Rusty Morinelli was born in Youngstown, Ohio, and raised in New Wilmington, PA. She has now been in Destin for 21 years. Her band, Flash Flood, was offered a job at the Sky Bar above Grazzi and she just moved the whole band here from Orlando.
“I guess you can say that I am an entertainer through and through. Since I was a little girl, I always found a way to entertain people and make them smile,” Morinelli said. “I was always moving around and keeping busy. I Never could sit still very long.”
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Very musical. My Father was a Music teacher, and my mother a piano player. All of us kids were very musically inclined.
Q: 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?
Musician. There’s nothing better than brightening up the lives of people and enjoying it at the same time. My parents were in the business and I grew up with 11-piece bands at our house all the time. It kinda stuck.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Harry T’s Lighthouse and Mcguire’s
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
There isn’t just one person. I have met soooo many interesting people over the years that I don’t want to single anyone out.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Italy and France. I’ve always wanted to go to where my heritage is to meet some of my relatives.
Q: 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?
I don’t have a lot of free time, but I guess the beach is always cool or getting a pontoon out on the water.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Stay true to yourself and don’t let anyone change you. It never works out.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To be on Broadway.
Q: Who are some of your favorite local bands?
Flash Flood, Roshambo, Black-eyed Blonde, Pickle Pickers, 12 Eleven.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Junes Dunes. We used to play Volleyball on the beach after breakfast on Sundays.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Locals take care of locals. When something happens to one, the rest rally.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I was a badass Trumpet player for 18 years.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been to?
Hawaii
Q: Favorite month and favorite holiday and why?
December and Christmas. I love the leading up to it and everyone’s kindness.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My husband Timmy.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Serenity, Family, Accomplishment.
Q: Is there anything you would like to add or like people to know about you or your business?
As long as I draw breath I will always be singing for those who need to hear it.
