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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