I'm having a hard time finding information on the damage done by Hurrican Ivan. My husband to be (getting married Saturday)and I were going to Destin for our Honeymoon on September 21st. We don't even know if the condo we were going to stay in is still there. I was trying to find pictures on the web, but I can only find Pensacola photos.

Unfortunately Northwest Airlines will only waive the fee if your trip was taken by the 19th.

I am new to this site. I, too, am trying to find information about the damages to Destin. My husband and I had a reservation that was suppose to start today. I would appreciate any information, also.

Thanks.

there's quite a bit of info and pics over in this thread -- it seems that most of the updating and whatnot is happening over here. hope this is helpful.

http://forums.tripsmarter.com/forums...&threadid=2921

Thanks for the info. I can't make the Destin's cams work. I am particularly interested in the condition of the beaches and the main roads. I know Hwy 98 between Destin and Ft. Walton is gone.

Our reservation was to start yesterday. We were suppose to stay at the Sterling Sands. They have a recording that says the condos were not damaged---just sand in the pool and if you were to check in Wednesday through Sunday that your arrival need to be rescheduled. From what I have seen on the Weather Channel, I just can't imagine that there is much beach left or that restaurants, etc would be ready for tourist by Monday.

We are just sick for the beautiful gulf area. It is the most beautiful area we have ever seen and we love it there. We only started coming there 4 years ago. We come for our anniversary---4 years this year. I hurt for the post of the two couples who were suppose to get married and honeymoon there.

I would appreciate any insight. I did see some pictures someone posted on the PC site---it didn't look good.

Thanks

I have finally found a web site that has pictures of Destin and the damage Ivan caused. You can find them at http://election.emeraldcoast.com/ivan/ also the city of destin web site has a few pictures. http://www.cityofdestin.com/ivanupdate.html

These web sites show the beach erosion and damage to the roads.

I hope everyone is doing well in this area!

Brenda

Thanks you for your help. The damage looks devastating ---it breaks my heart. Looks like it might not be a place to visit for a while.

I appreciate your response.

Hoosier Girl...

We have a business in Destin, and the situation is basically this: if there were "old" pre-hurricane standard homes right on the beach, they were hurt - low roadways were hurt. Beach was eroded quite a bit, but in sporadic spots.

Basically, Destin, Seaside, etc. were not hurt that bad and will be back in business very soon.

Panama City is also doing ok.

Not to minimize the sad situation for those who did lose loved ones and property - Ivan was bad, but... as a whole, Destin and Panama City Beach were lucky, and they could use your business!
So - if you're planning a vacation here, please give them a little time to clean up... then come on down!

Oh, I am glad to hear that is isn't as devastating as it had looked. We will be back---we love it there. Our vacation started on Thursday---the 16th. Is there anywhee to come now? Is there anywhere where the beaches are accessable?

Thanks for your information.

Our Beach TV General Manager, Robin Quinlan, reports that power is back at her residence in Sandestin - perhaps you could check with them... ?

www.sandestin.com - their site seems to be down right now, but their number is 850-267-8000.

Also, Panama City Beach is just 40 miles east and is in pretty good shape. I think that Marriott's Bay Point Resort is open for business...

Let us know if you decide to go down and TAKE your camera! (smile)

To everyone affected by Ivan:
My husband and I were married September 18, 1999. We honeymooned in Destin and fell in love with the area and the people. You open your arms to those of us who come to visit with you. I say it that way because it always feels like visiting with old friends. We have come back twice since then and the atmosphere and attitude is still the same. This last trip we were there from September 4-11th, 2004. I brought my oldest daughter and her son (2) and my youngest daughter's son (4). The trip was the first for the boys to the ocean and we all had a fantastic time.
When Ivan came ashore, I was heartbroken and very concerned for everyone in its path. The postings include pictures of places we ate, stayed, and bought our souveniers.
My heart and prayers go out to everyone. We will be back!! We have even been talking about moving there.
If anyone has any information about how the Gulfarium fared through Ivan, I would love to know.
Thank you for being the HEART of Florida,
TennesseeRose

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Hello, I am a resident of Destin and just wanted to let you know that, for the most part, Destin is okay. The pictures that you see posted on sites are some of the worst damage that occured, but overall Destin is fine.

As for the main roads and Highway 98 in Destin they are in tact and functionable. There are some traffic lights still out, but that is just a matter of electricity being restored, which is also happening rapidly. Most everyone I have spoke to currently has all of their services restored: electricity, water, cable, phone, gas.
The stretch of Hwy. 98 between Fort Walton and Destin is closed, but luckily it was not completely wiped out. Only a portion (1-1 1/2 mile near the Destin Bridge) was damaged.

For those planning on visiting the area soon, the one thing to remember is that this area is experienced and prepared for this situation. Businesses are reopening by the day, docks are being rebuilt, and debris is quickly being removed. I visited the beaches and they are also already starting to clean-up there.

The only area in Destin you might be concerned with visiting is Holiday Isle (Gulf Shore Drive) which is still closed due to flooding. Okaloosa Island is also closed.

The weather has been beautiful the last couple of days, so if you your condo says they are open, then I wouldn't change plans!

I've seen a lot of e-mails about how Destin and Sandestin fared through the storm. Our thoughts and prayers were with all on the coast throughout the storm.

My husband and I are planning on visiting Sandestin on the 2nd of October thru 5 Oct. I am wondering how Baytowne Wharf made it through the storm, and if it will be opened. I am also wondering if anyone knows if the Seafood Festival is still on. Thanks so much for any information that can be provided.

Baytowne in Sandestin is okay and many places there were scheduled to open today (Monday).

There has been no word of postponing the Seafood Festival, I think we are going to have plenty of time to clean up and prepare before then. The grounds where it is held are in good condition. If I hear otherwise, I will post, but I truly believe the Seafood Festival will happen as scheduled.
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Previa

Thank you so much for your update. We are very pleased to hear everything is alright for their sake, and for our trip. We love the area.

Thanks for the update Andrea. We're hearing more and more good news from the Destin area. Sounds like you guys were pretty lucky.