VIE - People + Places / Fall 2010

NORTHWEST FLORIDA – COLA 2 COLA

FALL 2010

THE ART OF LIFE Five Years of Sinfonia Gulf Coast The Sandra Brooks Jewelry Collection

GET HEALTHY COLA 2 COLA Physicians Guide

THE VOYAGER Kim Duke-Layden Visits South Lake Tahoe

PLUS: Northwest Florida Vacation Guide Brandan Babineaux Wins VIE’s Photo Contest Sabine Laguna Wins VIE’s Summer Giveaway

VINTAGE SWIMSUITS THE OBJECT OF OUR AFFECTION VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

1

2

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

G IN EN ue OP tiq D Bou ANShoe GR

Tibi Blumarine Christian Lacroix Emilio Pucci Valentino Barbara Bui Roberto Cavalli Elie Tahari Tory Burch Diane Von Furstenberg Giuseppe Zanotti Tom Ford DSquared Maison Martin Margiela Galliano House of Harlow

Teena d’Haven BOUTIQUE

12555 Emerald Coast Parkway | Suite B Destin, Florida 32550 Between Destin and Sandestin 850.269.0781 VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

3

Happiness

is Staying & Playing.

Hole 7 "The Bad" Hombre's 27 championship Holes, The Good, The Bad & The Ugly feature water on 21 of 27 holes and is meticulously manicured to PGA specifications throughout.

Two can Stay and Play for only $241 per night!

Rate includes one bedroom Golf Villa at Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort, breakfast and a round of golf at Hombre Golf Course including cart. Rate is based on two guests and is valid until December 31, 2010,

Call for Information & Reservations 800.874.8686 | www.edgewaterbeachresort.com 4

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

* Rate does not include tax. Based on availability. Some restrictions apply. Not applicable to existing reservations.

Promo Code:

STAY10

Happiness.

Enjoy up to 20% savings on fall rates when you book your vacation at The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach through October 31, 2010.

866.203.1164

Book On-line at www.resortspcbeach.com | Promo Code: FALL1 To book your stay at Grand Panama Beach Resort please call 866-621-8862 and reference this promotion to receive rate.

*Excluding En Soleil. Based on availability. Some restrictions apply. Not applicable on holidays or existing reservations.

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

5

splendor in the grass "Golf courses should respect the natural beauty of the settin . Camp Creek combines coastal dunescape and pine forests for a unique olf experience."

- Tom Fazio

Recipient of coveted awards from Zagat, GolfWeek, Golf Digest and Golf Magazine, Tom Fazio-designed Camp Creek Golf Club is now open to non-member play!

Call 850.23I.7600 and ask for the VIE special!

Not valid in combination with any other offer. Restrictions may apply.

6

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

www.Ca mpCr eek G olfClub .co m

For more information, please visit:

w w w. v i e z i n e . c o m

In this issue:

52

128 88

34 76

114 142 64

Perspectives Dr. James Moody: The HeART of Surgery 16

Get Healthy The COLA 2 COLA Physicians Guide 100 Dr. Kimberly Moskowitz 102 Dr. Jeffrey Lord 106 21st Century Oncology 108 Dr. Steve Weiner 112 Dr. Nitin Bawa 114 Health Nut: You Are What You Eat 118

The Art of Life Sinfonia: Symphony Reinvented 25 Carrie Underwood: Stage Power 34 The Sandra Brooks Collection 40

The Business Corner The Business Corner Announcements 128 Interview with ATW Roofing 130 Of Black Swans and Oily Pelicans… 136

People + Places JS Salon Grand Opening 51 Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation 125 New Beginnings 148 Rock the Beach 154

Feature Vintage Swimsuits: The Object of My Affection 52 Mercury 64

VIE Updates VIE’s Summer Giveaway Helps Four Local Charities 46 VIE – People + Places Photo Contest Winners 142

A Sense of Place Ten Reasons I Love South Lake Tahoe 70 Northwest Florida Vacation Guide 76 National Naval Aviation Museum 88 Giving Children’s Home Society: Making Children Happy 94 VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

7

COLA COLA

®

Distribution Areas by County:

Sip the finest margarita Taste guacamole made at your table Savor the freshness of our new

CILANTRO CHICKEN SALAD NUEVO

O

ur stories and distribution cover COLA 2 COLA®—Pensacola to Apalachicola. We explore the people and places of our region in the pages of VIE - People + Places. The magazine is found in all the Tourist Development Council Centers, Chamber of Commerce locations, Sundog Books in Seaside, Florida, boutiques, restaurants, bed-and-breakfast locations, special events and much more!

We are thrilled you have picked up a copy of VIE and hope you enjoy exploring the people and places of our coveted area. We have a passion for VIE, our area, and the people and businesses found within and hope you will share in the excitement and know that we live in a great place and that "life is good."

Our newest culinary creation... the Cilantro Chicken Salad.

Grilled fajita chicken on salad greens with black beans, roasted red pepper, and avocados with cilantro-lime dressing.

GR A ND B OU LE V A R D

585 Grand Boulevard Sandestin 850.654.5649 follow on Facebook & Twitter cantinalaredo.com 8

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

VIE is excited to announce that its distribution has now branched out to the airports of Baltimore/Washington International, Houston Hobby, Memphis International, Nashville International, and Orlando International, with Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International soon to arrive. In addition to these high-profile locations, VIE is also being added to the shelves of some of the country’s top-selling bookstores, newsstands and supermarkets, giving our advertisers potential access to millions of people.

VIE: People + Places is a registered trademark. All contents herein are Copyright © 2010 Cornerstone Marketing & Advertising, Incorporated (The Publisher). All rights reserved.

No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from The Publisher. VIE: People + Places is a life-style magazine of Northwest Florida (COLA 2 COLA®) and is published quarterly. The opinions herein are not necessarily those of The Publisher. The Publisher and its advertisers will not be held responsible for any errors found in this publication. The Publisher is not liable for the accuracy of statements made by its advertisers. Ads that appear in this publication are not intended as offers where prohibited by state law. The Publisher is not responsible for photography or artwork submitted by freelance or outside contributors. The Publisher reserves the right to publish any letter addressed to the editor or The Publisher. VIE: People + Places is a paid publication. Subscription rate: One year $19.95 (U.S. only).

VIE is for Voyager!

VIE Creative Team:

Holl-VIE-wood!

VIE goes Hollywood thanks to Lyndsay Iverson, shown here holding the 2010 Summer issue in Hollywood, CA! Show us a pic of you traveling with your favorite issue of VIE and it could be featured in an upcoming issue of the magazine, on our blog or Facebook! Send print-quality photos to info@viezine.com

On the Cover: The cover girl of VIE’s 2010 Fall issue makes her modeling debut—Madra McDonald shines, channeling the era of pinup girls from the ’50s in the fashion spread, “The Object of My Affection” on page 58.

Photographer Romona Robbins continues to hone her craft, and through it she captures her vision and the vision of others. Shot on the docks of Destin and Okaloosa Island’s Princess Beach, her photos illuminate the pages in our homage to a collection of vintage swimsuits provided by stylist Janet Longton.

Photography by Romona Robbins, with Shauna Olson assisting Stylist: Janet Longton Hair: Rachel London of Frankie’s “A Salon” Makeup Artist: Leisha Medeiros of Frankie’s “A Salon”

Published by:

Lisa Burwell Publisher lisa@viezine.com

Gerald Burwell Editor-in-Chief gerald@viezine.com

Bob Brown VP of Creative Services bob@viezine.com

Lisa Comeau VP of Account Services lisa.comeau@viezine.com

Eric Shepard Creative Director eric@viezine.com

Jim Ryan Account Executive jim@viezine.com

Tracey Thomas Graphic Designer tracey@viezine.com

Mary Jane Kirby Account Executive maryjane@viezine.com

Tim Dutrow Video Producer tim@viezine.com

Lisa Ferrick Social Correspondent lisa.ferrick@viezine.com

Nick Belvin Writer nick@viezine.com

Ainsley Rogers PR Intern

VIE Contributors: Freelance Staff: Margaret Stevenson Copy Editor

Jessie Shepard Photography Romona Robbins Photography

Contributing Writers: Sallie W. Boyles Steve Cann Matthew Christ Rhonda Cloutier Kim Duke-Layden Franco Grimaldi Brian Haugen Clark Peters

Tori Phelps Taris Savell David Waddle Ava Wood

Contributing Photographers:

(850) 231-3087 114 Logan Lane, Suite 4 | Grayton Beach, FL 32459 www.theideaboutique.com

Contact us at info@theideaboutique.com

Brandan Babineaux Kristen Barnes Britton Bartlett Andrews Blaine Shirley Browning Lisa Marie Borges Michael Cage Joe Cloutier Colleen Duffley Kim Duke-Layden Deanne & Gus Dunlop Heather Forrester

Sheila Goode Michael Granberry Colleen Hinely Ross Oscar Knight Brock O’Dell Ocean Jewel’s Images Shannon Quinlan Heather Rizzo Taris Savell Ron Tamondong Bill Young Kevin Zimarek VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

9

Publisher's Note - Seasons

“For everything there is a season...”

—Ecclesiastes 3:1

T

his past spring, a virtual collective sigh of relief could be heard in nearly all circles of life. Maybe the season of our discontent, which had spanned three to five years for many in Northwest Florida and beyond, would be coming to an end. Lots of hope ensued as it felt like we were nearing the finish line and life might return to normal again. Enter the oil spill. An eternal optimist at heart, I was momentarily leveled to the core, as I wasn’t sure how much fight I had left in me. A deep weariness crept into my spirit, and I hoped for better days ahead. The Leviathan-like beast growing in our pristine waters was a tough monster to fight, but somehow, someway, we’d all make it—right?

in a simple and childlike conversational prayer, to protect the beauty that He had made here, I also hoped to hear His answer.

After several weeks of shock meets “you’ve got to be kidding me,” a new fight emerged from within me—I had worked too hard to turn back now. How could the end of the story turn out like this? What were the last few years of struggle all about? Would we have to move? Would everything we’ve all worked for be wiped out? Would an apocalypselike ending take us down? How much can we take?

I am well aware that we may have many battles ahead to overcome, and that the long-term effects of the oil are not yet realized, but what I do know is that this area of the world we all love so much has dodged a bullet, and that life could be much worse. And for this, I am grateful.

As I pondered the many questions I had that day, I felt a peace come over me.

Staring out at the Gulf from Seagrove Beach, I so appreciated her beauty and didn’t want her marred. And then a still, small voice whispered in my spirit ... “I made all waters and they are vast. More vast than you can imagine. I can fix this.

Believe!” That was my personal experience of weathering yet another storm, and one of the great lessons I learned from it is that no matter what may come, I rely on God to sustain me. We are really at the mercy of fate and destiny.

To life!

As I heard my own thoughts echoed by many others and recognized the look of worry in the eyes of my neighbors, friends, and colleagues, I wondered what would happen. On day fifty-four of the crisis, a lone evening walk on the beach led me to seek God and ask Him what was going on. As I begged the Creator,

10

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

—Lisa Burwell lisa@viezine.com

AN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN BOUTIQUE

"A craftsman at heart, I ascribe to the philosophy of taking pride in each and every project that I design."

Gerald F. Burwell A r c h i t e c t

BurwellAssociates 114 Logan Lane, Suite 4.

Grayton Beach, Florida 32459 P. 850.231.6377 F. 850.231.6375 E. gerald@burwellassociates.com BurwellAssociates.com

Lic number AR-0017641 VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010 11

Pier Park is conveniently located between the “Worlds Most Beautiful Beaches” and Back Beach Rd in the heart of Panama City Beach.

Dillard’s, JCPenney, Target, Old Navy, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Ron Jon Surf Shop, Borders, LongHorn Steakhouse, The Grand 16 Theatres, Panera Bread, The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House, Starbucks Coffee, Miracle Strip, Buffalo Wild Wings, Hofbräu Beer Garden, Victoria’s Secret, Coldwater Creek, American Eagle Outfitters, Five Guys Famous Hamburgers & Fries. Located on Front Beach Road at Pier Park Drive.

Shopping Line® 850.236.9979.

12

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

SHOP

DINE

E N T E R TA I N

VIE – People + Places

HONORS 2009 FLORIDA PUBLIC RELATIONS ASSOCIATION IMAGE AWARDS Grand Image Award: VIE – People + Places; Magazine, Printed Tools of Public Relations Image Award: VIE – People + Places; Magazine, Printed Tools of Public Relations

2009 ADDY AWARDS 2009 Emerald Coast Advertising Federation of the American Advertising Federation Gold ADDY® Award: VIE – People + Places, Series Design for VIE Gold ADDY® Award: VIE – People + Places, Consumer, Regional/National Gold ADDY® Award: VIE – People + Places, Fashion Week Photograph

2010 FLORIDA PUBLIC RELATIONS ASSOCIATION IMAGE AWARDS Grand Image Award: VIE – People + Places; Website, Audio and Visual Tools of Public Relations Image Award: VIE – People + Places; Website, Audio and Visual Tools of Public Relations

2010 ADDY AWARDS 2010 Panama City Chapter of the American Advertising Federation Best of Show ADDY® Award: VIE – People + Places, Overall Magazine Design Gold ADDY® Award: VIE – People + Places, “Marketing Revolution” (Article Spread Design) Gold ADDY® Award: VIE – People + Places, “One Love” (Article Spread Design) Gold ADDY® Award: VIE – People + Places, “Form and Function” (Article Spread Design) Gold ADDY® Award: VIE – People + Places, “A Tribute to Mothers” (Article Spread Design) Gold ADDY® Award: VIE – People + Places, “Grace in Motion” (Cover Photo) Gold ADDY® Award: VIE – People + Places, Overall Magazine Design

FOURTH DISTRICT ADVERTISING FEDERATION ADDY AWARDS Gold ADDY® Award VIE – People + Places, “Grace in Motion” (Cover Photo)

VIE art director, Eric Shepard, and photographer Jessie Shepard, worked with Northwest Florida Ballet’s artistic director and CEO, Todd Allen, to capture the artistic beauty of dance and the spirit of the holiday season for our Winter 2009 issue!

VIE – People + Places is a member of the Florida Magazine Association.

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

13

Portofino Island Resort pensacola beach, florida

Book with Premier and your Portofino Island vacation includes the following features worth over $750.

866.915.0633

• Complimentary welcome gift

• Complimentary dolphin cruises*

• Complimentary round of golf daily

• Discounts on food & beverage, bikes, kayaks,

• Complimentary beach chair setup for two • Complimentary Catamaran cruise to the Portofino Boardwalk*

*Available seasonally

• Complimentary Fitness Center access

paddle boards, wave runners and much more.

• Complimentary customized vacation planning

• The opportunity to earn complimentary nights

www.portofinoisland.com 14

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

bud•&•alley’s W D a t e r f r o n t •

i n i n g

BuD•&•alley’s•restaurant • rooftop•Bar • taco•Bar • pizza•Bar t h r e e g r e at r e S ta U r a n t S

on the

beach

in

SeaSide

GOOD FOOD. GOOD PEOPLE. GOOD TIMES.

Specializing

in

Unforgettable WeddingS, corporate & private partieS

contact: eventS @ bUdandalleyS .com

850.231.5900 • M a k E • O n L I n E •D I n n Er •r E SErvaT IOnS •aT • b u D a n D a L L EyS . cOM

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

15

16

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

Original artwork by Wyatt Moody (1986–2009)

The

of Surgery

By Lisa Burwell | Photography by Romona Robbins

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

17

It’s 5:00 a.m. He’s already at work and the day may not end until 9:00 p.m. or even later.

Standing on his feet for most of the day and dealing with stressful situations is part of the job. Yes, a tiresome and stressful day for some of us may span sixteen hours, but then, as is the case of a chosen few, the consequences of our actions while at work are not likely to involve holding someone’s life in our hands. However, such was the case for a talented surgeon, Doctor James Moody, during the week that I interviewed him for this article.

When asked, several months ago, whether he’d be interested in being interviewed by VIE – People + Places, Dr. Moody thoughtfully pondered the question and then responded with, “Only if you write that my surgery is my art form.” My interest was piqued.

Meet the man behind the surgical mask. A devoted husband. A father. A horse wrangler. A competitive sailor. A Harley rider. An artist.

18

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

“I love art. I love what humans are able to create and I sense God in all forms of art: acting, painting, music, dance, photography, and the written word. When a patient has problems, I paint a picture or write a description of his or her ailments in my mind. The art comes by listening with an open mind. I then get to apply the surgical technique that best fits the patient’s ailment; and, sometimes, there is a nonsurgical solution. Understanding what the patient wants can help determine the course of treatment that is specific to his or her needs.”

Dr. Moody and wife Martha on Cut It Out — an appropriate name for a surgeon's boat.

Dr. Moody has applied his talents to a wide range of pursuits throughout his life. He continues to prove his abilities in his multifaceted present-day life, keeping himself extremely occupied in both his professional and personal lives. And if all of this wasn’t enough, this year, Dr. Moody is also an Honorary Commander of the 29th Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base. Married?

With a life as engaged as Dr. Moody’s, one might ask, how? Who could possibly keep up with him? To say that Martha, his wife, meets the average definition of “life partner” would clearly be an understatement.

She works and plays alongside her active husband in just about every aspect of their lives—as office manager, catamaran racing partner, and fellow Harley motorcycle rider. Recently, both began golf lessons and have learned to enjoy stand-up paddleboarding (YOLO), but are not competitive in these sports—yet.

“Medicine is a challenging profession, where the ground rules are always the same in an everchanging environment,” Dr. Moody said. “When I go into the operating room, I believe in living by the Boy Scouts of America credo: ‘Go in prepared.’ Being prepared allows you to focus and readies you for the unexpected, which almost always rears its head.”

He chose to be a surgeon because he felt it was a greater challenge and allowed him to have a “hands-on aspect” to practicing medicine. “It allows me to be a better Christian—I’m serving my patients. And, it’s usually enjoyable, as I get to work with a variety of good people while making new acquaintances every day.”

A Florida native, Dr. Moody grew up in Orlando, attended the College of Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina, and went on to complete his surgical residency at East Tennessee State University. As a major in the USAF Medical Corps at Eglin Air Force Base, he completed an active duty tour as a general surgeon in the late ’80s before being recruited by Destin Hospital, where he established his private practice on Mountain Drive in Destin. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Moody joined the staffs at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center and Twin Cities Hospital, seeing patients at all three hospitals for a period of time. He now does consultations and operative procedures at Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast and

Dr. Moody explained how his father, a well-respected and pioneering surgeon, had a tremendous influence on his decision to pursue the field of medicine. “My father died last year, after having excelled in his profession, in life, and in love.” Reminiscing about his teenage years, he explained how his father secured jobs for him in the hospital where he worked, even allowing him to observe surgical procedures. In “Medicine is a challenging profession, where the addition to arranging for opportunities ground rules are always the same in an ever-changing not commonly available to his peers, environment,” Dr. Moody said. “When I go into the his father also helped him to secure a summer job as a horse wrangler operating room, I believe in living by the Boy Scouts and fishing guide in Wyoming, of America credo: ‘Go in prepared.’ Being prepared where, during his college years, he allows you to focus and readies you for the unexpected, eventually obtained his license as a which almost always rears its head.” professional guide.

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

19

“In addition to constant improvements in oncologic medications over the past decade, impressive ongoing advances in laparoscopic and thoracoscopic techniques, robotic surgery, and the field of prosthetics have dramat-ically changed the surgical field."

Destin Surgery Center exclusively. When asked what changes have occurred within his profession to improve patient care, he said, “In addition to constant improvements in oncologic medications over the past decade, impressive ongoing advances in laparoscopic and thoracoscopic techniques, robotic surgery, and the field of prosthetics have dramatically changed the surgical field. New oncoplastic techniques and new information concerning sentinel lymph nodes continue to improve the care of breast cancer patients.”

At the conclusion of the interview, Dr. Moody offered a sincere thanks to his wife, Martha, and to Marlene Eller, Stacey Driver, and Wendy Ross, who comprise his office staff, and to his daughter, Heather (whose wedding he helped plan last year). His son, Wyatt, also contributed to this article by way of artistic expression with the magnificent work of art revealing an anatomically correct human heart.

Dr. Moody sits proudly on his Harley, embellished by more of Wyatt's artwork.

20

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

But if anyone owes thanks, it is I. I want to express my deepest thanks to Dr. Moody. In 1998, a mammogram report which pointed out a suspicious spot brought me into his office, whereupon he performed a biopsy.

During my follow-up visit a week later, Dr. Moody had the uncomfortable burden of delivering bad news to me—the spot was a cancerous tumor. Not knowing the road that lay ahead, prayer, faith, and destiny served as my guides. I thank God that He entrusted me to the very capable hands of Dr. Moody. Over the years, I’ve heard many people in our area echo my feelings of gratitude toward him. I believe the story of this multidimensional man only begins to touch the surface of how great a physician and human being he is.

Geof f Chick & Associates, Inc.

residential architecture + design Geoff Chick, AIA, Architect 790 North Highway 393, Suite 2E Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

VOICE: (850) 622-0210 – FAX: (850) 622-0211 – WEB: www.geoffchick.com VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

21

www.ef sa nju a n.c o m

> Custom Mouldings > Windows > Doors > Columns > Stair Parts > Custom Millwork

authorized dealer

emerald coast 850.722.4830 Birmingham 205.665.0797

22

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

h i s t o r i c a l

|

r e s i d e n t i a l

|

c o m m e r c i a l

A CLOTHING BOUTIQUE meets COSMETICS, SKINCARE, BATH & BODY, FRAGRANCE, and UNIQUE GIFTS

Fashion

Marc by Marc Jacobs Rebecca Taylor Milly Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent James Perse Splendid Ella Moss Plenty by Tracy Reese Robbi & Nikki by Robert Rodriguez Quiksilver Gypsy 05 Vince Hobo

Denim Bar

Joe’s Jeans Citizens of Humanity J Brand Current/Elliott True Religion 7 For all Mankind William Rast Hudson Chip & Pepper

Skin Care & Apothecary Kiehl’s Bare Escentuals Dermalogica Jane Iredale Bumble & Bumble Moroccan Oil Fresh Bliss L’Occitane Jurlique Kai Bond No. 9 Jack Black Anthony Logistics for Men O.P.I. best bath & body

Dress by: Marc by Marc Jacobs PhotograPhy by: heather Foley MakeuP by: Lonna McLaughlin

Now Offering

Facials, waxing, and bridal make-up application by Lonna McLaughlin - Licensed Aesthetician

apothetique VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

Destin Commons | Destin, Florida | 850.650.6666

23

CUSTOM COURTYARD HOMES E

HOMESITES E LUXURY VACATION RENTALS

A place where life is not just lived—a place where life is defined. Nestled on 158 pristine acres between Rosemary Beach and Seaside on Scenic Highway 30A in Northwest Florida, the beachfront town of Alys Beach is created with the highest standards for beauty, sustainability, and quality of life. White masonry homes are inspired by the architecture of Bermuda and Antigua, Guatemala. Parks and trails preserve the wonder of a unique coastal habitat. A place to rediscover the pure blessing of living.

Homesites from $349,500. Resort Homes from $995,000.

Luxury vacation rentals of three- to six-bedroom homes that sleep from six to fourteen guests.

Rentals feature private courtyards, many of which include private pools.

866.732.9270

24

·

A LY S B E A C H . C O M

Alys Beach Properties, LLC., Licensed Real Estate Broker participation welcome. This is not an offer or solicitation in CA, NY, NJ or any state where prohibited by law. Equal Housing Opportunity. ALYS BEACH is a trademark of EBSCO Industries, Inc. © 2010 FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

Symphony

Reinvented f i v e y e a r s o f s i n f o n i a g u l f c o a s t | By Tori Phelps

As Sinfonia Gulf Coast opens its fifth season, founder and musical director Demetrius Fuller looks back at its beginnings and ahead to new adventures.

What does a twenty-five-year-old know about launching a successful symphony? Plenty, as it turns out. Currently gearing up to embark on its fifth season, Sinfonia Gulf Coast is the brainchild of Demetrius Fuller, a Gulf Coast native who rallied fellow music lovers to create a cultural powerhouse that has attracted internationally renowned guest artists and legions of fans. Sinfonia is the culmination of Fuller’s dreams, but, perhaps more importantly, it’s a dream come true for thousands of symphony aficionados who come in droves to immerse themselves in the latest musical offering from Sinfonia and its young leader.

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

25

Demetrius Fuller Photo by Michael Cage

Destined For the Stage Fuller has been in love with music for so long he can’t remember when it started. His mother, however, believes a 1970s variety show can take at least partial credit. “Apparently, I would stand in front of the TV conducting and singing along with The Muppet Show,” he shares.

In addition to this seemingly inborn interest, he had two distinct advantages growing up in Fort Walton Beach: a great school and a great family. “I had an excellent school system with a wide variety of extracurricular activities—including a wellsupported arts component,” he recalls. “But I don’t think one can enter a career like this without the guidance of supportive parents, which I had.”

Why choose just one unforgettable experience when you can have 15?

The Beach Collection : SEASC APE 26

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

•

MIR AMAR BEACH • SANDESTIN • DUNE ALLEN • SANTA ROSA BEACH • BLUE MOUNTAIN • GRAYTON BEACH

The Birth of Sinfonia

Composer Chris Brubeck (son of Dave Brubeck) and Demetrius Fuller at Boston Pops Photo by Gerald Burwell Perhaps because others in his family were professional musicians—his great-great-grandfather was a tuba player in the original Sousa Band—Fuller never considered another path. “I knew I was going to be a conductor,” he says simply. “There was never anything else I wanted to do.”

With that thought firmly in mind, he pursued a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting at the prestigious

University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music in Ohio. He also studied for several years in Geneva, Switzerland. Though conducting is his main passion, Fuller is also an accomplished musician, originally training as a clarinetist. His instrumental talents have taken him to Japan with the International Youth Orchestra; to Washington, where he played with the National Honor Band as principal clarinet; and to a performance with the acclaimed Manhattan Piano Trio.

By the time he was twenty-five, Fuller had a résumé that people twice his age would envy and a job with what was then OkaloosaWalton College’s Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra. Though he was proud of what he and the players were accomplishing, his growing concern over the symphony’s treatment by the school and its operational ties to the college eventually sparked an idea. What if, instead of looking for the job he wanted, he created it?

There wasn’t a fully professional, self-governing symphony in the region, and the people who would eventually become Sinfonia’s original board of directors agreed the community would benefit

Make a connection with Beaches

of South Walton. Where you have your choice of 15 unique seaside communities, all nestled among the dunes and 26 miles of sugar-white sand beaches along Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast. Each with its own architecture, its own special personality. And all so inviting, the best choice is to experience them all.

Start today by visiting us online.

•

WAT E R C O LO R

•

SEASIDE

•

S E AG R O V E

•

WAT E R S O U N D

•

S E AC R E ST • A LY S B E AC H

b e a c h e s o f s o u t h w a l t o n .c o m

•

R O S E M A RY B E AC H

•

I N L E T B E AC H

1- 8 0 0- 822- 6 877

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

27

Demetrius Fuller conducting the Sinfonia Gulf Coast orchestra Photo by Michael Cage

from one. They chose as a name “Sinfonia,” which means “a group of musicians” in Latin. Sinfonia Gulf Coast debuted in 2006, and it was soon clear that this particular group of musicians had a twentyfirst-century vision for the traditional symphony.

“Part of our mission is to redefine the symphony experience by entertaining, educating and inspiring the community through our innovative musical programming,” Fuller explains.

Sinfonia’s inaugural season featured Broadway superstar Bernadette Peters, and subsequent collaborators have included Grammy-winning singer Roberta Flack, gospel trio D’Vine, Cirque du Soleil acrobats and renowned big band sensation Pink Martini. Among their other inventive programming: the regional premiere of Gustav Holst’s suite, The Planets, with original NASA video projected above the orchestra.

28

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

This innovation isn’t without backlash from symphony purists, however. “You can’t please everyone all the time, and I certainly don’t try,” Fuller admits. “I like to think of Sinfonia as one-stop musical shopping. You’re going to get a wide variety of great music, but the classical foundation is always there. In fact, 80 percent of the music performed is repertoire that’s familiar to our patrons. But hearing something new should be refreshing. Just remember that Beethoven was once considered a radical composer.”

The Making of a Symphony Season Whatever Fuller and his musicians are doing is clearly working, as Sinfonia draws concert-goers from a one-hundred-fifty-mile radius and has fans from teenagers to … well, a bit more mature. The performances have even become a favorite family activity. The common denominator is that all of

the attendees are anxious to see what magic Fuller and his dream team of musicians have conjured up. The secret to keeping it fresh? Lots of frequent flier miles. “I travel constantly to see different performers or hear pieces of music or productions that I potentially want to present with Sinfonia,” he explains.

Fans won’t be disappointed with the lineup for Sinfonia’s fifth anniversary season, beginning with a kick-off event October 21 featuring Motown royalty. Sinfonia is partnering with Seagar’s Prime Steaks and Seafood at Hilton Sandestin Beach, where attendees will be treated to one of its distinctive wine dinners, followed by a cabaret performance by Mary Wilson of the Supremes. “I was fortunate to be involved with a performance in New York City last year showcasing Mary Wilson, and I was blown

The main hall at Boston Pops Photo by Gerald Burwell

away by the caliber of her performance and her interaction with the crowd. I immediately thought she would be well received and provide a stellar performance for our patrons in Northwest Florida,” Fuller says.

When planning the remainder of the anniversary season, Fuller wanted to incorporate artists and concerts that either had been well received by patrons in the past or were on their wish list.

“We’ll have another ‘Orchestral Christmas’ for the holiday season, a St. Paddy’s Day Pops featuring Celtic instrumental ensemble Mithril, and violinist phenom Nick Kendall for our gala event February 4,” he says. “That concert will also feature a performance of the Northwest Florida Ballet in the first half, with Nick Kendall giving the Southeast U.S. premiere of Chris Brubeck’s concerto for violin, Spontaneous Combustion.”

The bravo! program, Sinfonia’s membership/ donor component, has its own list of activities that cater to interests from athletics (a 5K run) to great dining (a “Cinco de Sinfonia” tequila dinner). But the highlight of the season, according to Fuller, will be a six-month exhibit called ArtStrings. “We’ve asked twenty-four local, regional and national artists to create a violin in the artistic medium of their choice,” he explains. “The pieces will be on display in a Grand Boulevard storefront from November through April and then will be auctioned off to raise funds for Sinfonia’s music education initiatives.”

Coming of Age Together Over the past five years, Fuller, now thirty-three, and Sinfonia have grown together. “Sinfonia has certainly come into its own,” he declares. “The organization has been fortunate to overcome the hurdles that every start-up business is challenged with and has solidified itself as one of the premier arts organizations in our region. I’m proud of every aspect of the organization.”

He credits the open dialogue Sinfonia and its patrons share with enabling the symphony to

become better each season—a trend he sees continuing. “Our long-range artistic plan is to stick close to our mission and provide the highest caliber symphonic music, guest artists and educational outreach initiatives,” he says.

“My father always said, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, but you still have room for improvement.’ I keep that motto close in everything I do.”

Even on his toughest days, Fuller can appreciate what he and Sinfonia have forged. “I truly love my job. We have an excellent board of directors.

We have an amazingly supportive community of patrons and donors. And, simply put, we have the best group of assembled musicians anywhere along the Gulf Coast. Every artist we’ve worked with has agreed to come back to perform with us, and that’s a solid representation of the work we’ve accomplished as we enter our fifth season.”

Seeing the audience’s joy and hearing the applause during performances is satisfying for Fuller, but fostering a love of music in the next generation is what keeps him coming back for more. “The best part for me is the community outreach.

Drop into a room of three hundred fourth VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

29

graders when violinist Nick Kendall is giving a demonstration,” he urges. “When you see those kids’ faces light up, you understand that there are no words to describe the power and impact music brings to one’s life.”

For more information on Sinfonia Gulf Coast or for a schedule of performances, please contact their administrative office at (850) 269-7229 or visit their website at www.sinfoniagulfcoast.org.

Tori Phelps knew as early as kindergarten, when she drew a typewriter for an assignment on future dream jobs, that writing was her passion. Her professional life has included the 24–7 world of journalism, many hectic years as a magazine editor, and now the bliss of freelancing. Along the way, she and her husband managed to add three kids to the mix.

Grammy Award-winning songstress Roberta Flack catching a tune with Sinfonia's Demetrius Fuller Photo by Michael Cage

R ENEW It’s still you—only renewed. Look younger with nonsurgical treatments like Fraxel re:store, BOTOX and JUVÉDERM. For a fraction of the cost of conventional surgery, these safe and noninvasive treatments reduce the appearance of fine lines, sun spots and wrinkles for a renewed you.

For a free consultation, please call: Charles F. Trapp, MD Brittain Kulow, MD David C. Adams, MD

850-689-1740 850-654-3376 | 155 Crystal Beach Drive, Suite 121 | Destin, FL 32541 350 West Redstone Avenue | Crestview, FL 32536 www.emeraldcoastderm.com

30

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

A Solid Future Main Office

Destin East

The Retreat

In times like these we want to put your mind at ease by letting you know we’re here for you. We’re your friends and neighbors and a community bank with two convenient locations.

Mountain Brook

Where You Come First.

Two LoCaTIons: Main Office 125 Main Street Destin, FL 32541 (850) 269-1201

Destin East 9461 Highway 98 East Destin, FL 32550 (850) 654-5021 Mountain Brook

Lobby: Monday – Friday 8:30 to 5:00 - Saturday 9:00 to Noon Drive-Thru: Monday – Friday 8:30 to 6:00 - Saturday 9:00 to Noon Member FDIC

www.firstflbank.com

t rac er y i n t er ior s Shop/Studio: 72 Main Street Rosemary Beach Florida Studio: Pepper Place Birmingham Alabama phone: 850.231.6755 web: traceryinteriors.com blog: traceryinteriors.wordpress.com VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

31

Experience the FSU Panama City Advantage

State-of-the-art facilities Personalized academic plans Financial aid Scholarships Veterans & Military benefits NEW ONLINE PROGRAMS BA in Computer Science BS in Computer Science (ABET accredited) Graduate Certificate in Event Management APPLY NOW FOR SPRING 2011 Offering more than 30 nationally recognized undergraduate and graduate programs

your.pc.fsu.edu

4750 Collegiate Drive Panama City, FL 32405 850.770.2160 Toll Free 866.693.7872

Crea t ive Coa sta l Cuisine est. 2000

fResh local seafooD seRveD by fRienDly local people! best al fresco Gulf-View dining on 30-a!

lunch: mon - sat 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Dinner: tues - sat 5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. dinner prices start at $14 — lunch prices start at $7.99 new fall menu! locals’ night every tuesday!

Premium wines by the glass or bottle. available for Home chef, Private Parties & catering celebratinG our 10 tH year on scenic HiGHway 30-a!

Voted best ultra-casual dining in south walton by sowal scene!

G u lf P lac e, co r ner Hwy. 30-a a nd 393

call oR check out ouR websites:

850-622-3071 smilingfishcafe.com 850-830-3071 smilingfishchaRteRs.com

32

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

SMITH’S ANTIQUES & INTERIORS MARKET

decorating nirvana 850.654.1484

Located on Highway 98 at Holiday Road midway between Destin Commons and Sandestin Monday - Saturday 10 am - 6 pm Sunday 12 pm - 5 pm

Voted Best of the Emerald Coast 10 Consecutive Years!

EARN FREE STUFF.

TM

the more you go to the movies, the more you’ll be rewarded.

PIER PARK 16 Select Digital 3-D Movies All Digital Sound Stadium Seating High-Back Rocking Chairs Game Room Birthday Party Room Specialty Cafe

Visit www.TheGrandTheatre.com/reelrewards to join.

500 S. Pier Park Drive, Panama City Beach

(888) 94-FILMS

www.TheGrandTheatre.com VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

33

C A R R IE

UNDERWOOD

STAGE

POWER

BY RHONDA CLOUTIER

34

Carrie Underwood’s Play On Tour Sizzles!

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

Photo provided

by Schmidt Relations

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

35

H

eadliner Carrie Underwood came to the Emerald Coast on Wednesday, May 5, 2010, with Craig Morgan and growing country music sensations Sons of Sylvia. Don’t fret if you missed this concert because the successful Play On Tour has added several new dates and venues, making a stop October 23 at the Mobile Civic Center, with Billy Currington replacing Craig Morgan for the fall/winter leg of the tour. If that date doesn’t work for you, go to Ticketmaster.com to see the full schedule. This is a family-friendly concert that you don’t want to miss!

Carrie, winner of season four of American Idol and recently named Academy of Country Music’s Entertainer of the Year, used the stage and the air above it to create a high-energy, chock-full-of-surprises, rollicking good time!

36

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

BY RHONDA CLOUTIER

Pensacola Civic Center May 5, 2010

Carrie Underwood’s Play On Tour Sizzles

Sons of Sylvia Photo by Joe Cloutier

But before we get to Carrie, let’s meet Sons of Sylvia. Formerly known as the Clark Brothers, Ashley, Adam, and Austin Clark won a reality television talent show, The Next Great American Band (NGAB), two and a half years ago. The show, which debuted in October 2007, had an unfortunate time slot on Friday night and did not get the viewership the producers had anticipated. (I believe that if it had been broadcast on a Tuesday or Wednesday like American Idol, the viewership would have been drastically different.) Regardless, NGAB provided a showcase for the talented Clark Brothers. Using atypical instruments—mandolin, Dobro (resonator guitar), and fiddle—and powered by Ashley’s driving voice, they managed to knock off all the other bands and win the title of the Next Great American Band. The passion in their playing moved NGAB judge Sheila E. to tears (and me along with her)! I knew I was going to be a fan of their music for life. But it wasn’t

Carrie, winner of season four of

and

recently named Academy of Country Music's Entertainer of the Year, used the stage and the air above it to create a high-energy, chock-full-of-surprises, rollicking good time!

Carrie Underwood Photo by Joe Cloutier

Ashley, an extremely gifted fiddle player, began playing with Carrie Underwood as a member of her band. Adam had his own gig with the country group SHeDAISY, and Austin played with both. While watching a promo for NGAB on American Idol, Adam, Ashley, and Austin decided to make a video and submit it to the show. They were selected for an audition where they sang “This Little Light of Mine,” leaving the judges stunned by their passion and intensity.

The prize for winning the competition was a recording contract, so for the past two and a half years, the brothers have been writing ferociously, recording and whittling down the best tracks to release. The end result is a dynamic, rock-edged fusion of country, gospel, soul, and pop. Since its release and their appearance on American Idol a few weeks ago, the album has gone to number one on the pop charts of iTunes and, this past June, was at number thirty-three on Billboard.

Not only do they open the Play On Tour for Carrie, but they are also featured on her CD of the same name, and they perform with Carrie on “What Can I Say.” They opened with a medley of “The War Within” from their Revelation CD and followed that with “Gimme Shelter,” a song they performed on NGAB; Austin’s stellar slide guitar produced dark, haunting licks.

Before starting in on “Revelation,” the title track of their CD, Ashley stated that the lyrics were based on his life experiences. It starts out “I was born the

Craig Morgan Photo by Joe Cloutier

just their music—when people talk about having the whole package, this band has it in spades.

Their father, Freddy Clark, is a preacher who has led old-fashioned tent revivals for over forty years. Most of his family of eleven children either played an instrument or sang bluegrass/country/gospel-fused songs during the revivals. They learned to play their instruments from their dad, who didn’t read music, but used his ears to teach and play. Studying musicians at bluegrass festivals along the way, the Clark Brothers picked up tips from the masters plying their trade. A few years later they, along with a couple of their older brothers, formed a band, which met some bumps in the road and ultimately disbanded.

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

37

BY RHONDA CLOUTIER

Carrie Underwood’s Play On Tour Siz

Photo by Joe Cloutier

CARRIE UNDERWOOD IS A ;

THERE IS NO DOUBT ABOUT IT. day John Lennon died”—an interesting fact! I think this is one of their best songs, and it made everyone sit up and take notice.

By the end of their set, the crowd had clearly warmed to them. At first, it seemed that most of the audience were wondering who these guys were.

Then the crowd started listening and by their last song, “Love Left to Lose,” they had gained quite a few new fans. When Carrie called them back on stage for “What Can I Say,” they had a captivated audience. Carrie’s and Ashley’s voices blend beautifully together on this song; I think it is one of the best on her CD. Craig Morgan’s set appealed more to the traditional country music lovers, and, based on the response of the crowd, he was well received. I had left my seat to get in line to meet Sons of Sylvia, but from where I was standing, he sounded pretty good.

On to the main event! Carrie Underwood is a star; there is no doubt about it.

I don’t think I have been to a concert before where the headliner was a female, but I can tell you that 99 percent of the people there were there to see her.

38

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

I did have the privilege to see her perform “I Told You So” live with Randy Travis on American Idol last March, and I think it was that performance that won me over as a fan. I didn’t watch American Idol the year she won, so I missed watching her rise to the top.

I lost count of how many songs she sang, how many wardrobe changes she had, and how high her heels were, but one thing I can tell you is that every song stood out and I would be hard-pressed to call out a favorite.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the place when she performed “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and “How Great Thou Art,” her powerful voice leading her own revival, filling up the entire arena and making believers out of all of us.

“Temporary Home” also made me cry. If I had to pick my favorite outfit, it would be the one she wore while singing this song—she was a country belle in a blue denim shirt, wide leather belt, and white hoop skirt with yellow lace flowers. My husband noticed she had a matching leather microphone pack on her back as well.

One of the more interesting outfits she wore was during the song “Change.”

She rose up from below the stage on a pedestal, and it appeared she was wearing some type of metal dress. The dress took on attributes of a Lite-Brite from the ’70s; illuminated graphics bounced off the dress! The best part was when the song was over; she walked out of the dress—it was a dress form!

The other number that left fans with their mouths wide open was “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” We were seated at the side of the stage, where a large cloth-covered object sat on the floor between us and the stage. The crowd was awestruck as a ‘50s vintage blue pickup truck, emblazoned with Carrie’s name across the back, was lifted into the air on a monorail-like system. Carrie held on to a microphone stand in the back of the truck and took a ride high above the crowd. As the truck made its way through the entire arena, Carrie had a bird’s-eye view of every fan there. The crowd was on their feet in appreciation, and the cheers were deafening.

She put on a larger-than-life show; but at the end of the day, props and costumes aside, her voice needed no embellishment. Well done, Carrie Underwood!

Photo by Joe Cloutier

FOOD & DINING Amavida Coffee Courtyard Wine & Cheese Cowgirl Kitchen DogManDu La Crema Tapas & Chocolate Onano Neighborhood Café Restaurant Paradis Sno-Balls Summer Kitchen Café The Sugar Shak Wild Olives Market~ Deli ~ Bakery LODGING Rosemary Beach Cottage Rental Company The Pensione Inn

www.rosemarybeach.com on the east end of Scenic 30-A

Shop.

Dine.

Relax.

RECREATION Bamboo Bicycle Company Rosemary Beach Racquet Club Sea Oats Beach Service

FASHION Bombora Sun & Surf Drift Boutique & Gallery Gigi’s Fabulous Kids’ Fashions & Toys Moonpize Rosemary Beach Trading Company Willow BEAUTY, HOME & GIFTS Aesthetic Clinique Pish Posh Patchouli’s Shabby Slips Solace Day Spa Tommy Crow Collections Tracery World Six Gallery SERVICES Law Offices of Bryan Kiefer, P. A .

Paul Johnson Photography Regions Bank Southeast Institute for Optimal Health TMc Architecture

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

39

The Sandra Brooks Collection

BY MATTHEW CHRIST PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL GRANBERRY 40

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

SANDRA BROOKS, THE CREATOR OF A DISTINCTIVE LINE OF JEWELRY THAT FUSES ANTIQUE GEMSTONES WITH MODERN DESIGN, HAS HAD MULTIPLE CAREERS INCLUDING HIGH SCHOOL ENGLISH TEACHER, OWNER OF A SUCCESSFUL MARKETING COMPANY, AND LIFE COACH—BUT NEVER DID SHE INTEND TO BECOME A MAKER OF HIGH-END JEWELRY. “It was totally an accident,” Brooks tells me during our interview at Amavida Coffee in Rosemary Beach. “I saw a jade artifact online and I was fascinated.” After contacting the seller only to find that he had recently sent the antique jade pendant to an artist friend in Spain, Brooks was referred to an antique dealer who dealt in historic jade pieces. She decided to buy a few pieces of antiquarian jade to use as focal points for personal pieces of jewelry.

Yet once she started wearing her jewelry in public, her designs started attracting the attention of others around her. “What is that on your neck and where did you get it?” Brooks recalls one owner of a San Francisco art gallery asking her as she walked through the door.

After explaining that she had designed the necklace herself around a 2000-year-old jade artifact, the gallery owner insisted on representing her work on the spot. “And I thought, ‘Represent my work?’” Brooks says laughingly. “So I went home and thought to myself, ‘Wow, maybe other people are really drawn to this combination of antiquarian jade and modern design. Maybe others will recognize its unique value.’”

After sending the gallery some of her jewelry, Brooks found herself suddenly fielding requests from the gallery to create more pieces as they were quickly selling out. It wasn’t long before other galleries and jewelry shops across the country began representing what would become known as the Sandra Brooks Collection.

Flash forward a decade, and Brooks’s collection has expanded from a couple of necklaces to an entire online inventory (www. sandrabrookscollection.com) of her original designs featuring a whole multitude of earthly gems, from vibrant turquoise to metallic gray pearls.

Her jewelry has been worn by many notable women, including Sue Grafton, author of the Kinsey Millhone mystery series, and Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of this summer’s blockbuster novel and movie, Eat, Pray, Love. Part of Brooks’s success is that her jewelry is not just beautiful and rare, but original as well. Despite the exclusive use of the term, “original” might be an understatement. Two necklaces that Brooks showed me each featured large, carved Chinese jade pendants dating from 2000 BC that were found in an archaeological dig. And, VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

41

“SOME PEOPLE ARE JUST DRAWN TO CERTAIN PIECES. IT’S ALMOST MAGNETIC” —SANDRA BROOKS while she’s interested in precious and semi-precious gemstones, Brooks doesn’t focus her artistic energies on typical gems. Sure, precious gems and gold can be found on many of her pieces, but they often play a supporting role, used to enhance the anchor stone, which, in Brooks’s pieces, may be a large chrysocolla drusy, a brilliant blue topaz, or an ancient jade pendant.

Jade is what started Brooks on her journey of the jewelry trade, and it is the stone that many of her clients have emotionally reacted to the most. “Sometimes the jade can become hot on a person and other times it becomes cold. It depends on the energy of the person,” Brooks says. She’s convinced that the ancient metaphysical belief that jade can calm the mind and unleash positive emotion still holds true today.

“Some people are just drawn to certain pieces. It’s almost magnetic,” she tells me. “Now, I don’t have an explanation for that, but it does seem that jade has a mystical and magical quality to it.” According to ancient Chinese customs, Brooks explains, people who wear a piece of carved jade will be blessed with happiness, health, prosperity, and protection. That’s perhaps the reason why so many warriors in history wore jade pendants as they marched into battle.

42

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

Cost-wise, most of Brooks’s collection is currently priced between $1,000–$3,000 (some are higher), but she recently created a line of jewelry that is less expensive, giving more people the chance to own a piece of history with her modern design aesthetic. She’ll also create commissioned works for clients, collaborating with them on personalized jewelry pieces.

Part of what makes Sandra Brooks’s collection so unique isn’t just the visual distinctiveness of her art, but the story behind each piece she sells. Accompanied with the jewelry, Brooks will include a small card detailing the origin of a particular piece of antique jade, explaining, for example, how one piece’s carvings imply that warriors in the Ming Dynasty wore it. She’ll also include an authentication certificate for each antique jade pendant she sells, something that is sure to calm jittery buyers afraid of purchasing one of the many pieces of fraudulent jade currently on the market.

But what fulfills both Brooks and her clients is the fact that at the end of the day, a Sandra Brooks Collection piece is more art than simple jewelry. “They are all one of a kind,” she says. “They’re art pieces.”

Much more than a run-of-the-mill status symbol, each piece holds an emotional connection to an ancient past yet retains a hold on the modern world with Brooks’s distinctive design imprint.

For more information about Sandra Brooks’s jewelry, please visit her website www.sandrabrookscollection.com or she may be contacted directly at (602) 330-4141.

PRESENTEd by SouThwEST AiRliNES™

NOvEmBEr 4–7, 2010 EvENT dATES THUrSdAY | NOvEmBEr 4, 2010 TASTE oF ThE dESTiN hARboR | Emerald Grande

FrIdAY | NOvEmBEr 5, 2010 TASTE oF bAy wiNE & Food EXPERiENCE | Pier Park Al FRESCo RESERVE TASTiNG iN RuSKiN PlACE | Seaside MouNTAiNFilM oN TouR AT wATERColoR | watercolor Marina Park

SATUrdAY | NOvEmBEr 6, 2010 SEEiNG REd wiNE FESTiVAl | Seaside “wiNEMAKERS & ShAKERS” diNNER | Area Restaurants MouNTAiNFilM oN TouR AT wATERColoR | watercolor Marina Park

SUNdAY | NOvEmBEr 7, 2010 TASTE oF ThE bEACh & ChARiTy AuCTioN | hilton Sandestin Golf Resort Spa

BENEFITTING DESTIN CHARITY WINE AUCTION FOUNDATION

for details, please visit

w w w. TAS T E O F T H E B E A C H F L A . C O m

The official Airport of Taste of The beach

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

43

44

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

Cartoon by Nancy Swan Drew | www.nancyswandrew.com VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

45

VIE’s Summer Giveaway Helps Four Local Charities In May 2010, VIE – People + Places launched its first Summer Giveaway—a raffle to benefit local charities.

The prize? A red 2010 Jeep Wrangler Sport! In just over three months, VIE distributed 1,752 raffle tickets and collected donations which raised over $32,000.

The drawing for the winning raffle ticket was held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, August 6, 2010, at The Grand 16 – Pier Park in Panama City Beach. There were also first and second runners-up prizes—two $75 gift certificates to Guy Harvey’s Island Grill. Platinum sponsors for the VIE giveaway were The Grand 16 – Pier Park and Southern Theatres.

46

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

Though participants in the raffle came from many parts of the country, the winning raffle ticket was held by a family within our own COLA 2 COLA area.

Congratulations to Rob Babcock, Sabine Laguna, and their two daughters, Zoë and Sofie of Pensacola Beach!

VIE’s Summer Giveaway is a form of extreme fund-raising, a unique and creative approach to raising charitable funds during tough economic times, aimed at helping the Northwest Florida community. The proceeds were shared equally by four Northwest Florida charities: Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, Caring and Sharing of South Walton County, the Taylor Haugen Foundation, and the Seaside Repertory Theatre.

Thanks again to all of our sponsors and to all who participated in the giveaway—the charities are extremely grateful!

1

2

3

4

1

Brian Haugen with VIE's publisher, Lisa Burwell

2

Caring and Sharing's Pennie Lucas with VIE's editor-in-chief, Gerald Burwell

3

Boys and Girls Clubs' Lauren Von Bergen (left) with VIE's Mary Jane Kirby and cheerful Club members. L to R: Jayson Wheat, Tamia Cooper, Lauren Von Bergen, Alysha Raymond, Mary Jane Kirby and Tyler Dickinson

5

4

Seaside REP's Brook Stetler (left) with VIE's Jim Ryan

5

Summer Giveaway Jeep winners, Rob Babcock, Sabine Laguna, and their two daughters, ZoĂŤ and Sofie VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

47

48

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

49

one stop. all your home finishing

&

fur nishing needs.

12870 US Highway 98 West, Miramar Beach | 850.837.5563 | www.DestinDesignCenter.com 50

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

Like Us on Facebook!

Follow Us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/LovelaceHome

PEOPLE + PLACES

1

2

JS Salon Grand Opening JS Salon.Studio, the trendy, new salon located in Grayton Beach, celebrated their grand opening on June 16, 2010, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Guests

3

enjoyed catering by Orchid House, entertainment

by Redd Sings, prizes and music by DJ Aaron who rocked the house during the after party!

The prominent hairstylist Julie McCloskey is known for her ability to flawlessly blend the classic and chic with the trendsetting and futuristic to create hair masterpieces. Julie believes each person’s hair is a work of art that should be ever-evolving, reflecting fashion, season, mood, and individuality.

4

For more information, please call 850.231.2007 or

5

visit www.jssalonandstudio.com.

Photography by Ocean Jewel’s Images

1

Oliver Petit and Mike Ragsdale

2

Becky Earnest and Tricia King

3

Lee Lindsay, Ashley Gardner, Courtney Ball, Kasie Petit and Jen Gali

6

4

Natasha Vaughan and Jonny Teague

5

Diane Roll and Julie McCloskey

6

Lisa Jackson, Lee Lindsay, Leila Earnest and Courtney Ball VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

51

~Vinta g e Sw im su i t s~

252

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM VIE - Fall 2010

VIE - FallFALL 20102010 VIEZINE.COM

533

P

inup girls.

Red lipstick. Hollywood glam.

What a summer! It was really hot, and, if you were anywhere near the beautiful coast of Northwest Florida, you know, thanks to BP, there certainly wasn’t a lack of drama. By the grace of God, the “ooze monster” was squelched, and we have seemingly been spared any further disaster along the Gulf Coast.

With the worst behind us, VIE – People + Places is celebrating—celebrating good fortune, quality of life ... and great fashion! In the subsequent pages, join us on a reminiscent voyage—a voyage that pays tribute to those in the past who did things in a way that continue to enrich our lives today.

VIE has put together a fashion spread that showcases spectacular vintage swimsuits, with Destin Harbor and Princess Beach—the heart of Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast—supplying the amazing backdrop. The suits may not be itsy-bitsy or teeny-weeny, and they may not have polka dots either, but who cares? These suits are HOT! But, beware. The images within the following pages might do one of two things—or both—raise your blood pressure or create a desire to get to the coast. Let Northwest Florida’s COLA 2 COLA become the object of your desire.

Intro by :: Franco Grimaldi Photography by :: Romona Robbins 454

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM VIE - Fall 2010

Accessories by Teena d’Haven Boutique Red-tipped shoes :: Giuseppe Zanotti Design, $695 Earrings :: $87 | Bracelet :: $97 VIE - FallFALL 20102010 VIEZINE.COM 555

656

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM VIE - Fall 2010

VIE - FallFALL 20102010 VIEZINE.COM

577

858

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM VIE - Fall 2010

VIE - FallFALL 20102010 VIEZINE.COM

599

60 10

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM VIE - Fall 2010

VIE - FallFALL 20102010 VIEZINE.COM

11 61

CreDItS: Photography by :: romona robbins, with Shauna Olson assisting | Stylist :: Janet Longton | Models :: Angela Long and Madra M. McDonald | Hair :: rachel London of Frankie’s “A Salon” | Makeup Artist :: Leisha Medeiros of Frankie’s “A Salon” Accessories provided by Teena d’Haven Boutique: 12555 emerald Coast Parkway, Suite B Miramar Beach, FL 32550 | 850.269.0781 Vintage mahogany yacht provided by Mercury Charters: emerald Grande Boardwalk–Destin Harbor 76 Harbor Boulevard | Destin, FL 32541 | 850.687.3404 62 12

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM VIE - Fall 2010

Accessories by Teena d’Haven Boutique Black shoes :: Giuseppe Zanotti Design, $740 Earrings :: $87 | Bracelet :: $97 VIE - FallFALL 20102010 VIEZINE.COM 13 63

By Franco Grimaldi

THEY JUST DON’T MAKE THEM LIKE THEY USED TO

64

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

Authentic Italian Cuisine

300 Harbor Blvd. East Destin, Florida 32541 850.424.5795 or 850.424.5797 www.lafamigliadestin.com Open Monday thru Saturday 11am to 10pm Sunday 4pm to 10pm

Photography by Jessie Shepard

A decade of highly-rated Her style is classic. Her lines are unmistakable.

Her measurements might be considered peculiar (52-11-13), but then she is a pinup of a different kind. If her looks aren’t enough, with a name like Mercury she is bound to catch attention— something that she has been doing for sixtyfour years.

wine, food and memories.

Market

Bar

Bistro

850.650.9820 www.vintij.com 10859 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Miramar Beach, Florida (Across from Silver Sands Factory Stores) VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

65

MERCURY IS ONE OF ONLY THREE SURVIVING HULLS OF THE ELEVEN ORIGINAL FORTY-SEVEN-FOOT DELUXE CRUISERS Mercury was built by Elco (Electric Launch Company), a New York–based boatbuilding company that also built John F. Kennedy’s famed PT-109.

Upon completion in 1946, she traveled cross-country by rail to be christened in Puget Sound by prominent Seattle businessman William O. McKay. For more than twenty-five years, Mercury continued to entertain the McKay family’s friends and guests, some with high-profile names like John Wayne and Lana Turner.

Today, Mercury is one of only three surviving hulls of the eleven original forty-seven-foot Deluxe Cruisers; she now enjoys a different life, but not necessarily one less glamorous. She resides at one of Northwest Florida’s most exclusive addresses: HaborWalk Village at the base of Emerald Grande on Destin Harbor.

Mercury is still doing what she does best—putting on a show—and she has never looked better. Since 2002, Kim and Cliff Farrah, Mercury’s third loving owners, have been working hard to give her a makeover that would

66

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

give any starlet a run for her money. With new engines, generators, air conditioners, electrical systems, galley, and canvas decking, Mercury not only looks as good as new, but she also performs better than ever.

Now being chartered for the first time in her sixty-four-year history, Mercury gives passengers a chance to experience this classic yacht in its prime, but with the comfort of modern conveniences. She can accommodate up to twelve passengers and has exceptional food, wine, and beer offerings on board for all cruises. If a wine tasting with friends, a family sightseeing cruise, or a romantic dinner prepared by an executive chef is on your mind, then you might want to experience it aboard Mercury.

Some people say that a boat has a soul. Mercury might make you agree.

For information on both shared and private charters aboard Mercury, please visit www.yachtmercury.com or call (850) 687-3404.

Boat Specs: Make: Elco 47’ Deluxe Cruiser Built: 1946 City of Origin: Bayonne, New Jersey Power: Two turbo diesel Yanmar 315 produce a total of 625 hp Top Speed: 35 knots Cruising Speed: 25 knots Maximum Payload: 12 Passengers, 2 Crew Sleeps: 7 Fuel Capacity: 330 gallons Cruising Range: 300 nautical miles Dimensions: 52’ x 11’ x 13’ Brian@yachtmercury.com

Fashion Designer Jewelry and Accessories

850.650.1753 WWW. S ARAH C AROLYN.COM D ESTIN, F L 32550 13390 H WY. 98W, S UITE B VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

67

68

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

69

Story

270

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM VIE - Fall 2010

hy tograp o h P and

by K

en

-Layd

uke im D

F

or many people, South Lake Tahoe is a wonderful winter playground, but to me, it is the perfect escape from Florida’s heat and humidity. I first visited South Lake Tahoe in September 2008 to run the überscenic Lake Tahoe Half Marathon (www.laketahoemarathon. com) with my girlfriends, Kirsten and Stacy. The following July, I couldn’t wait to return with my husband, John, to celebrate his birthday.

How do I love South Lake Tahoe?

In no particular order, let me count the ways:

{1} Admiring the Jewel of the Sierras The clarity of Lake Tahoe’s sapphire, aquamarine, and turquoise waters affords amazing visibility to a depth of seventy feet. Nestled amidst the High Sierra’s rugged snowcaps, America’s largest alpine lake is surrounded by whitewashed boulders and towering ponderosa pines, California redwoods, and Douglas firs. An imaginary L-shaped state line runs across the deep, twenty-two-mile-long lake separating California and Nevada. The charming resort town of South Lake Tahoe straddles the California-Nevada border and wraps around the lake’s southern shore. In a nearby cove, stunning Emerald Bay—named for its unique green water—surrounds Fannette Island and its tiny stone “Tea House.” A stone’s throw away at Emerald Bay State Park, you can take a hike up spectacular Eagle Falls or tour historic Vikingsholm, a Scandinavian “castle” built in 1929 as a summer vacation home by Lora J. Knight. (www.vikingsholm.org)

{2} Feeling Like Family at the Fireside Lodge Whether you’re sipping wine by the inviting hearth or savoring s’mores at the fire pit, Fireside Lodge makes you feel at home. This all-inclusive bed-and-breakfast offers exceptional value and amenities; however, what sets Fireside Lodge apart from other bed-and-breakfasts are its delightful proprietors, Christine and Dave Latshaw, and their yellow Lab, Kona, who gets the most fan mail. Dave and Christine provide Southern hospitality and are often seen visiting with their guests, which, not surprisingly, keeps many, like me, coming back. Dave and Christine bought the rustic motor court in 2002 and gave it a $750,000 extreme makeover. Nine vintage Tahoe-themed suites provide the perfect balance of kitsch and comfort.

All feature rock fireplaces, kitchenettes, and eating nooks. Larger suites are great for girlfriend getaways or families, and cozy queen suites are perfect for couples. Enjoy crisp summer nights and sleep with your windows open.

Fireside Lodge is located west of town on Highway 50 and backs up to a national forest. Nightly rates in summer start at $165 or $195 for larger suites. AAA discounts are available. (www.tahoefiresidelodge.com)

{3} Taking A Heavenly Ride in the Sky In the middle of South Lake Tahoe’s bustling “strip,” straddling the state line, is Heavenly Mountain Resort. Hop the Heavenly Gondola and ascend three thousand feet for breathtaking panoramas of Lake Tahoe. Midway up, stop at The Deck, a 14,000-square-foot observation lookout, and pose for photos against vertigo-inducing backdrops. Then ride to the top and explore VIE - FallFALL 20102010 VIEZINE.COM

713

{5} Making a Splash

Satisfy your need for speed and ride the Tamarack Express quad chairlift up to the Heavenly Flyer ZipRider, the longest zip-line in the continental United States. the hiking trails or kick back and chill with a Sierra Nevada brewski. Look for Phyllis, the friendly ambassador, and ask about her inspiring mother, who started running marathons at age seventy-four! Satisfy your need for speed and ride the Tamarack Express quad chairlift up to the Heavenly Flyer ZipRider, the longest zip-line in the continental United States. Hold on tight as you go screaming down a 525-foot vertical drop at fifty miles per hour! Don’t shut your eyes—the views of the surrounding peaks and the shimmering lake are spectacular! Gondola ride–$20; zip-line–$40.

Reservations are recommended. (www.skiheavenly.com)

{4} Enjoying the Best of Both Worlds South Lake Tahoe’s nostalgic log cabin architecture, mom-and-pop businesses, and friendly locals create a quaint, small-town feel—but, when you’re craving big city excitement, simply cross over the Nevada state line, where nearly a dozen hotel-casinos welcome you to play 24/7. Besides high-rolling action, Harrah’s (www.harrahslaketahoe.com) and Harveys (www.harveystahoe.com) feature well-known headliner acts such as Tim McGraw, Chicago, the Doobie Brothers, Sugarland, and Blue Öyster Cult. Fellow ABBA fans can get their dancing queen on at Abbacadabra’s energetic tribute concert. View South Lake Tahoe’s full 2010 calendar of events at www.bluelaketahoe.com.

472

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM VIE - Fall 2010

South Lake Tahoe offers a dozen beautiful beaches that are either free or charge a nominal fee; on a hot sunny day Lake Tahoe’s water can be very refreshing. Popular lake tours and excursions are offered aboard yachts, paddle wheel boats and catamarans; however, my favorite way to explore Lake Tahoe’s crystalline waters is via an eco-friendly kayak. Kayak and canoe rentals are abundant throughout the area, or if you’re staying at Fireside Lodge, borrow one of their loaner kayaks and launch at nearby Pope Beach or historic Camp Richardson Historic Resort & Marina. Paddle west along Lake Tahoe’s pristine shoreline dotted with quaint stone cottages, driftwood and wildflowers, and strolling seagulls and geese. Afterwards, grab a sweet treat at the old-fashioned Ice Cream Parlor or Coffee & Confectionery Shop (www.camprichardson.com). For more in-depth trips (pardon the pun), paddlers can follow Lake Tahoe’s Water Trail, which circumvents the seventy-two-mile shoreline (www.laketahoewatertrail.org).

{6} Glimpsing the Gilded Age Steeped in nostalgia and situated on seventy-five forested acres bordering Lake Tahoe’s southwestern shore, is the Tallac Historic Site (www.virtualtahoe.com/Community/TahoeTallac/TallacHistoricSite.html).

Seamlessly connected by meandering paths are three rustic architectural heirlooms, reminiscent of Upstate New York’s Adirondack-style summer estates, or camps, as their ultra-wealthy owners called them. At the Baldwin Estate, watch the thirteen-minute documentary about former Tallac Resort’s heyday in the 1920s; then take the self-guided tour through its small museum (free). The Pope Estate gives mansion tours for a small fee; however, there’s no charge to roam around the gardens and pond or dozens of outbuildings. Peek inside the servants’ quarters where you can see vintage furnishings, uniforms, and personal belongings of former staffers. The Valhalla (meaning “heaven”) Estate, hosts summer concerts and a variety of cultural events (www.valhallatahoe.com). Bicycling is the best way to explore

Tallac’s sprawling compound. Rent bikes next door at Camp Richardson Resort, or if you’re staying at the Fireside Lodge, grab a loaner bike and pedal west on the path that runs behind the inn.

{7} Eating, Drinking and Being Merry Follow locals to tucked-away Tahoe Keys Marina for lively waterfront dining and sunset toasting at The Fresh Ketch (www.thefreshketch.com), Tahoe’s only oyster bar. Order grilled mahi-mahi tacos served with spicy salsa verde and creamy California avocados that taste like “buttah.” For heartier fare and local handcrafted beer, rub elbows with the regulars at The Brewery at Lake Tahoe (www.breweryatlaketahoe.com). Wash down a juicy burger or gourmet pizza with ice-cold Bad Ass Ale, the house specialty.

Dine like a VIP at Four-Diamond-rated steak and chophouse, Ciera, located at MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa (www.montbleuresort.com). Reserve an intimate banquette curtained in flowing red velvet and feast on Chef Mike Sivak’s mouthwatering filet mignon tips in a velvety cabernet sauce or Australian lobster tempura with sweet ginger jam.

{8} Trekking the Trails South Lake Tahoe features countless hiking trails suitable for most fitness levels, (www.tahoesbest.com/hiking). Before venturing out, pick up tasty gourmet picnic ingredients from Raley’s Supermarket (www.raleys.com) near the Nevada state line or Camp Richardson’s General Store, then drive west on Highway 89 towards Emerald Bay. Park at Bayview Campground and follow the signs towards the Cascade Falls’ trailhead. The two-mile loop is rated “moderate” in difficulty and measures “off-the-Richter scale” for stunning natural beauty. After a gradual ascent across weathered granite cliffs, the chalky path snakes to the top of the falls, where swaying pines and glacial streams entice wildlife and people alike. Gazing beyond the cascading falls, a photographer’s paradise unfolds—sweeping views of cobalt-colored Cascade Lake sandwiched between swaths of evergreen and the shimmering azure waters of Lake Tahoe. Find a picnic spot and watch the chipmunks scampering about. For a longer, more challenging hike from Bayview Campground, take the Desolation Wilderness trailhead, which traverses the rugged Sierra backcountry. Later, pamper sore muscles and feel rejuvenated with a hot stone massage at Body Essentials (www.tahoespa.com), which has two locations, fittingly located near the Heavenly Gondola.

Gazing beyond the cascading falls, a photographer’s paradise unfolds— sweeping views of cobalt-colored Cascade Lake sandwiched between swaths of evergreen and the shimmering azure waters of Lake Tahoe. many things to do, see, and experience, this little slice of heaven continues to whet my appetite. Shooting the rapids near Truckee, attending a play at Valhalla’s Boathouse Theatre, exploring the charming towns around Lake Tahoe—my future “must-do” list goes on and on. With countless options and possibilities, my love affair with South Lake Tahoe won’t end any time soon!

(TIP: The closest airport to Lake Tahoe is Reno, Nevada. If you’re combining a trip to Napa or the Bay Area, fly into San Francisco or Oakland.)

{9} Meeting the Neigh-bears You don’t have to venture far for a chance encounter with one of Smokey Bear’s relatives. Thankfully, South Lake Tahoe’s black bears aren’t shy (or carnivorous). Keep your eyes peeled and camera handy, even when exploring residential neighborhoods during the day. If you’re lucky, you’ll see (from a safe distance, please) one ambling about.

{10} Always Leaves Me Wanting More I usually prefer to travel to places that I have never visited. South Lake Tahoe, a place that I have visited time and again, is an exception. With so VIE - FallFALL 20102010 VIEZINE.COM

735

Let us ORCHESTRATE your dream.

For the perfect products for your kitchen or bath, stop by a Ferguson showroom. It’s where you’ll find the largest range of quality brands, a symphony of ideas, and trained consultants to help orchestrate your dream. With showrooms from coast to coast, come see why Ferguson is recommended by professional contractors and designers everywhere.

APPLIANCES

Pensacola: Destin:

PLUMBING

PASSIONATE PEOPLE

8813 Grow Dr, Ellyson Industrial Park 136 N Geronimo St

FERGUSON.COM 74

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

FIXTURES

LIGHTING

(850) 484-8202 (850) 269-1993 ©2010 Ferguson Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Did you know, water heating is the second-largest user of electricity in the average home?

SAVE Energy the Easy Way...

A

O

rriaga riginals

► Lower your water heater thermostat

setting to the recommended setting of 120°F. For each 10°F reduction in water temperature, you can save between 3%5% in energy costs.

► Reduce your hot water consumption.

Wash clothes in cold water, install lowflow fixtures and fix all plumbing leaks. ► Insulate your hot water pipes to reduce heat loss and raise water temperature 2°F-4°F. ► Install a timer that turns your water heater off at night when you don’t use hot water, which can save you 5%-12% of water heating costs.

designer jewelry by

Richard Arriaga Where Jewelry... IS ART ~ One of a kind ~ Leather & Pearls, Gold & Silver

Home of Pearls Gone Wild Come visit our expanded new gallery located next to Rosemary Beach and facing 30A Visit myconserve101.com for more energy saving ideas.

Conserve101... Conserving today means saving tomorrow.

ARRIAGA ORIGINALS The Village of South Walton on Hwy. 30A in Seacrest Beach Suite #111 850.231.0084 VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

75

N O R T H W E S T

F L O R I D A

VACATION e d i Gu

76

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

Northwest Florida Y O U R VA C AT I O N G U I D E T O PA R A D I S E

By James Ryan

O

ne of the main reasons the publishers started VIE – People + Places was to showcase the uniquely beautiful Northwest Florida with its relaxed beach lifestyle and high quality of life. For years, the Panhandle has been somewhat overlooked—possibly even forgotten. Two of our region’s counties, Gulf and Franklin, make up that portion known as “The Forgotten Coast.” Even Dan Rather didn’t know that a portion of Florida was located in the Central Time Zone when, in 2000, he announced “Al Gore has won Florida!” But to the people of the Deep South, it has always been a favorite vacation location because of its pristine beaches, Southern hospitality, and proximity as a drive destination.

The underappreciated Gulf Coast has been getting a glimpse of the national spotlight over the past ten years. In May of 2010, it received its biggest shot in the arm with the opening of the new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport in Bay County. It is now easier than ever for a new generation of visitors to come and explore the many things the Panhandle has to offer.

Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast region is made up of seven counties covering two hundred twenty-seven miles of beachfront, stretching from Pensacola to Apalachicola, or COLA 2 COLA. Each county has a vibe and feel all its own, but what ties it all together is the sugarwhite sand, emerald green Gulf waters, and abundant bays and lakes for waterskiing, sailing, and fishing. From historic towns like

Pensacola, Panama City, and Apalachicola, to buzzing activities in Destin and Panama City Beach, to the well-known resort communities that make up Scenic 30-A in South Walton, and the “old Florida” towns like Mexico Beach and Port St. Joe, there is a vacation here for each and every budget or occasion. Stay at one of the boutique-style hotels, a unique bed-and-breakfast, or a fullservice resort with golf and spa. Dining experiences range from either world-class cuisine in award-winning restaurants or a simple shrimp po’boy with fries on a deck overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.

ESCAMBIA COUNTY The Pensacola area is primarily known for Gulf Breeze, Pensacola Beach, Downtown Pensacola, and Perdido Key. First established in 1559, it boasts a rich history as the first European settlement in the continental United States. It is known by many names: “The Western Gate to the Sunshine State” because it is the westernmost city in Florida or “The City of Five Flags” for the five different flags that have flown over the city— Spanish, French, British, Confederate, and United States. It is also known as the “Cradle of Naval Aviation” because it is the birthplace for the Navy’s flight program, home to the Blue Angels flight demonstration team (www.blueangels.navy.mil), and the National Naval Aviation Museum (www.navalaviationmuseum.org), which is one of Florida’s top ten attractions and one of the largest and most beautiful air and space museums in the world—and it’s free!

When it comes to the arts, Pensacola is hard to trump. It is the only city between Mobile, Alabama, and Tampa, Florida, to offer the “big five”—opera, symphony, ballet, theatre, and an accredited museum for the visual arts.

And, with festivals and art shows year-round, access is to be had by all to art in a multitude of styles, from edgy to traditional.

When in the Pensacola area, be sure to check out Portofino Island Resort (www.portofinoisland.com). Situated along eight miles of untouched white sand beaches within the Gulf Islands National Seashore on Pensacola Beach, Portofino Island offers the perfect balance of indulgence and natural beauty. Or, if the resort life is not adventurous enough, then rent one of the many vacation homes on this barrier island available through Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals (www.southernresorts.com).

SANTA ROSA COUNTY Santa Rosa County is located between its more active neighbors Escambia and Okaloosa Counties. Home to Navarre Beach, this quiet but beautiful stretch of Florida’s coast has led residents and visitors alike to declare it as “Florida’s Best-Kept Secret.” Though limited to just over twelve miles of beachfront, only four miles have been, or will be, developed with an easy mix of luxury condos, townhomes, and beach cottages. Enjoy aquatic activities along either the Gulf or the calmer Santa Rosa Sound. Travel a little inland to Blackwater River State Park (www. floridastateparks.org/blackwaterriver/default.cfm), a favorite destination for canoeists VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

77

and kayakers. Blackwater River is one of the purest sand-bottom rivers in the nation, making this park a popular place for swimming, fishing, camping, and paddling. For lodging information at Navarre Beach, please look up Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals (www. southernresorts.com) for your vacation.

OKALOOSA COUNTY Also known as “The Emerald Coast,” Okaloosa County’s coast is highlighted by Ft. Walton Beach, Destin, and Okaloosa Island. With over 4.5 million visitors each year, it is easy to see why it is so popular. It is a cross between Southern coastal and beach chic. Centered around Destin Harbor, which has a reputation as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” this area offers a myriad of activities that the whole family can enjoy from first-class shopping at Destin Commons (www.destincommons.com) or boutique-style retail shops, to chartering a deep-sea fishing trip or renting a boat to spend the day at Crab Island. Or golf at one of the many top-rated courses.

For those looking for the ideal vacation spot 78

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

in the Destin area, look no further than the resort destination of Emerald Grande (www. emeraldgrande.com), Destin’s shimmering jewel overlooking some of the most spectacular turquoise waters and sugar-white beaches in existence. From the exciting HarborWalk Village, watch boats of all shapes and sizes navigate in and out of the Destin Pass. Add in some of the most spectacular sunsets you’re ever likely to see, and you’ll soon see why Emerald Grande is a place you won’t soon forget.

For lodging reservation information, consider Newman-Dailey Resort Properties (www. destinvacation.com) and Crye-Leike Destin Getaways (www.destingetaways.com) for your perfect home, condo or townhouse when staying in Destin.

WALTON COUNTY Another treasured coastal destination of COLA 2 COLA is the Beaches of South Walton, a collection of fifteen charming beach communities scattered over twenty-six miles of pure white sand. At the western end

of the county, stay at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa (www.HiltonSandestinBeach.com)—the largest full-service beachfront resort hotel in Northwest Florida, combining spacious accommodations and endless recreation with a AAA Four-Diamond restaurant, world-class amenities, an awardwinning spa and access to championship golf courses. Shop at Silver Sands Factory Stores (www.silversandsoutlet.com), the nation’s largest designer outlet, or experience Grand Boulevard’s unique mix of exclusive shops, fine dining, state-of-the-art office space, and contemporary accommodations.

Traveling to the east along the eighteen-mile stretch of Scenic 30A, where a restriction keeps building heights below fifty feet, Walton County is home to an eclectic mix of funky beach bars, world-class restaurants, old Florida communities, and New Urbanist towns with distinctive architecture—all against a backdrop of top-rated golf courses.

There are several state parks where biking, hiking, and kayaking abound; and the area is proud of their ten rare coastal dune

Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast region is made up of seven counties covering two hundred twenty-seven miles of beachfront, stretching from Pensacola to Apalachicola, or COLA 2 COLA.

lakes, which appear only in a few places in the world. Eden Gardens State Park (www. floridastateparks.org/edengardens), in scenic Point Washington, is a beautiful 163-acre park at the tip of Choctawhatchee Bay that boasts a turn-of-the-century mansion with spectacular grounds and moss-draped live oaks—some more than six hundred years old.

When planning a stay in South Walton, please visit Sunburst Beach Vacations (www.sunburstco.com) or Beach Rentals of South Walton (www.brswvacations.com), specializing in vacation homes and condos that accommodate anywhere from two to twenty people.

BAY COUNTY Bay County hot spots include Panama City and Panama City Beach. It was recently featured on MSN’s Top Ten Housing Markets of the Future due to the addition of the new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. The first major airport opening in the United States since 9/11, air traffic in June of 2010 was already up nearly 200 percent as compared to flights logged in at the old Bay

County airport the previous June. This projection should only increase if Southwest and Delta airlines continue to offer more non-stop flights that open tourism to new markets.

Panama City offers the historic downtown area with its collection of antique shops, eateries, and nightlife. With the eco tours of nearby Econfina Creek and the award-winning St. Andrews State Park, the area boasts one of the most popular outdoor recreation spots in all of Florida. The park sits on more than one and a half miles of beachfront, offering swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking and canoeing, two fishing piers, a boat ramp, concessions, and campsites. Known as the “Wreck Capital of the South” to diving enthusiasts, Panama City is ideal for diving, thanks to the many wrecks and reefs located in shallow, crystal clear waters.

Recognized as the “The World’s Most Beautiful Beaches,” Panama City Beach offers a wide variety of places to stay and things to do. These include the relaxing Bay Point Marriott Golf Resort and Spa (http://marriottbaypoint.com) overlooking the protected waters

of St. Andrews Bay, complete with two golf courses—one of them being the only Jack Nicholas–designed golf course in Northwest Florida. The resort also features a full-service marina, a spa and salon. Or stay at one of six full-service Gulf-front resorts featured by the Resort Collection of Panama City Beach (www.resortspcbeach.com). If you are looking for a full-service management company that offers multiple options, please look up Oaseas Resorts (www.oaseasresorts.com) and Counts-Oakes Resort Properties (www. panamabeachrentals.com), where they can help you meet your vacation needs.

GULF AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES In the early ’90s a Florida tourism group forgot to include information on these two counties on their map, thus prompting a local tourism group to create their own brochure and map—calling the area “The Forgotten Coast.” The area is a throwback to the “old Florida” lifestyle and is made up of towns like Mexico Beach, Port St. Joe, Cape San Blas, Apalachicola, and St. George Island. Here there are no high-rises, VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

79

NORTHWEST FLORIDA

F E AT U R E D LO C AT I O N S 1. PORTOFINO ISLAND

8. COUNTS-OAKS RESORT PROPERTIES

2. SOUTHERN RESORTS

9. EMERALD GRANDE

3. DESTIN GETAWAYS

10. HILTON SANDESTIN BEACH RESORT

4. NEWMAN-DAILEY

11. OASEAS RESORTS

5. BEACH RENTALS OF SOUTH WALTON

12. BAY POINT MARRIOTT

6. SUNBURST BEACH VACATIONS

13. LA MAISON DE LUCY

7. BEACH RENTALS OF FLORIDA

14. COOMBS HOUSE INN

NUMBERED FOR REFERENCE. LOCATIONS ARE APPROXIMATED.

only miles and miles of pristine coastline and protected bays. Saint Joseph Peninsula State Park, located on Cape San Blas, was ranked

by Dr. Beach in 2002 as America’s number one beach—an uncrowded family paradise with affordable beachfront rental homes, historic inns, and charming shops. And, you can even bring the dog along because the beaches are pet-friendly!

These small towns aren’t without history; Port St. Joe, known as the “Constitution City,” was 80

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

where, in 1838, delegates of territorial Florida drafted the state’s first constitution. Port St. Joe also has a welcoming new marina that can service all your boating needs. Apalachicola is famous for its oysters, harvesting over 90 percent of the oysters in Florida and 10 percent nationwide. Its streets are lined with moss-draped oaks and Victorian homes dating back over one hundred years, when it was once a bustling seaport town. Here you’ll find a gentle mix of trendy shops, restaurants, galleries, and meticulously kept hotels and

inns. When staying in Apalachicola, please look up the Coombs House Inn (www.coombshouseinn.com) bed-and-breakfast.

Come see why over seventeen million people a year visit Northwest Florida COLA 2 COLA. The weather is predictably sunny for three hundred twenty days out of the year. The area features activities the whole family can enjoy, an abundance of championship golf courses, history, arts & culture, and a multitude of state parks. Don’t forget the visor and sunscreen.

PORTOFINO ISLAND

SOUTHERN RESORTS

With the oil spill scare behind us, Portofino Island Resort’s beaches are as beautiful as ever and waiting to be enjoyed. A world away yet close to home, the resort offers premium amenities in a serene natural setting along Pensacola Beach. Enjoy luxury accommodations, spa, tennis, dining, an indoor Olympic-style pool and more.

Stay with us with the best rates in beach condos, cottages & homes along the Beaches of Northwest Florida. We cover almost 150 miles of beach including Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Ft Walton Beach, Destin, Beaches of South Walton, Panama City Beach, Mexico Beach, WindMark Beach & Port St. Joe.

10 Portofino Drive Pensacola Beach, Florida 32561 Main phone: 877.484.3405 Toll-free: 866.849.0223 www.portofinoisland.com

4608 Opa-Locka Lane Destin, Florida 32541 888.850.2303 www.SouthernResorts.com

DESTIN GETAWAYS

NEWMAN-DAILEY

Destin Getaways offers the ultimate in vacation rentals along the Emerald Coast. Spend your days relaxing on Destin's sugar-white beaches and your nights enjoying the coastal cuisine and nightlife.

When you stay with us, you play on us - enjoy free golf daily and unlimited movie rentals!

Newman-Dailey Resort Properties has the largest variety of family oriented gulf front Destin and South Walton vacation rentals, including a large assortment of pet friendly condominiums and gulf front beach house rentals. Our guests enjoy free “FUNtastic” amenities including golf, dolphin cruises, Big Kahuna’s, and free movie rentals.

4447 Commons Drive East Suite 110 Destin, Florida 32541 877-221-4893 www.destingetaways.com

12815 Emerald Coast Pkwy W Miramar Beach, FL 32550 800-225-7652 www.DestinVacation.com/STAY VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

81

BEACH RENTALS OF SOUTH WALTON

SUNBURST BEACH VACATIONS

Whether it’s just the 2 of you or 22 of you, our portfolio of vacation homes offers something just right. With private amenities hidden in the best northwest Florida locations, it’s the perfect fit. Call Beach Rentals of South Walton to book your next 30-A vacation. View our website for current specials.

Stay with Sunburst Beach Vacations this Fall or Winter and Be Rewarded with either a free night or 20% off the cost of the rental.

In addition to our 7 month Be Rewarded campaign, if you book and stay with Sunburst between Aug 2 and Sept 30, 2010 you will Be Rewarded a $250 gift certificate good at Silver Sands Factory Stores or future travel on Southwest Airlines.

1732 Highway 30-A Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 888-541-0801 www.brswvacations.com

BEACH RENTALS OF FLORIDA

COUNTS-OAKS RESORT PROPERTIES

Welcome to Beach Rentals of Florida, a full-service high-end rental and property management company serving South Walton. Beach Rentals of Florida will offer its clients varied services from multi-media marketing to reservations, contracts and complete property management to comprehensive concierge services needed prior to arrival.

Fall in Love with Fall Special: Stay 2 Nights and get the 3rd night free. Stay 4 nights and get the 5th and 6th night free. Setting a new standard for your vacation experience on Panama City Beach, Carillon Beach, Scenic Highway 30-A and Destin. Featuring Condominiums in over thirty of the finest resorts, Beach Houses from 3 to 10 bedrooms and hotels.

John@BeachRentalsofFL.com 866 678 8641 www.beachrentalsoffl.com

82

59 Canal Street Seagrove Beach, FL 32459 1-866-310-5718 www.sunburstbeachvacations.com

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

700 Pier Park Drive Panama City Beach, FL 32413 800-621-2462 www.panamabeachrentals.com

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

83

84

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

OASEAS RESORTS

BAY POINT MARRIOTT

Photo: Michael Clemmer

With the many accommodation choices along the Gulf of Mexico, picking the right location in the past for your vacation has been difficult. Until now. Shores of Panama stands above all others w/ 23 stories of gulf front luxury condos offering unparalleled amenities including a full spa. Shores is your Escapes Perfected!

9900S Thomas Drive Panama City Beach, Florida 32408 877-808-4323 www.OaseasResorts.com Follow us on Twitter!

Experience Award-Winning Golf in Full Swing at Bay Point Resort Golf Club, Panama City Beach's premier golf experience offering not one, but TWO 18-hole championship courses. Play northwest Florida's only Nicklaus Design Course or choose The classic Meadows Course. Attractive Rates, Easily Accessible and an unmatched golfing experience preferred throughout the region.

4701 Bay Point Road Panama City Beach, FL 32408 850-235-6950 or 877-235-6950 www.baypointgolf.com

LA MAISON DE LUCY

COOMBS HOUSE INN

Nestled in a serene setting, La Maison de Lucy will surprise and delight you. 12 luxurious rooms representing 10 different countries, along with a pool and a 5000 square foot event center are just a short drive from Panama City Beach and Tallahassee.

"Travel around the world staying at La Maison de Lucy!"

Nestled in the heart of the quaint fishing village of Apalachicola, Florida this charming, Victorian-style bed-and-breakfast is the perfect escape. This boutique Inn welcomes guests to experience historic charm in an intimate setting and is within walking distance of restaurants, gift shops, museums and theatre.

Logo NO OUTLINE La Maison de Lucy 05 02 09

y .

. d e

on

La

M ais

Luc

BED & BREAKFAST

2388 Park Avenue Alford, Florida 32420 850.579.0138 www.lamaisondelucy.com

Coombs House Inn

80 Sixth Street Apalachicola, Florida 888-244-8320 www.coombshouseinn.com

EVENT CENTER

. d

y .

on

La

M ais

e

Luc

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

85

You Want To See Her Walk Down The Aisle.

21st Century Oncology is here to make sure you do.

RADIATION ONCOLOGY 1026 Mar-Walt Drive Ft. Walton Bch, FL 32547 • 850.863.5294 6879 Hwy. 98 West Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32549 • 850.622.3308 86

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

UROLOGY 909 Mar-Walt Dr., Suite 1011 Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32547 • 850.863.3377 131 Redstone Ave Suite 102 Crestview, Fl 32539 • 850-682-6333 1001 West College Blvd Unit E Niceville, FL 32578 • 850-678-8699

RADIATION AND MEDICAL ONCOLOGY 601 Redstone Ave., West Crestview, FL 32536 • 850.622.3308

W E S T B E ACH

B E A C H C O T T A G E from $ 4 2 5 , 0 0 0 Huff Development, a recognized builder in the region, is now offering a new home and lot package starting at $425,000 at WaterSound West Beach! This 1,900 square-foot cottage boasts 3 bedrooms, including a generously sized master bedroom, 2.5 baths and a one-car garage. An additional 280 square feet is devoted to porches to enjoy the community’s natural outdoor beauty. to Destin WaterSound West Beach is located south of nostalgic Highway 30-A in Walton County. Homeowners in this gated community enjoy private beach access, an on-site community pool and entry to the WaterSound Beach Fitness Center.

Owners also have the opportunity to join the WaterSound Beach Club at a substantially reduced initiation fee. Stroll through scenic sand dunes on the boardwalk to the beach with wooded scenery and tall pines as your backdrop.

Come see why WaterSound West Beach truly is a unique beachfront community.

W E S T B E ACH

. kwy dP n u So ter Wa

Sales Center

30A

to Panama City Beach Map not drawn to scale.

For more information, call St. Joe Community Sales at 1.866.505.2091 or visit WaterSoundFlorida.com | Keyword: Cottage

© 2010 The St. Joe Company, St. Joe Community Sales, Inc., licensed real estate broker, “JOE”, “St. Joe”, “WaterSound West Beach”, and the “Taking Flight” designs are service marks of The St. Joe Company. The materials and features and amenities described and depicted herein are based upon current development plans, which are subject to change without notice. These homes are built by Huff Companies, LLC, which is an independent, third party not affiliated with The St. Joe Company. The St. Joe Company does not guaranty the obligations of unaffiliated builders who build homes in WaterSound West Beach. WaterSound Beach Club, Camp Creek Golf Club and Shark’s Tooth Golf Club are private clubs for St. Joe designated communities which require purchase of separate memberships subject to application and acceptance and may be subject to payment of fees, membership requirements, rules or other limitations which are subject to change. This does not constitute an offer to sell real property in any jurisdiction where prior registration or other advance qualifications of real property is required. Void where prohibited by law. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Obtain the Property Report required by Federal Law and read it before signing anything. No Federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any of this property.

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

87

National Naval Aviation Museum 88

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

Story and Photography by Taris Savell Youngsters, from toddlers on up, clutch adults’ hands, pulling them on to another plane. Parents are as anxious as their children to touch the wings. Is it fun? Is it educational? Is it historical? Is it amazing? Yes, to all of that.

Every year approximately seven hundred thousand visitors tour Pensacola’s National Naval Aviation Museum. Of those, a large number are from out of state and taking vacations along the Gulf Coast. According to Vice Admiral Gerald Hoewing, USN (Ret), president and CEO of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, the museum keeps a guest logbook at the Information Desk, and looking at a list of the states from which visitors come will bring to mind a map of the entire United States.

The museum, which is free to all guests, is an attraction like no other in the area, and few others nationwide. The first glimpse of the interior is breathtaking and, frankly, jaw-dropping. No brochure can prepare a visitor for the initial sight of the 300,000-square-foot exhibit space filled with more than one hundred fifty aircraft on the floor, including the Curtiss NC-4 flying boat—the first plane to make a transatlantic flight, or the Douglas SBD Dauntless that flew at the Battle of Midway, as seen in the movie Midway (1976), starring Glenn

Ford, Henry Fonda, and Charlton Heston, a portion of which was filmed aboard a carrier that was actually stationed in Pensacola at the time of filming. When this particular Dauntless was recovered from Lake Michigan in 1990, it took approximately one hundred museum staff and volunteers almost four years and seventy thousand hours to historically restore the plane. Original battle damage repairs were preserved during the restoration so the aircraft could be viewed as it had looked after its combat years and not as if it had just come from the factory.

If you are under the impression the museum features only airplanes, forget it.

Start walking and you’ll spot replicas of survival training campsites, prisonerof-war compounds, an area designed to show how Pensacola looked during the World War II era, and a sculpture of Bob Hope entertaining the troops. Astronauts are saluted, as are early Naval pioneers, in a number of exhibits that will surprise and astound any guest. The entire museum is a marvel to behold because nothing seems to have been overlooked.

The rare opportunity to become a part of Naval Aviation and the role it played in the nation’s fight and flight for democracy, through a visual experience, is only the tip of the wing span. The more than four thousand uniforms, flight gear, weaponry, medals, and decorations contribute to the feeling of being a part, even for a moment, of our history. The Emil Buehler Naval Aviation Library is home to official papers of prominent Naval Aviators, squadron records, and a collection of over 350,000 photographs.

The museum has free tours daily given by a team of expert tour guides, many of whom are veterans with real-life stories that make each tour unique. These guided walk-throughs can last

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

89

“Our IMAX Theatre, flight simulators, and new children’s exhibit, the USS Kiddie Hawk, are among visitor favorites,” said Hoewing.

mathematics.” Enthusiasm for the Academy is reflected in the recent $1.25 million donation made to the program by the St. Joe Company.

Aviation will be the primary teaching tool, and students will spend their entire stay fully immersed as aviators. The interior space will be patterned after an aircraft carrier, which includes details to make students feel like they are living and breathing as pilots. From the sleeping berths in the junior officer staterooms to the cafeteria-style tables on the mess deck, the entire facility offers an authentic and unique experience to all students. The 100,000-square-foot, four-floor academy is currently under construction and will open in May 2011 during the centennial celebration of Naval Aviation.

from one hour to more than two, depending on the guide and questions from the group. The tours are among the most popular activities at the museum, though guests are welcome to roam around by themselves; however, a lot of historical information is missed without a guide’s input.

“Our IMAX Theatre, flight simulators, and new children’s exhibit, the USS Kiddie Hawk, are among visitor favorites,” said Hoewing enthusiastically, as he looks down from the mezzanine and smiles at the familiar sight of planes and people. The “oohs” and “ahs” of young and old alike are the sounds that fill the area—an area honoring aviators, explorers of the unknown, and prisoners of war.

One of the most exciting projects the foundation has undertaken is the future National Flight Academy, which Hoewing says, “stands to provide the best-in-the-world aviation-inspired learning experience for young people grades seven through twelve. Through a high-fidelity, totally immersive simulation of a modern aircraft carrier, young people from all demographics and regions will have the opportunity to experience focused immersion in science, technology, engineering, and 90

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

The museum originally opened in 1963 with 8,500 square feet in a renovated wood-frame building. The non-profit Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, founded in 1966, is the fund-raising arm and educational group that supports the museum through worldwide membership and various revenue-generating operations. These include the IMAX Theatre, which boasts a seven-story-high screen and seats 535, and the Flight Deck Store, with its “awesome” inventory of gift items such as propellers, Blue Angels mugs, flight suits, key chains, games, books, and T-shirts, of course. Browsing through the store can take up to as long as an hour just to look at everything.

Outdoor Furniture, Grills & Patio Accessories “I was really impressed with the number and variety of exhibits. There are things to see for people of all ages. Very well organized and extremely educational. A must-see for anyone visiting Pensacola or the Gulf Coast,” said Richard Lipsey, who visited the museum while vacationing on the Gulf Coast this past summer.

1 mi. West of Silver Sands Outlet Mall 32 Forest Shore Drive, Destin, FL

www.baybreezepatio.com

269.4666

The famed Blue Angels flight team, stationed in Pensacola, is represented at the museum in the Blue Angels Atrium, with three of the planes hanging from the high ceiling as if they were actually soaring overhead. The atrium is used for Navy events, including the impressive changeof-command ceremony as one flag officer’s duty comes to an end and a replacement presents his or her orders.

The treasures that are featured in the National Naval Aviation Museum provide an experience not to be missed. We often think of museums as boring, rainy-day places, but this one will change your mind ... even when the sun is shining.

One quick tip: If you’re browsing by yourself, be sure to look and remember the path you take. I live here, and I still get lost in there. No GPS around.

life shines

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

91

92

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

93

Making Children Happy Children’s Home Society of Florida

By Sallie W. Boyles 94

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

In 1902, Children’s Home Society of Florida (CHS) was founded as an adoption services organization. Today the nonprofit, headquartered in Winter Park, operates through fourteen divisional offices that oversee more than one hundred locations in every Florida county.

Organically evolving in response to changing needs of communities and individuals, CHS is not only the oldest and largest private institution caring for women, children and families in Florida, but it also delivers a breadth of support that is downright inspiring.

Contracted and funded by the state, CHS expertly fulfills every requirement as prescribed, but the work doesn’t stop there. “We complete the need by living in the solution,” says Erica Spivey, Associate Development Director of the Emerald Coast Division, which is in Panama City. CHS is distinguished, in fact, for creating model programs, each of which provides many extras that make all the difference to those who are helped. To deliver those added yet vital advantages, the organization strongly relies on private donations and well-coordinated volunteer initiatives.

Seeking to find her own sense of purpose through volunteerism, Spivey was President of Florida State University’s Rotaract Club before joining the Panama City Rotary Club while working in PR and real estate. Eager to get involved, she served on the board of directors that built Frank Brown Park, an adaptive recreational facility in Panama City Beach that accommodates physically challenged youngsters and teens who play sports. She later learned about Clair’s House, a CHS-run group home for teen girls, while attending a fund-raiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida. Realizing that she could make a difference little by little, she began fulfilling “wish list” items to make the girls of Clair’s House feel special. When offered her current position with CHS, Spivey, just twenty-four years old, eagerly accepted, embarking upon a mission to broaden community awareness about children in need, keeping them in the hearts and minds of supporters, politicians and everyday citizens.

range of services, including pre- and post-adoption counseling for all parties involved.

• Early Steps mitigates developmental delays in children by catching them early (from birth up to age three), directing families to a host of resources, and reinforcing positive parenting.

• Clair’s House, originally a group home for children aged six to twelve, now focuses on hard-to-place teenage girls who have been removed from their homes as a result of abuse, abandonment or neglect. Nurtured and mentored, the most troubled teens rebound to become positive influences in society and on one another.

• Dependency Case Management oversees the physical and emotional

The issues are complex, and to address a myriad of challenges, the

needs of children who have either been removed from home or are at

Emerald Coast Division alone requires over ninety staff members and

risk of being removed as a result of abuse, abandonment or neglect.

approximately fifty contract workers who facilitate seven separate but interrelated areas of service: • Continuing its original mission to place children in loving, forever homes, CHS facilitates private adoptions as well as incorporates a

• Birth to Five Mental Health fortifies the social and emotional development of the youngest segment—infants to age five—by providing resources that strengthen the bonds between the parent or primary caregiver and child.

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

95

“We begin by building trust, demonstrating that we are there to support the child and his family, not to tear them apart,” says Spivey.

• Dependency Counseling offers targeted case management services and mental health support to children ages six to seventeen by designing care plans for youngsters and connecting families to the resources they need.

• Substance Abuse Counseling incorporates drug and alcohol evaluations, weekly education, individual and group therapy, and around-the-clock

that we are there to support the child and his family, not to tear them apart,” says Spivey. “If we find that Johnny’s mom is dealing with stress by abusing prescription drugs, we first direct her to outpatient drug treatment so that she and her son can remain in their home together.” The plan might also entail enrolling the mother in parenting classes, buying new school clothes for Johnny, and making sure the water and electricity remain turned on— whatever it takes to foster a happy, healthy, stable child and family.

emergency screenings—all to restore and reunite families.

Though the prominence of one program over another will vary locally based on what a particular community needs, Spivey states that CHS is always working towards one broad objective: “We strive to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect, heal trauma and pain associated with abuse and neglect, and find forever homes.”

A case, therefore, might be initiated when a school’s counseling office contacts the Florida Department of Children and Families hotline because “Johnny,” a ten-year-old boy, usually has an unkempt appearance and regularly says he forgot his lunch. The state, in turn, would assign CHS to investigate.

Child-focused and family-centered, CHS would deploy a Dependency Case Manager to investigate, peeling back the layers to identify the issues.

Isolating key problem areas, the case manager would delegate responsibility to the appropriate counselor(s). “We begin by building trust, demonstrating 96

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

To keep families intact, CHS tackles issues like domestic violence and child abuse proactively whenever possible. “Our fastest growing area is our Birth to Five Mental Health services,” says Spivey. “Through education and guidance, our goal is to forestall the behaviors that destroy relationships.”

As an example, Spivey recalls a mental health assessment she observed with a two-year-old and his mom. “The mother was so out of touch,” Spivey says, describing how she read a chapter book suitable for an older child to her toddler as he squirmed in her lap. “She didn’t know what to do.” From the evaluation, however, CHS proceeded to educate the mom, teaching her to engage her baby and develop the bonds that would compel her to nurture rather than grow frustrated and abusive.

No matter how big the problem, CHS breaks it down, creating manageable pieces that are solved one by one. Likewise, one by one, success stories emerge.

When “Mary” entered Clair’s House at fifteen, most would say that she was utterly out of control. Today, she is an award-winning student with plans for college. She is also a role model and inspiration to her peers. Although Mary rightfully attributes her transformation to her dedicated mentor, Vicky Harless, supervisor of Clair’s House, she has benefited from the large and small contributions of many.

No effort to help is insignificant. Whether covering the cost of a birthday party for a child who has never enjoyed that rite of passage or subsidizing a substance abuse program to accommodate fifty more families, CHS counts on private funding and appreciates all levels of support.

For more information about Children’s Home Society of Florida, Erica Spivey can be reached by e-mail at Erica.Spivey@CHSfl.org or by phone at 850-747-1520.

SuperStudio:ART:MNH:Mitchell’s:MFM_Wood Background_Shadows_C_300.tif SuperStudio:ART:MNH:Mitchell’s:MFM_Grilled Salmon_C_300.tif SuperStudio:Logos:Mitchells:MFM Logos:MFM_logo_tagc_2c.ai

Any fresher, you’d have to catch it yourself.

SAVE THE DATE Compassionate Chefs for Kids, the Emerald Coast Division’s premier annual fund-raiser, will be held on Saturday, September 25 at the Bay Point Marriott Resort in Panama City Beach.

Along with live music and dancing, dozens of the area’s finest restaurants will present the Panhandle’s most delectable cuisine. Proceeds from tickets—$35 General, $75 VIP—and a silent auction will directly benefit the vital children’s services that CHS provides in Bay County and surrounding communities. For additional details, please call 850-747-5411, ext. 1520.

Florida Department of Children and Families hotline—1-800-962-2873 G RAND B OULEVARD S ANDESTIN ® • 850.650.2484 •

W W W .M I T C H E L L S F I S H M A R K E T . C O M VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

97

John Cook and his team of professionals focus on the details to ensure your transaction is completed successfully.

#1 Coldwell Banker Team in Florida 2007 & 2008 4458 Legendary Drive, Suite 100 Destin, FL 32541 850-650-5560 877-480-0143 850-582-0874

98

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

99

UP CLOSE

AND

PERSONAL

WITH PHYSICIANS ON THE COAST

Getting To Know Our Doctors From COLA 2 COLA

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION 100

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

THE COLA 2 COLA PHYSICIANS GUIDE

BY AVA WOOD

It’s not a news flash that for the past few years national health care has been debated, discussed, and analyzed. (With the recent passage of the health care bill, a new era is being ushered in— time will tell how this will affect both the medical profession and our collective well-being.) What is noteworthy is that during those few years, as the communities of our region have developed, the quality of health care services has continued to improve through state-of-the-art facilities and high-quality physician care.

We now have facilities such as those of the Sacred Heart Hospitals in Miramar Beach and Port St. Joe, the Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine in Gulf Breeze, and countless other medical offices throughout the COLA 2 COLA area. These hospitals join the already wellestablished Baptist Hospital and Sacred Heart Hospital, both located in Pensacola, as well as Bay Medical Center of Panama City, Florida, which has consistently received numerous awards over the past several years.

To supplement the advances in improved medical infrastructure, best-in-class physicians from universities and hospitals around the country have opened or relocated their practices here.

In years past, patients have had to travel out of market in search of physicians with exceptional knowledge and experience with cutting-edge

medical techniques. Now, patients in need of specialty care have the comfort of knowing that there is a greater choice of physicians and services right here at home.

The vision for this “Up Close and Personal” exposé in VIE – People + Places’ first Physicians Guide is to showcase and educate the reader about the capable medical community we live in as well as to allow a glimpse into the personal lives of some of the physicians who live and work here.

The unique relationship between patient and doctor is unlike any other: the trust and confidence fostered between them can be an important factor in attaining both the best medical experience and outcome possible. The medical profession is a noble one, and for many physicians it is their vocation first and their career second. Small-town living affords a sense of community not found in larger cities; knowing your physicians as neighbors, youth sports coaches, and fellow association and club members can sometimes provide a sense of comfort and security when seeking out their services.

In the following feature, VIE invites you to meet some of the physicians who are helping to change the face of our local medical community. Read on as they share their lives, philosophies, and goals, and educate us on the new procedures and treatments that serve our community.

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

101

A Q&A with Dr. Moskowitz

LEARN TO LISTEN A lifelong commitment to healing

Photo by Heather Forrester Photography provided by Dr. Moskowitz

VIE: Dr. Moskowitz, please tell us about yourself.

Dr. Moskowitz: I was born a Virginia girl and spent most of my life in the Washington, D.C., area. My dad was a career military officer so I also spent seven years in Southern California, which was just enough time to fall in love with beaches, sunshine, and warm weather. I was the oldest of the three children in our family, and I don’t know much about birth order psychology, but I think I created a smokescreen of mischief that allowed my brother and sister to have a pretty easy go of it. Eventually, my parents moved to this beautiful place with sugar-sand beaches on the Gulf of Mexico called Panama City Beach.

Later in life, I was working the fast-paced life in D.C. as a single mom, and there just wasn’t enough time left for living, relaxing, and loving my children. I knew that I wanted more for them and for myself. Several times in my life, God has opened a door and cleared a path so wide and brilliant, making it impossible not to choose the destiny He planned for me. So, with that epiphany, we moved to Panama City Beach over the holidays in 2004, and I started my practice, the Cosmetic Vein and Laser Center, in May of 2005. Today, even with my medical practice booming, I still find time to balance my home life with my career. My two children and my fiancé, Jay, are the loves of my life.

My favorite hobbies include spending time with my family (Emma, Luke, and Jay), enjoying simple things like swimming, playing tennis, base102

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

ball, beach volleyball, golf (but I’m really bad at golf!), boating, and waterskiing. I also love shopping with my mom, photography, running, and I play on Bay Point’s Flight-One tennis team.

VIE: How did you become interested in medicine?

Dr. Moskowitz: My undergraduate degree is from Mary Washington College, a small liberal arts school in Fredericksburg, Virginia. There, I majored in biology with every intention of becoming a sports physical therapist. There were no physicians in my family, and I truly had never even thought about going into medicine until the end of my senior year in college when I interned with a surgeon. I loved it! At the end of the rotation, he looked at me and said, “With your grades and your skills, why don’t you go to medical school.”

Have you ever heard the saying “At first dreams seem impossible, then improbable, then inevitable”? Well, that was one of those epiphany moments. Within a week, I had declined my spot in the physical therapy program and started the application process for medical school. I just knew I would get in because it all made sense to me. At the risk of being cliché, it was my “calling,” and I was absolutely sure of it.

I first visited the Georgetown campus in May, with the cherry blossoms in full bloom. I loved everything about Georgetown and decided to go there for my master’s degree in physiology while applying to medical

PHYSICIANS ON THE COAST

"Medicine is a lifetime commitment to learning and healing."

—Dr. Moskowitz

Dr. Moskowitz with daughter, Emma, and son, Luke Photo by Shirley Browning

school. During that year, I was so lit up and inspired by the level of academics at Georgetown, I didn’t want to leave. So I didn’t. I got an early-decision acceptance to the medical school for the following year—the class of 1996.

The four years of medical school were a blur, but I remember the whirl of emotions at graduation as I walked along the red carpet to “Pomp and Circumstance” in the Kennedy Center, where I had recently seen The Phantom of the Opera. With those four years behind me, I was distinctly different. I had become humble, grateful, God-loving, dedicated, and resourceful. I learned that sharing the intimacy of dying is just as important as sharing the intimacy of living. I had also become a mother to the most beautiful creature I had ever known, my daughter, Emma, who is now 14 years old. I had attained the wisdom of a student, a teacher, and a mother. This was only the beginning. Medicine is a lifetime commitment to learning and healing.

VIE: What got you started on the path to your specialty?

Dr. Moskowitz: My unique medical training sets me apart. After four years of medical school, I spent four years in residency training.

My first year was in pathology because I wanted to expand my knowledge about diseases from the inside. Pathology at Georgetown was a highly academic year and I absorbed everything I could about the appearances and behavior of every type of cancer. Skin was my

favorite organ, and I focused that year on learning skin diseases and skin pathology.

The remaining three years of my residency were in internal medicine and dermatology. In medical school and residency, I felt like my mind was a sponge, just absorbing everything it encountered.

VIE: What about your patients? How do you relate to them?

Dr. Moskowitz: I place an enormous emphasis on my relationships with my patients. With each patient, I listen very carefully to what they are looking for and do my absolute best to make sure they are satisfied with their results.

I am grateful for my training and experience because it allows me to be one of the best in my field, and I pass that on to my patients to give them the best results possible.

I am constantly researching new trends and technology, and I never buy into all of the hype until I know something really works with results to back it up.

VIE: You sound quite passionate about the care you provide. What else inspires you?

Dr. Moskowitz: One of my passions has always been teaching. During

PHYSICIANS ON THE COAST

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

103

Dr. Moskowitz with her children and fiancé, Jay Iskow, on an equestrian tour in Costa Rica in 2010

"I wake up every day feeling absolutely blessed to be able to heal people and help them feel emotionally and physically beautiful and healthy." my first two years of medical school, I taught anatomy and physiology and microbiology to the Georgetown nursing students. It challenged my schedule, but it was one of my most treasured experiences during medical school.

VIE: What were some of your other treasured experiences?

Dr. Moskowitz: Sharing the intimacy of life and death with people and their families. Learning humility through the greatness of medicine and the wisdom in other people’s experiences. Helping people find peace in suffering. And just learning and being able to pass it on.

VIE: What are some of the most valuable lessons that you have learned?

Dr. Moskowitz: Over the years I’ve learned that being a “perfectionist” is a ridiculous thing to be because it sets you up for the impossible.

Don’t get me wrong—I’m still accused of it every day; but there needs to be a balance or it will paralyze you and drive you crazy.

I have learned to cherish every moment with my children. I only get them for a very short time.

And, I listen to my patients; I have learned that they are usually right.

104

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

VIE: Would you describe your practice for us?

Dr. Moskowitz: My practice in Panama City Beach is the Cosmetic Vein and Laser Center.

—Dr. Moskowitz As a phlebologist (vein specialist) and skin and laser medicine specialist, I treat all medical and cosmetic vein and skin disorders. I am also board certified in internal medicine, which allows me to be incredibly thorough when evaluating and treating my patients.

I treat skin disorders ranging from skin cancer, acne, rosacea, and psoriasis to wrinkles and aging skin. My practice features the most sophisticated technology such as Fraxel Restore™, Fraxel Repair®, photorejuvenation, photodynamic therapy (PDT), BOTOX®, Restylane®, JUVÉDERM®, laser hair removal, VelaShape for cellulite and body contouring, sclerotherapy, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and anti-aging skin care products.

While working as a physician for the American Vein Institute, I was among the first twenty-five physicians in the country to perform endovenous laser treatment (EVLT), a nonsurgical procedure for varicose veins. EVLT has close to a 100 percent success rate in closing abnormal varicose veins. In May of 2008, I was in the charter group of vein specialists to become board certified in phlebology.

I wake up every day feeling absolutely blessed to be able to heal people and help them feel emotionally and physically beautiful and healthy.

PHYSICIANS ON THE COAST

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

105

I spoke with Dr. Jeffrey Lord, director of minimally invasive bariatric surgery at Pensacola’s Sacred Heart Institute for Surgical Weight Loss, for the first time over a telephone interview near the end of the summer. He told me right away of a very special woman who, for years, was tied to her ailing husband’s bedside. She cared for him during all the trying times that terminally ill patients endure, neglected her own health, and as a result of an abnormal level of inactivity, reached just over three hundred pounds by the time her husband passed away. At four-foot-ten and over sixty years of age, it was nearly impossible for her to complete those defining actions I previously touched on.

Photo provided by Dr. Lord

Leveling the Playing Field Bariatric Surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Lord Changes Lives

By Nick Belvin

Think about the last time you were in a hurry and had to slip on your clothes just before rushing out the door. Late again. It happens to me quite a bit, admittedly, and it is hard for me to envision what my life would be like without the ability to move quickly, to simply run around, or to play with my dogs. The things that I enjoy in life are not available to obese persons due to their inability to move, let alone run and jump and play.

106

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

PHYSICIANS ON THE COAST

“She could not care for herself, and walking was more than a struggle,” Dr. Lord said in the interview. “I did not trust anyone to operate on her, so I trained someone for three years to perform the operation that I assisted on the same day that Hurricane Ivan arrived.”

Dr. Lord knows a lot about morbid obesity in America.

He has performed over one thousand gastric bypass procedures in his years of experience, including assisting the surgeon who operated on the woman he spoke so fondly about. It is an astounding number of procedures when one thinks of the circumstances surrounding each of those patients.

“The patients we operate on are normal people, but at some point, something in their lives dramatically changed.” Dr. Lord shared a story of a patient who had just visited him earlier that day, and who, only ten years prior, had led a very active life and was an avid sportsman. But over the last decade, a sedentary life, coupled with other factors, led him to morbid obesity. Simply put, the doctor said, “We level the playing field so they can get their lives back.”

“The patients we operate on are normal people, but at some point, something in their lives dramatically changed.” Dr. Lord shared a story of a patient who had just visited him earlier that day, and who, only ten years prior, had led a very active life and was an avid sportsman. But over the last decade, a sedentary life, coupled with other factors, led him to morbid obesity. Simply put, the doctor said, “We level the playing field so they can get their lives back.”

Most Northwest Florida residents are unaware that Dr. Lord is operating in the nucleus of the bariatric surgery universe at Sacred Heart. He is specialized in his craft, and his confidence as a surgeon seems to be exactly what patients are looking for before deciding to undergo such a life-altering procedure.

Before Dr. Lord came to Sacred Heart, patients had to travel throughout the South to receive treatment.

Now, patients instead flock to Pensacola from across the country and from as far away as South Africa to be treated by him.

Pensacola to what were predetermined as average hospitals, found that patients experienced nearly 50 percent fewer complications at Sacred Heart and left the hospital 10 percent faster than from other institutions.

According to HealthGrades, the leading health care ratings organization, the Sacred Heart Institute for Surgical Weight Loss in Pensacola boasts a rating in the top 10 percent among bariatric surgery programs nationwide. The center received the Bariatric Surgery Excellence Award from HealthGrades, the leading independent healthcare ratings organization.

As stated by a recent Los Angeles Times article, researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that in a study of 2,200 type 2 diabetes patients, 75 percent of patients were able to stop all diabetes medications almost immediately following bariatric surgery.

A HealthGrades study, comparing Sacred Heart Hospital Institute for Surgical Weight Loss of

For an individual who needs to lose over one hundred pounds, laparoscopic bariatric surgery is often an eleventh-hour effort to gain back a previous life. It is the answer to a lifelong problem, and a resolution to emotional and physiological anguish.

“This procedure is the only medical cure for obesity,” Dr. Lord said. “Surgery is by no means a guarantee that the weight will stay off for good, but in many cases it does yield that result.”

PHYSICIANS ON THE COAST

A recent report from the U.S. Census Bureau declares that 8.1 million Americans work from home. One would not have to look far up the family tree to find a hardworking manual laborer who was obligated to be such in order to provide for his or her family. As technology makes our lives easier, many jobs require less need for us to lift more than a finger, or type on a keyboard—as I am doing now for this magazine article.

However unfortunate it may be that the rate of obesity in the United States is increasing, it is nice to breathe some fresh air knowing there is someone giving those who were previously disabled a chance at a normal life.

By the way, about that special woman mentioned earlier––Dr. Lord’s mother is now nearing seventy years of age, is healthy, and working as a missionary on the top of a mountain in the Philippines—something that even the good doctor could not have imagined six years ago.

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

107

Photo by Jessie Shepard

Left to Right: Dr. David Mann, Dr. Robert Long, Dr. Warren Amos, Dr. Thomas Zachos, Dr. James Stevens

THE BEST IN CLASS Medical Advancements for the 21st Century To maintain a competitive edge, many companies strive to be best in class by offering the consumer a quality service or product. In the case of 21st Century Oncology, an expanding countrywide network that includes locations in Crestview, Ft. Walton Beach, and Destin, Florida, it is evident that their goal is to cater to treating and managing care for patients battling cancer. They provide research, surgical, and nonsurgical procedures, as well as treatment for patients suffering from urological diseases. As a group, they are actively seeking contracts for health care by offering competitive pricing coupled with state-of-the-art equipment.

A concentrated effort to invest in research programs is also part of the company mission at 21st Century Oncology.

108

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

PHYSICIANS ON THE COAST

By Ava Wood

VIE’s Q&A with James Stevens, M.D. In an interview with Dr. Stevens, he shared that his group recently secured a contract with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The team environment at 21st Century Oncology allows the doctors to consult with one another to provide the best care available. “Patients no longer have to leave the area to seek treatment, providing patients peace of mind and the ease of less travel time for medical care.

The VHA chose us because of the quality of our facilities and network of resources,” explained Dr. Stevens.

VIE: How long have you been with 21st Century Oncology?

Dr. Stevens: I joined 21st Century Oncology in 1995. I have been with the group since I finished my training in radiation oncology in Philadelphia. It has been amazing to be a member of 21st Century Oncology and to take part in the advances the group has made through their dedication to caring for patients with life-changing diagnoses.

VIE: Have technological advances changed much in the past few years, allowing a higher cure rate for cancer? If so, would you elaborate on which cancers are responding well to the new treatments now available?

Dr. Stevens: There have been tremendous changes in technology for radiation oncology in a very short period of time. In just the past ten to fifteen years we have gone from treating patients with simple twodimensional planning to complex four-dimensional planning. By this, I mean that my partners and I now have available to us the ability to modify radiation and treatment for patients as their cancer changes. When I was in training, treatment for a tumor entailed shaping radiation around a tumor, sort of like putting a box of radiation around a tumor. Healthy organs around the tumor were also generally affected by that “box of radiation,” just as the tumor was. Now, we have the ability to not only shape the beam of radiation more conformably to an area of concern, but we can also shape the intensity of that beam of radiation in an effort to treat what needs to be treated while minimizing the dose of radiation to healthy tissues. In addition, we can modify the treatment as a tumor responds to the therapy, thereby treating the tumor and sparing more healthy anatomy.

All of the technological advances in radiation oncology have had a great impact on several diseases, including lung cancer, breast cancer, and head and neck cancer. Probably the disease most impacted by these technological advances is prostate cancer. Treating prostate cancer takes a multispecialty approach. In our area (Crestview–Ft. Walton Beach–Destin, Florida), we have joined forces with two urologists, Dr. Robert Long and Dr. Thomas Zachos, who have years of experience and special interests in urologic malignancies. We now give much higher doses of radiation to a cancerous prostate than we ever did in the past because we can get the dose of radiation into the prostate with much greater precision, and reduce the dose to the surrounding healthy structures with equal precision. In addition, we can actually monitor the motion of the prostate during the delivery of the radiation with new technology called Calypso tracking. If the prostate moves while the beam of radiation is on, we can actually see it and immediately adjust the beam of radiation. We think of this as a sort of GPS system for the prostate. We feel fortunate in that we are the only team around here that has this technology available for our patients.

VIE: Would you elaborate on the buying power you have as a result of being part of a national medical network and what that buying power offers patients who receive care from you?

Varian Trilogy Linear Accelerator

"In just the past ten to fifteen years we have gone from treating patients with simple two-dimensional planning to complex four-dimensional planning."

—Dr. Stevens

Dr. Stevens: 21st Century Oncology has a vision of providing the best possible care to patients. We know that there is power in numbers and that treatment of cancer necessitates a team approach. To that end, we have been able to join forces with many talented physicians from all over the country. Our group includes not only radiation oncologists, but also medical oncologists, urologists, and surgical oncologists. 21st Century Oncology now includes hundreds of physicians and support staff, and has facilities spanning the United States. This wealth of physicians has an enormous impact upon us in our local area. We have the ability to get the latest and greatest technology for our patients because 21st Century Oncology as a group has tremendous buying power. In addition, we have a tremendous network of experts that we work with on a daily basis. This combination of ability to access the latest technology and to access the most current medical expertise translates into the best possible patient care.

VIE: What is one of your favorite patient success stories?

Dr. Stevens: I have a patient who is about the same age as I am who was diagnosed with a deadly form of brain cancer over three years ago. His tumor was growing into his brain stem and causing him signifi-

PHYSICIANS ON THE COAST

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

109

Varian Trilogy Linear Accelerator

I are dedicated to this team approach. Lung cancer, for example, is one disease that requires expertise from many areas in medicine. Often we are faced with treating a truly sick patient. We realize that our treatments could have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life. In our practice, we routinely utilize state-of-the-art equipment to minimize the negative impact on a patient’s quality of life while striving for the greatest impact upon his or her disease.

One thing we use is something called respiratory-gated motion detecting. We can monitor a tumor as it moves with respiration, and treat the tumor only while a patient is in a certain phase of respiration. This allows us to limit the dose of radiation to healthy lung tissue while achieving the greatest possible dose to only the tumor. When patients are treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, we know that technology like this can have a significant impact upon a patient’s overall response. cant neurological problems. This disease normally takes a patient’s life in one to two years. We knew that his disease was unresectable and that we needed to treat him with the best technology and chemotherapy we had available to us. We were very concerned that treating his tumor with the radiation doses necessary to have the greatest impact would put him at significant risk for complications from the radiation itself. Armed with everything we had, we treated him. He is alive and well today, off of all therapy with no evidence of disease. He and his wife are living happy, productive lives. Every time I have the opportunity to see him, I’m reminded how fragile life is and how we can make a significant impact in people’s lives.

VIE: Would you elaborate on the state-of-the-art equipment you offer and how that can benefit your patients?

Dr. Stevens: Treating cancer is truly a team approach. My partners, Dr. Warren Amos (radiation oncology), Dr. David Mann (medical oncology), Dr. Robert Long (urology), Dr. Thomas Zachos (urology), and

110

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

VIE: You mentioned that some of the physicians on staff have championed health care costs in the past—what is your collective opinion on where our health care system is heading?

Dr. Stevens: Physicians at 21st Century Oncology have taken an active role in legislative efforts that help to shape health care in this country and the cost of health care. As the wealthiest nation on earth, our citizens deserve the best that health care has to offer, and at affordable prices. We know that technology is expensive and that staying on the cutting edge of medicine is going to continue to be expensive. We believe that by joining forces with many experts in the field of oncology, we can collectively provide the best that medicine has to offer for our patients while doing it at competitive and affordable prices.

PHYSICIANS ON THE COAST

(800) 335-4839

Dr. Scott Runnels Orthodontics B r ac es f or a dul t s and c hild r e n

Clear Braces Cover girl Abigail Ryan (VIE 2010 Summer), recently posed for this photo with her orthodontist, Dr. Scott Runnels, in his office located in Destin, Florida. Doctor Runnels has performed orthodontic services on all four children of VIE sales account executive Jim Ryan, and we’re proud to have him in this issue of the magazine. Abigail proudly shows off her pearly whites in this photo!

4399 Commons Drive East Suite 100A Destin FL, 32541 850-269-0333

22623 Panama City Bch. Pkwy.

Suite 7&8 Panama City Beach, FL 32413 850-249-3240

www.runnelsortho.com

Let's get to the heart of the matter.

Heart disease is the #1 killer of men and women in the US. Preventive care saves lives.

Excellence in Cardiology

Leslie Fleischer, M.D., FACP, FACC 1005 Mar Walt Dr. Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547

(850) 863-8185

www.white-wilson.com/cardiology.htm PHYSICIANS ON THE COAST

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

111

Photo by Colleen Duffley

Dr. Weiner Brings

an Impressive Medical Pedigree to 30A and Beyond

By Lisa Burwell The people of 30A might believe they have an insider’s advantage when it comes to knowing Dr. Steve Weiner, but great secrets are impossible to keep. After my own personal experience with his clinic, I knew that VIE – People + Places would help spread the news.

112

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

PHYSICIANS ON THE COAST

Dr. Weiner best describes the Aesthetic Clinique as “a medical facility that merges noninvasive and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures with the most progressive treatments in the prevention of skin cancer, as well as for the optimal health of the skin.”

A board-certified head, neck, and facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Weiner graduated from UCLA before completing medical school at the University of Michigan. From there, he interned and spent his residency in Baltimore at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, where he remained for two additional years as a staff member in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery. With the experience he acquired serving at the nation’s number-one-ranked hospital specializing in head and neck treatment, Dr. Weiner established a successful private surgical practice in Thomasville, Georgia. All the while, because of rapid advancements in medical technologies, he was growing focused on alternative cosmetic procedures that would not require a scalpel.

Ten years later, in 2005, he and his wife, Sandy, a registered nurse, launched the Aesthetic Clinique.

Dr. Weiner best describes the Aesthetic Clinique as “a medical facility that merges noninvasive and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures with the most progressive treatments in the prevention of skin cancer, as well as for the optimal health of the skin.”

Dual system, ZELTIQ for fat removal, Thermage CPT, IPL for photofacial treatment, laser hair removal, laser for spider veins, BLU-U, GentleWaves, and IPL for acne and precancers. “We have also recently incorporated Dysport, Ionithermie, Vi Peel, and GliSODin Skin Nutrients, and our newest procedure for skin tightening, Ulthera, which has no downtime,” Dr. Weiner says.

Dr. Weiner and Nurse Sandy Weiner not only work alongside one another at the clinic, but both are also highly involved in the community and sports.

Dr. Weiner, in fact, is the girls’ soccer coach for Seaside Middle School. He also loves to YOLO (stand-up paddleboard) with his family and is a big fan of bocce ball. In early April, he brought the reigning Mrs. USA, Jennifer Cirone, to the area, where she was the master of ceremonies for Rosemary Beach’s popular Fourth Annual Spring Bocce Ball Tournament. With her Italian heritage, she was right at home, since the bocce tournament remains true to its roots by kicking off the competition with the Italian national anthem, flag raising, and a ceremonial first toss by a local celebrity.

The Weiners, playing host to Cirone for the weekendlong festivities, took her to local hot spots like Bud & Alley’s and the Red Bar. When I first had the pleasure of meeting Cirone, however, it was at the Aesthetic Clinique. I was a bit surprised that someone so breathtakingly beautiful was undergoing a little weekend procedure. Also genuinely warm and effervescent, she was happy to speak openly with me in a phone interview a few weeks later about the results. Cirone said, “It has been six months since Dr. Weiner performed Thermage on me, and my skin looks better than ever.”

Dedicated to achieving success for patients, Dr. Weiner and his approachable yet professional staff put their best efforts forward in a well-appointed office that emits a great modern vibe. With testimonials from a spokesmodel like Jennifer Cirone, however, looks are by no means deceiving.

“It was a joy to meet this lovely family,” she said, concluding our phone interview. “I can’t wait to come back to 30A to see my new friends and to visit with the Weiners again soon!” I would not be surprised if a follow-up treatment is also on her agenda.

In addition to Blue Mountain Beach and Rosemary Beach, the Aesthetic Clinique has patients that travel from all parts of the nation and the world.

For more information, readers should visit www. theclinique.net or call (850) 622-1214.

To learn more about available treatments, I went to Dr. Weiner for a complimentary skin analysis. A stateof-the-art technology called VISIA confirmed that I had spent too much time in the sun as a teenager. An evaluation like mine, which determines the level of skin damage and other characteristics unique to the individual, enables Dr. Weiner to design a customized course of treatment for each patient’s needs. “This information, coupled with understanding of our patient’s lifestyle and availability for downtime,” says Dr. Weiner, “is a great asset to determine the best route to prescribe.”

Among the services the Aesthetic Clinique offers are BOTOX Cosmetic, Restylane, JUVÉDERM, Perlane, JUVÉDERM Ultra Plus, and RADIESSE. The doctor also provides the following treatments and techniques: laser resurfacing with the new Fraxel re:pair (repair) laser, water-assisted liposuction, Fraxel re:store

Photo by Romona Robbins

PHYSICIANS ON THE COAST

Photo by Romona Robbins

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

113

KEEPING IT IN BALANCE A Love for Life

Father and son in Caliza Pool at beautiful Alys Beach

By Lisa Bur well Photography by Jessie Shepard

Dr. Nitin Bawa has a caring, contemplative, and elegant disposition. Upon our initial meeting for lunch at the beachy casual George’s at Alys Beach on Scenic Highway 30A, it was obvious he follows an exercise regimen that allows him to stay fit and trim. Shortly into the interview, Dr. Bawa mentioned that he had been a competitive swimmer in high school and continues to enjoy his passion, competing this past spring in a four-kilometer race in Bermuda called Round the Sound. He said, “During my training for the meet, I swam at Frank Brown Park in Panama City Beach, the YMCA, and the pool at Serenity by the Sea at Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, which is my favorite place to go with my family.” His two-and-a-half-year-old son, Neil, got an early start as a swimmer and is already following in his father’s footsteps, as evidenced by his unusual comfort in the water and keen interest in the sport.

114

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

PHYSICIANS ON THE COAST

F

ollowing lunch, we toured Dr. Bawa’s office, located behind Angelina’s Pizzeria one block off Scenic Highway 30A. I studied his impressive credentials proudly displayed on the walls. Nitin Bawa, MD, received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Northwestern University, where he did research on Alzheimer’s disease and coauthored a research paper published in Experimental Neurology. He finished his medical training at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) in 2001, where he did his residency in internal medicine at UIC Medical Center. He also has an MBA in health services management and finance from Loyola University Chicago, which helps keep his practice running efficiently. In addition to all this, Dr. Bawa has done an externship at Kennedy Space Center in Brevard, Florida, has participated in research with flight surgeons, and has graciously volunteered his expertise and time with the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Dr. Bawa is a board certified internal medicine physician. He was the first in the area to introduce the new Zerona laser, a low-intensity laser with the ability to “melt away” fat cells without causing harm or discomfort. “I treat my patients by combining cosmetic and internal medicine simultaneously; to look better on the outside, you need to start from the inside.” To that end, Dr. Bawa explained that by adjusting hormones through a bio-identical hormone process, he can help his patients—particularly women—control their weight. He administers both a saliva and blood test to check hormonal levels, the saliva test being even more accurate than the blood test. “Doing a saliva test for hormones such as progesterone, DHEA, and testosterone is important for seeing the exact levels of these hormones.” He explained that a popular weight-loss medication he prescribes called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) has helped many patients achieve significant weight loss.

Because stress can be a contributing factor to weight gain, Dr. Bawa combines supplements and medications to combat the negative effects of stress in relation to weight gain. “To best help my patients, I look at my patients holistically so I can offer the best course of medical treatment available with both conventional and unconventional recommendations.” He is a member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and continues his education to learn of new treatments for combating hormonal imbalances associated with weight gain.

“I treat my patients by combining cosmetic and internal medicine simultaneously; to look better on the outside, you need to start from the inside.”

—Dr. Bawa

Keeping healthy can be a challenge, and one of the best ways to stay ahead of the game is to become proactive. Dr. Bawa is a strong believer in identifying symptoms or even potential problems before they manifest into conditions that are expensive and more difficult to treat. This proactive approach is the best thing a person can do for his or her well-being. He provides genetic testing that can determine diseases to which a person may be susceptible—the same tests that prestigious Mayo Clinic, Scripps Research Institute, and Duke University perform.

“Preventative maintenance and a balanced life are some of the keys to longevity and a good life,” Dr. Bawa asserts.

Dr. Nitin Bawa (850) 534-4170 www.drbawa.com

PHYSICIANS ON THE COAST

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

115

116

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

117

YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT (So don’t eat junk)

By Clark Peters

THE TITLE PHRASE IS ACCURATE … with some qualifiers.

You are what you absorb from what you eat (or put less delicately, what you don’t excrete). It is critical for health (and longevity) to take in essential1 nutrients through the foods that you ingest. This has become increasingly difficult in the last forty years or so. Proper nutrition gets complicated very quickly, so full understanding may require reading several of my past and upcoming VIE articles. However, I promise that each article will contain some action steps that you can take to improve the quality of what you put in your mouth—the quantity (an important variable in healthy weight) is, of course, up to you.

The Basics The body wants, needs, and, indeed, requires all three of the following macronutrients to thrive:

PROTEINS CARBOHYDRATES FATS Proteins: provide amino acids, the basic building blocks of all cells in muscles, organs, bones, connective tissue, etc.

Carbohydrates (direct from nature): provide minerals, vitamins,

throughout the day. (Hospitals achieve this with intravenous glucose drips.) So, the key to eating for good health (and weight control) is to spread out the supply of glucose as evenly as possible over the several hours between meals and snacks, bringing about a stable blood sugar level. This is where our modern diet causes problems!

The Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load2 You may be familiar with these terms—they get a lot of attention these days. Why? The glycemic index (GI) measures (on a scale from 1 to 100) how fast a particular food converts to glucose. The glycemic load (GL) measures how much glucose is delivered from a standard portion of a food.

So what? Well, it turns out that it matters a lot. One of our organs—the pancreas—is charged with keeping our blood sugar levels at a fairly narrow “moderate” range. Normally, it accomplishes this with very small squirts of insulin which converts available glucose to current energy needs, fuel for cells, and stores any small (hopefully) excess in fat cells. As time passes and blood sugar levels lower, glucose is released from fat cells to alleviate any shortfalls until the next meal/ snack. With proper nutrition and reasonable portions at meals/snacks, this is how a healthy body processes good nutrition. The biochemical processes are much more complex in detail, but these are the basics.

fiber, and a host of phytonutrients required for system health.

Fats: provide essential fatty acids that contribute cell wall material 1

(lipids) and some cushioning and lubrication of joints.

The benefits contained in the “good” macronutrients (each category has good, bad, and ugly examples) are delivered to the body by first breaking them down (mouth and stomach acids, digestion, and bacteria in the intestines do the job) into glucose. Glucose, another word for blood sugar, is the body’s fuel and delivery system for the components of macronutrients. Ideally, our consumption of food would provide a steady, moderate supply of nutrient-bearing glucose to our cells 118

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

So, what goes wrong? The problem arises from eating too much sugar (see the “Obesity” article in VIE – Summer 2010, page102) and highly refined (predigested) and, therefore, high glycemic foods. They are everywhere in modern American food offerings.

In general, carbohydrates have the higher glycemic indices (of course, sugar, in all its forms has the highest), proteins fall in the middle range, and fats are the slowest to convert to glucose. This is useful to know because combining a high GI food (say, an apple) with one containing protein or fat (say, peanut butter) tamps down the sugar rush from the high GI food eaten alone. The biggest problems, however, are the

BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS

Brain  Pancreas

Sugar Spike

Insulin Surge (Fat Storage)

High GI/GL 700

Hypoglycemia

TIME/HOURS

carbohydrates that do not come directly from nature (i.e., fruits and vegetables off the tree, bush, or from the ground). I am referring to the highly refined foods that comprise most of the supermarket foods these days, especially those made from refined grains (flour).

They include: Cereals/granolas Pastries, muffins, scones, bagels Breads Pastas White rice products Crackers, chips, pretzels Waffles, pancakes Corn products Breakfast bars (even the so-called health or protein bars) All of these should be viewed by the consumer as predigested sugar.

Hopefully, you would not sit down at your kitchen table and consume a dozen mouthfuls of sucrose (table sugar). Yet, a large helping of any of the above is tantamount to doing just that! They all quickly turn into glucose by the time they hit your stomach. They are also, unfortunately, the major source of calories in the modern American diet.

Again, so what? Glucose is the body’s fuel. If a little is good, why isn’t a lot better? The answer contains the primary reason for obesity and many of the instances of fatal disease in America.

Eating food with a high GI, GL, or both floods the bloodstream with glucose. The brain, recognizing the sugar spike, sends an urgent message to the pancreas, which overreacts by shooting, not a squirt, but loads of insulin to deal with the excess. Since the body can absorb only so much glucose for its current needs (and a bit more stored in the liver for emergencies), the rest is packed into fat cells. Insulin is a powerful hormone that keeps fat cells open for hours when there is a great deal of this hormone around; this leads to a number of unfortunate side effects:

SEE GRAPH  Anything eaten for several hours goes to the fat cells that have remained open.

The endocrine system (all of the hormones in your body) becomes severely imbalanced, which leads to inflammation. The medical science consensus now points to inflammation as the primary cause of all major degenerative diseases: heart disease, cancer, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes, and the list goes on.

This much insulin empties the stomach very quickly, leaving us ravenous for more glucose to solve the emerging hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Of course, the easiest way to obtain more glucose quickly is to consume the same kind of high GI foods which started the cycle, thus starting the cycle again.

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

119

The first rule is that you should shop the perimeter; this is where the real food is presented. The interior aisles contain all of the refined, processed stuff we’ve been talking about.

Much of America goes through these sugar “highs” and “lows” all day, most days! This cycle rapidly packs on weight and eventually leads to insulin resistance—the first step toward type 2 diabetes. The hormonal swings lead to continual inflammation and disease. I trust that you will recognize that breaking out of this cycle is key to health, longevity, and weight management.

Lean: Look for less than 20 percent fat. Lean doesn’t always get you there—extra lean normally will.

Free: Meaningful if applied to unhealthful products such as sugar, trans fats, sodium, etc.

Trans fats: The only acceptable words following are “zero, nada, Clearly, the path to stable blood sugar involves eating reasonable portions of “good” macronutrients at every meal/snack. I keep using “meal/snack” because I am also suggesting that people should level their blood sugar by eating more frequently. Notice that I did not say more food—just more often. So, a method of spreading nutrition (and, therefore, glucose) over the waking hours would look like this:

Breakfast Mid-morning snack Lunch Mid-afternoon snack Supper Mid-evening snack Amounts would taper off as the day progressed. Thus, breakfast (breaking the mini “fast” of six to nine hours of sleep) can be a hearty meal. The idea of reducing quantities and calories from that point on reflects the activity level (and calories needed) for a typical day. By evening, you are “winding down,” and a huge supper followed by a big snack will not serve you well—either for weight control or sleep.

zilch, none, free, etc.”

Light, reduced, less: Means 25–33 percent fewer calories, fat, sugar—than the original! May not mean much if the original was loaded.

High fiber: Always a good thing.

Natural: Means absolutely nothing—every product started with something natural.

Organic: Much more healthful and worth the premium cost.

Low or no fat: This varies depending upon the food. Good if for meat, dairy, etc. If applied to packaged goods, it normally means huge additions of sugar to add flavor lost by removing fat.

High Fructose Corn Syrup: Unacceptable. If mentioned in the ingredient list, put it back.

Made with natural goodness, doctor recommended, parent tested, strengthens immune system, etc.: Oh, come on! Ignore all of these claims.

I will expand on “good” macronutrients in the Winter 2010 issue of VIE, but common sense may get you started. We are after “lean” protein (less than 20 percent fat), so all seafood, grass-fed beef, eggs, wild game, and low-fat dairy are good examples. Good carbs are those directly from nature—fresh or fresh-frozen fruits and vegetables. Fats are a little more complicated but should be part of most meals. Raw nuts, avocados, and unsaturated oils (e.g., olive oil) are a few examples of healthy fats—I will also touch on this more in the next issue.

Hopefully, these ideas will alter your food shopping for the future. I would be remiss, however, if I did not give you some “rules of the road” for the supermarket. These huge repositories of foodstuffs are virtual minefields without some savvy. The first rule is that you should shop the perimeter; this is where the real food is presented. The interior aisles contain all of the refined, processed stuff we’ve been talking about.

Then you should know the translation for common marketing terms: 120

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

I know, it’s confusing out there. Hopefully, you are now more aware of how and why stable blood sugar is vital to health, and you understand a few ways to get through the grocery shopping minefield. Start removing the junk from your diet. Your body will be grateful, although it may mean spending a few dollars to buy smaller-sized clothing!

Notes: 1

“Essential” is something the body must have and can’t make or combine from other materials, and, therefore, must be ingested—preferably daily.

2

Any Internet search involving the use of “glycemic index” will bring up several sites with comprehensive GI listings.

Whenever the occasion.

Whatever the event.

30A Your Way.

A Vintner’s Cafe AN EXTENSIVE SELECTION OF AMERICAN & INTERNATIONAL WINES

Happy Hour – Half-price Beer, Wine, & Sushi Nightly 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Complimentary Wine Tastings Thursdays 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Now ServiNg

Sunday Brunch, Lunch & Dinner.

Ladies Night Wednesday nights 6:00 p.m. – close Half-price Drinks for the Ladies!

Beer & Board Games Bring your Board game and Receive $1.00 off your Beer Daily.

Open Mic Night Thursday night 7:00 p.m. – close

DINING SPECIAL Early Dining Nightly 5-6 p.m.

Buy One Entrée, Receive One Free* *Second entrée must be of equal or lesser value.

BAR SPECIALS Happy Hour Nightly 5-7 p.m.

1/2-Price Drinks 1/2-Price Sushi MaRtiNi MaDNESS Wednesdays $5 Martinis LaDiES’ NigHt thursdays $2 Ladies’ Drinks Children’s Menu Available!

850.468.0703

25 Central Square Seaside, Florida www.CrUSH30A.CoM

850.231.4050 DestinChops30A.com Villages of South Walton | Walking Distance to Rosemary Beach

HaRBOR REStaURaNt gROUP VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

121

122

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

A LICENSED INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM

Bringing life and style to Emerald Coast home interiors for 20 years and counting. www.LovelaceInteriors.com

Become a Fan on Facebook!

|

850.837.5563

|

IBC#00199

Follow Us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/LovelaceHome VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

123

A New Rental Management Company

No management fees All the management company services you need and nothing you don't No owner restrictions Keep 100% of the rental revenue your unit generates

124

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

Call us today! 877.300.1870 To learn more visit www.myrentalready.com

PEOPLE + PLACES Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation The Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation set a record in 2010, raising over $1.16 million through

11

its mission to connect wine enthusiasts with

2

children in need. During a June 9, 2010, check presentation ceremony, hosted by Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village in Destin, Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation awarded nine area charities

serving

disadvantaged

children.

Supporting restaurants that catered the event include Wild Olives Market, Commander’s Palace, Grande Vista Bar and Grille, and Caffé Italia.

3

4

The 2010 beneficiary charities include: Children in Crisis, Sacred Heart Foundation, Children’s Volunteer Health Network, Child Clothing Project of the Junior League of the Emerald Coast, Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, Pathways for Change, Ronald McDonald House, Shelter House, and Youth Village, all of which work to meet critical needs of children throughout Northwest Florida’s COLA 2 COLA region. Visit www.dcwaf.com for more information.

Photography by Lisa Ferrick

Wayne Paul and Susan Kiley

1

Cory and Hillary Fosdyck

2

Alexis Miller, Jennifer Plumley, Todd Vucovich, Lauren

3

5

6

Magli, Hillary Fosdyck and Briane Workman O’Dell Shane and Briane Workman O’Dell

4

Lynn and Steve Dugas

5

Destin Charity Wine Auction

6

Foundation Board of Directiors Lisa Ferrick and Cody Jordan

7

Gerald and Lisa Burwell, Eric Shepard and Bob Brown

8

7

8 VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

125

2010-11 Season of

Broadway’s Best Touring Shows!

PUCCINI’S TURANDOT

in Niceville Broadway Series: MOMIX Legally Blonde The Color Purple (2 performances!)

Puccini’s Turandot

October 10 January 5 January 16 February 19

THE COLOR PURPLE

Artist Series: All Shook Up Dance Theatre of Harlem Rhythm of the Dance

January 27 February 7 March 11

Family Show: The Diary of Anne Frank

November 11

Call or click for tickets!

Season Package ticket sales begin: Single Ticket sales begin: by Web:

by Phone:

August 23 August 28 August 30

RHYTHM OF THE DANCE

ALL SHOOK UP

MATTIE KELLY Northwest Florida State College

MOMIX

100 College Blvd. Niceville, FL 32578

126

www.mattiekellyartscenter.org Box Office: (850) 729-6000

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

MEDIA PARTNER

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

127

THE

BUSINESS CORNER W H AT ' S N E W I N B U S I N E S S F RO M C O L A 2 C O L A

THE RESORT COLLECTION OF PANAMA CITY BEACH WELCOMES CHEF PHILIPPE OLIVIER ROBLES

Resort Executive Chef Joins the Company

The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach announced the hire of Philippe Olivier Robles as their new resort executive chef. In this position, Robles will be responsible for enhancing the food product that is presented to guests, ensuring consistency in food delivery and maintaining the highest standards of food preparation.

Photograph courtesy of The Resort Collection

“We feel privileged to have someone with such refined culinary skill joining our talented team,” said Tom Sparks, general manager for The Resort Collection. “We have always strived to provide delicious, quality food service to our guests, and I feel certain that we will continue to excel in this arena with Philippe in the kitchen.”

PHILIPPE OLIVIER ROBLES Robles, a graduate of the Haute-Vue Culinary School in Morlaàs, France, brings more than twenty-five years of experience at highly respected dining establishments. Before joining The Resort Collection, Robles was executive chef for Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Prior to his tenure at Sandestin, he held the position of chef de cuisine at Criolla’s Restaurant on Highway 30A in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

Robles’ talent has carried him to positions in France, Switzerland, and Hawaii.

Robles has worked for five-star fine dining restaurants such as the Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead in Atlanta, and the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, Maui in Hawaii. In France, the prestigious Restaurant Gerard’s employed Robles’ talent as did Hôtel du Béarn, Restaurant La Marmite, Hôtel du Palais, and Hôtel Chiberta. His skills were further honed during his work at Noga Hilton in Geneva, Switzerland.

“I am aware of the excellent culinary standards by which The Resort Collection has always set itself, and I look forward to adding my own strengths to this qualified team.”

—PHILIPPE OLIVIER ROBLES 128

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

patchoulis.com 850.231.2005 R O S E M A R Y B E AC H

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

129

ATW Roofing INTERVIEW WITH

I N T R O D U C T I O N BY G E R A L D B U R W E L L

VIE was recently graced with the delightful opportunity to get better acquainted with South Walton-based ATW Roofing and its owner, Britton Bartlett, through an impromptu interview. ATW Roofing brings a new meaning to doing business in a local community. As an architect in my former trade, I have had considerable experience in the building industry.

It is refreshing to know, especially in the current financial and business climate, that there is a company like ATW Roofing that not only strives hard to please their clients, but also goes out of their way to serve their community with equal fervor. VIE is proud to showcase this exceptional company, and, on behalf of ATW Roofing, we extend to you an invitation to get to know them better.

VIE: So, ATW Roofing was born of a high-end custom construction company?

Bartlett: That’s right. Long ago, our parent company decided that quality and logistic control of roofing installations during the construction process gave us a huge edge, especially in a coastal region. It shortened project durations and ensured the best possible wind damage prevention by having complete control over installation methods and products.

VIE: Since ATW Roofing became an independent company five years ago, how has that mentality helped you serve your roofing clients?

130

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

Bartlett: It has helped tremendously with the caliber of builders we serve.

We understand firsthand the importance of scheduling. Also, being up-todate on the latest roofing products and building code requirements ensures that their liability interests are well protected.

VIE: Since, you also work in custom construction, do you ever find yourself competing with the builders that you serve?

Bartlett: Never. We limit ourselves to building only two custom homes at a time. Those are usually generated through referrals or relationships through

Libby Residence, WaterSound, Florida Builder: Breaux Construction Architect: Kenneth Lynch & Associates, AIA Photo by Britton Bartlett

Experience the Aveda difference – book your appointment today!

Hours: 10am-9pm Mon-Sat 11am-7pm Sun Call for an appointment 850.654.2444 Grand Boulevard Suite M102 www.be-fusion.com

our parent company’s amazing designer—and my wife—, Melissa Quinn Bartlett, ASID. So, we haven’t found ourselves in a competitive bid situation with the clients of our roofing company. In the rare chance it ever happens, we have a pledge that we will not bid for construction of a home that ATW Roofing has been asked to work on for one of our builders.

VIE: So, you’re serious about protecting the builders you serve.

Bartlett: Completely. Building must be a team approach in which loyalty and trust are critical.

VIE: Speaking of loyalty, I’ve heard some great things about your staff.

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

131

Benecki Residence, Rosemary Beach, Florida Builder: Canvas Creations Architect: McAlpine Tankersley Architecture Photo by Michael Granberry

“Our employees understand we serve a community.”

—Britton Bartlett

Bartlett: Where do I start? They are amazing. All of our staff are drugscreened, uniformed, experienced, focused, and friendly.

VIE: Tell me about the “groceries incident.”

Bartlett: [laughs] Believe it or not, that’s happened more than once. About half of ATW’s work is repair, maintenance, or reroofing. We often find ourselves working on older homes for elderly people. The incident you’re referring to involved one of our employees climbing off of a roof to help an elderly client carry her groceries in. That’s actually happened three times, and those aren’t the only examples of our guys going above and beyond.

VIE: That’s unbelievably thoughtful. So, your staff understands service.

Bartlett: Our employees understand we serve a community. There is no greater job satisfaction, or security, than knowing that folks out there think of us as “the guys in the white hats.”

VIE: How do you build a team like that?

Bartlett: Ha! [laughs] I wish I knew! I guess we simply promote a culture of giving. It’s contagious, too!

VIE: So, one would expect to pay a premium and be happy to pay it for your kind of team.

Bartlett: Thanks for the compliment, but we offer extremely competitive pricing. Most folks are surprised when they realize how affordable our services actually are. We’re not always the cheapest, but we are certainly the greatest value.

VIE: What a great team and service you have. Thanks so much for sharing your story.

Bartlett: Thank you for the chance to share it! We’re proud of ATW Roofing!

VIE: Speaking of which, ATW Roofing is quite a charitable organization.

Bartlett: Again, our guys understand community—they are part of this community. As a team we have served the Children’s Volunteer Health Network, Relay for Life, South Walton Montessori Academy, US98 Soccer, Adopt-AHighway, Children’s Advocacy Center, Taunton Family Children’s Home, and others. One of our managers leads a drug and alcohol recovery ministry through his church, two other managers are instrumental in a mission to build worship halls throughout the Southeast, several are Little League coaches, and, believe it or not, one is a piano virtuoso who tutors youth.

132

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

To learn more about ATW Roofing, contact Britton Bartlett or visit their website: ATW Roofing (850) 231-9114 www.RoofingDestinFL.com

Your dream closet awaits...

WaterColor Location 6 Watercolor Blvd, Suite 101A Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 | 850.231.2000 WindMark Location 110 Good Morning St, Suite 102 Port St. Joe, FL 32456 | 850.227.7555

www.f ussb outique.com |

Like Us On FACEBOOK VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

133

134

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

The Shops of Destiny 36236 EmErald Coast Parkway, dEstin, Fl 32541-4707

Beautiful Lights 850-650-9417

Kiki Risa www.kikirisaclothing.com 850-650-0554

Bella Beach www.bellabeachhome.com 850-837-6212

Avantgarde Salon Inc. www.avantgardeaveda.com 850-654-5057

Rossi Cas 850-502-9895

G.G. Bloom www.ggbloom.com 850-460-2078

Fall Sale 50%-70% Off

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

135

David Waddle, Brian Haugen, and Steve Cann

Of Black SwanS and Oily PelicanS You’ve no doubt, by now, heard the term “black swan” used to describe some improbable event of the past few years. This moniker derives from the long-held ancient belief that all swans were white, until the first documented sightings of black swans emerged in the late 1600s. In modern dialect, we ascribe the term “black swan” to highly unlikely, statistically incalculable, frequently unforeseen, and oftentimes largely impactful events. Recent black swans have shown up in the form of a burst housing bubble, bank failures, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes, to name a few. Now we have a bird of a different feather; this black swan is more like an oiled pelican.

There’s a litany of lessons to be learned from the Deepwater Horizon disaster, but in keeping with the objective of our VIE – People + Places columns, we’ll narrow these down to the impact on your personal investments. In hindsight, it’s easy to

136

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

trace the devastative impact of a single improbable event within the operations of a global, publicly traded and heavily analyzed blue-chip corporation. One of the world’s largest oil producers was instantly transformed from a conservative, dividend-paying core holding of many retirement portfolios into a highly speculative, volatile stock-market gamble. Even worse for investors along the Emerald Coast, this came hand-in-hand with a renewed slowdown in business revenues and real estate values, etc. Thankfully, the oily impact to date has been manageable and, if this trend continues, we should look to a local recovery sooner rather than later.

You should take this opportunity to reflect on your current investment strategy, as there are some pertinent lessons that are well illustrated by this event.

Here are a few thoughts from our team here at Emerald Coast Wealth Advisors of Raymond James:

Diversification matters. Sometimes, what’s old, worn-out, and boring is still what’s best. This is the case with portfolio diversification. We don’t mean having two different advisors, or diversifying your employee stock options with the real-estate holding of your primary residence. What we’re referring to is true diversification wherein your total exposure to any stock, any sector of the economy, or even any unforeseen world event is minimal and therefore not devastating. The cold hard fact is that anything can happen, and probably will eventually, and either your portfolio will wither overnight or it won’t, depending upon how well you’ve diversified. While diversification does not ensure a profit or protect against a loss, a single devastating event can erase decades of investment growth.

Escape to Affordable Luxury

The Marriot Hotels Sandestin at Grand Boulevard are the perfect locations to host your rehearsal dinner or accommodate your out-of-town guests. Enjoy all the amenities of the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort as part of your destination dream wedding.

Ph : 850-650-7811 | Fax : 850-650-7816 www.marriott.com/vpsri

Ph : 850-650-7411 | Fax : 850-650-7491 www.marriott.com/vpscy

100 Grand Boulevard, Destin, Florida 32550

Perception (vs. reality) matters. Recognize that even a well-oiled investment plan can get harmed by outside perceptions. Sometimes your financial destiny may be influenced by the emotions of the crowd. Take, for example, the press coverage of our area. They made it sound like we were covered in oil. While we did not have anywhere near the impact the press indicated, we still felt a decline in tourism from the negative perception of this distorted coverage. There are times your investments will lose money even though you’re doing the right thing. Eventually, reality tends to prevail over perception.

Nothing lasts forever. Today’s winners will inevitably become tomorrow’s losers, and vice versa. Today’s winning strategies will give way to tomorrow’s emerging technologies, and paradigms will continuously evolve. As oil flooded the Gulf, it was hard to imagine our battered real estate market rising from the ashes anytime soon … but eventually it will. Just as the speculative bubbles of 1999 and 2005 eventually burst, so too will this current recession give way to a turning tide. The same is true in capital markets. Prices rise and fall

Ashley Carter 850.585.6255 | Adrianne Brackett 850.218.9987 Susan Shirley 850.240.0180 | Wendy Griffin 256.225.3373 Photography by Cody Jordan

PURE&Co uture Salon

Boutique

850.424.3935

Located in City Market

36150 Emerald Coast Pkwy. Ste 104 | Destin, FL 32541 www.pureandcouture.com VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

137

Today’s winners will inevitably become tomorrow’s losers, and vice versa. Today’s winning strategies will give way to tomorrow’s emerging technologies, and paradigms will continuously evolve. like the tides, sometimes shifting to extremes and sometimes taking many years to change course.

A successful investment philosophy is one that embraces this ever-changing landscape, and doesn’t fall victim to current trends.

Sometimes it rains. Have you ever noticed how congested our traffic gets when it rains along the Emerald Coast? I’m sure you know why—our tourists are taking advantage of other amenities when the beach isn’t the answer. Folks come down on vacation knowing full well it might rain.

Yet they come anyway. Why? Because they know they can hedge their bet via the other activities we

offer. Whether our vacationers get burnt out on the beach due to sun, rain, June grass, riptide, jellyfish, or, yes, even oil, the Emerald Coast has more to offer than just our pristine beaches. They’ve hedged their bet! How is your portfolio prepared for rain? Do you have a fallback plan in case the markets take a different course than you expect? Have you hedged your bet in your portfolio?

economy. Similarly, in your financial life, you’ll often achieve greater success with the right team of experts on your side. Consider the help of a qualified financial advisor, someone you’re comfortable working with, to round out your personal strategies and ideas. It just might make the difference for your own financial recovery and success.

All of us along the Emerald Coast will need to continue to work together on the recovery of our region for the benefit of all. Since there is no monopoly on good ideas, we’ll need as many of those ideas as we can muster to rebuild our

Prepared by David Waddle, Brian Haugen, and Steve Cann of Emerald Coast Wealth Advisors of Raymond James and Associates, which specializes in designing personalized, diversified financial portfolios for highnet-worth investors along the Emerald Coast.

live life. love life. 3 0A .

WATERSOUND

SEASIDE

ROSEMARY BEACH

ALYS BEACH

THE RETREAT

WATERCOLOR

Y O U R S O U R C E F O R 3 0 A R E A L E S TAT E

NEW: 3010 S. Co Hwy 395 Seagrove Beach NEW: 6652 E. Co Hwy 30A WaterSound Beach 49A Watercolor Way WaterColor 850.213.5150 www.BeachPropertiesofFlorida.com 138

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

DAVE WADDLE Senior Vice President, Investments

BRIAN HAUGEN Senior Vice President, Investments

STEVE CANN Associate Vice President, Investments

A portfolio as unique as you.

You’ve chosen the Emerald Coast for its beauty, hospitality, and individuality.

Welcome to an investment firm as unique as you and our region.

At Emerald Coast Wealth Advisors of Raymond James, we design custom portfolios for high-net-worth investors. You’ve spent a career building your investment portfolio – we specialize in protecting what you’ve built. You see, we take the time to know you personally, and then consider all the angles to create your unique plan…

…so you can spend more time enjoying all the reasons you’ve made the Emerald Coast your home.

543 Harbor Boulevard, Suite 501, Destin, FL 32541 Tel 850-650-0990 • Toll-free 888-317-8956 emeraldcoastwealthadvisors.com

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

139

140

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

141

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST! INTRO BY AINSLEY ROGERS

Poke. Like. Confirm. Upload. Share. Post. All of these verbs have become a large part of everyday language thanks to Facebook, the worldwide phenomenon that is connecting people from Mumbai to New York, and everywhere in between. Millions use Facebook every day to keep up with friends, share information and learn more about other people. Logging on to a computer has become a personal connection, allowing people across the globe to network and maintain consistent, up-to-date communication.

Here at VIE – People + Places, we use Facebook to stay in touch with our readers and fans. The VIE Facebook Fan Page offers our fans the latest information on what is going on in the community, steals and deals at surrounding businesses, contests and giveaways, and special glimpses into upcoming issues of VIE. As a salute to the growing marketing sensation that Facebook has created, the magazine announced the VIE – People + Places Photography Contest in the Fall 2009 issue. We invited our Facebook fans to submit photos of themselves, friends, businesses, travel destinations, and anything that helped to showcase our piece of paradise. After sifting through over three hundred beautiful submissions, VIE’s creative team was finally able to choose a winner—a stunning shot of an electrical storm over the Gulf submitted by Brandan Babineaux. Because so many of the photos captured the essence of our area, VIE also chose nine honorable mentions. These photos best displayed the quintessential COLA 2 COLA.

Da Winnah!

"Lightning Strikes Twice" by Brandan Babineaux I’ve always been intrigued by observing severe weather events. On the evening of Saturday, June 5th, a severe line of thunderstorms swept through the area. Around 8:30 p.m., after the storm was over and the rain subsided, I was driving west on 30A and noticed bright lightning flashes off the coast to the west-southwest of Seaside. As it often happens in the summertime, this lightning show was in the distance and lingered for several minutes.

142

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

To view more of Brandan's work please visit www.brandanbabineaux.com Normally, natural light and obstructions in the landscape can block the full view of storms like this, but the Gulf offered a clear, unobstructed view of this powerful weather event.

Having my camera gear with me, I thought that the best place to set up a dramatic shot would be on the rooftop of Bud & Alley’s, then frame the

obelisk in the shot along with the lightning to add dimension and foreground elements. Additional elements to the shot were the interested spectators inside of the obelisk illuminated by the glow from the lighting within the interior structure.

I set up my tripod and remote shutter release, and waited for the perfect

moment. After several misfires, I began to dial in the timing and proper shutter speed to capture this dramatic light show from nature.

I ended up with about ten usable images; each possessing unique colors and patterns, but this one is my favorite. Lightning does strike twice, and at the same time!

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

143

Honorable Mentions!

Photographers:

144

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

We had so many great submissions that we felt we needed to show some of the other great photos!

1

2

3

4

5

6

1. Ron Tamondong 2. Shannon Quinlan 3. Brock O’Dell

4. Lisa Marie Borges 5. Bill Young 6. Kevin Zimarek

7. Shannon Quinlan (Again!)

8. Kristen Barnes 9. Heather Rizzo

7

8

A special thanks to all who submitted entries to the VIE – People + Places Photography Contest through our Facebook page and showed their support for the magazine.

9

If you haven’t done so yet, become a fan of VIE by “liking” our page on Facebook today! You can visit our website at www.viezine.com.

147 Arbor Lane Grayton Beach, FL 32459

8 5 0 . 2 31 . 20 07 www.jssalonandstudio.com Photography by: Ocean Jewel’s Images

Make-U p Ar t ist : Natasha Vaughan | Hai r St y l i s t : Ju lie M c C loskey | P h o t og ra p hy : Sa m D ou a n g dara VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

145

Conduit_light_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_ +{}|:”<>?_åç郩˙î°¬ñøoe®ß†ü¥à¡™£¢§¶•ªº–“‘«…æ÷|ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔ Ò˜ØOE‰Íˇ¨„˛Á¸`⁄�‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóú âêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ)***�'" Conduit_med_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_ +{}|:”<>?_åç郩˙î°¬ñøoe®ß†ü¥à¡™£¢§¶•ªº–“‘«…æ÷|ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔ Ò˜ØOE‰Íˇ¨„˛Á¸`⁄�‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóú âêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ)***�'" Conduit_med_italic_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-= []�\;’,./ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>?_åç郩˙î°¬ñøoe®ß†ü¥à¡™£¢§¶•ªº–“‘«…æ÷|ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔ Ò˜ØOE‰Íˇ¨„˛Á¸`⁄ ‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ)***�'" Conduit_bold_italic_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-= []�\;’,./ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>?_åç郩˙î°¬ñøoe®ß†ü¥à¡™£¢§¶•ªº–“‘«…æ÷|ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔ Ò˜ØOE‰Íˇ¨„˛Á¸`⁄ ‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ)***�'" Conduit_bold_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-= []�\;’,./ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>?_åç郩˙î°¬ñøoe®ß†ü¥à¡™£¢§¶•ªº–“‘«…æ÷|ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔ Ò˜ØOE‰Íˇ¨„˛Á¸`⁄ ‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ)***�'"

Over time, the weights begin to lift you.

OPEN 24 HOURS! Offer good at both GOLD’S GYM locations: Destin 850-837-7071 and Ft. Walton Beach 850-863-3222.

personal training

Group Exercise

nutrition counseling

Cycle

kids club

yoga & pilates

Bring this ad in for

Zero Enrollment!

Suggested legal. One time processing and enrollment fee may apply.

Select memberships only. Other restrictions may apply. Offer good at participating locations only. Offer expires 12/31/2010.

Every great place has one outstanding steakhouse.

Here, it’s Jackson’s.

E I G H T-T I M E W I N N E R O F F LO R I D A T R E N D ’ S GO L D E N S P O O N AWA R D , VOT E D TO P P E N S ACO L A R E STA U R A N T, W I N N E R W I N E S P EC TATO R AWA R D O F E X C E L L E N C E .

LO C AT E D I N H I STO R I C D OW N TOW N P E N S ACO L A . R E S E R V E YO U R TA B L E TO N I G H T.

·STEAKHOUSE· Downtown Pensacola, South 4 00 Palafox · Reser vations: (85 0) 46 9-9 8 9 8 www.jacksonsrestaurant.com

Wine Spectator Award of Excellence · A Golden Spoon Top 25 Florida Restaurant · Distinguished Restaurants of North America Award of Excellence 146

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

147

NEW BEGINNINGS Splendor on the Gulf Coast

Photography by Deanne & Gus Dunlop www.DeanneDunlop.com

Carolyn & Todd Todd Brigman and Carolyn Campbell met in Tallahassee, FL while she was attending Florida State University and he was attending Florida A&M University. After dating 3½ years, he proposed to Carolyn in North Carolina during an end-ofthe-summer getaway. They absolutely loved the beauty of the area, so they decided that a small wedding with family and close friends in the Smoky Mountains would be perfect. They wed on May 29 at Homewood in Asheville.

Celestineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Special Occasions from Santa Rosa Beach did the flowers, decorations, and much of the planning to make the event a true fairy tale with attention to every detail. Carolyn owns Sarah Carolyn, a designer fashion jewelry boutique in Miramar Beach, FL located next to McCaskill & Company. Todd is pursuing his passion with a career in coaching at Fort Walton Beach High School.

2148

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM VIE - Fall 2010

VIE - FallFALL 20102010 VIEZINE.COM

1493

Photography by Ross Oscar Knight www.rossoscarknight.com

Tia & Frederick Tia Watts and Frederick Robbins became husband and wife on May 23, 2009 at the luxurious Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Sandestin, FL. Frederick, a defensive tackle for the St. Louis Rams, proposed to Tia during a victory party for his former team, the New York Giants, in London following a win over the Miami Dolphins. The two celebrated the marriage at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort after the ceremony, and Bliss Event Group coordinated the affair with lighting and rentals from Kent's Special Events, photography by Ross Oscar Knight Photography, catering by Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, and their own floral design. Plum and ivory accents, and a cake by Chef Yascha Becker completed the day. Tia’s special gown was an elegant, hand embroidered Pnina Tornai gown she found at Kleinfeld Bridal in New York City—the same boutique featured in TLC’s series, Say Yes to the Dress. The day was one to be remembered for Tia, Frederick, and their loved ones.

4150

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM VIE - Fall 2010

Tom Dodson, Susie Dodson, Brooke and Brandie Dodson and Thomas Oliver

Thomas Oliver and Brandie Dodson

Tommy Oliver, Thomas Oliver, Susie Oliver and Millie Oliver

Frank Burge, Pam Burge, Brandie Dodson and Thomas Oliver Photography by Andrews Blaine Tom Dodson and Brandie Dodson

Pam Burge, Shirley Grimac, Brandie Dodson, Susie Dodson

Brandie & Thomas Brandie Dodson and Thomas Oliver VI held their engagement party, hosted by Pam and Frank Burge, on July 31, 2010 at Commander's Palace in Destin, Florida. The couple will wed on October 9, 2010 at the beautiful Caliza Pool in Alys Beach, Florida, followed by an intimate reception at CafĂŠ Thirty-A in Seagrove Beach, Florida. Dodson, a Destin native and a graduate of Florida State University, works as a sales manager for a sales and marketing firm, OneCoast LLC, in Atlanta, Georgia. Oliver is originally from Montgomery, Alabama, and attended Auburn University. He is currently employed as a civil engineer for LAI Engineering. Brandie and Thomas currently reside in Buckhead, Georgia.

VIE - FallFALL 20102010 VIEZINE.COM

1515

THE

DESIGN district

www.duhPensacola.com 501 North 9th Avenue Pensacola, FL 32501 850.439.0640

www. MozaandCompany.com 801A North 9th Ave Pensacola, FL 32501 850.497.6011

www.InSidethehome.net 801 N. 9th Avenue Pensacola , Florida 32501 850.607.3543

152

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

www.UrbanObjects.net 500 North 9th Avenue Pensacola, FL 32501 850.912.8683

www.ShopScoutOnline.com 404 East Wright Street Pensacola, FL 32501 850.607.7105

www.PandoradeBalthazar.com 698 E. Heinberg St. Suite 102-104 Pensacola, FL 32502 850.432.4777

Travel We Sell is what we do with the best rates for you.

We didn't want to make you blue so we created WeaselVacations.com for you!

Book your next Panama City Beach vacation at

www.weaselvacations.com (COMING SOON!)

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

153

PEOPLE + PLACES

2

“Rock the Beach” with Kenny Loggins and the Doobie Brothers Over 7,000 people came out to see Kenny Loggins and the Doobie Brothers kick off the “Rock the Beach” free concert series on July 27, 2010 at 5 p.m. behind The

1

3

4

5

Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island. In an effort to draw crowds to Okaloosa County beaches, Floridaʼs Emerald Coast started the “Rock the Beach” concert series throughout the summer with great performances by world-famous acts. These free concerts were another great reason to come on down and enjoy everything there is to do here, and the perfect way to support the local residents who depend on tourism to support their businesses and families.

Photography by Colleen Hinely

154

Kenny Loggins

1

The Doobie Brothers

2

Kenny Loggins

3

Rock the Beach

4

Tom Johnston

5

Rock the Beach

6

John McFee

7

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM

6

7

Today’s Non-Surgical Answer To Younger Beautiful Skin

If you are wanting smoother, fresher, younger-looking skin Fraxel may be for you. Fraxel dramatically erases wrinkles, fine lines, sun spots, and abnormal pigmentation. By promoting your skin’s natural healing process, Fraxel miraculously tightens sagging skin making you look “ten years younger in ten days”. Dr. Kimberly Moskowitz performs the most effective state-of-the-art non-surgical solutions for all vein and skin disorders. She is well known as the areas best and most experienced Board Certified Vein Specialists (Phlebologists). She specializes in today’s most sophisticated, nonsurgical vein treatments including: Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT), sclerotherapy, foam sclerotherapy, duplex-guided sclerotherapy, IPL, and a variety of medical lasers.

To help you look and feel your best, visit our web site www. skinandveins.com for additional information or give us a call at our Panama City Beach office 850-233-0264.

12238 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach, FL 32407 Call us at (850) 233-0264 or email info@skinandveins.com

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2010

155

The Cosmetic Vein & Laser Center www.SkinAndVeinS.Com 12238 Panama City Beach Pkwy. | Panama City Beach, FL 32407 Telephone: (850) 233-0264 | Fax: (850) 233-3113

156

FALL 2010 VIEZINE.COM