With relatives already in Regatta Bay and strong ties to the community, Amanda and Jarrett Melvin knew this neighborhood was the right one. “We knew we wanted to be close to <family>. We looked at Kelly and Crystal Beach, but Regatta Bay already felt like home,” Amanda said. Jarrett is from the area, and his father, Jerry Melvin, was the State Representative for many years. Jerry also helped Peter Boss and others get Regatta Bay started many years ago.

 

The best thing for Amanda about living here is being close to family. Jarrett’s sister, Deena Hall, and her family live one door down. “Not just any family either... they are family that feel like friends. We live between each other homes.” Amanda was so excited to be able to purchase a house close to them. In fact, Amanda said her best recipe is “open my front door, turn left and walk 150 feet to Deena's house. She is the best cook in Regatta Bay!”

 

The couple met over 20 years ago, when Amanda was the executive director of Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge, a nonprofit organization here in Destin and Jarrett was volunteering. “His work ethic really caught my attention,” she recalled. They became fast friends and started dating, and now have been married 19 years.

 

At one point, the Melvins lived in Tuscaloosa, AL for four years working intensively with a nonprofit, but they both felt like home was calling. After working as a wildlife biologist and flight attendant, Amanda continues her work with non-profits here in Destin. “We love animals and work with rescues to foster and provide transportation,” she shared.  She also volunteers in the Niceville High School concession stand. “We just love supporting the community.” Now Amanda is helping Jarrett as they prepare to open four new Tropical Smoothie Cafes in the Panhandle.

 

Also planning to help with the family business is Amanda and Jarrett’s 18-year-old daughter, Aeris. Her special needs make her the perfect “vice president of people pleasing.” Their son-who-used-to-be-their-nephew, Dylan, was recently accepted into the social work professional program at the University of AL. He also works as a paraprofessional at Destin Middle School. Of course, their home would not be complete without some rescue pups: Parcey, Pickles, and Lucy.

 

The kids in the extended family determine the course of action on any given day. “We go where they tell us!” They love to take art classes at CREATE with Big Orange House Designs, or head out to E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center for hiking and family fun. When life gets super busy, Amanda said they love slow days where they can take the dogs for a walk and have family dinner.

 

“Life is always on the go so it's nice to just enjoy home.”