What is your hometown, what brought
you to the Emerald Coast and how long
have you been here?
The Coast is my home. Just 200 miles west of
here is where I grew up, Gulfport, Mississippi.
From the Mississippi Gulf Coast to Mobile to
Destin, I have always been drawn to the water.
I am blessed to have lived in the Destin area for
20 years and now raising my daughter here with
my husband Byron. We are both committed to
the community through business ownership and
volunteering.
What is your profession and what led you
to choose this profession?
I have been in the hospitality industry my entire
career. Whether it was marketing and promoting
businesses who provided memories for locals
and tourist, or now guiding students on their
path in the hospitality industry at Northwest
Florida State College. As Destin Chamber
Chair, I have the opportunity to advocate for our
members and strengthen our community though
our valuable programs and events.
What do you like best about Destin and
what makes it unique?
The people - passionate, southern hospitality.
Give us three words that best describe
you.
Committed. Collaborative. Dedicated.
Favorite things you like about Destin.
The food. The water. The culinary creations that
our area restaurants serve are amazing. And I
marvel over the beauty of our area, “this is our
backyard.”
I AM DESTIN because…
I am an ambassador of Destin through my
service as the Destin Chamber Chair this year.
I AM DESTIN
Julie
Cotton
photo by Zhalman Harris
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