Tax Plan Spares Second Home Deductions
Destin developers cheer a possible change in federal tax reform as Treasury officials reportedly abandon plans to end second home mortgage interest deductions. Ken Owen of Destin Shores calls it relief for the Gulf Coast condo market while Rep. Earl Hutto ally Randolph Knepper says White House staff discussed a plan to preserve the deduction. Owen credits a Wall Street Journal article for signaling the shift amid industry concern.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Jim Chitwood
Treasury Department
Destin
Ken Owen
Treasury
Owen
Destin Shores
Destin-South Walton
Randolph Knepper
U.S
Earl Hutto
White House
Donald Regan
Gulf Coast
Knepper
Hutto
Wall Street Journal
Congress
Battle Over Yacht Club Name Sparks Destin Feud
In Destin a clash over the Sandestin Yacht Club name pits supporters of keeping the title against bidders who want the original Destin Yacht Club label. The dispute intensified after Northwest Florida Equity Corp of Lafayette, LA bought many condo units and docks, prompting questions about who has the legal right to rename. Local participants note the conflict reflects broader ownership tensions at the Sandestin harborfront complex.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ingrid Kreis
Destin
Sandestin Yacht Club
Harborfront
Destin Yacht Club
Northwest Florida Equity Corp
Lafayette
Bob Deal
Deal Properties
Louisiana
Peter Bos
Bos Industries
Sandestin Beach Resort
Yacht Club
Cab War Taxis Face Suit In Destin Courtroom
Emerald Coast Taxi owner William Hales filed a May 2 lawsuit in Okaloosa County Circuit Court against Destin Cab Company alleging harassment of customers and false claims of operating a prostitution ring. The complaint seeks a preliminary injunction to curb alleged actions harming Emerald Coast. Destin Cab owner George Eller calls the allegations fabrication and a market takeover attempt. An April 19 claim accuses Eller of contacting Hales’ Atlanta office with the prostitution claim, while an April 20 Destin Cab employee allegedly told customers that they were being overcharged and should hire Destin Cab. Eller rejects the claims as ridiculous.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Steve Humphries
Emerald Coast Taxi Company
Okaloosa County
William Hales
Destin Cab Company Inc
Emerald Coast
Destin Cab
George Eller
Eller
Hales
Atlanta
Destin
Bonnie Hales
Destin Holiday Inn
Destin Cale
Pope Just Keeps Rollin Along That Highway
Jenell Pope drives a rubber-tired roller for Okaloosa Asphalt Enterprises on U.S. 98 in Destin. She has three years with the company and works outdoors in heat and sun. Pope says the job is interesting and often requires helping with shovel work, with a background of working alongside men in roles traditionally held by men.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Tina Harbuck
Jenell Pope
Pope
Okaloosa Asphalt Enterprises
U.S. 98
Destin
Asphalt Company
Florida
Alabama
Asphalt
Sneaky snakes move into Destin area homes and porches
A Destin area surge sees snakes on porches and entering homes via vents and pipes. Fire Chief Hank Berry notes snakes seek cool spots this season, while zoologist Ross Hamilton says they move constantly following food. The mostly nonpoisonous species include Hognose and Puff Adder, with Coral snake present but rare.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Tina Harbuck
Destin
Hank Berry
Berry
Ross Hamilton
Okaloosa-Walton Junior College
Hamilton
Also Mentioned on This Page
Battle Brews
East Pass
Bisunset
Jeneil Pope
Abby Thomas
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