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‘Gateway to the Harbor’: Captain Royal Melvin Heritage Park now open in Destin

The Captain Royal Melvin Heritage Park, a long-awaited project in Destin, was officially opened on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. 
  • The park, located at 206 Harbor Boulevard, had faced significant delays in construction since its inception in January 2021. Originally scheduled for completion in Fall 2021, the project extended over two years, with a revised estimated completion date of mid-April 2022.
However, the City of Destin successfully opened the park as planned. This morning’s ceremony was attended by city officials, community members, and representatives from the Melvin family.
Mayor Bobby Wagner, expressing his excitement about the park, acknowledged the collaborative efforts that made the project possible. He said, “This is just another great initiative that was years in the making, but we’re finally done. We could never have done this without the partnership of the private entities, the City Council, the citizens, and the family members that this is in honor of; this is really what community is about.”
The park is situated just east of Dewey Destin’s Harborside Restaurant and offers various amenities for visitors to enjoy. These include:
  • A small playground.
  • Harbor and Wildlife Observation Platform with educational signage.
  • Harbor Boardwalk.
  • Picnic pavilion.
  • Terraced walkway from Harbor Boulevard to the harbor boardwalk.
  • Drinking fountain and restrooms at the resource center.
  • Bike racks near the park entrance at Harbor Boulevard.
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Land Air Sea Productions
City Manager Lance Johnson reflected on the journey to complete the park, and expressed his pleasure at witnessing the opening. 
“Back in 2006, I was told when I was the Parks and Rec Director that we were purchasing a new property to have a new park in Destin, and I was ecstatic,” said Johnson. “I didn’t ever know if we were going to get here. This is one of the best days of my whole tenure with the city of Destin.”
Scott and Royal “Bo” Melvin Jr., sons of Captain Royal Melvin, expressed their gratitude to the community and city officials for their support throughout the project.
“It all goes back to our grandparents, Millard and Sarah Melvin,” said Bo Melvin. “If it wasn’t for them settling on this piece of property right here, five generations of Melvins would not have been able to live here or play here on this property, and to see what has become our father and grandparents would be humbled and honored.”
At the end of the ceremony, Mayor Wagner presented the Melvin family with Destin Challenge coins, recognizing their enduring legacy and contribution to the community. 
  • He stated, “With over five generations, I believe that very much puts you guys in this category. I really appreciate you guys being a part of it and allowing us to carry on your legacy and the name with a new city park.”
Destin residents and visitors can now enjoy the new Captain Royal Melvin Park, a place that celebrates the heritage and natural beauty of the area, while honoring the Melvin family’s significant contributions throughout generations.
Click here to view pictures of the park

Article Courtesy of Jared at www.GettheCoast.com 

30A Weekend Guide

Something for everyone! 

FRIDAY EVENTS AND LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE!
 

SATURDAY EVENTS AND LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE!

SUNDAY EVENTS AND LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE!

A few things to do around town

July 13, 2023 – Thirsty Thursdays with BT Turner at Rick’s on the Island! – View
July 13, 2023 – Fly Guy Thursday – View
July 14, 2023 – Chemistry Corner: June 2 – September 1 – View
July 14, 2023 – Creature Features: June 1 – September 2 – View
July 14, 2023 – Teachers and School Administrators Soundscape Show – View
July 14, 2023 – Live Music @Twisted Grape: Rick Esguerra – View
July 15, 2023 – Open House and Mural Reveal! at ATN – Free – View
July 15, 2023 – “Somewhere in Time” Art Show Turn-in – $5. – $35 – View
July 16, 2023 – International Award-Winning Magical Variety Show! – Free – View
July 16, 2023 – Scallywag Sunday – free – View
July 17, 2023 – “Somewhere in Time” Art Show Turn-in – $5. – $35 – View
July 17, 2023 – Movie Monday – View
July 18, 2023 – Learn to Talk Dog with Debbie Revell – Free – $15 – View
July 18, 2023 – Live Music @Twisted Grape – View
July 18, 2023 – Boomin Tuesday – View
July 19, 2023 – C.A.R.E.ing for Turtles – $15 – View
July 19, 2023 – Nik Flagstar Wednesdays at Rick’s on the Island! – View
July 19, 2023 – Okaloosa Island Fireworks Shows – Free – View 

Courtesy of Jared Williams – Get the Coast

From Cinnamon Rolls to Tangy Tacos: Food trucks take center stage in Fort Walton Beach

Food lovers in Fort Walton Beach have something to look forward to today, as the city is set to host two food trucks at the Fort Walton Beach City Hall complex.

Starting bright and early at 8 a.m. and staying until 2 p.m., the Moody Mocha food truck from Gulf Breeze, FL will be on-site. Moody Mocha specializes in plant-based and gluten-free pastries, offering a selection of cinnamon rolls, scones, macarons, muffins, and gourmet cookies.

But that’s not all – they also boast a full espresso bar, where you can find traditional hot and cold coffee beverages. For those looking for something a little more unique, Moody Mocha serves signature lattes such as chocolate strawberries and cookies n cream.

  • So whether you’re in need of a quick breakfast bite or a caffeine pick-me-up, Moody Mocha has you covered.

Later in the day, starting at 11 a.m. and running until 2 p.m., Plant-Based Wellness Con Sabor will be on-site, putting their Latin American flair and spice into vegan dishes.

  • With a menu that features tangy tacos, bowls, and mouthwatering Puerto Rican rice, Plant-Based Wellness offers a savory alternative for those seeking a plant-based feast. Additionally, they boast an organic juice bar, where you can find a refreshing variety of fruit and vegetable juices.
To find these food trucks, head to the west end of the city hall complex, near the auditorium.

via Jared Williams @ Get The Coast

5 Reasons Why Quality Paint Matters

One of the easiest and least costly ways to make a dramatic change in your interior décor, repainting a room is often just what’s needed to change your home’s look and feel. However, your great design inspiration can be shortchanged if you choose low-quality paint. Here are five compelling reasons to spring for the best quality coating, courtesy of the experts at the Paint Quality Institute:

Better color retention. If you’re painting to change the color of a room, then you surely want your new hue to last. Top quality, 100-percent acrylic latex paint helps keep your colors true to their day-one appearance. Bargain paints? They tend to pale by comparison.
Better stain resistance. Nothing can ruin a new paint job quicker than a nasty stain – whether it’s due to a careless spill, dirty fingerprints, or something totally unforeseen. If you spend a little more for a quality acrylic latex paint, think of it as buying some insurance against these color calamities. This type of paint is highly resistant to many of the most common stains, especially in higher sheen levels, such as semi-gloss or high-gloss paint.
Paint and primer in one. Top-quality, 100-percent acrylic latex paint offers an important performance advantage over all lower quality, non-acrylic coatings: Many are “self-priming” – in other words, they do double-duty as both primer and paint. Just think how much time and effort you’ll save by having to apply fewer coats!

Good adhesion to various surfaces. Should your painting project involve several different materials, such as wallboard, wood, vinyl, or metal (think not just walls, but doors and trim, too), you’ll be able to paint them all with high-end acrylic latex paint. Go with lower-grade paint and you might have to buy several different kinds of coatings, complicating your decision-making and possibly adding to the cost of the job.
Best overall durability. Let’s face it, while interior painting can be a fun project, most of us are more than happy to put away the brushes and rollers, sit back, and enjoy the new colors. Quality acrylic paint offers exceptional durability, which will keep your room looking great until the next paint inspiration takes hold!