the hotel room, his bride inquires, “How’d it go?” And the hubbie replies, “Not bad. I lost five dollars.” Well, that’s true, but it doesn’t really tell the whole tale, does it? The husband lost money that could have secured his family’s financial future for generations.  But he didn’t consider it a loss, because in his mind, the only portion of the money that was his was the original five dollars. The rest was “house money.” This story, which was recounted in “How Smart People Make Big Money Mistakes and How to Correct Them” by Gilovich and Belsky, reveals much about human nature and money.

I am not a psychologist, but it is common knowledge that folks treat money obtained from different sources in varying fashions. We work long and hard at our jobs and when we are paid for our labor, we are often conservative and careful with that income. But if we hit on a couple of lottery numbers, are bequeathed money from a relative in a will, or even enjoy a tax refund, we are much more likely to throw caution to the wind in the way we spend those dollars.

A family member of mine used to say, “If you receive an unexpected windfall, spend half and save half.” This homespun aphorism assumes that it’s natural to want to throw this kind of money away, and basically cautions us “not to blow it all.”

Here’s the rub with windfalls. All dollars are the same.  Investments can compound, regardless of where they originated. What matters is what you do with the dollars.  Unexpected cash injections, properly deployed, can grow in any investment account just like W-2 dollars. Spend some of that windfall, sure. But save and invest some, too.

Margaret R. McDowell, ChFC, AIF, a syndicated economic columnist, is the founder of Arbor Wealth Management, LLC, (850-608-6121 — www.arborwealth.net), a “fee-only” registered investment advisory firm located near Sandestin. This column should not be considered personalized investment advice and provides no assurance that any specific strategy or investment will be suitable or profitable for an investor

There’s no denying the role that social media plays in our daily lives, whether it’s Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram. Given Destin’s beauty, it’s no surprise that locals and visitors alike share the city’s wonder on social media. A Social Scene focuses on images of Destin’s splendor shared in the social realm. Share your photos with us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

Editor’s Note: This article is the second in a three-part series chronicling the process of having a total knee replacement and the sequence of events through the operation and rehabilitation.

 I talk with Dr. Jason Thackeray to try to understand what happens in the operating room during a total knee replacement.  I’m introduced to Mike Kurth, Orthopaedic Sales Consultant and part of the team who gives me a feel for the part he plays in this incredibly amazing surgery. 

Dr. Thackeray compliments Roger Hall, CEO of Sacred Heart Hospital,  for the outstanding operating room team the hospital provides for performing this procedure. I feel like a swirling dervish has blown through as names are tossed into place. Sacred Heart provides a dedicated Scrub Tech in addition to Second Surgical Assistant, operating room Circulating Nurse, and Anesthesiologist along with many others I’m sure I have missed.  Shoulder to shoulder with Dr. Thackeray in every surgery is Certified First Surgical Assistant Chad Lindley.

 Dr. Thackeray is quick to tell me and often repeats the fact that  the medical people who will gather in this operating room are all professionals and act not as individuals but as a team. 

“All are important to receive the remarkable outcomes we strive for.”

 For my husband Norm’s knee implant, Dr. Thackeray chooses the Sigma rotating platform knee offered by DePuy Synthes Joint Reconstruction. This is one of the only companies in America that offers this rotating platform technology. 

This knee implant is designed to accommodate bending and rotation by as much as 15 degrees. It was the first knee available in the United States designed uniquely for this type of natural rotation. The DePuy knee has been implanted since 2000 with more than 1 million chosen by surgeons around the world.

The Scrub Tech and Circulating Nurse along with Mike Kurth of DePuy Synthes are the first people to enter the operating room to begin preparations for my husband’s total knee replacement. When Mike enters the room it is quiet and a bit on the chilly side. The smell is clean with a touch of crispness in the air. All of the arriving instruments were developed by DePuy for this operation. Mike brings in five or six instrument trays, each piece to be washed and sterilized. The Surgical Tech lays each instrument out on the table with extreme exactness. He works with the precision of a diamond cutter.

Each one pound knee replacement requires a femoral component, rotating platform insert, tibial component and patella (knee cap).  Mike says, “I have to be ready for anything the surgeon asks me for. I usually bring seven sizes of component parts to be positive I will always have the perfect match needed for each patient.”

Lights come up in the room and the sounds from the arriving surgical team begins to drift around the room like quietly falling snow as each prepares his position.

Preparation of the patient began hours ago. By this time, the patient has been sent to the land of peace and joy where no pain is allowed. At this point he has placed his life and hope for a better knee into the hands of the professionals. I remember that Dr. Thackeray has explained the team concept to me, but at this point the spotlight is focused on the skill, training and proficiency of the man who heads up this team.

Dr. Thackeray enters, scrubs and gowns up, looks at the x-ray for size and angle of the knee and reconfirms what he wants to do and how he will do it. With complete confidence, he opens up the knee, removes all arthritic areas of bone or cartilage, resurfaces the knee and then measures for the perfect implant. At this point, trial components are put into place, allowing the surgeon to feel how the real implant will work. 

Is Dr. Thackeray getting all the motion he wants? Does it feel good to the touch? This is where the best of orthopaedic surgeons must make delicate decisions for the good of the patient. If all meets the approval of Dr. Thackeray, the trial component comes out and the real implant is closed up in the knee. The successful completion of an operation is always shown by a “thumbs up.” Dr. Thackeray tells me, “It is a humble privilege to have people trust you to perform their surgery.”

In recovery, Norm’s left leg was immediately placed in a CPM machine which kept the leg and knee in a continuous, passive motion.  You don’t know how it’s possible, but the next day Norm takes a rather lengthy stroll down the hospital hall on that brand new knee. It hurts like hell today but, oh, the promise of fishing all day next spring!

Laura Hall is a freelance reporter and longtime Destin resident.  Have a good topic, she can be reached at llhall4386@gmail.com.

Although Destin may be a relatively new city by historical standards, there is no denying the abundance of local lore. Days Gone By showcases photos of Destin’s yesteryear. To submit your photos, send them to news@thedestinlog.com or share them on our Facebook page. Note: Additional copies of the paper are available for sale, but the actual photos may not be purchased. Check out these animal-inspired photos from The Log’s archives.

A local celebrity is back in town, and this time he’s here to stay. Ballroom dancer Eric Luna has just opened a dance studio, Luna Ballroom at 36150 Emerald Coast Pkwy. in the City Market shopping center of Destin.

Luna is known globally for his partnership with Georgia Ambarian, as the two danced together professionally from 2002 to 2012 and claimed five world and five U.S. championship ballroom dancing titles. The pair also gained national acclaim as guest dancers on TV reality shows, “Dancing With The Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance.” Now retired from the competition scene, the two will teaching at the studio; Luna as lead instructor and Ambarian as a private coach. Local dancers Summer Hernandez and Frank Nasser will also be on staff for instruction.

 “I’ve been thinking about opening a studio for a really long time, and the circumstances have just now happened to be the best for my family,” Luna said when asked about the timing of opening his studio. “I’m a dance coach, judge, I do shows and I’ve travelled all around the United States and the world, but now I want to slow down and not be gone as much.”

Luna and his wife Trish are Fort Walton Beach locals and have lived in the area most of their lives until just two years ago when their son Braeden was invited to play goalie for the Orlando City U.S. Development Academy in Orlando. However, after spending a brief two years down south, the couple decided the time was right to move back home, open the dance studio and bring the love of dance to Destin.

“What we are most excited about is bringing the studio to the community where the general public can experience the social and fitness aspects of dancing,” said Luna. “It’s great fun, good exercise and a great outlet for people.”

Although Trish claims she does not dance, she shares a love for the expressive art form and said she just wants to bring that joy to the Destin community.

“We wanted to bring ballroom dancing, an art form people think is expensive and out of reach, and we wanted to build a program where it is easy, fun and affordable,” she said. “I’m a better supporter of dance than anything, and I like to make people happy.”

The Luna’s told The Log that their commitment to a fun and inexpensive dance experience begins with the very first class.

“The first lesson is free,” said Luna. “This way we can see what each person needs and then our dance plans will be tailor-made.”

And when it comes to variety, the studio offers more than solely ballroom lessons.

“We offer a range of classes from private lessons to group lessons, and anywhere from traditional ballroom dancing to social dance classes,” he said. “We even have line dances and have developed our own dances that are really fun.”

One event that Luna said is bound to draw dancers of all levels is the weekly open dance party.

“The dance parties are a social aspect that allows students to practice their moves before going out on the town,” said Luna. “We have lights for the parties so that it really does portray the dance club atmosphere.”

Luna also said he hopes to form an informal dance outing based around the parties for his students who would like to take their skills into local venues and dance for fun. 

Embracing the full realm of his career dancing influence, Luna said he is already making plans to bring major dance competitions to the local Destin area.

“We are already in talks with one competition set for November,” said Luna. “And we will be bringing in celebrity dancers regularly to help coach.”

But for now, Luna said he is just thankful to be back on the Emerald Coast.

“I’m excited to get back home and bring dance to Destin and just be home with my family and grow the studio with my family,” said Luna. “I’m ready to be here dancing at home.”

For more information visit www.lunaballroomdestin.com or call 714-1669.

With the busy tourist season right around the corner, the city of Destin has plans to make repairs to the beach access at Shirah Street.

“The project will improve a drainage issue that has been undermining the foundation of the shower and parking area,” said Lance Johnson, the city’s parks and recreation director. “Once that’s completed, the parking, shower area and emergency vehicle beach access will be restored and open for use.”

Since the area was drenched with tremendous amounts of rain in April, the access point at Shirah Street has continued to experience erosion issues after minor rain storms. Currently the brick pavers in the shower area are completely undermined and the shower is no longer useable.

During the city’s Feb. 2 City Council meeting, city leaders agreed, by a unanimous vote, to spend $24,603.50 for stormwater repair and mitigation at the Shirah Street access. The city will enter into a contract with Gulf Coast Utility Contractors.

“If all goes well and the weather cooperates, we anticipate the project to be completed around spring break,” Johnson told The Log.

Log Cartoonist Dill Beaty's take on the Destin Senior Olympics this month.

Grab your spoon and ready your taste buds, the 26th annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival is right around the corner.

The President’s Day weekend event, which has become one of the favorite winter food events along the Emerald Coast, is scheduled Feb. 13-14 at the Village of Baytowne Wharf and will feature the culinary creations of 16 participating restaurants and organizations.

“It’s been so exciting to build this event with local restaurants in one of our largest and most popular events,” said Julie Stuckey, events manager for the Village of Baytowne Wharf. “You simply can’t beat fresh gumbo at your favorite beach.”

The festivities kick off Friday night at Fat Tuesdays, where an old-fashioned seafood boil will tantalize your taste buds.

Saturday’s signature event runs from noon-4 p.m., and guests can stroll the cobblestone streets of Baytowne while sampling some of the finest gumbo this side of New Orleans.

Dikki Du & the Zydeco Crew will provide the foot-tapping tunes, and there are plenty of family activities to keep visitors busy.

This is a competition, so keep track of your favorite gumbo, as the winning restaurants will boast bragging rights for the next year.

Guests are also eligible for raffle items from participating restaurants.

In addition to the People’s Choice award, judges will award honors for the day’s “Best Display.”

The awards ceremony begins at 4:15 p.m.

Grab your tickets to this culinary showdown. Tickets are $20 in advance and $30 the day of the event. Tickets are available at www.sandestingumbofestival.com, or at Graffiti & Funky Blues Shack, Aloha Surf Company, and the Sandestin Welcome Center’s front desk.

A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit Sandestin Foundation for Kids’ causes and organizations that impact and make a difference in the lives of children.