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The Ships Chandler expanding to Freeport with new ‘State-of-the-Art Marine and Service Center’

Destin’s The Ships Chandler will break ground on their second marine and service center, located at 17309 US Hwy 331 in Freeport, on Thursday, February 18.  According to a press […]

Destin’s The Ships Chandler will break ground on their second marine and service center, located at 17309 US Hwy 331 in Freeport, on Thursday, February 18. 

According to a press release, the new building will create 10 full-time jobs in Walton County. With over 14 acres of space, the company’s new marine and service center will be ready to supply the area with fishing and pontoon boats, outboard motors, and more.

“Freeport has always been a wonderful city filled with good hard-working people,” said owner, Peter Wright Jr. “We’re excited to become a part of the community and help it grow with the help of all the surrounding communities in Walton County.”  

The new location will offer state-of-the-art service including a new boat dealership featuring brands such as Maverick, Hewes, Pathfinder, and Cobia boats. The new center will also be for:

  • Brokerage boat sales
  • Engine sales for Yamaha and Mercury Outboards
  • Engine service and warranty for Yamaha and Mercury Outboards
  • Engine parts and accessories
  • Boat/marine repair and maintenance services
  • Boat/marine parts and accessories
  • Gelcoat repair
  • Boat detail service
  • Custom marine work, including electronics, boat restoration, and a refurbish shop.

“Freeport is quickly becoming the hub of everything Walton County has to offer,” Wright said. “Our goal is to provide customers with exceptional sales and service in the marine industry by bringing our 40 plus years of knowledge in the business and customer first reputation to the area.”

The Ships Chandler will also be constructing Phase Two of the project in the coming months which will include 170 covered spaces for boat and RV storage.

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“Good Job! We live in Fort Walton and have been spending time in Fredericksburg, Virginia...the data center capital of the world. You have made a very good decision.”
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“At minimum, reduce property tax for senior citizens. Property taxes normally increase yearly but senior's income doesn't. Every time we get a social security raise, our Medicare premiums go up....”
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Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: August 12, 2026
“1:17, 4 attempts”
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“Crab Island is being ruined by the massive traffic. We should not be proud of, or promote this.”
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“Wonderful gesture toward honoring a part of the towns history especially an enslaved man that many would not know about,,,,,,wlsh was possible for me to attend, but hope for a...”
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“Story states that total general fund revenue is $118.7 million. Earlier story in Get the Coast (Jul 8th) put the proposed 2027 Budget general fund at $191.1 million. So, it's...”
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Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: August 11, 2026
“1:04, 4 attempts”
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“I would like to see the 2019 budget, and what amount of that budget came from property taxes, the Okaloosa County population in 2019, and the number of properties taxed...”
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