30 minute read
GREEN SCENE
GREEN SCENE
GETTING ROSEMARY OFF TO A GOOD START
Cuttings do well when properly nurtured
by LES HARRISON
Heat tolerant herbs such as rosemary can be used for culinary and ornamental purposes.
Starter plants are available at nurseries and other retail businesses. Select healthy, pest-free specimens.
New rosemary plants can also be started with cuttings. Those most likely to root are taken from new growth on the top of the plant or the outermost parts of older stems.
Each cutting should have several leaves or leaf buds on its upper end. Ideally, cuttings are about 4 inches in length. Place them in water immediately after removal from the parent plant to prevent wilting.
Plant the cuttings in a well-drained container filled with lightweight potting soil. The stem should be inserted far enough so that the cutting securely stands erect.
Homemade blends of starter soils containing equal parts of clean sand, peat moss and perlite can be used. The application of a rooting hormone approved for use on edible crops will add to the likelihood of success.
Containers holding rosemary cuttings should be placed in a shady spot with no direct sun exposure. When new leaves and stems emerge, it is time to move them into the garden or landscape.
Be sure the new plant is watered regularly until established. Rosemary does best in full sun exposure. It also is salt tolerant and does well in coastal areas.
Summertime Tips
Brown spots or dead patches in lawns may result from several causes. Insects, fungal disease and overwatering all can damage or kill turf grasses. Arrive at a solid diagnosis before beginning treatment to assure success.
It is time to prune azaleas and gardenias, so there will be no reduction of next year’s bloom. MidJuly is the cutoff point for pruning these spring bloomers.
Severe or radical pruning should be avoided, especially on hot days. Trimming and shaping will encourage the growth of new branches and leaves.
When the gap between rain events is too long during the warm summer days, supplemental watering of landscapes will be necessary. Be sure sprinklers cover the desired areas.
One watering of up to 1 inch is better than several light applications. The heavier watering will encourage deeper root growth and better drought tolerance, especially in sandy soils.
Use randomly placed containers, such as disposable cups or tuna cans to measure the amount of water reaching an area. Adjust the sprinklers so that a uniform and ample amount of water reaches all of the lawn and landscape.
Les Harrison is a retired University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Wakulla County extension director.
ARMYWORM Caterpillars are usually noticed for the first time in home landscapes in early summer. When they are small and causing little damage, they are easily overlooked or dismissed, but this can be a serious mistake.
CATERPILLARS Most caterpillars feed on a specific plant or a narrow range of plants. With few exceptions, they are not capable of stripping entire landscapes bare. Southern armyworm caterpillars, however, can create horticultural havoc. These nascent moths are attracted to a vast variety of plants in home landscapes, and they reproduce quickly. Eggs are laid in bunches, and they all hatch at about the same time. Unleashed on a lush environment, they immediately begin eating. These pests can go through four reproductive cycles during the warm season, with a generation replacing itself with hundreds of offspring. If caught in time, armyworms can be controlled with over-the-counter insecticides or by diligently picking them off plants. Birds will eat these caterpillars, but the caterpillars reproduce faster than the birds can consume them. Fortunately, the other caterpillars on the Emerald Coast area are far less destructive.
MEDICAL PROFILES
What is important to you and your family? If you say good health, you’re not alone. In this special section, Emerald Coast Magazine fills you in on dedicated health professionals, their practices and their plans for keeping you healthy. Here they discuss their specialized skills, backgrounds and how they can help you with your important health care decisions.
SMART SMILES ORTHODONTICS
Dr. Edwin Witcher, DMD, MS, Board Certified Orthodontist
WHAT SERVICES DOES YOUR PRACTICE PROVIDE? Smart Smiles Orthodontics provides orthodontic treatment for children and adults. This includes everything to make your smile straight, white and protected under the care of a well-trained orthodontist. We offer traditional braces, clear braces, gold braces, Invisalign®, Invisalign® Teen, and Invisalign® First to get that perfect smile. In addition, we offer whitening, customized retainers, and specialized mouth guards for those with braces who play sports.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO INTO THIS CAREER? Initially, I became interested in helping others by shadowing my father who practices emergency room medicine and staying up until the wee hours of the night talking to the paramedics. I soon realized that a more sustainable career would be one that allowed time with my family. I was able to see this work/life balance through my mother’s two brothers who are dentists. Becoming an orthodontist allowed me to place smiles on customers’ faces, work in a happy and positive environment, and provide a service that so many find as a confidence booster.
HOW HAS YOUR BUSINESS EXPANDED? While we see both adults and children, our business has expanded tremendously by working alongside a pediatric dental office, Kids’ Dentist Stu Bonnin and Rachel Witcher DMD, which allows our patients with braces to have their wires out and a cleaning without having to schedule multiple dental appointments and rushing to multiple offices. Orthodontic adjustments and a dental cleaning can be scheduled in a single visit.
HOW DO YOU ENSURE PATIENTS RECEIVE THE HIGHEST QUALITY OF CARE? Simple. We use the mantra, “What would I do in this situation for my son or daughter?” The answer then becomes very clear and easy to make. We also use the highest quality materials in addition to our brand-new facility and technology to provide patient-centered care.
HOW DO YOU MEASURE SUCCESS? We measure success by the number of endorphins released by each smile we finely tune. In essence, the amount of happier, more confident, less-stressed and smiling individuals we get the opportunity to impact, the better. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? The favorite part of my job is having the opportunity to become a positive role model to my patients and having the ability to instill confidence in others. It is super rewarding to start with a young child or adult who isn’t comfortable showing their teeth for photos and ending with a confident patient who is eager to show off their beautiful, sparkling white smile. It’s a great feeling as a provider to see a patient’s smile light up the room during their smile reveal appointments! We like to celebrate at our office!
Kids’ Dentist team members
KIDS’ DENTIST
Dr. Rachel Witcher
WHAT SERVICES DOES YOUR PRACTICE PROVIDE? Comprehensive dental treatment and oral care for babies, kids, teenagers and kids with special needs. Our emphasis is on prevention first. We offer white or silver crowns, fillings, space maintenance, extractions and more, providing care in a way your child/teenager will feel comfortable, including various pediatric sedation methods. In addition, we provide laser tongue and lip tie corrections (frenectomies) for infants and older children when indicated. My husband, Dr. Edwin Witcher, recently started Smart Smiles Orthodontics right next door, so now patients can receive braces and cleanings in the same location — less driving for busy parents is a win to me.
HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS? Reaching the fullest potential God has for my business and life. I want every child and family to feel like they were treated with kindness at every appointment. Success is storing up treasures in heaven and not on this earth because we sure can’t take them with us.
HOW DO YOU ENSURE PATIENTS RECEIVE THE HIGHEST QUALITY OF CARE? I treat every child like I would my own. As a mom, I realize how scary the unknown can be with treatment for your kids. I always assure them this is 100% the best treatment they can get and what I would do if it were my child.
Dr. Stu Bonnin
WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART? Our practice is focused on families and children. Helping children grow up to be responsible, respectful and resourceful teenagers and adults is one of our goals. Partnering with parents to rear healthy children is our passion.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO TRANSITION YOUR PENSACOLA PRACTICE TO DR. RACHEL? I’ve known Dr. Rachel for many years, from her time as an employee through her undergraduate education and then dental school, all the way to her residency and practice in Gainesville. We share the same conservative practice values/beliefs and I knew she would be the best fit; it was just a matter of time.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE THAT PEOPLE EXPERIENCE FROM VISITING YOUR PRACTICE? I sincerely hope that after experiencing a visit with us, a parent says, “I am glad that I brought my child to Dr. Bonnin and Dr. Rachel. I feel that things were explained to me, and they listened to me. I know that I can call either of them anytime for an emergency or if I have a question.”
Dermatology Specialists of Florida/Aqua Medical Spa’s new office will be located upstairs in this beautiful new building in Watersound Town Center, bordering the entrance to the Watersound Origins community along the U.S. Highway 98 corridor.
DERMATOLOGY SPECIALISTS
Dermatology Specialists Opening In Watersound Origins
DERMATOLOGISTS SPECIALIZE IN CONDITIONS THAT AFFECT THE SKIN, hair and nails. The team of experts at Dermatology Specialists of Florida goes beyond the surface with its concern for total patient wellness and happiness. While diagnostic work begins with an examination of the skin, it can also include an assessment of other issues that might be weighing on you.
Dr. Jon Ward, a board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and founder of Dermatology Specialists, earned his medical degree at the University of Florida and completed his residency at the University of Massachusetts. Along the way, he learned that treating the skin can improve the confidence, happiness and overall well-being of patients.
“What led to my interest in dermatology was the ability to directly see what I’m treating because when you’re dealing with matters of the skin, it’s something in front of you that you can touch and feel,” Ward said.
In 2006, Ward founded Dermatology Specialists of Florida which has since expanded to Dermatology Specialists of Florida, Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi. The business has 27 locations, 14 of them in Northwest Florida. The latest location, scheduled to open in August 2022, will be in the Watersound Origins town center.
Ward grew up in DeFuniak Springs and graduated from Walton High School. When he moved back to Walton County in 2020, he knew he wanted to open a dermatology clinic to serve eastern Walton County.
“Opening a location in Watersound was a natural fit because I am able to provide service to the county I grew up in and work where I live,” Ward said. “Providing exemplary care to my neighbors is something I take pride in.”
The new 5,000-square-foot office, located at 75 Origins Main St. (Suites 203 & 204) will include medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology as well as the physiciansupervised Aqua Medical Spa. Procedures and treatments offered at the Watersound Origins office include full skin care exams, diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer, treatment of chronic skin conditions and anti-aging procedures such as facials, chemical peels, laser treatments and cosmetic injectables like Botox and filler.
Dr. Ward has performed over 20,000 Mohs micrographic surgeries to treat skin cancer. In 2021 he passed the American Board of Dermatology’s Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery Subspeciality Certification Examination making him among the first in the nation to be double board-certified in dermatology and Mohs micrographic surgery.
Dermatology Specialists of Florida/Aqua Medical Spa is now accepting new patients at its Watersound Origins office. Patients can see Dr. Jon Ward or board-certified family nurse practitioner Angela Pearson. Complimentary skin care consultations will be available with the licensed aesthetician. Call or visit their website to schedule an appointment.
STUBBS ORTHODONTICS
Dr. Casi Stubbs
DR. CASI STUBBS is a hometown girl who always knew she wanted to open her own practice on the Emerald Coast. Her schooling took her throughout the state — beginning at Florida State University for a degree in chemistry, continuing at the University of Florida for dentistry before finishing her residency in orthodontics at Nova Southeastern University. Her love for her hometown is apparent as she encourages her patients to give back through incentives and prizes. This includes offering raffle tickets to patients, and her practice then matches those donations. As she has expanded her practice and enjoyed a plethora of referrals, she strives for growth and treats her patients with the utmost care. “When I’m with a patient, they are the only thing on my mind,” said Stubbs. “I want them to know how special they are and that we are making true connections. I treat every patient like a family member, and that’s what drives my treatment plans. I always go back to, ‘What would I do if this was my family?’”
4633 E. HIGHWAY 20, NICEVILLE | 11394 U.S. 98, MIRAMAR BEACH | (850) 678-8338 | STUBBSORTHO.COM
COOK FAMILY DENTISTRY
COOK FAMILY DENTISTRY IS A FAMILY PRACTICE IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE. Drs. Cassidy “Cass” and Stephanie Cook married in 2009, a year after graduating together from the University of Florida’s College of Dentistry. Wanting to live and raise a family on the Emerald Coast, they moved to the area in 2009 after Dr. Cass finished his residency, and the duo started Cook Family Dentistry in December of 2011. Now with three kids of their own, the Cooks know the value of a great family dental practice, and providing their patients with an outstanding dental experience is their most important job. The team at Cook Family Dentistry has over 40 years of combined dental experience, and they take pleasure in making a difference in the smiles and oral health of their patients. The entire team sincerely wishes that when you visit Cook Family Dentistry, you feel right at home.
WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE? At Cook Family Dentistry, we provide a wide range of dental services such as cleanings, cosmetic crowns and smile design, sleep medicine appliances and surgical implant placement and implant restorations. We also offer cosmetic services, like Six Month Smiles™ orthodontics, whitening, Botox and dermal fillers.
The practice provides the best care as our office uses state-of-the-art technologies in all of our procedures. These new technologies allow us to detect dental concerns at early stages of all severities, treat all dental issues with precision and provide stunning and customized restorations. When you visit our office, you can be confident that you are receiving the finest and most advanced dental care.
WHAT IS YOUR SPECIALTY, AND WHO ARE YOUR CLIENTS? My true passion and focus is in cosmetic, implant, sleep medicine and TMJ dentistry. This passion was sparked during my post-grad residency program in Seminole, Florida, with the University of Florida Advanced Education in General Dentistry. I completed a full year of the extensive Comprehensive Implant Residency Program with the esteemed Dr. Michael McCracken in Birmingham, Alabama. I am currently pursuing a multilevel continuum program at The Dawson Academy in St. Petersburg. The courses I study there focus on Occlusion, Occlusal Design, Sleep Medicine and TMJ dysfunction and stability.
Our clients are all people looking for comprehensive treatment of dental and facial needs. We tailor our treatment to the client’s desires and wishes with a touch of Southern down-home hospitality. Through our Compassionate Financing™, no one is turned away.
Drs. Cassidy and Stephanie Cook and family
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THIS PROFESSION? I’ve been practicing dentistry for 14 years, 12 of which have been in South Walton. As a second-generation dentist, I have gained knowledge not available to the average dentist due to being surrounded by ethical and skilled dentists, thanks to my father and friends.
HOW WOULD YOU BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PRACTICE’S PHILOSOPHY? “Fidelitas, Ventas, Integritas” — which translates Fidelity, Truth, Integrity. As a health professional, I hold my faithfulness and oath to my patients to the utmost. Truth is always what I seek for the patient, and I hold myself to a higher standard.
2441 HWY 98 W., SUITE 107, SANTA ROSA BEACH | (850) 622-2226 | COOKFAMILYDENTISTRY.COM
DR. MYRA REED
HOW WOULD YOU BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PRACTICE? My practice focuses on all aspects of health such as preventive care including detailed screenings, lifestyle management, weight loss management, hormone therapy, IV nutrient therapy and aesthetics. I have structured my practice to strengthen doctorpatient relationships, the way medicine used to be; we are true partners in wellness, longevity and health. By limiting my practice to a small number of patients, I’m now able to spend much more time with each member, to better understand their needs and to be available when they want a doctor they can trust — providing them peace of mind. Bottom line: Focus on the patient, not the system!
WHY DID YOU GET INTO THIS CAREER? My parents were both physicians in a small community, and I saw them providing personalized care to their patients, the way medicine used to be before insurance companies and large corporations began dictating patient care. After spending time in emergency and internal medicine, I saw how corporate medicine works and how it was rarely in favor of the patient’s overall health and well-being. I wanted to be able to provide patients with a personalized and customized experience. Where most doctors focus on a single health issue per visit, I’m able to invest the time to partner with my patients, understand their health goals and get to the root cause of their issues. This method also allows me to provide proactive and preventive care to get my patients healthy and keep them healthy.
WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART? My practice is based on a concierge membership model with a focus on Functional Medicine. The concierge model allows me to have fewer patients so I can spend quality, unhurried time with each member. This model ensures you are seen quickly and have access to care outside of office hours via telemedicine, email, call or text. Ultimately, this results in more comprehensive care. Each of my patients gets the VIP treatment provided by a warm, friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Being certified in Functional Medicine has allowed me to specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions of the gut and autoimmune systems as well as fatigue that conventional medicine mostly overlooks. I have extensive training and experience in diagnosing and treating conditions related to mold exposure and Lyme disease, as well as natural methods of reversing dementia.
HOW DO YOU ENSURE PATIENTS RECEIVE THE HIGHEST QUALITY OF CARE? Functional Medicine is the future of medicine! It is a 21st-century, cuttingedge approach to health care where most physician groups are still stuck in 20th-century medical practice heavily persuaded by the pharmaceutical industry. I have been certified in Functional Medicine since 2017, and I am constantly continuing my training and staying on the cutting edge of research to ensure optimal health and happiness practices for my patients.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? I love helping people who are frustrated with the health care system and finally giving them the care they deserve. I am most satisfied when I take a patient that has seen multiple doctors with no luck, diagnose the root cause of their issues, implement a holistic-based treatment plan, and see them getting better right before my eyes. These success stories are why I do this! You can have all the wealth in the world, but if you don’t have health, what good is it?
1814 THOMAS DRIVE, PANAMA CITY BEACH | (850) 249-5000 | DRMYRAREED.COM
COASTAL SKIN SURGERY & DERMATOLOGY
Zac Carter MD, FAAD
WHAT SERVICES DOES YOUR PRACTICE PROVIDE? General, cosmetic and surgical dermatology. My specific focus is on skin cancer diagnosis and treatment, given my training in both Mohs Micrographic Surgery and reconstructive surgery.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO INTO THIS CAREER? I was drawn to dermatology because I saw how devastating skin conditions can be, and I wanted to be able to help people through that, whether that be with skin tumor removal, reconstructive practices or barely noticeable scars from surgery. I completed medical school at the University of Texas, interned at Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News, Virginia, and completed my residency in Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology at the University of Cincinnati.
HOW DO YOU ENSURE PATIENTS RECEIVE THE BEST CARE? In this industry, qualifications are very important. I am fellowship trained and board certified, and it’s not common to obtain both. I came to the Emerald Coast to contribute additional training and expertise to the already highly trained staff. We ensure that we are continually educated and stay on the cutting edge by incorporating new advancements. We are always accepting new patients and offering the latest cosmetic procedures.
HOW DO YOU MEASURE SUCCESS? By centering my focus on patients receiving an accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment and being satisfied with the outcome. The most rewarding part is having patients return for follow-ups expressing gratitude.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE PEOPLE EXPERIENCE WHEN VISITING YOUR PRACTICE? A pleasant interaction with every member of the staff and coming away satisfied that they were provided the ultimate level of medical care available in the region.
Miramar Beach 12469 Emerald Coast Parkway (850) 654-3376 Fort Walton Beach 912 Mar Walt Drive (850) 314-7546 Niceville 4400 Hwy. 20 E, Suite 410 (850) 897-4900 Panama City Beach 12139 Panama City Beach Parkway (850) 500-3376
COASTALSKINSURGERY.COM
EYE CENTER SOUTH
Dr. Bansagi Dr. Leoncavallo Dr. Henkel
Dr. Fortin Dr. Ludwig Dr. Bryant THE DOCTORS AT EYE CENTER SOUTH, an ophthalmology practice specializing in surgical eye care, focus on the latest technologies and treatment options to keep patients’ eyes in optimal health.
The physician staff of Eye Center South is committed to ensuring that patients are listened to, provided ample feedback, given a diagnosis and a treatment plan and are made comfortable leading up to, during and after any procedure.
Our talented team of board-certified surgeons provide cataract surgery, Lasik surgery, glaucoma surgery, oculofacial plastic surgery, cosmetic surgery, adult and pediatric Strabismus surgery as well as management of chronic eye conditions.
In Destin, Eye Center South’s medical practice is located conveniently across the street from the surgery center where all outpatient procedures are performed. Many patients are referred to them by optometrists in the region. Eye Center South values its relationships with its referring doctors and joins with them in encouraging everyone to have annual comprehensive eye exams.
Eye Center South is known for pursuing progressive treatments that incorporate the latest in technology, treatment and prescriptions, all while being safe and effective. Eye Center South has been voted the Best in Destin Vision Care Practice from VIP Destin Magazine the last four years in a row.
151 REGIONS WAY, BUILDING 1, DESTIN | (850) 650-6550 | EYECENTERSOUTH.NET
EMERALD COAST COMPOUNDING PHARMACY
Regina K. Jaquess, Pharm. D.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND. I received my doctorate in pharmacy from the University of Louisiana at Monroe in 2009. I have received post-graduate training in pharmaceutical compounding, which is my passion. I am a member of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and a member of Professional Compounding Center of America (PCCA).
WHAT IS YOUR BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY? When it comes to patient health care, I believe there should be a connection between patient, physician and pharmacist. At Emerald Coast Compounding Pharmacy (ECCP), we strive to develop a comprehensive plan to improve each patient’s overall health and quality of life. Our connection with our clients has earned us for the past five years (2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016) the “Best of the Emerald Coast” award for “Best Pharmacy.”
WHAT SERVICES DOES YOUR COMPANY OFFER? At ECCP we formulate your prescriptions to meet your individual needs. Our facility addresses a range of medical concerns including: anti-aging, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, dental, dermatology, gastroenterology, infertility, pain management, pediatric, podiatry, sports medicine and veterinary.
WHAT ABOUT YOUR INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF WORK? I am currently a USA Water Ski team member, 10 time World Champion and 13 time World Record Holder in both Slalom and Overall. I am also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), West Florida Chapter.
1719 S. CO HWY 393, SANTA ROSA BEACH | (850) 622-5800 | ECCPHARMACY.COM
PROMOTION calendar For more events in the EC, visit EmeraldCoastMagazine.com and 850tix.com. compiled by JAVIS OGDEN, REBECCA PADGETT FRETT and ZANDRA WOLFGRAM JUN/JUL 2022
JUNE 22–26 Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic
↓Located at the South’s No. 1-ranked resort destination, the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin coincides with the peak of the Gulf Coast’s blue marlin season. Last year, team High Cotton boasted the winning marlin with a 681-pound marlin and over $394,000 in prize earnings.
Visit FishECBC.com for registration and tournament details.
JUNE 2, 9, 16, 23
MKAF Concerts in the Village
→ Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) continues its summer Concerts in the Village series on Thursday evenings. Tickets are available for purchase at the gate, which opens at 6 p.m. Concerts begin at 7 p.m. for this come-as-you-are, family-friendly outdoor series. Attendees have the opportunity to purchase dinner and drinks on-site and enter a raffle to win prize packages during intermission. Event proceeds help fund the foundation’s community outreach programs.
JULY 9 BLUE ANGELS AIR SHOW
→ Since 1946, the Blue Angels have showcased the excitement, precision and power of naval aviation. This year, the Navy will celebrate the F/A-19 Super Hornet, the C-130J Super Hercules and the centennial of the U.S. naval aircraft carrier.
PEPSI GULF COAST JAM
JUNE 2–5
Get your jam on with the biggest names in country music including Florida Georgia Line, Brooks & Dunn, Old Dominion, Brett Young and many more. Celebrating 10 years, this figures to be biggest and best music festival Panama City Beach has seen.
gulfcoastjam.com
FIESTA OF FIVE FLAGS
JUNE 3–4
Join in a celebration featuring beads, bands and floats at the annual Grand Fiesta Parade. High school marching bands and elaborately decorated floats will parade through the streets of downtown Pensacola, and beads will be everywhere. The fiesta boat parade will take place on the morning of June 4 on Pensacola Bay.
fiestapensacola.org/events
BRIT FLOYD – WORLD TOUR
JUNE 3
Brit Floyd, “The World’s Greatest Pink Floyd Show,” returns to the stage in 2022 to perform its brand-new production, including highlights from The Wall, The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals and The Division Bell.
pensacolasaenger.com/ events/brit-floyd-worldtour-2022
BANDS ON THE BEACH
JUNE 7–JULY 26
Bring your beach chairs and beach blankets, and spend time under the stars listening to the tunes of local bands. Gulfside Pavilion makes every summer Tuesday worth celebrating.
visitpensacola.com
FLORA-BAMA FISHING RODEO
JUNE 10–12
The Flora-Bama fishing rodeo will feature categories that range from catfish to billfish with a weekend fishing tournament that encourages family fun. The tournament will be accompanied by a three-day beach party with daily weigh-ins, live music, vendors and more.
florabama.com/fishingrodeo
A CHORUS LINE
JUNE 10–26
This stunning concept musical captures the spirit and tension of a Broadway chorus audition. Exploring the inner lives and bittersweet ambitions of professional Broadway performers, the show features one powerhouse number after another.
pensacolalittletheatre.com
51ST ANNUAL BILL HARGREAVES FISHING RODEO
JUNE 16–19
This Pensacola fishing competition was started by its namesake, Bill Hargreaves. Fishing begins on Friday and continues until the final weigh-in on Saturday. Prizes are distributed after a mouth-watering fish fry on Sunday. There will be door prizes, a silent auction and fun for anglers of all ages.
billhargreavesfishingrodeo.com
2022 BUD LIGHT FISHING RODEO
JUNE 17–20
Cash prizes await the anglers who weigh in the top three fish in 21 different categories. Prizes will also be awarded to the boat that brings in the biggest mackerel. The event features the Outcast Tackle and Marine Youth Rodeo and the Academy Sports and Outdoors Junior Rodeo.
pensacolasports.org/ pensacolafishingrodeo
ANJELAH JOHNSON-REYES
JUNE 24
Anjelah Johnson-Reyes became an internet sensation with her viral video, “Nail Salon,” which led to many stand-up, television and film opportunities. Now she is coming to the Saenger Theater stage.
pensacolasaenger.com/ events/anjelah-johnsonreyes
NORTHWEST FLORIDA BALLET’S BALLET UNDER THE STARS
JUNE 25
This unique production features international guest artists performing a mix of contemporary, neoclassical and classical pieces from guest choreographers and the NFB repertoire in a casual outdoor atmosphere.
nfballet.org/20212022season
RED, WHITE & BAYTOWNE
JULY 4
Enjoy fun in the sun during the day, and light up your night with fireworks. The Village of Baytowne Wharf will host an Independence Day celebration featuring live music, crafts, face painting, family activities and of course, fireworks!
baytownewharf.com
HARBORWALK 4TH OF JULY
JULY 4
Celebrate Independence Day with the sparkle and sizzle of an impressive fireworks display at HarborWalk Village. Live music, entertainment and food will be available throughout the evening.
emeraldgrande.com
REAL FUN FOURTH
JULY 4
Panama City Beach celebrates Independence Day with the largest display of fireworks on the Gulf Coast. For two nights, visitors and locals alike can witness the wonderful display from various locations along the water.
visitpanamacitybeach.com/ events/holiday-events/ realfunfourth
THROUGH JULY 28
THEATRE THURSDAYS
→ Feel like laughing? Come out to Grand Park in Grand Boulevard, bring a beach chair or blanket enjoy Emerald Coast Theatre Company’s adaptation of William Shakespeare’s dramatic comedy, The Tempest. Gather the family each Thursday at dusk in Grand Park. Come early for free kids crafts.
Get the details at GrandBoulevard.com/ category/events.
SAVE THE DATE OCT. 15
BEST OF THE EMERALD COAST
→ Celebrate the best the Emerald Coast has to offer at the 2022 Best of the Emerald Coast showcase honoring local businesses EMERALD COAST MAGAZINE’ S THE EMERALD COAST BEST of 2022 earning the coveted “Best” awards in our 23rd annual readers’ poll. Held throughout Grand Boulevard Town Center in Miramar Beach, this year’s event benefits the Junior League of the Emerald Coast. Come gather with us to support the best in food, fashion, entertainment and services that give the Emerald Coast its distinctive sense of place.
Visit EmeraldCoastMagazine.com/ Best-of-the-Emerald-Coast to purchase tickets online.
PROMOTION
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Details of listings can change at the last minute. Check websites to see if the listed events will occur as scheduled. HAVE AN EVENT YOU’D LIKE US TO CONSIDER?
Pitching In and Picking Up in Grayton Beach
With nearly 40% of its land preserved, South Walton has pristine landscapes that attract visitors from around the world. This natural beauty is also a huge source of pride for locals who spend their time relaxing on the sugarwhite sand here.
Keeping things tidy at the beach can sometimes be a labor of love. And one local high school student has made it her personal mission to help cut down the clutter while creating a culture of cleanliness in one of her happy places. Hannah Smith of South Walton High recently launched a new pilot beach basket program in Grayton Beach, with the goal of improving overall tidiness by empowering fellow beachgoers to clean by committee.
“I want to reduce the amount of litter in our water and on our beaches,” said Smith. “Overall, the main purpose of the program is to make for a
Hannah Smith of South Walton High recently launched a new pilot beach basket program in Grayton Beach, with the goal of improving overall tidiness by empowering fellow beachgoers to clean by committee.
cleaner community. This program is intended to get the community involved in keeping our beaches and oceans free of pollution.”
In mid-September, she installed six baskets near the trash receptacles at the end of the Grayton Beach public beach access boardwalk. Visitors are encouraged to grab one of these baskets and spend a little time using it to collect trash. When finished, they can dispose of any refuse in the nearby bins before returning the basket to the stand for someone else to use. Hopefully, seeing others making an effort will motivate people to contribute as well.
Smith has been monitoring the baskets to make sure they are all accounted for and in good shape. She also communicates regularly with lifeguards and beach vendors to get reports on how much the baskets are being used.
In addition to the general aesthetics of a cleaner beach, Smith noted that she was motivated to create a happier environment for some of the non-human visitors who frequent the beach.
“This project is important to our area because we are surrounded by beautiful beaches and have a responsibility to protect our wildlife by keeping their habitat free of litter,” she said.
Keeping the beaches clear of refuse is particularly important for sea turtles who come here to lay eggs and nest. Local initiatives aimed at protecting these turtles emphasize keeping the sand free of obstacles by flattening sandcastles and removing any nonnatural objects at the end of each day. This speaks to the overall mantra of “leave no trace.”
Smith was inspired to start her basket program after visiting Plastics Beach in Hawaii — rated as one of the dirtiest places in the world. The beach is known for being constantly awash in garbage from around the globe, more than 90% of which is plastic. Smith took what she saw to heart and decided to take preventative action at home.
Walton County Tourism Department’s Director of Beach Operations Brian Kellenberger said that he was happy to see a community member not only present such a wonderful idea, but also have a clearcut plan and step up to make it happen.
“It’s great to have young people in the community get involved with a meaningful project like this,” he said, adding that a lot of great ideas are submitted to county leadership, but Smith was one of the few people to offer to put in the work to execute it.
The baskets at Grayton Beach will be available until at least May 2022. At that time, the success of the program will be evaluated. Kellenberger said he’s curious to see how well the baskets hold up from months of use. If the program is successful, it might have a future at other regional beach accesses throughout the county. Visitors and locals alike will get the opportunity to feel even more of a sense of ownership when it comes to the beaches that bring them such joy.
Keeping the beaches clear of refuse is particularly important for sea turtles who come here to lay eggs and nest.
VISIT SOUTH WALTON
VisitSouthWalton.com
