He considered Orange Beach but nixed that locale when he decided he would have trouble finding workers. Top among Okaloosa County's draws is the world-renowned tourist spot of Destin. Although development brings money, not everyone is sure it is worth the price. Mayor Ken Beaird first saw Destin as a virtually unspoiled fishing village after returning from Vietnam in 1966. Beaird, who spent 24 years as a charter captain, has seen the fleet grow from about 20 boats to its current size.
Every boat employs at least one mate, and the party boats employ several.
Beaird said they are not getting rich. It's not a big money job. You've got to be a fisherman to want to do it. The captains do better. The Pensacola News Journal, Pensacola, Florida.