What's Good Local

The MagazineIssue 01October 2026 · Destin & the Emerald Coast
Aerial view of boats running out of East Pass into emerald water off Destin Photo: Shane Reynolds/Color Earth

Cover story · The Opener

The Month They Invented

In 1948, three fishermen started a tournament to bring people to Destin. Then they moved it to October. Seventy-eight years later, it's still the best month of the year.

In this issue

  1. The Month They InventedThe Opener · How three fishermen made October the best month of the year
  2. The Kid Who Kept Coming BackOn the Water · Dylan Sims · Ride On Surf
  3. The World Is the OfficeThe Maker · Shane Reynolds · Color Earth
  4. Group TherapyThe Music · Robert Becton on a life behind the kit
  5. Hidden GemsHidden Gems · Six places worth the detour
  6. The Vacationer's KeyThe Key · How to actually do October here
  7. The Fishing VillageThen & Now · East Pass and the Rodeo, then and now

The Features

Local people who do one thing well
On the Water

The Kid Who Kept Coming Back

From summer job to owner, and the ten-year-old camper who became his best instructor.
The Maker

The World Is the Office

A Nat Geo Wild survival series, a Travel Channel show, and a page about Crab Island.
The Music

Group Therapy

Robert Becton on the drumline that hooked him, and the friend at the soundboard who changed everything.

The Guides

How to actually do October here
Hidden Gems

Hidden Gems

A free museum, an undeveloped beach, and the deepest list of specials on the coast.
The Key

The Vacationer's Key

Five things that make an October trip to Destin better.
Then & Now

The Fishing Village

East Pass in 1959 and today, and the Rodeo from its sixth year to now.

Right now on the coast

Live on whatsgoodlocal.com
Today's beach flagsFlag color, surf, rip currents and live beach cams, updated through the day.Check the water Rodeo weigh-insEvery day in October on the docks behind AJ's. Free, and the best show on the harbor.Weigh-in guide Crazy Good DealsHappy hours, BOGO nights and free things to do, checked with each business.See the deals

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