JULY 2022
DESTIN • FORT WALTON BEACH • SOUTH WALTON
03 idmi.indd 1
6/28/22 9:07 AM
04 coastal skin.indd 1
6/28/22 9:08 AM
Shop online at TODAYSBOUTIQUE.COM
We have moved to
Destin Commons
near Belk & Level 10 Salon Look for our signature pink awnings! We can’t wait to show you our new store!
y Parkwa Spence
We Have Moved New address:
4106 Legendary Drive, Destin (850) 837-5565
2020
05 todays.indd 1
6/28/22 9:08 AM
# 1 RE A L E S T A T E T EA M, 2 019- 2 2 !
HURD REAL ESTATE & Co Bringing a Personal Touch to a Professional Service With offices in Gulf Breeze and on Hwy 30A, Hurd Real Estate & Co. serves buyers, sellers, and investors from Perdido Key to Panama City, and everywhere in between.
90 Spires Lane, Suite 6A Santa Rosa Beach Fl 32459 306 Gulf Breeze Parkway Gulf Breeze Fl 32561
06 hurd re.indd 1
Give us a call! Gene ~ 850.565.0018 Amanda ~ 850.375.3570
6/28/22 9:09 AM
contents DESTIN magazine
Volume XIX • Issue VII
events 12 Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic Kick Off 15 Military Appreciation Free Breakfast 23 Concerts in the Village featuring Alter Eagles 26 Rock the Docks 39 Step One Fest 42 VIP Destin Magazine Cover Reveal Party 49 Destin Chamber of Commerce Business Before Hours 52 Farmers Market at The Blake 58 Ladies Who Launch 60 Walton Area Chamber Business After Hours 67 Power of Business Luncheon
on the cover Alan & Juli Payne Photography by Harley S. Sampson, Jr. at Concerts in the Village FEATURING Alter Eagles
departments 19 29 35 45 55 62 65 70
Adventure Out Give Care Share Coastal Cuisine Swizzle Destin Style Locale Save the Date I Am Destin
features 32 Business Profile Bracken Law
VIP Destin Magazine Staff Publisher Greg Alexander
Art Director Priscilla Atkins
Associate Publisher Verla Price
Content Creator Anna Stockton
Publisher’s Assistant Nicole Partridge
Contributing Writers/ Photographers Zhalman Harris Alicia Noble Tyler Noble Kay Phelan Harley S. Sampson, Jr. Anna Stockton
Advertising Stephanie Alvarez Kristin Moffitt Verla Price Graphic Design Patti Hall Alicia Noble
VIP Founder Jeff Watson July 2022 | 7
07 ToC.indd 1
6/28/22 9:16 AM
LUXEXCHANGE
4495 Furling Lane Destin FL 32541 Unit 150 850.424.7772 08 lux.indd 1
6/28/22 9:17 AM
Our top of the line carts deliver you the freedom to move around the Emerald Coast in style!
SALES
RENTALS
SERVICE
Exclusive dealership on the Emerald Coast for Aetric and Royal Electric Vehicles
Full line of 4-6 passenger street legal carts and low speed vehicles
High quality cart service from experts at a locally-owned and operated company
Book your rental online! www.libertycartcompany.com
We are social!
(850) 502-5277 161 Goldsby Road (Unit C5) Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
09 liberty cart.indd 1
6/28/22 10:05 AM
letter from the Associate Publisher “Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it.” — Russell Baker An early summer heat wave burned across the Emerald Coast, sending many of us hiding in our air-conditioned homes. The temps encouraged me to travel north to the mountains for shady wooded areas to find a brief relief. I know expectations of being hot in late summer are part of living in a Florida beach community, however, I was a bit dismayed when it started in early June. I caught myself reverting to eating childhood snacks like frozen pops or vanilla ice cream cones to lessen the aggravation of being hot. Maybe I am just using that as an excuse to cheat on my diet. Either way, July is upon us, and I expect it will bring a vengeance of steamy hot weather. Our mindset is to deal with the heat by associating this month with picnics, swimming, boating, and other outdoor activities. Just the mention of July brings patriotic thoughts to mind. People will break out the red, white, and blue and start planning for the Fourth of July celebrations. I start singing songs like God Bless America and Born in the USA in my head as I march along to find the pop-up fireworks booths. Hot, steamy days fi lled with picnics, jet skis, seafood, and pontoon boats are what we live for on the Emerald Coast. Hopefully you will enjoy this issue of VIP Destin Magazine as you sip a rum and coke under a beach umbrella. There are many great features within this issue to help you celebrate the month of July and also to recall the events that just passed us by. My wish is that you are reading this issue surrounded by friends and family with a cool breeze flapping the pages, maybe with one of the summer drinks from our Swizzle feature in hand. If you know of a non-profit or charity hosting an event you would like to see featured in VIP Destin Magazine, please call me. We love supporting as many non-profit causes as possible. Thank YOU for reading VIP Destin Magazine; please be kind, courteous, and shop local.
Associate Publisher 850-502-7970 Verla@VIPDestin.com
Be on the lookout for our VIP Destin Ambassadors, Joe & Lea Capers, at area events. 10
| VIPDestinMagazine.com
10 letter.indd 1
6/28/22 9:18 AM
11 em lady.indd 1
6/28/22 9:18 AM
VIP Destin at Hotel Effie
20th Annual Emerald Coast
Blue Marlin
Alexandra Troup & Alli Lefeaux
Classic Kick Off photos & story by Alicia Noble
O Jason & Valerie Roberts
ne of the most popular fishing competitions on the Gulf Coast kicked off its 20th year on June 22 at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort. The Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic started with a kick-off party at Sandestin’s Hotel Effie on Wednesday evening. Participants in the competition, and their guests, enjoyed live music, drinks, and catered food in the Juniper Ballroom, while they mingled and browsed vendor booths. Many attendees told old fishing stories or talked of the excitement of the days to come. This year’s event was comprised of 84 boats and nearly $2 million in winnings. The boats set out on the Gulf on Thursday afternoon and weigh-ins started Friday with the big weigh-in on Saturday. The public could watch the boats depart the marina from the Destin Bridge. Weigh-ins were also open to the public. The first day of weigh-ins concluded with live music at Baytowne Wharf and a fireworks show. The tournament came to an end Sunday with an awards brunch and presentation of awards at Hotel Effie. This year’s event sponsors included Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, the Title Sponsor and tournament host, offering boat dockage and accommodations. Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Atmore was again the Presenting Sponsor, showcasing games in the Sponsor Village at the Baytowne Marina and hosting the awards brunch. South Walton served as the 2022 Tourism Partner. From the start of the tournament 20 years ago, Galati Yacht Sales/Viking has served as Founding Sponsor and provided the official start boat for the fleet to race away from Destin Pass.
Dustin & Tammy Schilling
Todd Adams & Bryant Knight 12
Jim Cox, Mark Neifeld & Ron Davis
| VIPDestinMagazine.com
12-13 Event_Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic Kick Off.indd 1
6/28/22 9:19 AM
Mark Neifield, George Robertys & Courtney Hueston
Nina McClanahan, Tim & Jill Krueger
Rick Olsen, Nona Goss & Larry Rackley
Bryan & Lauren Eliza, Kendall & David Hanbery
Christa Forrester & Randa Mugnier
Brynnan Brelane, Sloan McClatchy & Aubrey Bufford
Corey Hurst, Katie Schmidt, Case Brundage & Alaina Mallin
Olivia Gibbons & Isla Forte
Rachel Meyer, Katy Frazer & Jenna Forbes
Todd Penick, Carrie & Lane Kilgore July 2022 | 13
12-13 Event_Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic Kick Off.indd 2
6/28/22 9:19 AM
14 derm spec.indd 1
6/28/22 9:19 AM
VIP Destin at Magnolia Grill
Military Appreciation Free Breakfast photos & story by Harley S. Sampson, Jr.
A
long the Susan Sloat Pryor Myers Historic Walking Trail is the “Museum that Serves Food.” Built in the early 1900s for $1 per square foot, the current Magnolia Grill Restaurant not only sports a delectable menu, but also is home to a variety of military memorabilia. On June 18 the owners of this iconic restaurant, Tom and Peggy Rice, hosted a Military Appreciation Free Breakfast. Sponsored by Cumulus Media Fort-Walton Beach-Destin, Eglin Federal Credit Union and Step One Automotive Group, military men and women along with their families enjoyed a breakfast of pancakes, sausage, orange juice, and coffee. “This is the first time we’ve partnered with Magnolia Grill to host a Military Appreciation Free Breakfast,” stated Leslie Forstman, Promotions and Marketing Director for Cumulus Media. She continued, “We are doing this to show appreciation for our military and to raise funds for Air Force Enlisted Village.” Founded in 1967, the nonprofit Air Force Enlisted Village provides safe and secure homes for surviving spouses of retired enlisted U.S. Air Force personnel. The early-morning smiles on the servers and the guests spoke volumes as it was apparent the love for the military runs deep in Fort Walton Beach. “We love our military and we wanted to thank them for all that they do,” said Ashley Allegretto, Marketing Manager, Cumulus Media.
Ryan Price & Tom Rice
Peggy Rice & Stewart Starkey
Wendi Davis & Jerry Williams
Stefan Halushka & Nick Petersen
Erin, Sean & Courtney Sullivan
Leslie Forstman & Mike Shoemake
Neko Stubblefield, Ruth Fennell, Conesha Farlough, Susan Rimsa, Wendi Davis & Jerry Williams July 2022 | 15
15-16 Event_Military Appreciation Free Breakfast.indd 1
6/28/22 9:21 AM
VIP Destin at Military Appreciation Free Breakfast
Tim Vinton & Max Melguizo
Vivian, Svitlana & Daniel Li
Sheila Long, Dennis Baker & Beverly Baker
Christian Gonzalez & Cole Ginder
Janet & Terry McCormack
Cathy Lamberth & Helen Gillespie
Marie & Bill Newcomer
Angela Morgan & Hayden Green
Ginny & Billy Sloan
Dory & John Hart
16 | VIPDestinMagazine.com
15-16 Event_Military Appreciation Free Breakfast.indd 2
6/28/22 9:21 AM
850-897-6540 17 gc air.indd 1
6/28/22 9:22 AM
850-80-YACHT HollowayYachts.com
DESTIN'S PREMIER LUXURY YACHTING EXPERIENCE IS GROWING !
HELP “PROPENSITY” WELCOME NEW SISTER ““HEAVEN ON EARTH” The addition of Heaven on Earth - a 58’ Neptunus Charter Yacht - allows us to now also offer service out of Baytowne Marina in Sandestin in addition to Heron Harbor.
Enjoy the beautiful scenery Destin, Florida has to offer with a group or in a romatic setting. We have a variety of charter types so you can be sure to choose the one that’s right for you! HOLLOWAY YACHT CHARTERS OFFERS • Private ½ Day & Full Day Charters • Private Sunset and Dolphin Cruises • Thursday Night Fireworks Cruise
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
• European Luxury Yacht Princess V72 • Professional Captain and Crew • Covered Seating on the Bow and Stern
VOTED BEST NEW BUSINESS! 18 holloway yachts.indd 1
6/28/22 9:33 AM
ADVENTURE
HouseBoatin’ O
story by Anna Stockton
n a recent girls’ trip to Apalachicola, or “Apalach” as the locals call it, my childhood friend suggested we try a little something different than the typical hotel room. When she told me she’d found a houseboat for our stay, my mind went straight to the run-down houseboats our dads used to rent that limped their way down the Suwanee River, threatening to sink at any moment, leaving us in the alligator infested abyss (I was a dramatic child). However, once she sent me the booking link, I was pleasantly surprised at the roomy and updated houseboat, right in downtown Apalachicola, and quickly signed on for the adventure. What I didn’t expect was the immediate feeling of calm, peace, and tranquility I felt when I stepped aboard. With a sitting area on the covered porch overlooking the channel, the view was one of wide-open water with fish jumping, a bald eagle soaring over, dolphins swimming by, and the gentle lapping of the water on the side of the boat. Inside held two rooms with double beds, each with their own half bathroom and a shared shower. The fullsized kitchen had everything we needed for meals, while the living room had comfortable furniture and amazing views. The marina was downtown and only a short walk to bars, restaurants, and shopping. We had our coffee on the porch in the morning, while watching the shrimp boats and charter fishing boats head out for the day, hoping for a good haul. We sipped our wine in the evening as those same vessels returned with their catches. As I departed on my last morning of the vacation, I couldn’t help but turn around and look one last time, at the houseboat that brought much needed peace, laughter, and a brand-new adventure.
Boats with sleeping areas have been around for a long time in the Unites States, starting as a necessity and continuing into the luxury we see today. These first became popular after the economic collapse in the 1890’s, when families abandoned their homes and moved into what were called shantyboats, which were crude, makeshift houseboats. These cost-free living quarters allowed families to travel up and down rivers easily and quickly to look for work. Shantyboat families who worked in river-based industries formed communities and many lived this way until the economy stabilized and waterfront land became more valuable. The houseboats we Americans know of now are a product of the mid-
19-20 Adventure Out_seboatin'.indd 1
century when floating homes, which used to have to be pulled, pushed, or maneuvered manually, had the option to come equipped with an engine and were made more seaworthy. With the growing popularity and advances in marinas came the opportunity to keep your houseboat in a way where it was convenient and more conducive to modern day life. This made houseboat living and vacationing more appealing and began a steady incline in people choosing the houseboat lifestyle. Much like the houseboat communities of late, new houseboat communities are popping up all over. While some choose to live on the water as their permanent residence, others enjoy houseboats as a getaway. Many
6/28/22 9:35 AM
ADVENTURE
of the most popular locations for houseboat living and vacationing are scattered throughout the United States in places like Lake Havasu, Arizona, Lake Cumberland in Kentucky, and the famous houseboats of Seattle. But don’t underestimate Florida when it comes to houseboat friendly places as Florida has its fair share of options when it comes to houseboat vacations, and with our nearly yearround pleasant weather, Florida houseboats are a great choice for a new twist on your vacation. The closer to the water the better when enjoying the Florida Keys, and there are plenty of houseboats available to take your vacation to the next level. If you are feeling brave, the Everglades
19-20 Adventure Out_seboatin'.indd 2
National Park has houseboats you can rent to not only stay on but drive around and check out the wildlife ... if you dare. Central Florida also has houseboat options, as does the St. Johns River near Jacksonville. Going west in Florida you can find houseboats dotted along the waterways, including, of course, Apalachicola on over to Destin and Pensacola. If you’d like to add a little adventure to your next vacation, before you book your hotel, check out a houseboat option. While every boat is different, you’re sure to enjoy great views, amenities, and a fun new way to vacation.
6/28/22 9:35 AM
YOUUS K N FOR THA FOR
NG VOTI n/ exica Best M merican A Latin aurant! s Re t
NICEVILLE-BWB 4585 US HWY 20 Suite 100 850-279-4949
FORT WALTON BEACH 1312 Lewis Turner Blvd 850-226-4147
DESTIN WEST 757 Harbor Blvd 850-650-7734
DESTIN EAST - MIRAMAR 36112 Emerald Coast Parkway 850-269-7788
MyPepitos.com 21 pepitos.indd 1
6/28/22 10:04 AM
22 destin botox-smileology.indd 1
6/28/22 10:31 AM
VIP Destin at Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation
Concerts in the Village FEATURING
Alter Eagles photos & story by Harley S. Sampson, Jr.
I
n spite of a little heat and humidity, patrons were lined up early for the June 2 Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) Concerts in the Village event. Known by locals and visitors alike as the thing to do on a warm summer’s evening, the concert drew a huge crowd. This concert featured the Alter Eagles, an Eagles tribute band. MKAF concerts are fun for the whole family and you’ll find children running across the grass, people tapping their toes in the VIP section and others lined up at one of several food trucks. Attendees Kirstine Bindzus and Diana Bindzus were visiting Destin for the first time and decided to attend the MKAF concert. The pair stated, “We love the area, the climate and are excited for tonight’s concert.” While some were visiting, others were celebrating. Married in Tulsa, Oklahoma, newlyweds Deb and Chris Ellis were in the area for their honeymoon when their sister invited them to the concert. When asked about their visit they said, “The music is awesome and the area residents are friendly, it’s been a blast.” While it’s hard to step away from the music and dancing, MKAF concerts also sponsor a raffle with gifts ranging from gift cards to Sinfonia tickets and assorted gift baskets.
Ryan King & Audrey Moorhead
Karen & Phil Buscovich
Deborah Robinson & Amy Mathes
John & Pat Magee
Alan & Juli Payne
Rhonda Butler & Tammy Damiano
Jordan Casey, Autumn Starkey, Leigh Vandeven & Brian Hogan July 2022 | 23
23-25 Event_MKAF Concert in the Village.indd 1
6/28/22 10:32 AM
VIP Destin at MKAF Concerts in the Village
Jim & Kay Browning
Deb & Chris Ellis
Loxley & Dusti Sheldon
John & Ange Toombs
Aubrey & Denise Fountain
Vince Smith & Raina Robison
Krista & Greg Jolly
Carolyn & Gary Dietzen 24
Tom & Karen Potts
Les & Gina Payton
| VIPDestinMagazine.com
23-25 Event_MKAF Concert in the Village.indd 2
6/28/22 10:32 AM
Inge Acherman, Ali Pfeffer & Dee Gulbranson
Rick & Renee Laney
Regina Rudy & Madelyn Velarde
Doug & Joan Willis July 2022 | 25
23-25 Event_MKAF Concert in the Village.indd 3
6/28/22 10:32 AM
VIP Destin at HarborWalk Village
Paul & Shelly Sampson
Jessica Groteguth, Kelli Clymer, Renee Dilley & Lindsay Thorne
Rock the Docks photos by Tyler Noble story by Alicia Noble
E
very Saturday this summer from June to August, HarborWalk Village of Destin is hosting a free concert series called Rock the Docks. On June 11, locals and visitors alike swarmed to the harbor to listen to the music of Tanglewood, a Nashville band performing rock and country music covers. This regular event draws a large crowd of music lovers who come to
26
enjoy talented local and regional artists. The event is free to the public and goes from 7 to 9 p.m. each week. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of a summer sunset on the harbor while they listen to a variety of music. Many guests stopped to listen while they passed through on their way to HarborWalk’s several shopping and dining destinations. Others sat and watched from the seating set up at the venue’s amphitheater.
Stacy Alvord & Kristi Arvetter
Danny & Sheri Drieling
Sherry & Pat Pilkington
Jay & Bettie Seman, Kim & Charlie Pate
Josh & Amanda Krause
| VIPDestinMagazine.com
26-27 Event_Rock the Docks.indd 1
6/28/22 10:32 AM
EAR, NOSE, THROAT PROBLEMS?
Debbie Pearson, Janet Ingle & Donna Chantos
Emerald ENT can help! PLEASE JOIN US IN WELCOMING OUR NEW AUDIOLOGIST Drew Carter AuD who specializes in hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance disorders.
Jim & Beth Thompson, Jeanette & Dave Ward
Schedule your appointment today! At Emerald ENT, we offer a variety of hearing aid options and fittings. Alesha, Kaitlan & Brandon McDonough
(850) 797-6191 Emerald-ENT.com
Sarah Hanna & Colleen Reed
141 Mack Bayou Loop, Suite 102 Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 July 2022 | 27
26-27 Event_Rock the Docks.indd 2
6/28/22 10:33 AM
GI V E | C A R E | S H A R E
O
story by Anna Stockton
ften, taking the first step to get personal help can be the hardest step to take. Questions regarding where to start and who to reach out to can be so overwhelming and daunting, making it easy to put your journey on hold or give up on it completely. This is where Panhandle Warrior Partnership can help. With the high concentration of veterans and veteran services in our Panhandle area, this organization connects veterans with services and provides personal case management and referrals to help veterans get the help they need, turning that first step into a journey of wellness and opportunity.
Interview with
Program Lead, Keith Manley
What is Panhandle Warrior Partnership? Panhandle Warrior Partnership (PWP) is a veteran-focused, community-led initiative to proactively connect with all veterans and ensure access is available to quality resources and opportunities. Our 4-step plan to Connect, Educate, Advocate, and Collaborate is dual focused toward transitioning service members, veterans, their families, and caregivers as well as to our growing number of community partners. After all, you can reach out to and create a relationship with every veteran in Northwest Florida but if you don’t have a grasp on all the many resources offered in the communities, what good is it? How did the organization come about? The new Panhandle Warrior Partnership program was launched in May 2021 by our mother organization, America’s Warrior Partnership. Programs like PWP are being established in locations around the country that are 1) known as high concentration areas for veterans and transitioning service members, 2) have higher than the national average of suicide rate among the veteran community, and 3) either lack many of the needed resources or lack a solid collaboration effort among those resources. Our motto is Empowering Communities to Empower Veterans. With strong collaboration within the communities’ organizations, government entities, and corporations, we believe that we can improve the lives of our veterans, families, and caregivers and we will be able to dramatically reduce veteran suicide through this initiative. What are some challenges Panhandle Warrior Partnership faces? There are over 45k nonprofit organizations in the country, and it’s estimated that less than 5% of them are out there doing the work that makes a difference. PWP’s greatest challenge is convincing those relevant organizations that we are not competition but rather we are a force multiplier for their efforts. Our only direct service is to continue our relentless veteran outreach campaign to meet and create a strong relationship with the very things that other veteran resource providers need: veterans, their families, and caregivers. The stronger we become, the stronger the community and other organizations become. What impact has your organization had on the community? Every successful referral we make through our case management office that changes the life of a veteran and their family defines our impact on the communities of Northwest Florida. Our weekly goal is to seek out and assist at least 15 members of our veteran community. Most of the assistance comes with helping to increase VA benefits ratings, GI Bill, housing needs, and employment. As an organization that focuses entirely on a holistic approach to helping veterans, we can help with just about anything that comes across our desks. What are some future goals for Panhandle Warrior Partnership? We currently service the five western most counties of Florida. As we grow, our next move is into Panama City and East towards Tallahassee, eventually having a brick-and-mortar office for our case coordination team. July 2022 | 29
29-30 GiveCareShare - Panhandle Warrior Partnership.indd 1
6/28/22 10:33 AM
GI V E | C A R E | S H A R E What is your position and how did you get involved? I am the program lead for Panhandle Warrior Partnership, so I make day-to-day decisions for the organization based on the community integration model set forth by America’s Warrior Partnership. As a retired US Military Commissioned Officer and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician, I felt a calling to do whatever I needed to do to go to bed at night knowing that I helped a fellow brother or sister in arms. What are some events that your organization hosts? We’ve just moved past our 1-year anniversary since the ribbon cutting and we’ve already taken the lead on establishing an annual resource fair/standdown for homeless and near homeless veterans, an annual community roundtable to discuss with other organizations, the way forward to reduce veteran suicide in the panhandle, and an annual semi-formal dining in with community leaders. Our current attention is focused on being a beneficiary and promoting both the Red, White, and Brew Music Fest presented by Spahr Brewing Company in Pensacola and the nationwide Fight For Life Summer Golf Series. What is the next event open to the public? Most of the veteran-centric annual events on the Emerald Coast take place in the spring and fall, due to the high concentration of tourism around the area. For the upcoming fall timeframe, we are planning to co-host the 2nd Annual Challenge 22 event hosted by the American Legion Riders Chapter #382 in Navarre. We’re also coordinating to create an annual golf tournament. What else would you like our readers to know about Panhandle Warrior Partnership? An important thing for the community to know is that most of our fundraising money goes to support our local outreach program. I know that many of the bigger nonprofit organizations working in the small hometown communities can’t say that. As a Guidestar. org top-tier platinum transparency organization, we utilize our funds with a high regard for ethics and that won’t change. How can our readers get involved with your organization? Please follow our Facebook and LinkedIn pages for the latest on what we have going on. We’ve also just created our monthly newsletter; sign up for it on our website at panhandlewarriorpartnership.org. If you’re a veteran in need, wish to volunteer, or just want to join Team PWP, call us at 850-945VETS or reach out with our quick referral form online. 30
| VIPDestinMagazine.com
29-30 GiveCareShare - Panhandle Warrior Partnership.indd 2
6/28/22 10:34 AM
31 slick lips.indd 1
6/28/22 10:34 AM
Business Profile Levin Bracken, a native of Memphis, TN, has been a Destin/30A resident since 2006. After serving as a litigation attorney at a Destin law firm for seven years and serving as a closing attorney for the firm’s affiliated title company, he formed Bracken Law in 2013. Bracken Law, P.A. engages in a highly diversified practice, serving a wide variety of clients and legal needs. The firm has been recognized by the readers of VIP Destin Magazine as the “Best Law Firm” for the years 2014 - 2019 and by the readers of Emerald Coast Magazine as the “Best Law Firm” on the Emerald Coast for 2016, 2018-2020. Bracken Law focuses on commercial and residential real estate transactions as an attorney agent for First American Title Insurance Company. Levin has been in the real estate transaction/title insurance business for over 15 years. As a customer’s real estate transaction will be one of the largest financial investments of their lives, Bracken Law believes that a Florida attorney should be involved in every closing. At Bracken Law an attorney is involved in every step of the way from contract formation to the closing table. From its inception, Bracken Law sets itself apart by providing competence, accessibility, attention to detail, and prompt communication. Clients have counted on the firm’s experience, its commitment to service, and its leadership in business and community affairs. In addition to serving customers in real estate transactions, the firm also represents an array of clients in business formation, contracts, business and asset sales, and business and real estate litigation. Levin is the past president of the Okaloosa Bar Association, a member of the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce, and Young Professionals of Walton County. He is admitted to practice in Florida and Tennessee. Levin lives along 30A in Seacrest, Florida, with his wife, Jessica, new daughter, Stella, and Goldendoodle, Champ. When not at the office, Levin can be found on Grayton Beach, attending Ole Miss sporting events, traveling, attending a Proffitt PR event, or enjoying a concert. Bracken Law, PA serves its clients with two offices centrally located on 30A in Blue Mountain Beach and in Holiday Plaza in Miramar Beach. Bracken Law serves the areas of Destin, 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, Miramar Beach, Panama City Beach, Niceville, and Fort Walton Beach. To contact Bracken Law, call (850) 792-2677 or email levin@brackenlawpa.com.
32-33 BusProfile_Bracken Law.indd 1
6/28/22 10:34 AM
32-33 BusProfile_Bracken Law.indd 2
6/28/22 10:34 AM
34 saltwater vacay.indd 1
6/28/22 10:35 AM
Watermelon -ATaste of Summer story by Anna Stockton
A
hhh, summertime… there are so many things to love about the season. The warm breezes coming off the water, the smell of chlorine and sunscreen after a long afternoon of swimming, and a picnic with family and friends with all your favorite summertime staples. One of the most refreshing staples, the watermelon, has an interesting history, ranging from a desert necessity to a refreshing, seedless wonder. Some version of the watermelon has been around for about 5,000 years. The term “some” is used because it’s not always been the sweet, juicy treat Mark Twain swooned over when he said, “When one has tasted watermelon, he knows what the angels eat.” If Twain had eaten the earliest version of watermelon, the quote would have been more like “ewww, gross, yikes! Gag me with a spoon,” probably? While the exact fruit ancestors of the watermelon are not fully nailed down, experts do know that humans have been eating them for a long time. In fact, watermelon seeds have been found in 5000-year-old settlements in Libya, and fast-forward about 1000 years from then you’ll find seeds and paintings of watermelons in Egyptian tombs, including King Tuts. What the experts find most interesting is not the fact that watermelons were so revered as to be painted on the walls of tombs but rather that they were oblong shaped watermelons, like those grown as crops, and not found in the wild. At this point in the fruit’s history, they were hard, bitter, and unappetizing, and while that does describe some people I’ve met in life, it doesn’t make for a fruit you’d want to eat on a regular basis, let alone grow fields of them. The key is in the first part of the name... water. In these desert climates, water was drawn from any source
available, including fruit. Watermelons remain edible for months if kept in the proper temperature and were pummeled to draw out the water. Experts believe this is why watermelon seeds were found in Egyptian tombs, believing their pharaohs might need water on their passage to the afterlife, watermelons were put in the tombs to ensure they had everything they needed for their journey. Over the next few thousand years, the popularity of watermelon spread and using selective breeding, growers were able to alter the fruit to more of what we (and Mark Twain) know and love today. In my opinion, one of the greatest innovations of our time, besides the internet and reality shows, of course, is the seedless watermelon. Gone are the days of eating around seeds, spitting out seeds, or (gasp) fearing the results of a swallowed watermelon seed. These seedless fruits are mainstream now and life is good! But how do you grow more seedless watermelons without... well, seeds. The answer is simply crossbreeding. About 50 years ago, farmers began crossing watermelons of different chromosomes and creating a sterile hybrid incapable of producing mature seeds (think donkey plus horse equals mule). This hybrid still needs a seeded parent’s pollination so growers plant both seeded and seedless in their fields, although fewer seeded watermelons are needed for a successful crop, resulting in 92% of all watermelon sales today being seedless. In the upcoming summer months, savor the slower pace and time spent with friends and family. Enjoy the summertime staples, like watermelon, that give the season that sweet refreshing feeling. July 2022 | 35
35-36 Coastal Cuisine - Watermelon- A Taste of Summer.indd 1
6/28/22 10:35 AM
Watermelon and Cucumber Salad INGREDIENTS: 8 cups cubed ripe seedless watermelon (1 8-pound watermelon) 2 mini cucumbers or ½ English cucumber (1 cup sliced) 2 ounces Feta cheese crumbles Zest of 1/2 lemon 4 basil leaves Sea salt, for garnish
DIRECTIONS: Chop the watermelon into cubes, Slice the cucumbers, Chop the basil, Zest the Lemon. Arrange the watermelon and cucumbers on a platter. Sprinkle with feta crumbles, lemon zest, and sea salt. Taste and ad st a ors as desired. Serve immediately.
How To Pick The Perfect Watermelon • Look for the field spot, this spot indicates how long the watermelon stayed on the vine. The larger, more yellow the patch, the riper the fruit. • Tap the underside with your knuckles, a deep sound indicates a perfectly ripe melon. • Look for the melons dull in color, too bright and it may not be ripe yet. • The heavier melons are the juiciest ones.
35-36 Coastal Cuisine - Watermelon- A Taste of Summer.indd 2
6/28/22 10:35 AM
Come Play with Our Pets Family Owned and Operated
THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST PET CARE & ACCESSORIES! 6235 N. Davis Hwy Pensacola, FL 32504 (850) 637-1123 PetlandPensacola
37 petland.indd 1
415 Mary Esther Cut Off NW Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 (850) 796-2424 PetlandFortWaltonBeach
6/28/22 10:35 AM
38 step one.indd 1
6/28/22 10:36 AM
VIP Destin at The Landing Park FWB
Sherry Jones & Debbie Dodge
Bobby Payne & Jacob Reiss
Step One Fest
Bill & Michelle Sauls, Madison & Jared Johnston
photos & story by Savannah Vasquez
S
tep One Automotive Group has a knack for celebrating things in a big way. This year the auto company celebrates their fifth year serving the Northwest Florida area, so on June 12, they pulled out all the stops with Step One Fest at The Landing Park in Fort Walton Beach. The festival included live music, food trucks, a kid’s zone, and more than 20 local non-profit tents. “We are celebrating five years in business, and we wanted to bring all our community partners together to thank the community for an amazing five years,” said Maureen Bierman, Step One Automotive Director of Marketing. “We now have 11 locations in the Northwest Florida area spanning from Pensacola to the Fort Walton Beach metropolitan area.” One of the pinnacle moments of the event featured representatives from Evan Williams Bourbon company presenting local veteran Mike Arena with a personalized bourbon bottle as a tribute to his work in co-founding Healing Paws for Warriors (HP4W). Healing Paws for Warriors connects combat veterans suffering from traumatic stress, depression or other military trauma with service dogs. “Partnering with local nonprofits is a very important part of what we do,” said Bierman. “We are very happy to support a charity like Healing Paws for Warriors because of the great work they do with local veterans.” Bierman explained that Step One Automotive Group aims to leave a legacy in every community they serve. By partnering with local non-profit organizations, Step One helps build the community through financially supporting the various services each non-profit provides.
Brayden & Narrisa Jenkins
Dick Rynearson & Mike Arena with Orion
Coedy Robinson, Maureen Beirman, Darra Flanagan & Adam Halter July 2022 | 39
39-40 Event_Step One Fest.indd 1
6/28/22 10:36 AM
VIP Destin at Step One Fest
Megan & Brandyn Vogtsberger, Garrison & Briley Kennedy
Jennifer Hagedorn, Sheryl West, Victoria Abril & Bonny Welburn
Scott Pence, Soli Rodrigues, Darrell Bost, Yvonne Rindler & Don Zimmerman
40
Amber Stevens, Justin Swanson, Chelsea Wood & Jaxon Wood
Cameron Solis, Michelle Thorson & Jeremy Springer
Haven Coble, Angela Class & Emily Shelton
Front row:Matt Allen, Ricardo Zacarias & Jack Tona Back row: Steve Abbott, Matthew Pritchard, Vincent Musick & James Freudenberg
| VIPDestinMagazine.com
39-40 Event_Step One Fest.indd 2
6/28/22 10:36 AM
41 hsb.indd 1
6/28/22 10:37 AM
VIP Destin at Beachworx
Stephanie & Steve Holcomb
Eric Gillum, Joshua Cowsert & William Blanken
VIP Destin Magazine JUNE 2022
ON • SOUTH WALT WALTON BEACH DESTIN • FORT
L
Cover Reveal Party
photos & story by Alicia Noble
ast month’s cover reveal party for VIP Destin Magazine’s June Fashion & Style Issue was held at Beachworx in Destin. Local businesspeople and friends of VIP Destin gathered to celebrate the new cover. Gracing the cover were Ashley and Ryan Templeton from May’s Down and Derby Fest, both donned in fashionable pink attire. Guests of the June 6 event perused the magazine looking at the latest local events and happenings. At the party, attendees dropped their business cards into a jar at the entrance. They mingled with familiar faces and made new friends as they enjoyed a delicious shrimp boil. Later that evening, lucky winners received raffle prizes donated by some of the businesses that attended the event. This exclusive event is a chance for local businessmen and women to network while checking out the magazine’s newest issue and cover before it hits the stands throughout the area.
Heather & Ryan Holloway 42
Amy Milligan & Lisa Thompson
Steven Franco, Melissa Fertitta & Kayla O’Leary
Todd Reeves, Verla Price, Lea Capers & Alex Barthe’
| VIPDestinMagazine.com
42 Event_VIP Cover Reveal.indd 1
6/28/22 10:38 AM
HOME • AUTO • WIND • FLOOD CONDO • BOAT • UMBRELLA • LIFE BUSINESS INSURANCE
(850) 424-6979 www.ins-zone.com
July 2022 | 43
43 ads iz, cbm.indd 1
6/28/22 10:38 AM
www.blalockseafooddestin.com 44
| VIPDestinMagazine.com
44 ads comm bank, blalock.indd 1
6/28/22 10:39 AM
Summertime Sippin’ story by Anna Stockton
T
here’s just something relaxing and carefree about summertime, the days are long and hot, and the pace of daily life slows down a bit. Pool parties, boat days, swims in the bayou and tiki bars are on tap for the weekends, rather than sports and school responsibilities. Grills are fired up, watermelons are cut up, and coolers are fi lled up on these lazy summer days while the tides go in and out and the drinks flow. Our team of cocktail connoisseurs here at VIP Pensacola have compiled the five must-have cocktails to take your summer to the next level, because to quote DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince “Summer, Summertime....time to sit back and unwind.”
45-46 Swizzle_Summertime Sippin'.indd 1
6/28/22 10:40 AM
Classic Margarita
Watermelon Martini
• 1 ½ ounces tequila
• Salt as needed • White sugar as needed • 1 cup watermelon juice • ¼ cup vodka • ¼ cup watermelon schnapps • 2 tablespoons simple syrup • 1 lime, juiced
• 1 ounce Cointreau or Triple Sec • ¾ ounce lime juice Rim the glass with salt. Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a glass and add ice.
Tequila Sunrise • 2 ounces blanco tequila • 4 ounces orange juice, freshly squeezed • 1/4 ounce grenadine Add the tequila and then the orange juice to a chilled highball glass filled with ice. Top with the grenadine, which will sink to the bottom of the glass, creating a layered effect. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.
Frose • Rosé • Frozen Strawberries • Sugar • Ice Blend all ingredients together (except ice), strain to remove seeds. Blend again with ice until smooth. Pour into wine glass, garnish with a strawberry.
45-46 Swizzle_Summertime Sippin'.indd 2
Combine some salt and sugar in a small bowl, and pour onto a small, shallow plate. Moisten the rims of 2 glasses with a piece of watermelon, and dip the moistened glass rims into the salt and sugar mixture; set aside. Mix the watermelon juice, vodka, watermelon schnapps, simple syrup, and lime juice into a cocktail shaker over ice. Strain into the prepared glasses.
Salty Dog • 1 1/2 ounces gin or vodka • 3 ounces grapefruit juice (freshly squeezed is best) • One dash simple syrup (optional) • Garnish: salt rim • Garnish: grapefruit slice Wet the rim of a highball glass and dip it in coarse salt. Fill the glass with ice, then add the gin (or vodka) and grapefruit juice and stir gently to combine (simple syrup is optional and will sweeten the tartness a bit). Garnish with a grapefruit slice.
6/28/22 10:40 AM
Brunch
Lunch
Raw bar
Happy Hour $1 off all drinks and selected 1/2 price appetizers ~ Daily 3-6 Live Music Wednesday thru Saturday ~ 5:30-8:30 Sunday Brunch with Endless Mimosas and Bloody Marys ~ 11-3 Home of the 102 foot bar including 32 beers on draft. Some of our specialties include little neck clams, freshly shucked raw oysters, New England style clam chowder and jumbo shrimp cocktail! Austons on 98, of Nashville roots, also features its very own “Real Deal Nashville Hot Sauce”! 125 Poinciana Boulevard, Miramar Beach, FL 32550 | 850-842-3200 | austonson98.com | Hours: Sun-Thur 11 am to 9 pm; Fri-Sat 11 am to 10 pm
Eliminate Credit Card Processing Fees. CardChamp has built a strong reputation by providing low, competitive pricing with great, personable service. 15 minutes could save your business thousands of dollars!
15 minutes could save your business thousands of dollars!
CardChamp can help your business:
1. Save money on Credit Card Processing Fees 2. Make the switch in less than 15 minutes 3. With personal support you can depend on
Learn more at cardchampVIP.com or call or text JEFF SARAULT, 724.420.1460 888-592-7075
jeff.sarault@cardchamp.com
July 2022 | 47
47 ads austons, d rutherford, sunshine yachts.indd 1
6/28/22 10:40 AM
LET US DO THE CLEANING WHILE YOU MAKE MEMORIES WITH YOUR
Family Now offering carpet cleaning.
SCHEDULE NOW
(850) 376-6774
BEST Cleaning Service 48
| VIPDestinMagazine.com
48 ads prog bank, maids in action.indd 1
6/28/22 10:41 AM
VIP Destin at Shoreline Church
DESTIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Business Before Hours photos & story by Zhalman Harris
D
estin Chamber of Commerce held another amazing Business Before Hours at Shoreline Church in Destin on June 10. The event, sponsored by BOTE and hosted by Shoreline, gave attendees an inside look at the local economy and some of what to expect in the coming months. While enjoying breakfast, guests listened to David Saviola of FourWard Employee Wellness, Dustin Terry of Clear Harbor Wealth Management, and Eric Navarre of Renasant Bank, who shared their thoughts and entertained questions about the local and national economies. Guests also had the opportunity to check out some of the beautiful BOTE boards and accessories that were on display at the event. Some attendees won raffle prizes, which were provided by BOTE along with other local businesses. The Destin Chamber hosts these events to encourage networking and to promote a cohesive local business community, as they strive to build a world -class community one business at a time.
Springer Williams & Michelle Terry
Eric Navarre & Dion Moniz
Catherine Card & Deanna Simonsen
Angela Pacley & Carla Jordana
Suzy Hunt & Sean Murphy
Tera & Brian Keister July 2022 | 49
49-51 Event_Business Before Hours.indd 1
6/28/22 10:41 AM
VIP Destin at Business Before Hours
Kevin O’Rourke & Jason Hall
50
Amelia Rukse & Brian Squire
Ana Michalzik & Jen Higgins
Donna Montalvo, Dustin Terry, Jerry Skalsky & Matt Metcalfe
David Butler & Kevin Bowyer
Savannah McQuaig & Deanna Simonsen
Annette Battle & Joshua Cowsert
Deborah Bruce & Myla Martinez
Ken Wampler & Lockwood Wernet
Dana Bell, Brenda Gray, Hayle Hamre, Fred Fenn, Kayla O’Leary & Jennifer Becker
| VIPDestinMagazine.com
49-51 Event_Business Before Hours.indd 2
6/28/22 10:41 AM
INTRODUCING OUR NEW DEDICATED DESK PROGRAM:
Kayla O’Leary, Jennifer Becker & Hayle Hamre
BECOME A VIP AT BEACHWORX
A new synergistic partnership between Beachworx & VIP Destin Magazine is designed to support your business’s growth in a professional office environment. Your membership includes a dedicated workspace and value-packed digital and print promotions to VIP Destin Magazine’s audience.
Sammi Eunice, Sean Murphy & Shelby Wagner
Contact us: info@thebeachworx.com
BECOME A VIP DESTIN BEACHWORX MEMBER AND RECEIVE: Sandy Lichauer, Jim Wood & Robb Hensel
• • • • • •
Dedicated desk with 24/7 access Three monthly meeting room credit hours Advertising for your business on Destinmagazine.com Inclusion in VIP Destin Magazine’s email blasts Invitations to exclusive events presented by VIP Destin Magazine & Beachworx Access to a community of amazing professionals
@thebeachworx 34990 Emerald Coast Pkwy. | Suite 300 Destin, FL thebeachworx.com | (850) 974-3435 Chris Blumenthal, Pete Buzzelli & Dennis Weber July 2022 | 51
49-51 Event_Business Before Hours.indd 3
6/28/22 10:41 AM
VIP Destin at The Blake at Miramar Beach
Maryellen Kelly & Helen Krizman
Makayla Reed & Kathryn Reed
Lori Theriault & Renee Coppi
Farmers Market at The Blake photos & story by Harley S. Sampson, Jr
T
he Blake at Miramar Beach hosted their first ever on-site Farmers Market on June 16. Residents, employees, and guests visited the vendor displays ranging from fresh fruit to flowers and resin products. With a network of dozens of vendors, Gary Parks, founder of Freeport Farmers Market, invited some vendors and assembled the marker for the residents to enjoy. Stacy Music from DeFuniak Springs brought farm-fresh eggs and was very happy to be at The Blake saying, “Gary Parks invited us and I’m here to bring the farm/store to the residents. Our eggs are organic and come from happy, healthy chickens.” The Blake has a very active social program which includes onsite Ted Talks and offsite trips. It was during a recent trip to the Freeport Farmer’s Market that the idea for the Farmer’s Market at The Blake came about. “During one of the visits to our farmers market in Freeport we brainstormed how The Blake could host their own market, and here we are,” said Dorothy Krupa. The Blake collection of communities offers memory care, independent and assisted living.
Mim Marshall & Percy McChesney
Beverly Gainer & Denise Rowe
Gary Parks & Dorothy Krupa 52
Betty Reay & Meg Mullen
| VIPDestinMagazine.com
52-53 Event_Farmers Market at The Blake.indd 1
6/28/22 10:42 AM
Rob Roy, Sr. & Rob Roy, Jr.
Zachary Spear & Lauren Schmidt
Susan Connor & Beth McCurdy
Diane Windhorst & Christine Calvin July 2022 | 53
52-53 Event_Farmers Market at The Blake.indd 2
6/28/22 10:42 AM
Luxury Yacht Celebrate Your Special Day with Panache!
EXCURSIONS & PLEASURE CRUISES
Enjoy an Elegantly Catered Brunch or Happy Hour Cruise Delight Your Guests with Dolphins at Play Explore the Grandeur of the Emerald Coast
“Explore. Enjoy. Experience Yacht Life!” PARROT HEAD YACHTS, LLC PARROTHEADYACHTS.COM (850) 980-5824
54 parrot heads.indd 1
6/28/22 10:42 AM
Seafaring in Style
F
story by Anna Stockton
or many in our area, boating isn’t just a hobby -- it’s a passion. Boaters know that unless you’re on a super yacht, à la Below Deck, space is limited, so everything on your boat needs to be functional. However, just because something is functional does not mean it cannot also be stylish. As technology improves and companies come up with new and better products, boaters have more fun and functional options to choose from -- and while we can’t help with your docking issues, we can certainly help you hit the sea with style.
Inflatable Dock Hangout - $1549.00 Boteboard.com
One of the great pastimes here on the Gulf is hanging out on a sandbar with friends. What better way to keep cool while doing this than a stylish floating dock. When inflated, this hangout measures 10 feet by 8 feet and can support up to 1100 pounds but is perfect for a boat as it folds up to a compact 40 inches by 33 inches. Simply inflate, pile on, and let the good times roll!
55-56 Style_Seafaring in Style - Destin.indd 1
6/28/22 10:43 AM
Hook and Tackle Americana Long Sleeve SPF Shirt - $40.00 Hook and Tackle Flower Power SPF Shirt - $40.00 Hookandtackle.com
These fishing shirts have an SPF of 50 and moisture wicking fabric that is also shrink and odor resistant. Perfect for a long day on the water catching the big ones.
Camco Currituck Cooler - $260.00 Amazon.com
Coolers have come a long way since the Styrofoam fishing coolers of years past. Technology has improved, along with the availability of colors, and boy am I a sucker for fun colors. This Camco cooler not only has great reviews, but it also boasts that it can keep ice for 10 whole days! Other “cool” features are tiedown spots for those rough boat days, as well as reversible feet on the bottom that allows you to switch from slide mode to nonslip grip mode.
Evolution Fishing Drift Series Tackle Backpack - $119.99 Basspro.com
Not only is this tackle box super fly, it’s also amazingly functional. With six matching tackle trays included and a large opening for quick access, you’ll be able to find your perfect lure in seconds. Multiple pockets, a line spool feed, a pliers holster, waterproof, no slip design, and adjustable backpack straps are some of the features that make this stylish tackle backpack a necessity for any fisherman.
55-56 Style_Seafaring in Style - Destin.indd 2
Toadfish Non-tipping Can Cooler - $24.00 Toadfish.com Flipfloppublishers.com (bulk orders)
This non-tip can cooler is essential for any boater as it grips to any flat surface and withstands unexpected wakes, rocking boats, and even bad drivers. This can cooler is made with stainless steel and has double wall vacuum insulation, so your drink is sure to stay cool on even the hottest Gulf Coast days.
6/28/22 10:43 AM
57 ppr - greg valloch.indd 1
6/28/22 10:43 AM
VIP Destin at Destin Chamber
Ladies Who Launch photos & story by Kay Phelan
I
n 2022, Ladies Who Launch, hosted by the Destin Chamber of Commerce, is continuing its Powerhouse Women Series, highlighting impactful women in the community. Laura Hussey of WEAR TV Channel 3 News, the ABC affi liate in Pensacola, shared lessons learned during her more than 25 years of broadcasting experience, including her current role as morning news co-anchor at WEAR TV. Ladies from the area gathered to hear the energetic Hussey share her many broadcast experiences that included memorable moments covering 9/11 when she was part of wall-to-wall coverage, as well as broadcasting live during a slew of Gulf Coast storms and hurricanes. She’s interviewed national and state leaders, but treasures the stories of people in her community, sharing the good times, and helping each other through the tough times. Recently married, she is enjoying sharing life’s adventures with new husband, Will Estell. Hussey’s reports on Northwest Florida’s local bases have given her strong bonds to the military, that has led to the privilege of flying on C-130s, a CV-22 Osprey, and an F-15 fighter jet. She’s trekked through the swamp with Army Rangers, and even took a spin in the F-35 simulator, where she managed not to crash the plane. The popular Ladies Who Launch, a committee of the Destin Chamber, offers the Chamber’s female membership a platform for strategic networking and relationship building, while training, motivating, and inspiring those members.
Beth Clavier & Laura Hussey 58
Ashley Vannoy & Savannah McQuaig
Dana Bell & Jennifer Becker
Kayla OLeary & Springer Williams
Shane Moody & Jenni Brunson
| VIPDestinMagazine.com
58-59 Event_Ladies Who Launch.indd 1
6/28/22 10:43 AM
AubreyJohnson, Deanna Simonsen & Hannah Cobb
Sharla Noel & Bobbie Celano
Marcia Hull, Christine Martinez & Brenda Gray
Michelle Hancey & Natasha Holts July 2022 | 59
58-59 Event_Ladies Who Launch.indd 2
6/28/22 10:44 AM
VIP Destin at Caring & Sharing of Walton County
Gabrielle Kilgore & Whitney Dallas
Hayley Johnson & Angel McDonald
Ronnelle Stewart & Carly Barnes
Walton Area Chamber
Business After Hours photos & story by Alicia Noble
T
he Walton Area Chamber of Commerce held their monthly Business After Hours event on June 16 at Caring & Sharing of Walton County’s Santa Rosa Beach location. Business people of Walton County and surrounding areas gathered at the local thrift store to browse items, mingle, and enjoy food and
David Underwood & Celeste Laminda Bell
beverages. This event is held each month to allow business men and women an opportunity to network in a relaxed atmosphere while spreading the word of the Chamber’s mission and the mission of the organization that is hosting the event. Caring & Sharing’s mission is to provide food and assistance to their neighbors in need through support of their volunteers and contributors. Many volunteers work at the thrift store, where their office and food assistance facility is also housed. Guests of June’s Business After Hours event had the opportunity to learn more about Caring & Sharing, a chance to browse their goods at a 10 percent discount, and snack on delicious food from local restaurants. Wine and beer were also served to guests by volunteers at the event. Macho Taco Cantina provided food and Sweet Henrietta’s supplied desserts. This popular event is always free for chamber members, and only $10 for non-members. Mary Catharine Miller & Ali Gorman
Jimmy Jones & Chris Cordt 60
Jimmy Dallas, Whitney Dallas, Judith Watkins & Ginny Richerson
| VIPDestinMagazine.com
60-61 Event_Walton County Chamber.indd 1
6/28/22 10:45 AM
Diane Freeman, Teresa Allen & Tate Forbes
Margot Mahoney & Susan Mahaffey
DAVID M. RUTHERFORD I N C O M E TA X S P E C I A L I S T
Barbie Larson, Bill Blanken & Bob Redmond
David M. Rutherford *Military Discounts Available*
CORPORATE TAXES/FILINGS BUSINESS INCOME TAXES | RENTAL PROPERTIES FULL PAYROLL SERVICES
START UP SPECIALIST COPIES/BLACK ONLY | FAX SERVICE | FLYERS LAMINATING | RESUMES | NOTARY SERVICE
Cindy Gervais & Jesse Moon
850.460.2995 127 Harbor Blvd. | Suite 3A | Destin, FL July 2022 | 61
60-61 Event_Walton County Chamber.indd 2
6/28/22 10:45 AM
LOCALE O Eggs on the Beach Returns The Emerald Coast’s official Big Green Egg cooking competition, Eggs on the Beach, is returning to Seascape Resort in Miramar Beach on Oct. 15, 2022. Presented by Bay Breeze Patio, the family-friendly event celebrates the delicious results of cooking on the Big Green Egg while benefiting two local charities--the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast and Food for Thought. Cook team registration is now open and grilling enthusiasts are encouraged to enter a team for a chance to win a Big Green Egg, Judge’s Trophy, and/or cash toward their favorite non-profit organization. The cook-friendly competition is open to any six-person team, including backyard grilling enthusiasts, restaurant teams, corporate teams, and teams benefiting a non-profit organization. Each team will prepare the recipe of their choice and present samples to earn taster votes. From meats and seafood to veggies and desserts, each recipe aims to showcase best in class recipes for cooking on a Big Green Egg.
Competing in a variety of categories, cook teams strive to earn “People’s Choice” votes in an effort to earn bragging rights and win a brand new Big Green Egg as well as a coveted Judge’s Award Trophy. Non-profit cook teams will compete for a donation for their cause. Last year, four local non-profit cook teams, including Healing Paws for Warriors, South Walton Academy, Sinfonia Gulf Coast, and Boys & Girls Club of the Emerald Coast, earned the most taster votes and cash toward their cause. Soleil Opens in Destin Soleil is officially open in Destin. Located in The Inn at Crystal Beach, the stunning views from the beachfront patio, bar, and dining room add to the warm, upscale atmosphere. Proprietors Bart and Micah Begley opened Soleil on May 8, 2022, just in time for summer. The new beachfront dining experience is led by celebrity chef and sommelier Chef Michael Sichel. Chef Sichel is passionate about his work and it shows, not
only when speaking to him, but in every dish he and his team prepare. The setting of the sun, sand, and sea are reflected in all of the creations they offer. The menu boasts dishes you won’t find anywhere else. The creativity and thought in each plate comes from Chef’s yearning to be different, to make a statement. Chef Sichel is overjoyed to be here, saying, “It is a perfect fit. I’m surrounded by people who are like me, owners who are supportive of my vision - and we’ve created a workplace of people who feel the same way. On top of that, it’s a beautiful place to be. I am at a point in my life and career where I don’t want to just be serious, I want to be animated - and that’s what I get to do here every day.” Pastry Chef Michael Bump leads the way in dessert creations, with thoughtfully prepared delights sure to top off anyone’s meal as a grand finale. General Manager Greg Nass and Front of House Manager Staci Stroin ensure every guest is cared for to the highest standard. Bar Manager Daniel Labrador AKA “Lab” is a premier mixologist leading the bar team with his vast experience. The space was recently renovated to bring it to the level it deserves. Every detail, finish and fixture was carefully chosen to bring in the sun, the “Soleil.” The expansive views are like no other and are celebrated as such.
Owner Bart Begley said, “Since our company, Salt Water Vacations, manages The Inn at Crystal Beach, it made sense for us to make our dream restaurant right here in the place we love. You can’t beat the view and searching for a chef was quickly over when we met Chef Sichel. It’s an honor to be here and we are proud to offer this space to everyone.” Soleil serves lunch from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and dinner from 5:00 p.m. until close Tuesday - Saturday along with a Sunday
Brunch from 11:00 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. Soleil’s menu and more information can be found at soleildestin.com. White-Wilson Medical Center Recognized as Large Business of the Year White-Wilson Medical Center took home one of the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce’s biggest honors by being recognized as Large Business of the Year. The award was announced during the chamber’s Annual Awards and Installation Banquet on Saturday, June 11. White-Wilson Medical Center opened its first clinics in Crestview in November 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and has since become a trusted source in the community.
“The Crestview community has welcomed us with open arms and we proud of the level of care our health care professionals are providing there,” said White-Wilson CEO Alan Gieseman. “We are honored and humbled by this recognition of our service, and we aim to continue delivering the WhiteWilson standard of care to our Crestviewarea patients for many years to come.” The medical center opened its doors with two Crestview clinics in November 2020 and has since grown rapidly to now provide Immediate Care, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics and Pulmonology. They have also added imaging and laboratory services for added convenience and a designated clinic space for their pediatric patients. “We feel fortunate to have been able to serve during such trying times,” continued Gieseman. “The pandemic and boom in population growth have heightened the area’s need for quality health care options, and we’re thankful for the opportunity to deliver. Our focus in Crestview will remain on offering exceptional, patient-centered care and celebrating all those who provide it every day.” White-Wilson Medical Center has been serving the Emerald Coast for 76 years and is home to more than 20 specialties of medicine. In addition to Chamber acknowledgement, White-Wilson has received an array of industry accolades and annual readers’ choice recognitions.
62 | VIPDestinMagazine.com
62 Locale - Destin.indd 1
6/28/22 10:52 AM
63 skippers.indd 1
6/28/22 10:52 AM
64 mkaf.indd 1
6/28/22 10:53 AM
JULY 9 Red, White, and Blues Pensacola Beach Air Show Casino Beach Boardwalk | 20 Casino Beach Blvd. Pensacola Beach 8:00am-3:00pm The Red White and Blues Pensacola Beach Air Show powered by Step One Automotive Group will feature the Blue Angels on Saturday, July 9. Locals and visitors from all over can look to the skies to experience the unique, exciting, and jaw-dropping demonstrations performed by the Blue Angels! You DO NOT want to miss this event! Go to www.steponeautomotive.com/events/ for more information.
JULY 9 Water Around Us - Kids Summer Series Destin History and Fishing Museum 108 Stahlman Avenue | Destin 10:00am-4:00pm Kids can learn about the local waters at this interaction event. Hands on activities, along with speakers from the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance and the Florida Public Archeology Network make for a fun, educational day for kids. For information visit www.destinhistoryandfishingmuseum.org/eventdetails/water-around-us.
JULY 12 9th Annual Great American Cookout Destin Chamber 4484 Legendary Dr. Ste. A | Destin 11:30am—1:00pm Join Destin Chamber of Commerce for their 9th Annual Great American Cookout, sponsored by Community Bank and Emerald Coast Title Services. Enjoy networking and a cookout, with a non-profit spotlight on Fisher House of the Emerald Coast. Cost for the lunch is $15 for members and $25 for non-members. Register by Friday, July 8. For more information visit DestinChamber.com/events.
JULY 14 Paula Crevoshay Personal Appearance and Trunk Show McCaskill and Company 13390 U.S. 98 | Destin 10:00am - 5:30pm Come meet Paula Crevoshay and see her beautiful jewelry designs. Paula applies fine art principles and symbolism to her modern jewelry designs. Her work is on display at the Gemological Institute of America, The Carnegie Museum of Natural History and in the National Gem Collection at the Smithsonian Institution.
JULY – VARIOUS DAYS ALL MONTH LONG Breakfast Under the Sea Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park 1010 Miracle Strip Parkway SE | Fort Walton Beach Start your day with a smile as you enjoy a delicious breakfast next to the beautiful tropical fish of our Living Sea aquarium. While your meal is prepared, you will have the opportunity to touch and feed one of our African black-footed penguins and interact with the trainers to learn more about our feathered family. This program includes breakfast and general admission, and you will have just the fuel you need to spend the day perusing exhibits and watching our dolphin and sea lion show! Ages 8-12 $89.00 (must be accompanied by an adult), 13 and up $99.00 Visit Gulfarium.com/BreakfastUnderTheSea for available dates and to purchase tickets.
Go to McCaskillAndCompany.com/events/ for more information.
Visit www.VIPDestinMagazine.com for more events! July 2022 | 65
65 Save the Date Destin.indd 1
6/28/22 10:53 AM
2
66 boogies.indd 1
6/28/22 10:53 AM
VIP Destin at Poppy’s Crazy Lobster
Power of Business Luncheon photos & story by Harley S. Sampson, Jr.
William Blanken & Mark Wendel
P
oppy's Crazy Lobster hosted Walton Area Chamber’s Power of Business luncheon on June 8. Overlooking the Choctawhatchee Bay, Poppy’s upper room was all hustle and bustle as Chamber members and guests gathered for the luncheon. After the invocation and pledge the luncheon’s sponsor, Jimmy Dallas of A Superior Air Conditioning, gave a brief presentation. He metaphorically compared the company’s work to that of a heart surgeon, explaining that your HVAC system is the heart of your home, and like a good surgeon, A Superior Air Conditioning Company’s technicians would look at the duct work before any work began. After reminding attendees about the upcoming Veterans and First Responders luncheon and HVAC system giveaway, Chamber President and CEO Megan Harrison took over and spoke about networking opportunities. Walton Area Chamber’s monthly Power of Business Luncheon allows attendees to showcase their business and network with other business leaders. Angela Turner & Whitney Dallas
Jennifer Cooper & Carmen Murphy
Ann Kief & Patrick Wilborn
Carly Barnes & Megan Harrison
Brenda Gray & Mike Storey
Wilmer Rodriguez & Allison Smith
Marta & Jimy Thorpe July 2022 | 67
67-68 Event_Power of Business Luncheon.indd 1
6/28/22 10:54 AM
VIP Destin at Power of Business Luncheon
Ginny Richerson & Jimmy Dallas
Ramsey Lawrence, Lindsey Harp & Patrick Riester
Renee Rogers & Victoria Swinford
Sam DeWeese & Dan Poulin
Verla Price, Stacy Hoffman & Colleen Riddle 68
Jeremiah Brewer & Teresa Allen
Paula Harp & Kelsie Goodwin
David Butler & Gabby Kilgore
Erica Bottom & Mike Coupé
| VIPDestinMagazine.com
67-68 Event_Power of Business Luncheon.indd 2
6/28/22 10:54 AM
WEDDINGS • AIRPORT • CORPORATE • GROUP / EVENTS EXOTIC CAR • CLASSIC CAR • SPRING BREAK SHUTTLE
EVEN BEFORE YOU’VE REACHED YOUR DESTINATION YOU’LL FEEL YOU’VE TRULY ARRIVED
850-654-5466 (LIMO) www.654Limo.com
• 24/7 live reservations and dispatch • Easy online reservations • Over 14 years experience • GPS tracking on all vehicles
221 Main Street Destin, Florida 32541
Providing Quality Car, Truck, & SUV Repairs • Oil change • Vehicle diagnostics • 27 point inspection • Cooling system flush • Factory maintenance schedule • Brake system flush • Brake system operation and inspections
850-837-6667 221 Main Street Destin, Florida 32541
Serving Destin *Sandestin *Santa Rosa Beach * Seaside * Fort Walton Servicing all domestic vehicles and specializing on European models such as Audi, BMW and Jaguar see the website for full list.
www.AutoWorksofDestin.com 69 654LIMO.indd 1
6/28/22 10:54 AM
I AM DESTIN
James T. (Jim) Wood, Jr. What is your hometown and how did you end up on the Emerald Coast? My hometown is Louisville, Mississippi. While assigned to the US Army in 1991 in Germany, I received orders to Eglin AFB, where I served until 1994. We returned to Destin in 2004 following my retirement from the US Army. What is your profession? I served for 20 years as a US Army Air Defense Artillery Officer. My career included joint assignments working with all our military services, tactical deployments, working with military and diplomats from 44 countries and finishing in US Army Space and Missile Defense Command. The highlight of my career was deploying my PATRIOT Air Defense Artillery Battery in 1991 to Tel Aviv, Israel, during Operation Desert Storm and being awarded the Bronze Star. My father was a US Air Force Officer for 26 years. I am proud that both of us deployed to war, were awarded Bronze Stars, and retired as Lieutenant Colonels. Upon retirement, I started my second profession as public policy/ community volunteer. With an interest in government and the public policy decision making process, I joined the Destin City Council from 2008-2016. I fell in love with transportation as an issue. A much easier topic to like than to solve, especially here in Destin. I served on many local, regional, and state transportation planning organizations that afforded me an opportunity to formulate policy, set priorities, and provide funding sources for many projects. I now serve on two City of Destin advisory board/committees: Chairman of both the Local Planning Agency (LPA) and the Public Works and Public Safety Committee. I also serve as Secretary/Treasurer for the Destin Water Users Board of Directors and as a member of the Mid-Bay Bridge Authority. I have always been humbled and honored to stay active in the public policy arena. What are some of your favorite things about Destin? What makes it unique? Of course, the beaches, but also my favorite things include the plethora of opportunities I have had to participate in organizations and the relationships established along the way. The US Army taught me the value of organization and teamwork. Serving in local government afforded me opportunities to interact with many outstanding individuals and organizations. I enjoy eating seafood, especially Gumbo, occasional fishing trips, my neighborhood walks, and my gym trips that I do 3-4 times a week. Three words that best describe you. Tenacious, Leader, Caring. Favorite place to go out? American Legion Post 296 for breakfast with my wife on Sundays. Movies at Suds and Cinema in FWB with my wife. My favorite pastime is collecting baseball cards, specifically Johnny Bench from the Big Red Machine days of the 1970s. We also enjoy often visiting our Daughter in Huntsville, AL. Finish this statement. I AM Destin because… I have worked hard since my arrival in 2004 to make Destin a world class resort community where all are free to responsibly live, work, and play to the best of their ability. Whether it be the development of good public policy, improved transportation, clean and safe drinking water, participation in local festivals, or just relaxing at home with family. All of these are ongoing missions that I intend to continue in the future. photo by Alicia Noble
70 Iam Destin_Jim Wood.indd 1
6/28/22 10:55 AM