The City of Destin, Florida is celebrating its 40th Anniversary as an incorporated city. As Newman-Dailey celebrates 39 years in the Destin, we're reminded how our CEO, Jeanne Dailey, and long-time staff members have been part of the city's heritage and evolution since the beginning.
It's been an exciting four decades, which have created some wonderful traditions, including the annual blessing of the fleet, the Destin Fishing Rodeo, and Destin Seafood Festival. While many things have changed over the last four decades, one thing remains the same, the area's reliance on our waterways and the popularity of fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. Known as the world's luckiest fishing village due Destin's proximity to deep water, Destin has grown to house the largest charter fishing fleet in the nation. This weekend, the community and visitors alike are invited to gather along the Destin Harbor to celebrate this exciting milestone.
Here's how to join the fun:
City of Destin’s 40th Birthday Bash
Join local residents and people from all around as they celebrate Destin’s 40th anniversary. The celebration will take place at Harborwalk Village on August 10, 2024 between 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. to experience this special celebration. The City of Destin is waiving parking fees at Harborwalk Village and all city-owned parking lots for the evening (after 4 p.m.) so that everyone can join the fun without the fee. After you park, head on over to Harborwalk for an evening of family-friendly activities aimed to entertain and delight family members of all ages. Address: Harborwalk Village is located at 34 Harbor Blvd, Destin.
HarborWalk Village Celebrates Destin’s 40th Birthday
It's only natural that a city with such deep roots in fishing would want to celebrate along the Harbor. The celebration at HarborWalk Village will include stilt walkers, live music by Tobacco Road, fire spinning, and the city's FIRST DRONE SHOW! The 12-minute drone show begins at 8 p.m. and will celebrate what makes Destin so special. Popular Harborfront restaurants, including AJ's Seafood and Oyster Bar, Harry T's Lighthouse, and Margaritaville, offer outdoor seating for those who want a seated view of the production.
HarborWalk Village also has plenty of shops and restaurants for attendees to enjoy. Whether you're there to eat and drink, shop for clothes or beach memorabilia, dance to live music, ride the zip line or just watch the drone show, there are plenty options to create your own customized celebration along the Destin Harbor.
Why Celebrate Destin’s Fishing History?
Around 1835, Captain Leonard Destin had taken up sailing and fishing within the local waters. After he saw the potential of this gulf side peninsula, Captain Destin settled here around 1850–1852. This captain brought about the rise of Destin's infamous fishing industry, which has grown to one of the largest in the nation. Generation after generation of Destin families have made a living of fishing the local waterways.
Local restaurants proudly feature fresh fish caught locally on their menus, while fishing enthusiasts make it an annual tradition to charter a boat and head out in search of the big catch. Although the city may only have been chartered as a municipality under Florida state law as of 1984, many of the fishing families in Destin have been around for over a century. For those interested in learning more about Destin’s history as a fishing village, visit the Destin History and Fishing Museum, which is home to many of the area's artifacts and fishing heritage that connect us with Destin's past.
Where to stay in Destin?
Vacation rental homes and condominiums are the most popular choice for accommodations when staying in the Destin area. View Newman-Dailey's collection of Destin vacation rentals online or view the comfortable rooms at Beachside Inn in Crystal Beach to explore some of the area's best options. Need help with your selection? Call one of our friendly vacation specialists at 1-800-225-7652 to provide options and narrow your search.
See you @ the harbor!