Coastal Resources

Get ready for the Emerald Coast Open with the Lionfish Pre-Tournament Kick-off Party in Destin

The Emerald Coast Open is quickly approaching, and excitement is building for this year’s lionfish tournament. But before the world’s largest lionfish tournament begins, the public is invited to attend the Lionfish Pre-Tournament Kick-off Party, taking place at Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant on the Destin Harbor on Friday, February 3, 2023 from 6-9pm. This family-friendly event is […]

Jared Williams

The Emerald Coast Open is quickly approaching, and excitement is building for this year’s lionfish tournament. But before the world’s largest lionfish tournament begins, the public is invited to attend the Lionfish Pre-Tournament Kick-off Party, taking place at Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant on the Destin Harbor on Friday, February 3, 2023 from 6-9pm.

This family-friendly event is the perfect way to get a taste of the excitement surrounding the Emerald Coast Open and learn more about this invasive species and its removal from the Gulf of Mexico. Attendees will enjoy free food, including gourmet lionfish samplings, live music, and plenty of giveaways and prizes.

📸 Alex Fogg, Coastal Resource Manager – Okaloosa County

In addition to the festivities, participants will have the opportunity to meet tournament participants, sponsors, organizers, dive shops, and charters. The event is a great way to find potential teammates or even a future dive buddy, according to ECO.

Whether you are a seasoned lionfish hunter or just learning about the impact of this invasive species, the Lionfish Pre-Tournament Kick-off Party is the perfect opportunity to get involved. You will have the chance to learn about lionfish, how to get involved in the tournament, and meet others who are passionate about this important cause.

In 2022, The Emerald Coast Open removed over 11,000 lionfish in the two-day period. This impressive number was in addition to the 2,582 lionfish removed during the pre-tournament competition. In total, 13,835 lionfish were removed.

So mark your calendars and head to Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant on the Destin Harbor on February 3 for an evening of fun, food, and fellowship. The Lionfish Pre-Tournament Kick-off Party is a great way to get ready for the main event.

Pre-Tournament is from February 1 – May 18, 2023
Main Tournament Begins – May 19-20, 2023

To register for the ECO and to find out more about the event, click here.

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Coastal Resources

Tugboat Captain Mike Vinik reflects on towing historic SS United States to Alabama

Coastal Resources

GALLERY: SS United States arrives in Mobile to begin artificial reef conversion

Coastal Resources

Historic SS United States to arrive in Mobile on Monday

Coastal Resources

The road ahead: Inside the year-long transformation of SS United States into world’s largest artificial reef

Rose heiden commented on Okaloosa approves purchase of old Red Lobster building in Fort Walton Beach

“Why not fix the dog parks adjacent to red lobster?”

Respond

Oscar commented on Okaloosa approves purchase of old Red Lobster building in Fort Walton Beach

“They spend 3.75 MILLION dollars of tax payer money and don't know what they are going to do with the property? If your child came in your home and said...”

anna commented on Senate committee advances bill to repeal Walton County beach access law

“If Walton County was not so greedy and decided to “TAKE” what they wanted instead of “buying” it like other areas (Destin/Okaloosa County)have, this might have never been a problem....”

chris calabro commented on A Hometown Healer: Dr. Lee Thigpen’s 40-year legacy of healthcare in Crestview

“I remember both Kathy & Lee from their work with the church youth program. Despite being a Catholic "yankee" visiting each summer I have never found a more welcoming place...”

Mary Szarowicz Barley commented on A Hometown Healer: Dr. Lee Thigpen’s 40-year legacy of healthcare in Crestview

“Hey Lee. I am so glad Danny sent this article to all the Szarowicz siblings! Congratulations on an amazing career!!! Wish I had been there to witness it. I remember...”

Melba Bolton Richardson commented on A Hometown Healer: Dr. Lee Thigpen’s 40-year legacy of healthcare in Crestview

“Congratulations, Lee, and the very best wishes to you and Cathy during your retirement years. A heartfelt thank you on behalf of my Bolton family for your attention and care....”

J-Schmidt commented on New beach bar brings ‘Old Florida’ feel to Sandpiper Cove in Destin

“There is no public parking…note from article, “The beach bar is accessible only to Sandpiper Cove residents and guests, along with people walking up from the beach.” Walk in from...”

Justme commented on Fort Walton Beach Council discusses proposed short-term rental regulations

“This should NOT BE ALLOWED in single family residential neighborhoods.”

David Youngclaus commented on Florida acquires 2,483 acres for new Walton County state park

“It's amazing that the State of Florida can come up with money to purchase 2483 acres for a new park. But Caladesi Island State Park, Cayo Costa State Park and...”

Ann Teel Hatcher commented on A Hometown Healer: Dr. Lee Thigpen’s 40-year legacy of healthcare in Crestview

“What a beautiful story of past, present, and future. Lee, you have left an amazing legacy. These words from Matthew 25:21 are fitting for you, ‘Well done, good and faithful...”