Bay Life

03/07/2025

Want to know where you can watch Fireworks this 4th of July?
Celebrate America’s 249th birthday with a full lineup of family-friendly events, parades and fireworks happening across Destin, Okaloosa Island, Niceville, Valparaiso, Freeport and South Walton. Don’t miss a moment of the patriotic fun!

Here's Life Media’s Highlighted Area 4th of July 2025 Celebrations!...

Destin Commons – Star-Spangled Food Truck Festival
When: Thursday, July 3 | 5–9:30 p.m.
Where: Destin Commons, 4100 Legendary Drive
Kick off the holiday early with more than 25 food trucks, live music, face painting, and entertainment for all ages. The fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. with great viewing throughout the open-air shopping center.

The Village of Baytowne Wharf – Red, White & Baytowne
When: Friday, July 4 | 7–9:15 p.m. (Fireworks at 9:15 p.m.)
Where: Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin
Celebrate with live music from the Tanner Gray Band on the Events Plaza Stage, plus family activities including face painting, crafts, and balloon sculpting. A fireworks show over the lagoon caps off the night.

Okaloosa Island – The Boardwalk Independence Day Celebration
Fireworks Over the Gulf
When: Thursday, July 4 | 9 p.m.
Where: View from The Boardwalk deck or beach
Enjoy a stunning fireworks show launched from the pier. Bring a beach chair or blanket and watch the night sky light up over the Gulf.

HarborWalk Village – Coastal Country 4th of July
When: Friday, July 4 | 6–9 p.m.
Where: HarborWalk Village, 10 Harbor Blvd, Destin
Enjoy live country music, complimentary beverage samples, and a festive coastal vibe. The night concludes with fireworks over the Destin Harbor at 9 p.m., followed by a fire-spinning performance by Autumn Lyfe. Best viewed along the waterfront promenade.

Seaside – Independence Day Celebration
When: Friday, July 4 | Festivities begin at 9 a.m. | Fireworks at 8:30 p.m.
Where: Seaside Amphitheater
Start your day with a festive block party featuring family games, a REP Theatre performance, a musical by ECTC, bike decorating, and a hot dog eating contest. Return in the evening for a 7 p.m. pops concert by Sinfonia Gulf Coast, followed by fireworks over the Gulf at 8:30 p.m.

Niceville & Valparaiso – Boggy Bayou Fireworks
When: Friday, July 4 | 8:45 p.m.
Where: Lion’s Park, Niceville Landing, Kiwanis Park, Niceville
Hosted at Lion’s Park, this all-day celebration features live music, food trucks, family activities, and a fireworks finale over the bayou. Great viewing locations include Lion’s Park, Kiwanis Park, Niceville Landing, Shipyard Point Park, and Lincoln Park in Valparaiso. Arrive early, bring lawn chairs or blankets, and enjoy the festivities!

Freeport – Independence Day Parades & Fireworks
Hammock Bay Walk & Bike Parade
When: Friday, July 4 | 9:30 a.m.
Where: Hammock Bay Town Center, 74 Great Hammock Bend
Kids and families can decorate bikes, strollers, or walk in this festive morning parade. Spectators are welcome to line the central greenway. Prizes awarded for best decorations.

Freeport City Parade
When: Friday, July 4 | 4 p.m.
Where: Begins at Freeport Learning Center, 360 Kylea Laird Drive
The city’s annual parade features floats, classic cars, and community groups. State Road 20 closes at 3:45 p.m., so plan ahead to find a great spot along the route.

Freeport Fireworks Finale
When: Friday, July 4 | 8:30 p.m.
Where: Freeport Regional Sports Complex, 563 Hammock Trail East
Wrap up the evening with a fireworks show under the stars. Bring chairs or blankets and enjoy food vendors on-site for a relaxed family evening.

Celebrate safely, arrive early, and enjoy the red, white, and blue all around the Bay!

21/06/2025

Healthcare should be proactive, not just reactive. You shouldn’t have to wait until something is “wrong” to start paying attention to your body. This is the foundation of the Tortoise Clinic's integrative approach.

By Dr. Karen DeVore Healthcare should be proactive, not just reactive. You shouldn’t have to wait until something is “wrong” to start paying attention to

21/06/2025

Here are some tips for putting together a place where you’ll spend many hours curled up with a good book and your favorite coffee mug.

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By Stacy Sarikanon, Stunning Spaces - Decorating Den Interiors As we get into the seasons of more hours of sunlight, it might be just the right time to

21/06/2025

Honoring Trinity’s life Tonight at 7 p.m.

💜🌈In Loving Memory of Trinity Eslinger🌈💜

A ceremony to honor the life of Trinity Eslinger will be held this Saturday at 7:00 PM at Mattie Kelly Park and Nature Walk, located at 825 Beach Drive, Destin, FL 32541. The property is adjacent to Joe's Bayou Boat Ramp.

If you are available, please go out and support her family as they honor her life.

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Intertwined

Her laughter, soft like sunlight through the trees,
Danced in the air, carried on the breeze.
But then came chaos, crashing like a wave—
Fear took hold, and hearts were brave.

In tangled arms and desperate cries,
She slipped between the earth and skies.
A beautiful child, pure and true,⁷
Taken too soon—what can we do?

Her voice still echoes in the wind,
Where love and sorrow softly blend.
The sea remembers, the sky still weeps,
And in our hearts, her spirit keeps.

Her laughter—intertwined with fear—
Is somehow still so crystal clear.
A moment held in memory's flame,
Though nothing now will be the same.

We search for meaning in this pain,
For hope beneath this endless rain.
Her life, a light that burned so bright,
Still guides us gently through the night.

Where do we resume? How do we mend?
When we’ve lost a soul we cannot comprehend.
But we carry her love in all that we do—
Trinity, we will never stop looking for you.
-Project Cold Case Serving Okaloosa and Surrounding Counties

21/06/2025

Going out to eat this weekend? May we suggest...

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Brozinni Pizzeria Brozinni Pizzeria’s family-friendly pizza place offers you a taste of New York right here in Niceville. Featuring the Big Apple’s

21/06/2025

After more than 15 flavorful years of serving up fan-favorite pies, ice-cold beer and a welcoming hangout for locals and tourists alike, Landshark’s Pizza officially closed the doors of its current location on May 22, 2025. But loyal fans, don’t worry—this is not the end of the road, just a heartfelt pause in the journey.

After more than 15 flavorful years of serving up fan-favorite pies, ice-cold beer and a welcoming hangout for locals and tourists alike, Landshark’s Pizza

21/06/2025

20/06/2025

If you’re exploring what’s next in your healing journey, ketamine may be a natural and meaningful next step. Be Well Solutions in Destin can help.

By Melanie Yost If you’ve experienced the healing power of psilocybin, you already understand how transformative psychedelic therapies can be — revealing

20/06/2025

Crafting kitchens and building trust: meet Adam Shepherd of Apex Design Center.

In the heart of Niceville, Adam Shepherd stands as a beacon of expertise in kitchen design and installation. With over two decades of hands-on experience,

20/06/2025

This year's Red Snapper season is 126 days!

By Doug “Doc” Stauffer In a bold testament to the success of state-led conservation, Governor Ron DeSantis announced Florida’s longest-ever Gulf red

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One of the most common academic setbacks where students lose ground over the summer break is math. Mathnasium of Niceville can help.

By Adana Elder, Mathnasium Niceville, Destin and Pensacola As a parent, you want your child to enjoy their summer—but you also don’t want them to fall

20/06/2025

Whether you’re navigating a new diagnosis or have recently moved to the Emerald Coast, finding the right resources for a child or family member with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities can feel overwhelming. Lindy Wood, founder of Westonwood Ranch in Freeport, was once in your shoes.

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By Heather Bennett Eye Whether you’re navigating a new diagnosis or have recently moved to the Emerald Coast, finding the right resources for a child or