Emerald Coast Magazine • June/July 2023

Their Turn

Specially abled women take the stage

Yacht Club Weathers the Storm

RESTORERS RESURRECT STORIED VESSEL CATERERS CUSTOMIZE BEACH PICNICS

RYAN MAYALL CREATES NEW REALITIES

YOUR VIEW, OUR PASSION.

E. F. San Juan’s renowned wood millwork creations are complemented by the highest quality windows and doors. Our craftsmen work seamlessly with the most trusted providers of impact-rated doors and windows, such as Loewen®, to create custom homes that masterfully combine security, beauty, and function.

Architect: Khoury & Vogt Architects

Builder: Hufham Farris Construction

Photo: Layne Lillie | Courtesy of Khoury & Vogt

Contents

FEATURES

54

SINKS LIKE A STONE

While sunk by storms four times in its 146-year history, the Governor Stone never stays down for long and is on its way back from a dunking delivered by Hurricane Michael in 2018. The schooner has played various roles in its lifetime, including service as a rum-running vessel. A nonprofit, The Friends of the Governor Stone, meets regularly to receive restoration updates and plan efforts to raise money for the restoration work currently underway at a former schoolyard in the St. Andrews neighborhood of Panama City. The project, which is painstaking and requires that original wood be retained, is slated for completion in 2025, and celebrations already are being planned.

by MIKE FENDER

60

A VENERABLE CLUB

The St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club has been a fixture in Panama City for 90 years. Generations of people have learned to swim and sail at the club, where the clubhouse has played host to countless weddings, receptions and other milestone events. Sailing is central to the club whose leader is known not as a president or chairman, but as the commodore. Among the clubs that make up the Gulf Yachting Association, the St. Andrews Bay Club was among the first to add a youth division to its Flying Scots regatta. Recent years have seen the arrival of a women’s sailing team and a growing number of young families who supplement its wealth of senior members.

by STEVE BORNHOFT

photography by MIKE FENDER

THE WAVE

21 CHAMPION Podcast host and branding guru Mia Bennett also dabbles in pageantry. She founded Princesses of Paradise, a pageant program with a purpose. It celebrates women and girls with special needs.

24 HISTORY Boy Scouts participating in a cleanup activity at Miraflores Park in Pensacola encountered an unsettling scene — an unmarked grave site. The City of Pensacola and the University of West Florida are working to uncover the site’s place in history.

PANACHE

29 FASHION Dermatologists warn that 50% of people may be under applying sunscreen in both amount and frequency. Before heading outdoors, protect your skin with high SPFfactor lotions, clothing and accessories.

32 WHAT’S IN STORE

Destin Commons opens a new food hall; Sandestin celebrates its 50-year anniversary with a signature ale; Seaside retailers are stocked up; and a Grayton Beach photographer opens a boutique.

GASTRO & GUSTO

37 DINING OUT No picnic basket? No time to pack one? No problem!

Catering companies are not only supplying food, but are setting the scene for elegant beach picnics with cushions, candles and even pagodas.

40 LIBATIONS Rum is often associated with pirates, but hot chocolate was actually the favorite drink of buccaneers. From Captain Grog to Captain Morgan, rum has a long history on the Emerald Coast and beyond.

EXPRESSION

47 ART Ryan Mayall discovers limitless opportunities within his imagination. Selecting one, he begins to create an alternative reality. The poet turned painter is an abstractionist who incorporates bits of nature in his large-scale works.

50 MUSIC Elvis and Metallica represent different eras, and each resonates with a distinct group of people. For music therapists Colleen Cox and Kayla Connick, music from every genre may be the tool needed to address mental health issues or recoveries from physical trauma.

ABODES

69 INTERIORS Maybe a walk-in closet isn’t just a closet. Interior designers are finding ways to convert them to “me spaces,” well suited to quiet contemplation or work that requires a little bit of privacy. COVID-19, it seems, fostered in people an appreciation for ways to get away from it all while confined to a household.

74 GREEN SCENE Trees in declining health pose a hazard in storms with strong winds, potentially damaging your home. An investment today could save you headaches and a call to the insurance company when the skies clear.

IN EVERY ISSUE

14 FROM THE ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

16 EDITOR'S LETTER

92 SOCIAL STUDIES

96 DINING GUIDE

98 POSTSCRIPT

EXTERIORS

A persistent homeowner succeeds in trapping the unwanted critter that was slowly turning his yard into a field of craters. Turns out it was a possum, ugly as sin, but seemingly with a theatrical bent.

ON THE COVER:

While a student at FSU Panama City, Mia Bennett established a nonprofit, Princesses of Paradise, with the intention of celebrating and raising the self-esteem of women and girls affected by conditions including Down Syndrome. As someone who once participated in pageants herself, she was aware of the exhilaration and validation that they can provide and wanted to extend that experience to people whose beauty is unconventional, but real.

PHOTO BY ANDREW WARDLOW PHOTOGRAPHY

EXPERIENCE

Upscale shopping, sophisticated dining options and South Walton’s premier events and entertainment await you Along the Boulevard.

SHOP

Altar’d State

Anthropologie

Arhaus

Arula

The Beaufort Bonnet Company

Billabong

Bluemercury

Faherty (Now Open)

Hemline

J.Ji l l

J.McLaughlin

johnnie-O

The Jewel

Hunter Douglas by McNeill Palm (Now Open)

Kendra Scott

KREWE

La Luna

Lilly Pulitzer

lululemon (Now Open)

Ophelia Swimwear

Orvis

Peter Millar

Pottery Barn

Pure Collective Salon (Now Open) Rose & Co

Seabags

Southern Tide

Stallworth (Now Open)

Sunset Shoes & Lifestyles

Vineyard Vines

Williams Sonoma

AMC CLASSIC Boulevard 10 Grand Fitness

Emerald Coast Theatre Company

Ohana Day School (Coming Soon)

DINE

Another Broken Egg Café

The Bistro

(Located in Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard)

Black Bear Bread Co.

BrickTop’s (Coming Soon)

Cantina Laredo Modern Mexican

The Craft Bar

Emeril’s Coastal

everkrisp

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

Grimaldi’s Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria

Kilwins

PF Chang’s China Bistro

Starbucks

Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar

Vin’tij Food & Wine

The Wine Bar

Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard

Hyatt Place Sandestin at Grand Boulevard

Residence Inn by Marriott

Sandestin at Grand Boulevard

#GrandBlvd

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Need

Pharmaceuticals Built for You

EMERALD COAST MAGAZINE

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER

BRIAN E. ROWLAND

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

MCKENZIE BURLEIGH

EDITORIAL

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Steve Bornhoft

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Emma Witmer

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Raemi Creteur

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Paige Aigret, Mike Fender, Les Harrison, Lis King, Rebecca Padgett Frett, Kimberly Russo

CREATIVE

VICE PRESIDENT / PRODUCTION AND TECHNOLOGY Daniel Vitter

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jennifer Ekrut

LEAD DESIGNER Saige Roberts

SENIOR PUBLICATION DESIGNERS Sarah Burger, Scott Schiller, Shruti Shah GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sierra Thomas

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Salar Abduaziz, Amber Woods Photography, Amber Yonker Photography, Andrew Wardlow Photography, Michael Booini, Lynn Crow, Jenna Kaye Photography, Lauren Newman Photography, Kurt Lischka, Micah Everett Photography, Mike Fender, Hannah Elise Photography, Hopkins + Home Photography, Modus Photo, Sean Murphy, Kay Phelan, STM Photography, Shelly Swanger, Emily Veal, Will Hepburn Photography

SALES, MARKETING AND EVENTS

SALES MANAGER, WESTERN DIVISION Rhonda Lynn Murray

SALES MANAGER, EASTERN DIVISION Lori Magee Yeaton

DIRECTOR OF NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, WESTERN DIVISION Dan Parker

DIRECTOR OF NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, EASTERN DIVISION Daniel Parisi

ADVERTISING SERVICES SPECIALIST Tracy Mulligan

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Julie Dorr

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ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Darla Harrison

MARKETING MANAGER Javis Ogden

SALES AND MARKETING WRITER Rebecca Padgett Frett

ADMINISTRATIVE & CUSTOMER SERVICE SPECIALIST Renee Johnson

OPERATIONS

CUSTOM PUBLISHING MANAGER Sara Goldfarb

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE/AD SERVICE COORDINATOR Sarah Coven

PRODUCTION EDITOR Paige Aigret

PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION SPECIALIST Melinda Lanigan

STAFF BOOKKEEPER Amber Dennard

DIGITAL SERVICES

DIGITAL EDITOR/MARKETING SPECIALIST Alix Black

EMERALD COAST MAGAZINE emeraldcoastmagazine.com facebook.com/emeraldcoast twitter.com/emeraldcoastmag instagram.com/emeraldcoastmag pinterest.com/emeraldcoastmag youtube.com/user/emeraldcoastmag

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DELIVERING GIFTS OF WORDS

Writers move listeners at open mic night

I have always been fascinated with stories and storytellers. Some of my earliest memories involve watching my mother write in her blue, leather-bound journals.

Over time, she filled dozens of volumes that she kept on a shelf above the stairs that led to our basement. Respectfully, I have never peeked in them.

I was thrilled recently to learn that my mom plans to write and publish a memoir. In that, she has surely been inspired by my Aunt Jayna, who did likewise.

Getting manuscripts in print is more possible today than ever before thanks to the availability of self-publishing platforms. Plus, writers of varying experience levels get help along the way by gathering in clubs and learning from one another.

A year ago, Kristy Holditch and Ali Diamond launched Emerald Coast Storytellers as a place where established and aspiring writers could make connections. I met them late last year, and they shared with me their own experiences as writers, including getting stuck and losing confidence from time to time. They impressed me with their mission to create a community that would provide writers with a source of mutual support.

Kristy and Ali host monthly writers’ workshops as well as open mic nights, where writers have the opportunity to read their work aloud in front of a live audience. I will never forget the first open mic night I attended.

When I arrived at Distillery 98, there were just two empty seats at the sold-out event. I claimed one, and a fashionably understated man, Justin Kim, took the other. He seemed a little nervous, and then I learned that he was about to make his debut as a reader.

As the event progressed, people including Nadine Johnstone took turns reading. I recognized her from yoga

class but had no idea she was a writer. Her tender short story, “Trampoline Savasana,” so strongly resonated with me that I wept with tears of joy. She beautifully described how she and her son jump on a trampoline and then lay down and breathe together. Nadine leads writers’ retreats for women. I have now attended one and highly recommend them.

Allison Wickey, an accomplished painter who is new to writing, was a first-time Distillery 98 reader. She told of uniting with someone with whom she shared a love of the natural world but later discovered differences that led the two souls to travel separate paths. Her story was a moving one of strength and vulnerability.

Readers shared many incredible and highly personal stories, both painful and joyous. Justin took them all in and then began to breathe heavily and fidget. His turn had come. I placed a hand on his knee and assured him he would do well. As he stood behind the mic, he managed to calm his nerves; as he began to speak, he did so with apparent confidence.

His story initially was like a selfdeprecating stand-up comedy routine that dealt with his awkward efforts to spend time with a woman he had feelings for. His audience laughed heartily until we realized that Justin’s story ultimately was not about the bunglings of a disappointed suitor, but instead was about someone who was very dear to him who had died. Here, then, was a story about the confluence of love and loss, an experience that countless people have had and one that Justin eloquently spoke to.

I regard everyone who shared stories at open mic night as a writer and true artist. Their words will stick with me forever, like those of my favorite authors, including Joan Didion and Ernest Hemingway. Bestselling author Meredith

Wild, writing coach Nadine and firsttimers Justin and Allison all presented listeners with an incredible gift of connection, compassion and inspiration. This is easily one of my favorite events on the Emerald Coast. If you have the desire to become a writer or just love hearing writers read their words, I encourage you to join in with the Emerald Coast Storytellers at a writers’ workshop or an open mic night. If there is an untaken seat next to me, it’s yours.

Much love,

MCKENZIE BURLEIGH, ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER mburleigh@rowlandpublishing.com

The associate publisher’s photos were taken at the beautiful Alys Beach — a place where mind, body and spirit delight in carefully curated amenities. With the finest culinary talents on the coast, shopping suitable for those with distinctive tastes, outdoor activities on an exclusive beachfront, miles of nature trails and a state-of-the-art wellness center, Alys Beach is a seaside town like none other.

WHEN YOU CLEAR YOUR MIND

Enjoy the benefits of a pause that refreshes

A few months ago, I met by chance

Uriah Matthews at the Florida Power & Light Economic Symposium held at Sandestin.

It was one of those meetings that felt intended somehow. Matthews, in January, started work as Walton County’s economic development director. We chatted for a time over lunch about topics, including the need for workforce housing, and we told one another that we would get together soon for a longer conversation.

That we did at the Perla Bakery Company, a short walk from Matthews’ office in DeFuniak Springs. There, I became familiar with Matthews’ background, and we talked at length about the forces at play as Walton County’s growth, long inevitable, accelerates.

Interesting cat, Matthews. Motivated by a desire for a boom box and a Beatles CD, he started working at age 9 mowing lawns and has never stopped working. Didn’t even pause to go to college. Didn’t like the debt equation, he said.

He graduated from the hospitality industry to IT work and from a software consultancy to the Walton County Economic Development Alliance. He has undertaken his new role at a time when Northwest Florida finds itself affected by multiple migrations, from around the country and from south of the border.

Matthews acknowledges concerns among Walton County residents on both sides of Choctawhatchee Bay about traffic congestion, preserving a sense of community and maintaining quality of life. But where others see problems, he sees conquerable challenges.

“New Orleans is below sea level,” Matthews said. “Communities are built on mountainsides. I don’t think there is anything unique about Walton County that makes it unable to solve its issues.”

For Matthews, the answer to challenges, often, is to “build more,” but rules and regulations get in the way.

“We have height and density limits in Walton County that prevent us from building up, so we build out, we sprawl,” said Matthews, who recalls with fondness the days when he made a short drive from a bayfront condo to his job at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. “People can’t live where they work, so they spend more unproductive hours on the road, and that contributes to traffic congestion.”

Matthews, of course, is in the development business at this point. He’s not in the business of holding the line. He’s no stranger to that axiom in business, “If you aren’t growing, you’re dying.”

Still, we should all be mindful of and protective of what makes the Emerald Coast so magnificently attractive. Zoning, height and density restrictions are intended as an answer to “How much is too much?” and when the answer to that question comes to surround and overwhelm a community, well, there’s no putting the bulldozers back in the garage. We should grow carefully.

It doesn’t much work to try to put one’s foot on both the gas and the brake, although some people try to do so by, say, ingesting a drug and going back to work. There really is no substitute for fully stopping and giving yourself the chance to regain perspective, take stock, make adjustments and restart.

I had a magnificent mentor at one time who, when he was about to offer a solution to a problem or propose a course of action, would say, “You know, Steve, when you clear your mind, it’s not really that difficult.” He would then unfailingly offer advice that would likely have occurred to me had I just slowed down.

Today’s dramatic pace of change is unprecedented. We get caught up in it. It doesn’t help that we all have grown a new appendage called a cell phone. The result is that the modern world has developed a collective case of ADHD. Baseball has taken steps to speed up the nation’s once pastoral pastime with the introduction of pitch clocks.

“Basking in the midday sun at a ballpark is medicine against the frenzy of the modern day — and provides an experience reflective of the arc of our own lives.”

Tom Gottlieb wrote that in The Guardian in 2015. So long ago.

Take a breather,

STEVE BORNHOFT, EXECUTIVE EDITOR sbornhoft@rowlandpublishing.com

PHOTO BY MICHAEL BOOINI / RPI FILE PHOTO

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

Grand Boulevard Happenings

Grand Boulevard has experienced exponential growth and popularity in recent years, leading to a proliferation of new places to shop and dine such as Pure Collective Salon, menswear retailer johnnie-O, and trending jewelry line Kendra Scott. “As the area becomes more known and popular, we continue to attract a mix of stores like no other shopping destination in the region,” said Stacey Brady, marketing and communications director at Grand Boulevard. Check

TRY ON TRENDY AND TIMELESS JEWELRY AT MCCASKILL & COMPANY EVENTS

Throughout the year, McCaskill & Company provides opportunities to explore and purchase the latest baubles, bangles and bling at their trunk shows and designer appearance events. McCaskill is widely known for carrying a vast inventory of fine jewelry and watches from premier designers. The trunk shows allow attendees to see the full breadth of each designer’s collection. Many of the trunk shows also include designer appearances, making it possible for attendees to meet the people behind the brands and learn about design processes. Learn more by visiting EmeraldCoastMagazine.com/ mccaskill-companys-2023-event-schedule.

THE COOL WAY TO FREE YOURSELF OF FAT CELLS

CoolSculpting Elite is a new enhancement of CoolSculpting, an FDA-cleared treatment used to eliminate stubborn fat in various areas. “A consultation is the perfect opportunity for clients to learn more about the CoolSculpting treatment process and get answers to their specific questions,” said Julianna Mahieu, aesthetician with Aqua Medical Spa. Find out more about CoolSculpting and what the team at Dermatology Specialists & Aqua Medical Spa can do for you by visiting EmeraldCoastMagazine.com/ the-cool-way-to-free-yourself-of-fat-cells.

receiving the Emerald Coast newsletter in your inbox but not sure how to sign up for it? We’ve got you covered right here: EmeraldCoastMagazine.com/connect-with-us.

Best of the EMERALD COAST

The Best of Emerald Coast event is transitioning to the Best of the Emerald Coast Winner’s Soiré, scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin in Miramar Beach. The public is invited to attend this intimate gathering of the best businesses in the region as voted by the readers of Emerald Coast Magazine. Attendees can expect an evening of entertainment, heavy hors d’oeuvres and, most importantly, celebrating this year’s winners.

Get your tickets by visiting EmeraldCoastMagazine.com/bestofec.

PLEASE NOTE: Winners will not be on display serving their products or services. This is not a festival event.

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Mia Bennett, founder of a nonprofit that celebrates women and girls with special needs, makes Olivia’s day.

PRINCESSES OF PARADISE

Mia Bennett believes everyone can shine by

RAEMI CRETEUR

Awoman dressed as a chef, adorned with a blue ribbon and carrying a rolling pin, took her turn in front of the crowd.

Despite being much older than the other Princesses of Paradise pageant entrants, she wore a youthful smile during the “Best of Me” portion of the competition. Her outfit recalled her successes at the Walton County Fair, where her blueberry muffins won first-place prizes three years in a row.

Princesses of Paradise conducts an annual pageant reserved for women and girls of all ages with special needs.

Mia Bennett founded Princesses of Paradise as a nonprofit organization, one that champions inclusive pageantry, combats harmful stigmas and provides an inclusive opportunity catered to the spirits of participants.

“This event,” Bennett said, “lets women and girls with any significant medical condition that can impact their selfesteem really showcase their beauty and be celebrated by a community of individuals that values them as the beautiful individuals they are.”

Bennett is a student at Florida State University Panama City pursuing a master’s degree in public and corporate communication. She earned a bachelor’s degree in recreation tourism and events. She has participated in pageants since she was a girl.

“I begged my mom to let me participate just to get a dress,” said Bennett, grinning at the memory. “I ended up winning it, along with my sister who won in a higher age division.”

As a 12-year-old pageant winner, Bennett, in a dress and tiara, rode in a convertible along a parade route.

“A little girl with Down syndrome came up to me and yanked my dress to tell me that she loved my crown,” she said, recalling an experience that would eventually lead her to establish Princesses of Paradise.

“She said she wished she could be a princess, too,” Bennett said. “I don’t think I understood the enormity of something like that.”

Bennett continued to compete in pageants. At 16, while preparing for an event, she thought back to her encounter with the girl at the parade.

“I realized that not everyone had the same support from their family that I did,” she said. “I was really lucky.”

Bennett looks like she could be a beauty influencer, but she does not see herself that way.

“I was the ugly duckling growing up,” she said. “I’m not a firm believer in conventional beauty standards.”

Bennett said that media and popular culture have established

↓ Allie, below, joined by an escort, participated in the casual wear competition at a Princesses of Paradise event. Mia Bennett, the pageant’s founder, believes all people are beautiful in their individuality. Opposite page: Jasmine was a winner in the “Best of Me” competition.

← Anna, reigning as Miss Saltwater, smiles from a stage she shared with Mia Bennett, who works to build self-esteem in women and girls with special needs.

ideals that are detrimental to young women who struggle to achieve them.

“I wanted to provide an outlet that celebrates beauty by saying, ‘You’re beautiful because you’re an individual,’ not ‘You’re beautiful because you check all these boxes that TikTok is telling you to check,’” Bennett said.

Princesses of Paradise employs themes intended to help girls and women celebrate themselves. All participants receive a crown, sash and flowers after walking the stage to their favorite song.

“It’s so much more than some girls getting a crown,” Bennett added. “It’s an attempt to change the way people view each other and humanize us again.”

Bennett customizes the experience of individual participants.

“I formulate a title for their sash, and they are the only person with

that title,” she explained. “It’s about boosting their self-confidence and showing them that, no matter their circumstances, they deserve to be told that they are beautiful. Not because of a beauty standard, but because no one else is like you on this planet.”

In addition to the beauty walk, optional competitions include casual wear, photogeneity and the Best of Me.

“Best of Me is another one of those aspects that’s designed to celebrate them,” Bennett said. “This allows them to create an outfit surrounding the best part of themselves or something that they think represents them. I’ve had girls dress up as cheerleaders; I’ve had a country rock star.”

And, there was the prizewinning muffin maker who proved that you are never too old to shine. EC

RESURRECTED HISTORY

UWF archeologists unite people with ancestors

by EMMA WITMER

For people disconnected from their legacies, abandoned old cemeteries can have continuing relevance and importance. But restoring connection is challenging. Descendants of the interred may have moved away from the communities where cemeteries are located. The last stewards of the burial grounds have likely passed on. And the dead do not speak.

Unless they are given a voice.

The University of West Florida Archaeology Institute has spent the last two decades researching, uncovering and maintaining early cemeteries and burial sites. Margo Stringfield, a research associate and the historic cemeteries specialist for the institute, has become something of a representative for long-ago Pensacola residents.

“We learn a lot in our cemeteries,” Stringfield said. “It gives a voice to people who, in many ways, have been marginalized through time. It brings us all to the table with a shared knowledge of who we are and where we came from.”

Recently, Stringfield and the UWF team have found themselves in the midst of a major discovery made in downtown Pensacola.

While participating in a 2021 clean-up activity, a group of Boy Scouts stumbled across skeletal remains beneath the 89-year-old historic Boy Scout building at Miraflores Park. Two bodies were found, but this was no crime scene.

An effort involving the City of Pensacola, UWF personnel and other experts revealed that the remains were likely those of a man and a woman who were in their late 30s or early 40s when they died. As the city began to sift through historical records, newspaper clippings and early maps, it became clear that the remains were likely much older than the building where they were found. And, there are almost surely more remains at the site.

In the late 19th century, a portion of Havana Square, now known as Miraflores Park, was home to a “Negro burial ground,” but information about who was buried there and the locations of the graves has been lost in time.

Technical researchers from UWF are taking the lead on surveying the scene with ground penetrating radar (GPR). While GPR cannot provide a perfect image of what lies beneath the surface, it may help identify additional burial sites in the park without the need for excavation or further disinterment.

Stringfield is one of 10 members of a community advisory group appointed by Mayor D.C. Reeves to not only analyze the research provided by

technical experts, but to engage with the community and help determine how the findings will be commemorated.

“These are ancestors of Pensacolians living here today, I’m sure,” Reeves said. “These are people. We want to handle that in the most transparent and respectful way possible.”

Stringfield’s background in researching, documenting and commemorating burial sites in and around Pensacola provides critical insight into the importance of what she refers to as “historic cemetery resources.”

Sites like that at Miraflores Park “give us a much better understanding of who people were, both as individuals as well as what their contributions were to the community they lived in,” Stringfield said. “In the case of African American cemeteries, it is often the case that what we know about them or what we can interpret about their lives stems from how their families chose to represent them in death.”

This is particularly true of AME Zion and Magnolia cemeteries. Through her involvement with a UWF grant project entitled “By These Hands: The Vernacular Markers of Pensacola’s Historic African American Cemeteries,” Stringfield

documented handmade tombstones found in post-Civil War cemeteries. Those artifacts display West African influences

carried to Pensacola by formerly enslaved men and women fleeing poor working conditions in other parts of the South.

“Often they are hand-inscribed,” Stringfield said. “You are looking at someone’s writing. You don’t often have that sense of intimacy, certainly not in more modern cemeteries, and you typically do not see that in Anglo cemeteries, either.”

The gravestone of Clora Stewart, a laundress born in 1869, features depictions of a woman dancing in swirling skirts made with items such as bottle openers and wood pieces used in typesetting operations. It is clear that whoever took the time and care to craft Stewart’s tombstone cared a great deal that she was remembered well.

Sadly, many Black Americans lost touch with their family members during the tumultuous post-Civil War era. Stringfield

hopes her work will help reconnect people with their family history. In at least one instance, it already has.

For years, Theodore Morrison Jr. unsuccessfully sought information about his great-grandmother Mariah McQueen, who died in 1911. Then he got a call. Researchers with the Florida Public Archeology Network and UWF had found McQueen’s headstone at Montgomery-John the Baptist Cemetery. Using archival documents and information from Ancestry.com, they were able to identify Morrison as her closest living relative. He drove down from Nashville almost immediately to see what the research team had found.

“It was very moving for everyone,” Stringfield said. “All of a sudden, here was someone who had been lost to her family for generations, and here she was. It brings people together in a way that is quite positive.” EC

← Boy Scout Building where human remains were found. ↑ Members of the staff at the Florida Public Archaeology Network become familiar with ground penetrating radar equipment during a training workshop.

of Grand Boulevard The Faces

Grand Boulevard is home to a mixture of locally owned and nationally known businesses. That blend attracts locals and visitors, and what keeps them coming back are the people who own and manage the businesses.

In the profiles below, we get to know three of the faces of Grand Boulevard businesses.

Adrianne Brackett, Owner of Pure Collective Salon

As soon as Adrianne Brackett determined that she needed to open a second salon to accommodate all of her customers, she knew Grand Boulevard would be the location. Over 17 years ago, Brackett opened her first salon, Pure & Couture, in Destin on the Emerald Coast Parkway. In May 2022, she opened Pure Collective Salon.

“We knew a large amount of our clientele were already shopping at and doing business in Grand Boulevard, so it was the right fit for us to expand and offer an even more elevated experience,” Brackett said.

Like her first salon, Pure Collective offers cuts, colors and extensions with additional aesthetic offerings including facials, massages and waxing. Both salons focus on continued education, so stylists can reach their full creative potential and offer the latest products and services to clients.

“We are a company that’s very involved with our clients which in turn means we are involved with our community,” Brackett said. “Grand Boulevard matches our passion for community, and I greatly value that.”

Three business owners talk about what makes the Town Center special

Cari DeGregorio, Owner of Rose & Co.

Cari DeGregorio has owned retail businesses throughout the Emerald Coast for 28 years, and she’s finally found a true sense of home at Grand Boulevard. She holds degrees in design and fine arts, and works in event design, florals and retail concepts.

DeGregorio dreamed of opening a European-style flower market and gift experience. In 2021, Grand Boulevard presented her with a prime location and ideal conditions to do so. Rose & Co. is a destination store. It is located near Publix, making it easy for customers to pop in for a gift or floral arrangement as part of their weekly routine.

“I’ve truly found the best landlords in Grand Boulevard,” DeGregorio said. “They are accommodating to my needs and are the biggest cheerleaders for my business.”

DeGregorio enjoys coming to work every day, building relationships with neighboring tenants and investing in her team. She is especially grateful for her customers.

“It’s deeply rewarding to share my happy place with others and to hear them say that my store has become their happy place, too,” she said.

Clint Viehman, Proprietor of Cantina Laredo

Clint Viehman has been with Grand Boulevard from the start. He has been with Cantina Laredo for the last 16 years, and prior he was with the Hard Rock Cafe in Orlando, Key West and Destin. He was intrigued by the idea of bringing a large, well-known Mexican restaurant chain based out of Texas to Florida.

Viehman, who had been working in Key West, sought a location for Cantina Laredo that would appeal to the established community mindset while attracting waves of new clientele. He felt Grand Boulevard was the ideal spot, and it turns out he was correct.

“It’s been energizing and exciting to watch Grand Boulevard grow significantly every year,” Viehman said. “The synergy is remarkable here because each tenant is just a call away when you’re in need. We refer customers to one another’s businesses, and we give back to our community. It truly is a town center.”

Cantina Laredo is known for its modern take on Mexican cuisine featuring fresh ingredients, house-made sauces and margaritas concocted with freshly squeezed limes. Viehman takes pride in providing consistently good food and service.

“We try to personalize every connection we make because it’s all about building relationships and lasting impressions in the service industry,” Viehman said.

Groundbreaking Care

Bringing groundbreaking care to the communities we serve is a part of our history. We were born from a legacy of putting people first through better access, experiences and outcomes. We continue to grow and invest in the health of our community to support our Mission of helping people throughout life’s journey.

Our new hospital campus opens in the fall 2023. It will be conveniently located at the corner of Brent Lane and I110 in Pensacola, Florida. Please visit our website to keep up with construction progress and to learn how we are transforming health care for generations to come.

transformingbaptist.org

Fashion trends may come and go, but healthy skin is always in vogue. Lathering yourself in sunscreen or wearing sun-protective clothing just might be the most fashion-forward thing you can do.

Outdoor activities are a key feature of life on the Emerald Coast, particularly in the summer months. As we make our way to beaches, boats and barbecues, our shorts get shorter and sleeves disappear, leaving us exposed to the sun’s harshest and most damaging rays.

“I know many of my patients live here for a reason, and a big reason is to enjoy being outdoors, going to the beach and playing golf,” said Dr. Nick Papajohn of Coastal Skin Surgery & Dermatology in Miramar Beach. “They can still enjoy these things, but they should protect themselves.”

Papajohn acknowledges that like wine and chocolate, the sun can be good for you in moderation. Natural vitamin D from sunlight helps to boost your mood, but in excess, sun exposure can cause burns, photoaging and skin cancer.

There are a variety of ways you can protect yourself. Avoiding the sun from its peak hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or finding cover under an umbrella or tent will reduce direct exposure, but if you plan on soaking up the sun, be sure to invest in a quality sunscreen and sun-protective clothing.

“Wearing sunscreen is the best step you can take for protecting your skin,” said Dr. Haley Lewis of Dermatology Specialists of Florida in Panama City Beach. “The issue is, on average, 50% of people don’t apply enough sunscreen or apply it properly.”

Lewis advises applying an ounce of sunscreen, which equates to about 1/8 cup, from head to toe at least every two hours. Look for sunscreens that are at least 30 SPF and water-resistant for the best protection.

Many doctors advise physical or mineral sunscreens because they are considered safer

↗ Dr. Haley Lewis, a Panama City Beach dermatologist, estimates that 50% of people don’t use sunscreens properly. Sun protective clothing provides a way around that problem. Dad in photo wears a Cabana Life sport zip top with a 50+ UPF factor.

for the skin and provide broad-spectrum protection. Broadspectrum sunscreens shield against both UVB rays, which cause skin cancer, and UVA rays, which result in wrinkles and photoaging.

Popular and effective sunscreen brands on the market right now include Neutrogena, La Roche Posey, Elta MD, Sun Bum, Super Goop and Blue Lizard, which can be used on babies 6 months old and older.

“Clothing is often better than sunscreen, as it provides consistent protection, and you do not have to worry about missed areas or reapplication,” said Papajohn.

The idea of clothing at the beach may bring back unpleasant childhood memories of an oversized T-shirt clinging to your body as you exit the pool or a long-sleeved shirt turning into your own personal sauna. Fortunately, sun-protective clothing has come a long way.

Any tight-woven, lightweight and loose-fitting clothing article provides an adequate amount of protection, but some

garments go the extra mile. Clothing marked with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) label is the best investment you can make in your Florida closet.

UPF indicates how much UV radiation, both UVB and UVA, a fabric allows to reach your skin. Sun-protective fabrics should contain at least UPF 30, but the optimal fabric is UPF 50, which blocks out 98% of the sun’s rays, reducing your risk almost completely.

Brands such as Coolibar, Solbari, Mott50, Cabana Life, Baleaf and Columbia specialize in UPF clothing that is both fashionable and functional. Many of these brands were conceptualized by dermatologists, outdoorsmen and skin cancer survivors who sought to make protective clothing more appealing to the masses.

Even popularized brands such as Lily Pulitzer and Vineyard Vines are introducing UPF pieces. A trip to any sporting goods store or even a Target can produce quality UPF duds.

Sun protection extends to accessory lovers, as well. Lewis advises grabbing a hat and sunglasses before venturing outdoors.

A baseball hat will protect the head, but wide-brim hats offer superior protection to areas often missed by sunscreen like the ears and neck. No matter if you prefer aviator, sport or cat-eye sunglasses, be sure to select shades with UV protection.

Anglers and boaters are especially susceptible to sun exposure reflecting off of the water. This has led to the popularity of sport-style masks that cover the face and neck. Unique and eye-catching patterns add a personal touch to your angling attire. EC

←↑ Clockwise from top left: Solbari wide-brim, hibiscus printed hat; Gabby oval sunglasses made from high-quality polycarbonate and offering 100% UV protection; Solbari long-sleeve swimsuit. A growing number of manufacturers are producing fashionable, functional sun-protection clothing.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SOLBARI, MOTT50 AND CABANA LIFE

WHAT’S IN STORE?

A roundup of retail happenings throughout the Emerald Coast

by REBECCA PADGETT FRETT

Modus Captured Clothing

➸ MODUS CAPTURED CLOTHING by photographer Chandler Williams is one of the newest stores in Grayton Beach and offers custom apparel and handmade, smallbatch products. Customers can choose from a wide range of styles and designs to create their own one-of-a-kind garments. Williams prints, stitches and hand sews each clothing piece. From custom hoodies to denim jackets to upcycled vintage adult and youth T-shirts, there’s something for any closet. The shop also offers gift items, including hand-forged Damascus steel knives and products from a men’s grooming line made with natural ingredients. While shopping, guests can enjoy nitro tea and nitro cold brew samples paired with artisan chocolates.

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

➸ To celebrate and commemorate 50 years, SANDESTIN is releasing new products to mark the special occasion. Perfect for year-round sipping whether at the beach or at the office with the beach on your mind, the SPECIAL EDITION SANDESTIN 50 REFILLABLE CUP is available at participating Sandestin retailers. Purchase a cup, and you’ll be eligible for a complimentary refill on all nonalcoholic beverages at select food and beverage businesses throughout 2023.

➸ Just in time for summer, Sandestin is releasing four speciality beers: SANDESTIN SUNNY DAY LAGER, SANDESTIN BLONDE

ALE, SANDESTIN SUNSET SOUR ALE and SANDESTIN PALE

ALE. Stop by and pop a tab at Marina Bar & Grill, Fat Tuesdays, Sandestin Beach Tiki’s, Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge, Baytowne, Burnt Pine, Links and The Raven Golf Clubs.

The 14,000-square-foot space features 10 restaurant concepts, a large indoor bar, high-definition TVs, plenty of seating options and two Top Golf Swing Suites with multi-sport games and Full Swing golf simulators. As a dining and nightlife destination, the food hall emphasizes worldwide cuisine options including:

PB&J BAKERY & CAFÉ nostalgic classics; NANBU TOO, Japanese with Southern flare; TUK TUK THAI, Thai street food; BIRDIE’S NOURISHED KITCHEN

BY CHEF KATIE DIXON

, healthy takes on Southern fare; MACHO TACO, Mexican-inspired soul food; POKE LOA, fresh poke bowls; PLUMA CHICKEN CO., fried chicken and accompaniments; LIKKLE JAMDUNG, Caribbean cuisine and ZAITOUN, traditional Middle Eastern dishes.

FROM HATS TO SHOES

SEASIDE’S POP-UP DISTRICT is booming with artisans and craft curators offering custom-made products.

RUSTLER HAT CO., a Nashville-based company, is arriving just in time for endless sunshine season. Pull up a seat at the hat bar, and customize your own straw or felt derby. LALA LINKS JEWELRY specializes in jewelry that can be customized with charms and stones. At TURKOISE, shop shoes, accessories, tableware and gifts, all made by hand in Turkey.

At Destin Commons, you no longer have to shop until you drop. Instead, you can refuel at the newly opened City Food Hall Destin and keep going.

In an idyllic verdant field atop a redcheckered blanket sits a family. Look closer to find soggy egg salad sandwiches, a parade of ants infiltrating the bag of chips and an absence of beverages, forgotten on the kitchen counter.

This is a scene from the past. The picnics of today have been upgraded. Picnic planning companies are invested in elevating a dining experience society yearns to love but can’t seem to get right.

Millennials revived the picnic with nostalgia for simpler times made sublime.

Picnics pair well with Instagram aesthetics, and picnic planning services are capitalizing on the trend.

Mariann Greene, owner of Pensacola Picnic Co., has noted an influx of business since 2020.

“I think people originally wanted COVID-friendly options in our perfect beach town,” said Greene. “Now people are wanting to purchase experiences

more than ever — valuing memories over possessions.”

Pensacola Picnic Co., Serenity Picnic Company in Destin and Fresco Picnic Co. in Santa Rosa Beach plan picnic services for all occasions. Included are intimate dinners for two, group picnics, bachelorette parties, baby showers, holiday celebrations, engagements and more.

Each company has their own offerings and inclusions, but each focuses on creating a customized experience that fits your occasion — whether a unique date night or group gathering.

“I created my business out of frustration with dining experiences that were expensive, lacked connection and weren’t memorable,” said Melissa Gross, owner of Serenity Picnic Company. “I wanted to give people dining experiences that are interesting, beautiful and really encourage engaging with one another.”

A blanket and a spread of cheeses will do, but a truly immersive experience should include a scenic setting, ideal weather, delicious food, chilled beverages, cozy seating and good company. Additional ambience enhancements include lighting, candles, florals, music, games, cushions and place settings complete with dishes, cups and cutlery.

Fortunately, the Emerald Coast lends itself to many beautiful vistas.

Tia Glenn, owner of Fresco Picnic Co., suggests a setup on any beach along the Gulf of Mexico, a park, poolside, at a private residence or on a rooftop.

Generally, Northwest Florida makes for ideal picnic weather year-round. Golden hour makes for the best temperatures and lighting. If you dine al fresco during cooler weather, be sure to have blankets or shawls available for guests.

Greene, Gross and Glenn agree that charcuterie is one of the most requested

↖

When working with picnic outfitters such as the Pensacola Picnic Co., customers may opt to select a theme or color scheme fit for an occasion and make special requests related to dietary needs or requirements.

food options. When selecting your picnic fare, they advised foods that don’t need to be heated and can be eaten at room temperature.

Pack a cooler with ice packs and prepackaged bag or jar foods, such as salads, charcuterie, sandwiches, chips, dips, fruits, vegetables, cookies and the like. Chilled wine, champagne, premixed cocktails, lemonade, tea, sparkling water and canned beverages are palate pleasers to add to the cooler. If you invest in a picnic planning service, many have catering options available.

Blankets or towels are the most common seating option, but cushions, pillows, blankets or camp chairs add to the comfort.

With the basic elements of a picnic established, it’s up to you to decide on additions.

For a romantic dinner for two, set out florals, candles, china and stemware to make their heart flutter. For a celebration with friends, select a theme and matching decorations. Don’t forget the lawn games.

Picnic planners help curate a picnic that aligns with your wants and needs, including setup and breakdown of rented decor, location selection, space styling, connections with other vendors and more.

“To be outdoors in a beautiful setting is not something we all get to do every day,

THE TASTE OF PASSION

Award-winning, local, family-owned, Pazzo Italiano restaurants are here to share with you their passion for fresh, high-quality and authentic Italian cuisine in a cosmopolitan yet family-friendly atmosphere in both of their locations in Destin and Santa Rosa Beach.

CATERING // TAKE-OUT // PRIVATE PARTIES CAKES FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS!

34904 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin (850) 974-5484 // pazzodestin.com

111 N. County Hwy 393, Suite 301 Santa Rosa Beach (850) 213-4581 // pazzodestin.com

so we handle all of the details that make this picnic turn into a special occasion just for you,” said Glenn.

Longer days and seemingly endless sunshine encourage dusting off picnic baskets, cleaning out coolers and setting sights for the perfect shady spot to celebrate summer. EC

← Pergola erected and dressed by the Serenity Picnic Co. in Destin shields an elegant presentation of food. Charcuterie is a popular option for picnics in that it can be served at room — or beach — temperature.

HURRICANE SEASON

Yo, ho, ho and a bottle of  rum

by RAEMI CRETEUR

After capturing a region that included Panama in 1670, Capt. Henry Morgan ordered his men to be on the lookout for a Spanish vessel approaching the coastline. Such a ship would be sure to contain treasure that would make the captain and his men rich beyond their wildest dreams.

Before the desired Spanish vessel arrived, however, a merchant ship docked, and the pirate crew swiftly captured it. Aboard, they found not riches, but a cargo of casks of rum.

The crew helped themselves to the sugarcane liquor, so much so that when a treasure-laden ship reached the harbor, Morgan’s crew members were so drunk that they failed to capture the Spanish ship.

Morgan, the owner of three sugar plantations in Jamaica, eventually was knighted and named the island’s governor. He lives on as the basis for the character on the labels of Capt. Morgan rum, which is popular along Emerald Coast beaches today.

“Rum and the beach go hand in hand like the white sand and emerald waters

of our Gulf Coast,” said Brian Rabon, founder of the 30A Distilling Company in Santa Rosa Beach. “Rum is usually enough to cause you to forget all your troubles and relax on the world’s most beautiful beaches.”

Rabon’s statement, while true for many, is a stark contrast to the first documented reference to rum made in 1651 by a visitor to Barbados.

“The chief fuddling they make in the island is rumbullion, alias Kill-Devil, and this is made of sugarcanes distilled — a

hot, hellish and terrible liquor,” wrote the visitor.

Robert Jacob is an expert on pirates and the author of A Pirate’s Life in the Golden Age of Piracy and Pirates of the Florida Coast: Truths, Legends, and Myths. He is a former member of the Blackbeard’s Crew that assembles at the annual Blackbeard Pirate Festival in Hampton, Virginia.

“Pirates really didn’t have any more association with rum than anyone else,” he laughed. “The pirates’ favorite drink was actually hot chocolate.”

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine and shake light and dark rum, lime and orange juices, passion fruit puree, simple syrup and grenadine. Strain into a hurricane glass over fresh ice. Garnish with an orange slice and cocktail cherry.

HURRICANE Makes 1 Cocktail

illustration by LINDSEY MASTERSON

Hot chocolate, well liked in Central and South America, quickly became a popular drink among Europeans, who often combined it with rum.

“Let me tell you a bit about grog,” Jacob said.

The Royal Navy, he explained, would struggle to keep crew members hydrated during long voyages during which water stored in wooden casks would become undrinkable.

“So they just drank rum, which left them drunk or more dehydrated,” Jacob said.

A Capt. Vernon mixed rum with water, brown sugar and lime juice. The mixture came to be known as grog after the captain, who was nicknamed Old Grog due to the grogram wool uniform he wore. Grogram was an inexpensive material not typically worn by someone of status. By wearing it, the captain endeared himself to his crew.

Sailors didn’t realize it at the time, but the lime helped prevent scurvy. The rum purified the water, and the brown sugar made the drink more palatable.

“His crew didn’t get sick, so within a few years the Royal Navy ordered all crews to consume grog every day,” Jacob said. “Grog went a long way toward preventing scurvy.”

Today, rum remains closely associated with coastal living.

Kelley’s Beach Liquors in Fort Walton Beach boasts 55 rum brands. Store manager Bryan Rust is especially excited about a new addition to the roster.

“Grander the Oaks 12-year single barrel from Panama is one of a kind,” Rust said. “It spends its last 11 months finishing in a used Blanton bourbon barrel.”

EDITOR’S NOTE

Hurricane season, which officially began June 1, runs through Nov. 30. We encourage people to heed directives from publicsafety authorities when storms threaten.

The Hurricane, a popular drink that often commands its own style of glass, combines light and dark rum. The drink is synonymous with regions where tropical storms are common and often figures in hurricane parties that arise in stormy weather. On at least one occasion, a hurricane sunk a ship full of rum off the coast of Florida.

“Divers recovered some of the bottles intact just a few years ago,” Jacob said. “They put them up for auction. A millionaire bought them and threw a big party. A friend attended and told me it was the strongest rum he ever had.” EC

Thomas J. Monigan contributed to this article.

Amavida

The Container Bar

The Chicken Shack

Daytrader Sandbar

Sandbar

Sipping and Savoring in SEASIDE ®

Town introduces five spots to try this summer

New to SEASIDE® are five dining and imbibing options that vacationers and locals alike would do well to place on their must-visit lists.

For 30 years, people have come off the beach at SEASIDE® to refuel and cool off at Pickle’s Burgers & Shakes. Now, as an extension of Pickle’s, Sandbar is offering handcrafted cocktails, wine, frozen drinks and ice-cold beer.

“Locals and guests can now enjoy the toes-in-the-sand, cocktail-in-hand beach bar experience that SEASIDE® has been missing,” said Courtney Fields, operating manager for The Dawson Group, which owns Pickle’s Sandbar and five additional SEASIDE® restaurants.

In less than a year, Sandbar went from concept to reality. It’s a place where kids can play in the sand while adults order drinks from the bar, watch a game on TV and add a cheeseburger from Pickle’s to a slice of paradise. Another watering hole and dining addition is Daytrader, a tropical tiki bar featuring a Polynesian-inspired menu. Chef Nikhil Abuvala and SEASIDE® president Micah Davis envisioned a dining concept that would cause people to chill.

“We are hoping to give people a chance to slow down from their busy lives and to truly savor beautiful, clean, fresh and delicious food along with an incredible handcrafted cocktail made with freshly squeezed juices and beautiful garnishes while soaking up the vibe of thoughtfully selected tropical-themed music set against the stunning backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico and its breathtaking sunsets,” Abuvala said.

Abuvala brought about some of the area’s most frequented dining spots, including the awardwinning Roux 30A and Nanbu Noodle Bar. He looks forward to taking your tastebuds on vacation and serving up libations in retro glassware.

Chef Jim Shirley has brought his love of Southern-style food, particularly fried chicken, to SEASIDE® with the addition of The Chicken Shack.

“Jim loves the opportunity to showcase Southern food culture in SEASIDE®, particularly as the geographic diversity of guests continues to grow every year, and some might not be as familiar with true Southern food,” said Madison Shirley of Jim Shirley Enterprises.

The Chicken Shack features a walk-up window where families can order buckets of fried chicken with options ranging from original fried chicken to tenders to tikka masala.

The Container Bar, affectionately known as C-Bar, shares a seating area with The Chicken Shack and menu items from Great Southern Cafe are also available. The bar is housed in an upcycled shipping container that accounts for its name. It features a walk-up window making it possible for people to enjoy a drink in the dining area or take it on a stroll through town.

SEASIDE’S® favorite coffee roaster, Amavida, has embarked on a new venture — doughnuts. Every Friday through Sunday, it serves up sweet treats and freshly brewed coffee from a can’t-miss-it bus on Airstream row. The menu features the “OG” glazed doughnut and rotating flavors in vegan and gluten-free options.

With an assortment of new options for sipping and supping, summer at SEASIDE® has become all the more delicious.

Restaurant Spotlight

Dewey Destin’s

The origin story of Destin, Florida, is one of whalers, hurricanes, capsized ships and a man with great tenacity.

The Destin family has long been synonymous with the sea. After working as whalers, Leonard Destin, his father and brother set sail in 1835 from New London, Connecticut, to Florida. A hurricane capsized two of the three ships. Leonard made his way to a North Florida Gulf-front town that he would establish as the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.

For six generations, the Destin family fished the Gulf before entering the restaurant business and opening the first Dewey Destin’s in 2001. Two more locations would follow.

The original location is a converted fishing dock with a fast-casual atmosphere. The Harborside location is a full-service, sit-down restaurant, and the Navarre restaurant is also a fast-casual spot with a full bar and craft cocktails! All three offer fresh, sustainable seafood.

“We don’t have extensive or complex recipes because we don’t need to,” said manager Parker Destin. “When you start with an exceptional seafood product, the reward is taste that speaks for itself.”

Five days a week, Dewey Destin, himself, is on the road throughout the Southeast, sourcing the best in seafood.

Menu favorites include fried and grilled shrimp, the combo platter featuring grilled mahi-mahi, shrimp and scallops and the smoked yellowfin tuna dip.

“My hope is to provide an authentic Florida experience, not a fabrication, but something created by a family who wants to preserve the essence of Florida that keeps disappearing,” Destin said. “I want to connect people with the richness this region has to offer, and a significant part of that is seafood.”

DEWEY DESTIN’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT (850) 837-7575 | DEWEY DESTIN’S HARBORSIDE RESTAURANT (850) 837-7525

NAVARRE LOCATION: DEWEY DESTIN’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT (850) 710-7070 | DESTINSEAFOOD.COM

ART

FINDING CALM IN CHAOS

Pensacola artist Ryan Mayall unleashes emotion on the canvas

by PAIGE AIGRET

JUN/JUL 2023

CREATIVE WORKS LAND ON PAGES, CANVASES AND STAGES

Artist Ryan Mayall savors a moment of quiet reflection in his at-home studio. Behind him is a work titled, Healing Is Not a Straight Line, created with acrylics, aerosols and an oil stick. Mayall said he undertakes a painting without a vision of an intended end result.

“The way this piece ended,” he said, “was perfect to me. As soon as I shot the last staple in the stretching process and began writing my message on the back, “Pink Moon” by Tash Sultana started playing and my words aligned with the song and mind.

“I’m going crazy, and all I can do is cry tears of joy,” Mayall wrote on the back.

For Pensacola abstract artist Ryan Mayall, everything in life is art.

Mayall found his first creative identity in poetry after experiencing a breakup in 2014. He was on a flight home when an unfamiliar sense struck him.

“I couldn’t form coherent thoughts within myself, like nothing made any sense,” Mayall said. “I was just completely irrational within my own mind.”

He was having a panic attack. As the concentrated stress and anxiety consumed him, something spoke out from within, compelling him to write. Heeding this prescription, he took to his notebook.

“That was my first experience of using creativity as an outlet for my emotions,” he said.

Mayall continued to write, crafting and self-publishing 18 copies of his collection entitled EartHeart.

In 2016, Mayall found himself called to a new creative realization when a visit to a friend’s house sparked inspiration.

“She had a canvas on her kitchen table, and she was just pouring paint on it, moving it around,” Mayall said. “And at one point, she looked at a section of the canvas and said, ‘Wow, it looks like an elephant.’”

Mayall described watching her work as an “aha moment,” adding, “With imagination, there is no limitation.”

That evening, he felt a sense of determination. Mayall took some acrylic paint from the craft store, stripped a massprint canvas from his wall and sacrificed it to the moment. Thick brush strokes covered the design with black pigment. Then, he poured various colors across the surface.

“(It was) just a total emotional release,” he said. “And then, I found myself crying.”

Three cathartic paintings later, Mayall had found a new outlet to explore.

“With painting, it is a universal language,” he said. “And I had this realization that through writing, I was limited to English.”

Mayall’s artistic language is instinctual, spontaneous and abstract. He appreciates that the interpretation of his work is left open to the observer.

“With abstraction, it’s an opportunity to give people a new reality,” he said.

Mayall started out experimenting with fluid painting, but he soon graduated into his own style through an accidental act of design born from an eager impatience.

In an attempt to quicken the drying process, Mayall pressed his wet, painted canvas against an unpainted canvas. He realized, when separating the two, that he was creating art through the impression alone. That moment moved him toward his signature monoprinting style.

Mayall’s paintings emphasize light and dark with primarily black and

white impressioned backgrounds. He incorporates theme and symbolism through design. Brushstrokes speak to movement through darkness. Minimalistic color calls to emotion. Gold circles are representative of spirit. Environmental elements mirror the human experience.

“I really like to add insects and snakeskin, found objects,” he said. “I’ve got some iridescent and reflective films that I really like to use. But one thing I like to touch on mostly is the butterflies.”

Mayall became fascinated with butterflies and moths, studying their

↗

Losing his identity was the inspiration, Ryan Mayall says, for his painting, It Took A While for You to Find Me. He recalls that “the moment I put paint to a canvas, I felt deeply that I was a tool. The artist of creation uses me and the work becomes a doorway to joy, grace and liberation. I enjoy working quickly through a vast field of perception and techniques.”

↑ Mayall regards his creative process for small works as a simple one. “I have two large canvases that have undergone hundreds of layers of doodles and black paint,” he explains. “When I'm ready to do a piece, I cover a section in black and dance with the brushstrokes. I find a flow in the brushstrokes as music guides the energy of movement. As soon as the path of linework feels right, a blank canvas or paper is pressed against the wet paint and takes an impression of the brushstrokes. Depending on the series of works, I go back and forth between layers and add found objects, butterflies or snake skin.”

colors and design, but he was especially intrigued by their lifespan.

“They’re just such a delicate and unique beauty,” Mayall said. “They seem to be very abundant. There’s so many of them, but with each one, they live a very short period of time.”

Preservation of existence translates to legacy. Mayall hopes that the legacy of his work will continue to have an impact long after he is gone.

“The paintings have always been chaotic, but there’s always been one message of, I guess you could say, hope,” Mayall said. “I hope it will be a moment of self-realization and peace for the viewer.”

Mayall currently works out of his home studio in Pensacola since separating from

Easy Going Gallery where he served as cofounder and art director. There, he sought to create a space for artists to rise through solo exhibitions. Ultimately, he left the gallery to pursue his own individual vision.

“In Pensacola, there were no galleries to be found that an artist could exist by themselves,” he said. “I love the power of community, but I also love the power of one person’s story.”

Mayall’s work has been featured in Fort Walton Beach at the Maxine Orange Gallery and can soon be found at interior design studios in Pensacola and 30A. He’s found success selling his work nationally and internationally to art collectors through his online platforms and website, RyanMayall.com. EC

TRANSLATING ART

In an attempt to describe his style, abstract artist Ryan Mayall returned to his first creative love, using poetry as a tool to communicate the general theme of his artistry.

The darkness can be uncomfortable

And when it is, we forget that we Have the ability to turn the light on.

The movements are meant to comfort you, Give you a sense of direction As you navigate through the dark spaces. The colors are levels of emotion. The circles are a reminder of wholeness In the ever-present holiness.

The gold is the common thread between all things, The androgynous expression unifies everything. A melting pot of light and darkness. I can hide in plain sight, But with the right angle, It presents itself.

Throughout this journey of observation, We are remembering to turn the light on to enlighten.

To open the doors that we closed.

— Ryan Mayall

MUSIC

COMPOSE YOURSELF

by RAEMI

Elvis Presley took the stage at Chicago’s International Amphitheater on March 29, 1957, in a gold lamé suit and proceeded to cause 13 girls to faint. One even fainted twice.

Elvis catalyzed a ravenous fanbase, tapping into the ways music strikes a chord with everyone.

As music therapists, Kayla Connick of Milton and Colleen Cox of Panama City use the vibrations of a guitar or beats of a drum to reach clients in ways that only music can.

Cox has been engaging clients since 1988. Her work, she said, involves “the use of music to reach a nonmusic objective.”

Anyone can engage with music on a physical level by swaying to a tune or tapping toes to a beat. These movements connect people with music, allowing them to feel more present and alive.

“It’s like a natural antidepressant,” Cox said. “When we laugh, smile and sing, we are stimulating our body neurologically to induce serotonin and dopamine.”

Connick and Cox develop individual treatment plans, employ flexible intervention options and continually analyze data to measure progress.

“Music therapy is for everyone because we all engage with music,” explained Connick, who serves patients in Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties. “We can all take part in it, but it is also highly individual. The music you like and the music I like might be totally different.”

Every generation may be identified by its songs, performers and musical moments. Baby boomers have The Beatles, Generation X has MTV and millennials have Beyoncé. Music therapists find the music that most effectively resonates with a client.

When the music starts, everything changes

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“In my groups, I will use songs that are from their youth,” said Connick of her process. “Right now, that usually means songs from the late 1940s to the early ’70s.”

Elderly patients, even those with dementia, often react to hearing songs they listened to in their younger years.

“Of course, as we age that will shift, which is funny to think about,” Connick said. “One day, I may be playing Metallica for patients.”

For individuals with developmental barriers, music therapy can offer a unique form of expression.

“Music therapy is a process that addresses your social, emotional, physical, cognitive and behavioral dimensions,” Cox said. “All aspects of the individual can benefit. It has the ability to broaden opportunities to engage with people.”

Cox shared her experience with a client who had been diagnosed with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. The focus for treatment was working on behavior.

“We started out in drumming,” Cox explained. “Every visit I would ask, ‘What do you like the most?’ With the piano, you don’t necessarily feel the vibrations — he wanted to try the guitar. The strumming and proximity of the instrument allowed him to have an immediate tactile response. I look for the most immediate reinforcer that will help the client.”

NEURAL CONNECTIONS

People often have misconceptions about counseling and mental health services.

“I’m used to advocating for music therapy as a form of care,” Cox said. “People say they don’t need therapy, that they don’t need help and can figure it out on their own. I try to educate people about how music helps us physically and helps our brains, how it’s all connected.”

Connick and Cox are well acquainted with the beneficial effects that music, singing and playing instruments have on neurological processes.

Processing music, rhythm and sound utilizes both sides of the brain, which can be of great benefit to patients with brain injuries.

“Music therapy was part of the treatment plan for Gabby Giffords, the former Arizona congresswoman who was shot in the head,” Connick explained. “She had to relearn how to speak. She couldn’t speak, but she could sing. She has played a wind instrument for years, so that experience was already in her brain.

“If I am working with someone who has lost his ability to speak, they can still sing most of the time.”

Treatment provided by a music therapist enhances mental and physical wellness. Music and rhythm are used as tools to assist clients requiring motor skills training or people who are learning how to walk again.

“At its base level,” Connick said, “music is already in our brains, whether we are musicians or not. Musicians may have larger areas of the brain that process sound and rhythm, but nonmusicians do, as well.”

FUTURE OF MUSIC THERAPY

Along with group sessions in memory care facilities, Connick hosts workshops as a way to provide community music therapy.

She is leading a therapeutic songwriting group in Pensacola in partnership with the Pensacola Songwriters Community.

“It meets at a brewery and is free to people of all ages,” Connick said. “We use songwriting as a therapy tool. We’re not teaching people how to write a hit song. It is about making connections with people and getting things out in the form of a song.”

Connick also conducts group and individual sessions virtually to make music therapy more accessible to more people.

Cox began serving the Northwest Florida community at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare and Emerald Coast Behavioral Hospital. She now serves the Bay County community in both private practice and working with VITAS Healthcare in hospice care.

A new therapist and Cox’s former intern, Elise Gandara, has moved into the Bay County area from Dothan, Alabama. Cox hopes to see greater acceptance of music therapy, locally and nationally.

“The field of music therapy has a long history in mental wellness,” Cox said. “I am board-certified, and we are seeing more national music therapy groups requiring a level of credentialing or licensure. I am hopeful for further integration of music therapy in health care — we may soon see more health insurance companies that pay for these services.”

Both Connick and Cox hold bachelor’s degrees in music therapy, a minimum requirement for board certification.

“People wonder, ‘What is the girl with the guitar doing here?’” Connick said. “Music therapy is not easy work, but I think anything worth doing is difficult. But I find joy every day in working with my clients. When the music starts, everything changes.” EC

Steve Bornhoft contributed reporting to this article.

“It’s like a natural antidepressant. When we laugh, smile and sing, we are stimulating our body neurologically to induce serotonin and dopamine.”

— Colleen Cox of Panama City

AGOOD HORSE

THE GOVERNOR STONE PROVES UNSINKABLE, AGAIN

story and photography by MIKE FENDER

KRISTIN ANDERSON IS CONVINCED THE GOVERNOR STONE HAS A SOUL. LOOKING TOWARD THE BATTERED SHELL OF THE 146-YEAR-OLD SAILING VESSEL, SHE TRIES HARD NOT TO CRY.

•

The 1877 schooner, a National Historic Landmark, sits in pieces at an idled school playground in the St. Andrews neighborhood of Panama City. A renovation project is underway to undo the damage done to the boat by Hurricane Michael.

Anderson, 79, is from Apalachicola and sailed the Governor Stone out of her hometown during the 1990s. Now, she is part of a volunteer group on a mission to save it.

When she headed for the bottom during Hurricane Michael, the Governor Stone went down for the fourth time. Storms in 1906, 1939 and 1956 sank the vessel and in 2018, she was ripped apart and overturned while docked at the St. Andrews Marina. It’s tempting to say she sinks like a Stone Anderson and the other members of The Friends of the Governor Stone, Inc., are overseeing a $1.5 million

Following a meeting of The Friends of the Governor Stone, Kristin Anderson of Apalachicola connects with the old sailing vessel. Anderson used to sail aboard the schooner, christened in 1877, when it was based in Franklin County in the 1990s.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant to bring the boat back one more time.

Restorers of the 63-foot vessel started work last May with hopes of putting her back in the water by fall of this year. Colleen Reilly, president of The Friends group, said that the completion date will be pushed back to 2024, maybe even 2025.

“We’ve taken apart a lot of the boat, and we’ve discovered additional damage,” she said, noting the need to replace the keel and stem.

All new work needs to be approved by FEMA, a slow process. The Friends group pays for materials and labor and then waits up to four months for reimbursement, another drag on the project.

“We desperately need additional funds,” Reilly said. The Friends group is seeking new members and corporate sponsors in hopes of raising about $50,000. Memberships cost $25 for individuals and $50 for families.

Built in Mississippi, the Governor Stone is named after John Marshall Stone, the first governor of Mississippi elected after the Civil War.

“She is the last working schooner on the Gulf Coast,” Reilly said. “She maintains her historical significance because it has original wood.” Original juniper, pine, white oak and cypress are being preserved in the restoration.

Beaming with pride like she is talking about a child, Reilly said sailing and working around the Governor Stone gets into your blood.

“Just to feel the wind in your hair, knowing she has been around for 146 years, is special,” she said. “She’s been an oyster buy-boat, she’s been the mail carrier for the Gulf, she’s been an off-load cargo vessel and my favorite, she was a rum runner.”

Reilly looks forward to the boat’s future.

“We are going to have a weeklong gala event featuring special sailings for the community and members culminating in a dinner and dance,” she said. “The launch plans are what keep us all going; we know how special getting her back on the water will be.”

Capt. Anderson Barnes with the Stone Loft Boat Shop, Inc., is in charge of the restoration project.

JUST TO FEEL THE WIND IN YOUR HAIR , KNOWING SHE HAS BEEN AROUND FOR 146 YEARS, IS SPECIAL. SHE’S BEEN AN OYSTER BUY-BOAT, SHE’S BEEN THE MAIL CARRIER FOR THE GULF, SHE’S BEEN AN OFF-LOAD CARGO VESSEL AND MY FAVORITE, SHE WAS A RUM RUNNER .

— COLLEEN REILLY, PRESIDENT OF THE FRIENDS GROUP OF THE GOVERNOR STONE ↑

Opposite page: Capt. Anderson Barnes offers an update on restoration work at a meeting of The Friends of the Governor Stone. Group president Colleen Reilly also addressed the membership. The schooner, in its 146-year history, has been employed in various pursuits, including rum running.

Above and right: A battered piece of wood from the Governor Stone bears the schooner’s name and hangs on the wall of the boat shop where restoration work is underway. Capt. Anderson Barnes uses a rubber mallet to remove damaged boards from the ship’s hull. ↖

↗ Capt. Anderson Barnes, above and on opposite page, engages in a process called lofting to draw lines of a boat at full size and depict the shapes and patterns needed for restoration work. His dog Fiji is a constant companion. Buckets contain nails and screws removed from the damaged vessel as the rebuilding of the boat, last sunk by Hurricane Michael in 2018, has proceeded.

THE THING ABOUT WORKING ON AN OLD WOODEN BOAT IS SO MANY HANDS HAVE TOUCHED IT. YOU ARE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER THAN YOURSELF WHEN YOU ARE DOING THIS. YOU CAN JUST FEEL IT.

— CAPT. ANDERSON BARNES WITH THE STONE LOFT BOAT SHOP, INC.

Sporting a scruffy beard, Barnes, 38, calls men “dudes” and comes off like he could just as easily be building surfboards. The crown of his baseball hat reads, “LOST.” He is the great, great-grandson of local legend Capt. Charles Anderson. You can find Barnes and his dog, Fiji, at the project site pretty much every day of the week.

To get native lumber to replace the keel, Barnes and other workers ventured into a swamp near Kinard, north of Wewahitchka, and dropped two 120-foot heart pine trees. One of the trees will be cut to form a 40-foot, 12-by-8-inch beam. Barnes and his team have pulled about 2,000 nails out of the old boat so far during the renovation.

To keep the vessel authentic and preserve its Historic Landmark status, Barnes will refrain from disassembling the boat completely and use as much of the original wood in the renovation as possible.

“It would be a lot easier to just build a new boat,” he admitted.

Barnes said his team has to be very careful and methodical in taking the boat apart and putting it back together. They label every part and document every step they take.

“The thing about working on an old wooden boat is so many hands have touched it,” Barnes said. “You are part of something bigger than yourself when you are doing this. You can just feel it.”

Barnes welcomes volunteers to help him work on the boat, even if you have never touched a boat or been on one. “We have things you can do to help.”

Anderson, 79, is poetic as she recalls what being on the boat feels like. She was part of the Apalachicola Maritime Institute and Museum, which had the boat for 11 years starting in 1991.

“She was so sweet,” Anderson said, thinking back to a favorite trip. “The clouds and sunshine were just perfect, and we had just the right amount of wind.

“She just heeled over a little bit, put her shoulder down and went to work like a good horse.” EC

YACHT CLUB HAS REBOUNDED FROM BIG BLOW

back to

full sail

Editor’s Note: Less than three weeks after I interviewed Neal Logue in connection with the story that follows, he died at age 30 on April 10, 2023, of complications arising from COVID-19. In my brief experience with him, I found him to be engaging, polite, a bit of a wild card and someone who didn’t take himself too seriously. Refreshing, really. He impressed me as someone who truly loved the water and the community of friends who comprise the St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club. In services conducted at the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel in Panama City, speakers remembered Neal as someone who, always big-hearted, was both incorrigible and irresistible in years before he matured to become caring, empathetic and solid. I extend my sympathies to all who miss him and find him irreplaceable.

STORY BY STEVE BORNHOFT \\ PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE FENDER

In much the same way that fire can reinvigorate a wood, a hurricane breathed new life into a 90-year old Panama City institution.

Category 5 Michael ransacked the St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club’s buildings, battered its fleet of sailboats and all but destroyed its harbor.

But in the years since 2018’s bad blow, membership at the rehabilitated club has grown rapidly, and the median age of a member has dropped by about 15 years, according to general manager Neal Logue.

Logue, who comes from a family that has been part of the club for generations — his grandfather was the club’s commodore in 1944–45 — said he welcomes the change away from a “blue-hair”

dominant demographic. Just 30 years old, Logue favors long-sleeve Dri-FIT T-shirts; it’s hard to picture him in an ascot.

“It’s healthy,” Logue said. “We have more of a family atmosphere. And it’s not just us. Clubs across the state are experiencing the same trend.”

The southerly migration prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the new prominence of jobs performed remotely have landed thousands of newcomers in Northwest Florida. Many of the new members of the club are new to the area.

The club, at this writing, has 415 active memberships, representing about 1,600 people in total, according to Logue, who said sailing activity is now more brisk than it was before Michael. As of March, youth sailing classes scheduled to begin in May had filled up.

↘ Sailing out of the St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club, Gaby and Nick Cumbie enjoy a leisurely sail aboard a Sailfish. Nick is the club’s director of sailing. Gaby is a hyperactive club volunteer and is the captain of its women’s sailing team.

Oldnewclub, blood.

The St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club, according to a history written by Warren Middlemas Jr., who served as commodore in 1994, was established in the middle of the Great Depression by a handful of prominent Panama City businessmen and civic leaders. Charter members included H.L. Sudduth, who developed the Cove neighborhood where the club is located and donated the land where the clubhouse stands.

In 1937, Asa G. Candler, son of the founder of the Coca-Cola Co., was named an honorary commodore. He owned a vacation home on Bunkers Cove Road and poured a lot of money into the club, including the donation of a Tiffany trophy, which is presented to the winner of the annual Candler Regatta, named in his honor.

Thirteen years prior to the formation of the St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club, representatives of clubs participating in the Lipton Challenge, a race between Pensacola and New Orleans, heard a proposal from Commodore Percy Benedict of the Southern Yacht Club in the latter city. According to recounts from Catherine Martin Cromartie in her history of the Gulf Yachting Association, Benedict suggested the formation of an organization of yacht clubs along the Gulf of Mexico to fill the void left by the demise of the Southern Gulf Coast Yachting Association, which struggled after a yellow fever epidemic tamped down sailing activity. The meeting in New Orleans resulted in the creation of the Gulf Yachting Association (GYA) of which the St. Andrews Bay Club has been a member for decades.

↑ Gaby and Nick Cumbie, top, are key players in the sailing programs at the St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club. Says Gaby, “Like 99% of women who get into the sport, I was introduced to sailing by a guy trying to show off and saying, ‘Hey, you want to go for a sail?’” Sailing vessels, lower photo, await their next turn on the water.

Growing up

on the Water

A SAILOR PROGRESSES FROM DINGHIES TO BOATS WITH CABINS

SPEND ENOUGH TIME ON THE WATER and something unforeseen and unfortunate is sure to happen, given the vagaries of wind, tides and currents and the fallibility of vessels that ride waves.

Warren Middlemas III — some friends call him Lumpy for reasons beyond the scope of this story — was participating as a sailor in a steeplechase race in Mississippi Sound on a night when winds freshened to 40 miles per hour and gusted to 50.

“We lost our mast in about 15 feet of water, and it stuck in the mud in the bottom,” Middlemas recalled. “The Coast Guard had to be called to pull us in. That was about as scared as I have ever been on a sailboat.”

There was the time, too, when Middlemas was aboard a 34-foot Ericson sailboat headed from Pensacola to Isla Mujeres in a 500-nautical mile, biennial race sponsored by the Gulf Yachting Association.

“We were about as far away from land as you can possibly get in the Gulf of Mexico, and one of the shrouds (a part that supports the mast) started

↑→ Warren Middlemas, above, at the St. Andrews Marina in Panama City. Snapshots: Middlemas and sailing partner Kim Davis, 1983; Middlemas’ father; his friend Robbie Barnes sails off the bow of a boat at Shell Island, 1985.

separating,” Middlemas said. “The wind was constant, and we had to swap a windward shroud and a leeward shroud. We made it and were able to replace the part when we got to Mexico.”

“Expect the unexpected” is a lesson learned early and often in sailing. Middlemas fairly grew up at the St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club where he learned to swim. He was about 13, he said, when his father bought him and his siblings a Sunfish that the children would sail from their home in the Cove neighborhood of Panama City the short distance to the Yacht Club. There, they would sail with other kids, sometimes on Hobie Cats.

At the club, an accomplished sailor and member, Jack Laird of the Laird Timber Co., would come to teach Middlemas “pretty much everything I know about sailing.” Laird was a national champion in Flying Scot racing, a type of one-design competition in which all boats are of the same length and hull.

When Middlemas got involved in competitive racing, he did so first in Flying Scot events. At the time, the St. Andrews Yacht Club annually hosted the Flying Scot Midwinter races, a weeklong event that drew sailors from around the country, some of whom camped out on the club’s lawn.

The relatively portable, three-person Flying Scot vessels succeeded Fish Class sailboats, which were larger and heavier and were pulled from the water only for maintenance.

By the time Middlemas’ children were growing up, the St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club had established its Junior Sailing program. His son and two daughters learned how to sail, first in Optimist dinghies that measure just over 7 feet in overall length and are described by Middlemas as “tubs with just one sail.”

Middlemas was a member of the Florida State University sailing team in 1983 and ’84 and competed against schools including Clemson, Georgia Tech, Tufts and the University of Virginia.

He remembers with fondness a collegiate race, the Wild Turkey Regatta, held on Lake Wauburg near Gainesville. FSU won the race and was presented with a bottle so big it had a handle on it.

“That was one of the highlights of my career,” said Middlemas, who intimated that the whiskey did not survive the awards ceremony.

“Sailing is physically demanding, and it is so gratifying to get on a course and compete against other people without a motor,” Middlemas said in describing sailing’s appeal. “It takes a lot of knowledge and skill. You have to anticipate what the wind is going to do, and you have to pay attention to the tides. There are lots of variables involved.”

Achieving mastery that way can require a big investment of time.

“But some people are born with it,” Middlemas said. “I consider Jack Laird to be someone it just came naturally to. It seemed like he knew what was going to happen before it ever did.”

For a long time, the GYA maintained the Flying Scot as its standard competition vessel, and the St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club hosted Flying Scot Midwinters regattas. That era has now passed with the adoption by the GYA of the 21-foot, highperformance Viper640 sailboat as the Flying Scot’s successor.

“We’re not sailing bathtubs anymore,” Logue said.

Gaby Cumbie started sailing competitively 12 years ago at age 20. Nick Cumbie, the director of sailing at the St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club and now her husband, got her started.

“Like 99% of women who get into the sport, I was introduced to sailing by a guy trying to show off and saying, ‘Hey, you want to go for a sail?’” Cumbie said. “We went on a Wednesday night cruise, and I loved it and started competitively sailing that weekend.”

For a time, she played a role aboard large 30- and 40-foot boats, then got into much smaller Melges24 and Wavelength24 vessels.

“If it’s a monohull, I’ve probably sailed it,” said Cumbie, who is a member of the St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club and the Lake Lanier Sailing Club in Georgia.

↑ Gaby and Nick Cumbie make a Viper640 ready for competition. High-performance Vipers have succeeded Flying Scots in regattas conducted by the Gulf Yachting Association.

Logue rates Cumbie as an uber club volunteer. She helps run sailing activities, keeps minutes for the Ladies Auxiliary and is the captain of the women’s sailing team.

“We rely heavily on our members, and they get the job done,” Logue said.

Indeed, the club generates the kind of camaraderie that leads people to undertake extraordinary measures on its behalf.

Nick Cumbie rented a truck and drove by himself to Seattle to pick up the club’s new Viper640, which, his wife said, is just 30 hulls old. On the return trip

with the boat in tow, Cumbie twice revised his planned route in efforts to avoid a snowstorm.

For his part, Logue went swimming in an effort to retrieve three boats that had been set free by the storm surge created by Tropical Storm Nestor a year after Michael came through.

The manager suspended his heroics when a past commodore, Jimmy Barr, arrived on scene in a boat of his own along with then Commodore Chris Cramer.

Various members made earmarked contributions to the club during the COVID-19 pandemic. With that money, the kitchen prepared meals for pickup by first responders and medical personnel.

At the same time, members were afforded an opportunity to buy meals for themselves and their households. Those meals were delivered via golf cart.

By Logue. EC

↑ Diners relax at the St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club’s clubhouse, top. Lower photos: Commodore Chris Cramer and the trophy awarded to winners of the Candler Regatta.

Abodes

Room of One’s Own

Everyone craves a little seclusion space

by LIS KING ↓

TRENDS FROM FLOOR TO CEILING, FRONT TO BACK

JUN/JUL 2023 ↖

Seclusion spaces may be found or created at various locations around a dwelling, says designer Cindy McCarley of Santa Rosa Beach. They may take the form of a “cozily cushioned window seat or a comfy chair in a corner somewhere. Add a small table and a good light, and you have a perfect place for settling in with a book.”

If COVID-19 lockdowns taught us anything, it’s the importance of a little privacy. We all need a dedicated space where we can go to enjoy some solo time.

Today, “me time” is among Pinterest’s latest big trend predictions, and an incredible 84.5 billion views on TikTok have made the reading corner a mega-trend worldwide.

Not all online trends translate well into real life, but both “me time” and the reading corner strike a chord among Emerald Coast homeowners. Designer Cindy McCarley of Santa Rosa Beach says that even when homeowners opt for open-concept floor plans, they still seek peaceful spaces away from the high-traffic areas of the house.

“We need quiet time for ourselves,” McCarley said. “It could be a cozily cushioned window seat or just a comfy chair in a corner somewhere, in a bedroom or even a hallway. Add a small table and a good light next to that chair, and you have the perfect place for settling in with a book. Or just meditating. In my own home, I have a ‘prayer chair’ in the guest room, and everyone in my family knows this is my me space.”

McCarley said me spaces don’t have to be confined to indoor locations.

“A porch swing or rocker is perfect,” she said. “Or even a lounge chair under a shade tree.”

Designer Liz Lapan, affectionately known as the “vice president of everything” at In Detail in Pensacola, believes that finding room for little moments is an important part of the design process.

→ Designer Liz Lapan of In Design in Pensacola finds that people need space for quiet and reflection.

“Some even need a dedicated office or creative space,” she says. It’s often possible to turn an overlooked or underutilized corner into such a refuge.

“We need spaces in our homes for quiet and reflection,” she said. “Some even need a dedicated office or creative space. This often means reallocating square footage that is really unnecessary in a room. We have done this with oversized master bedrooms, grand landings at the top of the stairs and open-floor gathering areas. Cheryl Kees Clendenon, our creative chief, has even carved out fun little nooks under staircases. There are limitless opportunities if you keep an open mind.”

In her own home, Lapan cherishes a small nook off her breakfast area. There, she has a small table and a banquette bench for writing and “homework.”

“It’s sunny and happy, and I love it,” she said. Clendenon, according to Lapan, uses a fun little undining room at home as her place to perch and work.

“It was a critical detail for her during COVID and when the bridge was out after Hurricane Sally. It proves how a change in circumstances can present welcome, new opportunities.”

Both McCarley and Lapan call the bathroom an inherent me space because there’s a door and a lock providing a sense of privacy. That’s absolutely the place to make a personal retreat, they say. Lapan says that the In Detail team likes to place tubs in master bathrooms in spaces reserved just for them.

“Those who want a tub are true tub people, and the respite they find in that space is so important,” Lapan said. “So we make sure it’s an inspiring retreat for the homeowner to soak, admire some beautiful artwork and look out the window to daydream.”

McCarley adds that a soaking tub is always a favorite, but steam showers are catching up.

“It’s easy to understand why,” she said. “They are healthy and a great spot for quiet time alone.” EC

↑ Me spaces don’t have to be limited to indoor locations. A porch swing or a rocker may work well, or a lounge chair under a shade tree.

abodes

EXTERIORS

OUTWITTING WILDLIFE

Persistence pays off for DIY trapper

by STEVE BORNHOFT

Ialerted my neighbor, Doug the Umpire, to the burrowing activity taking place at a side of the house he rents from two active-duty military women, who decided to rent rather than sell the place when they were deployed to Hawaii. An unknown life form had excavated a considerable hole beneath a pile of sandbags that the very much absentee landlords had been prepared to use if neighborhood flooding ever neared their garage door.

Doug is a congenial sort who works as a salesman for a refrigerated trucking line begun by his father and who moonlights as an official at youth and high school baseball, basketball and football games. He moved from Texas to Panama City Beach, and for that, he says, there is a woman to blame. In his home state, he gained some experience calling balls and strikes at collegiate games. At that level, he confessed, he was unable to track some of the pitches crossing the plate and would instead react to the ball hitting the catcher’s mitt. He texted me the other day and asked me to recommend an eye doctor.

Doug and I jointly inspected the burrow, and he later contacted one of those pest removal outfits whose critter gitters might move about in vans wrapped with designs that include all manner of vermin. The eradicator baited a large live trap with a gooey substance that looked like roofing cement and, unaccountably to me, placed it right on top of the burrow. Days passed and nothing happened. Then Doug discovered evidence of digging in his front yard, and a second trap was placed near that activity. Finally, on a Saturday morning, I noticed that the door of the trap that had been set first was tripped. What might I find there? An armadillo? A rabbit? A gopher tortoise? A nutria or some other invasive species? Imagine my disappointment when I encountered nothing at all exotic, but instead a fiercely pissed off house cat that was throwing itself against the sides of the trap.

I notified Doug.

“Please let him out,” he texted back. “I’m doing youth football until 4 p.m. or so.”

With some hesitation, I donned leather gloves and straddling the trap with my back to Doug’s house managed to free the cat unharmed. By that I mean that I was unharmed. A day or two later the pest control dude picked up his traps. Maybe his contract had run out. Maybe he had just declared victory and cut out.

It was about this time that I discovered shallow holes in the ground near my tea olive bushes and extending into the yard of my other neighbor, Ian the Insurance Man. And then, while filling a bird feeder at the perimeter of my property, I spotted it — a burrow in the face of a slope where my lot drops off into what used to be known as a swamp and is now known as a conservation area. The trapper dude had succeeded only in causing the earth mover to relocate.

As the holes in my yard multiplied, I grew determined not to stand idly by. Scenes from Caddyshack danced in my head as I drove to a nearby Lowe’s, where I would purchase my own live trap.

My working assumption was that I was dealing with an armadillo. I baited my

new Havahart with an open container of fish bait (earthworms) — a suggestion gleaned from a Google search — and placed it near the entrance of the burrow. Days elapsed. Nothing. I retooled my strategy.

Trusting that my adversary was home, I ditched the worms, placed the trap close to the burrow entrance and so surrounded it with boards and an old cooler lid that my quarry could not possibly leave the house without getting caught.

In all of this, I was reliving an element of my North Country youth, when my brothers and I set live traps of various sizes in the late afternoons — peanut butter proved to be a universal bait — and checked them in the morning, then to find creatures ranging from mice and voles to chipmunks and skunks and the greatest prize of all, raccoons. We maintained detailed catch records, presuming that they would be of value to science.

A day after repositioning my trap, I’d had no luck, but something told me to keep the faith and leave the trap where it was. Sooner or later, thirst would force the burrow dweller to move.

On a Saturday afternoon, newly returned from a fishing trip, I looked toward the trap and — Yes! — it had been tripped. Success!

But, hmmm, this armadillo lacked a scaly hide and instead had gray hair that appeared to be thinning. Its tail was naked, it had a white face and it was equipped with needle-sharp fangs.

I loaded the trap into my truck and headed across the Hathaway Bridge over St. Andrew Bay to the campus of Gulf Coast State College. I set my catch free near the edge of a pond surrounded by high vegetation. But rather than head for cover and a refreshing drink, it ambled across an asphalt parking lot and scrambled up concrete steps to the Amelia G. Tapper performance center. There, I suppose, to play possum. EC

CRITTER GITTERS

For anyone desiring to leave wildlife removal and other pest control services to the pros, here are a few options along the Emerald Coast.

GULF COAST PEST CONTROL 6740 State 77 Panama City (850) 785-8844 gulfcoastpest.net

EXPEL WILDLIFE OF THE PANHANDLE 981 U.S. 98 East Destin (850) 499-9767 expelwildlifepanhandle.com

30A WILDLIFE REMOVAL (850) 348-8084 30awildliferemoval.com

AAAC WILDLIFE REMOVAL PENSACOLA (850) 905-6973 pensacola. aaacwildliferemoval.com

abodes

ASSESSING TREES FOR STORM SEASON

Encouraging pollinators and understanding possums

by LES HARRISON UF/IFAS EXTENSION AGENT EMERITUS

Support local pollinators

Perfectly manicured landscapes make for beautiful lawns but do not sustain many pollinators.

Many pollinators are insects with specific requirements. They need nectar, pollen and specific foliage to survive.

Nectar and pollen support adult pollinators while seeking a site to leave eggs. The correct vegetative matter is critical for the larva to mature and reproduce.

Get ready for storm season. Just don’t forget to prepare your trees, too.

Trees in decline are especially hazardous. Their compromised health makes them subject to uprooting and breakage.

Wind can stress the tree with enough force at its angle of vulnerability and result in a collapse. Unfortunately, there is no simple way to tell how much wind is required to produce the failure.

Trees show several key indicators of their declining health.

Mushrooms growing on or very close to trees is a sign the tree is dying. The fungus is not the cause but an indicator.

A tree’s crown, or the uppermost branches and leaves, offer another sign.

Healthy trees and plants have green and growing crowns. When the crown turns brown and the leaves drop off, it is an indicator the tree’s days are numbered. Causes may include disease, lightning or mechanical interruption of the root system.

Lastly, bifurcation — or trunk forking — tells of a structurally weak tree. This condition may start when the tree emerges from the ground or occur at a place on the trunk during growth.

Any trees with these problems should be evaluated by a certified arborist and removed when necessary. A proactive investment can save on expenses, inconvenience and aggravation if a dying tree is toppled by a storm.

Opossums are a common nocturnal native. The resourceful scavenger is found in forests, pastures and even places where humans reside. The possum, as it is usually known, is distantly related to the kangaroos, wallabies and koalas of Australia. Females have a pouch — called a marsupium — where offspring reside after birth for two months while they develop and grow. After leaving the pouch, young possums often ride on their mother’s back when traveling outside of the den. A slow creature, possums find it difficult to avoid vehicles, which causes many possum fatalities in urban and suburban areas. Opossums have 50 teeth — more than any other North American mammal. A prehensile tail and opposable thumbs make them capable climbers. Opportunistic feeders, they eat a diversity of readily available foods including bird eggs, chickens, moles, earthworms, insects, snakes, grass, fruit, pet food and garbage. When threatened, possums start with a hiss and snarl. If the defensive bluff proves ineffective, they lie down and pretend to be lifeless for several minutes — an act known as playing possum.

Very few are indiscriminate eaters and are usually considered a pest species. Maintaining a lawn while encouraging pollinator activity requires some planning.

Native plants are best when left through their entire life cycle. These may be annuals, biennials or perennials, but they need to be undisturbed during the growing season.

Caterpillars that produce butterflies may consume most of the leaves on their chosen plant. A chewed-on plant leaf may not be as pleasing to the eye, but they are much better for the environmental health of your lawn. Place pollinator plants in a secure, out-of-the-way location where there will be less temptation to disturb the pollinator’s life cycle.

GREEN SCENE

Les Harrison is a retired University of Florida/ Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Wakulla County extension director.

ERA AMERICAN REAL ESTATE HOLDS SUPER OPEN HOUSE WEEKENDS

In today’s ever-changing real estate market, ERA American Real Estate is leading the way for those looking to sell or buy real estate with its Super Open House Weekend events. “These events are an innovative way for sellers to showcase their properties and for buyers to explore homes they may not have otherwise considered,” said Broker and Realtor Nikki Segraves Wood.

Super Open House Weekends are an opportunity for prospective buyers to visit multiple homes in a single weekend. This approach makes the process of house hunting more efficient and stressfree. “For buyers, Super Open House Weekends are an excellent opportunity to explore new neighborhoods, meet local

experts and experience different living styles,” remarked Zee White, Director of Talent & Career Development.

The company publishes an interactive map that lists the available properties with dates and times and the agent who will be hosting. This allows attendees to plan their route and get in touch.

The event also enables sellers to attract more prospective buyers and to showcase their property in an impactful way. During the event, ERA American Real Estate provides comprehensive support to sellers through targeted marketing and promotion efforts as well as social media campaigns and widespread awareness through area billboards.

ERA American Real Estate hosted its first Super Open House weekend in March featuring over 75 unique properties from 30A to Pensacola. This accounted for 33 percent of all open houses hosted by area brokerages that weekend.

“The event is supported by a significant investment of marketing dollars to ensure buyers are aware of available homes, and it lets sellers take advantage of the unique opportunity to feature their properties that weekend,” said Linde Bowman, Vice President and Head of Brokerage.

The company will be hosting its next Super Open House Weekend June 9–11, and another in the fall of 2023. To learn more about the event visit erareal.com/super for details.

JUAN C. ZARATE, MD, FACC, FSCAI Interventional Cardiologist

ANTHONY S. AL-DEHNEH, DO, FACC, FSCAI Interventional Cardiologist

GEORGE A. YOUSSEF, MD, FACC, FSCAI Interventional Cardiologist

SHADY HENIEN, MD, MBA, FACC, FSCAI Interventional Cardiologist

ANGEL D. MORROBEL, MD, FACC Invasive Cardiologist

IAN L. WEISBERG, MD, FACC, FHRS, Cardiac Electrophysiology

Best

PROVIDING EXPERTISE AND PATIENT TAILORED THERAPY IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY

Diagnostic coronary angiogram | Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) with coronary stents

High risk PCI with Impella and intravascular lithotripsy balloon | Stress tests | Nuclear cardiology

STRUCTURAL

Transcatheter mitral valve replacement | Tranacatheter mitral valve edge-to-edge repair (i.e. MitraClip)

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) | Watchman for stroke reduction risk

Atrial septal defect (ASD) closure | Patent forman ovale (PFO) closure

PERIPHERAL & ENDOVASCULAR

Carotid angiogram and stents | Peripheral stents in leg vasculature

Aneurysm repair | Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysm

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.

COASTAL SKIN SURGERY & DERMATOLOGY

Mandy Frith, PA-C

WHEN MANDY FRITH WAS A TEENAGER, she lost her grandfather to melanoma. Ever since, it has been her mission to promote the importance of taking care of your skin and having it regularly checked by a dermatologist.

Propelled by a passion to educate and inform, Frith attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham and earned a degree in surgical physician assistant studies in 2002. In 2003, she went to work at a dermatology practice in Birmingham, Alabama.

She went on to receive her master’s degree in physician assistant studies at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 2007, and in 2019, she received her doctorate of medical science from the University of Lynchburg.

Recently, she felt a longing to live closer to her parents on the Emerald Coast. When researching dermatology practices in the area, she was impressed by the reputation of Coastal Skin Surgery & Dermatology. In July 2022, she secured a position there.

“I feel really lucky to be here, surrounded by an amazing staff and patients,” Frith said. “It’s a pleasure to come to work every day. It doesn’t even feel accurate to call it work when you enjoy it this much.”

With locations in Miramar Beach, Niceville, Fort Walton Beach and Panama City Beach, Coastal Skin Surgery & Dermatology offers medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology ranging from skin checks to Mohs surgery for skin cancer to treatments for aesthetic enhancements.

While she does offer a variety of other dermatological services, skin cancer treatment and prevention is Frith’s primary speciality

“As someone who was personally impacted by melanoma in my family, as a Florida resident and with the prevalence of skin cancer on the rise, it’s important to promote having your skin checked at least once a year,” Frith said.

Frith advises wearing sunscreen every day and investing in quality sunglasses and sun protectant clothing.

Approaching her one-year anniversary at Coastal Skin Surgery & Dermatology, Frith hopes to continue expanding her practice while working with her established patients.

“It feels really good to have repeat patients who specifically request me because they’ve had a pleasant experience,” Frith said. “My goal is that they leave knowing more than they did when they came in and that they always feel comfortable here.”

JEFFREY DENTAL

Alex Jeffrey, DDS and McKinzie Jeffrey, DDS

SO MUCH CAN BE SAID WITH A SMILE, and Dr. Alex Jeffrey and Dr. McKinzie Jeffrey of Jeffrey Dental want their patients to be able to communicate with confidence. This husband-and-wife team provides general dentistry services and specializes in dental implants and cosmetic dentistry.

Since high school, Dr. Alex knew he wanted to go into a health care profession, thinking he would prefer general surgery. Trips to the dentist led him to realize that dentistry provided all the elements he wished for — surgical procedures, medical expertise, technology and an opportunity to help people.

As Dr. Alex and Dr. McKinzie were graduating from dental school in Kansas City, a friend

reached out to them and let them know that a dentist in Niceville was retiring and would be selling his practice. In 2015, Dr. Alex and Dr. McKinzie purchased the practice.

It was an easy decision — the couple loved the weather, scenery, schools and communities of the Emerald Coast.

“It feels really good to be able to say we find ourselves in love with the area and the jobs we get to wake up to every day,” Dr. Alex said.

Dr. Alex and Dr. McKinzie hope that their patients come to like, if not love, visiting their dentist.

“We make patient comfort a priority because we want them to enjoy their visit,” Dr. Alex said. “Our team is well trained to make sure we provide the empathy patients

need. We make them feel at home, so it feels more like they’ve come by to visit and just happen to get some dental work done, too.”

Patient trust and comfort were surely factors when Jeffrey Dental won a Best of the Emerald Coast award from Emerald Coast Magazine in 2022.

Dr. Alex and Dr. McKinzie stay up to date on the latest procedures and technology in areas including dental implants. With the latest in imaging technology and 3D printing, they provide the best dental implants in the Emerald Coast area.

“We intend to keep pushing the envelope with high-end solutions for our patients,” Dr. Alex said.

WELLS VISION AND LASER EYE CENTER

Dr. Kevin Wells, OD, FAAO, Diplomate, American Board of Optometry

WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE?

We provide iLASIK laser vision correction (no blades), comprehensive eye exams utilizing the most advanced electronic refraction system available, no “air puff” for eye pressure testing, and treatment for eye disease, infection and injury. We also have the latest technology to treat dry eyes and the newest treatments to alleviate the stress of electronic devices. We also fit contact lenses and have a large optical selection featuring the most sought-after designer brands and unique designers not found anywhere else in the Panhandle.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO INTO THIS INDUSTRY? Vision is so important in our lives. I have always been fascinated by how our eyes work. I am very blessed I get to help people see better every day.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND.

This is my 25th year in practice. I attended East Central University in Oklahoma for undergraduate studies, spent a year and a half as an Active Duty Officer in the U.S. Army and then attended Northeastern State University, Oklahoma College of Optometry. I am a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry.

WHAT IS YOUR PHILOSOPHY? I give my best to every patient. I show them all of the options available. If they have a disease, infection or injury, it is important to me that they understand what is happening and how the treatment or therapy is going to help them.

WHY IS OPTOMETRY IMPORTANT? Routine, comprehensive eye exams can detect eye disease before it has progressed enough to cause any loss of sight. Oftentimes if a person waits until they are not seeing well to get an exam, it can be too late, and permanent damage has already taken place. I work with many great surgeons locally when tertiary care is needed.

HOW HAS THE BUSINESS EXPANDED? Wells Vision and Laser Eye Center has recently opened a second location on Highway 331 in Santa Rosa Beach.

DR. MYRA REED

HOW WOULD YOU BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PRACTICE? We provide exceptional care in a personalized way that is customized for each patient. We get to the root cause of the issue, meaning our practice is not just a pill for an ill. The intention is high-quality care, specialized testing and one doctor for all your needs. My practice focuses on all aspects of health such as preventive care and includes detailed screenings, lifestyle management, weight loss management, hormone therapy, IV nutrient therapy and aesthetics, all intended to promote your best, healthiest self.

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?

DERMATOLOGY SPECIALISTS OF FLORIDA

Physician Owners

THE PROFESSIONALS AT DERMATOLOGY

SPECIALISTS OF FLORIDA believe everyone should feel comfortable and confident in their skin. They are a comprehensive dermatology practice offering medical, surgical and cosmetic treatments with a commitment to making patients happy and healthy.

Dermatology Specialists of Florida was founded in 2006 by Dr. Jon Ward, a boardcertified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon. Today, Dermatology Specialists has over 50 providers and 250 staff in offices throughout Florida, Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi. Fourteen of those locations span Northwest Florida from Tallahassee west to Pensacola. No matter where you are in the Florida Panhandle, a Dermatology Specialists office is conveniently located close by.

“We are trusted because of our longevity,” said Dr. Ward. “In nearly two decades, we have grown to be a trusted brand that is known and respected in the communities we serve.”

Some of the specific conditions they treat are acne, rashes, rosacea, pigment disorders, eczema and more. Skin cancer diagnosis and treatments are handled on a daily basis by their board-certified Mohs surgeons.

Dr. Jon Ward and Dr. Michael Stickler both passed the American Board of Dermatology’s 2021 Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery Subspecialty Certification exam, making them

among the first in the nation to be double board-certified in dermatology and Mohs micrographic surgery.

Dr. Ward advises people to see a dermatologist annually for checkups. This is especially important in Florida, where the chance of developing skin cancer is elevated. Fortunately, skin cancer is the most easily detected form of cancer and has a high cure rate when caught and treated early.

To help prevent skin cancer, Dermatology Specialists experts recommend wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 daily. In addition, it is important to wear sun protective clothing to include a widebrim hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes. As your local skin care experts, they know how important the aesthetic side of skin

care can be, too. The physician-supervised medical spa, Aqua Medical Spa, located within Dermatology Specialists offices, offer cosmetic dermatology services including facials, chemical peels, lasers, Botox, fillers and more.

Dermatology Specialists always recommends the best options available for patients and informs them of the latest advancements in dermatology. They will listen to your concerns, answer questions and provide prompt, safe, quality care.

The doctors and staff at Dermatology Specialists of Florida and Aqua Medical Spa provide comprehensive skin care for patients of all ages.

To make an appointment, call or visit the website.

Dr. Jon Ward

Dr. Michael Stickler

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?’”

SINCE OPENING 49 YEARS AGO, TOC has established a strong reputation in the region as a leader in orthopedic care. With an all fellowship-trained team of surgeons, the clinic serves more than 240,000 patients each year. In 2022, that level of care arrived in Bay County with the opening of a Panama City clinic and TOC Now — North Florida’s first and only orthopedic walk-in urgent care practice. Patients will get instant access to excellent care while avoiding long ER wait times and high ER co-pays. Located on Harrison Avenue in Panama City, the clinic has four fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons as well as a team of providers connected to its larger group of 34 orthopedic specialists.

The work of opening this groundbreaking clinic began five years ago when TOC Physicians and Mike Boblitz, CEO, realized that thousands of patients from Bay and Walton counties were traveling two or more hours to receive orthopedic care.

Opening in October 2022, the new clinic offers comprehensive, specialized care in joint

TOC

Orthopedic walk-in urgent care

reconstruction, sports medicine, diagnostic imaging, pain management, regenerative medicine, orthotics, prosthetics, pediatric orthopedics, foot and ankle orthopedics, physical therapy and more.

The walk-in urgent care allows patients to skip the long wait times at emergency rooms and avoid paying an ER copay, only to be referred to an orthopedic doctor. TOC is also laser-focused on keeping patient costs low and is one of just a few clinics in Northwest Florida that accept all forms of insurance and Medicaid.

“TOC Now has been highly successful because it allows the treatment process to begin sooner,” Dr. Eric Branch said. “We are able to either treat patients immediately or get them plugged in with the correct provider to begin the appropriate treatment.”

The Panama City clinic is part of a broader group of eight Centers of Excellence where patients receive treatment from fellowship-trained surgeons in each orthopedic discipline.

TOC is noted for featuring an all fellowshiptrained team of specialists. Patients benefit from seeing highly skilled doctors, rather than generalists.

“We believe specialized care is important to caring for our patients. It means we can give them the very best,” Dr. Branch said.

In Panama City, Eric Branch, M.D., specializes in sports medicine; Ryan Price, D.O., specializes in pediatric orthopedics; and Andy Borom, M.D., specializes in foot and ankle surgery. Andrew Dec, D.O., M.Sc., joined the practice in April of this year and specializes in pain management.

By July 2023, TOC will begin another expansion with the addition of a joint replacement surgeon and spine and hand specialists in Panama City. Another clinic in Panama City Beach is planned for 2024/2025.

“We are members of this community. We’re committed to expanding our services and giving back,” Dr. Branch said.

PHOTO CREDIT: Indie Pearl Photography • Salt and Light Visuals

JUNE 22

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation presents Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, who continues its decades-long mission to celebrate and revitalize jazz and swing music and bring joy to audiences around the world. Get ready for a jumpin’, jivin’, wailin’ good time. Bring a blanket or chair, and enjoy dinner al fresco from local restaurants and food trucks.

Tickets are $35 per adult. Proceeds benefit Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation and its art education community outreach initiatives. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the concert starts at 7 p.m. MKAF members enjoy early admission and attend for free! Learn more at MKAF.org.

JUN/JUL 2023

For more events in the EC, visit EmeraldCoastMagazine.com and 850tix.com

compiled by ALIX BLACK, SARAH COVEN, JAVIS OGDEN and REBECCA PADGETT FRETT

BRIT FLOYD 50 YEARS OF DARK SIDE

JUNE 1

Brit Floyd celebrates 50 years of The Dark Side of the Moon with a brand-new production. Expect performances of iconic tracks from albums like Time, Money, Us and Them, and The Great Gig in the Sky pensacolasaenger.com/ events/brit-floyd-50-years-ofdark-side

PEPSI GULF

COAST JAM

JUNE 1–4

Get your jam on with the biggest names in country music, including Morgan Wallen, Miranda Lambert, HARDY, Kane Brown and many more. Four days, 32 artists and one big beach party. gulfcoastjam.com

EMERALD COAST BLUE MARLIN CLASSIC

→ With an event name like the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic, there’s really no questioning the ultimate catch. The Blue Marlin is the top billfish prize in the Gulf, and teams bet on boating the heaviest one to earn the largest payout. The three game fish categories — tuna, dolphin and wahoo — are typically bycatch in the pursuit of blues.

To learn more, visit FishECBC.com. For registration, contact Julia Brakhage at julia@tournamentcontrol.com. For sponsorships, contact Jason Draughn at jasondraughn@sandestin.com.

MKAF SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

JUNE 1, 8, 15, 22

Enjoy live music at Destin’s Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Cultural Arts Village every Thursday in June. Acts include Gotta Groove Band, Adam Ezra Group, Journeyman: A Tribute to Eric Clapton and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. mkaf.org

BANDS ON THE BEACH

JUNE 6, 13, 20, 27

JULY 4, 11, 18, 25

Bring your beach chairs or blankets to Gulfside Pavilion for a musical night under the stars. Sea breezes and local tunes make every summer Tuesday worth celebrating. visitpensacola.com

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

10TH FLORA-BAMA FISHING RODEO

JUNE 9–11

The 10th annual FloraBama Fishing Rodeo will feature categories ranging from catfish to billfish with a weekend fishing tournament that encourages family fun. The tournament will be accompanied by a threeday beach party with daily weigh-ins, live music, vendors and more. florabama.com/fishing-rodeo

52ND ANNUAL BILL HARGREAVES FISHING RODEO

JUNE 16–18

Started by its namesake, Bill Hargreaves, this Pensacola fishing competition kicks off at

12:01 a.m. on Friday and continues until the final weigh-in Saturday afternoon. Prizes will be distributed after a mouthwatering fish fry on Sunday followed by door prizes and fun for anglers of all ages. billhargreavesfishingrodeo.com

6TH ANNUAL PRINCESS OF PARADISE PAGEANT

JUNE 17

The Princess of Paradise Pageant is a night where girls and women with special needs or certain medical challenges get to participate in the entire pageant experience. In the award process, every princess will receive their own crown, sash and deserving title.

princessesofparadise.com

Times and dates for events are subject to change. Check websites to see if the listed events will occur as scheduled.

LATE NIGHT CATECHISM

JUNE 17

Late Nite Catechism is a hilarious, interactive play that takes audience members back to their childhoods with the help of a benevolent nun, a few glow-in-the-dark rosaries and other prizes.

pensacolasaenger.com/events/ late-night-catechism

2023 BUD LIGHT FISHING RODEO

JUNE 23–26

Cash awards and prizes await rodeo 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 & Marine Youth Rodeo, Academy Sports & Outdoors Junior Rodeo and In-Shore Challenge. pensacolasports.org/ pensacolafishingrodeo

REAL. FUN. FOURTH.

JULY 2–4

Panama City Beach celebrates Independence Day with a massive fireworks show. For three nights, visitors and locals alike can witness the wonderful display from various locations along the water. visitpanamacitybeach.com/ events/holiday-events/ realfunfourth

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

BLUEY’S BIG PLAY

JULY 25–26

Bluey creator Joe Brumm presents a brand-new theatrical adaptation of his beloved children’s television show. Bluey’s Big Play brings an original story with new music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush. Brilliantly created puppets bring Bluey and the rest of the Heelers to life like never before at Pensacola’s Saenger Theatre.

pensacolasaenger.com/events/ blueys-big-play

EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC – CINDERELLA

JULY 29–AUG 14

Cinderella’s story is coming to the Pensacola Little Theatre stage. Follow Cinderella as she deals with her evil stepmother and stepsisters, becomes a maid in her own home and gets invited to a magical night at the prince’s ball.

pensacolalittletheatre.com/ourcurrent-season

AMERICA –LIVE IN CONCERT

JULY 30

Tread America’s vast musical terrain at Pensacola’s Saenger Theatre. The ageless, classic rock favorite hit the road in 2023 to celebrate its 53rd anniversary with powerful performances of the band’s best-known tunes.

pensacolasaenger.com/events/ america-live-in-concert

HAVE AN EVENT YOU’D LIKE US TO CONSIDER? Send an email to sbornhoft@rowlandpublishing.com or promote an event at EmeraldCoastMagazine.com/things-to-do at no cost.

2023 Walton County Artist of the Year: Bradley Copeland

Bradley Copeland is passionate about having a passion — and for her, it’s art. Not just the creative process, but how art can be used to express feelings and ideas, give purpose and heal us, physically and spiritually.

For Copeland, painting is a way to navigate life. When she began to open herself to the clues and symbols that paint presented to her, magical things began to happen. But that was a discovery that she didn’t make easily.

Painting had been the 25-year-old artist’s favorite activity and escape since childhood. Still, she didn’t consider it a calling, but rather something she did on the side while trying to figure out her life’s purpose.

She was excited to work on her first solo show, even taking a month off work to prepare. Two days before the show was to open, however,

Bradley spilled a pot of boiling water, badly burning her legs and hands. For weeks, she would require painful, daily treatments.

“I was close to losing everything,” Copeland said. “I couldn’t go back to work, but I had some commissions lined up, and then COVID happened. I couldn’t show, so my only option was to paint.”

Copeland began promoting her work online and got so busy painting she didn’t go back to her retail job. At last, she had realized that art was her purpose.

“I think everyone has gifts and abilities and things we love, and we are supposed to

listen to clues in life. The universe forced me to listen, and I’m so thankful,” Copeland said.

“Art is all over the place,” she added. “Everything I see in life I translate in as many different ways as I can.”

Once, Copeland had become discouraged about her tendency toward detailed, hyper-realistic imagery and was frustrated in her attempts to share personal experiences through art.

So, she changed things up, giving herself randomly chosen subjects to paint. She gave herself permission to arrive at ugly results and sought to depict subjects in as many different forms as possible.

Something amazing began to happen — Bradley started having fun with her art. She painted drag queens and gave them bold, bright lips. That experience led to a series of lips paintings that made their way to the local art scene.

“The lips are a symbol of femininity in raw form, so much strength and ugliness in a beautiful way, and for drag queens to put on women’s clothing is a huge sign of strength,” Copeland said.

Copeland said it is amazing to have been chosen Walton County’s 2023 Artist of the Year. When interviewed as a candidate for the honor, she took care to be honest in telling her story.

“The reason I paint is to process or sort out my feelings or to make other people feel something, and all of that has to do with my story. It’s behind every piece that I make,” Copeland said.

The artist, who resides in Santa Rosa Beach, has more than 600 pieces in her collection. Many of her works are to be found in galleries across the Southeast and at her own studio. She has exhibited work in several group and solo shows. She draws inspiration from the surrounding arts community, filled with friends, business owners and creatives with whom she’s bonded.

Bradley’s passion for art is exceeded only by her desire to share how it has the power to heal others and herself.

She teaches art classes weekly at the Walton Correctional Institution in DeFuniak Springs. She encourages residents to experiment with the same messy process she uses, allowing the paint to dictate where it goes, and then finding the beauty the paint brings out.

WALTON COUNTY TOURISM DEPARTMENT

Learn more about the Artist of the Year program at VisitSouthWalton.com.

SOCIAL STUDIES

Sacred Heart Foundation Emerald Ball

FEB. 4 The Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation’s Emerald Ball raised an impressive $174,000. The Hilton Sandestin hosted the ball where guests enjoyed a curated dinner, dancing to Mr. Big and the Rhythm Sisters, Epic Photo Booth, and a wine and bourbon pull. The black-tie event was presented by Howard Group, Grand Boulevard, and Silver Sands Premium Outlets.

1 John and Laura Baumeister, James and Wanda Wilson, Dirk and Brenda Stump, Gary and Janeen Westfal with Todd and Deborah Porter

2 Travis and Kathryn Brock, Kate and Josh Clark with Alexa and Dr. Ben Follas

3 Joseph Rogers and Nathan Cordle

4 Bryan and Chrissy Walrath

5 Deborah and John Roche

Seaside School

Half-Marathon & 5K

FEB. 17–19 The 21st annual Seaside School Half Marathon + 5K Race Weekend welcomed runners of all ages from across the country. The event raised more than $600,000 for the Seaside School Foundation, which supports the Seaside Neighborhood School and Seacoast Collegiate High School.

1 “And they’re off,” as the horn sounds and the race begins.

2 Youth enthusiasts cheer on participants from the race sidelines.

3 Racers “rock out” in front of the live music set.

PHOTOS BY SHELLY SWANGER

PHOTOS BY AMBER WOODS PHOTOGRAPHY

Sinfonia Gulf Coast Presents Crescendo! 2023

FEB. 24–26

This highly anticipated event kicked off on Friday, Feb. 24, with a series of intimate Vintner Dinners showcasing celebrity winemakers and chefs and was held in stunning homes, resorts and restaurants. On Sunday, Feb. 26, the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa was transformed into a chic ebony and ivory-themed fantasy fete. This year’s main event, presented by Panerai, featured live big band music by Sergio Vellatti, an exclusive Panerai watch bar, world-class vintners, a seated lunch, auction items and chic party games. Proceeds benefited Sinfonia Gulf Coast and its music education community outreach initiatives.

1 Jim and Barry Johnson with Janis and Don Bishop

2 Todd Royall and Heather Hintz

3 Kate Taylor, Christine Ladwig and Amelia Beard

4

Spring Fashion Show & Tea Party

APR. 1 La Luna Children’s Boutique welcomed over 100 families to Grand Boulevard for the inaugural Spring Fashion Show and Tea Party, presented by The Spears Group and Emerald Coast Magazine. The event featured a kids’ fashion show, light bites, refreshments, art activities, pop-up shops and a special appearance by the Easter Bunny! Through sponsorships and a raffle, $5,000 was raised for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast.

PHOTOS BY JENNA KAYE PHOTOGRAPHY AND MICAH EVERETT

1 Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast

2 Chadd and Katelyn Bryant with son Hendrix

3 Maggie and Sean Neal with baby Charles Neal

4 Ella and Emery Spears

PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOS BY KAY PHELAN

Pictured Left to Right: Zandra Wolfgram, Beth Clavier, Margaret Gordon, Sergio Vellatti, Annalise Dedicke, Deborah Elmore and Demetrius Fuller

STUDIES

First Friday Fêtes

APR. 7 The Cultural Arts Alliance’s Miramar Beach Creative Campus, home to The Foster Gallery and J. Leon Studio, hosts monthly First Friday Fêtes from 5–7 p.m. Last month’s event celebrated the recently selected Spring Rotation Artists whose works are on display and available for purchase at the gallery. Prior to the event, instructor Jessica Batson hosted a Batik on Silk class in the studio space.

1 Wanda Azzario-Goldberg, Gisselle Barnhart, Dorothea Berkhout, Stephanie Bloyd, Melody Bogle, Melissa Mercer Brown, Lucinda Bunn, Kim Eifrid, Elena Filshtinska, Jenny Guerra, Wes Hinds, Pamela Hutton, Linda Kernick, Robyn Martins, Theresia McInnis, Ed Nickerson, Patti Overholt, William Polley, Melissa Rovner, Kristine Senft, Kathy Schumacher, Pam Singh, Barbara Suhadolnick and Karen Williams

2 CAA Program Manager Pam Singh

3 Mary Redmann, Quia Atkinson and Melissa Mercer Brown

4 Jessica Batson, Ann Braaten, Kathy Edwards, Ginger Halbfoster, Cynthia Picunas, Harriet Rand and Melody Scott

PHOTOS BY LYNN CROW AND COURTESY OF CULTURAL ARTS ALLIANCE

Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation Patron Dinner

APR. 27 Each year, the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation creates exceptional experiences that promote awareness of causes and inspire generous giving in the community. The Children’s Volunteer Health Network is grateful to be included in the Foundation’s efforts. This year, the CVHN is celebrating 18 years of service that have seen the delivery of $8 million in free health care services for the children of Okaloosa and Walton counties.

1 Megan Trent, Jane and Greg Bahr, Valerie and Mike Thompson, Steve and Lynn Dugas, Holly Wright and David Tate

2 Dave and Aleta Jefferson

3 Jennifer Steele, James and Rhonda Murray, Sara Becnel, Brendan Parker, McKenzie Burleigh and David Hester

South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival

APR. 27–30

Nearly 5,500 wine, spirit and food lovers turned out for the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival, held at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. The four-day charity event supports the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, ultimately benefiting children in need in Northwest Florida.

Attendees enjoyed wine, craft cocktails, scrumptious food, tasting seminars and live music by the Casey Kearny band.

PHOTOS BY JULIE DORR AND TIM PATTON

1 Chip and Adrienne Maygarden

2 Julie Dorr and Tonya Conner

3 Emily Parli and Roxie Ware

4 Pam Hogan and Matt Fouchard

PHOTOS BY EPIC PHOTOGRAPHY

dining guide

AMERICAN

BUFFALO’S REEF ★

Hot wings and cold beer. 116 Eglin Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach. (850) 243-9463. $ L D

COMMELFÓ RESTAURANT

American dining; enjoy steak and eggs for breakfast, a Southeast Cuban sandwich for lunch or lobster ravioli for dinner, among many other options. 10859 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Miramar Beach. (850) 353-2991. $$$ B L D

DHARMA BLUE

Atmosphere and service match an expansive menu including everything from sushi to pork tenderloin. 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. 435 Grand Blvd., Miramar Beach. (850) 608-7040. $$$ L D

FIREFLY ★

Fresh Gulf seafood, steak, sushi and signature cocktails. 535 Richard Jackson Blvd., Panama City Beach. (850) 249-3359. $$$ D

GEORGE’S AT ALYS BEACH

Seafood, burgers and sandwiches. 30 Castle Harbour Dr., Alys Beach. (850) 641-0017.

$$ L D

GEORGE BISTRO + BAR ★

Husband and wife owners are driven by a passion to create exceptionally humble, ingredient-driven food, coffees and cocktails while treating guests like family. 6205 N. 9th Ave., Pensacola. (850) 912-4655. $$ L D

GREAT SOUTHERN CAFE ★

This all-day cafe puts a new spin on classics with a mix of international cuisines, Southern cooking and local food and produce. 83 Central Square, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 231-7327.

$$ B L D

JACO’S BAYFRONT BAR & GRILLE

Waterfront restaurant serving burgers, salads, seafood and brunch daily. 997 S. Palafox St., Pensacola. (850) 432-5226. $$ L D

LOUISIANA LAGNIAPPE

A taste of New Orleans hits the coast through Louisiana-style favorites like shrimp and grits and Cajun seafood gumbo. 775 Gulf Shore Dr., Destin. (850) 837-0881. $$ D

LULU’S

Lucy Buffett’s funky hangout features cocktails, burgers and seafood, plus allergyfriendly menus. 4607 Legendary Marina Dr., Destin. (850) 710-5858. $$ L D

MAGNOLIA GRILL

Steak, seafood, pasta, soups, salads and desserts. 157 SE Brooks St., Fort Walton Beach. (850) 302-0266. $$ L D

MARINA BAR AND GRILL

Seafood, po’ boys, burgers and salads. Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W., Miramar Beach. (850) 267-7778. $ B L D

MARINA CAFÉ ★

Gourmet pizzas, Creole and American cuisine. 404 E. Hwy. 98, Destin. (850) 837-7960. $$$ D

NICK’S BOATHOUSE

Serving a wide variety of seafood, steaks and flatbreads by the waterfront. 455 W. Main St., Pensacola. (850) 912-8775. $$ L D

NORTH BEACH SOCIAL ★

Favorites include the Great Southern Café’s famous Grits a Ya Ya, the Bay’s Bomber Burger, fresh raw oysters, and tuna poké bowls. 24200 U.S. Hwy 331, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 622-8110 $$ B L D

OVIDE ★

Located inside the new Hotel Effie, acclaimed chef Hugh Acheson brings together classic Gulf Coast flavors and impeccable classic French technique. 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach. (850) 351-3030. $$$ D

RESTAURANT IRON ★

Buzzy, stylish locale serving gourmet, reimagined takes on Southern cuisine, plus clever cocktails. 22 N. Palafox St., Pensacola. (850) 912-4655. $$ D

RESTAURANT PARADIS

Restaurant and lounge offers rich coastal flavors in its innovative dishes. 82 S. Barrett Square, Rosemary Beach. (850) 534-0400. $$$ D

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. 10952 E. Hwy. 30A, (850) 231-9410. $$ L D

SUNQUEST

CRUISES SOLARIS YACHT ★

Enjoy a fusion of ambiance, food and live music aboard the SOLARIS yacht offering three decks of indoor and outdoor spaces. 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Miramar Beach. (850) 650-2519. $ D

THE BODACIOUS CAFÉ

This coffee house and eatery specializes in handcrafted espresso, lattes and cappuccinos. For breakfast, try their omelets and acai bowls; for lunch, salads, wraps and flatbread pizzas are on the menu. 407 S. Palafox St., Pensacola. (850) 434-6300. $ B L

THE CRAFT BAR ★

Craft brews on tap along with artisan cocktails and elevated bar fare. 4424 Commons Dr., Destin. Also in Grayton Beach and Pensacola. (850) 460-7907. $$ L D

THE RED BAR ★

New and improved and now reopened; get classic meals at one of the area’s most renowned locations. 70 Hotz Ave., Grayton Beach. (850) 231-1008. $$ L D

THE WINE BAR ★

A gathering spot for lunch or dinner, plus daily happy hour specials. Destin and Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 269-2902. L D

VUE ON 30A ★

Fine New American dining in a modern, cream and beige waterfront spot with bar, lounge and views. 4801 W. Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 267-2305. $$$ L D

ASIAN

BAMBOO SUSHI AND HIBACHI

Offering fresh Japanese cuisine like sushi, tempura and hibachi dishes, plus a sake bar. 117 W. John Sims Pkwy., Niceville. (850) 678-0771.

$$ L D

DOMO CAFÉ ★

This Asian kitchen offers dozens of sushi

options, including vegetarian, signature, fried and baked rolls. 1823 Hurlburt Rd., #3, Fort Walton Beach. (850) 226-6412. $$ L D

LIN’S ASIAN CUISINE ★

Offering a variety of authentic, fresh Chinese and Asian cuisine. 130 Scenic Gulf Drive Ste., #5B, Miramar Beach. (850) 424-5888. $ L D

OSAKA JAPANESE HIBACHI

STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR ★

Known for its sushi but serves a variety of dishes, including chicken, steak and seafood. 34845 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin. (850) 650-4688 or (850) 650-4689. $$ L D

SUSHIMOTO ★

Family-owned casual eatery with a sushi bar offering up creative rolls, plus other Japanese fare. 12889 Hwy. 98, Ste. 103B, Miramar Beach. (850) 424-5977. $$ L D

THAI CHIANG RAI ★

Soups, curries and specials including Papa’s Crab Meat Fried Rice. 4942 U.S. Hwy 98, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 213-3972. $$ D

BARBECUE

98 BAR-B-QUE ★

Award-winning barbecue, gumbo, sandwiches and salads in a casual atmosphere. Dine in, take out, catering. 5008 Hwy. 98, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 622-0679. $ L D

BLUE MABEL

This local smokehouse features made-fromscratch dishes and is stocked with everything from smoked meats to homemade sauces. 2260 W. Scenic Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 744-0040. $$ L D

CHIPPER’S BBQ

This family-run barbecue joint offers an array of smoked treats like ribs, brisket, pork and chicken, plus steak, burgers, salads and pulled pork nachos. 4419 Commons Dr., #101, Destin. (850) 353-2753 $$ 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. 2629 Thomas Dr., Panama City Beach. (850) 230-0014. $$ L D

BLACK BEAR BREAD CO.

Contemporary cafe for craft coffee, house-baked breads, pastries and sandwiches and all-day breakfast. 26 Logan Lane, Grayton Beach. (850) 213-4528. $ B L

DONUT HOLE BAKERY CAFE ★

Eat breakfast all day with fresh-baked donuts and hearty comfort food. 635 Harbor Blvd., Destin (also in Inlet Beach and Santa Rosa Beach). (850) 837-8824. $ B

GOT BAKED ★

Whether gluten free, low carb, vegan, no sugar or dairy-free, this bakery has the right bite for any dietary restriction. 80 Mc Davis Loop #1110. Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 598-7438. $

MAMA CLEMENZA’S EUROPEAN BREAKFAST ★

Old World family recipes. Multiple award winner. 273 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W., Miramar Beach. (850) 424-3157, 75 Eglin Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach. (850) 243-0707. $$ B

NAVARRE BAKERY & CREAMERY ★

Goodies fresh from the oven: bagels, kolaches, scones, cinnamon rolls and more; sandwiches for lunch. 9914 Navarre Pkwy., Navarre. (850) 844-9705. $ B L

SUNSET BAY CAFÉ

Casual and outdoor dining overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay, featuring locally

sourced ingredients and sustainable seafood 158 Sandestin Blvd. N. (850) 267-7108. $$ B L D

DESSERT

30A COOKIES & CREAM

Treats from Great American Cookies and Marble Slab Creamery make for an irresistible combination. 174 Watercolor Way, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 231-2552 $

KONA ICE OF SOUTH WALTON COUNTY

This shaved ice truck spreads smiles one frozen treat at a time. Main St., Freeport. (850) 567-5057. $

FRENCH

BAY CAFE FRENCH RESTAURANT ★

Step out on the bay for authentic European cuisine, featuring fresh local seafood and decadent creme sauces. 233 Alconese Ave. SE, Fort Walton Beach. (850) 244-3550. $$ L D

GREEK

AEGEAN RESTAURANT ★

Authentic Greek restaurant. 11225 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Miramar Beach (and Shalimar). (850) 460-2728. $$ B L D

ALI BABA GRILL CAFÉ

Casual spot for familiar Turkish and Greek recipes offered à la carte and at a buffet, plus beer and wine. 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. 130 E. Miracle Strip Pkwy., Mary Esther. (850) 302-0691. $ L

IRISH

JOHNNY MCTIGHE’S IRISH PUB

Easygoing pub providing Irish and American eats, a game room for kids and deck seating. 2298 Scenic Hwy. 30A, Blue Mountain Beach. (850) 267-0101. $$ L D

MCGUIRE’S IRISH PUB

Burgers and pub grub and the famous 18-cent Senate Bean Soup. 33 Hwy. 98, Destin (Also in Pensacola). (850) 650-0000. $$ L D

ITALIAN/PIZZA

AMICI 30A ITALIAN KITCHEN ★

Offering authentic Italian cuisine with a flair for celebration. 12805 U.S. Hwy. 98 E., Ste. R101, Inlet Beach. (850) 909-0555. $$$ L D

PHOTO BY EMILY VEAL

George Bistro + Bar

ANGELENA’S ITALIANO

In the heart of downtown, nationally renowned Chef James Briscione’s menu serves up rustic-yet-elegant plates with an Italian coastal vibe. 101 E. Intendencia St., Pensacola. (850) 542-8398. $$ D

CLEMENZA’S UPTOWN ★

Classic Italian. Wood-fired pizza, private dining, cooking school. Multiple award winner. 75 Eglin Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach. (850) 243-0707. $$ B L D

FARM & FIRE SOUTHERN PIZZERIA

Featuring a clean-burning coal oven to impart a unique, full flavor to their pizzas, whole fish, steaks and roasted chicken. 24200 U.S. Hwy. 331 S., Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 622-3871. $$ D

FAT CLEMENZA’S

Classic Italian. Wood-fired pizza, specialty desserts, fish Fridays. Multiple award winner. Holiday Plaza, Hwy. 98, Miramar Beach. (850) 650-5980. $$ L D

GRIMALDI’S PIZZERIA

Pizzas and calzones baked to perfection in their signature coal-burning oven, delivering an experience not possible from conventional ovens. 780 Grand Blvd., Ste. 100, Miramar Beach. (850) 837-3095. $$ L D

HELEN BACK PIZZA ★

The world’s finest hand-tossed pizza and cold beer in a sports bar atmosphere. 1826 Lewis Turner Blvd., Fort Walton Beach. (850) 374-8603.

$$ L D

MIMMO’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO ★

Authentic Italian dishes bursting with flavor and color. Located in Destin and Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 460-7353. $$ L D

PAZZO ITALIANO

Destin’s newest Italian restaurant offers authentic Italian cuisine such as wood-fired pizzas, pasta, calzones, salads, chef specialties and nightly specials. 34904 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Ste. 114, Destin. (850) 974-5484. $$ 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. 2236 E. Hwy. 30A, Seaside. (850) 231-3113.

$$ L D

TRATTORIA BORAGO

Pork tenderloin or pan-seared grouper from the open kitchen. 80 E. Hwy. 30A, Grayton Beach. (850) 231-9167. $$ D

MEXICAN

BURRITO DEL SOL ★

This Mexican restaurant serves fresh Bajastyle Mexican food, including tacos, burritos, quesadillas and more. 201-B Miracle Strip Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach. (850) 226-8016. $ L D

CANTINA LAREDO ★

A gourmet twist on Mexican favorites. 585 Grand Blvd., Miramar Beach. (850) 654-5649. $$ B L D

PEPITO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT ★

Serving award-winning authentic Mexican food with the finest ingredients available since 2000. Multiple locations: Destin, Niceville and Fort Walton Beach. $$ L D

PEPPER’S MEXICAN GRILL & CANTINA ★

Casual eatery with familiar Mexican dishes, including seafood and vegetarian options, plus a full bar. Five Emerald Coast locations: Niceville, Crestview, Panama City, Shalimar, Fort Walton Beach. (850) 353-2625. $ L D

RED FISH TACO ★

Featuring fresh takes on classic fare, such as street tacos, burritos, taco salads and quesadillas. 2052 W. Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 994-7443. $$ L D

THE TACO BAR AT BUD & ALLEY’S

Baja fish tacos, homemade guacamole, burritos and top-shelf margaritas. 2236 E. Hwy. 30A, Seaside. (850) 231-4781. $$ L 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. 24215 Hwy. 331, Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 622-2291. $$ L D

BOSHAMPS SEAFOOD & OYSTER HOUSE ★

Gulf-to-table Southern cuisine. 414 Harbor Blvd., Destin. (850) 424-7406. $$ L D

BROTULA’S SEAFOOD HOUSE & STEAMER

Fresh steamed and boiled seafood dishes. Destin Harbor, Destin. (850) 460-8900. $$$

B

RUNAWAY ISLAND

Crab, oysters and grouper sandwiches in a casual beach bar and grill with steps onto the sand. 14521 Front Beach Rd., Panama City Beach. (850) 634-4884. $$ L D

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. 1875 S. Hwy. 393, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 622-2733. $$ L D

STINKY’S FISH CAMP ★

This seafood and wine mainstay promises Gulffresh fare. 5960 W. County Road 30A, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 267-3053. $$ L D

THE CRAB TRAP ★

Beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico and fresh local seafood processed in the restaurant’s own facility. 3500 Hwy. 98 E., Destin; 1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach; 16945 Perdido Key Dr., Pensacola. (850) 654-2722. $$ L D

THE FISH HOUSE

Fresh seafood cuisine and Southern specialties in a setting overlooking Pensacola Bay and the Seville Harbor. 600 S. Barracks St., Pensacola. (850) 470-0003. $$ L D

BUD & ALLEY’S WATERFRONT RESTAURANT ★

Sea-to-table dining, serving fresh seafood, steak and vegetarian dishes. 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. 5551 N. Lagoon Dr., Panama City Beach. (850) 234-2225. $$$ D

DEWEY DESTIN’S HARBORSIDE

Award-winning seafood in a quaint house. 202 Harbor Blvd., Destin. (850) 837-7525. $$ L D

DEWEY DESTIN’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT & MARKET

Outdoor setting, fresh seafood. 9 Calhoun Ave., Destin. (850) 837-7575. $$ B L D

DOWN ISLAND GULF

SEAFOOD RESTAURANT ★

A modern casual restaurant serving Gulf South cuisine; chef-owned and family-operated. 2780 Hwy. 98, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 777-3385. $$ D

FOOW RESTAURANT

Southern coastal cuisine with an Asian flair. Located in the WaterColor Inn, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 534-5050. $$$ D

HARBOR DOCKS

A surf-and-turf restaurant. Breakfast, lunch and dinner and great sushi. 538 E. Hwy. 98, Destin. (850) 837-2506. $$ B L D

JACKACUDA’S SEAFOOD & SUSHI

Seafood, sushi, salad and sandwiches. 36120 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin. (850) 460-2909. $$ L D

OLD BAY STEAMER ★

The perfect place for quality steamed seafood, outstanding steaks and incredible ribs. 102 Santa Rosa Blvd., Fort Walton Beach. (850) 664-2795. $$ D

PESCADO SEAFOOD GRILL & ROOFTOP BAR  ★

Dining room, inside bar and outside rooftop bar overlooking the Gulf of Mexico; extraordinary service and cuisine by Chef Brendan Wakeham. 74 Town Hall Rd., Ste. 4B, Rosemary Beach. (850) 213-4600. $$$ L D

STEAK & SEAFOOD

AUSTONS ON 98 OYSTER BAR AND GRILL

Home of the 102-foot bar, specialties include littleneck clams, raw oysters, clam chowder and jumbo shrimp cocktail. 125 Poinciana Blvd., Miramar Beach. (850) 842-3200.

$$ L D

BEACH WALK CAFE

Located at the Henderson Park Inn, this awardwinning establishment features grouper Vince, pepper-crusted yellowfin tuna and seafood pasta Rockefeller. 2700 Scenic Hwy. 98, Destin. (850) 650-7100. $$$ D

BIJOUX ★

Fine dining coastal cuisine with a New Orleans flair, Gulf seafood, prime steaks. The Market Shops, 9375 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W., #22, Miramar Beach. (850) 622-0760. $$$ D

CAFE THIRTY-A ★

Offering the best in steaks and Gulf fare, Café Thirty-A is also available for weddings and special gatherings. 3899 E. Scenic Hwy. 30A, Seagrove Beach. (850) 231-2166 $$$ D

CAPTAIN

DAVE’S ON THE GULF

Inspired by traditional waterfront dining, Captain Dave’s features American seafood cuisine infused with a contemporary Gulf Coast twist. 3796 Scenic Hwy. 98, Destin. (850) 837-2627. $$$ D

THE GULF – FORT WALTON BEACH

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. 400 S. Palafox St., Pensacola. (850) 469-9898 $$$ D

NOLA BOILING CO. ★

From crawfish and crab legs to chicken to sausage, these classic Creole and Cajun boils are

perfect for groups and catering jobs. 47 Talon Court, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 672-2847. $$

THE OCEAN CLUB

Storied restaurant serves fresh Gulf seafood and the finest steaks. Enjoy live music, great service and a full bar. 8955 US 98 W. 107, Miramar Beach. (850) 267-3666. $$–$$$ D

OLD FLORIDA FISH HOUSE

Nestled beside Eastern Lake, find your retreat for oysters, fresh seafood fare, sushi and other classics. 33 Heron’s Watch Way, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 534-3045. $$$ L D

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE

Steak and seafood. New Orleans-inspired. Silver Shells Resort, 1500 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin. (850) 337-5108 $$$ D

SEAGAR’S PRIME STEAKS & SEAFOOD ★

Premium steak, fresh seafood and caviar. Hilton Sandestin, 4000 S. Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach. (850) 622-1500. $$$ D

SLICK LIPS SEAFOOD & OYSTER HOUSE

Family-friendly seafood and oyster bar featuring locally caught fare and nestled in picturesque Baytowne Wharf. 140 Fisherman’s Cove. (850) 347-5060. $$ L D

TAKE OUT

30AGRUB2GO

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.

DESTIN ICE SEAFOOD MARKET & DELI ★

Fresh fish and seafood items, pastas, salads and side dishes, Buckhead meats, decadent desserts, wines, cheeses, spices and more. 663 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin. (850) 837-8333. $$ L D

DIXIELAND CHICKEN

CO.

★

Authentic Creole-style fried chicken. Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 353-2464. $ L

EMERALD COAST CATERING & GOURMET TO GO

Offering full-service catering and prepared gourmet meals to go. 3906 Hwy. 98 W., Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 585-5979. $$ L D

FARRINGTON FOODS ★

Chef-driven commercial kitchen offering at-home and virtual cooking classes as well as private chef dinners and events. Santa Rosa Beach. Chef@farringtonfoods.com. $$$ D

JC’S GOURMET

A chilled mix of fresh shrimp, lime zest and vinegar-soaked cucumber, red onion and sweet pepper, this is shrimp ceviche-style. 4621 Hwy. 98 W., Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 687-2810.

REEL

’EM IN FRESH SEAFOOD AND GOURME T

★

Delivering fresh Gulf seafood — fish, shrimp, crab and more — from Miramar Beach to Panama City. Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 420-2240 $$

VEGAN

THE OASIS SANTA ROSA BEACH

This 100% vegan restaurant offers a cozy, speak-easy dining room, outdoor bar, patio, pizza bar and pool lounge area. 306 Bald Eagle Dr., Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 660-2000. $$$ D

NOT SO LOOPY, REALLY

Long-distance

by KIMBERLY RUSSO

More than one person has told me that boating the Great Loop restored his faith in humanity. How can a boat trip have that effect? It’s all about the people involved and people met along the way.

America’s Great Loop is a 6,000mile circumnavigation of eastern North America that most Loopers complete in about a year’s time aboard their own boats. I’ve had the opportunity to ask many who have completed the route what the best part was. Almost without fail, they speak to camaraderie and a shared love of adventure.

The Great Loop attracts exceptional people. Perhaps that’s because those who are attracted to this ambitious activity are usually pragmatic, easygoing and willing to accept what can’t be controlled. Weather and mechanical delays can quickly persuade those who are impatient or high strung to opt out, making Loopers a self-selecting group that seeks to solve problems rather than complain about them while on an adventure of a lifetime.

When 200 to 300 boats are traveling the same route at roughly the same pace, and everyone has a common interest, fast friendships form. In fact, Loopers have been known to assist each other along the way whether their paths have crossed before or not. It’s common for us to catch

dock lines, offer information and advice, and share stories.

Many Loopers go above and beyond to be neighborly. Need an obscure part to complete a repair? Ask the Looper a few slips down and he probably has a spare. Left something behind at a marina? Reach out to the Looper network because there’s likely someone at that marina now who will be headed your way shortly.

But it’s not just the other Loopers who offer genuine kindness reminiscent of yesteryear. For so many Loopers, the locals we meet on our route enhance the experience appreciably. We travel through the nation’s biggest cities and smallest towns, arriving without ground transportation for restocking food, supplies, medication, etc. People I’ve just met have lent me their cars to do grocery runs, or invited me to their homes for a meal, or offered the unrecorded history of their towns.

Often, when something goes wrong, locals have been our heroes. Last summer when a lock had a mechanical failure, several Looper boats were stranded. Options were to wait a week or more for the lock to be repaired, or backtrack hundreds of miles. Waiting a week is preferable, but for some who hadn’t expected the delay, supplies were dwindling. Locals came to the rescue offering rides to the nearest grocery which was about 20 miles away.

That’s not the only time everyday people have assisted. A few years back when flooding made the Erie Canal impassible, several boats were stranded for weeks. The locals adopted them, offering rides, bringing them food and treating them as honored guests in the town while they waited.

Many Loopers are retirees who came of age in a time when you not only knew your neighbors’ names, you knew their stories. The Loop brings back that culture. It’s a step back to days gone by when people looked out for one another. It’s a community where people go out of their way to say hello or offer assistance. Where else, these days, can you find that kind of selfless spirit?

Loopers who have been in difficult situations and received assistance remain poised to “pay it forward,” showing that same kindness and generosity to the next person who needs it. And thus, the cycle continues. For those longing for that sense of community, take to the waterways! You might just find that your faith in humanity is restored on the waters of America’s Great Loop. EC

Kim Russo is the director of America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association. She and fellow Loopers paused for a time recently at the Point South Marina at Bay Point in Panama City Beach.

boaters are buoyed by kinship

↑ LOOPER CARAVAN Boats in the long process of circumnavigating eastern North America voyage down the Mississippi River. So-called Loopers cover 6,000 miles along America’s Great Loop, building relationships and enjoying camaraderie along the way.

Elizabeth A. Clark MD, FAAD

David C. Adams MD, FAAD, FACMS

Brittain F. Kulow MD, FAAD

Nicholas G. Papajohn MD, FAAD

Layne M. Fielder MD, FAAD Cather McKay MD, FAAD

William C. Rigano MD Zac Carter MD, FAAD