PULL QUOTE:

“We fell in love with golf community neighborhood close to the beach and across the street from bay.”

 

The duo of Frank and Jill Johnston is an active one. They travel, go out to eat, spend time with friends and family, play cards, love live music, and enjoy cruising. In fact, they have planned one to the Mediterranean and are set for an Alaskan cruise in between trips to Tampa, Boston, and Pittsburgh, home of Frank’s beloved Steelers and Penguins, and his hometown. “We love Montana and Banff, Canada. We love the mountains as well as our favorite Destin beach area!  Tropical paradise to us,” Jill remarked.

 

Originally from Marion, OH, Jill met Frank when they were both working at GTE in 1980. After they were married, they scooted off to Chapel Hill, NC for a short time, then relocated to Atlanta, GA. Here, Frank was an Engineering Manager with Nortel Networks for 20 years.

In 2004, Frank and Jill moved to Dayton, OH as Jill transferred with GE Capital as Team Leader. Seven years later, the Johnstons moved to Jacksonville when Jill transferred to work with GE Global Operations. Their Destin timeline? “Bought lot in 1998. Built home 2004. Moved in permanently when able to retire 2019.” After all that moving around, Jill and Frank are finally able to enjoy Destin and Regatta Bay.

 

The neighborhood drew them in with its golf community, proximity to the beach, and a location across the street from bay. “Great location in tropical paradise!” Jill’s favorite things about living here are the beach, the restaurants, and the friendships she’s made through pickleball. She also loves playing cards, Mahjongg, dancing, music, and swimming. Jill is known to mentor others and organize events. In December, she led the Miramar Women’s Friendship group gathering donations and caroling to two nursing homes in the area: Twin cities Pavilion and The Manor. Both events were successful in supporting the less fortunate during the holidays. This year, Jill plans to join the Destin Women’s Cub to help Fisher House.

 

Frank used to play golf and tennis; as a disabled veteran, now he loves his daily cigar on the lanai and playing cards. Live music is always a hit, and Jill said movies are right down his alley as well. His favorite pastime is watching his Pittsburgh steelers play and Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team.

 

The Johnstons have two children, son Frank, who is married and lives in Tampa. After an early retirement, young Frank went back to work as VP SRE for Capital One. Their daughter, Heather, is also married and lives in Boston, MA. Her daughters and pups provide entertainment for Jill and Frank as often as possible.

 

To catch up with Frank and Jill, head to Marina Cafe or Seagars, their favorite restaurants.

 

 

Funny Story from Jill:
 I was 19 when I met Frank working at GTE. Well, every Friday night all my co-workers went to Barleycorns, a favorite local bar. My curiosity got the best of me, so I asked how I could get in not being 21 yet. I was told to meet Frank Johnston. Hmmm ok. I walked up and introduced myself and he let me in to enjoy the weekly party. On my 21st birthday, Frank told the waitress he felt I needed a free drink for my birthday. Waitress looked at me and said, “Ok how old are you today?” I told her “21 years old, finally legal to drink.” Oh my, the look on her face was priceless.

 

Destin Commons

Silver Sands Outlet

Massage Envy. Jill loves her bi-weekly massages.

 

Spring breaks from Atlanta from 1990 to 2004. “Traveled the world with our children and loved every moment as family means most to us. We still travel together.”