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City Of Destin

4200 Two Trees Road
850-837-4242

Located in the Florida Panhandle, the City of Destin has a rich historical heritage dating back to American Indian inhabitants as early as the 7th century A.D. Spanish explorers surveyed Florida in 1538. Don Francisco Tapia was commissioned to survey the Florida coast and in 1693, drew the first known map of East Pass and its shores.

Destin traces its immediate history to a fisherman, Captain Leonard Destin, who moved here from New London, Connecticut, and settled in Northwest Florida in about 1845. Captain Destin pioneered the fishing industry and Destin has maintained this heritage to the present.

With the growth and development of Destin from a small fishing village to a major tourist resort came the need for a local government structure. The City of Destin was originally chartered as a municipality under the laws of the State of Florida in 1984. However, the community of Destin, in existence for more than one hundred and fifty years, has a long history as a fishing village and premier resort destination.

Known as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village", the largest and most elaborately equipped fishing fleet in the State of Florida docks at the Destin Harbor.

In addition to fishing, recreational opportunities include golf, tennis and watersports, including diving and snorkeling. The 100 Fathom curve draws closer to Destin than any other spot in Florida providing the speediest deep-water access on the Gulf.

Recent News

City Of Destin News Updated Staging And Parade Starting Point For The City Of Destin’s 38th Annual Christmas Parade

Destin, Fla. – The 38th annual “Elf on the Shelf” Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, December 10th, 2022, at 10 a.m. UPDATE* The parade will begin at the intersection of Beach Drive and Highway 98, then travel west down…

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City of Destin to Host "Elf on the Shelf" Christmas Parade

City of Destin to Host “Elf on the Shelf” Christmas Parade The 38th annual “Elf on the Shelf” Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, December 10th, 2022, at 10 a.m. The floats will begin at the Downtown Destin…

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City Of Destin News - The Destin Library Presents a Special Veterans Day Program

The Destin Library Presents a Special Veterans Day Program On November 10th at 6:00 p.m., the Destin Library is pleased to present a special Veterans Day program featuring local author, Gregory S. Valloch. Greg’s grandfather, Corporal Howard…

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City Of Destin News To Host Holiday Baking Class

Destin, Fla. – A Holiday Baking Class, by Chef Jim Shirah, will be held at the Destin Community Center for children ages 8 - 14. The class will be November 21st and 22nd, from 11 am – 2 pm. The fee is $50 for Destin residents/$65 for…

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City Of Destin News Host 24th Annual Pinfish Classic

Destin, FL. – The City of Destin will host its 24th Annual Pinfish Classic on Saturday, November 5th at the weigh-in on the dock behind AJ’s Restaurant, located at 116 Harbor Boulevard. The catch and release event is open to children…

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City Of Destin News : City of Destin’s 16th Annual Holiday Craft Show

Destin, Fla. – The City of Destin’s 16th Annual Holiday Craft Show will be held at the Destin Community Center on Friday, November 18th, from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday, November 19th from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. There will be…

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City of Destin News - City of Destin National Community Survey

City of Destin National Community Survey The City of Destin, in partnership with POLCO/National Research Center, launched a community survey in September for randomly selected Destin residents. The survey included questions about quality of…

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City of Destin News - The Destin Library’s Annual Halloween Hike is Here!

The Destin Library’s Annual Halloween Hike is Here! Gather your littlest ghoulies and ghosties for the Destin Library’s annual Halloween Hike on Wednesday, October 26th at 10:00 a.m. Trick-or-Treat stations will be set up on the front…

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City Of Destin News - October 7, 2022

City of Destin Public Notice Pursuant to section 286.011, Florida Statutes, notice is hereby given that the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners will convene for a special meeting on Thursday, October 13, 2022, at 8:30 a.m. at the Okaloosa…

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City Of Destin News : City of Destin to Host Dodgeball at the Destin CommunityCenter

Destin, Fla. – The Destin Community Center will host two open Dodgeball nights on Thursday, October 6th and Thursday, October 13th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Children ages 8 to 13 are welcome to participate in a night filled with friends, fun,…

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City Of Destin News : City of Destin to Host Kids Night Out

Destin, Fla. – The Destin Community Center will host a “Hocus Pocus” Kids Night Out event for children ages 6-12. The event will be held on Friday, October 28th, from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. Kids will have a night full of games, crafts,…

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City Of Destin To Host Town Center CRA And Harbor CRA Workshop

City staff will host a combined workshop for the Harbor and Town Center CRA to introduce and discuss the scope and logistics of the City’s Utility Undergrounding Project. The workshop with take place at the Destin Chamber Annex, located at…

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City Of Destin News : City of Destin to Host ??Elf on the Shelf” Christmas Parade

Destin, Fla. – The 38th annual “Elf on the Shelf” Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, December 10th, 2022, at 10 a.m. The floats will begin at the Downtown Destin Shopping Center and travel west down Harbor Boulevard (Hwy…

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City Of Destin News - City of Destin to Host Fall Festival

City of Destin to Host Fall Festival Destin, FL. – The City of Destin will host a Fall Festival on Monday, October 24th, from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the Destin Community Center, located at 101 Stahlman Avenue. Carnival games, bounce house, cake…

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City Of Destin Donation Drop Off Site For Hurricane Ian

We live in a community that supports and deeply cares for others. The City of Destin in conjunction with Biguns Hope Disaster Response Services will be hosting a donation drop off site for those impacted by Hurricane Ian at the Marler Street Public…

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City Of Destin News City Of Destin To Host Open House

Destin, Fla. – The public is invited to attend the City of Destin’s Open House on Thursday, October 20th, 2022, from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Destin Community Center. This year’s theme is “Leave No Trace.” Lunch…

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City Of Destin News - City of Destin Launches 2022 National Community Survey for Destin Residents

City of Destin Launches 2022 National Community Survey for Destin Residents city logo no background Destin, Fla. – The City of Destin, in partnership with POLCO/National Research Center, launched a community survey today for Destin residents.…

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City Of Destin News - Art by Halle’s Comet Designs on Display at the Destin Library

Destin, Fla. – The Destin Library presents the vibrant, often whimsical artwork of Halle Castille all through the month of September. Halle is the one-woman show behind Halle’s Comet Designs out of Pensacola, Florida. Her work is often…

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City Of Destin News - Destin Library Accepting Donations for One Hopeful Place

Destin, Fla. – The Destin Library is accepting donations for One Hopeful Place through the month of September. One Hopeful Place (OHP) is the primary homeless shelter in Okaloosa County serving single men, women, and veterans experiencing…

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City Of Destin News : TumbleBooksLibrary and TeenBookCloud Now at the DestinLibrary

Destin, Fla. – The Destin Library now has subscriptions to TumbleBookLibrary and TeenBookCloud that all library patrons can access from home. These resources are free and unlimited! TumbleBookLibrary is an online collection of e-books and…

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City Of Destin News : Councilmembers Braden and Wagner to Speak at DestinChamber Breakfast

Destin, Fla. – On Friday, September 9th, the Destin Chamber of Commerce will host their Business Before Hours Breakfast. Councilmembers Rodney Braden and Bobby Wagner, both candidates for Destin Mayor, will share their platforms and answer…

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City Of Destin News : Sustainable September at the Destin Library

The Destin Library presents Sustainable September with activities for all ages that teach how to transform unused items around your home into upcycled tools and treasures. Reuse your today so you don’t have to reduce your tomorrow! To kick-off…

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City Of Destin Parks And Recreation Department Leagues And Programs

Upcoming Leagues Coed Softball League: The City of Destin will host a coed recreation softball league beginning Wednesday, August 31st. A mandatory team captains’ meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 10th, at 6:00 pm at Buck Destin Park…

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City Of Destin - Business Tax Receipt Renewals for FY 2023

Destin, Fla. – Business Tax Receipts are required for all those who operate a business within the city limits of Destin, including home-based businesses. To verify if your business is within the city taxing district, also known as…

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City of Destin Accepting Applications for the Auditor Selection Committee

City of Destin Accepting Applications for the Auditor Selection Committee The City of Destin is now accepting applications for membership to the Auditor Selection Committee. Members of this committee will assist in developing criteria for evaluation…

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City of Destin News - City of Destin Council to Host Third Budget Workshop

City of Destin Council to Host Third Budget Workshop The Destin City Council will host a Budget Workshop on Thursday, July 14, at 5:30 p.m., at the Destin City Hall Annex, located at 4100 Indian Bayou Trail. The public may view the workshop at the…

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City Of Destin News - Business Tax Receipt Renewals for FY 2023

Business Tax Receipt Renewals for FY 2023 Destin, Fla. – It’s that time of year again – time to renew your Destin Business Tax Receipts (BTRs). To avoid any late fees, renewal payments are due each year no later than September…

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City of Destin News - June 20, 2022

City of Destin to Host July 4th Fireworks Destin, Fla. – In honor of Independence Day, the City of Destin and Compass Resorts will host the 36th Annual Independence Day Fireworks Show. The fireworks show can be seen over the East Pass and will…

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The Destin Library Offers Oceans Of Possibilities For Summer Fun

Destin, Fla. - Set a course for fun this summer with Oceans of Possibilities, the 2022 Summer Reading Program at the Destin Library. In between reading binges, drop anchor at the library for an aquatic-themed activity the whole family will enjoy.…

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City of Destin News - Council to Host Second Budget Workshop

Destin, Fla. – The Destin City Council will host a Budget Workshop on Thursday, June 23rd, at 5:30 p.m., at the Destin City Hall Annex, located at 4100 Indian Bayou Trail. The public may view the workshop at the following link:…

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City Of Destin News - Bold, Colorful Aquatic Art Display at the Destin Library

Destin, Fla. - The Destin Library is excited to showcase the vibrant artwork of SN Dabson during the months of June and July. To coincide with the library’s 2022 Summer Reading Program theme, Oceans of Possibilities, the artist has curated a…

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City Of Destin Council Update - June 2022

June 2022 Council Update All City Council meetings may be viewed at www.youtube.com/cityofdestin. June 6th Council Meeting Recap Proclamation - Mayor Gary Jarvis read the proclamation designating June 7th, 2022, as Rotary Citizens…

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City of Destin News - Oceans of Possibilities for Fun this Summer with the Destin Library

Oceans of Possibilities for Fun this Summer with the Destin Library Destin, Fla. - The Destin Library is launching a boatload of fun for the whole family with the 2022 Summer Reading Program, Oceans of Possibilities. When you take a break from…

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City Of Destin News - City of Destin Parks and Recreation Department Camps and Programs

City of Destin Parks and Recreation Department Camps and Programs KID CAMPS AND PROGRAMS ARCHERY CAMP: A Bullseye Archery Camp will be held at the Destin Sports Complex softball field on Monday, June 20th thru Friday June 24th. Camp will be from…

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City Of Destin News - Registration is Open for the Destin Dolphins Fall Cheerleading Program

Registration is Open for the Destin Dolphins Fall Cheerleading Program Destin, FL. – The City of Destin is accepting registrations for the Destin Dolphins Fall Cheerleading program now thru June 9th. The program is open to youth ages 7…

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City Of Destin To Host Adult Kickball League

Destin, Fla. – The City of Destin’s Summer Adult Kickball League will begin on Monday, June 20th, at Morgan Sports Center. The league is for ages 17+ and a mandatory captain’s meeting will be held on June 6th, at 6:30 pm at Morgan…

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City Of Destin News - to Host Kids’ Night Out

Destin, Fla. – The Destin Community Center will host two Kids’ Night Out events for ages 5 – 12. The first will take place on Friday, June 10th, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm and the second will occur on Friday, July 15th, from 6:00 to 9:00…

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