Le monde
Artisans and creatives T h e He a r t o f a C o m m u n i t y B Y N A O M I A LVA R A D O
All along Scenic Highway 30-A in Northwest Florida there is a low, persistent hum of happiness and optimism in the air. Each town along the way has a distinct vibe and is filled with smiling visitors excited about the possibilities of the week ahead.
hey are families here for a reunion, friends celebrating a bride- and groomto-be, couples commemorating a special anniversary, or coworkers getting a much-deserved break from the office. But for locals, this is simply home.
Right: Naomi and Chris Alvarado with their son, Hayden Photo by Shelly Swanger 72 | NO V E MBE R 2019
I moved here in 2009, three days after I graduated from college, for a summer job that would serve as a springboard to a career in a bigger city. As soon as I crossed the bridge over the Choctawhatchee Bay, something felt different, and I knew I would never look back. I had only been to the area once when I interviewed for the job, so everything was unfamiliar to me, but it already felt like home. I found new favorite places and made friends, but it wasn’t until a few months later that I discovered what is so special about our area.
I’ve never felt a sense of community like I do here in South Walton. The local population is small but incredibly supportive of its own. We have our differences and issues to be resolved, but overall there is a shared love of the area that unites us. The primary industry around here is tourism, which lends itself to a multitude of opportunities for potential business owners: entertainment, event planning, hospitality,
