Encouraging Connection with God and Our Community
By Lori Leath Smith
Destiny Worship Center Pastor Steve Vaggalis might not have known what the former Miramar Beach Taco Bell/Kentucky Fried Chicken would become when the church had the opportunity to purchase it in 2018. But the building located next to the Destin campus had its own destiny—and God knew.
Recently, Destiny Radio Studios was launched on the same day as the church’s 19th anniversary and is now live! Formerly 91.1 WPSM- FM Christian radio, Destiny Worship Center was offered the opportunity to keep the 36-year-old familiar and beloved station’s legacy alive through a new local Christian, full-power FM radio station launched to serve our communities.
At the recent ribbon cutting with area residents, businesses and the Walton Area Chamber, Pastor Steve took a moment to honor his former Pastor and mentor L.M. Thorn and his wife June—the local couple who had the vision to start a Christian radio station to reach this area back in 1984. “They started 91.1 FM and we have the privilege and honor of continuing the legacy,” says Pastor Steve. Just as Destiny Worship Center was founded on the ministry philosophy to build on its heritage, not abandon it, to serve and reach people from all denominations, help build and support families, and transform communities, the new radio airwaves are designed to do the same. “It’s pretty special that Destiny Radio will have the same influence in getting the message and the music out. We’re excited we get to take the ball and run with it and excited to serve and reach the Gulf Coast for Jesus Christ!”
Walker Beach, Destiny Radio’s new station manager, feels the same way. “It’s such an honor and privilege to have a voice of influence in this region,” he says. “That’s why our key phrase for this station is ‘Encouraging Connection with God and Our Community.’ It’s our mission!”
Now 91.1 FM Destiny Radio, the station plays a variety of well-thought-out, cultivated inspirational praise and worship songs, is commercial free and covers three counties (Bay, Walton and Okaloosa). “You can trust us to put the right songs in your car, your home and for the whole family,” says Walker. “Commercial-free radio—yep, you read that right. 99% music – virtually uninterrupted. And, it’s the only local, Christian full-power, non-stop music, FM radio station.”
“We also plan to play music you want to hear,” continues Walker. “We’ve spent hours going through thousands of songs to bring you music that is fresh and relevant, truly curated for our local audience. Our song lists are handcrafted and updated often.” The station will also air exclusive live performances and interviews from its beautiful, new on-site studios. “We’ll be bringing these artists straight to you in real time,” Walker says.
Drew Powell is your Destiny Radio DJ, a true local who has been with WPSM 91.1 for 18 years. Drew says he loves the way a single song can change somebody’s whole day, and even life, when it comes on at just the right time. “I always pray that God would be the program director of the station and lead us to play the right music,” says Drew. “God always seems to play a song for me right when I need it. Even as I say this, I am tearing up because of how many times I have been blessed by hope filled music at just the right time; to share God’s goodness feels like a dream.”
You can listen to Destiny Radio’s non-stop music on 91.1FM, DestinyRadio.Live, mobile app, Alexa and YouTube live! The new station is located right beside the Destin campus at 140 Poinciana Blvd. “Destiny Radio 91.1 FM is excited to inspire and encourage our local community through Christian music,” says Pastor Steve. “Please share Destiny Radio with someone in your world. You never know how a song of hope can change someone’s life,” says Drew.
