Nov. 10 - 16
35 years ago — 1978
With a 50 percent voter turnout, Destin’s Precinct 20 went to the polls and joined Okaloosa County as a whole in defeating the proposed 2-percent resort tax. Destin residents, however, supported Republican candidates on the ballot.
The Destin Volunteer Fire Department took delivery on its long-awaited fire truck, a pumper that carried 750 gallons of water.
The state Department of Transportation reported Destin was receiving 85 percent of all road construction dollars being spent in or definitely planned for Okaloosa County in the near future.
The first group ever to play Destin Indian Bayou Golf Course teed off Nov. 5.
30 years ago — 1983
Longtime Destin resident Stella Marler, widow of Capt. Dave Marler, Sr., died at the age of 79.
Drs. Barbara Woolleyu and Michael Harris opened Destin’s first obstetrical/gynecological clinic on Mountain Drive.
The newly formed Tourism Task Force finalized plans for spring advertising for area condominiums. The cost of up to $200,000 was to share among Destin’s 86 condos and South Walton’s 26 projects, plus restaurants in both areas.
The Destin Log opened a branch office in South Walton.
25 years ago — 1988
Top vote-getters in Destin’s City Council election were Dewey Destin, Danny Woodward, Bob Lloyd and Joe Mizell.
A state survey team, recommended construction of a middle school in Destin with five years with classroom space for 600-plus students.
20 years ago — 1993
Although land in Destin is at a premium, city staff and city council have an opportunity to provide recreation land for citizens, one next to the future city hall.
All the pine trees at Destin Cemetery will be removed because their root system has expanded to the point of destroying concrete in the parking lot. Trees will be replaced with azalea bushes.
Destin United Methodist Church broke ground for expansion of its sanctuary and construction of a new fellowship hall and Sunday school classrooms.
Capt. John Holley and Capt. Kelly Windes received awards as top captain at the 45th annual Destin Fishing Rodeo.
Four commercial fishermen, one from Santa Rosa Beach, two from Destin and one from Fort Walton Beach, were arrested following an investigation into illegal live-rock harvesting in which the men had 1.046 pounds of the rock in their possession.
A Department of Education survey team recommended that Destin have a middle/high school, grades 6-12. The report is not binding on the district.
10 years ago — 2003
The Emerald Coast Airships advertisement blimp made its debut flight over the Destin Bridge during Fourth of July 2003 weekend. Ted Perkins, owner, said he had submitted proposal to Destin Mayor Craig Barker to use the radio-controlled blimps to fly warning signs for beachgoers when there were unsafe conditions.
A new playground was opened at Henderson Beach State Park.