Kathy Marler Blue is a lifelong resident of Destin and is a fourth-generation descendent of the Marler family of Destin. Kathy was locally educated and holds a B.A. in Early Childhood K-3 & Elementary Education 1-6 as well as a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership & Supervision from the University of West Florida. “I taught at Destin Elementary School for 31 years retiring in 2005 and earned the school’s Teacher of the Year in 1981 and 1986,” Blue said.

Kathy also worked at Harbor Docks Restaurant in the office for 15 years and assisted Charles Morgan in community fundraising for Rally for Recreation and Harbor Docks Charities. Her civic accomplishments include membership on the City of Destin Charter Review Committee, Destin Planning Commission holding positions of both vice-chairman and chairman, and she was the first elected councilwoman in 1992.

“I began work at the Destin History and Fishing Museum in June of 2009 as the /Associate Director, a position I feel brought me home to the genealogical and local history research I had started when my paternal grandmother passed away in 1968. I became the Executive Director in September of 2015. As an educator at heart, I feel that every visitor to the museum, both local and visitor, are a learner of Destin’s unique history,” Blue said. 

Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do? How did you get into your industry?

Being a product of local family and education, all my work has been here but helped mold who I am today. During high school and college, I worked at Destin Drug Store. I taught at Destin Elementary School from 1974 to 2005…the school I attended from first thru eighth grades. I also subbed there in 2008 and 2009. I worked nights at Harbor Docks Restaurant office from 1993 to 2008. June 2009 I became the Associate Director at the Destin History & Fishing Museum and the Executive Director September 2015. I also serve as the Secretary/Treasurer for the Marler Memorial Cemetery, Inc. Everything I have done has paved the road to what I do today. As an educator, I love creating the “educational environment” for the museum. Everyone that comes into the museum is a learner–regardless of age. Sharing the heritage of Destin with our locals and visitors is exciting and fulfilling.

What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?

It would be impossible to narrow down to a couple as my husband and I love the local seafood, Mexican and Thai restaurants and rotate frequently. Going out to eat is one thing my husband and I love to do! Dewey Destin’s, Boshamps, Callahams, Pepito’s, and Thai Delight are some on the list.

From where are you originally, how long have you lived or worked in our community and how did you end up here?

I am a native of Destin and live on the property that was my parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?

There are so many people here in Destin, past, and present, that have brought the experiences of their lives here to add to the story of our community. Two stand out…Muriel Destin and Capt. “Salty” Reddin Brunson because they shared with me the Destin of my parents and grandparents. Each time a person passes, the “library of their mind” is lost.

When you have free time, what are some of your places to go and things to do here locally? When guests visit, where are the first places you take them?

My husband and I like to go antiquing or “junking” as he calls it. We love for family and friends to visit Henderson Beach State Park and visit the Harbor District.

What advice would you give to people?

Make a positive constructive difference in the lives of those around you.

Who are some of your favorite local bands?

Flash Flood–great music and truly “good people”!

What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?

The former “mom & pop” businesses along the Harbor. Gateway Restaurant & Grocery Store, The Blue Room, Melvin’s, The Green Knight, Fred’s. Great places for food and locals back in the day.

What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?

The natural beauty of our area and the variety of opportunities to enjoy the local waters.

Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?

Enjoying full retirement.

(Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?

I have “worn many hats” over my life being involved with local education, businesses, and politics. But deep down I’m very much a “hermit” and time off is savored with being at home with my husband and “kitty-children”.

What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?

While I have not traveled a lot, I’ve been throughout Florida, up the eastern seaboard to Virginia, and an RV trek in 1976 to California. Many places held their own beauty, but nothing equals coming across the W.T.Marler Bridge here at Destin and East Pass when the tide is coming in.

Favorite month and favorite holiday and why?

While everyone usually chooses a particular month and/or major holiday I would choose fall in Destin. It is a little more slower-paced, locals get out and explore and enjoy this beautiful place and what it has to offer.

Who inspires you to be better?

My dad–while he has been gone since 1974, his memory, teachings, and leadership still are my moral compass.

What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?

Destin, Family, “Destin, not just a place, but a way of life.”