On Monday, March 13, 2023, Destin Middle School held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of its new tennis and pickleball courts. 

• Last week, the boys and girls tennis teams played their first home games on the courts with both teams winning against St. Mary’s of Fort Walton Beach.

The project to build the four new tennis courts and two pickleball courts began about a year ago. The courts were built by a contracted company from South Florida. Prior to the new courts, students had to travel to Bluewater Bay for practice and home matches.

“The new tennis courts will undoubtedly positively impact the tennis program at Destin Middle School, and we are grateful for the community’s support in making this dream a reality for the students and staff,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers.

The new courts were a much-needed addition for the school’s tennis program. In a press release from the Destin Chamber of Commerce, Destin Middle School Principal, Dr. Belinda Small, thanked several individuals and organizations for their contributions to the project.

• “Our school community would like to thank Superintendent Marcus Chambers, the Okaloosa County School District, former DMS Principal Grant Meyer, Coaches Brett Chipser and Allison Frankfurt, and Brett Driver for helping make our vision a reality,” said Dr. Small.

The new tennis and pickleball courts will provide students with a place to practice and play on their home turf.