Donna Tashik & Gayle Vann

Johnny & Kathy Grimes

Frankie Shields & Debbie Ciano

Liz Barnes & Jan Moore

T

he beautiful Emerald Coast 
hosts yet another “big one”: The 
Emerald Coast Poker Run. The 
largest summer poker run in the 

nation, and also one of the most popular events 
in the Florida Panhandle. The 24th Annual 
Emerald Coast Poker Run was in full swing 
from August 16 - 21 with events ranging from a 
whole week of boating, a bikini contest, parties 
at various locations and a climax with a Poker 
Run party at the Emerald Coast Convention 
Center. The IP Casino and Resort, Hub City 
Ford, Emerald Coast Harley Davidson and a 
“boat load” of other local businesses were all 
major sponsors of this event.

It was all fun during this week-long boating 

celebration, and for a very good cause. The 
Emerald Coast Poker Run and boat week 
events have raised over 2 million dollars to 
date for its causes. A long way from the one 
thousand dollars they raised 24 years ago at the 
fi rst Emerald Coast Poker Run. Charities like 
Eleanor Johnson Youth Center and other local 
children’s charities will be benefi ting from the 
donations and the funds raised.

Poker Run

Party

photos & story by

 Zhalman Harris

   VIP Destin at Emerald Coast Convention Center

Steve & Loni Boswell

Christy & Aaron Kuller

Kevin & Wendy McMinn

October/November 2016   |   89

89-90 Event Emerald Coast Poker Run.indd   1

9/27/16   4:13 PM