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