Floridafran is right.

I just googled and read a couple of articles. Only two hotels have reopened and only one small stretch of the beach has been restored. One article pointed out that the hotels and condos are full with construction workers rebuilding. They want tourists back but do not anticipate having enough accomplished by Memorial Day.

BetsyG, I'd google your possible locations for info and be sure to call your destinations as suggested. Looking at the recent photos of Pensacola Beach totally amazed me.

Floridafran & Starrsville - I think we have decided to stay in Destin, still trying to get info here on a couple of properties - Destin Point & the Crescent. Thanks for the info!

BetsyG,

Hope you had a nice trip. I was seaching for information about Destin and Ft. Walton Beach and came across your post.

I saw that you mentioned taking your family to Amsterdam this summer. My husband and I were there in Feb and had a wonderful time. We aren't into the things that Amsterdam is infamous for and were able to avoid it very well. I think you will have a wonderful trip as there is so much to see and do.

A co-worker went to the Panhandle this past weekend. She stayed in Navarre at Navarre Towers. The beach was beautiful, the water clear and warm. The buildings/construction was devastating to see, but they are glad they went and did their part to help the local economy. There were signs posted with warnings about wearing shoes on the beaches & in the water, but they did not have any problems in the area they stayed.

Seems the traditional happenings were not too happening this year, probably due to lack of places to stay.

I know Floridafran has posted more info as she lives in the area, but just wanted to send out what I know.