BEST OF THE EC READER’S POLL: THE RESULTS ARE IN!
FOURTH ESTATE Dogged, fearless newspaper man takes on moneyed interests in novel by Pensacola’s Rick Outzen
SHELL GAME
Winsome whelks, delicate corals, intricate murexes, regal king’s crowns. Mother Nature provides inventory to seashell sellers on the Gulf shore.
TREADING LIGHTLY Businesses and consumers are making choices that minimize their impact on the planet
SIREN SONG FOR PHOTOGRAPHER TRACE INGHAM, THE NATURAL WORLD IS A POWERFUL TEMPTRESS, BELOW AND ABOVE THE SURFACE
ide as ute Se stit In
An Apartment in Paris
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Lyceum Stage
Ophelia Swimwear Rolland’s Beauty Bar Sm ol
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Ar tfu lE ye
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1st Floor Trustmark ATM
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La Vie Est Belle
Central Square
Anne Hunter Galleries
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Art of Simple
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Mr. Gyro Hero Quincy Circle
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Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Frost Bites
Barefoot BBQ
Bud & Alley’s Pizza Bar
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The Shrimp Shack
Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant and Rooftop Bar
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October–November 2020
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Contents
OCT/NOV 2020
FEATURES
← 84 SELLING SHELLS
Seashells, once exchanged as currency, are today amassed in collections, made part of craft projects and worn as jewelry. Sellers report that most of the shells they have to offer remain plentiful, even as items such as coral and even sand dollars have become hard to come by, and concern among scientists for the loss of species due to the acidification of oceans has grown. For two Panama City Beach retailers, the shell game has made for a long-term good living.
→ The lightning whelk, a creature indigenous to waters off Northwest Florida, is said to have the only shell that opens to the port side.
62 BEST OF THE EC
by STEVE BORNHOFT
76 INGHAM IMAGES
We salute the winners in our Best of the Emerald Coast reader’s poll — businesses that have earned the admiration and respect of their customers by furnishing high-quality products, delivering outstanding service and providing for memorable experiences. We give nods in particular to the most prolific winners in the history of the competition and to winners in six categories added this year.
Photography enthusiast Trace Ingham of Fort Walton Beach is fascinated by the interplay among sky, water and certain slants of light. To this point, he has resisted any temptation to do the kinds of things you have to do to make money as a photographer, preferring that good shotmaking be its own reward. It’s all he can do to maintain his website. But his photos of springs, birds, structures reclaimed by nature and a favorite freediver are highly marketable.
by HANNAH BURKE
by STEVE BORNHOFT
photography by MIKE FENDER
EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
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Contents
OCT/NOV 2020
49 108 EXTERIORS To see
to the efficiency and effectiveness of recycling efforts, consumers should monitor closely what they are introducing to the waste stream.
THE WAVE
21 HEALTH
32 CHAMPIONS The
Suddenly, CBD oil is available wherever lottery tickets are sold. What are the chances that it lives up to the hype?
26 PERSONALITY Ronald
PANACHE
39 CITIZEN OF STYLE
For Eleanor McCain, quilting is a form of communication that connects her with history and life stories.
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October-November 2020
EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
Our survey of area retailers includes sellers of fashionforward apparel, hair products, skin soothers and baked goods.
GASTRO & GUSTO 49 DINING IN
Plants nipped at a tender age, called microgreens, are richer in nutrients and flavor than their mature counterparts and can be used to enhance almost any dish.
52 DINING OUT In an effort
to get away from singleuse plastic products such as drinking straws, restaurants along the Emerald Coast are turning to “green” alternatives.
54 LIBATIONS At
Skopelos New World in Pensacola, the Palafox Sangria cocktail has been freshened with a new twist.
EXPRESSION
93 MUSIC The Sound
Cafe + Enlightened Studios in Fort Walton Beach showcases local musical and artistic talent.
14 16 139 141 146
PUBLISHER’S LETTER EDITOR’S LETTER SOCIAL STUDIES DINING GUIDE POSTSCRIPT
98 BOOKS In his
autobiographical novel, City of Grudges, Pensacola author Rick Outzen makes a hero out of an intrepid newspaper publisher.
ABODES
105 INTERIORS By
making the right lifestyle choices and product selections, a conscientious homeowner can reduce his footprint on the natural world.
BEST OF THE EC READER’S POLL: THE RESULTS ARE IN!
FOURTH ESTATE Dogged, fearless newspaper man takes on moneyed interests in novel by Pensacola’s Rick Outzen
SHELL GAME
Winsome whelks, delicate corals, intricate murexes, regal king’s crowns. Mother Nature provides inventory to seashell sellers on the Gulf shore.
TREADING LIGHTLY Businesses and consumers are making choices that minimize their impact on the planet
SIREN SONG FOR PHOTOGRAPHER TRACE INGHAM, THE NATURAL WORLD IS A POWERFUL TEMPTRESS, BELOW AND ABOVE THE SURFACE
EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM
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46 WHAT’S IN STORE
» MICROGREENS » COMBATTING AUTISM
derived from sustainable agricultural practices are a good fit for the environmentally conscious.
IN EVERY ISSUE
CBD OIL
42 FASHION Clothing
93
OCT–NOV 2020
Marketing agency owner Shantelle Dedicke submits everything she does to a rigorous test. Would her grandparents approve?
your fall garden off to a good start, consider your chosen crops’ lighting requirements.
EMERALD COAST MAGAZINE
Larsen’s North Dakota childhood, dedicated to farmboy chores, was played out on monotonous fields of grain. Decades later, he’s channeling his unrealized child as a fantasy writer.
Early Childhood Autism Program at FSU PC teaches client kids to verbalize their desires.
118 GARDENING In getting
ON THE COVER:
Ashleigh Baird, a competitive free diver, suspends herself in the shallows at Little River Springs near Branford. She is concerned that Florida’s springs, often discovered via widely circulated Instagram posts, are being overrun by human traffic. PHOTO BY TRACE INGHAM
PHOTOS BY SEAN MURPHY (39, 93), OKSANAKIIAN / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS (49) AND COURTESY OF ELEANOR MCCAIN (96)
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Contents
PROMOTION
OCT/NOV 2020
SPECIAL SECTIONS AND PROMOTIONS
112
Feedback EMERALD COAST MAGAZINE AUG–SEPT 2020
HEDGES
ROCK CLIMBING
Like fences, living green screens make good neighbors
» DISTANCE SOCIALIZING » PROFESSIONAL PROFILES EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM
↑ OUTDOOR OASIS McNeill Palm helps create outdoor spaces that are versatile, functional and enhance the overall beauty of a home’s exterior. They specialize in StruXure pergolas, which merge cutting-edge technology and aesthetically pleasing architecture.
CHANGE OF COURSE Santa Rosa
Golf & Beach Club plans to revamp and revitalize the course and clubhouse during a $3 million renovation beginning in early 2021.
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A beautiful canal home, a Watercolor wonder and a charming Lake Bradford estate are all on the market awaiting owners who love to spend time on or near the water.
STORYTELLERS The professionals at Rowland Publishing Inc. will carry your publishing project from concept to completion and see to its distribution to your target audience.
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CALENDAR Festivals, conferences, perfor-
Recalling an instance of remarkable crustacean cooperation
Generation 3 takes the baton
New leadership emerges at enduring family businesses
To the Publisher: I just read the Generation 3 cover story in the August-September edition of Emerald Coast Magazine. The stories on Pete Wright Jr., Carolyn Brigman and me were compelling, and the photography was beautiful. Michael Booini’s photo of me and my dad is my favorite ever. Zandra Wolfgram wrote a lovely story that she pulled together from our telephone interview. Thank you all so much for your support and encouragement in our darkest hours. Mr. Rowland, you have assembled a great team, and I am blessed to know you and call you my friend. Thank you all! Edward A. San Juan
mances and more outside, online and in-person.
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EXCITING ENHANCEMENTS Destin Plastic Surgery is getting a dose of self-improvement with renovations to the clinic and expansion of its services.
102
DEAL ESTATE
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44
Pandemic disrupts lives of students who dealt with storm
MUDBUGS
October-November 2020
Find stocking stuffers and gift ideas for everyone on your list in our Holiday Gift Guide. EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
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EMERALD COAST MAGAZINE
VOL. 21, NO. 5
ORTHODONTICS
October–November 2020
PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER BRIAN E. ROWLAND
EDITORIAL EXECUTIVE EDITOR Steve Bornhoft MANAGING EDITOR Jeff Price CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Hannah Burke, McKenzie Burleigh, Les Harrison, Thomas Monigan, Rebecca Padgett, Wynn Parks, Zandra Wolfgram
CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION AND TECHNOLOGY Daniel Vitter CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jennifer Ekrut EDITORIAL DESIGNER Lindsey Masterson SENIOR PUBLICATION DESIGNER Shruti Shah PUBLICATION DESIGNERS Sarah Burger, Jordan Harrison GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sierra Thomas CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Ashleigh Baird, Michael Booini, Matt Burke, Mike Fender, Steven Gray, Scott Holstein, Trace Ingham, Jacqueline Ward Images, Jennifer G Photography, Eva Kolenko, Erick Lima, Kurt Lischka, Sean Murphy, Saige Roberts, James Stefiuk, Collis Thompson, Alex Workman, Chase Yakaboski
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SALES, MARKETING AND EVENTS VICE PRESIDENT/CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT McKenzie Burleigh SALES MANAGER, EASTERN DIVISION Lori Magee Yeaton SALES MANAGER, WESTERN DIVISION Rhonda Lynn Murray DIRECTOR OF NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, EASTERN DIVISION Daniel Parisi DIRECTOR OF NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, WESTERN DIVISION Dan Parker ADVERTISING SERVICES COORDINATOR Tracy Mulligan ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES David Doll, Julie Dorr, Darla Harrison MARKETING MANAGER Kate Pierson SALES AND MARKETING WRITER Rebecca Padgett SENIOR INTEGRATED MARKETING COORDINATOR Javis Ogden
October-November 2020
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from the publisher
WAVES OF HISTORY
This pandemic, too, will have changed the world It is mid-August as I pen these thoughts, and I know that by the time you read them, many significant changes will have occurred. Change, always a constant, has been omnipresent since early March when COVID entered our vocabulary and altered life at home, work, throughout the country and throughout the world. The resulting challenges have brought out the best and, at times, the worst in people. The pandemic that we are all now trying to get through invites comparison to a killer and a crippler. The influenza pandemic of 1918-19 infected a third of the people on the planet and killed an estimated 50 million people. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, the poliovirus disabled tens of thousands of Americans until finally, in 1954, a vaccine developed by Jonas Salk was widely distributed and the epidemic was halted. As a young man, I earned an undergraduate degree in microbiology, and I remain a scientist at heart. What I know without a doubt is that we cannot wish or hope or will today’s pandemic away. It is imperative that each of us does his part by observing proper, scientifically based protocols. Until a vaccine is developed, approved and distributed, we remain at risk of infection and/or spreading the virus. The federal government has provided billions of dollars to vaccine developers so that they can go ahead and produce millions of doses of vaccines that may or may not ultimately be approved. At this writing, some hoped-for vaccines have entered the third phase of trials, and we have reason to be confident that one or more will break through. In April, we watched as New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo offered up daily servings of candor and led the people of his state to retreat to their homes and flatten the curve. New Yorkers are survivors and have overcome many tragedies. On the other hand, when beaches and bars were opened for the Memorial Day weekend in Florida, Americans flocked to the shore, ordered rounds of doubles and congregated without masks. As might have been expected, infection, hospitalization and death rates exploded in Florida, which earned the dubious “epicenter” distinction. As I write this, a giant motorcycle rally in the tiny town of Sturgis, South Dakota, is winding down. Some 250,000 mostly maskless bikers, huddled together, are about to disperse and almost certainly will spread infection among family members and others back home. People who see mask orders as infringements upon personal liberties should ask themselves whether the exercise of freedom is the right thing to do when it compromises the safety of others. At the same time, I have been heartened to see a preponderance of people adhere to recommended protocols and rally to provide people in need with food and other essentials. A year from now, after the virus has subsided, we will embark on a new era in our business and personal lives. We will have learned a lot, and I hope we will remain mindful of the lessons taught us by a pandemic that will have permanently changed the world.
BRIAN ROWLAND browland@rowlandpublishing.com
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Stay safe,
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editor’s letter
FINDING CONNECTION ‘Sharing all the world, it’s easy if you try’
16
October–November 2020
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“What did you catch him on?” I asked. I was genuinely interested. “Stink bait, cut bait?” “No sir, just a worm.” He pronounced “worm” as if there were no “r” in the word, and in so doing, reminded me of my good fishing buddy, Brother Isaac Holmes. “That’s a fine catch, damn straight.” “We’re headed back there now.” The storyteller beamed, and I was glad that he had found an audience. When I saw him a day later, I hailed him with “Catfish,” and he was pleased to answer to that. I thought about Catfish this morning while running. I trotted by a black man as he parked his tractor-trailer rig in the development where I live and stepped down from the truck. I figured he might be stretching his legs. After reaching the endpoint of my run, I doubled back and again saw the truck driver at a distance. He stood in a median, cell phone in hand. Checking a map, maybe. Clearly a bit bewildered. As I ran toward him, I watched at least a half-dozen people walk by or roll by the driver without pausing. When I reached him, I asked if he were all right, and he explained that he was trying to get to a construction site on the other side of a pond near where we stood. I gave him the instructions he needed. “Appreciate it, man.” “Happy to help.” Catfish, we have a ways to go. Maybe when our grandsons are old enough to carry their children to a fishing hole, people will be more inclined to extend a hand than avert their eyes. Make it a good one,
STEVE BORNHOFT
sbornhoft@rowlandpublishing.com
PHOTO BY SAIGE ROBERTS
Leaving the dock in a rental johnboat with my son and his sons on board, I headed for a spot I had last visited six years previously. Then, the spot was marked by several fish-holding, hardwood blowdowns, and on this day, it looked unchanged. Trees break down slowly in cold water. Immediately, I was confident that the place would yield bream as it had during my last visit. We three generations were fishing Fairfield Lake, which lies within the Sapphire Valley Resort property near Cashiers, North Carolina. It’s a playground for Southern flatlanders, including Emerald Coasters, who beat a retreat from the heat during the dog days of summer. I cut the trolling motor and let the boat drift toward the sunken trees. This was no time for experimentation. Grandsons Rivers, 5, and Miles, 3, want action. Now. I outfitted my son with a push-button reel and rod, rigged with a bobber, split-shot and wire hook. He had purchased a tub of wigglers at the boathouse. I went with my “A” game, an ultralight spinning outfit tipped with a 1½-inch white Charlie Brewer “Slider” paddletail grub threaded onto a black ⅛-ounce lead jighead. You can catch anything on that little lure from tiny bluegills to hawg bass. Why mess around? It’s like snapper fishing in the Gulf. Lower a chunk of cigar minnow to the bottom, wind it up a few cranks and hold on. It’s automatic. On my second cast, a fish ambushed my Slider, and I handed the rod to Rivers, who reeled in what turned out to be a bass of about 10 inches. There is a God, I told myself. Next, I intended that Miles land a fish, having reserved a place on my garage wall for a photo of him displaying a catch. We accomplished that mission while fishing some lily pads on the lake’s far shore. Hallelujah. Back at the boathouse, a black man with a boy I took to be his grandson approached me. Here, surely, was someone with a story to tell. He was curious to know how we had done. I gave him a truthful report and then, smiling, he topped me. “That’s good, but we got us a catfish ’bout this big yesterday,” said the gentleman, dressed in the uniform of the blue-collar worker — a chambray shirt, Dickies trousers and work boots. His hands were spread two feet apart. “Way down to the end of the lake.”
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PROMOTION
EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE Emerald Coast Theatre Company Launches Eighth Annual Season
GIVEAWAY
Win Two Tickets to Harvest Wine & Food Festival This year’s festival, scheduled for Nov. 5–7, is adapting to the ever-changing environment we find ourselves in. The 2020 schedule will be a celebration filled with an exciting lineup of events more intimate than the traditional Grand Tasting. Enter to win at EmeraldCoastMagazine.com/giveaways.
CONNECT WITH US Get the latest stories from Emerald Coast Magazine, exclusive offers, event invitations and more delivered to your inbox by signing up at EmeraldCoastMagazine.com/ Connect-with-Us.
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October–November 2020
@EMERALDCOASTMAG The holidays are upon us, and we want to see how you celebrate the season. Tag us in
Instagram stories and posts for a chance to be featured. We can’t wait to see your holiday style.
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF DESTIN CHARITY WINE AUCTION (GIVEAWAY) AND ECTC AND INSTAGRAM: SAIGE ROBERTS, EVA KOLENKO © 2016 AND JAMES STEFIUK
ECTC’s professional main stage productions include four offerings. The 2020–21 season will include a hilarious musical comedy, a fresh adaptation of a charming holiday classic, a wonderful comedy written by a local Floridian and an adventurous dramatic comedy. Visit EmeraldCoastMagazine.com/ emerald-coast-theatrecompany-launches-8thannual-season to learn more.
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THE
OCT/NOV 2020
A CONSCIOUS, COOL COMPENDIUM OF COASTAL STUFF
HEALTH
PANACEA OR PUFFERY?
PHOTO BY CHIOCIOLLA / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS
Cannabidiol — it’s everywhere!
by WYNN PARKS
PERSONALITY
Dragon Quest
|| CHAMPIONS
Combatting Autism
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wave
←
Cannabidiol — or CBD — in its various forms has been touted as a substance capable of easing pain, anxiety and depression; reducing acne; and promoting heart healthiness.
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here’s a new status symbol in town! Now, with cannabidiol — CBD, for short — it’s possible to be a Bad Boy or Girl, sort of, with almost no danger of being an Illegal Boy or Girl. Advertising for the product — from TV spots to yuppy herbal catalogs to truck-stop signage — saturates our consumption-dominated consciousness and
gradually has established its popular acclaim. All this makes it an exciting time for corporate crows, visionaries quick to spot an exploitable field left fallow, in this case since 1937. It was then that the cultivation of cannabis, despite its historical role as “hemp” for rope and cloth making, was proscribed in U.S. from sea to shining
CBD: A LEAF OF FAITH?
sea. That law has never been repealed, but nevertheless is now going obsolete, ipso facto. Twelve states have legalized the use of cannabis in general, and 28 have conditional legalization mostly requiring a doctor’s prescription, while six others permit the use of CBD only. Except for the annoying technical drag of that obsolete 1937 federal law, CBD offers a perfect opportunity for promotion to consumer status symbol. CBD sales in 2018 topped $620 million. Cannabis growers, including Aurora in Denver and Cresco Labs in Chicago, subliminally tap into marijuana’s edgy rep while deftly dodging the Reefer Madness narrative drummed into the public’s cannabis consciousness for 83 years. CBD is one of a number of organic molecules isolated from the cannabis plant, molecules that also include the psychologically active tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is found in combination with CBD in both cannabis sativa and cannabis indica, jointly known as “weed.” While THC can induce uniquely altered perception, CBD’s perceived “psychotropic activity,” in the experience of this writer, is more in a class with chamomile tea. It’s not for wild and crazy experience seekers like Bob Marley, but CBD is currently being touted to the generations as a kind of wonder drug, a gift to old-school conservatism, perhaps redeeming our grandfathers’ hippy nonsense. Extracted from any grade of either strain of cannabis plant, mild-mannered CBD has become the panacea darling of the day, appearing as flavored extracts, skin moisturizers, eardrops, et cetera. One waitress at a popular Panhandle diner swears by CBD as an aid in controlling her PTSD from a former abusive marriage.
Quick internet searches disclose 21 CBD oil outlets in Pensacola and 20 in Panama City. And there are many others without a web presence. CBD, an increasingly popular hemp plant extract, is non-intoxicating and has been promoted as a relaxant with assorted benefits. But, reports the website WebMD, only one purported medical use for CBD — the treatment of two rare forms of childhood epilepsy — has significant scientific evidence supporting it.
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For the weekend hipster, there’s soporific, hempgrade cannabis buds — referred to by our grandfathers as “ditch weed” — from which to roll your own CBDrich, THC-free, “Robert Marleys.” On the other hand, cannabis, demonized and outlawed as “marijuana,” has seen very little medical use in the U.S. since the early 20th century. Only recently has investigation of the pharmacology of cannabis and its number of different chemical fractions achieved status as respectable pharmacological research. Since 1937, we’ve gone from demonizing cannabis to beatifying a derivative of it thanks mainly to the willingness of Flower Children of generations ago to be busted! As a nation, we’ve never really stopped searching for the Great Panacea. Between the Civil War and World War I, when so many cures, remedies and elixirs were totally over the counter, hucksters traveled the country in carnivalesque medicine shows, singing, dancing and hyping snake oil, said to be an exotic cure for almost everything from arthritis to hair and memory loss and gambling addiction. Not that real snake oil didn’t have its virtues. In its pure form, the oil of the Chinese water snake has been found to contain more Omega 3 fatty acids on average than “heart-healthy” salmon. Medical research suggests that Omega 3s, besides being heart-healthy, are vital to the visual and neurological development of infants and may offer relief to sufferers of depression, ADHD and asthma. Unfortunately, the cost to import water snake oil from China in the 19th century led most dealers to opt for cutting to death the real thing with cheap extenders like alcohol. Or, in many cases, just totally winging it with mixtures of mineral oil, turpentine, and cayenne. A hundred and fifty years later, “snake oil” implies humbuggery and worthlessness — caveat emptor! Poor ol’ snake oil, condemned for what it couldn’t do, rather than praised for what it could. Still, hope springs eternal. We can’t seem to resist the quest for something simple and hidden in plain view that can cure any and all ills, maybe even our mortality. EC
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THE WRITER AT WORK. Career technical writer Ron Larsen today spins tales involving dragons, elves and wizards, but his prose continues to reflect his knowledge of the workings of machines.
F DRAGON PERSONALITY
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A technical writer pivots to fantasy by STEVE BORNHOFT
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or decades, Ron Larsen’s writings appeared without a byline. Following his graduation from North Dakota State University in Fargo with a degree in electrical engineering, Larsen worked as a writer of manuals for the bygone Control Data Corporation in Minneapolis and two other computer companies in Minnesota’s Twin Cities, businesses that have also since passed from view. Laid off in Minnesota, he caught on in Orlando with Westinghouse, which was launching a computer division, and moved from technical writing to producing marketing copy: brochures, promotional copy, presentations, newsletters. Before entering upon semi-retirement, he worked as a marketer for a German manufacturer of precision gearboxes. “They are used in the automation industry for all sorts of production machinery related to food packaging, metal-cutting and metal-forming machinery, stuff like that,” Larsen said. “You put a
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motor and control on a machine and then use a gearbox to vary the torque and speed.” Uffda. Who could blame Larsen for dramatically departing from such sophisticated hackery upon trading gearboxes for the extraordinary sandbox that is South Walton County? Today, he is a writer of fantasy fiction. He crafts stories about quests and conquests, but no bodice rippers, not for Larsen. “I enjoy dragons, elves and sprites,” he said, “and I have written a couple of ghost stories.” In all of that, he was influenced by his elder son, who was in high school when he introduced his dad to Dungeons & Dragons, then a tabletop game. In one of Larsen’s short stories, Dragon-Fired Brewing, a wizened, white-haired Merlin stops by a brewing supplies store attended to by one Jacob Smerling. Smerling responds to an unusual request from the wizard. photography by MIKE FENDER
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“We don’t get much call for dragon-fired kettles, but I’m sure we can modify our No. 14 copper kettle to meet your requirements. We’ll eliminate the firebox, but we’ll need to reinforce the bottom of the water jacket to accommodate two concentrated fire sources. Concentrating fire in one area over a long period of time could weaken the material and cause leakage, and that would be bad, don’t you agree?” “Yes, leakage would be very bad indeed,” Merlin agreed. “Also, we can build a sturdy frame to raise your kettle so your dragons can easily get under it to heat it. You do want to raise it so that the beasts will be comfortable while working, right?” Here, then, is evidence of a marriage in Larsen’s writing whereby his fondness for the fantastical is infused with his familiarity with the functional. It makes for a delightful wort. Larsen lives in Santa Rosa Beach with his daughter and her husband and the couple’s two children. He has sons who live in California and Ohio. While his writings bear no connection to the place, Larsen, unmistakably, grew up among waves of grain. His voice is North Dakotan. His paternal grandparents, who emigrated from Denmark, homesteaded land in northwestern North Dakota just south of the Canadian border. His father owned farms and eventually moved his family to near Minot, and Larsen, who attended country schools until the 8th grade, became a townie. Still, one gets the feeling, even today, that Larsen could hop aboard a John Deere combine and not be out of place. In recent years, he has served as the moderator of the South Walton Writer’s Group whose members, unless disrupted by storms or viruses, meet twice monthly, once at the Walton County Coastal Branch Library to critique one another’s work and once in a purely social gathering at Music & Coffee in Santa Rosa Beach. While the group has 25 or so members, a given meeting may attract six. Participants may submit anything they have written, Larsen said, for review and comment by fellow group members. Submittals have included short stories, chapters from novels in progress and magazine articles. “We talk about elements that could be improved,” Larsen said. “It’s a closely knit group, and it doesn’t take too long.” And, no feelings get hurt. Larsen sees to it that the proceedings are North Dakota nice. EC
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The Pirate’s Head A ghost story by Ronald M. Larsen
“T
hey’ve got old Blackbeard’s head on display on a gibbet down at the Hampton River dock,” Adolf Harting remarked, looking up from his newsletter at the dinner table. “That’s nice, dear,” his wife replied absently as she cleared the remnants of dinner and stacked the dishes in the sink. “Paper says Gov. Spotswood sent two sloops out looking for pirates. Found them too,” Adolf continued. “Had a battle with Blackbeard and his crew. Killed Blackbeard, cut off his head and threw the body overboard. Paper says that some of the crew told stories that the pirate’s body swam around the sloop seven times before it sank. Might be some sort of curse there. “They brought the head back, tied to the bowsprit of the
HMS Ranger. Brought back what was left of his crew, too. Going to try them for piracy over at Williamsburg, and they’ll probably all hang.” “Why’d they bring his head back?” asked Emily, age 10. “Master Maynard needed it. Had to prove to the governor that he’d killed Blackbeard so’s he could claim the reward.” “I want to go see it!” Emily exclaimed. “You will not!” her mother scolded. “That dock is no place for a proper young lady. And proper young ladies don’t go out looking at dead men’s heads. Besides, it’s got to be rotting and stinky and nasty by now.” Emily wrinkled her nose and made a face. “But I’m not a proper young lady,” she protested. “You will be,” her mother illustration by LINDSEY MASTERSON
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replied. “Any daughter of mine will be a proper young lady. You will stop being a tomboy and act ladylike, like your sister.” “Beth is stuffy and boring. And so are her friends. I don’t want to be like them.” “Enough of that!” her mother commanded. “You will stay away from that dock! You hear me?” “Yes, momma.” Her tone meant: “I hear you, but I’ll be darned if I’m going to obey you.” She defiantly skipped outside to play. “I don’t know what I’m going to do with that child,” her mother sighed. “She gets the strangest ideas.” Adolph just grunted, continuing to read his newsletter. The next day after dame school, Emily made a detour on her way home, down to the dock. A gibbet was mounted about halfway down, the pirate’s head hung facing out to sea. “A warning, that is,” she heard a sailor say, nodding toward the severed head as he walked by. “Lets you know that piracy don’t pay.” “You’re wrong there, Louie,” his companion offered. “It pays real well. Just not for very long.” The sailors laughed and walked on. Emily walked past the display, then turned around to see the pirate’s face. It was a gruesome sight. Most of the flesh had rotted away, exposing eye sockets and patches of bone. Braids of long black tangled hair and beard remained, however. As Emily stood there looking, the face of the pirate filled out as it had been in life. He winked one eye at her, and mouthed, “Ahoy thar, lass. How be ye?” Emily felt a chill, and then a strange sensation came over her. She felt herself grow older and taller and felt her breasts filling out. She sensed, rather than saw, her petticoats and blue dress replaced by loose-fitting maroon pantaloons and a white doublet covered by an unbuttoned leather jerkin. She carried a pistol and a cutlass in her red sash. A floppy tricorn hat with a single yellow feather was cocked to one side of her head. Emily’s reverie was interrupted by a merchant passing by. “Hallo there, missy, what are you doing here? This is no place for a young lady.” “I’m not a lady,” Emily retorted. “What’s your name then?” “I’m called Anne Bonny,” she replied in a husky voice, surprised to hear the words come out of her mouth. “I’ve heard that name somewhere before,” the merchant said slowly, attempting to remember. “That there’s a lady pirate,” his companion said. “Sails with Calico Jack Rackham down Bahamas way.” The merchant brightened and chuckled. “You’re not a lady pirate.” “Not yet,” Emily replied, sliding her hand along the hilt of the cutlass that nobody could see. “No, not quite yet.” EC
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Combatting Autism Behavior analysis program at FSU PC reaches kids with positive reinforcement by STEVE BORNHOFT
ABA AND AUTISM 32
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↑ Student and staff ECAP therapists including Amanda Cockrell work to encourage autistic clients to interact and communicate with others. By leading them to express their desires, the program can rid children of self-destructive behaviors.
director Nikki Dickens. “We have been to church services, the grocery store, doctor and dentist appointments, any environment in which a child may need to learn to better function.” The on-campus Camille Butchikas ECAP Clinic was established with a gift made in 2012 by the George A. Butchikas Foundation for Autism. George owns the familiar Angelo’s Steak Pit in Panama City Beach. His daughter, Camille, is autistic. George’s wife, Carolyn, serves as director of the foundation, which has been helping families of autistic children afford therapeutic services since 1987. It has been supporting ECAP since 2002 with contributions that have totaled more than a half-million dollars. That’s a lot of beef. “ECAP would not be what it is today without the Butchikas Foundation and
its commitment to making it possible for children to receive the kind of help that benefitted Camille,” Dickens said. The program enjoys relationships with several more consequential community partners. The Bay Health Foundation made possible a parent resource center located next to the clinic. With a grant from the Community Services Foundation, ECAP created an indoor play area. A local chapter of the AT&T Pioneers has made financial contributions and has provided gaming chairs, computer tablets and recreational equipment. When Hurricane Michael damaged FSU PC, the Woodlawn Methodist Church in Panama City Beach gave ECAP a temporary home in its choir room. ECAP, meanwhile, has engaged in outreach activities that have included
More than 40 years of research support the use of applied behavioral analysis to teach children with developmental disabilities. It is widely acknowledged that ABA is the treatment of choice for children with an autism spectrum disorder. The Early Childhood Autism Program at FSU PC recognizes that every child is unique and that different techniques work for different children. The program takes pride in developing individualized, research-based programs for each client. EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
PHOTO COURTESY OF EARLY CHILDHOOD AUTISM PROGRAM AT FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY PANAMA CITY
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ome may insist upon eating white foods, only. Cauliflower and mashed potatoes. Others may be seen to engage in repetitive behaviors or to be content to study a piece of string or spin a top for extended periods of time. Most will be slow to develop language skills and to interact with others. They are children with autism spectrum disorders, and they are the focus of the Early Childhood Autism Program (ECAP) at Florida State University Panama City, an initiative that represents a remarkable example of campus-community cooperation. Established in 2001, ECAP was at first limited to clinicians and student therapists working with clients during visits to their homes. It evolved to also include sessions at an on-campus clinic and in the community at large. “If a child is having difficulties at school, we can go there,” said ECAP
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teaching firefighters in Panama City and Panama City Beach and lifeguards at Shipwreck Island Water Park how to interact with autistic kids. At this writing, ECAP is serving 21 children and young adults, ages 2 to 24, from across Bay County. Services are being delivered only at the clinic. Due to the pandemic, at-home visits and work in the community have been suspended. The program generally works to foster communication and integration in client children while extending intense, two-year internships to students pursuing applied behavioral analysis (ABA) master’s degrees. ECAP is not a diagnostic facility. Parents of children diagnosed with autism may contact ECAP after hearing about its services in the media or elsewhere. The ↑ The Early Childhood Autism Program at FSU PC is an integral part of the Applied Behavioral Analysis majority of clients are referred to ECAP master’s degree program at the campus. From left: ECAP director Nikki Dickens; FSU PC associate dean and ECAP development director Amy Pollick; ECAP administrative coordinator Heather Saas. by pediatricians. ECAP’s behavioral analysis approach, Dickens said, “is 100 percent based on Over time, therapy aimed at commusaid. “But it’s clear that the autistic person positive reinforcement. Basically, it is the nication gives way to sessions designed to processes a lot of information most of us science of behaviorism applied to socially develop vocational aptitude. don’t notice.” significant problems.” “Our mission is to work ourselves out “ECAP’s staff and student therapists Explained Dickens, “We let children of a job,” said Dickens, a 2005 FSU PC really are champions,” said FSU PC lead us to what they want to do. For graduate who worked for 10 years with director of development Mary Beth example, I had a child who indicated that accused felons judged to be incompetent Lovingood. “Despite all of the challenges he wanted to play with a large ball. But to stand trial, and then returned to her presented by Hurricane Michael and first, we showed the child pictures of a alma mater. COVID-19, they have remained focused stove and a refrigerator and asked him Autism is universally symbolized with on doing whatever they could to keep the which one is hot. When he answered puzzle pieces. And, the mystery surprogram’s doors open.” correctly, we asked him again to tell us rounding it is far from over. Researchers When, for a time, the pandemic precludwhat he wanted. And he told us he wanted from fields including medicine, psycholed in-person visits, ECAP team members the ball and was rewarded.” ogy and behavioral analysis are working visited with clients via telehealth. After That is, the program is engaged in to identify causes for the increasing inHurricane Michael, students whose resi“functional communication training.” cidence of autism. dences were not damaged offered couches “We encourage them to communicate A behavioral analyst in South Florida, to students who suddenly were homeless. their desires,” Dickens said. Dickens said, is trying to deFor the students involved, FSU PC’s “If they can’t, that is when termine whether increased ABA program presents an invaluable and they scream. Or they bite eye contact in infancy can coveted opportunity. themselves because, when tamp down the severity of “The program attracts students from they do, people respond by autism. Neurologists are usDonations across the country,” Lovingood enthused. earmarked for the scrolling through things they ing functional MRIs to try “And we are proud to say that it is No. 1 ECAP program might want. Ultimately, it’s a to determine if autism has a in the world for pass rates on board at FSU PC may lot easier to say ‘milk’ than it genetic, physiological basis. be made via the certification.” FSU Foundation is to harm yourself when you “The nature-nurture quesThat is success that the Bay County foundation.fsu.edu. are thirsty.” tion is still out there,” Dickens community has chosen to reward. EC
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Area Club to Set a Change of Course in 2021 Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club is the club to watch in the coming year 36
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anta Rosa Golf & Beach Club’s story is unique and began more than 50 years ago with a group of Santa Rosa residents, many of whom were military members, and their unified love for golf and a sense of community. The club’s founding members shared a vision for a beautiful, scenic, coastal nine-hole golf course and community center. This vision came to life in 1969 and has since seen many changes and expansions. In the past five decades, the club has added a back nine, creating a beautiful 18-hole golf course; a beachfront restaurant, Vue on 30a (formerly known as The Beach Club); a private beach club with pool and beach access;
PROMOTION
← (L-R) Anna Parish, Isley Whyte, Kaitlin Hardy, Sarah Brazwell, Mike Bickett, Kelly Barker, Carter Murchison
and also an expansion of its golf practice areas to include the short-game facility, which opened in the fall of 2019. Next year will set a new milestone for this member-owned golf and beach club as it embarks on a more than $3 million renovation of its course. Once complete, Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club’s new design will be challenging for the most skilled golfers, yet fun and friendly for the recreational player. Renovations are planned to begin February 2021 with a
completion date in the fall of the same year. The club also has plans to renovate its clubhouse during this time. With the support of its members and board of directors, the club’s management team looks forward to the improvements that will occur both on and off the course as team culture will also be a focus during the renovation. “Our club is fortunate to have the support of such a loyal membership, and we continue to be at an all-time growth level for all membership categories, including a sold-out status for beach club and golf memberships,” said Michael Bickett, general manager for Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club. “Our members are invested and are just as excited for the significant upgrade to the course. With this growth comes a high level of change within our staff culture as well,” added Bickett. “As club management professionals, we have a strong desire to continually improve. During the renovation, our management team will be launching a series of hospitality training sessions for all core staff members to take our service to the next level for our membership.” Rest assured that though many positive changes will be made, there is one area that remains a constant. “Keeping the traditions of an inviting atmosphere is a passion for us,” said Sarah Brazwell, membership and marketing director for Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club. “Santa Rosa was founded with the idea that the club should be centered around having fun, relaxing and connecting with others. This fun-filled lifestyle remains the cornerstone to our club for years to come.” Learn more about Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club at SantaRosaClub.com. Learn more about Bergin Golf Designs at BerginGolf.com.
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ELEMENTS OF STYLE RANGING FROM THE SUBLIME TO THE MORE SUBLIME
CITIZEN OF STYLE
MARKETING QUALITY, MODELING SUCCESS
Shantelle Dedicke adheres to high standards by ZANDRA WOLFGRAM
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Shantelle Dedicke’s best friends include Capt. Jack, left, and Magnolia Blue. It doesn’t take a marketer to recognize their irresistible appeal.
FASHION photography by SEAN MURPHY
Sustainable Style
|| WHAT’S IN STORE
Retail Roundup
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↑ Capt. Jack keeps an eye out as Dedicke one-hands a
keyboard task. Her graphic tees are from Torrid; tuxedo pants are by Universal Standard; jewelry by Deep Sea Gypsy and Klara Haloho is available at Destin Commons.
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t the Capriccio Café in Destin, Shantelle Dedicke, a woman at once sprightly, serious and driven, nurses her favorite pick me up — an Americano with a splash of hazelnut syrup and almond milk. Family surfaces early in conversation with Dedicke. She has been married to Greg, a retired U.S. Air Force flight engineer, for 22 years. The couple has two twenty-something children. When she established her Niceville-based marketing communications firm in 2016, she named it in honor of her grandparents, Frances and Roy. “I don’t compromise on quality,” Dedicke said of her work at the Frances Roy Agency. “If I wouldn’t be proud enough to show it to my grandparents, it won’t see the light of day. I’m uncompromising and unapologetic on that.” Frances would be proud of the people-first company culture Dedicke is fostering. The agency offers staffers flexible schedules, an option to telecommute and even family leave for new pet adoptions. “I truly believe if people are happy, they do better work,” Dedicke said. A self-proclaimed “serial entrepreneur,” Dedicke relishes taking a fresh approach. “I’m obsessive about dismantling and disrupting things,” she said. “I believe it’s a misconception that harmony must be positive. For example,
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photography by SEAN MURPHY
↑→ Dedicke’s favorite dishes — including
lumpia spring rolls, chicken adobo and pancit bihon — reflect the Filipino side of her heritage. A colorful plate of fresh produce at right is no match for her caftan, which was made in the Philippines.
Shantelle Dedicke: 5 Quick Questions ➺ Perfection is:
A Rice Krispie Treat
➺ If you were a shoe, what would you be?
An all-white Reebok pump.
➺ Favorite food: Traditional Filipino Lumpia and Adobo
➺ Introvert or extrovert?
Introvert who wishes she was an extrovert. But I don’t like to be alone; I recharge in collaborative groups of people.
➺ Admitted regret: Being
allergic to cherries.
sometimes you need things to be removed for things to be smooth. I will break something for harmony every day.” Dedicke worked promoting tourist destinations in Cheyenne, Wyoming, before relocating to the Emerald Coast in 2014. Sustainable tourism remains one of her passions. “For me, it’s more than just having environmental awareness,” she said. “Sustainable tourism encapsulates buy-in by residents, giving a pedestal to arts and culture and attracting tourists who care and who will leave a place better than when they came.” Consistent with that outlook, the Frances Roy Agency supports local organizations including the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance and Youth Village. Dedicke said about her sense of style that “it’s a mix of what I am going to feel strong in, that is interesting, cool and comfortable.” Gray, black, white and blue comprise her go-to palette for both her home and her wardrobe tailored to what she
describes as her “atypically short and curvy body type.” “There are short people, and then there is me and my mom,” Dedicke said. “My natural height is what I call invisibility.” Like actress Diane Keaton, Dedicke loves to mix men’s wear and feminine elements. She will pair a graphic T-shirt with tuxedo pants, for example. Her closet is stocked with tees emblazoned with “Self Made” and “La Fierce,” along with classic pieces such as jean jackets and black heels. “I’m an intuitive, in-the-moment person,” Dedicke said. “I never lay my clothes out the night before, because I always feel different in the morning.” Flexing her creativity, she’s trying her hand at ceramics and digital design. “Life is very decisive, and so I don’t hesitate. I love big decisions,” said Dedicke, who describes herself as curious, strategic and deliberate. Sipping her Americano, she said, “I want to say ‘yes’ to life, and whatever I have to do to say ‘yes,’ that’s what I’m wearing.” EC
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FASHION
Sustainable
Style
Tips for achieving a green closet by REBECCA PADGETT
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The saying goes, “Look good, feel good,” but what about feeling good about what you’re wearing? Many have made efforts to move toward green and sustainable lifestyles, and this consciousness can extend beyond recycling bins and metal straws to include the clothing you choose to wear each day. The clothing industry is a source of waste and pollution resulting from fast fashion and textile mills. Take steps to ensure that your fashion choices contribute to the greater cause of stabilizing our environment. In an effort to reduce waste and reverse damage, we have compiled ways to achieve a conscious closet. 42
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BUY VINTAGE
1 “Choosing to purchase pre-owned clothing items is great for our planet,” said Vanna Smith, owner of Saturn Collection Vintage in Pensacola. “Along with ecological benefits, buying used also saves you money, and it helps stimulate your local economy by purchasing used goods locally.” By shopping used clothing, you’re ensuring there is less waste while giving previously loved clothing a new home.
↙ Casual wear
designer OKO Lifestyle favors the use of fabrics produced by sustainable farming practices.
FABRICS
2 Choose fabrics that result from environmentally sound agricultural practices, represent fair trade and are replenishable. These fabrics include organic cotton, bamboo, silk, soy, hemp, lyocell, flax and ramie. OKO Lifestyle, a local brand with stores in Watersound and Rosemary Beach, partners with sustainable brands. With its own private label, they primarily use organic bamboo. 3
AVOID FAST FASHION
Fast fashion clothing is typically made from low-quality materials and may be poorly designed. “Our fashion industry is in a crisis of fast fashion,” Vanna Smith said. “This is a situation where consumers are taught that we need to purchase new looks constantly, but there is barely enough time to wear all the things we purchased before feeling like we need to buy more new garments.” Instead, Smith suggests sticking to styles that are classic, quality and suit your personal tastes.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF OKO LIFESTYLE
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RESEARCH BRANDS
If you are serious about sustainability, do your research. Most brands are transparent and very open about their green initiatives. Make sure their environmental and labor policies align with your values. OKO Lifestyle pieces are hand cut and sewn from sustainable fabrics in a small community in the Dominican
↑ OKO Lifestyle lifts women in the Dominican Republic out of poverty by
employing them as seamstresses. The company expects to eventually employ 100 people at its remote workshop.
Republic that employs otherwise impoverished men and women. The iconic 30A apparel brand makes its shirts from recycled water bottles. “Each shirt saves about eight water bottles from ending up in landfills,” said Megan Lyons, national sales director of 30A. “We blend the recycled plastic with cotton so our shirts are super soft and breathable.” 5
REPURPOSE CLOTHING
Reduce, reuse and repurpose your clothing. Get creative. Add new buttons or embellishments. Cut jeans into shorts or make a long dress a short one. Or enlist help from a pro. “The Gulf coast has many professional tailors available to help you get your wardrobe back into working order,” said Vanna Smith. “If something doesn’t quite fit how you’d like it to, have it tailored to fit you perfectly.”
DONATE
6 Don’t throw clothing away. Donate it to vintage or thrift shops or to charitable organizations. It could also be fun to trade closets with friends.
INVEST
7 When you do buy new clothing, make it a piece that you will wear again and again for many years to come. “Invest in staple, versatile and timeless pieces that you can build an outfit around,” said Katie Frankum, co-owner of OKO Lifestyle. “Having good pieces in your closet that can be worn with several other things or worn in different ways allows you to expand your outfit choices without actually expanding the number of items you have to purchase.” When deciding on a piece, ask yourself these questions: Can I wear this to multiple places such as work but also out with friends? Will I be able to wear this in many ways? Is it made well? Is this a staple piece or just a trend?
ORGANIZE
8 When your closet is clean and organized, you can see what you have and style it in new ways. In organizing, you will also find what you don’t wear anymore and should donate. Often, when we feel overwhelmed by our closest, we resort to buying something new rather than seeing our own clothing in a new light. EC
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SPONSORED REPORT
Destin Plastic Surgery
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ost people don’t know that the Destin Plastic Surgery building was originally designed to be a 100% plastic surgery facility. Dr. Burden spent years visiting other facilities around the country and studying ambulatory surgical centers. In fact, he is the only person in the area who has completed accredited course work on ambulatory surgical centers. Dr. Burden submitted the Destin Plastic Surgery Center plans to the state — and the work began. After Dr. Burden first broke ground on the Destin Plastic Surgery facility, other surgeons inquired about joining him and performing their surgery at the facility. They wanted to be part of an ambulatory surgery center that was striving to be a center of excellence. The surgery center on the first floor was retrofitted to accommodate general surgery, orthopedic surgery, ophthalmology and gastroenterology, in addition to plastic surgery. The center would become known as the Destin Surgery Center. The second floor remained Destin Plastic Surgery’s offices and skin care center. As the years passed, the facility grew, as did the number of surgeons utilizing the facility. The surgery center was expanded in 2015 to add additional operating room, exam room space, and office and conference room space. At that time, the building expansion was maximized to the building code restrictions. Since that time, the demand for surgery from physicians and patients has continued to grow. Destin Plastic Surgery and the Destin Surgery Center became “victims” of their own success. Without the ability to expand the facility, Destin Surgery Center moved operations to another site, and Destin Plastic Surgery expanded into the entire building. The Destin Surgery Center move leaves Destin Plastic Surgery as it was originally designed — with
a fully accredited surgical facility. This allows Destin Plastic Surgery to utilize three operating rooms and outfit the entire facility for plastic surgery only. Destin Plastic Surgery now can add many services for our patients DR. WILLIAM R. BURDEN, MD, FACS and the community. Dr. Burden considers this a great accomplishment as no other plastic surgery center of excellence exists in the region. Only plastic surgery patients will be in the accredited Surgery Center. This will provide enhanced privacy and specialization of the facility. Several areas will be renovated for new treatments. First, a pharmacy will be added to serve the Destin Plastic Surgery patients and provide further anonymity for our patients. This pharmacy will be conveniently located in the same building as the surgery center and the patient’s treatment areas. We expect this to be extremely popular with our patients. Second, an IV hydration center for health enhancement will be added to the facility. Many of our patients are seeking additional therapies that can enhance their overall well-being. An IV therapy center for intravenous medications will also be added. Finally, the Destin Plastic Surgery conference/ teaching center will be expanded. Dr. Burden has been on faculty and has been a trainer for several devices and surgical techniques. Surgeons wanting to learn advanced surgical and injection techniques will be able to attend sessions more frequently. The physicians, paramedical personnel and staff of Destin Plastic Surgery are excited to be expanding into the whole facility and look forward to upcoming enhancements — much like our patients look forward to and enjoy their enhancements!
to schedule a consultation.
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(850) 654-1194 | 4485 FURLING LANE, DESTIN | THEPLASTICDOC.COM Month–Month 2020
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➸ Now available at TommyBahamaWellness.com,
BOOMER NATURALS CB5
tinctures, gummies, pet treats and oils offer a plant-based, FDA-approved alternative to CBD. Whether you have difficulty sleeping or battle chronic pain, skin conditions or anxiety, Boomer Naturals may assuage your affliction and lead to a healthier, happier life. ➸ New to Destin Commons is BELL FAMILY DISPENSARY, a one-stop supplement shop featuring Colorado-grown CBD and hemp products. Stop by to browse a plethora of flavorful edibles and naturally flavored topicals and salves, or visit WeSellHemp.com to brush up on all things cannabidiol.
Fall into Fashion
↑ WHAT’S IN STORE? A roundup of retail happenings throughout the Emerald Coast by HANNAH BURKE
Columbus, Georgia-based clothing retailer Sassy and Southern Boutique has opened a new location, bringing fashion-forward apparel, accessories and country-cool home goods to Panama City Beach’s Pier Park. Items in Sassy & Southern’s ever-changing inventory all sell for less than $35, allowing for trendy, affordable retail therapy. 46
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➸ Mother/daughter duo and world travelers Layla and Kay Khaldi have opened BELLA VITA BOUTIQUE in the Destin Commons, an exotically stocked space for original art and ethically designed fashion and accessories from artisans across the globe. Whether you’re beachy and bohemian, or athletic and avant-garde, a piece or two will call your name. ➸ In desperate need of salon treatment but wanting to keep your social distance? UNBRIDLED, A HAIR SALON, is delivering professional-grade hair product and styling tools to Pensacola and beyond. Browse their selection at UnbridledHairSalon.com/Shop.
For the Kids ➸ Now open in Panama City, TUTU PINK BOUTIQUE
claims pink isn’t just a color; it’s an attitude. Sassy swimsuits, ruffled dresses, and unique shoes and outfit sets are available for babies, toddlers and girls up to size 8. Swing by or shop online at TutuPinkBoutique.com. ➸ Ready to reward your little ones after dragging them along on that torturous, three-hour shopping trip? Destin’s
URBAN AIR ADVENTURE PARK is the area’s newest
indoor amusement park, offering action-packed, aerial adventure zones, trampolines, sky coasters and climbing walls.
Shops of Plenty ➸ Alabama’s craziest retail experience has officially landed in Pensacola. CRAZY CAZBOYS is a warehouse of discounted treasures, featuring fresh, name-brand merchandise restocked weekly. Discounts dip by the day, and items are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
➸ Located in Palafox Place, the NEST GENERAL STORE is Pensacola’s beloved Bluejay’s Bakery newest sister store, offering grab ’n’ go breakfast and lunch, locally sourced produce, coffee and honey, and home essentials. Pick up a new potted plant or take home a cooler full of nutritious meals and dips loaded with seasonal, organic ingredients.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SASSY AND SOUTHERN BOUTIQUE, NEST GENERAL STORE AND TOMMYBAHAMAWELLNESS.COM
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Mortgage • Refinancing • Construction Financing Visit trustmark.com/mortgage to learn more.
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ARTISTIC AND CREATIVE LIGHTING FOR ALL TYPES OF RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL PROJECTS professional lighting & design consultations for any budget
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3899 E. County Highway 30A, Seagrove ∙ 850.231.2166 ∙ Open Daily At 4:30 ∙ cafethirtya.com 48
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gastro&gusto DINING OUT Grazing Gone Green || LIBATIONS Palafox Sangria
OCT/NOV 2020
DINING, IMBIBING AND LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST
PHOTO BY ARX0NT / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS
DINING IN
TINY, TASTY, NUTRITIOUS
Enhance your next meal with vigorous young veggies by MCKENZIE BURLEIGH
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PHOTOS BY PROSTOCK-STUDIO (FORK) AND OKSANAKIIAN / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS
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ny dish is enhanced by fresh ingredients, including microgreens and herbs that can be grown indoors year-round. When fresh, ingredients are at their peak in terms of both flavor and nutritional value. I became familiar with microgreen quilts when I received some as a Christmas gift. Microgreens, not to be confused with sprouts, are young vegetables. By simply employing a container, seeds, water and light admitted by a window or emitted from a light fixture, you can have microgreens ready to add to dishes in seven days. Microgreens enhance salads, tacos, sandwiches and more. Some of my favorite young vegetables include bella basil blend, radish microgreens, cilantro microgreens, hearty broccoli microgreens, energizing kale and hot wasabi mustard. “Microgreens are anywhere from four to 40 times more nutrient-dense than their adult versions,” writes registered dietician and exercise physiologist Sarah Grace Meckelberg. “Next time you eat these baby vegetables, know you’re packing in the vitamins C and E, as well as antioxidants like beta carotene. Not to mention, they are 100 percent bioavailable, which means your body is able to fully absorb the nutrients of microgreens.” I have shared information about microgreens with family members and friends with children. Cultivating them is a great family activity that offers lessons about nutrition and sustainability. And, microgreens grow just fast enough to keep children interested and engaged in the process. Experiment with this fascinating activity yourself, and you may find that it stimulates both conversation and your taste buds. EC
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GET FRESH
The following businesses will supply what you need
CLAY GARDEN
Santa Rosa Beach Clay30a.com Herbs and seeds for herbs and microgreens
EMERALD COAST NURSERY
Niceville EmeraldCoastNursery.com Herbs only
PENSACOLA SEED AND GARDEN
Pensacola PenSeed.com Herbs and seeds for herbs and microgreens
IT’S WHAT’S FOR BRUNCH. Open-face sandwiches feature microgreens, cream cheese, cucumber slices and a boiled egg.
HAMAMA
Online vendor Hamama.com Starter kits and seed sheets for microgreens
THE SALT SHED & COMPANY
Panama City Beach TheSaltShed.net Herbs and seeds
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gastro & gusto ↘ The Tin Cow in Pensacola invites diners to DYOB — design your own burger. Options include the crab cake burger pictured here. The restaurant offers locally sourced produce, condiments and cheeses.
DINING OUT
GRAZING GONE GREEN Restaurants usher in eco-friendly dining by HANNAH BURKE
FOR THE FOOD INDUSTRY,
global coffee giant Starbucks set a precedent when they pledged to phase out single-use plastic straws and implement recyclable cups, utensils and more plant-based menu items. The eco-initiative, fueled by the fact that items used only once account for 50 percent of the 300 million tons of plastic produced each year, inspired many corporations to take a closer look at their own contributions to the world’s waste stream. Plastic Ocean International, a research-based nonprofit devoted to raising awareness of the dangers of plastic pollution, has calculated that more than 8 million tons of plastic wind up in our waters each year. To save our marine life and foster a healthier, more sustainable community, the following Emerald Coast restaurants are just a sample of those making strides toward greener practices. 52
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Pineapple Willy’s Panama City Beach
In compliance with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s “Skip the Straw” initiative, Pineapple Willy’s is one of the few restaurants that will provide diners with plastic straws upon request. The beachside eatery was dismayed to learn, according to the FDEP, that plastic straws are among the top five littered items recovered from the shore each year. Paper may be the default when sucking down a Pineapple Willy — the restaurant’s signature rum, pineapple and coconut juice concoction — but frozen daiquiris are available in reusable, take-home plastic souvenir cups.
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The Slippery Mermaid Navarre
←THE TIN COW Pensacola
PHOTOS BY MICHAEL BOOINI (PINEAPPLE WILLY’S ) AND JCHIZHE / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS (BAMBOO PLTE) AND COURTESY OF DEWEY DESTIN’S AND THE TIN COW
Proudly offering biodegradable straws, the Tin Cow is just one of many coastal Pensacola eateries that have aligned with the Sea Turtle Conservancy in reducing the distribution of singleuse plastic waste. Indeed, a paper straw won’t keep you from slurping down a craft cocktail or seemingly endless choices of spiked milkshakes. Just be sure to leave room for the restaurant’s main draw — juicy, customizable “DYOB” burgers embellished with your choice of locally sourced produce, condiments and cheeses.
DEWEY DESTIN’S Destin, Navarre
Since dropping anchor at Choctawhatchee Bay in 2001, Dewey Destin’s dock and harborside restaurants have been known for fresh, local seafood. A go-to stop for creamy, hot crab dip, fresh-catch sandwiches and steamed and fried seafood baskets, Dewey Destin’s has, in the last two years, made the switch to biodegradable straws and gumbo bowls to promote green eating. As they previously went through 500 to 1,000 straws a day, the seafood icon is doing its part to keep our oceans clean.
Providing a selfproclaimed mix of “creative sushi for purists and adventurers alike,” the Slippery Mermaid offers both traditional Japanese rolls and local seafood-infused delights. Its No. 1 seller, the “Psycho Mermaid,” features crunchy shrimp tempura and baked surimi drizzled with sweet and tangy eel sauce. Sushi, sashimi, and soup and salad starters are served atop eco-friendly bamboo plates, and compostable cups and paper straws are always available upon request.
FOR THE HEALTH OF IT
Santa Rosa Beach Green practices entail not just eco-friendly dishware, but also include homegrown, organic ingredients that support the local economy and reduce environmental impacts. For the Health of It is 30A’s preferred organic juice bar and grocer, specializing in natural, alternative food choices, protein-packed smoothies and nutritional supplements. The provision of non-GMO, recyclable and certifiedorganic products is integral to their mission, and you’ll even take your goods home in a landfillfriendly grocery bag.
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gastro & gusto
LIBATIONS
PALAFOX SANGRIA Drink pairs well
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with apps and a cool outdoor setting
PALAFOX SANGRIA
by THOMAS J. MONIGAN
A Skopelos Signature Cocktail
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t Skopelos New World in downtown Pensacola, head bartender Tony Lazaro estimates he has made between 10 and 15 Palafox Sangria cocktails during each of his shifts in the past two years. “It’s a hot seller,” Lazaro said without hesitation. “And I prep everything. I got it down to a science, once I made the first 10.” It contains lots of muddled fruit — strawberry, blackberry, blueberry, raspberry, lemon, lime and orange — with Fosco Sparkling Lambrusco as the main ingredient, described this way on the bottler’s website: “This sparkling wine has a color of intense ruby red with purple nuances. The fragrance is intensely fruity, of ripe berries. This wine shows a pleasant balance in its body. Sparkling sweet. Fruity taste, fresh and harmonious.” Compliments from customers are the norm, Lazaro said, adding, “I haven’t had any negative feedback on it yet.” For Lazaro, the cocktail is especially refreshing. “It’s great when you can sit outside in the courtyard and order it with appetizers,” he said. Celebrity chef and director of operations Gus Silivos is the main man at Skopelos, which has been open since 2016 at its current location at New World Inn, not far from the Port of Pensacola on South Palafox Street. “Tony does a really great job,” he said. “With the cocktail, the right balance of flavors and ingredients makes a difference.
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In a wine glass filled with ice, combine fresh fruit muddled with Grand Marnier with 3 ounces of Rosso Fosco Sparkling Lambrusco wine and top with a splash of club soda.
It gives the drink uniqueness, and it has been well received because of that.” Like other Greek immigrant families who moved to Pensacola, the Silivos family is from the island of Skopelos, located in the western Aegean Sea off the eastern coast of Greece. “When Chef Silivos’ family opened their Pensacola restaurant in 1959, they named it after their former island home,” the restaurant’s website notes. In 1987, it moved from Cervantes Street to a bayfront location on the Scenic Highway. Skopelos was closed shortly after celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2009. Later, given the opportunity to partner with Jim Homyak of New World Landing & New World Inn,
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Silivos knew it was the right time to bring Skopelos back. The Palafox Sangria, in an earlier iteration, was known at the Skopelos Sunset. “When we came downtown, some of the ingredients stayed the same, but some people wanted to give a new twist to it,” Silivos said. “We experimented until we found the flavors we were looking for.” Silivos began working in the family restaurant at age 11. He earned a business degree at the University of West Florida, and then attended the Culinary Institute of America for two years. He was instrumental in setting up the culinary program at Pensacola State College. EC photography by STEVEN GRAY
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PROMOTION
Trulieve Adjusts to the New Normal
MEDICAL CANNABIS PROVIDER REVAMPS OPERATIONS TO PROTECT STAFF, CUSTOMERS
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s quickly as COVID swept across the country, Trulieve wasted no time jumping into action to protect the health and safety of their patients and staff. As Florida’s largest medical cannabis provider, Trulieve immediately began operating on similar tracks simultaneously: first, taking care of its workforce, including patient-facing employees at the dispensaries; and second, working to ensure patients continued to have safe, consistent access to the medications they rely upon. “When COVID began shutting other places down, we worked hard to keep communications with employees and patients transparent, consistent and clear to mitigate the risk of exposure and assure employees we were doing what we could to support them and keep them
safe,” says Tim Morey, Trulieve’s Chief Sales Officer. “Taking care of our staff was especially important to us, and we are always working to make sure they know we are doing everything in our power to minimize the likelihood of employees being exposed.” Morey says the company quickly updated benefits for their employees, including a medical plan at no premium cost to employees, enacting a salary continuation policy for any staff members who contracted the virus, and making testing available for team members who were exposed. Several significant changes also were made in an effort to create a safer, faster and more positive retail experience for patients. When home quarantine started for much of the state, Trulieve upgraded their existing statewide delivery system,
adding over 50 new cars to their fleet and hiring staff to help meet rising patient demand. Additionally, each dispensary was transformed, including the installation of medical-grade HEPA filtration systems, protective Plexiglas shields at every pointof-sale station, and signage throughout the store to help guide social distancing. Patients were also given access to the company’s full catalog online, with options to order in advance for in-store pickup or for home delivery. The changes paid off; while COVID was forcing companies to shutter their doors, Trulieve opened over 10 new stores between May and September. Presently, the company has nearly 60 dispensaries across the state of Florida, including several in Pensacola, Destin and Panama City.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TRULIEVE AND FLORIDA’S MEDICAL MARIJUANA PROGRAM, VISIT TRULIEVE.COM.
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DESTIN CHARITY WINE AUCTION F O U N D AT I O N P R E S E N T S
NOVEMBER 5-7,
2020
AWEEKEND OF WINE AND CULINARY EXPERIENCES THROUGHOUT SOUTH WALTON TICKETS ON SALE SEPTEMBER 1 HarvestWineandFood.com
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Restaurant Spotlight
Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant As Bud & Alley’s marks 34 years, we celebrated the occasion with several exciting enhancements. With care and consideration for the past and to honor the original building, the structure will remain largely the same, save some minor interior restoration. Thankfully, architect Dhiru Thadani was up to the delicate challenge of marrying the old and the new. The resulting design is a perfect match. A new entrance plaza flanks Bud & Alley’s to the east and west with a tree-lined walkway. With 850 additional square feet, the beloved roof deck is bigger and more expansive. Now, not only is there a stunning Gulf view, but there is also an unparalleled panoramic view of Seaside’s downtown life in Central Square. A roadside bar fronting the restaurant along 30A now greets all.
On the west side of the building, 10 new bathrooms have been added, including two conveniently located upstairs. The already iconic and stunning three-story bell tower entrance to the roof deck includes an elevator. The restored 1888 steam train bell gracing the tower makes the ritual ringing of the sunset bell, a decades old Bud & Alley’s tradition, even more special. Though much has changed this year, much will remain the same, including our fresh, locally sourced menu favorites such as Bud & Alley’s famous crab cakes, barbecue shrimp and sweet potato fries. I am as excited about the future of Bud & Alley’s as I have ever been, and look forward to celebrating many more years of Good Food. Good People. Good Times.
BUDANDALLEYS.COM
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVE RAUSCHKOLB, OWNER, BUD & ALLEY'S
If there ever was a place in the world to embrace change, it is Seaside, Florida. Still, with every change over some four decades, wonders have always emerged to enhance and refine the Seaside experience.
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takeaway
30A Grub 2 Go
YOU’VE SPENT A LONG, LUXURIOUS DAY AT THE BEACH, and as the sunset nears, the last thing you want to do is battle traffic and the dinnertime wave. 30A Grub 2 Go provides the best-case scenario by allowing you to experience local cuisine from the comfort of home. Shanda Williams, co-owner of 30A Grub 2 Go and a long-time vacationer on 30A, saw a need for a delivery service that was not only fast, efficient and friendly but also specialized in offering locally owned options. Alongside her business partners Jeff O’Rear and Scott Hancock, they set out to form a company that centers around the experience of everyone involved — from the delivery drivers to the restaurant staff to the customers. Through the 30A Grub 2 Go app or website, customers can select from a variety of restaurants to order from. The restaurant receives an alert to prepare the order as the driver is on their way for the food pickup. The app allows customers to track their driver’s progress. There are many ways that 30A Grub 2 Go sets itself apart from other food delivery services. They ensure your delivery is never canceled by always having available drivers. They do not take a percentage off the price of food from the restaurant; they only charge a delivery fee to customers based on distance. The company is actively seeking restaurants that pride themselves on service and efficiency to join in on the partnership. “We want everyone to experience the same quality that they would from visiting a restaurant — fresh, hot food and exceptional service,” said Williams. “We are a family-oriented company, and (850) 460-4766 we want everyone involved to feel that 30AGrub2Go.com and to know that we will always go the extra mile.”
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chefyi
Chef Tim Creehan Cuvee 30A
G
uests dine amidst rich woods bathed in modern lighting, flanked by a glass wall of wine adorned with select vintages. Or they are seated on one of two outdoor patios, basking in the glow of a South Walton sunset while savoring awardwinning delicacies and the sounds of the 30Avenue concert series. Or perhaps they opt for bar seating to take advantage of the tantalizing Happy Hour specials and lively house band. Wherever guests choose to sit at Cuvee 30A, there isn’t a bad seat in the house, a dish that won’t delight or a wine that won’t please the palate. Cuvee 30A is the exclusive venue for celebrity chef Tim Creehan’s renowned signature cuisine. Dining here includes the best of fine dining and coastal cuisine with Italian, French and Mediterranean influences, infused with Creehan’s epicurean background as a restaurateur throughout Florida and Louisiana. The restaurant has garnered a foodie following from connoisseurs near and far craving the culinary creativity and fusion of flavors that have defined Chef Creehan’s career. Favorites include: Grouper Vince, Smoked Tomato and Shrimp Soup, Seared Black Pepper Crusted Yellowfin Tuna, Alaskan King Crab, New York Strip, Fried Green Tomatoes and White Chocolate Banana Cream Pie.
New Zealand Venison Steak Cuvee 30A
The grouper and yellowfin tuna dishes gained particular notoriety after being prominently featured by national media as the hand-picked selections of Vince Gill and Amy Grant when Creehan catered their wedding. Perfect for special occasions, Tim Creehan’s Chef’s Table has become the quintessential fine dining experience on the Panhandle — an up-close view of Cuvee 30A chefs preparing your food, a hand-selected menu and personalized wine pairings. “We employ the leading professionals in our area who all share our goal to provide guests with an unparalleled experience,” said Creehan. “Our servers and bartenders are impeccable, not just in consistently executing the meticulous steps of service that our guests often rave about, but also in their knowledge of food and beverage.” Whether you’re casually enjoying tapas and drinks on the patio or celebrating a special occasion with a selection from the area’s only Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence winner, the expert staff provides a mouthwatering meal and a memorable evening.
“Guests regularly convey that the service is incredible, the food is worth the hype and their expectations were exceeded, to which we say: ‘mission accomplished,’ ” said Creehan. Chef Creehan’s desire to exceed guest expectations has guided his entire career for over three decades, and Cuvee 30A is the culmination of that journey. It is a spectacular, delectable dining event of which you will be reminiscing until your return.
Celebrity Chef Tim Creehan
CUVEE 30A 12805 U.S. 98 D101, INLET BEACH | (850) 909-0111 | CUVEE30A.COM
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(850) 613-6228 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
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of the
Emerald Coast As diverse as the winners in our 2020 Best of the Emerald Coast reader’s poll are, they have important qualities in common. 2020 Each has conducted itself in ways that have earned the respect and admiration of its customers, and we intend that a Best of the EC award serve them as validation for those efforts. All may properly of E A EM ERALD C O regard themselves as businesses that are reliable, highly professional and integral elements in the economy of the Emerald Coast. Too, our winners are uniformly small businesses, which collectively are often referred to as the “backbone of the nation’s economy.” Indeed. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses account for 44 percent of economic activity in the country and fully three quarters of the new jobs being created. The COVID-19 pandemic, the resulting economic downturn and changes in consumer habits have tested the resolve, resilience and creativity of businesses including our winners. We encourage you, our readers, to patronize, encourage and congratulate them. OAST MAG AZ DC I AL
E’S N
EM ER
BEST TH
ST
BEST OF THE EMERALD COAST
Best Thank you to all of our sponsors! BENEF IT T ING
S PO N S O RED BY
In lieu of purchasing a Best of the Emerald Coast ticket, we encourage all of our winners and would-be attendees to donate to the Child Clothing Project by the Junior League of the Emerald Coast. This project allows the Junior League to help over 400 children in our local community to get a new wardrobe, school supplies and more. Please visit 850tix.com/organizations/1127/donate to learn more and donate or text BOECGIVES to 76278. Stay tuned for an interactive way to experience this year’s winning businesses.
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Food & Beverage
COMPILED BY HANNAH BURKE
APPETIZER
BONEFISH GRILL ➸ Freshness is their signature. Begin your dining experience with the guest favorite, Bang Bang Shrimp; it’s a must. Destin, (850) 650-3161 BonefishGrill.com ASIAN FUSION
BASMATI’S ASIAN CUISINE →
➸ A casual, yet sophisticated dining experience; indulge in exotic Asian flavors fused with fresh, local ingredients.
CANTINA LAREDO
Miramar Beach, (850) 654-5649, CantinaLaredo.com
ATMOSPHERE
THE GULF FORT WALTON BEACH ➸ A dreamy bayside haven created with trademark design elements including salvaged and repurposed building materials set against a backdrop of surf and sand. Fort Walton Beach (850) 387-1300, TheGulf.com BAKERY
BLACK BEAR BREAD CO. ➸ Scrumptious sourdoughs, buttery baguettes, and meltin-your-mouth bear claws. Grayton Beach, (850) 213-4528 BlackBearBreadCo.com
BBQ
98 BAR-B-QUE ➸ Bodacious barbeque seasoned with attention to detail; family friendly and dedicated to diners.
BREWERY
GRAYTON BEER COMPANY
Santa Rosa Beach (850) 622-0679, 98bbq.com
➸ Fine ingredients blended with the character of the Gulf Coast “from grain to glass.”
BLOODY MARY
Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 231-4786, GraytonBeer.com
THE RED BAR ➸ A cocktail dubbed the “the house salad,” given its array of delectable garnishes, spices and flavor. Grayton Beach, (850) 231-1008 TheRedBar.com
→
➸ Freshly squeezed lime completes a citrusy blend of Agave Blanco tequila and Cointreau Orange Liqueur.
PHOTOS BY KURT LISCHKA / MOON CREEK STUDIOS (BLACK BEAR BREAD CO.) AND COURTESY OF CANTINA LAREDO
BEST MARGARITA
Santa Rosa Beach (850) 267-3028 BasmatisThirtyA.com
Black Bear Bread Co.
BEST BAR/ TAVERN and BEER SELECTION/ CRAFT BEER
THE CRAFT BAR
BREAKFAST
➸ Belly up to a bar crafted from 100-yearold cypress to enjoy rare brews and artisanal pub fare.
➸ A diner and bakery rolled into one with hearty omelets, eggs benedict and heavenly donuts.
Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Miramar Beach, Panama City Beach (850) 460-7907* *Destin Location TheCraftBarFL.com
DONUT HOLE BAKERY CAFE
Destin*, Inlet Beach, Santa Rosa Beach (850) 837-8824
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BEST OF THE EMERALD COAST
CAJUN/CREOLE
topped with a fresh citrus sauce.
THE LOUISIANA LAGNIAPPE ➸ Over 30 years of dishes delicieux, such as seafood gumbo, Grouper Pontchartrain and jambalaya. Destin, (850) 837-0881 TheLouisianaLagniappe.com CHEF
CHEF JACK MCGUCKEN AT BIJOUX
CRAWFISH
STINKY’S FISH CAMP ➸ The Crawfish Pie, a creamy etouffee baked in a flaky handmade crust, can’t be beat. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 267-3053 StinkysFishCamp.com DESSERT
➸ An architect of Creole masterpieces; fresh, local fare with a simple touch.
BON APPÉTIT FRENCH BAKERY & CAFE
Miramar Beach (850) 622-0760 BijouxDestin.com
➸ Heavenly European delights right in Fort
CHINESE
Walton Beach.
P.F. CHANG’S ➸ A signature sauce trio and family-style portions; here, 2,000-year-old Asian cooking traditions live on. Sandestin, (850) 269-1806 PFChangs.com CRAB CAKES
LOUIS LOUIS
Fort Walton Beach (850) 244-2848 Facebook.com/ bonappetitfrenchbakeryandcafe DISTILLERY
98 DISTILLERY ➸ Purely crafted small batches made from local wild ingredients. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 919-2400 Distillery98.com
➸ Chock full of crab, lightly breaded and
→
Santa Rosa Beach (850) 267-1500 LouisLouis.net
BEST FINE DINING and STEAKHOUSE
SEAGAR’S PRIME STEAKS & SEAFOOD ➸ An intimate and indulgent dining experience with seafood specialties; aged, prime steaks and an awardwinning wine list. Miramar Beach (850) 622-1500 Seagars.com
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FOOD TRUCK/ AIRSTREAM
Destin, (850) 737-1185 BigRedDestin.com
GLUTEN-FREE-FRIENDLY
BIG RED TRUCK
FRENCH
➸ Low-carb, ketoapproved baked delights to satisfy any dieting sweet tooth.
➸ Rolling your way with tasty tacos, handshaped burgers and fresh seafood bite
BIJOUX ➸ A fine dining experience bringing you coastal, French cuisine with a dash of New Orleans panache.
Santa Rosa Beach (850) 517-6379 ketokreations.com
Miramar Beach (850) 622-0760 BijouxDestin.com
GOURMET/FOOD SHOP/ SPECIALTY FOOD STORE
FROZEN TREAT (ICE CREAM, YOGURT, GELATO, SNOW CONES)
➸ Seaside’s gourmet grocer offering a diverse mix of culinary essentials and libations.
BLUE MOUNTAIN BEACH CREAMERY ➸ A family owned and operated establishment providing the tastiest ice cream, frozen yogurt and sorbet treats at the beach. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 278-6849 BlueMountainBeachCreamery.com
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KETO KREATIONS
MODICA MARKET
Seaside, (850) 231-1214 ModicaMarket.com GROUPER SANDWICH
BOSHAMPS SEAFOOD & OYSTER HOUSE ➸ A sandwich that’s a
→ BEST HAMBURGER and BRUNCH
MCGUIRE’S IRISH PUB ➸ Bottomless mimosas, complimentary Irish coffee and beignets, and hefty portions. Destin, Pensacola (850) 650-0000* *Destin location McGuiresIrishPub.com
ITALIAN
MIMMO’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO ➸ Authentic, elegant Italian with a variant list of vino. Destin, (850) 460-7353 EatMimmos.com MARTINI
CAFE THIRTY-A ➸ Shaken or stirred with quality ingredients and all the olives you can handle. Seagrove Beach (850) 231-2166, CafeThirtyA.com MEDITERRANEAN
➸ A traditional Greek, family-style atmosphere with all the souvlaki, gyro and tzatziki you can eat.
work of art grilled, fried or blackened. Destin, (850) 424-7406 Boshamps.com GUMBO
STINKY’S FISH CAMP ➸ Nothing foul about the Fowl gumbo, stewed with tender chicken, andouille and duck confit. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 267-3053 StinkysFishCamp.com HAPPY HOUR
TOMMY BAHAMA RESTAURANT, BAR & STORE ➸ It’s island time everyday with tropical maitai’s, pineapple paradisio martinis and satisfying small plates. Sandestin, (850) 654-1743 TommyBahama.com
HIBACHI
OSAKA JAPANESE HIBACHI STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR ➸ Dinner and a show with locally sourced seafood and veggies. Destin, Panama City Beach (850) 650-4688* *Destin location OsakaHibachiAndSushi.com
→
PHOTOS BY MATT BURKE / ROWLAND PUBLISHING FILE PHOTO AND COURTESY OF HILTON SANDESTIN BEACH GOLF RESORT & SPA AND THE BAY
Miramar Beach*, Shalimar (850) 460-2728, AegeanFL.com
BEST HEALTHY MENU OPTION and SALAD
EVERKRISP ➸ Seeded, sown and plated with fresh, whole ingredients. Destin, Miramar Beach (850) 842-4504* *Miramar Beach location, Everkrisp.com
MEXICAN/LATIN AMERICAN
CANTINA LAREDO ➸ Tableside guac, authentic specialties and a margarita on the rocks make for a meal muy bueno. Miramar Beach (850) 654-5649 CantinaLaredo.com MOJITO
GREAT SOUTHERN CAFE ➸ Over 12 choices of fruity flavors with a refreshing, mint twist. Seaside, (850) 231-7327 TheGreatSouthernCafe.com NEW RESTAURANT (6-12 MONTHS)
BLUE MABEL ➸ Brunch the Southern way with 24-hour smoked brisket sandwiches, shrimp
Santa Rosa Beach (850) 744-0040, BlueMabel.com ON-SITE CATERING
GRAYTON BEACH CATERING & EVENTS ➸ Lavishing your events with local brews, shrimp boils and Cajun cookin’.
RESTAURANT IN OKALOOSA COUNTY
CLEMENZA’S AT UPTOWN STATION ➸ Wood-fired pizza, signature pasta dishes and a family-style atmosphere with an Old World feel. Fort Walton Beach (850) 243-0707 ClemenzasAtUptown.com
Grayton Beach (850) 231-1090 GraytonBeachCatering.com OYSTERS
SHUNK GULLEY OYSTER BAR ➸ Freshly plucked and shucked from the Gulf with homemade cocktail sauce, horseradish and a squeeze of lemon. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 622-2733, ShunkGulley.com PIZZA
PIZZA BY THE SEA ➸ Supremely rich pies with fresh veggies, high-quality meats and savory sauces for endless customization. Gulf Place, Sandestin, Seacrest Beach, WaterColor PizzaByTheSea.com RESTAURANT IN BAY COUNTY
FIREFLY ➸ Deluxe sushi, gourmet entrees and romance beneath an illuminated oak tree. Panama City Beach (850) 249-3359 FireflyPCB.com RESTAURANT IN ESCAMBIA COUNTY
THE FISH HOUSE
→
AEGEAN RESTAURANT
and grits and fried chicken salad.
BEST OUTDOOR BAR and OUTDOOR DINING
THE BAY ➸ Fine dining and imbibing al fresco with sweeping views of the Choctawhatchee. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 622-2291 BaySouthWalton.com
RESTAURANT IN WALTON COUNTY
LOUIS LOUIS ➸ Art-packed walls, Panne chicken and crab cakes to die for. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 267-1500 LouisLouis.net ROMANTIC/SPECIAL OCCASION RESTAURANT
RESTAURANT PARADIS
➸ Daily selections of fish, signature grits a ya ya and live music harborside.
➸ Country-chic cuisine, loveseats in the lounge and a dimly lighted ambiance for a special affair.
Pensacola, (850) 470-0003 FishHousePensacola.com
Rosemary Beach, (850) 534-0400 RestaurantParadis.com
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BEST OF THE EMERALD COAST
Hall of Fame Among Best of the Emerald Coast award winners are some whose customers have been singing their praises for decades. In baseball terms, they are pitchers with 300 wins or hitters with 500 homeruns. They are Hall of Famers. We profile here the six most prolific winners in the history of our reader’s poll, knowing that they inspire others to greatness.
Seagar’s
→ By bringing a AAA 4-Diamond, New York-style steakhouse experience to the Sandestin shore, Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood, with its fresh Gulf catches, 100% USDA-prime steaks and lamp chops and signature cocktails, has earned accolades in over 14 different Best of the Emerald Coast categories over the past 19 years. Whether you’re seeking a fine-dining ambiance for a private, romantic evening over steak Diane, flambéed bananas foster and award-winning lemondrop martinis, or sharing three-tiered seafood towers while sampling the expansive wine list with friends, Seagar’s continues to be a must for both locals and visitors.
Clemenza’s/ Fat Clemenza’s
→ It’s one thing for a restaurant’s artisanal wood-fired pizzas, rich pasta and authentic, crumbly cannoli to be deemed best Italian food in the area, but Clemenza’s and Fat Clemenza’s, located in Fort
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Walton Beach and Miramar Beach, have repeatedly been voted the best overall restaurants in Okaloosa and Walton counties in the past decade. Maybe it’s that first bite of marinara and béchamelsauced lasagna that tastes like the Nonna’s we never had, or the vintage photographs and family-style dining that transports us straight to Old World Italy, but we just can’t get enough.
Bonefish Grill
→ Bonefish Bang Bang Shrimp, with its crispy coating swimming in that bath of sweet, spicy chili sauce, has been voted best appetizer for the past 16 years. But that’s not all that accounts for Bonefish Grill’s status as a perennial Best of the Emerald Coast award winner. The casual-meetsupscale dining experience at Bonefish has also been recognized for its exceptional service, decadent desserts and seasonal selection of surf n’ turf delicacies. Martinis, a must for any happy hour, feature something for both the traditionalist and adventurous, with flavors such as fresh pineapple, raspberry, pomegranate and strawberry rosé.
AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar
→ Ask anyone the best place to party like a local, and they’ll likely point you toward AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar on the Destin Harbor.
EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
With live music every evening, stunning views of the setting sun, annual holiday celebrations and, of course, plenty of ice cold brews, po’ boys and oysters to go ’round, AJ’s has netted multiple awards in 13 different categories for the last two decades. Voted best place to dance in 2020, AJ’s Bimini stage grooves to the local tunes of Black Eyed Blond, DJ Serpent, Horseshoe Kitty and more.
Today’s
→ When Jim and Kim Dettle established Today’s Boutique in 1981, they made it their mission to help the Emerald Coast woman find her own brand of style. It seems they may have accomplished their goal. Today’s has been voted the best spot in Destin to find women’s apparel, accessories and upscale design for the past 20 years. Staffed by trained fashion advisors, Today’s showcases designers including Joseph Ribkoff, Planet, Clara Sunwoo, Lyssé and Dear John Jeans. Whether you’re shopping
➸ Seafood straight from the docks, ready-tocook crawfish pies and stuffed ravioli. Destin, (850) 837-8333 DestinIce.com
DEWEY DESTIN’S HARBORSIDE
SPORTS BAR
WATERFRONT RESTAURANT
SUSHI
WEDDING CATERER
THAI
THAI ELEPHANT AUTHENTIC THAI CUISINE
SEAFOOD STEAMER
➸ Authentic Thai lunch specials, stir-fried noodles and custom chef creations as spicy as you like.
OLD BAY STEAMER ➸ Maine lobster tails, king and snow crab, shrimp and shellfish steamed to tasty perfection.
Santa Rosa Beach (850) 660-6711 ThaiElephantSRB.com
Fort Walton Beach (850) 664-2795 OldBaySteamerFWB.com
TUNA DIP
SHRIMP SALAD
JC’S GOURMET ➸ A chilled mix of fresh shrimp, lime zest and vinegar-soaked cucumber, red onion and sweet
➸ Gulf-to-table dining with a majestic view of the Destin harbor. Destin, (850) 424-7406 Boshamps.com
Destin, (850) 424-5977 DestinSushi.com
Destin*, Navarre *(850) 837-7525 (Harborside location) DestinSeafood.com
BOSHAMPS SEAFOOD & OYSTER HOUSE
Inlet Beach, (850) 231-9410 Shades30a.com
➸ Locally sourced catches and crisp veggies, all rolled up and bursting with flavor.
➸ Seafood served with tradition, daily “catch of the day” specials and signature hot crab dip. PHOTOS BY ALEX WORKMAN (STEAK), CHASE YAKABOSKI (PIZZA) AND ERICK LIMA (TENNIS) AND COURTESY OF BONEFISH GRILL, DESTIN ICE HOUSE AND BURRITO DEL SOL
Santa Rosa Beach (850) 622-2733, ShunkGulley.com
SUSHIMOTO
SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
→ Dominating over six categories since 2001, Hilton Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, this year’s recipient for best tennis facility, continues to prove they aren’t just another tourist destination. The property is the largest full-service beachfront resort on Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast. Here, you can hit the gym, test your golfing mettle at four courses that have hosted numerous NCAA National Championships, or plan for a girls’ day at Serenity by the sea spa followed by a feast at Hidashi sushi. Complete with a supervised kid’s club, beach amenities and wedding and event venues, there’s a little something for everyone.
Santa Rosa Beach (850) 687-2810, JCsGourmet.com
➸ A family-friendly bar providing all the game day necessities: hot wings, handhelds and your favorite brews.
DESTIN ICE HOUSE
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
sweet peppers for the ultimate flatbread spread.
SHADES BAR AND GRILL
SEAFOOD MARKET
the sales rack or attending a seasonal trunk show to snatch rare finds from across the globe, treasures are to be had.
pepper, this is shrimp ceviche-style.
SUNQUEST BEACH WEDDINGS, LLC ➸ Gracing guests with a taste of local fare through personalized, quality service. Miramar Beach, (850) 830-9359 SunquestBeachWeddings.com WINE LIST/WINE BAR
VINTIJ FOOD & WINE ➸ A bistro meets wine boutique; take home your favorites from their extensive collection. Miramar Beach (850) 650-9820, Vintij.com WINGS
BUFFALO’S REEF
SHUNK GULLEY OYSTER BAR
➸ Thirteen flavors of cooked-to-order wings, perfect with a basket of hot curly fries and your go-to brew.
➸ Smokey yellowfin tuna marries gourmet
Fort Walton Beach (850) 243-9464, BuffalosReef.com
BEST TACOS and NACHOS
→ BURRITO DEL SOL
➸ A mountain of crispy corn tortilla chips, grilled protein, queso and spicy salsa. Fort Walton Beach*, Destin (850) 226-8016* BurritodelSol.com
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BEST OF THE EMERALD COAST
Service Providers ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC
TORTOISE CLINIC OF CHINESE MEDICINE ➸ Pinpoint the source of chronic pain, anxiety and digestive issues for a holistic healing approach. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 267-5611 TheTortoiseClinic.com
AUDIO/VISUAL PROVIDER
FIVE-STAR AUDIO VISUAL, INC. ➸ Superior event execution, technical expertise and five-star, integrated solutions. Fort Walton Beach (850) 275-4242 Five-StarAV.com AUTOMOBILE DEALERSHIP
EGLIN FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
➸ New and certified pre-owned vehicles, part customization and exceptional service.
➸ Managing all your personal finances with premier customer service, invaluable resources and security.
Mary Esther (850) 244-7611 StepOneAutomotive.com
→ BEST BANK and CREDIT UNION
STEP ONE AUTOMOTIVE
AESTHETICIAN
MELISSA ST. JOHN – DESTIN PLASTIC SURGERY ➸ Impassioned and professional, applying expertise and precision to your skincare needs. Destin, (850) 654-1194 ThePlasticDoc.com
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AUTO REPAIR/ BODY SHOP
ALL PRO DENT REPAIR ➸ Doing damage control through no-paint dent repair, be it from door dings, hail damage or collisions. Fort Walton Beach (850) 315-1065 AllProDentRear.net BUILDER/ CONTRACTOR
30A, Destin*, Navarre (850) 837-8016* ChiMarConstruction.com CABINETS AND COUNTERTOPS
KITCHEN DESIGNS OF THE EMERALD COAST ➸ Renovation made simple with custom cabinetry, countertops and a dream team of designers. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 974-3185 KitchenDesignsGroup.com CARDIOLOGIST
WHITE-WILSON MEDICAL CENTER, DR. RODNEY POWELL ➸ Bringing over 30 years of boardcertified cardiology experience, care and dedication to Fort Walton Beach patients. Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Navarre, Niceville (850) 863-8100 White-Wilson.com
CHI-MAR CONSTRUCTION LLC
CAR/LIMO/ SHUTTLE SERVICE
➸ A one-stop construction service
➸ Retro-chic chauffer services,
EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
654LIMO
luxurious limos and high-end transportation to your most anticipated events. 654limo.com, Destin (850) 654-LIMO (5466)
→
Destin, Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, Mary Esther, Niceville, Navarre, Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field (850) 862-0111 EglinFCU.org
whose bedrock is customer care, communication and concise organization.
BEST CHIROPRACTIC PRACTICE and MASSAGE THERAPIST
EMERALD COAST CHIROPRACTIC ➸ An expert staff diagnosing, treating and healing the Emerald Coast since 2000. Destin, Miramar Beach (850) 654-1850 (for both) DestinChiropractor.com
CHARITY/ NONPROFIT
DESTIN CHARITY WINE AUCTION FOUNDATION ➸ Fifteen years of enhancing the lives of Northwest Florida children via worldclass wine and culinary celebrations. Miramar Beach (850) 650-3732 DCWAF.org CHARTER BOAT SERVICE (FISHING, DIVING, ETC.)
SUNVENTURE CRUISES
➸ Dolphin sightings,
→ BEST FULL SERVICE SPA
SERENITY BY THE SEA SPA ➸ Professional salon treatments, rejuvenating spa packages and fitness amenities for the ultimate retreat. Miramar Beach (850) 622-9595 SerenitybytheseaSpa.com
ballet and modern and interpretive movement. Miramar Beach, (850) 460-3264 AlfonsoAcademy.com DERMATOLOGY PRACTICE
COASTAL SKIN SURGERY & DERMATOLOGY ➸ Quality care and a vast catalog of surgical, medical and dermatological services and products. Miramar Beach*, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville and Panama City Beach (850) 654-3376 CoastalSkinSurgery.com ELECTRIC CART/ GOLF CART DEALERSHIP
DIXIELECTRICAR ➸ Showcasing the hottest golf carts on the market; cruise the fairways in style with custom cart enhancements and storage solutions. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 269-0011, Dixielectricar.com
firework shows and dazzling sunsets fuel romantic excursions through the Destin Harbor and Crab Island. Destin, Okaloosa Island (850) 424-6465 SunventureCruises.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF HILTON SANDESTIN BEACH GOLF RESORT & SPA
CHEERLEADING/ GYMNASTICS FACILITY
U.S. GOLD GYMNASTICS & CHEERLEADING ACADEMY ➸ Training the next Simone Biles through expert coaching and a state-of-the-art facility. Destin*, Santa Rosa Beach (850) 654-3124* USGoldGymnastics.com
COMPUTER SERVICES/ TECH SUPPORT
CRC DATA TECHNOLOGIES ➸ Trusted data technologies providing responsive, reliable and flexible solutions and security measures. Destin, (850) 654-7262 CRCDataTech.com COSMETIC/PLASTIC SURGERY PRACTICE
DESTIN PLASTIC SURGERY – WILLIAM R. BURDEN, M.D. ➸ Helping you reach your full potential through trusted, innovative procedures, augmentations
and maintenance treatments. Destin, (850) 654-1194 ThePlasticDoc.com CUSTOMER SERVICE
SUNDANCE RENTAL MANAGEMENT INC. ➸ A savvy and friendly team of professional property managers are at your beck and call. Fort Walton Beach, Destin (850) 863-3292 Sundance-Rentals.com DANCE STUDIO/ BALLET COMPANY
ALFONSO ACADEMY ➸ Three large dance studios honor the elegance and artistry of classical
HILTON SANDESTIN BEACH GOLF RESORT & SPA ➸ An award-winning spa, leading fitness facilities, sumptuous dining and access to the most beautiful beaches in the world. Miramar Beach (850) 267-9500 HiltonSandestinBeach.com EYE DOCTOR PRACTICE
WELLS VISION AND LASER EYE CENTER
THE EYE CENTER OF NORTH FLORIDA ➸ Home to the first laser cataract surgery in Florida; more than 70,000 quality procedures have been performed in its 20 years of service. Panama City*, Chipley, Port St. Joe, (850) 784-3937 EyeCareNow.com FAMILY PHYSICIAN/ PRACTICE
COASTAL FAMILY PRACTICE & ACUTE CARE CENTER, LLC ➸ A full-service, family practice supplying asneeded or preventive care personalized for you and yours. Seacrest, (850) 231-9286 CoastalFamilyPractice.net
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EVENT VENUE
EYE SURGEON PRACTICE
BEST DENTAL PRACTICE and ORAL HEALTH CARE SPECIALTY PRACTICE
SMILEOLOGY ➸ Superior oral health consultations, cosmetic procedures and cleanings make smiles shine brighter. Niceville, Miramar Beach*, Santa Rosa Beach (850) 424-7887 Smileology.com FINANCIAL PLANNING/ INVESTMENT FIRM
➸ Comprehensive exams, designer frames and cutting-edge laser correction.
MCGOVERN, O’DELL & ASSOCIATES MERRILL LYNCH
Destin, (850) 424-6677 WellsVisionCenter.com
➸ A highly organized, attentive and experienced
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Fort Walton Beach (850) 864-6114 fa.ml.com/florida/fort-waltonbeach/moa
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BEST OF THE EMERALD COAST
team of advisors helping you manage your financial resources.
BEST COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE GROUP and RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE GROUP
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES PENFED REALTY
Santa Rosa Beach (850) 650-7293 PenFedRealty.com
➸ Contemporary cuts and color, lash and brow treatments and quality Aveda products to keep your hair happy and healthy. *Shoppes of Destin, Destin, (850) 654-5057* AvantgardeAveda.com HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER
BLUEWATER FITNESS
➸ Group fitness, high-intensity routines and personalized training promoting a healthy, active lifestyle. Niceville (850) 279-6767 BluewaterFitness.net HEATING AND AIR SERVICE
FLOORING
DESTIN FLOORING AMERICA ➸ Hardwood, carpet, laminate or vinyl, they’ll see to it that your home is paved with quality. Destin*, Crestview (850) 650-8511, DestinFlooring.us FLORIST
1920 & CO.
Santa Rosa Beach (850) 502-0725, 1920co.com GYM/HEALTH CLUB/ FITNESS CENTER/STUDIO
GRAND FITNESS
➸ An elite fitness facility for the newcomer and gym rat, featuring personal trainers, group classes, state-of-the-art equipment and childcare amenities. Miramar Beach, (850) 424-4301 GrandFitnessFL.com
GULFSHORE AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING, INC. ➸ Whole home comfort with reliable heating and cooling systems, speedy repair and superior air quality. Niceville (850) 897-6540 GulfshoreAir.com
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➸ One-of-a-kind wedding bouquets, verdant dish gardens and vibrant blooms to brighten the room.
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AVANTGARDE SALON SPA
BEST WEDDING/ RECEPTION VENUE
SUNQUEST CRUISES, INC.
➸ An open-air deck atop a 125-foot yacht, and an emerald green, Gulf backdrop makes for a ceremony to remember. Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, (850) 830-9359 SunquestCruises.com
EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
HOMEOWNER’S ASSOCIATION
SANDESTIN OWNERS ASSOCIATION INC. ➸ Public works projects, maintenance and security to keep Sandestin a welcoming, wonderful community. Miramar Beach, (850) 424-5950 SandestinOwners.com HOTEL
THE HENDERSON ➸ Classic coastal architecture, fine dining and 170 rooms in which to experience luxury by the sea. Destin, (855) 741-2777 HendersonBeachResort.com INSURANCE AGENCY
HARRIS INSURANCE ➸ A matchless brokerage that has been protecting Florida homes, automobiles, watercraft and lives since 1965. Fort Walton Beach (850) 244-2111 HarrisInsurance.com
INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM
LIGHTING STORE
LOVELACE INTERIORS
BEAUTIFUL LIGHTS
➸ Contemporary coastal furnishings, complimentary consultations and a team of published designers.
➸ Dazzling chandeliers, designer lamps and sconces that make a statement. Destin, (850) 650-9417 BeautifulLights.com
Miramar Beach (850) 837-5563 LovelaceInteriors.com
LOCKSMITH
LANDSCAPING/ LAWN SERVICE
➸ Around-the-clock lockout services, high security door hardware, safes and guaranteed protection.
AMAZING LAWNS & MORE ➸ Cutting-edge landscape, head-turning lawn treatment and upstanding customer service. Fort Walton Beach (850) 543-7997, Facebook.com/ AmazingLawnsAndMoreLLC LAW FIRM
BRACKEN LAW, P.A. ➸ Highly respected representation addressing your real estate, business and civil litigation needs. Miramar Beach/Destin, Santa Rosa Beach* (850) 792-2677* BrackenLawPA.com
A TO Z LOCK & SAFE
Mary Esther*, Destin (850) 664-7557 AtoZLockAndSafe.com
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➸ Local agents with community expertise make buying or selling a home a streamlined, rewarding experience.
HAIR SALON
BEST EVENT PLANNING FIRM and PR/ ADVERTISING AGENCY
PROFFITT PR ➸ A self-proclaimed army of high-heeled soldiers, these ladies will go to battle to place your business in the public eye. Miramar Beach (850) 460-7777 ProffittPR.com
New Categories The Best of the Emerald Coast reader’s poll does not include a category for candlestick makers. But one day it might. Each year, we add categories in response to reader suggestions and the constantly evolving marketplace.
PHOTO BY ALËNA FINE ART WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY. ALENA BAKUTIS (SOLCARIS) AND CHASE YAKABOSKI (OYSTERS) AND COURTESY OF ADEPT PRESSURE WASHING & PAVER SEALING AND KETO KREATIONS
Asian Fusion
→ Can’t decide between Chinese, Thai or sushi? For fresh, local ingredients with a Far East twist, look no further than Basmati’s in Blue Mountain Beach, winner in the Best of the Emerald Coast’s Asian Fusion cuisine category, introduced this year. Juicy Gulf shrimp are wok-seared with Thai spices and dunked in creamy coconut red curry, or rolled up in a spicy, crunchy tempura sushi roll. Fresh catches come battered, fried and drizzled with your favorite Chinese-inspired sweet and sour sauce. For the ultimate synthesis of flavors, try the Maryland-style crab cake, where local crab, pan-fried to crispy perfection, packs a punch with a kaffir lime vinaigrette and wasabi aioli accouterment.
makes good sense to invest in the revitalization and preservation of your home for the years to come. offers low-carb breads, cakes, muffins and confections in-house that can be shipped all along the coast. Try their gluten-free pizza crust, hamburger buns or chewy jalapeno cheddar biscuits to enhance your own meal, but don’t skimp on deserts. Customer favorites, such as the unicorn pound cake, berry cheesecake, triple chocolate chip muffins and iced jumbo cinnamon rolls, are only a click away.
Outdoor Service Provider
Gluten Friendly
→ If you grow weary from scouting out treats that honor your current diet or nutritional restrictions, Keto Kreations has your back. Founded by Keto chemist and longtime baker Ashley Ping, the gluten-friendly, Grayton Beach-based bakery
→ They say curb appeal sells a home, so it’s about time we recognize outstanding commitment to outdoor service. Adept Pressure Washing & Paver Sealing founder Mike Tully likes to say he’s been “putting the hurt on dirt since 2004,” ridding Walton and Okaloosa counties’ driveways, sidewalks, decks and fences of rust and mildew for a polished, refined new look. Paver sealing services include UV protection and color enhancement and control of weeds, mold, mildew and algae. It
Tacos
→ With two locations in Fort Walton Beach and Destin, Burrito Del Sol may specialize in their namesake, but the tacos are bar none. Opt for grilled ground beef, slow-cooked sirloin or chicken, blackened or grilled shrimp, fish or vegetarian tempeh. Dress up your tacos Baja, BBQ, Southwestern or chipotle-style, and you’ve got the handheld delight of your dreams. That is, unless you go the taco salad route. Served in a crispy tortilla shell bowl and featuring a bed of seasoned rice and black beans, queso and all the fixings, this option lets you take your taco to the next level.
Teacher of the Year
→ A former competitive gymnast and dancer, Ronda Pridgen began her career in education in 2010 leading Destin Middle School’s physical education and tumbling programs. Today, she applies her degree in computer science from the University of West Florida in her digital information technology and design classes at Niceville High School, where she’s
taught for the past two years. For Pridgen, the best aspect of her job is connecting with students and teaching them essential software, such as Microsoft Office products, and helping them narrow down career choices. “They have brought me such joy with their humor and teaching me how to relate to them in a world of so much technology,” said Pridgen. “They bless me and I hope in some way that I have helped them in their life journey.”
Waterfront Restaurant
→ There’s nothing quite like dinner with a view. Located on the Destin Harbor, Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House offers a front-row seat to fishing vessels hauling in the very ingredients utilized in their Gulf-to-table menu. Upon entering Boshamps, peer through the windows of their very own Lucky Dog Seafood Company and witness your grouper, snapper, swordfish and shrimp being prepared for the kitchen. Whether you order your catch pan-roasted, deep-fried or blackened on the grill, you can kick back to some live music, watch the sunset and savor some of the freshest, finest menu items in the area.
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MARTIAL ARTS/KARATE
RESOLUTE MARTIAL ARTS ➸ Karate for kids and kickboxing for adults; strengthen your character no matter your age. Destin, (850) 797-4434 ResoluteMartialArts.com MARINE SALES AND SERVICE
LEGENDARY MARINE ➸ Your full-service marina complete with committed sales and service teams and offering the sharpest crafts on the water. Destin*, Panama City Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola, Gulf Shores, Ala. (850) 337-8300* LegendaryMarine.com MEDIA PROVIDER (CABLE, INTERNET, PHONE)
COX COMMUNICATIONS
care unit; more than 20 medical specialties and clinics across the county. Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Navarre, Niceville (850) 863-8100 White-Wilson.com MEDICAL SPA
GLOW MED SPA OF 30A ➸ Corrective cosmetic treatments executed with privacy, professionalism and care. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 764-2340 Glow30a.com
diagnostic evaluations, personalized treatment plans and optimal patient care. Fort Walton Beach (850) 862-1111 fwbmc.com MORTGAGE LENDER
INLANTA MORTGAGE ➸ Offering first-time homebuyer programs and the loans that best suit you. SoutheastLender.com NAIL SALON
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
FORT WALTON BEACH MEDICAL CENTER ➸ Comprehensive
LEE’S SPA & NAILS ➸ Deluxe manicures, soak n’ scrub pedicures and expert lacqueristas. Miramar Beach (850) 650-3590
➸ Keeping our community connected with a dependable broadband delivery network and exceptional customer service. Destin*, Fort Walton Beach, Miramar Beach, Niceville (850) 226-6872*, Cox.com MEDICAL CENTER/ HOSPITAL
➸ A compassionate health care provider committed to the wellbeing of individuals and communities. Miramar Beach, (850) 278-3000 Healthcare.Ascension.org MEDICAL PRACTICE
WHITE-WILSON MEDICAL CENTER
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ASCENSION SACRED HEART EMERALD COAST
BEST PHOTOGRAPHY and WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
JENNIFER G PHOTOGRAPHY ➸ Capturing the highlights of the Emerald Coast’s greatest love stories. Destin, (850) 902-2320 JenniferGPhotography.com
➸ A multi-physician
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ORTHODONTIST PRACTICE
OUTDOOR SERVICE PROVIDER
STUBBS ORTHODONTICS
ADEPT PRESSURE WASHING
➸ Traditional and Invisalign braces, precise digital screening and superior family care.
➸ Rust and mildew eradication and impenetrable paver sealing to make your home’s exterior features as good as new.
Niceville and South Walton (850) 678-8338 StubbsOrtho.com ORTHOPEDIC SURGICAL PRACTICE
ORTHOPAEDIC ASSOCIATES
Serving Rosemary Beach to Destin, located in SRB (850) 855-7209 AdeptPressureWashing.com PEDIATRIC PRACTICE
COASTAL PEDIATRIC GROUP
➸ Targeted casting and care plans, joint replacement and therapy services for a stronger, more active you.
➸ A compassionate team who will make your child feel at home during sick visits, immunizations and physical wellness checks.
Destin, Fort Walton Beach*, Niceville, (850) 863-2153* OrthoAssociates.net
Santa Rosa Beach (850) 659-6611 CoastalPediatricGroup.com
PHARMACY
EMERALD COAST COMPOUNDING PHARMACY ➸ Thyroid hormone replacements and custom prescriptions for you and your pet to combat any ailment. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 622-5800 ECCpharmacy.com
EPIC PHOTO CO. ➸ Themed booths with fun filters and outrageous accessories for a commemorative souvenir. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 213-4434, EpicPhoto.co PHYSICAL THERAPY PRACTICE
PT SOLUTIONS ➸ A privately owned practice healing with expertise in sports medicine, dry needling and manual and aquatic physical therapy. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 622-0842 PTSolutions.com PLUMBING FIXTURES/ SERVICE
EMERALD BAY PLUMBING ➸ Residential and commercial installation, expedient repair and natural gas piping. Destin, (850) 837-1979 EmeraldBayPlumbing.com POOL BUILDING/ SERVICE COMPANY
PHOTO BY JENNIFER G PHOTOGRAPHY
COX POOLS ➸ A go-to swimming source since 1958, expert knowledge on commercial and residential pools, deck installation and water features. Serving the Emerald Coast and surrounding communities (850) 235-7957* *Panama City Beach CoxPools.com
COPY SYSTEMS BUSINESS CENTER, INC. ➸ Expert document finishing, custom printing and copying services and graphic advertisements for your business. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 267-4552 CopySystemsOnline.com PRODUCTS MADE ON THE EMERALD COAST
GRAYTON BEER COMPANY ➸ Fine ingredients blended with the character of the Gulf Coast “from grain to glass.” Santa Rosa Beach (850) 231-4786 GraytonBeer.com PROPERTY INSPECTOR
NORRIS PROPERTY INSPECTIONS LLC ➸ Property inspections with a local perspective; offering professional advice, safety evaluations and confidence in real estate investments. Northwest Florida (850) 974-6600 SantaRosaBeachHomeInspections.com ROOFING
SPECIALTY ROOFERS INC ➸ Sheltering you with superior roofing systems from certified manufacturers.
with weather-repellant sunrooms, pool enclosures carports and pergolas.
units, climate-controlled environments and large vehicle accommodations.
Pensacola, (850) 417-4112 EandEsunrooms.com
Santa Rosa Beach (877) 957-8673 SouthernSelfStorage.com
SECURITY/ ALARM SYSTEM
COASTAL PROTECTION INC.
TITLE COMPANY
MCGILL ESCROW & TITLE
➸ Smart, safe security for your home or business utilizing video surveillance, 24-hour alarm monitoring and more.
➸ Helping you close the deal on your home by insuring title validity and efficiently completing your transaction.
Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach* (850) 622-1667* CoastalProtect.com
Destin, (850) 837-1386 or (850) 654-6997 McgillEscrowAndTitle.com
SIGN COMPANY
TUTORING/ LEARNING CENTER
ELOQUENT SIGNS ➸ Quality signage through creative craftsmanship, premier printing materials and professional installation. Miramar Beach (850) 460-2425 EloquentSigns.com
THE TUTORING CENTER, SANDESTIN ➸ Boosting child confidence with one-onone instruction, academic programs and after-school tutoring.
SPECIALTY FITNESS (PILATES, YOGA, ETC.)
Miramar Beach (850) 424-7935 Sandestin.TutoringCenter.com
➸ Purely amazing fitness routines with varying intensity, movement and targeted musclestrengthening.
VETERINARY PRACTICE
PURE BARRE
Destin*, 30A (850) 837-1090 PureBarre.com SPECIALTY PET SERVICES/PRODUCTS
3 DOGS & A CHICK ➸ Local adoption fairs, dog training classes and dog treats made daily and worth barking about.
AIRPORT VETERINARY CLINIC
➸ Over 10 years of award-winning experience, stressfree planning and a commitment to your vision. 30A/Destin (850) 376-8272 KissTheBrideWeddings.com
BEST PROPERTY MANAGEMENT GROUP and VACATION RENTAL COMPANY/SERVICE
NEWMANDAILEY RESORT PROPERTIES ➸ Experienced, trustworthy stewards of your vacation property who market and maintain your rentals with the utmost consideration. Miramar Beach (850) 837-1071 NewmanDailey.com
WEIGHT LOSS FACILITY
METABOLIC RESEARCH CENTER ➸ The first step to a better you with vetted weight loss programs, a supportive staff and health management resources.
Destin, (850) 837-3227 AirportVetDestin.com
Destin*, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City (850) 654-8778* EMetabolic.com
WEDDING HAIR/ MAKEUP ARTIST
KENDRA K BEAUTY
STORAGE FACILITY
E & E SUNROOMS
SOUTHERN SELF STORAGE
➸ Giving brides blowouts and braided up-dos, a glowing complexion and dazzling confidence on their special day.
➸ Creating your new favorite room in the house
➸ Self-storage made easy with affordable
Destin, (850) 603-4133 KendraKBeauty.com
SCREEN ENCLOSURE
KISS THE BRIDE WEDDINGS
➸ A full-service clinic, surgical and preventive care procedures and compassionate treatment for your fur baby.
Fort Walton Beach (850) 243-7297 3DogsAndaChick.com
Northwest Florida (850) 974-ROOF SpecialtyRoofers.com
WEDDING PLANNER COMPANY
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PHOTO BOOTH COMPANY
PRINTING/ COPYING SERVICES
EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
VIDEOGRAPHY
LAND AIR SEA PRODUCTIONS ➸ Precise creative direction, logistical planning and the finest productions. Emerald Coast LandAirSeaProductions.com
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Shopping wave-ready wetsuits and beach accessories and apparel for men and women.
141, Zero G, Maui Jim and more. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 608-3135 Optikk30a.com
Destin, Gulf Breeze*, Pensacola, Pensacola Beach (850) 932-5134* InnerlightSurf.com
FURNITURE RETAILER
CHILDREN’S CLOTHING RETAILER
PINK N BLUE AVENUE ↑ANTIQUES SHOP
SMITH’S ANTIQUES MALL & INTERIORS MARKET ➸ Southern antiques, rare collectibles and contemporary treasures scattered among a 25,000 square foot showroom. Miramar Beach, (850) 654-1484 SmithsAntiquesMall.com BEACHWEAR RETAILER
INNERLIGHT SURF SHOP
➸ Matching “Mommy and me” sets, adorable onesies and tiny shoes for dressing your tot to the nines.
CONSIGNMENT/ RESALE SHOP
AVA’S ATTIC
EYEWEAR STORE
OPTIKK 30A
➸ Designer swimwear,
➸ Deluxe gift baskets for any occasion, and your monogram on stylish stationery, jewelry and entertaining essentials.
SCUBA DIVE SHOP
EMERALD COAST SCUBA ➸ Gearing you up for a deep dive with quality regulators, compasses, masks, fins and more. Destin, (850) 837-0955 DiveDestin.net SPECIALTY RETAILER
RUN WITH IT
➸ Technical running and walking shoes, modern fitness accessories and trendy trail apparel. Fort Walton Beach (850) 243-1007 RunWithItFL.com
WOMEN’S ACCESSORIES
EMERALD LADY JEWELRY ➸ Coastal-inspired accessories, fine jewelry and dreamy bridal and engagement bands. Destin, (850) 517-1039 EmeraldLadyJewelry.com WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE
TODAY’S BOUTIQUE ➸ Seasonal trunk shows, designer sales and a curated collection of upscale apparel. Destin, (850) 837-5565 TodaysBoutique.com
JEWELRY STORE and LOCALLY OWNED RETAILER
YOLO BOARD + BIKE
MEN’S SHOES and WOMEN’S SHOES
➸ Reputable and revered local jewelry showcasing designer bridal and everyday accessories, vibrant gemstones and tasteful timepieces.
Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 424-6852 YoloBoard.com
Destin, (850) 650-2262 McCaskillAndCompany.com
➸ Official YOLO apparel, sporting gear and durable bikes and SUP boards to keep you active onshore and offshore
WEDDING SHOP
MARGARET ELLEN BRIDAL ➸ Say “yes” to the
EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
Inlet Beach, (850) 641-0266 MargaretEllenBridal.com
SPORTING GEAR/ PADDLEBOARD RETAILER
MCCASKILL & COMPANY
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dress with over eight of the most sought-after wedding gown and jewelry designers from across the country.
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BAY BREEZE PATIO
Miramar Beach, (850) 269-4666 BayBreezePatio.com
Destin, (850) 460-2700 FrillSeekersGifts.com
➸ Luxury optics from
OUTDOOR FURNITURE RETAILER
➸ Custom upholstery, sparkling light fixtures and locally crafted furnishings in an array of affordable and chic designs.
FRILL SEEKERS GIFTS
Miramar Beach, (850) 424-6767 AvasAtticInDestin.com
Fort Walton Beach, (850) 226-4380 DennisAndCompanyClothing.com
➸ Colorful, contemporary patio furnishings: wood, wicker, aluminum, Adirondack.
GIFT SHOP
➸ A fashionably curated collection of custom furniture, local art and designer consignments.
➸ Designer dress clothes, quality sportswear and formal accessories for the discerning gentleman.
STOCK & TRADE DESIGN CO.
Miramar Beach*, Birmingham, Atlanta, Nashville, Spanish Fort, Alabama (850) 460-8990 StockAndTrade.com
Destin, (850) 424-5707 PinknBlueAvenue.net
ACCESSORIES → MEN’S and MEN’S APPAREL DENNIS & COMPANY
SUNSET SHOES AND LIFESTYLES ➸ Trendy Birkenstock, Reef Sandals and Olukai shoe designs are a staple for any beach closet. Miramar Beach*, Destin, Panama City Beach (850) 837-5466* SunsetShoesOnline.com
GOLF COURSE
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REGATTA BAY GOLF & YACHT CLUB ➸ Eighteen picturesque holes nestled among the Choctawhatchee pines. Destin, (850) 337-8080 RegattaBay.com
PHOTOS BY SCOTT HOLSTEIN / ROWLAND PUBLISHING FILE PHOTO (REGATTA BAY), MICHAEL BOOINI (MCCASKILL & COMPANY), CHASE YAKABOSKI (SMITH’S ANTIQUIES) AND IRINABRAGA / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS (SUIT)
RADIO PERSONALITY
Entertainment
SCRATCH AND MALLORY, HIGHWAY 98.1 COUNTRY
ARTIST/ART GALLERY
Fort Walton Beach to Destin (850) 362-7598 CBEmeraldCoast.com
JUSTIN GAFFREY GALLERY ➸ Textured seascapes, striking sculptures and abstract still-life paintings that make for conversation pieces. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 267-2022 JustinGaffrey.com ATTRACTION
THE VILLAGE OF BAYTOWNE WHARF
DJ
DJ30A
➸ Lavish sushi and surf ‘n’ turf entrees, candlelit tables and a soft, sensual ambiance.
The Entire Gulf Coast (850) 225-1149, DJ30a.com
Destin, (850) 837-7960 MarinaCafe.com
EVENT
PLACE FOR KIDS BIRTHDAY PARTY
30A SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL
➸ The “heart and soul of Sandestin” offering monthly festivals, bayside dining and boutiques. Miramar Beach, (850) 267-8180 BaytowneWharf.com
South Walton 30aSongwritersFestival.com
BUSINESS’ SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNT TO FOLLOW
MUSICIAN/ VOCALIST/BAND
➸ Engaging videos, informative notices and hilarious, relatable posts for parents up and down the coast. Okaloosa, Walton, Bay County (online), (904) 200-1609 Fun4EmeraldCoastKids.com
MARINA CAFE
➸ Professional and talented service, contagious energy and a set list that keeps guests groovin’.
➸ A cross-venue concert crawl featuring both accomplished and up-andcoming songwriters and their stories.
FUN 4 EMERALD COAST KIDS
PLACE FOR A DATE
FORREST WILLIAMS BAND ➸ A Destinite with soulful pipes honoring his Arkansas roots through classic acoustic country music. Destin and surrounding areas (850) 502-6448 Facebook.com/ theforrestwilliamsband
EMERALD COAST SCIENCE CENTER ➸ STEAM-centric exhibits, exotic animal encounters and hands-on labs take the cake. Fort Walton Beach (850) 664-1261, ECscience.org PLACE TO DISCOVER A NEW UNIQUE EXPERIENCE
HARBORWALK VILLAGE
PLACE TO GO DANCING
AJ’S SEAFOOD & OYSTER BAR
➸ Guaranteed live music every evening, the Bimini stage and dance floor are where locals come to play. Destin, (850) 837-1913 AJsGulfCoast.com PLACE TO TAKE THE KIDS
BAYTOWNE ADVENTURE ZONE
➸ Exhilarating ziplines, dynamic rope courses, Eurobungy and rock-climbing adventures await. Miramar Beach, (850) 428-2736 BaytowneAdventureZone.com PLACE TO WATCH A SUNSET
BUD & ALLEY’S WATERFRONT RESTAURANT
➸ Seasonal concerts and parades, pirate ship excursions and iconic eateries.
➸ A seaside haven for Southern coastal cuisine, there’s nothing quite like watching the sunset from the rooftop bar.
Destin, (800) 676-0091 EmeraldGrande.com
Seaside, (850) 231-5900 BudAndAlleys.com
EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
➸ Dry humor, biting wit and a palpable chemistry.
RESORT
THE HENDERSON ➸ Classic coastal architecture, fine dining and 170 rooms in which to experience luxury by the sea. Destin, (855) 741-2777 HendersonBeachResort.com TEACHER OF THE YEAR
MRS. RONDA PRIDGEN, NICEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL ➸ A technology teacher who values all that she learns from her students. Niceville, (850) 833-4114 NicevilleHighSchool.org TENNIS FACILITY
SANDESTIN GOLF AND BEACH RESORT ➸ Private lessons and 15 HydroGrid clay and hard courts; pro shop sets up matches for players. Miramar Beach, (877) 783-3312 Sandestin.com
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Photographer Trace Ingham is drawn to interplay of beams and water bodies EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
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PHOTO BY ASHLEIGH BAIRD (INGHAM)
TRACE GAVE CHASE. In so doing, he violated one of the rules of nature photography — let the subjects come to you — but, in this case, it worked out. Photographer Trace Ingham of Fort Walton Beach was wading in waistdeep water off Okaloosa Island when a friend alerted him to the presence of a squadron of playful manta rays, juveniles as it turned out. “They were riding the waves into shore, then circling back out and doing it again,” said Ingham, who sloshed after them and captured images of several in flight above a white sand bottom with a certain dramatic slant of light streaming into the Gulf. Light — and the ways in which it reacts with and in water — is a key element in Ingham’s work. In the manta ray shots, it is what first captures the viewer’s eye. “I wake up in the morning and determine what I am going to shoot based on how the sky looks,” Ingham said. “Except when we have waves, I go no matter what the light is like.”
OPENING PAGES: Morrison Springs near Ponce de Leon in Walton County. OPPOSITE: Ashleigh Baird is suspended at a point where tannin-stained waters of the Sante Fe River meet up with water exiting Ginnie Springs; Trace Ingham visits the bottom of Ginnie Springs. AT RIGHT: Disheveled dock in Destin.
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Even when a subject is inanimate, light remains animate. Ingham once photographed near Destin Harbor a dilapidated dock looking like a piano that had lost its keys. “I waited and waited and waited for the perfect clouds,” he said, and when the light was right, he opted for a long-exposure shot that reflected movement in the bruised sky and resulted in a diffused illumination of the water. As a shooter, Ingham is self-taught. He first started playing around with a camera while attending a technical school near Pittsburgh, where he photographed lots of dilapidated barns and shuttered factories and learned to make the most of what an area gives you. “One of my mom’s favorite photos looks to her like a jungle stream in South America,” Ingham said, “but it’s actually a drainage ditch behind a wastewater treatment plant. You can find art almost anywhere.” His favorite human subject, no doubt, is his girlfriend Ashleigh Baird, a talented photographer herself and a competitive free diver who works for an architectural firm. She and Ingham met near High Springs, Florida, at a meet-up for free divers — she is of the 75-meter class whereas Ingham bottoms out at about 40 feet — and both have been distressed by the accelerating deterioration of North Florida springs in recent years. Bottled water companies are pulling too much water out of the springs and paying just $200 for the privilege, they say. Water flows are dramatically reduced. Eelgrass has given way to clouds of brown, fuzzy algae. Agricultural and septic system runoff is a problem. And springs are drawing capacity crowds of visitors. “Instagram has had a rough effect on springs,” Baird said. “Images get posted and I hear from friends, even from other countries, who message me and say they have to see them.” Ingham has learned to get early to places like Cypress Spring off Holmes Creek near Vernon, before the crowds arrive. He is a Canon guy. In the few years in which he has devoted all of his free time to
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TOP AT LEFT: Ingham convinced the maker of a sand castle on the beach west of Navarre to leave the ephemeral creation up until after the sun went down. BOTTOM: Juvenile manta rays frolicked in the surf at Okaloosa Island. THIS PAGE: Cypress Spring in Holmes County. Ingham rates it the best spring in Northwest Florida, but is concerned about human impacts on all springs in the region and has found that spring environments have deteriorated dramatically in the last five years.
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photography, he has graduated from a 5D Mark II to a 5D Mark IV, and he may be ready to take another step up. He can be tough on equipment. The Mark II died a death by corrosion and the Mark IV, at this writing, is in the shop. Ingham, pursuing Milky Way shots into the deep, dark night, ran into his tripod, knocked the lens off the camera and filled the body with sand. He is content to sell images seen on his website and entertains no thoughts of a studio for now. He is no candidate to become a wedding photographer. “I have seen so many people lose their passion for photography once they started to do the things you have to do to make money at it,” said Ingham, who works weekdays for his parents’ flooring business in Fort Walton and weekends for a vacation gear rental business in Santa Rosa Beach. His passion, meanwhile, is very much intact. EC
TOP AT LEFT: Ingham made a mental note of this stand of cypress trees at the Cypress Dunes development in Santa Rosa Beach and returned to photograph it after its leaves turned orange; the long-exposure shot was amplified in editing. BOTTOM: A great blue heron wades into the Okaloosa County surf as the meeting up of early winter air and still warm water acts as a fog machine.
Photography enthusiast Trace Ingham likes to shoot springs, things that shimmer, swim and soar — and a favorite mermaid.
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PHOTO COURTESY OF TRACE INGHAM
AT RIGHT: Baird adrift in the Little River Springs near High Springs, Florida. Says Baird, “The moment you leave the surface behind, you leave everything else behind with it. Breath-hold diving quiets the mind and sharpens your senses to the beauty that can only be seen and felt underwater.”
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s un d ial
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the
shell game IN A CORNER OF THE SHOP,
Businesses thrive on customers’ endless fascination with products of distant seas STORY BY STEVE BORNHOF T PHOTOS BY MIKE FENDER
the humming of an electric fan goes unheard. The modest appliance is trained on a wind chime made of windowpane oyster shells whose alto tinkling drowns out the soft sound of whirring blades. The capiz chorus is pleasant enough and somehow welcoming, its contribution to the ambience of the Shell Hut most appropriate. The low-slung green block building on Panama City’s Front Beach Road has been an unchanged fixture for decades. Motorists who don’t know right where to find the business can easily miss it. Westbound passersby likely look past it to ZooWorld, about 2,000 feet distant. Its most dramatic signage is an OPEN sign with letters that light up sequentially and then together.
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Assuming the myriad shells that survive in the seas of the world are products of natural selection, it is hard to imagine what particular advantage attached to their coloration, shapes and patterns. To be sure, they are pleasing to human eyes.
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When her father-in-law became ill, Janice Foister was pushed into the shell business alongside his wife. Today, she owns the Shell Hut, which stocks kitschy souvenirs for tourists, but whose bread-and-butter customers are local crafters with glue guns.
Ladies with glue guns are very important to Janice Foister, who took over the business from her motherin-law and mentor-in-business in 1987 after her father-in-law fell ill. Before that time, she had no interest in shells. The mother of two, she worked outside the home as a maid and as a cook at Lucille Moore Elementary School in Panama City. She had grown up in Walton County near Ponce de Leon. Daddy worked as the service manager at the Chevy dealership in Bonifay. “It was a good job,” Foister said, “but of course he was dealing with other people’s problems all the time. This is a happy place, and I have been blessed to have the best customers.” Most of those customers are local and many of them are crafters and, really, is there such a thing as a crabby crafter? From her mother-in-law, Foister learned every aspect of the business from making change to keeping books to maintaining inventory and learning the names of shells. Her top sellers include pink murexes and spotted cowries, starfish and sand dollars, whelks and conchs. The most expensive shell in the place at $400 is a large green turbo shell from a marine snail that lives in the Indian and Pacific
oceans. But the business relies primarily on the sale of simple, inexpensive shells that wind up adorning jewelry boxes, necklaces, key chains, candle holders, vases and the like. Personally, Foister is fond of barnacles and conchs and of coral, which historically was a big seller until its availability dropped off to next to nothing. And, she loves wind chimes, don’t you know. Each fall, Foister attends a large shell show attended by wholesalers and conducted at the Boardwalk Beach Resort in Panama City Beach. Her mother-in-law escorted her to the first such show that she attended. And each month, two semis pull up at the store, selling shells on the fly and making it easy for Foister to replenish her stock. At the Kilgore Road home she owns with her husband Douglas, who worked a career in construction, she has a room dedicated to shells, “just like every other lady,” or at least those in her circle. Would Foister, due to the coral die-offs precipitated by global climatic disruption, consider selling as a substitute plastic replicas — precise reproductions generated by today’s 3-D printers? She doesn’t think so.
“I have a lot of people ask me if my coral is genuine,” she said. “Even with shells, people want the real thing. They don’t want painted shells. You can try too hard.” It impresses me that there is nothing disingenuous about Foister. I ask her if she has any spiny oysters, a favorite shell of mine. I once removed a spiny from the tentacles of an octopus while diving. Foister goes right to them, shows them off. They are of a rich cinnamon color, and I am tempted to buy one. Instead, I leave with a magpie shell from the same family of turban snails that includes the green turbo. It is black
At the Shell Port, live hermit crabs, along with shark-tooth necklaces, have long been a top seller.
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Rodman Frowert, left, and his father Tom, with coral in hand, team up to run the Shell Port, one of but a few businesses in Panama City Beach marked by a plastic great white shark. Despite the pandemic, business in the summer of 2020 was good, the Frowerts report.
and white like the bird — striking, I will say — and it sets me back just four beans. “It’s been a good living,” Foister said of her business. “We had it on the market once, but it’s not for sale now. We just keep on keepin’ on.” So, too, do Tom Frowert and his son Rodman — “Like Dennis,” Dad said — at the Shell Port, located at the confluence of Thomas Drive and Front Beach Road just west of the Signal Hill Golf Course in Panama City Beach. Here, the building, painted in Miami Dolphin colors, fairly screams. A plastic Great White Shark protrudes from the structure like a toothy dormer, and painted on the metal roof is HERMIT CRABS in letters that might be 2 feet tall. There was a time when the store was marked by a Bunyan-esque statue, King Neptune, which
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was grandfathered in when an ordinance prohibiting such outsized lavishness was adopted. But when Neptune was battered by a hurricane, the ordinance would not allow for its restoration. “It was relegated to a landfill,” Rodman said. “King of Refuse.” As I arrive, a young couple is checking out with three hermit crabs with brightly painted shells, some food for the critters and a plastic enclosure lined with sand. “Don’t charge them for the sand,” Tom instructs Rodman. Tom has been in the shell game since 1977 when he opened his first shop in a converted garage in Panama City Beach next to a scooter rental business. He doesn’t recall what he sold her, but he does remember that his first customer was a Mrs. Sullivan from Canada; she spent $28, American. Tom has been in his current location since 1981. He went to work at Barnett Bank in Pensacola after graduating from the University of West Florida, and took note of a customer who made daily deposits at the bank. He asked him if he were in business. It turned out that the customer, Allen Davis, owned and operated a shell shop in Gulf Breeze.
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Corals, protected throughout much of the world and threatened by warming water temperatures, are hard to come by, but occasionally become available when harvested from reefs that are in the path of shipping lanes under construction.
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prince ss cor al Cones
Tom accepted Davis’s invitation to come see his shop and left with a desire to start a shop of his own. Always, Tom and Rodman have catered to out-of-towners — “Ninetynine percent of our customers are tourists,” Rodman said — and the shop offers more than shells. Here, you can pick up a tactical knife, an air plant or a pound of saltwater taffy in a variety of flavors. Over the years, some items have become almost impossible to get. Coral, Tom said, is available now only from a couple of places in the world where it is harvested from reefs that lie in the paths of shipping lane construction projects. Orange Blossom perfume is off the market. Gar scales are hard to come by. And shark pups in a jar, once available from a supplier in the Philippines, are a thing of the past. The Frowerts, until recently, bought
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sand dollars from a supplier in Port St. Joe. He died, and Tom isn’t sure what the future of sand dollars is. Expect a coin shortage. Some species have become unavailable due to environmental degradation and others due to overharvesting, Rodman said. Meanwhile, aquaculture has emerged to begin to provide supplies of some species, including corals. The increasing acidification of oceans due to the absorption of elevated concentrations of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere has been especially hard on the more intricate types of coral and has disrupted marine food chains. Katharina Fabricius of the Institute of Marine Science in Australia has observed, “Under ocean acidification, coral communities shift from delicately branching corals to massive bouldering corals. This shift reduces
October-November 2020 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
the structural complexity of the reef environment. As a consequence, these reefs fail to meet the habitat needs of many types of zooplankton” — an essential source of food for countless species. Too, acidification makes it harder for organisms to form shells.
Spider Conch
But the acidification has not been enough to visibly affect either the Shell Hut or the Shell Port. Both Foister and the Frowerts said business was very good after the stay-at-home phase of the pandemic passed. “We get our shells from all over the world — the Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam,” Rodman said. “And a lot of what we sell is byproduct,” Tom added. “Here in the United States, we eat scallops and oysters and throw away the shells. In the Far East, they eat everything and they keep the shells.” Conchs are big sellers at the Shell Port. “Most of the conchs are what they call slit conchs,” Tom explained. Conch-eaters in Haiti and elsewhere knock a hole (or slit) in conch shells via which they kill the animal inside, making extraction of the meat possible. The Shell Port is home to a few eye-poppers, likely on permanent display, including giant clamshells and a massive piece of bowl-shaped coral. The latter piece is for sale for $10,000. Generally though, the Frowerts, like Foister, are not much into inventorying rare shells for the simple reason that they don’t sell well. But shark-tooth necklaces, they got ’em. Lots of ’em. Panama City Beach and the Shell Port, in particular, have survived despite the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the Great Recession, Hurricane Michael and, now, COVID-19. “It’s been one calamity after another,” Rodman said. “Clamity, you should have said,” I told him. “You missed one there.” “Yes. Anyway, it’s like we are encapsulated in a little bubble here. Businesses rebound, provided that they can survive whatever the initial blow is.” Or, as those marketers at Visit Panama City Beach like to say, “The beach always brings us back.” “Have a good rest of the season,” I said to the Frowerts. “We shall.” “Oops, missed another one.” EC
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horny starfish
mud starfish
Chamber Nautilus and Candy Stripe (opposite) Shells
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expression OCT/NOV 2020
CREATIVE WORKS LAND ON PAGES, CANVASES AND STAGES
→ Nashville native and studio owner Cole Huffer sees himself as a purveyor of opportunities for musicians working to realize their dreams.
MUSIC
PASSION PLAYGROUND
Nurturing studio helps artists flourish by HANNAH BURKE
ART photography by SEAN MURPHY
Piecing Stories Together
|| BOOKS
Truth and Consequences
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expression
↑ Huffer’s fondness for audio production has been joined by his interest in videography. On behalf of hopeful artists, he assembles multi-media press kits. In August, he was producing five albums.
T
wo years ago, Cole Huffer stood on a closed-off Highway 98 amid smoke bombs, spotlights and sirens knowing he had achieved something special. With construction ongoing in downtown Fort Walton Beach, the Nashville band Imogen rocked the rooftop of The Sound Café + Enlightened Studios with a surprise concert like the Beatles did at 3 Savile Row in London. “I had a lift outside the shop all day and dressed the band in white painter’s suits so it just looked like they were doing construction as they moved their
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equipment,” Huffer said. “No one saw it coming. Even the policemen and firefighters were delighted that something like this was happening in their town.” Indeed, the only slap on the wrist received by Huffer, the owner and operator of The Sound Café + Enlightened Studios, were three cease-and-desist letters from the building’s owners. These days, he keeps the party behind studio walls, but the atmosphere does not lack in pageantry. The 4,000-square-foot space is an unexpected amalgam of art gallery, concert venue and recording studio — a haven for both the artist and aesthete. Huffer, a Nashville native, grew the concept of Enlightened with a friend, and the pair began recording musicians in their shared dining room. A fascination with audio production bled into videography, and Huffer decided to take full ownership and turn the concept into something real. “We moved into our current space in downtown Fort Walton in 2018, a tough decision that had me selling my house, my
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Jeep, cashing in my IRA, you name it,” Huffer said. “This is a niche business we’ve created here, and it’s been challenging but a beautiful blessing.” The walls at Enlightened Studios are dedicated to commissioned local art sales. About five pieces a week fly off those walls. Musicians can gig, have their songs mixed, mastered and recorded in 4K Ultra HD for a press kit, website or social media product. Bleeding hearts read slam poetry the last Thursday of each month, and comedians, singers and sax players alike show their stuff on weekly open mic nights. Huffer’s hope with Enlightened was to showcase local talent and create a platform for artists of all kinds to network and monetize their passions. The only way to create that environment, he said, was to integrate the Sound Café lounge area. photography by SEAN MURPHY
“You’ve got a place packed with art and the artistically inclined who can connect over a cup of coffee, a glass of wine or a panini,” Huffer said. “You’re meeting other like-minded people, and before you know it, you’re playing together and collaborating.” At this writing, Enlightened has set the stage for over 300 acts. Huffer is currently working to produce five albums. But 2020, a tough year for both the artist and small-business owner, hasn’t slowed Huffer down. Revised hours of operation (from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.) have allowed Enlightened Studios to tackle new projects, such as more in-studio sessions and album production, catering and video services for real estate property showcases and other business ventures. “You look at everything we provide, and it is definitely niche and, at times, overwhelming,” said Huffer. “But for a
guy who started this five years ago to go from a dining room to having a studio and a café is pretty inspiring. I just want other young people to know it’s certainly
possible to pursue your passion through dedication and hard work. We’re here to provide opportunity, and we want you to take it and run with it.” EC
↑ STATIC ART, TOO. Walls at Huffer’s cafe are lined with artwork for sale. His business has established itself as a gathering place for like-minded creatives.
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ART
PIECING STORIES TOGETHER Quilter’s creations speak to the fabric of our lives by ZANDRA WOLFGRAM
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t a glance, you could say Eleanor McCain’s life is patchwork. But closer inspection reveals a tapestry of thoughtful, deliberate choices. McCain, an internal medicine physician, exercises herself creatively as an American quilter. “I’m attracted to the idea of participating in a classically female, previously demeaned form of art. For me, it relates to history and the women who have done this for years and years. It is their form,” McCain said. And a form of communication. “Quilting is all about stories and connection,” she said. “It is grounded in American history, family, community and common experience.” McCain’s latest work is a telling of her own story. → Eleanor McCain test drives each of her quilts, sleeping with them at least once before they go on display. “The tactile quality of domestic linens is integral to my work,” she said.
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF ELEANOR MCCAIN
Measuring 22-feet, Retrospective Scroll is reminiscent of ancient Japanese art scrolls. Each panel represents a piece drawn from McCain’s nearly 30-year body of work. It folds like an accordion and can be extended away from a wall when displayed. It is currently part of the National Quilt Show. Born in Panama City in 1958, McCain lives in Fort Walton Beach with John Jinks Jr., her husband of 41 years. The couple has two daughters. McCain’s grandmother was a quilt maker, her mother is a watercolorist and writer, and she always has been drawn to handmade things. She tried macramé, needlepoint, embroidery, even restoring furniture. But upon seeing an exhibition of contemporary quilts at the Connell Gallery in Atlanta in the early ’80s, “I was in awe,” she said. She immediately recognized quilting as an expressive art form and, over time, developed her own improvisational style known for vivid color blocking. “I do traditional quilts, but I don’t ever make a pattern over and over again — that bores me,” she said. “I work in a series. Each series is a new idea. I begin by asking, ‘What might happen if?’” McCain’s handiwork is on display at the Mint Museum of Craft + Design in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is included in numerous private and corporate
→ A CLOSER LOOK
collections. She did a show at the Columbus Museum of Art in Columbus, Ohio. Though she typically “works from happiness and curiosity,” McCain expressed outrage following the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster in Oil Stains Series, which explores corporate greed and irresponsibility. “Quilting is time for me to be centered,” she said. “Luckily, I never seem to run out of ideas for the next thing.” EC
↑ Pinwheels and Geese, crafted in 2015, measures 86 inches square. ↓Retrospective Scroll, a representation of the artist’s life, is part of the National Quilt Show and is fully 22 feet in length.
To see Retrospective Scroll, look for the National Quilt Show on tour. To view more of McCain’s work or purchase one of her pieces, visit mobilia-gallery.com.
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BOOKS
TRUTH AND CONSEQUENCES For a fictional newsman, justice must be served by STEVE BORNHOFT
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↑ Author Rick Outzen’s
novel, City of Grudges, reflects his admiration for intrepid journalists who are slaves to the truth.
RAVE
Television talk show host and former congressman Joe Scarborough says, “City of Grudges captures my hometown of Pensacola in much the same way that Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil immortalized Savannah. … Readers get a gripping front row seat on publisher Walker Holmes’s wild ride.”
PHOTOS COURTESY OF RICK OUTZEN
of a future that was diverse and without prejudice or strife.” Well, it was a nice thought. In the strongly autobiographical City of Grudges, protagonist Walker Holmes — there is something perfectly Southern about that name — is the publisher of the ballsy Pensacola Insider, whose mission includes the rooting out of injustice and official wrongdoing. There is a film noir quality about Holmes but dressed down. Indeed, he recalls Garrison Keillor’s Guy Noir. One pictures him operating in an office appointed by nothing but old editions. His uniform comprises a white button-down, khakis and Chucks. He drinks a fair amount. He has a large canine — black lab/beagle/et cetera — named Big Boy. Pensacola readers of Grudges immediately will recognize many of the issues therein touched upon, chiefly the successful Maritime Park proposal that was advanced, in real life, by Quint Studer and that brought minor league baseball to the city. Holmes, as it happens, supports the park project, which is advanced by Stan Daniels and vehemently opposed by a former city councilman, Jace Wittman.
→
here was a time not so long ago when community newspapers engaged in enterprise reporting and investigative journalism of real depth and importance. Those days are gone. Newsroom budgets shrunk when newspapers got caught flat-footed by the arrival of what was then called new media. Page counts fell off. The experience level among reporters dropped. Papers became less capable of serious work, and publishers no longer had an appetite for going to press with a story that might result in litigation or upset an advertiser. We’re back to news-of-record meeting coverage, community calendars and some reports of breaking news, if it occurs at a convenient hour. So, I was glad to stumble across Rick Outzen’s novel, City of Grudges, which recalls the relative glory days of small newspapers when they regularly gave fits to abusive jailers, self-serving state attorneys, philandering sheriffs and bidrigging contractors. Outzen, of Pensacola, publishes a weekly newspaper called inweekly, which indeed includes lots of calendar items and schlocky stuff, including “News of the Weird,” and an astrology page. But the heart of the thing is Outzen’s column. Equally well read, I will venture to guess, is his compilation of “Winner and Losers.” In his Aug. 6 column, Outzen wrote about the Space X Crew Dragon Endeavour’s splash landing in the Gulf of Mexico and recalled the early days of space travel “when we saw the endless possibilities
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Why did Wittman oppose the Maritime Park? He said it was because the city government had not allowed for enough time for citizens to voice their opinions on how the land should be developed, but the real reason, I learned, was that it was because Stan Daniels supported it. In high school, Daniels had beaten him out for the quarterback position at Pensacola High School. In was rumored that Wittman never forgave him.
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Grudges. As the novel proceeds, Holmes, innocently enough, decides to write a profile of his friend Bo Hines, the chairman of the Florida Panhandle Arts Council. He finds, however, that the directors of arts groups to which council funds are dispersed don’t much Pensacola readers want to talk about him. He of Grudges soon discovers that the council, immediately will as overseen by local hero and recognize many millionaire road contractor Hines — of course he is a road contractor of the issues — is a sham. therein touched Holmes develops sources, upon, chiefly ignores the advice of his best the successful friend and despite the certain loss of advertisers, publishes a Maritime Park piece on the council’s financial proposal that was condition. Alarmed, the Pensacola advanced, in real City Commission and the life, by Quint Studer Escambia County Commission order an audit. Auditors find and that brought that $200,000 has gone missing. minor league Hines is indicted. baseball to the And Holmes is doubted and city. Holmes, as it blamed by Hines’s adoring public. The furor directed at Holmes happens, supports intensifies when Hines’s wife Sue the park project, is found dead. If only Holmes had which is advanced left well enough alone … by Stan Daniels Insider sales suffer. Holmes begins to bounce checks. But he and vehemently will not be knocked off his stride. opposed by He publishes the salaries of all a former city employees of the Escambia County councilman, Sheriff’s Office, demonstrating the department’s top-heaviness. And Jace Wittman. he dismisses financial worry. Sales will pick up, he assures himself. His “Best of the Coast” edition is coming up next month. Holmes is an endearing character, especially so for an old newspaper man like myself. It may be that the Space Age failed to usher in a world without strife, but the fictional Holmes permits one to believe that one day, just maybe, the truth again will matter. EC
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hrough engaging writing, dynamic design and full-service project management, Rowland Publishing crafts custom solutions that vividly bring its customers’ publications to life. Prior to working with RPI, The Clubs by JOE produced an in-house magazine but increasingly realized that it required the services of a proven and reliable custom publisher. Since 2017, RPI has saved them time and effort by supplying needed expertise in producing their publication and ensuring that it is well supported with advertising dollars. RPI has provided The Clubs by JOE with services, including advertising sales; consulting, editing and writing; photography coordination and art direction; print vendor management; project management; and publication design and redesign. As a result of RPI’s efforts, Experience magazine has grown from 52 pages to 84 pages due to a steady influx of advertisers who have responded to RPI’s sales efforts. RPI added more photography to the magazine showcasing the Emerald Coast’s natural beauty while streamlining the production process. Editorial, advertising and design teams at RPI worked together to bring about a magazine that is well organized, attractive and delivers content of interest to club members.
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EXTERIORS
Reducing Our Footprint
|| GREEN SCENE
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Abodes
OCT/NOV 2020
TRENDS FROM FLOOR TO CEILING, FRONT TO BACK
INTERIORS
GREEN HOUSES Sustainable options can save you money while going easy on the planet by REBECCA PADGETT
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FURNITURE FACELIFT
Before buying new furniture and décor, consider whether you can revive items you already have. A fresh coat of paint or a new fabric can work wonders. If you’re not into DYI, enlist a professional to reupholster, paint or handle woodworking.
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electing eco-friendly and sustainable options for your home will not only benefit you and your family’s well-being, but the planet we call home. There are many benefits to pursuing a green-centric home. “Green certified homes may have substantially lower utility bills and may qualify for advantageous financing, lower insurance rates and government incentives,” said C.J. Davila, executive director of the Florida Green Building Coalition. By simply changing a few lifestyle choices and switching out certain products, you can easily make a big impact. Below are 10 tips for achieving an eco-friendly home.
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SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS
Whether it’s flooring, furniture, tile, bedding or any other household furnishing, seek materials that are sustainable or recycled. “It seems very natural to me to use sustainable products such as reclaimed woods, stone, marble, wool and other truly beautiful and eco-friendly products,” said Melinda James, founder of M James Design Group, a design firm at Alys Beach. More options include cork, glass tiles, bamboo and recycled cotton. Avoid plastic and particleboard.
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Be particular with your paints. Many paints contain volatile organic chemicals known as VOCs, which are hazardous carcinogens released primarily when you paint but can still be present years later. “Eco-friendly products focus on indoor air quality, so it is very important to pay attention to things we bring into our homes,” said James. “For example, when selecting beautiful paints for our projects, we choose zero VOC Benjamin Moore Aura paints.”
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SHOP VINTAGE AND LOCAL
Vintage, antique and thrifted furnishings are often one-of-a-kind treasures that add uniqueness to your home. You can feel good about the fact these pieces are experiencing new love and are not contributing to waste. “We have a selection of vintage items that we have handpicked and are classic novelty pieces,” said Christina Vital, owner of Abode Beach Interiors in Santa Rosa Beach. “We also specify local artisans to handcraft custom pieces for our clients.” As Vital suggests, enlisting local artists or furniture makers is a way to select sustainable materials.
PHOTOS BY HAKINMHAN (1), FXQUADRO (2), JANSSENKRUSEPRODUCTIONS (3), IGORR1 (4), THAMKC (5), SERGGN (6), VAHEKATRJYAN (7), ELLENM (8), OLEGBRESLAVTSEV (9) AND PIKSEL (10) / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS AND COURTESY OF FLORIDA GREEN BUILDING COALITION (TOP LEFT)
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NON-TOXIC PAINTS
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HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS Switching your everyday household products to green products can make a big difference in the long run. Transition from harsh chemical cleaning products to plant-based alternatives or make your own. Try organic, natural or eco-friendly bath products. These products should have USDA certified organic, Natural Products Association or BDIH labels on the packaging. Invest in glass or ceramic containers. When shopping, use reusable bags instead of plastic or paper. Don’t use paper towels. Instead repurpose old towels or clothing into cleaning cloths.
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NATURAL FIBERS
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If you’re in the market for linens, try wool, organic cotton, soy silk, ramie, hemp, organic feather, bamboo and jute. “What makes these products eco-friendly is how they are constructed and the materials used in production,” said Charlann Joyner, manager of Outpost in Inlet Beach. “These natural materials are not only superior in terms of comfort and lifespan, but are inherently flame retardant without the use of chemicals.” Eco-friendly fabrics are made from plants that are grown without the use of pesticides or chemicals for growth. Outpost carries Cisco Home Upholstery, a green line of sofas, chairs, beds, benches and ottomans.
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Compact fluorescent lights or any bulb labeled energyefficient will greatly lower your electricity bill. During the day, opt for natural light when you can. In saving energy, we decrease carbon emissions.
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PLANTS
Plants purify the air by acting as sponges to trap and break down toxins, releasing them as a harmless by-product. They release oxygen, further purifying your home. Plant options include hydroponics. “Homebased hydroponics, or the practice of growing plants in water rather than soil, reduces the total carbon footprint for food production,” said Joe Catalano, owner of Coast Hydroponics, based out of Pensacola. The business specializes in grow systems, lighting systems, organics soils and more.
LIGHTING
WINDOW TREATMENTS
To conserve energy, invest in the right blinds, shades or window tinting. Windows should be lined with coatings that provide insulation.
10 RECYCLE
Pick up recycling bins, consider composting or grow your own garden.
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EXTERIORS
REDUCING OUR FOOTPRINT
Recycling helps when done properly by REBECCA PADGETT
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s global citizens, we should all be doing our part to minimize harmful impacts on the environment. That means being selective about the products we buy and taking care to properly dispose of them. Not every item can be or should be recycled. Recycling the wrong way can be counterproductive. The best way to establish beneficial recycling habits is to begin by taking a look at the products already in your home with an eye toward reducing consumption. Some examples: Avoid plastic straws, reduce your use of paper towels by switching to cloth, bring your own coffee cup to your local coffee shop (when pandemics don’t prevent doing so) and purchase a reusable water bottle. Recycling can serve both to reduce the amount of garbage sent to landfills and
October-November 2020 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
provide materials for the manufacture of new products. Before you recycle or throw items away, stop to consider if there are ways that you can reuse them. Repurpose clothing for use as cleaning cloths or turn that leaky cooler into a garage storage bin. Go online to find other ways to repurpose rather than toss items. Be mindful there are numerous nonprofits gladly accepting unwanted furniture, electronics, clothing and more. Toxic or hazardous items, including aerosol cans, paints, batteries, propane, electronics, lights and more should be kept out of the waste stream. Retailers often accept clean plastic bags, polystyrene containers and compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs). “It is important for residents to be informed of the parameters of their ››
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Responsibly ensuring that recyclables don’t enter the waste stream can be an educational and beneficial activity. Children can model good recycling habits for their peers.
850.231.1783 4281 E. Co. Hwy 30A Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 abodebeachinteriors.com
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abodes municipality and do their best to adhere by them,” said Nathalie Bowers, public information officer with Emerald Coast Utilities Authority. “The more vigilant we are in recycling clean and uncontaminated items, the more success our recycling programs will have.” Bowers explained that for over a decade the Emerald Coast area lacked a proper processing system until ECUA secured a large facility that services Pensacola, Crestview, Destin and Fort Walton Beach. Through its website and public education outreach, ECUA provides helpful information about recycling. The authority hopes to launch an app that identifies recyclable materials. Recycling begins at home. Make proper recycling a family activity, and reinforce good recycling behavior with your children. Then, you can extend recycling efforts to your workplace and events you attend and host. Children as well as adults can set good recycling examples. With a little practice, recycling becomes a good habit for young and old. EC
What to Put in the Bin DO RECYCLE … (without lids) ➺ A luminum and steel cans ➺ A luminum foil bottles and jugs ➺ Plastic ➺ P lastic tubs or containers ➺ C ardboard (including pizza boxes with no food waste or grease on the box)
ewspaper and ➺N magazines
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junk mail towel and toilet ➺ Paper paper rolls detergent, ➺ Clean shampoo and cleaning bottles
DON’T RECYCLE … ➺ P lastic bags (including
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trash bags, shopping bags, sandwich bags, bubble wrap or any plastic film) ➺ S tyrofoam ➺ P aper towels, tissues or napkins ➺ C hip bags edical syringes ➺M ➺ A erosol cans
➺ P lastic straws, knives, forks or spoons batteries ➺ Lightbulbs, or electronics ➺ C lothes hangers oliday lights ➺H etal ➺M ➺ C lothing or linens
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lass bottles and jars ➺G
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in your Backyard
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MCNEILL PALM can design your pergola with automated louvers, embedded LED lighting and retractable solar insect screens — the scenery is up to you.
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Simply deploy the automated shades when sun relief is needed (or those annoying insects show up). Add a fan or heater for even more automated comfort.
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renda Hamrick has developed a knack for searching out new and innovative products and designs to provide shade and comfort to the most upscale lifestyle. Seeking exciting new products has become a tradition at McNeill Palm. With over 40 years of interior design experience, window treatments remain the core of their business, but Hamrick and the McNeill Palm Team are also focused on finding state-of-the-art solutions and technologies to provide both aesthetic and functional solutions with signature ease. To that end, Hamrick was particularly excited to find the pergola systems designed and manufactured by StruXure. Imagine sitting outdoors under a roof that can be adjusted to allow in as much light as you want — or none at all. You could even retract the roof and enjoy that “driving with the sunroof open” feeling. Perhaps you want to lower your shades, engage your ceiling fan, add a bit of cool (or heat), or turn on your sound system. When the rain begins, you
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Want to make your open patio or deck truly enjoyable? McNeill Palm can design the pergola of your dreams and even add a retractable roof. Just light the fire, and it’s time to watch your favorite game — all in outdoor comfort.
close the roof, which has integrated drainage to keep you nice and dry while the water is reclaimed to water your garden. You can do it all with the touch of a button — or a touch to your smartphone. McNeill Palm and StruXure can help you enhance any outdoor space with pergolas that seamlessly blend architectural brilliance, cutting-edge technology and an endless array of options. All of this in a system that is manufactured entirely in the U.S. and fabricated with
recycled aluminum, making it an exceptionally green product. To add to the perfection, it is also designed and engineered to meet Florida’s most stringent hurricane codes. The possibilities are endless. If you are looking for a true outdoor paradise, simply imagine it. McNeill Palm and StruXure can create your ideal vacation spot. Take time, stop, breathe, have a glass of wine with friends and simply enjoy life — right in your backyard.
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abodes ➸ Autumn Sun Exposure
One key to growing success is establishing plants where their sunlight needs are met. Commonly only the east to west movement of the sun is considered, but there is another factor to remember. This time of year, the sun is progressively moving a bit further south in the sky each day. Depending on the surrounding structures, the light availability can change drastically over the next few months.
GREEN SCENE
PLANT VEGGIES NOW, ENJOY SECOND HARVEST
Summer commonly delivers a bounty of rain in spurts and fits. Historically, however, autumn has been relatively dry, and surplus water may literally dry up. The lack of water can be overcome with irrigation, the use of mulches and the addition of organic matter to growing beds. Sandy soils or near soilless sand make these critical success components.
LES HARRISON
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ow is the time to add annuals and bedding plants to the home landscape to complement the autumn season’s color. These may be started with seeds in some cases, and there are many species and cultivars readily available in retail establishments and nurseries. Confirm that seeds have been germination tested within the year. The sell-by date is on the package and is required by state law. Ageratum, celosia, zinnia and wax begonia are all good candidates, along with numerous others available at garden centers. Be sure to choose fresh, healthy plants free of disease and insect damage.
It is a great time to get the fall and winter vegetable garden off to a good start. Strawberry plants, collard seeds and others will need full exposure to the sun. If obstructions to the light are a potential problem, deal with them now to avoid mediocre performance. Much like bedding plants and annuals, vegetables will yield better with a soil amended with organic material. Broccoli, radishes, cabbage, kale and many others can be planted now for harvest in the mild days of autumn. Some, like radishes, can deliver multiple crops over the course of the cool seasons.
➸ Insect Problems
Aggressive and prolific plant pests that consider tender young plants their meal of choice are a particular problem in the fall. These problem species reach their peak numbers as the warm growing season comes to an end. Chewing and piercing/ sucking insects are the two basic types of bugs at play. These gluttons eat like there is no tomorrow. The cooler weather eliminates many, but unfortunately some will survive until next spring to begin the cycle again.
➸ Soil Amendments
A BENEFICIAL INSECT
Milkweed Assassin Bug
Luckily, there are insects that stand guard to prevent the total pillaging of our cherished green resources. Among the many native hunter insects is the milkweed assassin bug, Zelus longipes. Sometimes known as the long-legged assassin bug, it displays the bright coloration of deer hunters, especially when in juvenile stages. This winged bug is slightly less than an inch long and has a slender, straight beak with pierce-sucking mouthparts. When not in use, the beak is bent back and held under the thorax in a groove, carried much like a folding knife. Adults and nymphs have a pear-shaped head, constricted neck and long hairy legs, giving this insect an awkward, lanky appearance. The shape and appearance are generally the same throughout its life. The method used to catch its prey is known as the “sticky trap strategy.” The exposed forelegs are covered with a viscous material that acts as a glue resulting in the prey’s entanglement. The target insect is rapidly paralyzed when the milkweed assassin bug inserts its beak into the host body. This tiny ambush predator can feed on prey that may be up to six times its own size.
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Mushroom compost, homemade composts, peat moss and many other growing media help with fall gardening in two ways. These organic compounds add soil nutrients needed by the plants. Additionally, high levels of organic matter in growing zones promote the retention of critical moisture, especially during drier times.
Les Harrison is a retired University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Wakulla County Extension Director.
PHOTOS BY AMENIC181 (STRAWBERRY PLANT) AND HOLLY GUERRIO (MILKWEED ASSASSIN BUG) / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS (COLEUS)
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PROMOTION
DEAL ESTATE
JUST LISTED
Beautiful, well-appointed Bay Point canal home is perfect for water lovers This exquisitely situated, three-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers an open floor plan and wall-to-wall views of a paver patio and the dock and canal beyond. It features brick accents throughout and a large kitchen with breakfast nook that overlooks the water. Layout includes a Florida room, spacious living areas, wide hallways, craft room/office, large second and third bedrooms with connecting Jack-and-Jill bathroom, and a huge laundry room with lots of storage area. The master bedroom also presents a water view. Connecting room is perfect for a man cave, mother-in-law suite or a place to store fishing and boating gear. Two-car garage.
LISTED PRICE: Call for pricing. ADDRESS: 1406 Trout Drive, Panama City Beach SQUARE FOOTAGE: 3,500 BEDROOMS: 3 BATHROOMS: 2.5 YEAR BUILT: 1978
APPEAL: Canal home. Two lifts, one well suited for Jet Skis and kayaks and a 10,000-pound lift for your boat. Bay Point is located at the eastern end of the World’s Most Beautiful Beaches near shopping, restaurants, a fishing, golf courses and the Navy base. CONTACT INFORMATION: Carole Lea Gilman, REALTOR®, Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. (850) 814-6090 CLG@CaroleLeaGilman.com CaroleLeaGilman.com
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PHOTOS BY COLLIS THOMPSON
FEATURES: Waterfront canal home; huge open floor plan; large kitchen with a breakfast nook; nice brick accents throughout; wide hallways; huge laundry room with plenty of storage
F O R
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EXPERIENCE COUNTS Specializing in RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL INVESTMENT • LAND EMERALD COAST 30-A 21901 PCB Pkwy 5231 E. County Hwy 30-A, #100 Panama City Beach, FL Santa Rosa Beach, FL (850) 249-1414 (850) 231-1483 CountsEmeraldCoast.com CountsOn30A.com
THOMAS DRIVE 2104 Thomas Drive Panama City Beach, FL (850) 249-3615 CountsRealEstate.com
PANAMA CITY 3009 Hwy 77, Suite H Panama City, FL (850) 248-3615 CountsPanamaCity.com
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PROMOTION
DEAL ESTATE
JUST LISTED
WaterColor home’s features make for big wow factor This stunning six-bedroom, seven-bath home, located in WaterColor Phase 3, includes a home theater and exercise room. Backyard pool adjoins a porch with grill, ice maker and outdoor shower. Home is located just a few paces away from walking paths and access to nearby coastal dune lake. Anyone looking for either an exceptional rental investment or a gorgeous vacation home is sure to be impressed.
LISTED PRICE: $3,845,000 ADDRESS: 41 Mistflower Lane, Santa Rosa Beach SQUARE FOOTAGE: 4,985 BEDROOMS: 6 BATHROOMS: 7 YEAR BUILT: 2011
APPEAL: Blu Line Studio was the architect, and no detail has been overlooked in this three-story masterpiece. The fireplace is nestled in the center of the impressive twostory living room, and there’s an outdoor fireplace just steps from the pool. Light a fire outside and sit while listening to the sounds of a waterfall. The study/office is on the first floor, and there are three laundry areas throughout the house. There are hardwood floors on all three levels and the carriage house. A two-car garage and plenty of outdoor porches and balconies grace this family home designed for entertaining. Carriage house can be accessed from either the ground floor stairs or through the main house on the second story. CONTACT INFORMATION: Erin Oden, Principal Broker/Owner, Coastal Luxury - Real Estate for Luxury Living (850) 502-1220 Erin@coastalluxury.com 9961 East County Highway 30A, Suite 1 Seacrest
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PHOTOS BY COASTAL LUXURY - REAL ESTATE FOR LUXURY LIVING
FEATURES: Three levels of exquisite decorating using Venetian plaster, painted brick, pecky cypress and designer lighting. The brand new kitchen includes custom cabinets, Ravenna marble backsplash, quartz countertops plus a 48-inch SubZero refrigerator. Open kitchen, living room and dining room comes complete with a one-ofa-kind Justin Gaffrey painting that the owners commissioned for that space. Each bedroom has its own private bath and access to an outdoor porch.
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PROMOTION
DEAL ESTATE
JUST LISTED
Charming Estate on Lake Bradford Hits Market Overlooking Lake Bradford, this estate-style home is perfect for anyone looking for lots of room in a quiet waterfront retreat. Located just five minutes from the airport and 10 minutes from the capitol, this home features three master suites among its five bedrooms, two of which include private outdoor access. View the lake from a 30-foot, floor-to-ceiling window or take to the water from your dock equipped with an electric boat lift.
LISTED PRICE: $630,000 SQUARE FOOTAGE: 4,298 BEDROOMS: 5 BATHROOMS: 5 FEATURES: Lake-accessible dock features an electric boat lift. Home features a pair of two-car garages and two fireplaces, plus numerous Red Baron built-in antiques and stained glass. Kitchen and two bathrooms have recently been remodeled. APPEAL: Relax in front of your 30-foot, floor-to-ceiling glass window that overlooks Lake Bradford. Located just five minutes from Tallahassee International Airport and 10 minutes from downtown Tallahassee. CONTACT INFORMATION: For sale by owner: (850) 766-2201. No brokers please.
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STORIES from the
HEART INSPIRING STORIES OF PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE The life-changing care Ascension Sacred Heart provides has touched the hearts of many who strive to ensure that this incredible mission of care continues for future generations. Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation is proud to be a partner in this endeavor. Please enjoy these “Stories from the Heart.”
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TEARS, PRAYERS AND GRACE
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Haylee and David Huffman have deep roots on the Emerald Coast. They met in Destin, Haylee’s hometown, and were married in Santa Rosa Beach 11 years ago. There, deeply committed to serving God, they “planted” a church that David currently pastors. Their three children were born at Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast: Asher, 6, Hattie, 3 and John Levi. This is John Levi’s “story from the heart.” When Haylee found out that she was pregnant on their ninth anniversary, they were filled with joy. An ultrasound at the 20-week mark showed all was well. With her first two pregnancies, they had declined the routine blood screening for abnormalities, but this time, “for some reason,” they opted to have it.
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The phone call from a nurse with the screening results was devastating: There was a high risk that the baby would be born with Trisomy 18, Edwards Syndrome, a devastating chromosomal abnormality. But more testing was needed to confirm this. David was at his church when Haylee contacted him with this news, saying she was on her way there. It was difficult to understand her, she was crying so hard, but he could make out the words Trisomy 18. He Googled information about the condition, but as he read, he really saw only one word: “fatal.” Together, they drove to the bay. David recalls: “It was a beautiful day, so we just watched the water, prayed, researched on our phones, cried, prayed some
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more. Scripture after scripture flooded my mind, mostly Psalms. ‘I cried out to God for help. … When I was in distress I sought the Lord.’” The next step was a consultation with Dr. Henry Roque, a high-risk perinatal specialist. But before that appointment, they had to meet with a genetic counselor, who explained that the blood screen results indicated a 1/10 likelihood that the baby suffered from Trisomy. As they watched the screen of Haylee’s in-depth ultrasound, they saw glaring discrepancies in the fetus, indicative of its condition. They looked at each other and cried. Dr. Roque confirmed that the ultrasound was consistent with the blood screening; it had not been a false positive as they had hoped. An amniocentesis revealed that she was carrying a boy. As time passed, Haylee and David struggled to understand their burden. She found it a grace to know what was to come, but had to learn to live with waves of grief. “There are no adequate words to describe the depth of sadness and pain in my heart,” she said. “I prayed the Lord would take this, that I would wake as from a dream, but somehow knew deep down that God would have us walk the hard road, and that He would walk it with us.” In the months that followed, they sought to learn as much as possible about Trisomy 18 and their options for the infant’s birth. They were deeply grateful for the medical care of their obstetrician, Dr. Jennifer Esses, and that of Dr. Roque. They became aware that while it was quite possible that Haylee would lose the baby late-term, their hope was to meet John Levi in this world and hold him in their arms. When Dr. Henry Roque informed them that the fetus had stopped growing, a Caesarian was scheduled at 37 weeks. When that day arrived, the staff at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast was well prepared and compassionate, responding to their needs in every way. A large antepartum room was designated for privacy away from other births, so they would be spared the sounds of families celebrating their newborns. Haylee shares, “We are so thankful we chose to have John Levi at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast, so
thankful for the care, thoughtfulness and medical professionalism we experienced. The staff treated us more like family than patients.” Early on, David had shared the news of the baby with his congregation at Redeemer 30A, and they had responded with loving support. On the day of John Levi’s birth, over 40 people packed the chapel at the hospital to pray for the best possible outcome. Haylee and David were comforted by the “loving words and gentle presence” of Dr. Jennifer Esses before the surgery began. She told them she had prepared a special selection of worship music, which played during the procedure. When John Levi arrived, the doctor said, “He’s here!” But there was only silence. As Haylee held the frail, 3-pound, 4-ounce baby on her chest, it appeared he would be gone any second. She was crying, praying, kissing him, and speaking words of reassurance to him: “God loves you so much. We love you. I’m so sorry. It’s not supposed to be this way, but it’s okay.” Then, as David held the baby and sang a worship song, John Levi rallied. He started to cry, his heart rate rose, and he began breathing on his own. Later, in the recovery room, the whole family got to see and hold him. Haylee and David are forever grateful they were graced with an amazing seven hours with their son that day, before he quietly “slipped away to be with Jesus.”
David and baby John Levi
A MESSAGE FROM CAROL CARLAN It’s been said that the patient experience does not begin the moment someone enters our doors for care. It begins the moment anyone needs us. And when that patient is a child, fortunately the Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart is near at hand. Will Condon, who serves as its President, is featured in this edition of our Stories from the Heart. You will also want to read Tracy Shehan’s story, in which she shares why and how her successful business, Ninth Avenue Nutrition, inspires her to give back. In another account, we learn that Panda Express® donated 18,000 surgical masks and more than 200 meals to Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola in support of medical professionals fi ghting the pandemic. When it comes to support, I am so grateful for the Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation Board. They are a dedicated group of community and business leaders that provide tremendous insight, guidance and champion our mission across the Gulf Coast. Thank you for your service. Finally, there is a poignant story contributed by Haylee and David Huff man, who are deeply appreciative of “the care, thoughtfulness and medical professionalism” they experienced at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast. Their account gives us an awareness of how our faith-based mission is a source of compassionate care and comfort for the most burdened.
Carol Carlan President, Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation
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OVERSEER OF CARE FOR THE KIDS
Will Condon serves as President of the new Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart as he continues his successful journey of working for Ascension Sacred Heart. That career began some 10 years ago when he was hired as a Marketing Outreach Coordinator. During his tenure at Ascension Sacred Heart, he earned his master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from University of West Florida. He also progressed in responsibility, becoming the Chief Marketing Officer of Ascension Florida. Now his mission is concentrated on the kids. “But I would not be here without the help of great mentors along the way,” Will says, crediting Dick Appleyard, Susan Davis and Henry Stovall. When the new Children’s Hospital opened on May 4, 2019, Will was most proud of how his team accomplished the move from their prior location. The transfer took place after prolonged planning, and Will was gratified to see every detail go seamlessly, saying, “I tell people all the time that I am a very small part of the Studer Family Children’s Hospital. But I am so fortunate and so blessed every day to be a part of that team because I know how much they care for the kids.” He is also grateful to the more than 12,000 individuals, corporations and foundations that donated to the construction of the Studer Family Children’s Hospital. “These generous partners allow us to provide the best care, facilities and programs close to home for every child regardless of their families’ ability to pay,” Will says, “for that, I am eternally grateful.” He points out what the new facility means for the community, indeed the region: Families now don’t have to travel to access quality pediatric healthcare. “Usually to find a hospital like ours, you would have to go to Atlanta, Birmingham, Jacksonville. A chronically ill kid that needs to be in a children’s hospital bed often means you have to break the family apart.” That’s no longer the case with the services offered at the Children’s Hospital. Yet, while the doors are open for care, it doesn’t mean the work is done. Two pediatric areas are slated for growth: The Bear Family Foundation Pediatric Oncology Center for Hope and the operating room (OR) suites. (That OR is the only one in the entire region dedicated solely to kids.) The number of children treated in the hospital stays high, with the children’s emergency room serving 100 kids a day. “A big thing we’re focused on moving forward is outreach.” Will shares. Families in Destin, Panama City and Fairhope can’t always manage to travel to the Children’s Hospital for care. “How can we bring our pediatric sub-specialist physicians into their communities and provide that high level of care where they live?”
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Top: Will Condon, President, Studer Family Children’s Hospital, with Sister Carol Keehan, the hospital’s first nursing director, at the ribbon cutt ing of the Studer Family Children’s Hospital on April 1, 2019. Photo courtesy of Diocese of Pensacola–Tallahassee. Bottom: Will Condon with his parents, Tom and Catie Condon.
Will attributes his drive to his parents, both of whom were accomplished athletes. (His mother was the world’s best breaststroke swimmer in 1968, winning an Olympic gold medal.) He and wife Jamie, a pediatric clinical dietitian at Ascension Sacred Heart, were blessed with a baby girl, Adler, a little over a year ago.
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PANDA EXPRESS IS A BEAR HUG TO OUR COMMUNITY
Panda Express Team
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The American Chinese restaurant in Pensacola continues to support Children’s Miracle Network The next time you think about where to eat, consider a restaurant that makes a difference. Located less than a mile from the Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart, Panda Express has been a proud partner of the Children’s Miracle Network since 2007, donating more than $86 million to its hospitals, to date. “At Panda, we believe every child deserves the chance to succeed and create a life full of possibilities, and that can be achieved with healthy bodies and minds,” says Tina Hsing, Director of Panda Cares, the philanthropic arm of Panda Express. “Since the very
beginning, our commitment has been to support the health and education of youth, especially those in underserved communities.” Panda fundraises in stores and through corporate events to give back to the communities it serves. Founded upon a core value of giving, Panda Cares has a big heart for kids, “We are honored to be able to help the staff and families at local children’s hospitals and be part of the healing journey.” Hsing says. When you visit a Panda Express location, you may be asked for a donation to support your local hospital at the register, and you may hear a bell followed by a cheer of “Thank You” — an experience you’ll see every time a donation is made. Additionally, restaurant associates give
their time and resources by visiting children and families alongside the Panda mascot, bringing smiles and their delicious American Chinese food. “Giving back and having a generous heart actually work better in life,” says Andrew Cherng, co-founder of Panda Express. “Our passion for giving means that we contribute to the communities we serve, in any way we can.” Each year, Panda Express raises funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in three main ways: donations both in-store and online, an Associate Giving Program by which associates pledge a portion of their paycheck to their local hospital, and special events — including the annual Panda Cares Golf Tournament, which raised a recordbreaking $3 million in 2019. “We have shared values with the Studer Family Children’s Hospital in Pensacola and a joint mission of taking care of the community,” Hsing shares. “When our associates go to the hospitals and visit the children and families we are supporting firsthand, their stories and resilience inspire them to do more.” In addition to raising more than $125,000 for the Children’s Hospital last year, Panda Express donated more than 200 meals and 18,000 surgical masks to aid in COVID-19 relief at Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola — with more than 5 million masks and 53,000 hot meals donated across our nation. According to Hsing, that’s just part of the culture of the restaurant group founded by Andrew and Peggy Cherng. “We believe that during times of crisis, it is even more important to take care of our communities and reach out to help lift up others,” she says. “We are blessed to have the means to make a difference.” So … what’s for dinner tonight?
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Tracy Sheehan (Center), with Ascension Sacred Heart Leaders
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When Tracy Sheehan’s family settled in Pensacola after her husband Heath retired from the military, she was presented with the opportunity to open a business — and she went for it. She is now the proud proprietor of Ninth Avenue Nutrition, a protein smoothie, high-energy tea and healthy juice bar located in Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola. Born and raised in Pensacola, Tracy married a military professional after attending the University of West Florida. The couple returned to this area as their retirement home after he served 14 years in the Army as a physician’s assistant. Tracy had planned to continue her teaching career, but she wanted to try something different. She couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome of Ninth Avenue Nutrition. Every few months, she and her coworkers seek out an area of the hospital that could benefit from a sizeable donation.
“A big part of our heart,” she explains, “is to be able to give back some of what we make selling the shakes. That was our intent from the very beginning. We wanted to use money we made to be the hands and feet of Jesus.” Working at Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola has been an enjoyable learning experience for Tracy. She’s made many friends and speaks of the overwhelming friendliness of associates who smile and speak to those they encounter. The desire to be supportive and caring is always front and center for staff . Yet she wonders if the community realizes how kind everyone is at the facility and how willing they are to assist. It’s a source of great satisfaction when she sees associates going out of their way to help others: “I think as human beings,” she says, “that’s what we are called to do, what Jesus wants us to do. It is greatly displayed in the hospital’s environment.”
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Another reason Tracy thinks the hospital is such a blessing for the community is the level of trust it engenders, providing freedom from worry. Those with medical needs can always rely upon Ascension Sacred Heart to deliver outstanding treatment and comfort. Tracy’s husband traveled extensively while in the Army, inspecting trauma centers and seeing their preparedness to treat “elite people in our government, all the way up to the President.” He regards Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola as a “phenomenal” facility for this area, with its state-of-the-art equipment that can handle any situation. Tracy agrees: “It really is a wonderful place to be for the people I see every day that need care on many different levels.” This is just one more reason she has built into her business plan a commitment to give back to Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola.
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SACRED HEART FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2020-2021
JUSTIN A. BECK, CHAIR CEO, Beck Partners
MICHAEL JOHNSON, PAST CHAIR
Owner, State Farm Insurance
PAMELA S. HEINOLD
Broker Associate Better Homes & Garden Real Estate
JANE LAUTER
President The Kugelman Family Foundation
JAMES HOSMAN, TREASURER
STEVE CLARK, VICE CHAIR
Market President Centennial Bank
CEO, New School Selling
H. WESLEY “WES” REEDER, PAST CHAIR Managing Partner Emmanuel, Sheppard & Condon
NINA HESS CAMPBELL
WES PAYNE
President Ballpoint Communications Group
JUSTIN T. HOLMAN, ESQ.
Design Associate Aqua Décor & Design
Mall Manager Cordova Mall
AARON BALL
The Holman Law Firm
RIC NICKELSEN
KERRY ANNE SCHULTZ, ESQ.
Vice President, Commercial Lending Partner Smartbank Fountain, Schultz & Bridgferd, P.L.L.C.
MICHAEL P. BAGGETT, SECRETARY
Senior Financial Advisor Senior V.P. Wealth Management Mazenko/Baggett Group
AUTUMN BLACKLEDGE Autumn Beck Blackledge PLLC
SISTER ELLEN KRON, DC
Daughters of Charity
MALLORY STUDER
Marketing & Branding Manager Bodacious Shops
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GULF BREEZE DANCE MARATHON The students at Gulf Breeze High School have done it again! For their second annual Dance Marathon, the students set a stretch goal of $20,000 in fundraising. When the final numbers were announced, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. After six hours of standing and dancing #forthekids, they raised a total of $29,128.70 for children and families treated at Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart! We are so grateful for the time and dedication these students put into this event. Thank you to the students, staff, participants, donors, sponsors and patient families who made this event a success!
ST. JOE FOUNDATION The St. Joe Foundation awarded Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation a grant to purchase personal protective equipment for the frontline medical staff at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast in Miramar Beach, Ascension Sacred Heart Bay in Panama City and Ascension Sacred Heart Gulf in Port St. Joe. “This grant for personal protective equipment for our hospital associates demonstrates the strong partnership our hospitals have with The St. Joe Foundation in this time of a global pandemic,” said Roger Hall, Past President of the Emerald Coast and Gulf Hospitals. “We have distributed the proper personal protective equipment so we can continue to safely serve our communities while protecting the health and safety of our associates.” Left to right is April Wilkes, Executive Director of the St. Joe Foundation; Janet Piepul, Major Gift s/Planned Giving Director, Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation; Rhea Goff, Senior Vice President, Chief Administration Officer and a Foundation Board Member.
ABOUT THE ASCENSION SACRED HEART FOUNDATION Since 1915, Ascension Sacred Heart has been at the heart of healing for Northwest Florida and South Alabama. Like our founders, the Daughters of Charity, Ascension Sacred Heart is dedicated to providing quality, compassionate healthcare to the citizens of our regions, regardless of their ability to pay. This steadfast commitment to our community could not have been achieved without the support and generosity of the thousands of individuals, businesses and organizations that have donated to Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation. Through this charitable giving, Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation has been able to provide millions of dollars of free and low-cost healthcare to the poor, uninsured, under-insured and low-income families. With the help of generous donors, we are proud to partner in Ascension Sacred Heart’s mission of care along the Gulf Coast.
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Know someone recently engaged or in the process of planning a wedding?
PHOTO BY JENNIFER G PHOTOGRAPHY
Visit NorthwestFloridaWeddings.net to submit their information so we can send them a congratulations package, including the Northwest Florida Weddings Magazine! They will also be submitted for a chance to be covered in the magazine after their wedding!
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PROMOTION
FEB. 8–9, 2021
AIR FORCE CONTRACTING SUMMIT
The 2021 Air Force Contracting Summit will be held at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa close to Eglin Air Force Base, Tyndall Air Force Base and USAF Hurlburt Field.
For more information, email marketing@defenseleadershipforum.org or visit DefenseLeadershipForum.org/airforcecontractingsummit.
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calendar PROMOTION
OCT/NOV 2020 For more events in the EC, visit EmeraldCoastMagazine.com and 850tix.com. compiled by JAVIS OGDEN AND
REBECCA PADGETT
DESTIN FISHING RODEO OCT. 1-31 The Destin Fishing Rodeo is a month-long event held each October. Nightly weigh-ins are held on the docks behind A.J.’s Seafood and Oyster Bar. Prizes are awarded at weigh-ins, and children are encouraged to participate. All≈events are free and open to the public. destinfishingrodeo.org
CONCERTS IN THE VILLAGE OCT. 1, 3, 8 NOV. 5–7
Harvest Wine & Food Festival → This year, the Destin Charity Wine Auction, versus its traditional Grand Tasting has
been reformatted and now comprises six upscale, limited-capacity events taking place at various locations in South Walton. To see the full schedule, visit HarvestWineandFood.com.
Enjoy a night under the stars while listening to the beachy tunes of the Pickled Pickers at a Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation “Concert in the Village,” beginning at 7 p.m. Bring a lawn chair, picnic and wine or purchase dinner on site at the Cultural Arts Village in Destin. Proceeds benefit the foundation and its education outreach programs. Additional Concerts in the Village are scheduled for Oct. 3 (Shania Twain tribute) and Oct. 8 (Emerald Gold); both will start at 7 p.m.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF AIR FORCE CONTRACTING SUMMIT, DESTIN CHARITY WINE AUCTION AND MATTIE KELLY ARTS FOUNDATION
mattiekellyartsfoundation.org
PIRATES OF THE HIGH SEAS FEST
OCT. 24–25
OCT. 5-11
25TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
This year, the Pirate Ship will be making its voyage to Shell Island for a live event on Facebook and a virtual scavenger hunt to win some PCB swag. Check website and social media for additional event information. visitpanamacitybeach.com
→ The Mattie Kelly Arts
Estelle Grengs 2020 MKAF Festival of the Arts Poster Art Winner
Foundation’s 25th annual Festival of the Arts brings together artists representing diverse styles and media. Festival goers are invited to meet the artists, discuss with them their sources of inspiration and add to their own private art collections.
Visit MKAF.org/art-festival for more information.
RUSSIAN BALLET THEATRE PRESENTS SWAN LAKE OCT. 7 A must experience for any ballet lover, Swan Lake will be performed at the Pensacola Saenger Theatre. Choreographer Nadezhda Kalinina lovingly retouches the oldest St. Petersburg version of the ballet and adds her vision and more in ways that undoubtedly will leave audiences flushed with emotion. pensacolasaenger.com
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
At press time, social distancing policies were in effect, prohibiting large gatherings. Check websites to see if the listed events will occur as scheduled.
HAVE AN EVENT YOU’D LIKE US TO CONSIDER?
Send an email to sbornhoft@rowlandpublishing.com.
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Emerald Coast Theatre Company will have you laughing out loud at this musical comedy that follows a comical couple on a blind date. From the start you’ll be asking yourself, can this couple turn what could be a dating disaster into something special before the check arrives?
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Dr. Kelly Haeusler | Dr. Misha Ratcliff Dr. Victoria Lyon | Dr. Kate Hardin and Staff
THUNDER BEACH MOTORCYCLE RALLY OCT. 21-25 Rev your engines for what’s known as “The Most Biker Friendly Free Rally in the United States.” The rally is held twice a year in May and October and invites bikers from around the country to enjoy beautiful rides along the Emerald Coast. thunderbeachproductions.com
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Spend a fun and interactive morning with our delightful skunk and ladybug duo! Children get to experience this hands-on show with all of their senses as they become part of the story. This colorful play uses music, dance, movement, and touchable props to engage young audience members and inspire their imaginations.
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JUNIOR LEAGUE OF PANAMA CITY BEACH HOLLY FAIR NOV. 12-15 Deck your halls with boughs of holly and other home goods thanks to Holly Fair, presented by the Junior League of Panama City Beach. Over 90 vendors will be selling apparel, jewelry, crafts and more. Proceeds from this holiday tradition help fund the Junior League’s many community projects. jlpanamacity.org/hollyfair
‘LEGALLY BLONDE JR.’ NOV. 13-14 Performed by teens, Legally Blonde Jr. follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, snobbery and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. This energetic and catchy musical is fun for all ages. emeraldcoasttheatre.org
THE LISTENING LOUNGE NOV. 17 Enjoy a glass of wine or a beer at the Emerald Coast Theatre Company while listening to some of the best local musicians in the area.
emeraldcoasttheatre.org
emeraldcoasttheatre.org
NFSO: 1940S NEW YORK
ENTRECON
OCT. 24 The North Florida Symphony Orchestra brings you a bite of the Big Apple featuring Leonard Bernstein’s three dance episodes from “On the Town” and Aaron Copland’s sophisticated and rarely performed Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra. The evening concludes with Sergei Rachmaninoff’s last major composition, his highly energetic and robust Symphonic Dances. NFSO conductor search finalist Todd Craven will lead the symphony.
Locations in Grayton Beach, Seagrove Beach, Destin & Panama City Beach
thousands of hot rods, muscle cars, trucks and classics. The schedule of events includes cruise-ins, car vendors, concerts, parades and food.
mattiekellyartscenter.org
EMERALD COAST CRUIZIN’ NOV. 11-14 Car enthusiasts get revved up for this annual event, which is all about classic, stylish cars. View
NOV. 18-19 This year, EntreCon will be conducted as a live, virtual conference. In addition to webinars, as the conference plans to provide a variety of fun and interactive sessions and networking opportunities. entreconpensacola.com
JURASSIC PARK IN CONCERT NOV. 14 Breathtaking imagery and special effects bring dinosaurs to 2020. The Sinfonia Gulf Coast Orchestra will perform John Williams’ iconic score live at the Emerald Coast Convention Center. sinfoniagulfcoast.org
PROMOTION
SOCIAL STUDIES Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic JUN. 19–21 With prize money totaling $1.747 million, the 2020 Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic was sure to attract some of the finest bluewater fishing teams in the world. The captain and crew of the Mollie, a Destin-based G & S custom sportfishing yacht, won the tournament’s top prize with a 660.4 pound blue marlin. Team Mollie collected $514,934 including multiple optional jackpots and was awarded the 2020 ECBC trophy for top boat.
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1 Team Mollie celebrates with a check and champagne after winning the top prize. 2 Mark Allen Harris 3 Teammates aboard the Pullin’ Wire relax after boating a big marlin 4 Brimming with optimism, the crew of the Shotgun Start heads for the Gulf of Mexico.
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Mon–Wed 11 am–9 pm, Thurs–Sat 11 am– 10 pm and Sun 10 am–9 pm. 997 S. Palafox St., Pensacola. (850) 432-5226. $$ L D
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BUFFALO’S REEF ★
Hot wings and cold beer. Tues–Sat open at 10:30 am, Sun open at noon. 116 Eglin Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach. (850) 243-9463. $ L D
THE CRAFT BAR ★
Craft brews on tap along with artisan cocktails and elevated bar fare. Open daily 11 am–midnight. 4424 Commons Dr., Destin. Also in Grayton Beach and Pensacola. (850) 460-7907. $$ L D
DHARMA BLUE
Atmosphere and service match expansive menu including everything from sushi to pork tenderloin. Lunch Sat–Sun 10 am– 1 pm. Dinner daily from 5. 300 S. Alcaniz St., Pensacola. (850) 433-1275. $$ L D
EMERIL’S COASTAL ITALIAN
Located at Grand Boulevard in Sandestin, the famed chef’s first restaurant in Northwest Florida combines Italian cuisine with the variety of fresh Gulf seafood and local ingredients. Sun–Thur 11:30 am–10 pm, Fri–Sat 11:30 am–10:30 pm. 435 Grand Blvd., Miramar Beach. (850) 608-7040. $$$ L D
LOUISIANA LAGNIAPPE ★
A taste of New Orleans hits the coast through Louisiana-style favorites like shrimp and grits and Cajun seafood gumbo. Open daily from 4 pm. 775 Gulf Shore Dr., Destin. (850) 837-0881. $$ D
LOUIS LOUIS ★
The sister restaurant of Red Bar, find great American fare with a Gulf twist. 35 Mussett Bayou Road, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 267-1500. $$ D
LULU’S
Destin Ice Seafood Market & Deli 663 Harbor Blvd • Destin, FL (850) 837-8333 • destinice.com
Lucy Buffett’s funky hangout features cocktails, burgers and seafood, plus allergy-friendly menus. Open Sun–Thur 11 am–9 pm, Fri–Sat 11 am–10 pm. 4607 Legendary Marina Dr., Destin. (850) 710-5858. $$ L D
MAGNOLIA GRILL
Steak, seafood, pasta, soups, salads and desserts. Lunch Mon-Fri 11 am–2 pm, dinner Mon–Sat from 5 pm. Closed Sun. 157 SE Brooks St., Fort Walton Beach. (850) 302-0266. $$ L D
EVERKRISP ★
Farm-to-table salads, rice bowls and other health-focused American bites in modern, brick-lined digs. Open daily 10:30 am– 9 pm. 4463 Commons Dr. W. #10a, Destin. (850) 460-8881 and 625 Grand Blvd., Miramar Beach. (850) 842-4504. $$ L D
FIREFLY ★
Fresh Gulf seafood, steak, sushi and signature cocktails. Open daily at 5 pm. 535 Richard Jackson Blvd., Panama City Beach. (850) 249-3359. $$$ D
daily 11 am–3 pm and 5–9 pm. 30 Castle Harbour Dr., Alys Beach. (850) 641-0017. $$ L D
This all-day cafe puts a new spin on classic with a mix of international cuisines, Southern cooking and local food and produce. Open daily for breakfast: 8–10:45 am, lunch: 11 am–4 pm and dinner:
MARINA CAFÉ ★
Gourmet pizzas, Creole and American cuisine. Open daily 5–10 pm. 404 E. Hwy. 98, Destin. (850) 837-7960. $$$ D Serving a wide variety of seafood, steaks and flatbreads by the waterfront. Open daily for lunch and dinner from 11 am–9 pm. 455 W. Main St., Pensacola. (850) 912-8775. $$ L D
RESTAURANT PARADIS ★
Restaurant and lounge offers rich coastal flavors in its innovative dishes. Open Sun– Thur 5–9 pm, Fri–Sat 5–10 pm. 82 S. Barrett Square, Rosemary Beach. (850) 534-0400. $$$ D
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Outdoor Dining Live Music $ Inexpensive
$$ Moderately
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GREAT SOUTHERN CAFE ★
Seafood, po’ boys, burgers and salads. Open Sun–Thurs 11 am–8 pm, Fri 11 am– 10 pm, Sat 8 am–10 pm. Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W., Miramar Beach. (850) 267-7778. $ B L D
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Seafood, burgers and sandwiches. Open
MARINA BAR AND GRILL
NICK’S BOATHOUSE
GEORGE’S AT ALYS BEACH
Emerald Coast 2020 Winner
2020
JACO’S BAYFRONT BAR & GRILLE
Casual, beach-front dining. Open daily 11 am–10 pm. 4009 S. Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach. (850) 267-4800.
★ Best of the
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4–9:30 pm. 83 Central Square, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 231-7327. $$ B L D
THE BEACH HOUSE
THE KEY
Thank you for voting us Best Seafood Market!
Buckhead Beef Fresh deli salads and entrees Mrs. Dean cakes Assortment of breads & wines
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At press time, Florida was continuing to take steps to reopen the state’s economy, which was substantially shut down in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, restaurants may be operating at less than full capacity and menus may be abbreviated.
WE STEAM, WE PACK TO TRAVEL
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Fresh, to go.
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Capt.on Dave’s the
SERVING LOCAL FLORIDA SEAFOOD AND STEAKS Dinner 4pm UNTIL … For more information visit captdavesonthegulf.com
Gulf
Enjoy cocktails on the deck for sunset Happy Hour: 4–6pm Open 6 days a week (closed Tuesdays) Live Music
d CoaSt ral e m Ser rS ving the e yea 0 5 for over
Casual Gulf Front Dining. The locals’ favorite since 1968! 3796 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin | 850.837.2627 | captdavesonthegulf.com
Hibachi Tables • Sushi Bar • Happy Hour Private Dining • Large Parties Welcome
OPEN DAILY FOR LUNCH AND DINNER
BESTIN DESTIN VIP DESTIN MAGAZINE READER CHOICE AWARD
Hibachi
2019
Asian Cuisine
Hibachi
DESTIN 34745 Emerald Coast Pkwy | (850) 650-4688 TALLAHASSEE 1489 Maclay Commerce Drive | (850) 900-5149 • (850) 531-0222 PANAMA CITY BEACH 15533 Panama City Beach Parkway | (850) 588-8403
WWW.OSAKAHIBACHIANDSUSHI.COM
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Thank you for voting us Best Hibachi
SHADES BAR & GRILL ★
A 30A mainstay for over 20 years, Shades features 17 high-def TVs plus a menu of salsas, steaks, sandwiches and fish tacos. Open daily 11–1 am. 10952 E. County Hwy 30A, (850) 231-9410. $$ L D
SUNSET BAY CAFÉ
Chef-inspired twists on classic dishes. Breakfast, lunch, dinner or cocktail. Open daily 7 am–2 pm. Tiki Bar open noon to sunset. Linkside Conference Center, 158 Sandestin Blvd. N., Miramar Beach. (850) 267-7108. $ B L
THE RED BAR ★
New and improved and now reopen; get classic meals at one of the area’s most renown locations. 70 Hotz Ave., Grayton Beach. (850) 231-1008. $$ L D
with everything from smoked meats to homemade sauces. 2260 W. Scenic Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 744-0040. $$ L D
BREAKFAST/ BRUNCH/BAKERY ANDY’S FLOUR POWER CAFE & BAKERY Lively brunch/lunch destination known for its French toast, rolled omelets and cheery ambiance. Open Tues–Sat 7 am– 2 pm, Sun 8 am–2 pm. 2629 Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach. (850) 230-0014. $$ L D
ANOTHER BROKEN EGG CAFÉ
Savor the fresh, island-inspired fare or unwind with one of their signature cocktails. 525 Grand Blvd., Miramar Beach. (850) 654-1743. $$$ L D
Breakfast all day, plus sandwiches, patty melts, specials, soups, salads and desserts. Open daily 7 am–2 pm, closed Mondays. 979 E. Hwy. 98, #F, Destin (Also in Miramar Beach, Panama City, Pensacola, Sandestin and Grayton Beach). (850) 650-0499. $ B
VIN’TIJ WINE BOUTIQUE & BISTRO ★
BLACK BEAR BREAD CO. ★
TOMMY BAHAMA RESTAURANT, BAR & STORE ★
Seafood, salad, chef specials. Open daily 11 am–midnight. 10859 W. Emerald Coast Pkwy., #103, Miramar Beach. (850) 650-9820. $$ L D
ASIAN BASMATI’S ASIAN CUISINE ★
Serving fresh seafood, sushi and vegetables on Scenic 30A for more than 20 years. 3295 W. County Hwy. 30A., Blue Mountain Beach. (850) 267-3028. $$$ L D
OSAKA ★
Known for its sushi but serves a variety of dishes, including chicken, steak and seafood. Lunch 11 am–2:30 pm, dinner 5–10:30 pm. 34845 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin. (850) 650-4688 or (850) 650-4689. $$ L D
P.F. CHANG’S ★
Asian-influenced “farm to wok” chain offers made-from-scratch dishes such as dim sum, sushi and Chinese food favorites. Mon, 11 am–9 pm; Tue–Thur, Sun 11 am– 10 pm; Fri–Sat 11 am–11 pm, 640 Grand Blvd., Sandestin. (850) 269-1806. $$ L D
SUSHIMOTO ★
This creative sushi bar offers up a variety of rolls and Japanese fare. 12889 U.S. Hwy. 98, Ste. 103B, Miramar Beach. (850) 424-5977. $D
THAI DELIGHTS
Traditional dishes in a casual atmosphere. Open daily 11 am–9 pm. 821 Harbor Blvd., Destin. (850) 650-3945. $$ L D
THAI ELEPHANT AUTHENTIC THAI CUISINE ★
Serving traditional Thai favorites that were voted the area’s best. 3906 Hwy 98, Ste. 5–6, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 660-6711. $ L D
BBQ 98 BAR-B-QUE ★
Award-winning barbecue, gumbo, sandwiches and salads in a casual atmosphere. Dine in, take out, catering. Mon–Sat 11 am–8 pm. 5008 Hwy. 98, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 622-0679. $ L D
BLUE MABEL ★
This local smokehouse features madefrom-scratch dishes and is stocked
Contemporary cafe for craft coffee, housebaked breads, pastries and sandwiches and all-day breakfast. 26 Logan Lane, Grayton Beach. (850) 213-4528. $ B L
TASTE THE MODERN SIDE OF MEXICAN CUISINE Best Mexican, Best Margarita
BON APPETIT FRENCH BAKERY AND CAFE ★
Delicious made-from-scratch French pastries, croissants and crusty breads, along with soups, salads and sandwiches. 420 Mary Esther Cut Off N.W., Fort Walton Beach. $ L
DONUT HOLE BAKERY CAFE ★
Eat breakfast all day with fresh-baked donuts and hearty comfort food. Open daily 6 am–10 pm. 635 Harbor Blvd., Destin (also in Inlet Beach and Santa Rosa Beach). (850) 837-8824. $ B
MAMA CLEMENZA’S EUROPEAN BREAKFAST
Old World family recipes. Multiple award winner. Brunch Wed–Sun 8 am–1 pm. 12273 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W., Miramar Beach. (850) 424-3157 and 8 am–1 pm on Sundays at 75 Eglin Pkwy, Fort Walton Beach. (850) 243-0707. $$ B
DESSERT BLUE MOUNTAIN BEACH CREAMERY ★
Family-owned dessert shop serves delicious ice cream, yogurt and sorbet treats. 2129 S. County Hwy 83, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 278-6849. $
GREEK AEGEAN RESTAURANT ★
Authentic Greek restaurant. Breakfast 8–11 am, lunch 11 am–4 pm, dinner 4–9 pm. 11225 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Miramar Beach (and Shalimar). (850) 460-2728. $$ B L D
ALA BABA GRILL CAFÉ
Casual spot for familiar Turkish and Greek recipes offered à la carte and at a buffet, plus beer and wine. 10 am–9 pm. 550 Mary Esther Cutoff, Fort Walton Beach. (850) 986-5555. L D
YIOTA’S GREEK DELI
Traditional Greek food made from family recipes. Order at counter. 10 am–5 pm. 130 E. Miracle Strip Pkwy., Mary Esther. (850) 302-0691. $ L
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IRISH
specialty desserts, fish Fridays. Multiple award winner. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner Mon–Sat 5–9 pm. Holiday Plaza, Hwy. 98, Miramar Beach. (850) 650-5980. $$ L D
JOHNNY MCTIGHE’S IRISH PUB
MEXICAN BURRITO DEL SOL ★
$$ L D
Italian dishes. Open Mon–Fri 11 am–10 pm, Sat–Sun 5–10 pm. 979 Hwy. 98, #5, Destin. (850) 460-7353. $$ L D
This Mexican restaurant serves fresh Baja- style Mexican food, including tacos, burritos, quesadillas and more. 201-B Miracle Strip Pkwy, Fort Walton Beach. (850) 226-8016. $ L D
MCGUIRE’S IRISH PUB ★
PIZZA BY THE SEA ★
CANTINA LAREDO ★
Burgers and pub grub and the famous 18-cent Senate Bean Soup. Open daily 11 am–2 am. 33 Hwy. 98, Destin (Also in Pensacola). (850) 650-0000. $$ L D
ITALIAN/PIZZA AMICI 30A
Offering authentic Italian cuisine with a flair for celebration. Open daily 11 am– 11 pm. 12805 U.S. Hwy. 98 E., Suite R101, Inlet Beach. (850) 909-0555. $$$ L D Authentic homemade pizza pie and Italian dishes in a casual atmosphere. Lunch and dinner daily 11 am–9:30 pm. 4005 E. Hwy. 30A, Seagrove Beach. (850) 231-2500. $ B L D
Classic Italian. Wood-fired pizza, private dining, cooking school. Multiple award winner. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner Mon–Sat. 75 Eglin Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach. (850) 243-0707. $$ B L D
FAT CLEMENZA’S
A gourmet twist on Mexican favorites. Sun–Thurs 11 am–10 pm, Fri–Sat 11 am– 11 pm. 585 Grand Blvd., Miramar Beach. (850) 654-5649. $$ B L D
PAZZO ITALIANO
Latin-inspired Mexican cuisine. Mon–Thurs 11 am–10 pm, Fri–Sat 11 am–11 pm, Sun 1 am–9 pm. 2 Harbor Blvd., Destin. (850) 424-7417. $$ L D
Destin’s newest Italian restaurant offers authentic Italian cuisine such as wood-fired pizzas, pasta, calzones, salads, chef specialties and nightly specials. Mon–Thur 11 am–9 pm, Fri 11 am–10 pm, Sat 4–10 pm, Sun 4–9 pm. 34904 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Suite 114, Destin. (850) 974-5484.
CRAB ISLAND CANTINA
THE TACO BAR AT BUD & ALLEY’S
Baja fish tacos, homemade guacamole, burritos and top-shelf margaritas. Open daily from 11 am (in season). 2236 E. Country Rd. 30A, Seaside. (850) 231-4781. $$ L D
THE PIZZA BAR AT BUD & ALLEY’S
Artisan cheese, fresh salads, antipasto dishes, homemade soups, seasonal vegetables, hearty pastas and homemade wood-fired Neapolitan pizza. Open daily from 11 am. 2236 E. County Rd. 30A, Seaside. (850) 231-3113. $$ L D
TRATTORIA BORAGO
Pork tenderloin or pan-seared grouper from the open kitchen. Open daily from 6 pm. 80 E. Hwy. 30A, Grayton Beach. (850) 231-9167. $$ D
SEAFOOD THE BAY SOUTH WALTON ★
This family-friendly waterfront restaurant overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay features Gulf Coast cuisine, sushi, a 12-draft beer system, plus wine and crafted cocktails. Open daily 11 am–9:30 pm. 24215 Hwy. 331, Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 622-2291.$$ L D
BONEFISH GRILL ★
Fresh seafood in a casual atmosphere;
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BOSHAMPS SEAFOOD & OYSTER HOUSE ★
Gulf-to-table Southern cuisine. Open daily from 11 am. 414 Harbor Blvd., Destin. (850) 424-7406. $$ L D
BROTULA’S SEAFOOD HOUSE & STEAMER
Fresh steamed and boiled seafood dishes. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Sunday brunch. Destin Harbor, Destin. (850) 460-8900. $$$ B
BUD & ALLEY’S WATERFRONT RESTAURANT ★
Sea-to-table dining, serving fresh seafood, steak and vegetarian dishes. Open Mon–Fri 11:30 am. Roof bar open in summer
11:30 pm–2 am. 2236 E. Hwy. 30A, Seaside. (850) 231-5900. $$$ L D
CAPT. ANDERSON’S RESTAURANT
Since 1967, offering traditional seafood items, flavorful salads and soups with a view of the marina. Open Mon–Fri at 4:30 pm, Sat–Sun at 4 pm. 5551 N. Lagoon Dr., Panama City Beach. (850) 234-2225. $$$ D
DEWEY DESTIN’S HARBORSIDE ★
Award-winning seafood in a quaint house. Open daily 11 am–8 pm. 202 Harbor Blvd., Destin. (850) 837-7525. $$$ L D
DEWEY DESTIN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT & MARKET ★
Outdoor setting, fresh seafood. Open 11 am–8 pm. 9 Calhoun Ave., Destin. (850) 837-7575. $$ B L D
Thank You to all who voted. We are proud to win BEST SHRIMP SALAD
The original, award-winning wood-fired pizza and classical Italian cuisine
Lunch M–F 11–2 · Dinner M–Sat 5–9 · 850.650.5980 12273 US Hwy 98, Miramar Beach · fatclemenzas.com
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2008 - Best Italian 2009 - Best Pizza 2010 - Best Pizza & Best Chef 2011 - Best Pizza, Best Italian & Best Chef 2012 - Best Italian 2013 - Best Pizza & Best Walton County Restaurant 2014 - Best Pizza, Best Walton County Restaurant & Best Chef 2015 - Best Pizza 2016 - Best Pizza 2017 - Best Pizza & Best Chef 2018 - Best Pizza 2019- Best Restaurant in Walton County
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Classic Italian. Wood-fired pizza,
With an emphasis on fresh ingredients and a family-friendly environment, Pizza by the Sea offers handmade pizzas and other Italian favorites. Open daily 11 am–8 pm. Multiple locations. (850) 650-0015. $$ L D
$$ L D
ANGELINA’S PIZZA & PASTA
CLEMENZA’S UPTOWN ★
MIMMO’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO ★
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Easygoing pub providing Irish and American eats, a game room for kids and deck seating. 11 am–2 am. 2298 Scenic Hwy. 30A, Blue Mountain Beach. (850) 267-0101.
family bundles now available for carryout. 4447 Commons Drive E., Destin. (850) 650-3161. $$ L D
EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
(850) 687-2810 | jcsgourmet.com
FOOW RESTAURANT
Southern coastal cuisine with an Asian flair. Open daily 5:30–10 pm. Located in the WaterColor Inn, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 534-5050. $$$ D
JACKACUDA’S SEAFOOD & SUSHI
Locally inspired food and beverages in a beautiful waterfront setting, alongside a curated vinyl record collection. 284 Marler Ave., Fort Walton Beach. (850) 387-1300. $$ L D
JACKSON’S STEAKHOUSE ★
High-end steakhouse cuisine with fine wines. Local seafood is hand-selected and artistically prepared to perfection. Lunch Mon–Fri 1 am–2 pm, bruch Sat–Sun 11 am–2 pm, dinner Mon–Sun 5:30 pm–10 pm. 400 S. Palafox St., Pensacola. (850) 469-9898.
MARLIN GRILL ★
$$ L D
Seafood, steaks, salads and appetizers. Open nightly from 5 pm. The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Miramar Beach. (850) 351-1990. $$$ D
OLD BAY STEAMER ★
RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE
The perfect place for quality steamed seafood, outstanding steaks and incredible ribs. 102 Santa Rosa Blvd., Fort Walton Beach. (850) 664-2795. $$ D
Steak and seafood. New Orleans-inspired. Mon–Sat 5:30–10 pm, Sun 5:30– 9 pm. Silver Shells Resort, 1500 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin. (850) 337-5108. $$$ D
RUNAWAY ISLAND
SEAGAR’S PRIME STEAKS AND SEAFOOD ★
SHUNK GULLEY OYSTER BAR ★
This seafood and casual fare restaurant features classic coastal cuisine and genuine Southern hospitality plus live music daily inside the panoramic bar. Open daily 11 am– 9 pm. 1875 S. Hwy. 393, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 622-2733. $$ L D
STINKY’S FISH CAMP ★
This seafood and wine mainstay promises Gulf-fresh fare. 5960 W. County Road 30A, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 267-3053. $$ L D
STEAK & SEAFOOD BEACH WALK CAFE
Located at the Henderson Park Inn, this award-winning fine dining establishment features a range of favorites including grouper Vince, pepper-crusted yellowfin tuna and seafood pasta Rockefeller. Open daily 5:30–9 pm. 2700 Scenic Hwy. 98, Destin. (850) 650-7100. $$$ D
BIJOUX RESTAURANT & SPIRITS ★
Fine dining coastal cuisine with a New Orleans flair, Gulf seafood, prime steaks. Open daily 4–10 pm. The Market Shops, 9375 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W., #22, Miramar Beach. (850) 622-0760. $$$ D
CAFE THIRTY-A ★
Premium steak, fresh seafood and caviar. Open daily from 6 pm. Hilton Sandestin, 4000 S. Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach. (850) 622-1500. $$$ D
SLICK LIPS SEAFOOD & OYSTER HOUSE
Family-friendly seafood spot located in The Village of Baytowne Wharf — with the freshest local Gulf-caught seafood and 1855 certified Angus steaks. Sun– Thur 11 am–9 pm; Fri–Sat 11 am–10 pm. 140 Fisherman’s Cove, Miramar Beach. (850) 347-5060. $$ L D
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MEDITERRANEAN
Solving Financial Problems One Family at a Time! For a Complimentary Customized Financial Needs Analysis, Call Today! Shelly Leugers Destin, Florida Representing Primerica Life Insurance Company Executive Offices: Duluth, Georgia
(850) 293-6661 | primerica.com/sleugers
DELIVERY
from your favorites
Fast delivery of all the high-quality cuisine that 30A has to offer. Download their app on Google Play or the Apple Store, or visit 30agrub2go.com to get started. (850) 260-3139.
Residents and visitors can enjoy the food of 30A restaurants at their convenience.
DESTIN ICE SEAFOOD MARKET & DELI ★
3OA restaurants please reach out for information on partnering with us!
Fresh fish and seafood items, pastas, salads and side dishes, Buckhead meats, decadent desserts, wines, cheeses, spices and more. Open daily 8 am–7 pm. 663 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin. (850) 837-8333. $$ L D
Chill, we deliver !
JC'S GOURMET ★
A chilled mix of fresh shrimp, lime zest and vinegar-soaked cucumber, red onion and sweet pepper, this is shrimp cevichestyle. 4621 Highway 98 W, Santa Rosa Beach, 850-687-2810
Offering the best in steaks and Gulf fare, Café Thirty-A is also available for weddings and special gatherings. Open daily 5–9:30 pm. 3899 E. Scenic Hwy. 30A, Seagrove Beach. (850) 231-2166. $$$ D
KETO CREATIONS ★
CAPTAIN DAVE’S ON THE GULF
Find delicious lunch specials and brews at this gourmet specialty food store. 109 Seaside Central Square, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 231-1214. L
Inspired by traditional waterfront dining, Captain Dave’s features American seafood cuisine infused with
MIRAMAR BEACH 11225 US HWY 98 (850) 460-2728
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Seafood, sushi, salad and sandwiches. Open daily from 11 am. Sunday brunch at 10 am. 56 Harbor Blvd., HarborWalk Village, Destin. (850) 424-3507 and 36120 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin. (850) 360-2909.
Crab, oysters and grouper sandwiches in a casual beach bar and grill with steps onto the sand. Open daily at 11 am. 14521 Front Beach Rd., Panama City Beach. (850) 634-4884. $$ L D
SHALIMAR 1259 EGLIN PARKWAY (850) 613-6120
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A surf-and-turf restaurant. Breakfast, lunch and dinner and great sushi. Open daily 5 am–11 pm. 538 E. Hwy. 98, Destin. (850) 837-2506. $$ B L D
THE GULF – FORT WALTON BEACH ★
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“LIVE LONGER, EAT LIKE THE GREEKS”
a contemporary Gulf Coast twist. Wed– Mon 4 pm–close. 3796 Scenic Hwy. 98, Destin. (850) 837-2627. $$$ D
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Fresh seafood cuisine and Southern specialties in a setting overlooking Pensacola Bay and the Seville Harbor. Open daily from 11 am. 600 S. Barracks St., Pensacola. (850) 470-0003. $$ L D
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THE FISH HOUSE ★
Download our app at Apple and Android stores
Low-carb, ketogenic baked goods for the dieting sweet tooth. 114 Logan Lane, Suite 2, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 517-6379. $$
MODICA MARKET ★
Visit our comprehensive, searchable dining guide online at EmeraldCoastMagazine.com/Restaurants.
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postscript
BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO We struggle to say goodbye to random keys or National G’s BY RONALD LARSEN
rediscovered a high school yearbook from 1958, the class prior to mine. I look at it once every five years or so and wonder why I’m keeping it. How about manuals (and software) for old computer games that won’t run on my current computer? Why are they still here? I have a 2,230-page unabridged dictionary I bought cheap 20 years ago and a copy of Roget’s Thesaurus. Haven’t opened either one in years, because I can Google what I need, but they’re on the shelf. There are 10-year-old guidebooks from European trips plus partially read books I never got back to and books I’ve never read. Well, they don’t take up much space. How about you? Got any crap you keep although you don’t need it? Want to cut down on the clutter? Try the six-and-six test. It’s just two
questions. As you organize, pick up each item and ask yourself, “Have I used this in six months?” If the answer is “yes,” dust off the item. It can stay. If the answer to the first question is “no,” ask yourself, “Will I use this in six months?” If the answer is “yes,” it can stay. If the answer is “no,” get rid of it. No exceptions. Admittedly, this is severe, but it works. I used this technique once when I moved. It’s amazing how compact my pile of stuff became. Exceptions may be made for items of importance such as tax and legal documents and for drawings by grandkids because they are, well, precious. But guard against exception creep. I probably should do the six and six test again, but I’m not planning to move for a while and there still is a little space in the garage. EC
Ronald Larsen is a mostly retired marketing manager and technical writer/editor. He resides in Santa Rosa Beach and heads up the South Walton Writers Group.
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ILLUSTRATIONS BY OLGA_Z (HEART) AND ABSCENT84 (PILE OF STUFF) / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS
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rom our early years, we humans tend to accumulate stuff. Trinkets, toys, mementos, books and more. Keeping these items can make some sense. Some may have sentimental value. But how about things we might need someday; things we are going to repair someday; and things, such as keys, whose usefulness we are not sure of, but hate to toss just in case we might need them someday? Comedian George Carlin did a sketch in which he said, “Your house is just a place for your stuff. If you didn’t have so damn much stuff, you wouldn’t need a house. All your house is, is a pile of stuff with a cover on it.” Stuff stuffed into a drawer or a box or on a shelf somewhere becomes crap. Crap has many dictionary definitions including cheap or shoddy material, miscellaneous or disorganized items, clutter, etc. Mostly it’s stuff that once had some useful, monetary or sentimental value, but now generally has inertia or familiarity serving to keep it around. Mini-storage is a sizeable and growing business in this country. Everywhere, it seems, former discount stores or other big boxes have been subdivided into storage lockers of various sizes, which are rented to people who need a place to store their stuff. Therein lie countless thousands of old copies of National Geographic magazine. People pay a couple of hundred dollars a month or more to store things that they haven’t looked at for a while and won’t use for a while (if ever), but can’t seem to part with. It’s easier to pay the money than sort and dispose of useless stuff. Sound familiar? Stuff that has become crap tends to surface when you decide to do some serious sorting and cleaning of a purse, briefcase, bookshelf, top dresser drawer or garage. I recently went through my bookshelf for the first time in months — OK, years to be honest — and
Meet John. We are proud to welcome John Hodges to our Capital City Bank private banking team. With more than 10 years’ experience offering custom financial services, John strives to educate, empower and guide individuals and business owners in their personal financial management. Call John today: 850.553.0488
John Hodges Vice President Private Banker
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Driftwood Estates
Lot 4C Driftwood Point Road
Taylor Adkins tayloradkinssimpson@gmail.com
Offered at $3,290,000
Cell: (850) 333-2282
This one of a kind, custom built home is 4,088 square feet and features five bedrooms and five baths. The elegant new construction is situated on a private bayfront estate and will include many upgrades perfect for your family to enjoy! The private, front courtyard leads to the first floor featuring open living, dining and kitchen areas overlooking the breathtaking bay-waterfront scenery. The large kitchen boasts a large quartz island with many cabinet upgrades. The front of the house has a private guest bedroom over a three-car detached garage with full kitchen and laundry. This property is set to be completed by 2021.
Alys Beach
Office: (850) 267-0013
97 South Charles Street
John Martin
Offered at $4,890,000
john@johnmartin30a.com
This stunning Alys Beach home is designed by Domin Bock Architects and built by Galvas Construction. Located just steps away from the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll experience elevated private living with an open-air concept, courtyard with pool, and spacious outdoor living areas. The first floor boasts a large bedroom and full bath, simple yet beautiful kitchen with Thermador appliances, and a wet bar with a wine fridge and ice maker. The second floor has a spacious living area with another wet bar, wine fridge and access to balcony with Gulf views. The home is bordered by a charming pedestrian path providing a short walk to the new Private Owners Beach Club, which is soon to be built!
Cell: (850) 714-3731 Office: (850) 267-0013
Now with FIVE locations serving the Emerald Coast MIRAMAR BEACH 9375 Emerald Coast Parkway, Unit 18 | (850) 267-0050 SANTA ROSA BEACH 7684 W. County Highway 30A | (850) 267-0013 NICEVILLE 1073 E. John Sims Parkway Suite | (850) 729-0176 PENSACOLA 17 W. Cedar St. | (850) 434-2244 GULF BREEZE 836 Gulf Breeze Parkway | (850) 932-6278
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Commercial and Residential Real Estate Group
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