On Monday morning, Destin’s Mayor, Captain Gary Jarvis, published what he referred to as a “rant” on Facebook regarding an “anti-tourism attitude” within the local community.

“I have had enough,” said Capt. Jarvis, “and [it] has nothing to do with the pandemic. Some of you are using it [pandemic] to hide behind an attitude that has [been] permeating our community for the last couple of years.”

“Our entire fleet is tied to the dock due to no TOURISM. Our fishermen are struggling to stay in business and can’t bear much more. Your anti-tourism attitude is an anti-fishing fleet attitude, [and] it harms hundreds of blue collar fisherman whose heritage founded this community. It threatens their families.”

“The Destin Charter Fleet started tourism. Its very existence is the result of tourism. I’m getting damn tired of the ignorance. The “I AM A LOCAL” self-righteousness attitude is spectacular around here, it’s incredible the extreme lack of intelligence that permeates some of these post while they bite the hand that feeds them. Or better yet, threatens the heritage of Destin.”

Captain Jarvis ended his post by saying:

“So here’s my recommendation before you hit the send button: Think about the message you send to the people that our fishermen rely on the most and if it’s not positive or encouraging, put your damn hand in your pocket.”