Amberjack Landing

Destin Oil Spill

Like everyone, we are very concerned about Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.  The best site I have found to keep you updated about our precious Destin Beaches is www.destinoilspill.com  The authors go out almost daily and videotape the water.  So far, so good.  We are keeping our fingers crossed for good water for our family reunion in July.

How many steaks can you get from a 442 lb. Swordfish?

Everyone knows that Destin is a fisherman's paradise and this recent catch proves it.  Anglers recently caught a near-record 442 pound swordfish.  That should be pretty good eating for a while.

Bag a Shark for the Destin Fishing Rodeo

This year the Destin Fishing Rodeo is seeking to find the best shark fishermen.  Every Saturday throughout the month-long rodeo in October, anglers will get the chance to weigh in a shark. The fisherman with the largest shark will take home a $250 prize.  The shark division was added because the red snapper category will be closed.

Fishing for Red Snapper

Since June 2, 2009 you can fish for red snapper in and around Destin.  The Fish and Wildlife Commission has shortened the fishing season to three months.  Red Snapper season runs through September 30th.  I saw some pretty big ones hanging on the docks while we were there earlier this summer.  Below is the one I caught a few summers ago.

Want to see Joan Jett and Survivor? Come to A.L. in October

Destin's 31st Seafood Festival celebration, set to take place Oct. 2-4, along the Destin Harbor  will feature  Survivor and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts as their headliners.

YOLO Comes to Destin

Don't know what YOLO is?  Boy, are you behind the times.  YOLO is sorta like stand-up canoeing on a surfboard.

Using a canoe-like paddle and standing atop a larger version of a traditional longboard surfboard, paddlers push themselves through the water with side to side strokes. YOLO Board's newest board, the YOLO Yak - the first-of-its-kind hybrid stand-up paddleboard/kayak - will offer paddlers even more stability to cruise. Some people even compare the experience to "yoga on water." Celebrities including Kate Hudson, Jennifer Anniston, Matthew McConaughey and Pierce Brosnan have been photographed practicing paddle boarding while grinning from ear to ear.

 It is now offered at Sandestin's Baytowne Wharf, less than a mile from Amberjack Landing.  Rental fees are as low as $25.  The Wharf has great restaurants and music, fun HUGE chairs for photos and now - YOLO! Check it out while your down there.

Lifeguards Back on Duty

It's spring again in Destin.  Lifeguards are back on the beach for spring break. The 31 Walton County lifeguards who will work the beaches this season were inducted this week during a ceremony at the Ed Walline Public Beach Access.

Jellyfish Squish

There is a new product out for jellyfish stings called Jellyfish Squish developed by an entrepreneur in Savannah, Georgia, in consultation with marine biologists.  Reports say it has proven to be more effective than home remedies like meat tenderizer.  I haven't tried it but plan to keep some in our first aide kit.  I've never been stung but my family says they really hurt - at least for a little while.

Sand Castle Lesson

Barb hired a professional sand castle artist Mark Flynn to give the family a lesson. Not too bad for a first try. And lots of fun. Here's the flickr set and slide show.

Miltenberger Family Reunion at the Beach

Every other year my family gets together at Amberjack Landing. It is a great place to relax and enjoy each other's company.  Everyone pitches in.  Sister Jan made some killer margaritas.  Brother Chris and his wife grilled the best pork steaks on the Weber grill last night.  Sister-in-law Mary Ann is cooking tonight.  This is living.  Our extended family of Pam (Pylant) and Paul Bankston bring great drink.  Te teenage boys have taken over the tower and are finding stuff to entertain themselves.  We are having a great time.  Looking forward to our sandcastle making lessons tomorrow.

Water is beautiful.  Weather great so far.