Emerald Coast Provides Stormy Welcome

ByJason Johnson

The 20th annual Emerald Coast Poker Run presented by the Florida Powerboat Club is upon us, and although the weather didn’t quite cooperate for Friday’s fun run, all the boaters who hauled their boats to Destin, Fla., managed to have a great time.

The skies ahead weren't very friendly, but the crew in Gary Miller's 39-foot Nor-Tech center console didn't let it ruin their day.
The skies ahead weren’t very friendly, but the crew in Gary Miller’s 39-foot Nor-Tech center console didn’t let it ruin their day.

The skies ahead weren’t very friendly, but the crew in Gary Miller’s 39-foot Nor-Tech center console didn’t let it ruin their day.Below is a look at a few of the photos from Friday’s fun run. A special thanks goes to Gary Miller and his fun-loving crew from Texas for showing this editor a great time on the water no matter how much time we spent underneath the Miracle Strip Parkway Bridge seeking shelter from the thunder and lightning.

Seriously, Miller’s 39-foot center console from Nor-Tech Hi-Performance Boats provided an outstanding ride once the rain cleared up and he and his crew are sure to have some of the most fun on Saturday’s poker run up and down the Emerald Coast.

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The X-Rated crew from Dallas had a great time running their Fountain in the Emerald Coast Poker Run fun run. Legendary Marine in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., hosted a variety of poker run boats at its facility. This US-1 Cigarette was one of many classic Cigarette V-bottoms that took part in Friday's fun run.
The Navarre Beach tower was a welcome sight to the group in the 39-foot Nor-Tech. With a handul of Cigarette and MTI models on display, Pier 57 took over the docks in front of AJ's. Gary Miller controlled the helm of his 39-foot center console during Friday's Emerald Coast Poker Run fun run.