40 years ago — 1974
The Destin Log opened a new office on Marler Street and the last free issue of the paper was distributed Dec. 19.
First Baptist Church of Destin purchased five acres of land on Beach Drive and began making plans for a new building to accommodate up to 750 people.
35 years ago — 1979
Corpus Christi Catholic Church dedicated its Shrine to Our Lady of Grace.
The Destin Chamber of Commerce reported 231 snowbird couples had registered by Dec. 18, up from 161 couples in 1978 and 122 in 1977.
The First Baptist Church of Emerson, Ark., gave Village Baptist Church a 400-pound 2 1/2–foot bell made in 1906.
30 years ago — 1984
Chuck Comella joined St. Andrew’s By-the-Sea Episcopal church as curate.
Several dozen Crystal Beach residents and Destin Water Users objected to a sewage treatment plant permitted in Crystal Beach.
25 years ago — 1989
The city of Destin welcomed the 50-year-old Destin Library as its newest city department.
20 years ago — 1994
The 79th year for the Destin Christmas Eve children’s party still held the title as the oldest organized tradition in the state of Florida.
Domino effect ensued after vehicle hit power pole in front of Flamingo Café, which toppled and severed a water main, which flooded the area. Then an 18-wheeler snagged the drooping power cable connected to another pole and that transformer fell to the ground and split open as oil in the transformer spilled when the casing split and was washed into storm drainage system. Some of the 15 gallons of oil made it to Destin harbor, exiting near the Destin F9ishing Fleet marina.
For the second year, members of Destin United Methodist Church presented a Living Nativity.
Church congregations grew as DUMC, Grace Lutheran and Destin First Baptist either just completed or are in construction for expansion programs. Village Baptist and St. Andrew’s Episcopal were contemplating expanding.
Twin pack of C or D size Energizer batteries were $2.25 each, while Red Delicious apples were 58 cents a pound and yams were 48 cents a pound at Delchamps.