40 years ago — 1974
While most of the award-winning fish in the second annual Billy Bowlegs Deep Sea Fishing Tournament were caught by Destin charter boats, the grand prize went to Jere Trent of Athens, Ala., whose 23-pound kind mackerel was caught off Okaloosa Island Pier.
The Destin Community Center planned its annual July 4 Seafood Gourmet Delight fish fry, featuring Mattie Marler’s seafood gumbo, smoked fish, fried fish, hush puppies and all the trimmings.
A four-bedroom, two-bath tri-level home on Benning Drive was offered for $39,500.
35 years ago — 1979
Malcolm Patterson was elected president of the Destin Charter Boat Association.
Sen. Bob Dole arrived at Destin Airport to speak to the Independent Oilmen’s Association of Alabama, meeting at Sandestin.
The state Department of Transportation announced the new span of the Destin Bridge would be open by July 4.
30 years ago — 1984
George Burritt was installed president of the Destin Lions Club.
Shirley Allison was named Lioness of the Year by the Destin Lioness Club.
25 years ago — 1989
An 11-year-old Destin girl was diagnosed with Lyme disease after being bitten by a tick.
The Destin Cemetery Committee recommended the city buy about 10 additional acres of land for development of a new cemetery.
Pensacola businessman and Destin developer Burney Henderson died at the age of 83.
Will House of Rosedale, Miss., caught a 1,021-pound tiger shark while fishing aboard Capt. David Rojas’ Shooting Star.
20 years ago — 1994
Richard Duke, selected Destin’s Senior of the Quarter, was one of the councilmen on the first City Council in Destin and considered his greatest accomplishment getting trees planted in Destin when he was Rotary Club president.
Rocky Bayou Christian School announced postponement of a campus in Destin until suitable site for facilities can be found.
Scott Cawthon and family caught a 501.4-pound blue marlin on the Three Strikes for top honors in the Summer Open.
In denying a Destin request for five pedestrian crosswalks to be installed on CR 2378 (Old 98), Okaloosa commissioners agreed to offer the roadway to the city.
Award of a Destin beach cleaning contract to Emerald Coast Beach Service was immersed in controversy as other businesses claim they were denied an opportunity to place a bid.
A ground-breaking celebration was held for the 13-story Holiday Isle Towers condominium, a 36-unit building under construction next to Sandpiper Cove.
10 years ago — 2004
Comedian Tom Papa, who opened for Jerry Seinfeld for three years and star of sitcom Come to Papa, set to perform at The Punchline Comedy Club in Destin.
The 10,000-square-foot, two-story Hosanna House in Destin was ready to begin construction on Mountain Drive.
Home Place Furniture opened its newest showroom in Destin.