Emerald Coast Poker Run in its Own Class

After traveling to more than a dozen different poker runs across the United States over the past several years, I now finally understand why the Emerald Coast Poker Run has such a special place in so many people’s hearts.

Towering above the HarborWalk Village area of Destin, the Emerald Grande was one of the host hotels for the 20th annual event. Photo courtesy Florida Powerboat Club.

For 20 years, the communities in the beautiful northwestern beaches of Florida have banded together to promote and develop one of the most enjoyable, stress-free, welcoming, energetic, and entertaining events in the country. Oh, and there’s one more thing. The Emerald Coast Poker Run—and the surrounding Boat Week events—has raised more than $2 million for local children’s charities and youth organizations since its inception, with a bulk of those funds being raised the past decade as the event expanded with organizational leadership from the Florida Powerboat Club.

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