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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 […]

📸 Alex Fogg, Coastal Resource Manager - Okaloosa County

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.

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Steve Reicher commented on Okaloosa County to acquire SS United States for world’s largest artificial reef off Destin-Fort Walton Beach
“The Big U! The NMU supplied the unlicensed crew and when we lost this ship and its jobs and when U.S. Lines went bankrupt, we were on our way to...”
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Lynn commented on FWB Cub Scouts fundraising to display an American flag at homes in NWFL
“Is program still available?”
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William Stanley commented on Okaloosa School District unveils plans for new two-story K-8 school in Crestview
“Highschool is finna be more crowed now. We need another highschool not a middle or elementary school.”
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Ken Frame commented on 80ft and 75ft former scuba dive boats to become artificial reefs off Destin-Fort Walton Beach coast
“This is bittersweet. I spent a wonderful week in Cay Sal Banks on the Pilot in 2006. I will have to go pay her a visit soon....”
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Carol re commented on FDOT to discuss widening Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island, new Destin Bridge at public meeting
“I agree with Jerome. What will this accomplish since both ends are only 4 lanes?”
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Fred commented on FDOT to discuss widening Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island, new Destin Bridge at public meeting
“The parking lot at McGuires would disappear along with the parcel that Destin purchased at the bridge.. Flooding on Okaloosa Island would close an expensive update to 98 , at...”
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Bruce Johnson commented on FDOT renderings show proposed changes to Highway 98 across Okaloosa Island
“This will not make a difference for traffic passing through the center of Destin along Rt. 98. The smart option is to complete the Brooks Bridge and intersection in Ft...”
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Ray Sullivan commented on FDOT to discuss widening Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island, new Destin Bridge at public meeting
“Doesn’t it still end up with 4 lanes on either end after bridges? Seems more aesthetic than a traffic plan. Which is nice too but does it increase the function?”
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LC commented on SS United States to begin final journey from Philadelphia to become the world’s largest artificial reef
“It would be a money pit let’s sink it for the tourists who we don’t have enough of so more will come”
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Jerome Karnowski commented on FDOT to discuss widening Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island, new Destin Bridge at public meeting
“Traffic moves pretty well on that stretch of 98, I don't see the need to waste the money. Maybe do something to deal with the traffic in Destin, and Mary...”
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