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‘Make-A-Wish’ comes true in Destin for 6-year-old with Leukemia

On the morning of Monday, May 9th, Salt Water Vacations, the Okaloosa Sheriff’s Office, as well as members of the City of Destin, assisted “Make a Wish Georgia” with a big wish from Mason Burnette.  Mason is a 6-year-old boy struggling with Leukemia.  For his birthday, he wished to visit Destin, Florida.  Mason loves Power Rangers, […]

Mason Burnett pictured with his mom, Makayla Hall, as he receives a Challenge Coin from City of Destin mayor Gary Jarvis. Okaloosa Sheriff Eric Aden looks on. (CITY OF DESTIN)

On the morning of Monday, May 9th, Salt Water Vacations, the Okaloosa Sheriff’s Office, as well as members of the City of Destin, assisted “Make a Wish Georgia” with a big wish from Mason Burnette. 

  • Mason is a 6-year-old boy struggling with Leukemia. 
  • For his birthday, he wished to visit Destin, Florida. 

Mason loves Power Rangers, ninjas, marine life, the color red, Chick-Fil-A, and his favorite book is Green Eggs and Ham.

Mason’s wish was made a reality when he was given the wonderful experience of staying in Destin and doing all of the activities that the locals love best. He was joined by his parents, Makayla Hall and Dustin Burnette.

On Monday morning, Mason was able to visit James Lee Park in Destin, where Sheriff Aden, members of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, a few city officials, and representatives from Salt Water Vacations greeted him. 

Not only that, but the community came through BIG TIME to make Mason’s vacation in Destin the best that it could be!

Mason and his family were gifted:

  • Free tickets to visit the Gulfairum 
  • Free pontoon rental services from Xtreme H20
  • Free meals from Boshamps, Harbor Docks, Brotulas, Soleil, Crab Shack, and Chick-Fil-A.
  • Smoothies from Tropical Smoothie
  • Free access to the Fort Walton Beach Science Center
  • Smile and Wave dolphin boat ride from by Capt. Pam
  • And more!

Mason also met and received a city challenge coin from Mayor Gary Jarvis, along with a goodie bag that included a brand new copy of Green Eggs & Ham from the Destin Library.

Sheriff Eric Aden swearing in Mason as a Junior Deputy in Okaloosa County

He was then sworn in as a Junior Deputy by Sheriff Eric Aden, who present him with a Junior Deputy Badge, blanket, and a goodie bag. K9 Deputy Tim Patterson introduced Mason to K9 Beau, followed by a ride on the beach in an ATV.

Okaloosa County Commissioner, and Chairman, Mel Ponder was also in attendance where he received even more goodies!

“I cannot express how grateful we are at Salt Water Vacations for all the hard work from OCSO, the City of Destin, the Mayor, Mr. Ponder, and countless others who showed up and showed out today for Mason,” said Shantel Simpson, Guest Relations Manager for Salt Water Vacations. “His mom said he will not stop talking about his VIP Day and that he is now a Sheriff here in Destin!”

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“Very glad to see this project going through,we don’t live here but we brought our bikes here from misssouri and drove over to 30A to ride”
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“I suggest revising this statement: "doubling the number of travel lanes from the current four to six" since doubling four does not yield six.”
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“No there was never one here.”
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“Sad that I know him and had no idea!”
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“One of the most important issue regarding this matter is: was this x-con provided with an opportunity to learn a trade while locked up for 327 months or was he...”
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“Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty? I seriously question the integrity of the yellow media and low-intelligence commenters for spewing such damagaing rhetoric before this case has even been...”
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“I take it that he only did half of 27 years which is 13 1/2 years .He apparently missed his inmate friends. What made him think he could get away...”
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“How can we get this started at Bluewater ? yeah Mrs Crist , still loving and making a difference in children’s lives .”
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“This is such an awesome idea! Ms. Crist was my daughter Valerie's 2nd grade teacher when Valerie attended Bluewater Elementary School! Ms. Crist was born to teach!! Nellie Bogar, Youth...”
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“I have been in the charter industry for nearly 20yrs, I own a successful mulit-boat fishing company, I teach the FISHING CLASS at Destin Highschool and I am also the...”
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