LOCAL COMMUNITY THEATERS DELIVER PASSIONATE PERFORMANCES
DANCE ACADEMY FOSTERS CREATIVITY
PREVENTING BUTTERFLY DECLINE
PRIVATE RESIDENCE | ALYS BEACH, FL
ARCHITECT: T.S. ADAMS STUDIO
BUILDER: KOAST CONSTRUCTION
PHOTO BY JACK GARDNER
CREATED BY NATURE. CRAFTED BY US.
The life of a tree, with each unique grain and texture, brings its majestic beauty to every home bearing the E. F. San Juan fingerprint. Since 1976, this third-generation family business has evolved from modest facilities and equipment to a state-of-the-art facility featuring the world’s finest woodworking equipment. Coupled with a highly-skilled and dedicated workforce, the company continues to set the standard for quality architectural millwork, mouldings, stair parts, trim, paneling, cabinetry, and more in the Southeastern Coastal US and beyond.
NURTURE OUR NATURE
A Shared Responsibility
With over 40% of our land preserved for nature, Walton County is well known for our pristine landscapes. The recently launched Keep Walton County Beautiful initiative empowers residents and visitors alike to make a positive impact through beautification, litter prevention, waste reduction and recycling. Together, we’ll continue to improve this unique environment for generations to come. Get involved at KeepWaltonCountyBeautiful.org.
Sunshine and cool breezes. Palm trees and margaritas.
Welcome to Latitude Margaritaville, a 55-and-better community inspired by the legendary music and lifestyle of Jimmy Buffett, built on food, fun, music and escapism.
Escape to the place where fun and relaxation meet.
Escape to island-inspired living as you grow older, but not up.
Escape to Latitude Margaritaville Watersound, located on Hwy 79, less than 8 miles from the beach.
New homes from the $300s
- 5:00pm | Sun. 11:00am - 5:00pm
• Paradise Pool with Beach Entry and Tiki Huts
• Latitude Town Square with Live Music Bandshell
• Latitude Bar & Chill Restaurant with Panoramic Views of the Intracoastal Waterway
• Overlook Bar
• Fins Up! Fitness Center with Indoor Pool
• Tennis, Pickleball and Bocce Ball Courts
• Town Square Game Lawn
• Barkaritaville Dog Park
• Walking Trails and Multi-Use Sport Court
COMMUNITY THEATER FEATURES
PENSACOLA LITTLE THEATRE
Small but mighty, Pensacola Little Theatre and its passionate performers have survived more than most — the Great Depression and ghostly hauntings included. What’s gotten them through it all? The sense of family and belonging found on the stage and behind the scenes. A small staff and a slew of volunteers help bring to life shows like recent performances of Rent, 13: The Musical and 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche
STAGE CRAFTERS COMMUNITY THEATRE
Actor Cora Rasmussen knows the industry can be harsh. She left stage dreams behind after moving from a Northwestern big city but was convinced to give theater another shot. At Stage Crafters, she found the opposite can be true, too. A small Fort Walton Beach theater, Stage Crafters puts meaning to the word community. The all-volunteer nonprofit is kept alive by its dedicated members and the support of its loyal audience. stories by PAIGE AIGRET
THE WAVE
23 PERSONALITY Heath
Carroll has a big heart for two things — education and theater. He’s found success on stages big and small. But returning home for teaching roles has been his greatest act.
26 HISTORY Most learned in grade school about America’s 13 original colonies. Few discover that there existed a 14th and 15th. An account of Florida’s history, Leslie Kemp Poole’s latest publication highlights the “little heralded” Florida colonies.
PANACHE
31 CITIZEN OF STYLE
Ramsay Stayer’s style is rooted in creativity. Her personal aesthetic reflects something of a boho cowboy. Her business and clothing line, Rooted by Ramsay, takes inspiration from Northwest Florida’s landscape.
36 FASHION
Of controversial Y2K fashion, the low-rise jean has returned. Is the resurgence a trend in passing, or has Gen Z perfected a look that millennials have long regretted?
38 WHAT’S IN STORE
Late summer means sunny days are here to stay. Ophelia Swimwear and Kiki Risa Clothing have looks to keep you cool on and off the beach. Too, stop by Sandestin Spirits to quench your summer thirst.
GASTRO & GUSTO
43 DINING OUT Panama City
Beach’s Hunt & Gather elevates the local dining scene from typical coastal themes. Tucked away in an unsuspecting strip
mall, the upscale restaurant offers a global menu of farm-to-table cuisine.
EXPRESSION
67 DANCE Students at Panama City Dance Academy study everything from ballet, jazz and tap to contemporary, hip-hop and musical theater. Classes welcome all ages and levels, and a competitive company takes elevated skills to winning heights.
72 BOOKS A home fire and death in the family marked an era of grief for Suzy Accola. The Santa Rosa Beach-based writer found catharsis in penning her debut novel, Janie Blue
DINING IN Are you looking for new ways to incorporate more fruits into your diet?
Rather than packing an apple or orange in your lunch bag that’ll inevitably go to waste, try adding fruit to your sandwiches.
ABODES
75 EXTERIORS Butterflies are vital to Earth’s ecosystem, but sadly, some populations are decreasing. To help, retired FSU scientists Dean and Sally Jue provide tips for creating a bountiful butterfly garden.
78 INTERIORS Smarthome technologies prioritize safety and convenience, taking remote control to new levels. Geofencing automates lighting as you pull in your drive, and companion apps offer security monitoring from near or far.
84 GREEN SCENE The summer heat attracts an array of creatures to home gardens. Some may be harmless, but you’ll want to pay close attention to your plants to minimize potential damage.
IN EVERY ISSUE
16 FROM THE ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
In June, Pensacola Little Theatre produced the Broadway hit musical Rent for local audiences. A story about falling in love, finding your voice and living for today, Rent follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York’s Lower East Side under the shadow of HIV/AIDS.
PHOTO BY ASHLEY MCGLOTHREN
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
Carotid angiogram and stents | Peripheral stents in leg vasculature Aneurysm repair | Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysm
80 ↑ BEHIND THE SCENES A new docuseries titled Real Wood debuts season three with E. F. San Juan’s operations manager, Eddie San Juan. The series immerses viewers in the world of luxury homes and spaces crafted by E. F. San Juan, a custom moulding and millwork company.
28 ↑ CONSTRUCTING THROUGH CHRIST
The Certified Building Contractors of Reborn Remodeling not only transform their construction projects but also the lives of their employees and clients.
40 FILL IT UP Dermatology
Specialists of Florida fills readers in on all they need to know about one of their most popular and requested services, dermal fillers.
46 BOLDLY
BODACIOUS
Bodacious Café welcomes a new chef, Chris Voorhees, who brings years of experience and fresh, adventurous flavors to the menu.
50
↑ TOAST TO THE COAST
Glasses and funds were raised during the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation’s annual auction event that featured a series of wine dinners, including one hosted by Emerald Coast Magazine and Mimmo’s Ristorante Italiano.
We announce the results of this year’s Best of
86
↑ LATITUDE LIFESTYLE
Live in the bliss of permanent vacation mode at 55-and-better community Latitude Margaritaville Watersound. The community features island-style homes, dining options, an event space and many desirable amenities.
88 DEAL ESTATE
A four-bed, threebath luxury home in St. George Island awaits its new owner, offering scenic views of the Gulf and Apalachicola Bay.
91
PROFESSIONAL PROFILES
This special section details the pros you should know spanning a variety of industries and services from medical providers and education to accounting.
96
CALENDAR As we transition from summer to fall, make the most of outdoor events festivals, or catch a break from the sun with indoor performances.
SETTING IT STRAIGHT
In the story Shot After Dark from our June/July issue, a photo and description of the Grand Canyon Ruins by Patti Blake was incorrectly attributed to Susan Gunn.
EMERALD COAST MAGAZINE
EDITORIAL
EDITOR, EMERALD COAST MAGAZINE Paige Aigret
EDITOR, TALLAHASSEE MAGAZINE Sara Santora
SENIOR CONTENT EDITOR Laci Swann
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Steve Bornhoft, Rebecca Padgett Frett, Les Harrison, Carrie Honaker, Thomas J. Monigan, Jordan Staggs
CREATIVE
VICE PRESIDENT / PRODUCTION AND TECHNOLOGY Daniel Vitter
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jennifer Ekrut
SENIOR ART DIRECTOR, TALLAHASSEE MAGAZINE Saige Roberts
ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR, EMERALD COAST MAGAZINE Sarah Burger
SENIOR PUBLICATION DESIGNER/ART LEAD, 850 BUSINESS MAGAZINE Shruti Shah
SENIOR PUBLICATION DESIGNER Scott Schiller
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sierra Thomas
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Paige Aigret, Wyeth Augustine, Michael Booini of Boo Media, Hunter Burgtorf, Jim Clark, Lynn Crow Photography, Jennifer Deeb of Go With the Flow Photo, Julie Dorr, Epic Photo Co., Mike Fender, Melissa Funk, Will Hepburn, The Laughing Photographer, Steve Mangum, Ashley McGlothren, Moon Creek Studios, Romona Robbins, Saige Roberts, Nathan Saczynski/NASCO Photo, Savvibelle Photography, Sunshine Real Estate Photography, Shelly Swanger Photography
SALES, MARKETING AND EVENTS
SALES MANAGER, EASTERN DIVISION Lori Magee Yeaton
DIRECTOR OF NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, EASTERN DIVISION Daniel Parisi
ADVERTISING SERVICES MANAGER Tracy Mulligan
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Rayna Bishop, Julie Dorr
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Darla Harrison, Renee Johnson, Erica Wilson
MARKETING MANAGER Javis Ogden
SALES AND MARKETING WRITER Rebecca Padgett Frett
MARKETING FULFILLMENT COORDINATOR Katie Grenfell
OPERATIONS
CUSTOM PUBLISHING MANAGER Sara Goldfarb
CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE/AD SERVICE COORDINATOR Sarah Coven
PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION SPECIALIST Melinda Lanigan
Rhonda Murray leaves a lasting impact as she moves on to make new waves
Looking back on the growth and evolution of Emerald Coast Magazine over these last 26 years, there are so many to thank.
We have our loyal readers and community ambassadors that engage with us. As readers, you invite us to be part of your lives when you ip through the magazines that appear in your mailboxes or as you enjoy and share our online content. And it is you, our community, who we look to for story subjects and inspiration.
Too, our valuable advertisers and community partners make our magazines possible. Each relationship and partnership is built on a trust in us to share their message, mission and o erings to our valuable readership, a responsibility we don’t take lightly.
Our dedicated and talented sta of 30 Rowland Publishing Inc. (RPI) employees and more than 20 freelance contributors work day in and day out to provide elevated products and services.
There is one sta member I would like to highlight and honor, Rhonda Murray.
After graduating from Florida State University in 2002, Rhonda came to RPI through a connection of one of her mentors and professors, Susan Shaw. For 22 years, she has been an integral key to the success of Emerald Coast Magazine as well as our other 22 sister titles and client publications.
I met Rhonda almost 18 years ago when I started at RPI. While we were close professionally since the beginning, it was a 2011 work trip that further bonded our relationship. We were both invited on the inaugural ight of a new airline in conjunction with a magazine we were publishers of, Emerald Grande’s Coast Lines magazine. Frank Sandro welcomed us and other local PR professionals to cover and experience the direct ight to Las Vegas. Rhonda and I became dear friends on that trip and remain so today.
I have had the pleasure of working with her and relying on her in every aspect of my life. To know Rhonda is to adore, love and be inspired by her. She is the best at anything she puts her mind to. I saw proof of her drive and work ethic in her ability to gain and maintain strong professional relationships with our community partners. I also saw it in her jewelry-making artistry and as a wife and mother.
She has the most patient and kind servant heart to all she knows. She is fun, funny and always the life of
the party. She is also the most reliable and dependable person I know. In short, she is simply the best. Recently, Rhonda has decided to refocus her professional time to work alongside her husband and business partner, James Murray, at SunQuest Cruises and its large hospitality portfolio of local businesses and services. In doing so, she is closing the chapter on her professional relationship with RPI.
I want to acknowledge and thank Rhonda for the leadership and hard work she has dedicated every day of those 22 years to RPI. I wouldn’t be where I am today professionally or personally without her wisdom, grace, leadership and most importantly, love. The SunQuest family portfolio just added the best asset along the Emerald Coast to their team, and I can’t wait to see the success she will provide in her new endeavors.
There are those people in life whose impact causes a ripple e ect. Rhonda has made waves and always will. Too, she will always be a part of Emerald Coast Magazine and my life.
I am grateful for the impact she has made and will continue to make on RPI, our community and my life.
Dissatisfaction has plagued the attention span; human connection offers resolve
Emerald Coast Theatre Company held a Junior Thespians showcase in the spring. My niece was performing with the group, and I never miss a chance to see her on stage. But the performance resonated with me on more than just the familial level.
The teenagers showcased a oneact play that depicted a disruptive audience during an o stage performance of Hamlet. The scene opens with an introduction to the unseen Hamlet production from the play’s presenter. He kindly implores the “audience” to turn o their phones and keep their attention on the Shakespearean production.
Of course, they do not, and chaos and hilarity ensue.
The real audience, myself and other family and friends of the young actors, are left in stitches laughing at the absurdity of the pseudo-audience members eating spaghetti from a plastic bag or engaging in “talkxting” while Hamlet occurs o stage. (Di erent from talk-to-text, this “talkxter” speaks out loud while texting with her ngers, just for the heck of it.)
With each disruptive occurrence, the play’s presenter becomes more perturbed, as do other “audience” members, creating further disruption.
The one-act is condemning audience behavior in the best comedic way.
More than hearty laughs, our doppelganger audience left us with a message that resonated loud and clear: Pay attention!
It’s true, our attention spans have shrunk in recent years.
This is widely attributed to the increased use of digital devices and the internet. Most of us use a computer, laptop or smartphone for work in some capacity. And as soon as we clock out and switch to entertainment, social media and streaming platforms consume our evenings.
Gloria Mark, attention-span researcher and professor at the University of California, found in a 2003 study that attention spans lasted no more than 2½ minutes before a consumer switched screens or tasks. In a more recent study, Mark found that the number had decreased to 47 seconds.
We are constantly connected and simultaneously disconnected.
It seems the more options we have, the more we crave the next thing. But what’s leaving us so hungry, so dissatis ed?
This oversaturation of content has fostered boredom. Options are so plentiful that it becomes a chore to select something of value. Too, homebody habits picked up during the pandemic have been exacerbated by recent economic in ation. It doesn’t often feel worthwhile to spend an evening out.
As consumers, we are left with one advantage — the luxury of being picky. Choosing intentionally is the answer. But how do we choose?
I believe we’re lacking one main ingredient to assuage our cravings: human connection.
There’s nothing quite like a live show to pull an audience in — so long as they refrain from “talkxting” and bagged spaghetti. Lucky for us, our entertainment scene is lively along the Emerald Coast. Live music is a regular occurrence at local joints up and down our beaches and among our downtowns. Festivals and events happen year-round. And theater performances are easily accessible with community theater productions occurring in Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, Miramar Beach and beyond.
So, next time boredom strikes you to your core as you’re sifting through in nite online content, consider some o ine connection.
On Tuesday, June 18, The St. Joe Company and the Cultural Arts Alliance announced plans for a new 15-acre nature and art park at Watersound Origins. Planned for opening in 2026, the new Longleaf Art Park will be home to nature trails, an outdoor amphitheater and a sculpture by the late artist Richard Serra. Read the article at EmeraldCoastMagazine.com/ longleaf-art-park-at-watersound-origins.
SUMMER GLOW-UP
Dermatology Specialists of Florida has the inside scoop on summer savings for sought-after procedures such as DiamondGlow treatments, dermaplaning and custom-blend facials. Visit EmeraldCoastMagazine.com/sponsoredcontent/beauty-links to seek savings for your Emerald Coast summer glow-up.
STAY IN TOUCH
Hotel Effie Sandestin Joins Prestigious Collection
The Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort’s luxury hotel property joins Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection.
Learn more at bit.ly/4evgvPe.
MEET THE EDITOR
We are proud to introduce our new editor, Paige Aigret! A Rowland Publishing Inc. employee for two years, Aigret was promoted to the role of editor of Emerald Coast Magazine in January 2024. We sat down with Aigret to discuss her background, interests and more! EmeraldCoastMagazine.com/meet-thenew-editor-of-emerald-coast-magazine
Do you love the idea of 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.
The public is invited to celebrate the 2024 Best of the Emerald Coast winners as voted on by the readers of Emerald Coast Magazine! At the 26th annual celebration, guests will enjoy an evening where all their senses will be stimulated with MUSIC, ART, DELIGHTFUL CUISINE AND LIBATIONS. We can’t wait to see you there!
To learn more and get tickets, visit EmeraldCoastMagazine.com/ bestofec.
Promote your event to Emerald Coast readers. Submit
wave
A STAR BEHIND THE SCENES
by PAIGE AIGRET
↖ Heath Carroll got his start in theater as a student at Ponce De Leon High School where he later became the fine arts teacher. Today, Carroll brings big drama energy as the education director at Emerald Coast Theatre Company.
COMPENDIUM
STUFF
Heath Carroll is far from shy. A longtime thespian, he feels at home on stage and is empowered by the reactions he elicits from audiences.
“When I can make people laugh, that’s like a superpower,” he said.
As Emerald Coast Theatre Company’s (ECTC) educational director, Carroll is fun and easy to talk to, especially if the topic of conversation is his students.
“We’ve got a saying here, that ‘the heart of ECTC is you,’ that the heart is the patrons,” Carroll said, adding that for him, “The heart of ECTC is the kids. I’m here for them.
“I never thought I was going to be an educator, but there’s nothing that really matches the moment when you see a student get it — when you see something click for them or you see them having true joy in something they’ve done. Because creation is one of the most powerful things we can accomplish as human beings.”
Carroll’s life, personal and professional, has been shaped by finding himself in unexpected places.
He didn’t always have an interest in theater. But his friends and drama teacher managed to pull him in during his sophomore year of high school
on a teacher mask,” always treating his students with the same respect he does his colleagues, and believes laughs are just as important as learning.
when one of their productions fell an actor short.
“I found out that I loved it,” he said. “Then I found out that you could get scholarships for college through the arts. That got me all the way through college.”
Encouraging professors matched Carroll with gig work that led him to California, where he interned with a Shakespeare company for two seasons before bouncing to New York City. There, he performed in cabaret shows alongside college friends.
“They had all the music, but they didn’t have the book,” Carroll recalled. “I fancied myself a young writer at the time, so I wrote the book for them. Doing that cabaret is how I met my wife.”
What started as a writing collaboration soon evolved. After visiting Carroll’s family, his wife Melissa fell in love with Holmes County’s rolling pasture landscape just miles from the Gulf of Mexico shores, and the couple decided on a permanent move.
Carroll worked for 10 years as Ponce De Leon High School’s fine arts teacher, the very school where he first discovered his love for theater. But when ECTC cofounder Nathanael Fisher invited Carroll to teach a summer class, he never left.
“And then they opened up this position for education director, and I jumped right in. It’s been go, go, go ever since.”
Students at ECTC enjoy working under Carroll’s guidance. One student noted Mr. Heath as fun and inspiring and said he’s great at breaking the ice for new or reluctant students.
Carroll enjoys catching the kids off guard with silly, off-the-cuff bits, and he always keeps spirits high.
“I’m pretty fast and loose and speedy,” Carroll said. “I try to have as much fun with it as possible, even though it is work … you’ve got to laugh, and you’ve got to be having fun while you’re doing it.”
But even more, he enjoys being the resident hype man.
“I always try to pump them up, let them know when they did a good thing,” he said. “Let them know when they need to work on something but really celebrate the good moments.”
Jokes aside, much of Carroll’s good rapport with students stems from his honest and respectful approach.
“I’m sure anyone can remember when you were in school, maybe elementary or middle school level, you always knew when you were being talked down to,” he said. “I don’t want to do that to a child.”
photography by MIKE FENDER
↑↗ Carroll says he doesn’t “put
Carroll oversees all youth programs and productions and teaches several classes each season. So his days are full. But a busy schedule is a small price to pay to help prepare the next generation of creatives for life outside the theater.
“It’s more than theater,” he said. “It would be great if some of our kids went on to Broadway. But that’s not really the goal. The goal is the life skills they get.
“Figuring yourself out, that is what it’s all about for these kids,” he continued. “But you’re also learning about the human condition.”
When preparing kids for realworld auditions and job interviews, Carroll preaches, “You don’t need to fear them. There will be another job. There will be another gig. The thing you’re trying to get across is, you’re selling yourself as a product, but make them realize how much they need you, that you’re bringing something to it.”
He sees value in each of his students, and he wants them to see that, too.
“Everybody needs their spotlight moment when they’re here with us … and each one of these kids deserves that moment.”
For Carroll, witnessing each student’s shining moment feels as good as a rave review. EC
GET INVOLVED
Whether it’s through classes, attending a performance or becoming a VIP Member, learn how to get involved by visiting EmeraldCoastTheatre.org.
↙ Carroll considers himself a visual learner and recognizes that learning styles differ for everyone. In moments where he can help it all click for a student, he feels he’s done his job.
↙
As word spread of its medicinal climate, Pensacola became a popular destination for travelers and transplants. A bird’seye view depicts the area in 1885. Pictured are the New Continental Hotel, the Navy yards and the Merchants’ Hotel.
THE PATHS ONCE TAKEN
Trailblazers took on an untamed Florida
by STEVE BORNHOFT
For generations, schoolchildren in the United States have learned about the “original 13 colonies.” Few discover that there existed a 14th and a 15th.
The latter two came about when Spain ceded its Florida holdings to Great Britain at the conclusion of the Seven Years’ War. East Florida extended from the Apalachicola River to the Atlantic Ocean; West Florida’s westerly boundary was the Mississippi River.
The Florida colonies are “little heralded” in history primers, notes Leslie Kemp Poole in her newly released gazetteer of a book, Tracing Florida Journeys, “since they remained on the Loyalist side in the American Revolution.”
Poole, an associate professor of environmental studies at Rollins College in
Winter Park, does more than retrace familiar storylines and the beaten paths of sanitized accounts of the past.
Her book explores all of Florida, often sharing the perspectives of early white visitors to the state, some familiar, others not. Residents of the Emerald Coast are bound to pay particular attention to a chapter devoted to “Middle/West Florida Travelers: Hopes in the Panhandle, 1765–1891.”
The Panhandle has come to be like the rest of the state; increasingly populated by more newcomers than people with anything that might be considered Florida roots. Poole introduces readers to the state’s history and heritage, leading them to places where the past and precious biospheres have been preserved and evidence of one-time natural abundance survives.
↑ In 1821, Andrew Jackson (depicted above) moved his family to Pensacola where he served as Florida governor for nine months. Later calling the area a “perfect plain,” Jackson’s wife was initially unfond of Pensacolan society.
She efficiently recounts how the “land of flowers” was passed around like a pawn in an international game of chess, moving from Spanish control to British and back to Spanish before finally becoming part of the United States in 1819.
In 1763, a mere nanosecond of geologic time ago, Pensacola was the capital of West Florida and numbered less than 800 people. The British sought to encourage settlement in the area with promises of free land. Daniel Boone checked out Pensacola in 1765 as part of a Southeastern swing and, Poole notes, purchased a city lot. Never, however, did he succeed in convincing his wife to move south from North Carolina.
The botanist William Bartram of Philadelphia camped out briefly in Pensacola, long enough to note a few previously undescribed plants and to eventually warrant the creation of the city’s William Bartram Memorial Park.
President James Monroe named Andrew Jackson the military governor of Florida in 1821, expressing confidence that given Old Hickory’s leadership, “smugglers and slave traders will hide their heads, pirates will disappear, and Seminoles will cease to give trouble.” Jackson governed the territory from Pensacola.
Jackson’s wife, Rachel, was ambivalent about Northwest Florida. While enamored of water views and sea breezes, the future First Lady had reservations about the area, having not to do with humidity so much as heathenness.
She wrote to a friend in Tennessee, Poole notes, complaining that “I feel as if I was in a vast howling wilderness, far from my friends in the Lord, my home and country. The Sabbath entirely neglected and profaned.” Her opinion softened after she directed a major to enforce a proper Sabbath and he succeeded.
Once mollified, she wrote, “Pensacola is a perfect plain, the land nearly as white as flour, yet productive of fine peach trees, oranges in abundance, grapes, figs, pomegranates, etc. Fine flowers grow spontaneously for they have neglected the gardens.”
↑ White Sand Bluffs, an 1835 painting by artist George Catlin, depicts a once-mountainous Santa Rosa Island. Today, few hilly dunes remain within the Gulf Islands National Seashore protected area.
Today, “Perfect Plain” has been adopted as the name for a Pensacola brewery and taproom. Poole writes about the artist George Catlin’s stay in Pensacola in 1834–35. He was a documentarian and painter and was focused, Poole writes, on creating “portraits and scenes of Native people on the vanishing frontier.” A painting that hangs in the Smithsonian American Art Museum (pictured above) depicts a Seminole family encamped along sand dunes on Santa Rosa Island that can fairly be described as mountainous.
Now, condos and hotels stand where such dunes once buffered the land. Surviving is the Naval Live Oaks Area, the oldest federal tree sanctuary in the country.
Buying into hype about the medicinal properties of Florida’s climate, the author Laura Ingalls Wilder moved in 1891 with her daughter and ailing husband from the Upper Midwestern prairie to join her cousin Peter Ingalls, a homesteader who settled near Westville in Holmes County.
Tracing Florida Journeys: Explorers, Travelers, and Landscapes Then and Now by Leslie Kemp Poole is now available through local and online book retailers.
Done in by weather they found oppressive, the Wilders would last in Florida for less than a year, never filing for a homestead, themselves. Instead, they did something that rarely happens today. They retraced their steps, moving back to South Dakota. A historical marker is pinned to the ground that they briefly called home. Times have changed greatly in the Florida nanosecond. Still, it remains possible to peer into the black waters of the Perdido River, the “River of Perdition,” look up and find oneself in the midst of heavenly surroundings that lift the spirit and make one grateful. EC
PLACES OF NOTE
➺ WILLIAM BARTRAM MEMORIAL PARK 211 Bayfront Parkway, Pensacola
Scenic walkways close to downtown cityofpensacola.com/facilities
➺ PERFECT PLAIN BREWING CO. 50 E. Garden St., Pensacola Extending a nod to Mrs. Andrew Jackson perfectplain.com
➺ NAVAL LIVE OAKS AREA Gulf Islands National Seashore, Santa Rosa Island Oldest U.S. federal tree reserve nps.gov/guis
➺ LAURA INGALLS WILDER MEMORIAL Holmes County Road 163 Historical marker is located on the west side of County Road 163, 2.6 miles south of the Alabama-Florida line and a mile north of Florida State Highway 2.
A Walton Milestone
With events sprinkled throughout the coming months, Walton County will be marking its bicentennial year. The activities will culminate in a countywide celebration on Dec. 29, 2024.
A website, Walton200.com, has been established and includes a calendar of happenings related to the bicentennial along with weekly videos that add up to an effective collection of “Reflections of Walton County.”
Bifurcated by Choctawhatchee Bay, Walton County has long been home to contrasting characters — agricultural and coastal. Over time, those lines have become blurred. Today, the City of Freeport, located north of the bay, is exploding with new residents who have been attracted to the historically tiny town because of its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, now just an easy drive down four-laned U.S. Highway 331.
Bicentennial observances and celebrations figure to further lend Walton a top-to-bottom identity shared by all who call it home. — Steve Bornhoft
SEEING THE PictureBiggerand Purpose
Reborn Remodeling is a Certified Building Contractor specializing in a range of services, including exterior and interior remodels, renovations and home additions. As a Florida company, they have honed their expertise in exterior matters, such as waterproofing, exterior finishes, custom builds, structural reframing and more.
Reborn Remodeling constructs homes, businesses and lives
There’s immediate gratification in watching a remodeling project go from needing repair to being rejuvenated, transformed or revived. In its four years of servicing the Emerald Coast region, Reborn Remodeling has revitalized countless homes and businesses.
The team is delighted to tackle custom projects to your exact specifications. From the simplest fix to a challenging remodel, the team of 10 treats each job with honesty, integrity, accountability and hard work.
Much like the projects he works on, the company’s owner, Austin Russell, believes in second chances by taking what needs help or guidance and providing the opportunity to flourish.
Russell, who operates the company with his wife, extend their family and faith-based values to each member of the team fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where all are valued and respected.
“We are known for our work ethic, being reliable, responsible and standing on our own two feet, putting biblical principles into practice in our daily lives,” said Sheldon Jernigran, business development manager for Reborn Remodeling.
A requirement of the job is attendance at a weekly Bible study, where employees hold one another accountable and pray over their remodeling projects for the week. Additionally, each employee is active in their church and a chosen charity.
This outlook leads to a close-knit group committed to delivering exceptional work. They view themselves not only as builders but also as believers, creators and collaborators called to serve their community by God.
The group doesn’t take lightly the privilege of working on multi-million-dollar homes and businesses. Their gratitude is illustrated by their commitment to arrive on time, leave job sites immaculate, provide honest communication and complete each project to the highest standards.
“Everything we do is breathed from the strong foundation God granted us,” said Jernigran. “God allowed us to build this amazing business, which allows us to shine a light on the projects we are blessed to work on.”
Bealls Outlet • Dick’s Sporting Goods
Bealls Outlet • Dick’s Sporting Goods
Ross • The Fresh Market
Ross • The Fresh Market
EATERIES
EATERIES
Chili’s • Wayback Burgers • Craft Bar: a Florida Gastropub
Chili’s • Wayback Burgers • Craft Bar: a Florida Gastropub
Texas Roadhouse • IHOP • Jersey Mike’s Subs • CAVA Grill
Sweet Frog Frozen Yogurt
Texas Roadhouse • IHOP • Jersey Mike’s Subs • Zoë’s Kitchen
PetSmart • Kirkland’s • Verizon • Bed, Bath and Beyond
Michael’s • Chan’s Wine World • World Market
Chan’s Wine World • World Market • Shoe Carnival uBreakiFix • Dixielectricar • Barnes & Noble and more!
Shoe Carnival and more!
15750 Panama City Beach Pkwy PierParkNorth.com
AUG/SEPT 2024
→ Artist Ramsay Stayer’s clothing line,
Ramsay, is a reflection of her Southern,
style. Using thrifted pieces, Stayer crafts redesigned clothing hand-printed with her signature designs.
ELEMENTS OF STYLE RANGING FROM THE SUBLIME TO THE MORE SUBLIME
CITIZEN OF STYLE
Artist Ramsay Stayer taps into creativity when dressing by REBECCA PADGETT FRETT
Rooted by
beachy
Freshly graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting from the University of Mississippi, it was 2020 and Ramsay Stayer, like much of the world, felt depleted of creativity.
But after a move to Rosemary Beach, Stayer soon found a welcoming creative community.
Surrounded by an abundance of inspiration, including Northwest Florida’s idyllic coastline and fellow creatives she admires as business owners and friends, Stayer finally felt connected to art again.
“Whether I’m creating art, looking at art, listening to music or talking with other creatives, I have to have creative people and inspiring things around me in order to thrive,” Stayer said.
When thinking of her state of life, she kept coming back to the word “rooted.”
Thus, Rooted by Ramsay was born.
Stayer, who has long loved fashion and considers it an extension of her creativity, found herself drawn to merging textiles and her print artistry. An avid thrifter, she began collecting clothing she could repurpose as art.
The idea of taking an object and turning it into art is something Stayer has been doing since childhood.
“I come from a very creative household; my mom and her mom were artists,” she said. “My mom always encouraged the creative side of her five children. We always had arts and crafts stuff around and complete freedom to create.”
Stayer’s Rooted by Ramsay collection is crafted with thrifted, donated or upcycled clothing which she block prints using her hand-carved block designs. Her designs are sketched on linoleum blocks, which she then carves away the negative space from to stamp upon the clothing item.
Each design is inspired by the natural setting of the Florida Panhandle. Subjects include shells, palms, a Florida panther, insects, reptiles, fish and all varieties of flora and fauna.
“I love the vastness of the landscape here and the variety of terrains,” said Stayer. “Being so close to the Gulf has been both grounding and inspiring, and I want that to shine through in each piece.”
Stayer gravitates toward oversized button-down shirts to imprint her designs, but she can also do custom designs on a customer’s preferred clothing item. All Rooted by Ramsay orders and other commissioned artworks can be ordered through her Instagram page, @rams_studio.
“Even with my commissioned work, it’s been very rewarding to have people let me vibe and be creative, completely trusting me,” she said. “I want people to feel comfortable and like themselves in my designs.”
Stayer wears an olive green Rooted by Ramsay top paired with denim shorts, a snake-buckle belt and a gold bangle bracelet from ExVoto Vintage. Her silver dolphin and colorful pendant bracelets, gifts from her parents, add style and sentiment to her look while rings from Rebecca Pinto Jewelry, James Avery and United Apparel Liquidators (UAL) lean into the boho aesthetic.
←↑ Rooted by Ramsay designs are created by Stayer using a linocut technique in which linoleum blocks are used as relief surfaces. Stayer sketches her designs onto the blocks, then carves out the negative space to create a pattern for printing.
↙↘
While thrifting at Goodwill for new upcycle inventory, Stayer sports a breezy, comfortable look in Isabel Marant pants, Ulla Johnson strappy sandals and Hat Attack purse, all from UAL, plus a casual tank from H&M.
She hopes to launch a website soon and begin selling at more pop-ups along the coast. From there, her biggest aspiration is to be able to give part of the proceeds back to local ministries.
To Stayer, it’s important to give new life to items otherwise headed to the landfill. Coming from a retail background, she recognizes the need to move away from fast fashion and wants to be a part of the movement. Many of her personal purchases come from Haven House, Giving and Sharing, and Goodwill.
If she’s not thrifting, she’s shopping local. Three stores she keeps in rotation — ExVoto, OKO Lifestyle and BECASA.
“I joke that my alter ego is a Florida Cowboy,” said Stayer. “While it’s always changing, I would say my personal style is chic with a Western, masculine, boho flare. No matter how I choose to present myself through style, it’s going to be fun and feel like me.”
Her go-to outfit in cooler months calls for wide-leg jeans by Just Black denim paired with Tecovas cowboy boots. In the summer, faded shorts with Doc Marten sandals make for a staple fit. No matter the weather, she almost always pairs a Rooted button-down over a tank top with her chosen style. For events and special occasions, she enjoys shopping online at Staud.
Throughout her childhood, Stayer’s family vacationed in Rosemary Beach. Now calling it home, she’s begun to find her favorite haunts. An ideal evening includes margaritas at Amigos or cocktails at Distillery 98, then stopping into Grays 30A for a grazing board or Ambrosia for a nice dinner.
What does she cherish most about the community? Its people, its artists and its creatives.
“I’ve found that here, there’s never bitterness or competition to get to the top like I’ve experienced in the past,” Stayer said. “Everyone is so encouraging of one another and excited to see other creatives grow. It’s a really beautiful, unique thing.” EC
↑ Pictured above, a green beaded necklace by Meredith Waterstraat adds a pop of color, and charms from Reshelled, ExVoto and Anthropologie on a UAL necklace add Western-style accents to Stayer’s coastal look.
TO RISE OR NOT TO RISE
As Gen Z falls victim to our most regretted style, this millennial asks — seriously?
by PAIGE AIGRET
As millennials, we embraced the return of the early ’90s mom jean. We enjoyed the loose fit of the long-popularized boyfriend jean. And for some, the high-rise skinny would have to be pried from their cold, dead hands. However, the return of one Y2K staple has left Gen Y feeling less than enthusiastic.
It wasn’t the butterfly clips that perturbed us. It wasn’t the baby tee or the crop top. Nor was it the Juicy Couture velour sets, surprisingly enough. No — the generational divide can only be traced to a single, unforgiving culprit: the low-rise jean.
The guilty party has become a topic commonly debated by millennial moms and Gen Z teens until the elder is blue in the face. To rise or not to rise — is this seriously a question?
I had to consult my favorite Gen Z teen for some guidance. “Please,” I asked my 15-year-old niece, Ashlynn. “Tell me it’s not true.”
“I currently think they’re in, and I think they’re pretty cute,” she informed me. She foresees the style sticking around for a while but doesn’t consider it timeless.
“They did already go out of style from the early 2000s, so it’s bound to happen again,” she said.
Millennial and owner of Encore Resale 850 consignment boutique in Fort Walton Beach, Donielle LaTo, sees innumerable styles come and go. It’s up to her to differentiate what’s in, what’s out and what stands a chance of resurgence.
“They’re eager — they were ready a year ago,” LaTo said of Gen Z shoppers. “I remember this one customer coming in and making a comment about it. She said, ‘Y2K is coming; get ready for it!’”
↗ The return of the low-rise jean may be cause for concern among millennials, but Gen Zers have made the regretted Y2K trend their own. New styles take inspiration from the early 2000s and merge with new and resurging trends including platform shoes. FASHION
Those of us who lived through the era where style icons included the likes of Manny Santos from the Canadian teen drama Degrassi have learned our lesson. But the snug, below-the-belly fit isn’t the only reason we were glad to leave low-rise behind. The flared length of those bad boys didn’t stand a chance in the rain — you were guaranteed to be stuck with a pant leg wet up to the top of your calf and torn, tattered and mud-stained within three wears.
But the simultaneous resurgence of the platform sneaker comes in handy here, enhancing the look and preventing wear from the elements. For tops, the low-rise pairs best, then and now, with a spaghetti strap tank or a baby tee. If you’re feeling risky, my niece informed me, you might even go for a crop top.
The wide-leg cargo is another improvement to the style. As the baggy fit à la Billie Eilish takes the spotlight, this jean fit offers style, versatility and comfort and works for a slouchy-chic look as much as it pairs with the classic baby tee. My Gen Z niece gave this look her stamp of approval and predicts it will outlast the low-rise flare.
“It’s almost like we did that, but now they’re perfecting it,” LaTo said of Gen Z’s improvements to millennial fashion.
While LaTo agrees with my niece, saying the trend “will be pretty short-lived,” it’s fair to say that the low-rise 2.0 could stick so long as it feels right.
“Usually, the trends that stay are just more comfortable, the classic ones,” LaTo said. “You
don’t see things that are tight and uncomfortable sticking around forever. Those aren’t classic styles.”
As for young ingenue Ashlynn, comfort is less of a concern for now.
“I get dressed up for any event, even going to the grocery store,” Ashlynn said. “I just love to get dressed up.” It’s true. I’ve waited endless hours for her just for a trip to the bank.
As for timeless trends, Ashlynn told me simplicity is key, and she appreciates styles that can effortlessly pair with anything.
LaTo said individuality will trend from here on out — to each their own vintage resurgence.
“That’s the most popular trend. Whatever you’re comfortable in and you look good in, then wear it — it’s going to look good!” EC
Gen Z has made other improvements in styling low-rise jeans. ↑ A wideleg cargo fit offers a slouchy-chic look when paired with a cropped blouse or baby tee. ← But the spaghetti strap tank remains a classic look for the low-rise trend.
Jeans
Green™
WHAT’S IN STORE?
A roundup of retail happenings throughout the Emerald Coast by REBECCA
PADGETT FRETT
On the Emerald Coast, swimwear and beachwear are in style during every season. Ophelia Swimwear can outfit you to say “see you later” to the fleeting days of summer and greet the beach days of early fall.
➸ Orange is a prime color for transitioning from late summer to fall. The MARCELA UNDERWIRE TOP IN PAPAYA BY OPHELIA LOVE has adjustable straps and a customizable tie-back closure, ensuring a secure fit. This ruched top is equal parts fun and sophisticated.
➸ Yellow is one of the hottest colors in 2024, and the OPHELIA LOVE COCO BANDEAU IN BANANA is a must-have for your swimsuit collection. It’s the pinnacle of chic with its innovative design featuring a unique wraparound strap adding dimension and versatility. The strap is removable, allowing the top to be worn two ways. Complete the look with the Blakely Bottoms in Banana.
SANDESTIN SPIRITS
Ophelia Swimwear
➸ No need to collect seashells when you can wear your collection on the CLEONIE BAWLEY MAILLOT IN SEASHELL. This chic one-piece looks straight from the runways with side cut-outs, shell detailing, a scooped neckline and open back. Wear it from the beach to an evening out as the versatile style could easily double as a bodysuit paired with jeans or a maxi skirt.
➸ For the perfect transitional dress, look no further than the AMYRA DAHLIA FLORAL DRESS BY SAYLOR. Composed of a soft, breathable cotton, this mididress is classy and put-together with a smocked waist and tiered skirt. The print beautifully blends a botanical pattern with coral, pink and green hues
Kiki Risa Clothing
Kiki Risa Clothing in Destin specializes in making customers feel and look good with unique clothing for any and all occasions. The staff’s favorite designers include Zimmerman, Rebecca Valance and Alexis.
➸ Lilac is having a moment. The ALEXIS MARCE DRESS IN LILAC is a multitiered dress fit for a mermaid, with fabric that drapes and clings in all the right places. The SUMMER AWAY COSTA LILAC SET is versatile — wear as a set or separates. The top is a standout piece with button details and a peplum flare.
➸ For everyday wear, breezy button-downs are timeless whether dressed up with white jeans and heeled sandals or worn over a swimsuit for a beach day. Accessories abound at Kiki Risa with especially popular crochet bags and Krewe sunglasses.
➸ Dress up for dinner or a special event with a dress from Zimmerman’s Natura collection. THE NATURA BLACK WILDFLOWER MINI DRESS is both bold and whimsical. The jet-black bodice is ruched at the top then flares at the skirt that features a bouquet of wildflowers. Feminine and refined, the NATURA BUTTONED MINI DRESS is perfect for a garden party, erupting in a bodice of beautiful flowers.
The ideal day likely consists of sun, surf, sand and your favorite spirit. Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, recognizing good cocktails regularly accompany good beach days, has opened a new speciality store, Sandestin Spirits, at The Village of Baytowne Wharf. This premier package liquor store will offer a wide variety of beverages including the SIGNATURE SANDESTIN LINE OF BEERS, SELTZERS AND WINES alongside other high-end, name-brand selections. The location will host weekly events including tastings and encounters with distributors. Events will be open to the public, Sandestin guests and homeowners.
Marcela Underwire Top in Papaya by Ophelia Love
Amyra Dahlia Floral Dress by Saylor Cleonie Bawley Maillot in Seashell
Ophelia Love Coco Bandeau in Banana
Left to right: Alexis Marce Dress in Lilac, The Natura Black Wildflower mini dress, Summer Away Costa Lilac set
Natura buttoned mini dress
Winners Soirée
The public is invited to celebrate the 26th annual Best of the Emerald Coast Winners as voted by the readers of Emerald Coast Magazine! This intimate soirée will be one for the books — all in celebration of 26 years of BEST! Guests will enjoy an evening where all your senses will be stimulated:
Over 150 winners will be in attendance to celebrate their deserved win. The public is welcome to intertwine and celebrate with the best of the best to mark this incredible accomplishment! The winner of the Best Charity/Nonprofit will receive an exclusive in-kind support from Emerald Coast Magazine
Youth-Full Restoration
Dermatology Specialists of Florida fills us in on dermal fillers
If you find your face lacking the volume and vitality of youth it once held, it might be time to fill in the blanks with dermal fillers. Dermal filler is a nonsurgical cosmetic procedure that restores volume.
Dermal fillers correct areas by filling wrinkles, plumping skin and restoring volume to areas of the face and neck that experience sagging or hollowing. Dermal fillers, often referred to as “fillers,” are most commonly injected around the mouth, lips or cheeks but can also be used on the neck, décolletage and back of the hands.
Board-certified dermatologist Audrey Kunin, M.D., of Dermatology Specialists of Florida & Aqua Medical Spa, explains that as a face matures, it loses volume, especially in the mid-face and cheeks where lines can form at the nasolabial fold around the nose and mouth. Those lines, known as marionette lines, angle toward the chin and at the cheekbones.
Dermal fillers are composed of natural or synthetic materials. Some stimulate the production of collagen while others utilize hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance already present in the skin.
Hyaluronic acid diminishes over time, so it can be injected to restore volume.
While Dr. Kunin is partial to Juvéderm, the practice offers various FDA-approved fillers to ensure your desired results.
Once you receive a consultation to discuss the areas of concern, a numbing cream is applied to the areas that will receive filler. Once numbed, the licensed provider will inject the filler into the desired area. If comfortable with it, Dr. Kunin will hand patients a mirror so they can watch the process.
“For me, the process is like being an architect, and as that architect, you want the patient to be happy with the results,” said Dr. Kunin. “As we go, I encourage the patient to provide feedback since everyone’s eye for imperfection is different. It’s important that this is a participatory process for the best results.”
An aspect that the patients and providers both enjoy is that the results are
instant. Immediate, visible results can last up to a year.
Post-procedure, the area may be a bit sore, and minor bruising could occur. Patients are encouraged to ice the area and abstain from strenuous activity for at least 24 hours. Those who are pregnant, nursing or have an impaired immune system cannot receive filler.
Dr. Kunin strives to provide natural, subtle improvements. She often thinks less is more and that more can be done if needed.
“My expectations are always to provide a restored, youthful look where you walk out of the office with instant gratification,” said Dr. Kunin.
Dr. Kunin sees patients in Panama City Beach, Santa Rosa Beach and Watersound Origins. To schedule with Dr. Kunin or any of the other skilled injectors at Dermatology Specialists/ Aqua Medical Spa, call (877) 563-3772 or visit AquaMedicalSpa.com
DR. AUDREY KUNIN
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John’s Story
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gastro&gusto
by CARRIE HONAKER
gastro & gusto
It’s 5 o’clock on a Friday night, and the Hunt & Gather Raw Bar & Pub is half full. By 6:15, hungry diners fill the sidewalk outside, waiting for their spot.
Entering the restaurant, I’m confronted immediately by a life-size “major award” perched atop the bar — a fishnet leg lamp inspired by the classic holiday movie, A Christmas Story. Large canvases adorned with wild animals dressed in suits and suspenders decorate the walls, and further down the narrow dining room, taxidermied trophies observe the scene.
Here, the global menu and kitschy decor stand out versus the seafood buffets, daiquiri purveyors and mini-golf courses populating Panama City Beach’s traditional sugar sand and emerald surf setting.
Behind the bar, David, a native of Jamaica, greets people with a wide smile and welcoming conversation as he has since the restaurant opened in October 2020. He considers himself a “city boy,” but he fits in this cozy space tucked into a strip mall anchored by a Dollar General. Locals make up 90% of the crowd, even at the peak of the summer tourist season.
He spots me bellying up to the bar and brings over a glass of the white Bordeaux that I love. It’s a refreshing blend of sauvignon blanc and semillon from France that pairs perfectly with the tangy snapper ceviche I order to start. My husband settles on a pint of Idyll Hounds Divide & Conch’r IPA. There’s always a robust selection of local drafts mixed with interesting beers from spots as far away as Ireland.
Sitting at the bar, you get a full view of the efficient operation. André handles all the cold prep, from salads to oysters to desserts, from behind the bar. Just to the right, the galley-style kitchen pulses with activity as cooks pivot among fryer baskets, a flat-top grill and skillets.
A heaping bowl of PEI (Prince Edward Island) mussels bathed in white wine, butter, basil and red chili flakes with toasted sourdough hunks for sopping up broth arrives next. André slides our wedge salad over, and I’m reminded this is definitely a shared dish. The ample shredded romaine is piled high with chunks of smoky, house-cured bacon, pickled onion, grape tomatoes and a buttermilk blue cheese dressing.
In between greeting the other bar customers and sharing entree recommendations — brown butter scallops, duck tacos and rack of elk — David checks in on us. I order a bottle of Rioja. He suggested it the first time I came to Hunt & Gather shortly after they opened. His wild dreadlocks and gregarious demeanor belie his
AND MORE
WAGYU
Restaurateur Derek Langford has added a butcher shop and market behind Hunt & Gather. Cases are stocked with many of the meats featured on the restaurant’s menu plus cuts of bison, American wagyu, Japanese wagyu and more. Shelves feature a carefully curated selection of wines, sauces and cheeses. Shoppers can pick up
home,
menu: caviar.
Chicken liver pate
Chef and owner, Derek Langford
Owner Derek Langford prioritizes a quality oyster selection with a halfshell menu listing source locations and flavor profiles ranging from salty and slightly sweet to nutty with a mild salinity.
food and wine knowledge. My usual dinner choice, the wild boar bolognese, pairs well with the Spanish red. I order the pasta dish “spicy” on David’s recommendation. The creamy San Marzano sauce flecked with crushed red pepper coats handmade pasta studded with slow-roasted wild boar, and freshly grated pecorino provides a nutty note to the whole affair.
My daughter orders the lamb lollipops (another great foil for that Rioja). The kitchen has reached elegant whirling dervish speed, and the lamb arrives quickly. Saffronpoached pear slivers mingle with peppery arugula and set the stage for the tender chops. Stripes of saba (a condiment made from leftover grape mash after the wine is produced) lend acid and balance to the herb-laden za’atar crust and creamy goat cheese sauce.
← The dining area exudes a swanky atmosphere with a kitschy twist. Wall art depicts wild game dressed in business atire, and cult classic moviethemed decor graces the bartop.
Peeking over to the kitchen, I notice chef and owner Derek Langford studying the bob-andweave flow of the cooks. Satisfied, he turns to the tables, sauntering through the cozy dining room, stopping to greet familiar faces and settling in at a table up front to chat with local friends.
Langford finds inspiration for his menu from farms around this area. He enjoys relationships built with people growing the oysters, raising game and producing local cheeses and honey.
I am sated with delicious dinner and wine, but still the crème brûlée cheesecake calls. André pulls out his blowtorch and produces a golden crackle crust before passing the dessert to us. Freshly piped whipped cream rosettes topped with blackberries and strawberries create a textural counterpoint to the smooth cheesecake, and the wine still pairs perfectly. EC
←
Newness is Brewing at Bodacious
Bodacious Café welcomes new chef Chris Voorhees
Bodacious Shops in Pensacola strives to be known for its freshness, which is why they recently brought on a new chef, Chris Voorhees, to put a fresh take on their cafe menu.
Nestled in downtown Pensacola stands the welcoming brick facade of Bodacious, a haven for healthy food, premium olive oils and vinegars, craft coffee and a delightful kitchenry store. Amidst many options for fast food, Bodacious Shops
presents breakfast and lunch options that are quick yet healthy and fulfilling.
In March 2024, chef Chris Voorhees arrived to return consistency and creativity to the menu. He’s brought the kitchen back to the basics of a scratch kitchen, utilizing fresh and local ingredients whenever possible.
Voorhees’ first foray into cooking began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he learned the tradition and importance
of crafting a roux for gumbo. While the meals weren’t necessarily fancy, there was a certain attention to detail that promised a delicious meal.
Voorhees spent a decade in kitchens before enrolling in culinary school at Le Cordon Bleu in Scottsdale, Arizona. After graduating, he worked throughout the country, with stints in Vegas, Seattle, Los Angeles, the Caribbean and more, before returning to his hometown of Pensacola, where he was hired as the chef for the Blue Wahoos in 2012.
He would go on to be the Team Chef for the Jacksonville Jaguars and then head of the culinary department for UF Health in Jacksonville during the pandemic. While Voorhees found value in his work and was grateful for the job, he felt drained, deciding to take a 22-month RV trip across the United States with his wife and son.
By traveling, he got to experience new flavor profiles and experiences, which scratched his itch to get back in the kitchen. Through his prior connection with the Studer family by working with the Blue Wahoos, he found they were hiring for Bodacious Shops.
“I knew the Studers were great people, and I saw being the chef at Bodacious as a great way to give back to and connect with the community while getting to make my mark and put my own spin on things in the kitchen,” said Voorhees.
In the cafe, you will find meals infused with vibrant colors and rich flavors, as Chef Voorhees utilizes fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, and Bodacious’ signature oils and vinegars in all dressings and sauces.
Menu options include sandwiches, wraps, salads, flatbreads, acai bowls, pastries and more. Voorhees excels in creating monthly specials and is eager to roll out new permanent menu items throughout the summer and into the fall.
“It’s important to me to serve a fresh, flavorful meal that our guests find value in,” said Voorhees. “Our team strives to prepare and serve great food and coffee, and we look forward to seeing our regulars and first time customers who are stopping in for the first time.”
DINING IN
SEED TO SANDWICH
Fruits add exciting new flavors — and nutrients
— to your everyday lunch
by REBECCA PADGETT FRETT
Many are seeking ways to include fresh fruits and vegetables in their diet. With peak summer produce available, now is the perfect time to try something new.
Rather than packing an apple or orange in your lunch bag that’ll inevitably go to waste, put fruit directly on your sandwich. The balance between savory and sweet — but not too sweet — is a satisfying way to check off multiple layers of the food pyramid in one meal.
It’s not a novel concept. For decades, Southerners have enjoyed ham and jam on a fluffy biscuit or tomato (a fruit and a vegetable) with mayonnaise on white bread.
The Japanese culture serves fruit sandwiches, too — a marzipan cloud of whipped cream with strawberries, oranges and kiwi served on pillowy milk bread makes for an ideal snack or dessert.
With the rise of cooking shows and social media videos, we’ve become more adventurous and inventive with fruit. Think mozzarella and fig, melon wrapped in prosciutto, apricot jelly on pork, mango/pineapple salsa on grilled chicken or lamb with pomegranate sauce.
But when it comes to pairing fruit and protein, it’s hard to beat the basics. Fruit sandwiches offer the perfect combination of savory meat, sweet fruit and dependable carbs. EC
GOAT CHEESE AND STRAWBERRY BRUSCHETTA
Batch this and serve it at your next party or gathering. Everyone will beg for the recipe.
➸ ½ cup of olive oil
➸ 1 sprig of chopped fresh thyme
➸ 1 sprig of chopped fresh basil
➸ 1 pinch of sea salt
➸ ¼ cup balsamic glaze
➸ 1 package of goat cheese, crumbled
➸ 1 pint of chopped strawberries
DIRECTIONS
In a bowl, combine and toss the olive oil, thyme, basil, sea salt, balsamic glaze, goat cheese and strawberries. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. Layer between slices of bread for a sandwich, or serve on bitesized bread rounds or crackers as an appetizer.
PEACH AND PROSCIUTTO BAGUETTE
A quick, on-the-go option that will elevate your lunch with a European flair.
➸ 1 large peach, sliced
➸ 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
➸ 1 tablespoon honey or hot honey
➸ Pinch of salt
➸ 1 small baguette, sliced
➸ 3 ounces cheddar slices
➸ 3 ounces prosciutto slices
➸ 2 sprigs of fresh basil
DIRECTIONS
In a bowl, toss peaches, vinegar, honey and a pinch of salt. Layer the cheese and prosciutto on the baguette and top with peach mixture and basil.
CHICKEN SALAD WITH GRAPES AND CRANBERRIES
What’s more Southern than a signature chicken salad recipe? Not much.
➸ 1 pound of cooked chicken shredded or cubed
➸ ¾ cup of your preferred mayonnaise
➸ ⅓ cup chopped celery
➸ ½ cup of your preferred chopped nuts: walnuts, pecans, almonds
➸ 1 cup of sliced red grapes
➸ ¼ cups of dried cranberries
➸ Salt and pepper for seasoning
DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, toss all ingredients until combined. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. Tastes best on croissants, seeded whole grain or honey wheat bread.
PRESSED TURKEY, APPLE, BRIE SANDWICH
Warm, gooey, crisp and toasty. Possibly the perfect sandwich.
➸ 2 slices of bread — sourdough or honey wheat are best
➸ 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard
➸ ½ ounce of baby arugula or baby spinach
➸ 2–3 ounces of sliced turkey
➸ 1 ounce of sliced brie cheese
➸ 3–4 thin slices of Granny Smith or Gala apples
➸ Additional toppings could include bacon, avocado or hot pepper jelly
DIRECTIONS
Spread Dijon mustard on the two slices of bread. Layer with arugula/spinach, turkey, brie and apples, plus any other desired toppings. Press the sandwich until the bread is crisp and the brie is melty.
ACharity to Toast
The Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation held its annual auction event in April
STORY BY ERICA WILSON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY EPIC PHOTO CO.
Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) held its signature annual auction event from April 26–27, 2024. Each year, DCWAF brings together community members and businesses with a common philanthropic goal of supporting local children’s charities by hosting world-class wine and culinary events. Since 2005, the organization has distributed $32 million in donations to regional charities, not yet accounting for funds raised in 2024. The event kicks off with patron dinners hosted in restaurants and private homes along the Emerald Coast.
Emerald Coast Magazine’s McKenzie Burleigh and Rhonda Murray hosted one such dinner at Mimmo’s 30A Ristorante Italiano, benefiting Caring and Sharing of South Walton. Mimmo La Innusa, owner of Mimmo’s Ristorante Italiano, Gary Irvin from Fulldraw Vineyard, and Cecily Gamba Mitchell and Griffin Mitchell from Gamba Vineyards and Winery collaborated to headline the dinner.
Griffin Mitchell, Cecily Gamba Mitchell, Mimmo La Innusa, Rhonda Murray, McKenzie Burleigh and Gary Irvin
Brooklyn Bain and Karah Fridley-Young with Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation
Event Partners
HOSTS
McKenzie Burleigh and Rhonda Murray
VINTERS
Fulldraw Vineyard and Gamba Vineyards and Winery
CHEF
Mimmo La Innusa with Mimmo’s 30A
FLORALS
Emerald Coast Florals & Event Design
LIMO
654-Limo
PHOTOGRAPHY
Epic Photo Co.
Rob Weil, Ali Weil and Carly Barnes
Sarah Davidson and Andy Bovender
Fulldraw Vineyard, located in Paso Robles, California provided their 2020 ‘Chopping Block’ Blend to commence the evening. Fulldraw is dedicated to creating a sustainable environment for each vine. Their delicate attention results in expertly balanced wines. Irvin elaborated on the bold flavor, which paired perfectly with the Crostone Di Pane: sautéed Gulf shrimp, cherry tomatoes and crushed red pepper.
Cecily and her husband, Griffin, shared the lineage of their family winery, Gamba Vineyards and Winery. Gamba is known for meticulously crafted, small-batch wines from their 120-year-old estate
Cecily Gamba Mitchell and Griffin Mitchell
Chef Mimmo La Innusa
vineyard and other vineyards in California’s renowned Russian River Valley.
Cecily noted that their vines’ maturity had allowed the root system to reach the water table below, preventing the vines from being affected by droughts and flooding. The intricacy of the root system consistently creates the complexity of flavor for them year after year.
The second course, Rosa Di Ravioli, consisting of mascarpone, poached pears, gorgonzola, parmesan cream sauce, walnut crumble and local honey, was served with the 2022 Gamba ‘MCM’ - Old Wine Zinfandel.
Chef La Innusa then announced the decadent Costola Corta as the third course, paired with the 2020 Fulldraw ‘Honey Bunny’ Blend. Heightened earthy aromatics flooded
the senses, with hints of grenache harmoniously enhancing the braised short rib.
To conclude the meal, the 2021 Etrusca ‘The Etruscan’ Cabernet Sauvignon was poured into attendees’ glasses to accompany the Semifreddo Alle Mandorle. The dessert consisted of an almond and hazelnut mascarpone custard with hot chocolate drizzle.
La Innusa’s passion is evident in every bite.
The evening also featured a silent auction, which included an art donation from acclaimed photographer Chandler Williams with Modus Photography, the featured cover artist of Emerald Coast Magazine ’s , April/May issue.
Carly Barnes, executive director of Caring and Sharing of South Walton, highlighted
the charity’s 30-year dedication to serving Walton County residents. Barnes expressed that over 700 families are seen each month. The funds raised through the DCWAF partnership would allow them to focus directly on the needs of the children within those families.
A buzz of excitement lingered throughout the dining room. The dinner celebrated community, exceptional culinary artistry and fine wines while reaching the event’s primary goal of raising significant funds for the cause.
The Patron Dinners raised more than $550,000. Overall, the two-day event raised $3.3 million in funding to benefit local children’s charities throughout the Emerald Coast.
Left: Chandler Williams, McKenzie Burleigh, Gary Irvin, Jessica Proffitt
Bracken, Rhonda Murray, Meghan Hall, Erica Wilson and Jennifer Albert
Gary Irvin
Merry Morgan Holotik-Henderson and Katie Wendt
Royce Mitchell and Jessica Proffitt Bracken
↘ One among several Emerald Coast community theaters, Pensacola Little Theatre regularly produces Broadway classics, both musical and straight plays, as part of its Mainstage series.
Theater prevails
As a storytelling medium, theater brings words to life on stage and in person. There’s something tangible about that experience as an audience, something so important it’s proved irreplaceable over the years. Theatrical performances date back to the fifth century B.C. in Athens, Greece, where a single actor performed alongside a chorus. As civilization evolved over thousands of years, so too did theater, remaining a steadfast form of entertainment despite centuries of industrialization and modernization. Even with the invention of moving pictures in the late 1800s and the subsequent impact of Hollywood in the U.S., audiences have continued to buy tickets to much-anticipated live performances, and actors still feel drawn to the glitz of on-stage stardom. Here in our small towns along the Emerald Coast, community theater stages deliver passionate performances as big in personality as the professionals. Our little theaters bring to local audiences that tangible experience that humanity will always crave.
THEATER THAT COULD THE LITTLE
Decades-long history proves Pensacola Little Theatre never gives up on big dreams
by PAIGE AIGRET
Pensacola Little Theatre (PLT) is small but mighty. You could call it “the little theater that could.”
Like the engine from the children’s book, PLT has long prevailed owing to a little positivity and a lot of elbow grease.
The nonprofit organization has a small staff of 10 but is largely kept running by its enduring volunteers.
“I think a lot of people don’t realize that we truly are a volunteer-based organization,” said PLT marketing director Ashley McGlothren. “Our directors are volunteers, the whole production team are volunteers and all the actors are volunteers.”
What drives those key background players? McGlothren guesses it’s the sense of community at PLT.
“I think we truly are a family here, and I believe that is what brings them in every day,” she said. “They come in, we all say hi, we eat lunch together. It’s just a really familial environment.”
PLT’s roots date back to the Pensacola Drama Players. The actors group performed at the San Carlos Hotel in the mid-1920s. However, they were forced to set theatrical dreams aside when the Great Depression hit in 1929. But passion prevailed. The Drama Players returned to community stages after a seven-year hiatus and later incorporated as PLT.
← The streets of early ’90s New York City set the scene for the PLT’s June musical production of Rent.
“A community is only as vibrant as its people, its progression and its cultural climate,” said PLT’s chief executive officer Sid Williams-Heath.
The organization is among the longestconsecutive running theater groups in the Southeast, and its home, the Pensacola Cultural Center, is even older.
Originally built in 1911, the center was once the Escambia County Court of Records Building and Jail. It sat abandoned until the late ’90s when the county deeded PLT the property to create a permanent home for the arts in Pensacola.
The atrium lobby may be the historic landmark’s most notable attribute. With views of all three of the building’s levels and up to an expansive sunroof that creates a naturally lit room, the now shining feature was once a courtyard where executions occurred.
The haunting history sometimes welcomes performers of its own.
“When anything goes wrong, we blame Hosea,” McGlothren joked.
Hosea Poole was the last person to be executed in that courtyard on July 31, 1920. PLT staff and volunteers are all too familiar with the haunting presence of Poole and other ghostly guests.
“People have claimed to hear bumps in the night,
lights go on and off without people messing with them,” she said. “There’s also been a ghost story of people seeing a little girl in a white dress running around the theater.”
But nothing could drive today’s PLT members from their passion, not even ghosts.
“There’s something different in seeing a live performance than just going to watch a movie,” McGlothren said. “A play has a different energy, and I think people are drawn to that.”
“Live performance is captivating,” Williams-Heath echoed. “In a world full of screens and entertainment on demand, theater is the pulse of true experience.”
Each year, PLT produces 10–15 productions across its various series.
The Mainstage and Treehouse series present theater for adult and familyfriendly audiences. A Treehouse production, 13: The Musical drew in tweens, teens and parents to the March performance. And in June, popular demand brought Rent to the PLT Mainstage.
Studio 400 presents an edgy, sometimes racy, dark comedy series for adult audiences. In May, they performed
“A community is only as vibrant as its people, its progression and its cultural climate.”
↑→ In the late ’90s, PLT moved to the historic Escambia County Court of Records Building and Jail, now the Pensacola Cultural Center. Historically, the organization shuffled from temporary stages and buildings. Today, the center remains its permanent home.
The Cat’s Meow
produces theater for young audiences by young actors ages 5–12 with productions like Seussical Jr., which they performed this past June.
5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche, a comedic and liberating call back to the Cold War Era. In October, they’ll perform the satirical play, POTUS, which McGlothren described as “a dark comedy where a group of women who work for the president have to fix something he said in a press conference.”
PLT’s smallest series, in number and stature, the Acorn group,
REACHING YOUNG ACTORS
For elementary through high school-aged students looking for a place on the stage, PLT’s education department offers acting, musical theater and improv classes. McGlothren, whose daughter attends PLT classes, has seen the benefits of theater education play out in real time — increased confidence and improvements in reading and public speaking skills.
Over the years, PLT has seen its students achieve big-city dreams. Ashley Brown, known for playing the titular character in the Broadway production of Mary Poppins, grew up in Gulf Breeze and performed at PLT as a young actor. Allison Bailey, who starred as Glinda in the Broadway national tour of Wicked, was also a PLT student.
To young thespians, McGlothren says, “Dream big and keep pursuing and look for all the opportunities you can.” EC
In addition to scholarship opportunities, Pensacola Little Theatre now offers a completely tuition-free program for community youth. Funded by grants through the Escambia County Children’s Trust, the new program, Character Building through Building Characters, provides transportation to kids from area schools for classes at PLT such as storytelling where they learn about acting and scripts. For more information on this program and other outreach initiatives, contact Kimberly Scott at outreach@pensacolalittletheatre.com.
The Addams Family
5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche
↑→ The Addams Family (top right) hit PLT’s Mainstage in 2023 starring Julia Banta as Wednesday Addams. This year, 13: The Musical (above) inspired those looking to fit in to stand out. Studio 400 series shows, like 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche (left), are always quick to sell out, according to marketing director Ashley McGlothren.
13: The Musical
↘ In June, Stage Crafters volunteers brought The Mousetrap to life on their Fort Walton Beach stage. In the Agatha Christie-written play, murder is a recurring theme and everyone is a suspect.
COMPASSION ACTING WITH
Fort Walton Beach theater puts community stage center
story by PAIGE AIGRET
Community. A word so often emphasized that it sometimes loses its weight.
Stage Crafters president David Chancellor has resolved to do right by the term inherent to his work.
“We are a community theater,” he said. “It’s in our name, right? Stage Crafters Community Theatre. But what does that mean?
“To me, it means we are here as a resource for our community; we are here to add to the artistic fabric of our community, which I think is vital to a healthy, thriving society,” he continued. “But it also means we are dependent upon our community.”
The nonprofit theater is the longest-running of its kind in the state — entirely volunteer-run since 1972.
A core group of 30 people regularly commit time to production and design, a 10-member board manages administrative duties and innumerable others return each season to help bring shows to life.
photography by NATHAN SACZYNSKI/NASCO PHOTO
Stage Crafters president David Chancellor
“We’ve got a lot of people that do a lot of hard work,” said Chancellor, who makes a point to attend every audition to welcome new and returning volunteers.
Performer Cora Rasmussen recalls her first Stage Crafters audition in 2023 as a breath of fresh air.
“At auditions, (Chancellor) stood up and said, ‘It takes so much bravery to come in the door and do it. You guys are doing great,’” Rasmussen recalled. “So to have
that encouragement from the jump, it was like, ‘Okay, I can do this.’”
Her community theater experience living in Washington State lacked the community element.
“Up there, it’s big cities — it’s very cut-throat, it’s brutal,” Rasmussen said. “Here, I avoided theater for like four or five years just because I didn’t want to deal with that in a new place.”
A friend convinced Rasmussen to come see for herself.
“This is a very different character than I’m used to playing. She’s snarky, she’s her own person, she’s not romantically interested in anyone.”
— Performer Cora Rasmussen
“It was a very welcoming atmosphere, which I was not expecting,” Rasmussen said. “You can be kind and do theater; it’s possible.”
In the 2023 production of Catch 22, Rasmussen made her Stage
↙ In June, performer Cora Rasmussen (center) played Miss Casewell in The Moustrap. Rasmussen has been surprised by the sense of community she found at Stage Crafters, a hard contrast from the intensity of her previous big-city theater experiences.
Crafters debut playing three parts, one of them being a male character.
“The level of differentiation she had between each of the characters was just amazing,” Chancellor said. “I had a chance to chat with her during move-in, and I knew right away based on what I was seeing on stage that this was not her first show.”
In June, Rasmussen played Miss Casewell in a production of The Mousetrap, a murder mystery from the desk of famed detective novelist and playwright Agatha Christie.
“This is a very different character than I’m used to playing,” said Rasmussen, who is accustomed to romantic roles. “She’s snarky, she’s her own person, she’s not romantically interested in anyone.”
Chancellor is focused on helping newcomers blossom and building upon the younger volunteer base to prepare the theater’s next generation of key players.
“It is definitely a different level of commitment,” Chancellor said. “I’m in awe that anybody is willing
to step up and do it. It’s hard, and it can be thankless sometimes. But it’s necessary.”
The shoes to fill are far from small, with measures of people like Nancy Kruzek who’s been a volunteer since the organization’s beginnings.
When Kruzek moved to the Fort Walton Beach area in the early ’70s, she heard about a new organization preparing their first show and went to introduce herself.
“She shows up for the first show, and in the program, she’s
listed as a contributor to the organization,” said Chancellor, recalling the story Kruzek had shared with him. “She’d only talked to them; she hadn’t done anything.”
The snafu led Kruzek to join Stage Crafters where she directed their second-ever show. She’s been an active member ever since. Today, she still attends rehearsals and shows and offers mentorship to new directors such as Gail Hurley ahead of her debut directorship of The Mousetrap
“Nancy is truly a treasure to this organization,” said Chancellor. “The fact that we’re still here at all, I give great credit to her.”
The organization has faced challenges in recent years. For decades, the Fort Walton Beach Civic Auditorium has been Stage Crafters’ main stage. But just around the corner is the warehouse they call home.
For some 45 years, the property was on lease through a deal with the city.
“Originally, the lease was very easy for us,” Chancellor
said. “A couple of years ago, the city started looking for revenue streams, and they realized that this piece of property is actually quite valuable.”
Instead of selling, the city offered Stage Crafters a rent increase. The inflated cost would be unaffordable for the nonprofit.
Business manager Craig Ewing took to negotiations with the city, hoping to settle on a purchase price that could make the warehouse Stage Crafters’ home once and for all. But it would be the greater community who would settle the score.
“We were very fortunate to receive an Impact100 grant.”
Impact100 of Northwest Florida, an all-female membership organization that funds donations to worthy nonprofits in Okaloosa and Walton counties, awarded $100,000 toward the purchase of the property.
Volunteer Nancy Kruzek
Director Gail Hurley
↑→ The Fort Walton Beach Civic Center is home to Stage Crafters performances. But the warehouse around the corner is where shows take shape. In 2023, grant and donor funding helped the nonprofit theater purchase the land it had long called home.
↙ A core group of 30-plus Stage Crafters volunteers help bring shows to life on the civic center stage. Sets, props and costumes are designed and created at the nearby warehouse, then transferred to the auditorium ahead of show week.
An additional $100,000 in funding came from a donor match from local supporter Ron Frost, who passed away just months later in October 2023.
“Now knowing that this is our forever home, it’s a huge existential weight off of us,” Chancellor said. Looking ahead, the Stage Crafters president is working on reestablishing regular one-act performances. The warehouse’s rehearsal stage
opens to a small audience space perfect for one-acts and cabarets. But conflicting rehearsal schedules have been a pain point.
Chancellor hopes to take advantage of the theater’s winter season break and put together a One Act Festival for December.
He said the goal is to reignite interest from local audiences which has dwindled since the pandemic. Home entertainment has become a preference, and increasing economic costs have meant more date nights spent at home.
“I recognize that there is an investment,” Chancellor said. “But live theater is incredibly powerful.”
He encourages the community to come out in support and to allow Stage Crafters to connect people to the arts.
“Take a chance,” he said. “Allow the magic of theater to have a powerful impact on you.” EC
UPCOMING PRODUCTIONS
In August, Stage Crafters’ third show of the year, The Naked Truth, presents “a sex comedy with more than sex on its mind.” When an Ohio couple inherits a clothing-optional resort down in Key West, confusion and hilarity inevitably ensue.
In November, Stage Crafters will close out the 2024 season with the Tony Awardwinning musical production, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. “It’s about a young man who is a ne’erdo-well, he’s ninth in line to inherit a banking fortune,” president David Chancellor explained. “So, he takes it upon himself to eliminate all other eight members. The fun part of the story is that one person plays all eight of those family members, men and women.”
and Jillian dance
Davis work on a dance routine during rehearsal at the Panama City Dance Academy. A legacy of Barbara Strausbaugh, PCDA teaches a variety of dance stylings and prepares students for competitive performances.
AUG/SEPT 2024
CREATIVE WORKS LAND ON PAGES, CANVASES AND STAGES
NOT THE SAME OLD SONG AND DANCE
From classical ballet to musical theater, Panama City Dance Academy offers steps at any pace by REBECCA PADGETT FRETT
BOOKS Janie Blue
Olivia Haghighat
If you’re going to pursue a life in the spotlight, you’ve got to take the right steps.
At Panama City Dance Academy (PCDA), owner and director Michelle Williams and her staff of instructors help young hopefuls find their footing on the stage.
PCDA began as the Barbara Strausbaugh Dance Centre, a respectable arts institution for over 30 years under the direction of its namesake. In 2003, Michelle Williams, a student of and staff member under Strausbaugh, took over as owner and director.
After working and teaching alongside Strausbaugh for 13 years, Williams knew she wanted to maintain the reputation and expectations of the studio.
“I call Barbara my mom away from mom,” said Williams. “She comes into the studio often and will even sub sometimes. Her presence still has a lot of impact here.”
The studio offers classes in ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, tap, tumbling, hip-hop, musical theater and specialty technique classes. From preschoolers to high schoolers, dancers can participate for the simple joy of dance or become a part of the company that competes and take a set of core classes.
The competition team travels throughout Florida and neighboring states competing. While they may arrive as an unknown studio, they often leave with everyone knowing their names. They win a lot and win often, yet you
won’t find Williams calling the local papers or plastering the studio with trophies.
She prefers quiet wins. What’s most important is that her dancers focus on the craft and find fulfillment in learning, teamwork and discovering their individual confidence.
“I want our dancers to be good at what they do and proud of themselves while knowing life isn’t just about the awards you win,” said Williams. “They should express empathy whether they win or don’t because that creates better, well-rounded people and dancers.”
Outside of the company, musical theater classes often bring in new students otherwise removed from dance. These dancers may be actors first and foremost, but the lessons rely heavily on the knowledge of styles such as tap, jazz and ballet to provide poise, rhythm and technique on stage.
“Many theater students come in with no formal dance training, which can be intimidating, but after a few classes, they quickly become comfortable,” said Williams. “Overall, the musical theater classes help with stage presence and confidence. Plus, those with formal dance training tend to stand out more, shine more on stage.”
The classes prove popular among dancers who frequent other PCDA classes, too.
The musical theater classes are rooted in Broadway musical stylings. Past performances have showcased routines choreographed to tracks from hit musicals including Legally
↖→ Former PCDA student
a choreographer for the academy. Current owner Michelle Williams says community is part of the PCDA culture where friendships flourish and former students often keep in touch.
Kaitlyn Hegewald (pictured above) is now
For Williams, instilling in students creativity and confidence are top priorities. For the PCDA competition team, winning is not the goal but is often the result.
Blonde, Chicago, Shucked, Annie, Phantom of the Opera and many Disney favorites like The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast.
Williams has seen many students find big-city success in New York, Los Angeles and even on cruise ships. Some have gone on to open their own studios. But what’s most important to the studio director is that her students carry life lessons found in dance through any career they end up in.
“Some of my proudest moments are when something may go wrong backstage or even on stage and the dancers come together to adapt, change and find a solution without the audience ever knowing,” Williams said. “They could easily throw their arms up and quit, but instead, they are already becoming people who know how to adapt in life.”
While each dancer is responsible for their own movements, they recognize that a minor misstep can have a domino effect on other dancers and the performance as a whole. To be a dancer requires you to work well with others.
As these young dancers perfect routines with their team, they’re also learning the choreography of relationships. Williams and her staff of eight instructors aim to make PCDA a comfortable and safe space for each child to flourish. Hours spent in the studio each week often result in lifelong friendships.
In her 21st year owning the studio, Williams has found herself attending weddings and baby showers of former students. There, she often finds the events resembling a dance class reunion.
“It’s really special to know those friendships started all because of dance.” EC
Michelle Williams, owner and director at PCDA
BOOKS
Janie Blue
After a devastating fire at her brand-new home, Suzy Accola pens her debut novel
by JORDAN STAGGS
Just over a decade ago, author Suzy Accola lost her brand-new home a few nights after her family moved in. Her children were sleeping in their new rooms when the fire broke out around midnight.
Accola and husband Jim had worked together through their design-build firm to create the home of their dreams, and
to say dreams were dashed that evening would be an understatement. Built with grit and grace, Accola went into high gear to make things work for her family.
The seeds were planted that night for her debut novel, Janie Blue
The story further evolved while Accola worked through the grief o� losing her mother shortly after the fire, and the
family decided to move to Florida to rebuild their lives. The book’s publishing was serendipitously completed a year after the Accolas won their decade-long legal battle with insurers and gained closure for what they lost in that devastating fire that started it all.
“It was a cathartic process to write Janie Blue,” Accola said. “Losing my mom to brain cancer reminded me of the fragility o� life. But putting pen to paper, weaving bits of my own sorrow into a character’s journey — it helped me cope. Writing became a healing journey allowing me to process and work through the pain while creating something meaningful.”
The novel is a high-stakes psychological thriller woven with mystery, casino inner workings, politics, relationships, abuse and a touch of romance, set against the backdrops of Seattle, Washington, and Las Vegas, Nevada.
“In the aftermath of the fire, we found ourselves torn between relocating to either the Seattle area or Florida, and I just happened to start writing about Seattle,” Suzy recalled. “And because I spent a lot of time by my mother’s side in a Las Vegas hospital, I was inspired to include Vegas in some of my scenes. The juxtaposition of the intriguing and chaotic city of Las Vegas, the serenity of the surrounding desert, and the ambiance of Seattle really complemented the twists and turns within the narrative of the book.”
Ultimately, Accola’s goal through writing is to uplift women, instilling in them the belief that they possess the capacity to create positive change for themselves and others. Through Janie Blue, she has supported Thistle Farms, a nonprofit organization based in Nashville, Tennessee, dedicated to aiding women in their recovery from prostitution, trafficking, abuse and exploitation.
“I was introduced to this remarkable organization by my daughter, Sammi, and it has truly touched my heart,” said Accola. “Witnessing the transformation and joy these women experience as they rebuild
their lives with the support of others is incredibly moving.”
Accola is committed to ensuring that Janie Blue’s future involves continued support for organizations such as Thistle Farms. She remains actively engaged in seeking out local organizations with which to partner and is working toward certification in self-defense training to help girls and women learn how to protect themselves, build confidence and spread awareness.
and JanieBlueBook.com.
Recently gracing a billboard in the iconic Times Square of New York City, Janie Blue is making its way to readers around the world. Lucky for the Emerald Coast, local author Accola can frequently be found at bookstores, coffee shops and events in the area, signing copies of Janie Blue and sharing her story.
For updates, events and book signings, follow @suzyaccola on Instagram.
Published by The Idea Boutique, a full-service marketing and publishing agency in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, this enthralling and fast-paced tale is screaming for a spot on the big screen, with an audiobook, a sequel and a screenplay currently in the works.
“The process of publishing is, well, a process, albeit a gratifying one,” Accola said. “I am looking forward to what we’re doing in the future.
“This is just the beginning — Janie Blue’s story is not done.” EC
BEST OF THE EMERALD COAST multiple award winner
←→
Author Suzy Accola celebrated the release of her book, Janie Blue, alongside her family at a 2023 launch party. Pictured right are daughter Sammi, writer Accola, son Carson and husband Jim.
Janie Blue can be purchased on Amazon
abodes
EXTERIORS
THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT
Butterfly gardening
many benefits
by SARA SANTORA
AUG/SEPT 2024
TRENDS FROM FLOOR TO CEILING, FRONT TO BACK
A Gulf fritillary butterfly rests on an underappreciated, Florida-native Spanish needle flower.
When I was younger, I raised a handful of painted lady butter ies for a school science project. I couldn’t tell you why or what the purpose of my experiment was. All I can say is that they were beautiful and fun to care for. To this day, I have an a nity for these delicate creatures.
I’m not alone in my interest in butter ies, of course. For centuries, their beauty and transformative nature have captured the imaginations of religious leaders, artists and everyday people. Many cultures have mythologized them as symbols of freedom, hope and new beginnings. Some believe they contain the souls of departed loved ones, others think they bring good luck.
Thanks to scienti c research, we know one thing about butter ies to be true — they’re essential to Earth’s ecosystem. Sadly, research also shows a decline in some butter y populations. Monarchs, speci cally, are vulnerable and face a reduction in breeding habitat due to several factors, including but not limited to herbicide application and land use changes, per the World Wildlife Foundation.
To help boost and maintain local butter y populations, some experts recommend butter y gardening.
CREATING A BUTTERFLY GARDEN
Dean and Sally Jue, retired scientists from Florida State University, are the founding members and past presidents of the local Hairstreak Chapter of the North American Butter y Association (NABA). According to the expert duo, buttery gardening has many bene ts beyond helping sustain the natural environment. It can inspire your children to “better appreciate the wonders of nature,” provide personal enjoyment and reduce the time and maintenance costs required to keep a “perfectly manicured garden.”
Butterfl ies in the Sunshine State
IF YOU LOVE BUTTERFLIES, YOU LIVE IN THE RIGHT PLACE.
Of the world’s 150,000 lepidopterans, or winged insect species which include moths and butterflies, some 20,000 are butterfly species. According to the Florida State Parks official website, Florida boasts the richest diversity of lepidopterans native to the Eastern U.S. with about 3,000 species. Experts have concluded 170 butterfly species are native to Florida, and an additional 30 species call the state home as non-native or vagrant strays.
The zebra heliconian (pictured left) is Florida’s state butterfly.
EASTERN TIGER
SWALLOWTAIL
Lays its egg on trees such as black cherry in the rose family or sweetbay in the magnolia family.
Commonly found in vegetable gardens.
BLACK SWALLOWTAIL
CATERPILLAR
Feeds on plants that are members of the carrot family (Apiaceae).
CLOUDLESS SULPHUR
Conspicuous in Northwest Florida, its long proboscis (tongue) allows it to obtain nectar from plants such as azaleas.
GIANT
SWALLOWTAIL
One of our largest butterflies, it lays its egg on plants of the citrus family such as hoptree.
GIANT SWALLOWTAIL
CATERPILLARS
Looks like bird dropping as camouflage from predators such as birds.
GOLDEN-BANDED SKIPPER
Rare in Northwest Florida, it may be spotted in damp, wooded areas between April to early May and from July through August.
and caterpillar
GULF FRITILLARY
Has silver spots when seen from below.
LONG-TAILED SKIPPER
Lays its eggs on plants in the pea family. Its blue body is diagnostic for identification.
MONARCH
The iconic monarch butterfly can be attracted to your yard if you plant milkweed, the host plant for the butterfly’s caterpillar.
WHIRLABOUT
Mistaken for a moth by casual observers but is actually a member of the grassskipper family of butterflies.
AMERICAN LADY
American lady butterfly nectaring on a blazing star.
BLACK SWALLOWTAIL
↑ Dean and Sally Jue retired in 2016, but they continue to search for and photograph butterflies wherever they go.
Butterfly
descriptions provided by Dean and Sally Jue, and localized by Paige Aigret.
To establish a ourishing butter y garden, you’ll need the right plants. Dean and Sally Jue recommend using native plants because they’re “adapted to the local Florida environment and evolved with the butter ies.”
“Host plants necessary for butter y reproduction are speci c for each butter y species,” explained Dean and Sally Jue. “Some local butter ies, including swallowtails and emperors, use trees or shrubs as their larval food plants … the Gulf fritillary and the zebra heliconian use passion owers as their host plants. And monarchs, of course, use milkweeds.”
While butter ies are particular about their host plants, they’re less picky about where they source their nectar — they’ll visit all kinds of owers to obtain it. Popular native nectar plants include blazing stars and Spanish needles.
As the seasons progress and your garden becomes unruly, you may nd it tempting to clean things up. But Dean and Sally Jue said it’s best to leave a portion of your garden unmanicured.
“If you do a heavy pruning of your vegetation, you may remove the next generation of butter ies in the larval or pupal stages of their life cycles,” they advised. “Leaving a natural, messy area of leaves, unpruned
bushes and branches in or near your butter y garden will result in more butter ies the following spring.”
They also recommend removing invasive plants and using natural, homemade bug sprays, as pesticides will kill butter ies.
Simpli ed, the butter y e ect implies the ap of a butter y’s wings in Tokyo can cause a hurricane in Brazil; i.e., small actions can have massive impacts. If true, there’s no telling what e ects a butter y garden will have, though they’ll likely be positive. EC
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↑ Butterflies such as the monarch will flock to flowering zinnias. Plant them near, between or bordering your vegetable garden to encourage pollinators.
INTERIORS
A SMART INVESTMENT
Remote technologies take convenience to new levels
by LACI SWANN
Smart home technology has become a norm for modern living.
Renters and homeowners have come to expect the comfort and convenience of automation and voice command. Apps and smart assistants like the Alexa and Google Home devices allow for total control over lights, temperature and electronics with a simple activating command.
“Whether it is lighting, HVAC control, audio and video or shade control, home systems are extremely exible to combine your tech needs into one easy-to-use remote or system,” said Michael Lyons, industry expert and owner of Emerald Coast-based Action Audio Video.
As renters and homeowners explore new automation options, the convenience factor moves to the forefront of must-haves.
“The key to convenience is pulling your smart technology together on one app,” Lyons said.
Brands like Philips Hue o er bulbs, track lighting and custom lamps that connect to a companion app on your smartphone. Philips Hue’s Bridge device acts as a router or hub for all of your smart lighting. Users can set up lighting automations for morning and evening or ip a room’s light on before arriving home.
Lyons said new geofencing technology further automates smart lighting and other features with minimal e ort demanded of the consumer.
“When you pull into your driveway at night, your technology can work for you by lighting a path to your front door, into your hallway and so forth, so you aren’t walking into a pitch-black house,” he said.
Activated and controlled through a companion app, geofencing uses your phone’s WiFi or data to register your location, recognizing when you are inside or outside of the geofence zone. When your location is registered within the zone, predetermined automations are activated, like front porch or garage lighting as you pull into your drive. When you leave the geofence zone, an away mode activates, turning o any lighting or devices as dictated through the companion app.
All smart control systems provided and installed by Action Audio Video can be monitored and run from your couch or anywhere in the world with the use of an app.
“To operate all the subsystems in one’s home and control them from one app is the ultimate in convenience,” Lyons said. While convenience is king, strong safety features are a must-have in today’s technology.
“Whether our clients request installations in their house, a rental home or a second living space, they can monitor their property from afar,” Lyons said. “This includes cameras, temperature control, arming and disarming security systems and even turning the hot water on and o .”
Action Audio Video uses Control4’s home automation services that include everything from touchscreen control panels and wireless keypads to video doorbells and camera surveillance. Homeowners can view live security camera footage from their television, control panels and mobile devices. The Control4 devices provide clear footage and reliable surveillance.
Other rewards reaped from smart technology include energy e ciency. Features like automated shades can save homeowners big bucks in the long run.
“As the sun comes and goes, shades can open and close and even tilt automatically, which helps control the temperature throughout one’s home,” Lyons said. “This drops the HVAC a couple of degrees to save homeowners on their energy bill.”
← Devices like the Amazon Echo Show 5 can act as a control panel for compatible smart technology including lighting, security, music and more.
And minor changes to interior lighting levels can make a di erence, too.
“At Action Audio Video, we program lights so that they don’t have to shine at 100%,” Lyons explained. “People can’t really tell the di erence at 80%, but over time, their electricity bill will re ect this decrease.”
Convenience, safety and cost-e ective features have proved worthy investments among local homeowners.
“We’ve received incredible feedback from clients about how easy and convenient it is to listen to music at the pool or in the bathroom with just a click of a button or command,” Lyons said. “Installing keypads and touch panels throughout client homes has de nitely added to their level of comfort.”
Homeowners take heed — smart-home technology appears to be the next smart investment. EC
↖ The Google Nest line of smart technology can sync your smart assistant to your thermostat and outdoor lighting for quick and easy adjustments.
↑ The Philips Hue Signe lamp brings a modern style to the bedside table. The gradient lighting can be controled remotely via app or voice command.
Three Docuseries Debuts
By McKenna Mears
From behind the scenes of E. F. San Juan’s fourth-generation custom moulding, millwork and cabinetry shop in Youngstown, Florida, comes a dynamic video series, Real Wood. In its third season, Eddie San Juan, E. F. San Juan’s operations manager, hosts the show. His family has owned and operated the business since 1976. The show explores luxurious custom homes and community spaces in the 30A area of Florida and beyond, made with building products crafted by the team at this state-of-the-art woodworking facility and thriving family business.
Eddie San Juan launched Real Wood with a focus on the workshop’s behind-thescenes workings. In season one, he shared woodworking tips and tricks, while season two saw him venture into the field to explore the installation of the shop’s work
in various settings. In the newly released season three, the show takes viewers on a journey through some of the most stunning and iconic places in the heart of Florida’s Emerald Coast, showcasing E. F. San Juan’s custom millwork, woodwork and more.
“It’s incredible to see our work installed and enjoyed by so many people in the community,” shares Eddie. “Season three of Real Wood brings a unique perspective to the show. Much of the work we do is in private residences, so it’s an amazing experience to see the finished products installed and in use.”
Season three features a variety of unique locations, including the ZUMA Fitness and Wellness Center at Alys Beach, where viewers can see the custom architectural millwork that adds to the facility’s serene ambiance. The series also
E. F. San Juan operations manager Eddie San Juan on set at ZUMA Wellness in Alys Beach, Florida, to film an episode for the company’s video series, Real Wood.
explores the creation of custom Seaside Prize box enclosures for the Seaside Prize Keys gifted to the winners of this award for outstanding contributions to town planning and architecture. The boxes were handcrafted by E. F. San Juan’s founder and CEO, Ed San Juan (Eddie’s grandfather). Additional episodes visit The Chapel at Seaside, renowned for its stunning architecture and storybook weddings, and In Surf We Trust, a beautiful legacy residence in the heart of Seaside, with many curved accents and spectacular spaces.
Real Wood showcases the incredible craftsmanship that has been a hallmark of the San Juan family’s business for decades. Follow along at efsanjuan.com or E. F. San Juan’s YouTube channel and social media platforms (Instagram: @e.f.sanjuan) for more insights into the craftsmanship that brings life to homes, spaces and places.
The series is produced by The Idea Boutique, a full-service marketing agency located in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.
Visit EFSanJuan.com or follow on Instagram @ e.f.sanjuan to see more projects.
The Chapel at Seaside features custom millwork, windows and other work by E. F. San Juan, who collaborated on the iconic project with Merrill, Pastor & Colgan Architects.
In Surf We Trust is a nautical-themed family home in Seaside, Florida, which includes extensive millwork, trim, stair parts and more by E. F. San Juan. Look for it in season 3 of Real Wood !
FULL HOUSE
The summer heat brings garden creatures aplenty
by LES HARRISON, UF/IFAS EXTENSION AGENT EMERITUS
During this season, the area’s insects are diligently expanding their numbers.
Northwest Florida’s home landscapes, with their wide variety of plants and shrubs, attract many of these bugs, the most popular being butterflies and moths.
Whether large and brightly colored or small and unembellished, all these delicate fliers hatch from eggs, become caterpillars and spend their days munching on plants as they develop.
Some are picky eaters, dining only on specific plants. For example, monarch
caterpillars consume only milkweed, fritillaries eat passionflower leaves and orange dog caterpillars are seen only on citrus trees. Others will defoliate almost any greenery available. Tobacco horned worms and armyworms (both caterpillars) can be found on most plants valued by people.
To minimize the potential for damage, frequently monitor your plants.
If the leaves appear chewed, check the plant for caterpillars. If the damage is minimal and the caterpillars are few, it may be worth ignoring for the pleasure of keeping the butterflies and moths in the environment.
However, if the damage level is extreme or there is a large amount of caterpillars, then a response is necessary.
Many home landscapes have a full production of summer’s fruit, berries and nuts. Yaupons, sparkleberries, dogwoods, pines, persimmons, oaks, hickories and many more have a nutritional offering to keep wild creatures with space in their stomach or cheeks nearby. e summer’s heat and rain provide an ideal growing environment for the plants, which support these animals in the coming months; the blooms you’re seeing now will be the life-sustaining nuts, dried fruit and seeds of winter. e plants and trees also provide this cornucopia to prepare their progeny for the next growing season. While most of their output is consumed by birds, mammals and insects, a small percentage of seeds will survive to expand the plant species range and replace winter losses. Bright orange persimmons, red dogwood, holly berries and blue beautyberries use their distinctive color and shape to attract birds and animals. In exchange for a free meal, some seeds will be relocated and provided with a convenient fertilizer package.
Summer Landscape Tasks
Summer is a great time to solarize garden plots and landscape spots. You can accomplish this soil sanitizing technique with a heattrapping cover, which will kill some, if not most, of the weed seeds and insect eggs lodging in the ground.
A large trash bag with bricks, boards or rocks will work for small areas. But for larger areas, a roll of plastic sheeting will be necessary.
The late summer heat trapped under the plastic will slowly bake the potentially harmful organisms and render them inert. Luckily, earthworms will leave the area when the heat climbs but return when the temperature cools. There are popular herb transplants that you can install during summertime. Rosemary, ginger, Mexican tarragon and others will flourish in a properly prepared site or large container. And August is an excellent time to plant tomatoes. Use nutrient-rich growing media in a transplant container to start preferred varieties.
The growing media or soil should be moderately fine, with ample organic matter and effective drainage. Maintain the moisture in the soil, but do not saturate the containers, as fungal disease will result.
You can start many cool-season crops the same way. Installing healthy transplants can give the home gardener a head start on the autumn growing season.
Les Harrison is a retired University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Wakulla County extension director.
GREEN SCENE
↖↑ Beautyberry blossoms appear spring through summer and mature into berries by September.
←↑
One among many hungry critters in the summer garden, tobacco hornworm caterpillers morph into hawk moths.
A Change in Latitude
Every day feels like a vacation at Latitude Margaritaville Watersound
Welcome to Latitude Margaritaville Watersound, a 55-and-better community inspired by the music and lifestyle of Jimmy Buffett. Built on food, fun, music and escapism, this community redefines active adult living for those growing older but not up.
Located along the Intracoastal Waterway, Latitude Margaritaville Watersound is being developed by master developer Minto Communities, global lifestyle brand Margaritaville Holdings and The St. Joe Company, one of Northwest Florida’s largest real estate development companies.
ISLAND COLLECTION
Aruba Floor Plan
ISLAND COLLECTION
Aruba Exterior
13 Fully Furnished Model Homes
Latitude Margaritaville Watersound’s lowmaintenance island-style homes, available in five distinct collections starting in the $300s, offer spacious master suites and open floor plans that flow into outdoor living spaces.
Conch Cottages range from 1,210 to 1,481 square feet for easy two-bedroom/two-bath living. These homes have a two-car garage, and select floor plans offer a den or hobby room.
Caribbean Villas range from 1,507 to 1,865 square feet and have two bedrooms, a den or hobby room, two bathrooms, a covered lanai and a two-car garage.
Three single-family home collections are available. The classic Beach and Island Collection homes are offered as two and three bedrooms and range from 1,685 to 2,568 square feet. Each home has up to 3½ bathrooms, a twoto three-car garage space, a den and a covered lanai. The all-new limited Vista Collection features three-bedroom homes with incredible Intracoastal Waterway views. These range from 3,085 to 3,788 square feet with an elevator, a two-car garage and a golf cart garage. A lanai and pool can also be accommodated.
Living with a License to Chill
Amenities at Latitude Town Square are second to none. Residents gather for concerts and movie nights at the state-of-the-art amphitheater. The two-story Bar & Chill restaurant offers great views with Margaritaville-inspired fare and a 2nd-floor Overlook Bar with panoramic views of the Intracoastal Waterway. Residents also enjoy workouts at the Fins Up! Fitness Center, lively games on the tennis and pickleball courts, walks through the Barkaritaville Dog Park and soaking up the sun at the Paradise Pool.
Phase two amenities, which include a Workin’ N’ Playin’ Center, Last Mango Theater, Hangar Workshop and Barkaritaville Pet Spa, are now underway.
For more information about life in Latitude Margaritaville Watersound, visit the Sales Center, open daily Monday–Saturday, 9 am–5 pm, and Sunday, 11 am–5 pm.
You can also call (866) 220-1954 or visit LatitudeMargaritaville.com.
JUST LISTED
Sweeping Gulf and Bay Views on St. George Island
Located on the south side of Leisure Lane within the gated St. George Plantation, The Bluffs stands as a pinnacle of coastal luxury. Just a stone’s throw from the airstrip, this custom four-bedroom, three-bath home exudes elegance and sophistication with sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico and Apalachicola Bay.
LISTED PRICE: $1,197,000
ADDRESS: 1516 Windy Pass, St. George Island
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,283
BEDROOMS: 4
BATHROOMS: 3
YEAR BUILT: 1994
FEATURES: The first floor of this Gulfside home welcomes you with a sense of serenity, boasting a master bedroom with chic furnishings and a spa-like en suite bathroom. Two additional guest bedrooms, tastefully appointed and sharing a common bath, provide ample space for friends and family. Ascending to the second floor, you’re greeted by a great room with elevated ceilings and beautiful Saltillo Mexican tile floors, providing a warm and inviting ambiance. The remodeled kitchen, featuring granite countertops and stone rolled tile backsplash, is a chef’s delight, offering both functionality and style. A versatile fourth bedroom doubles as an office space and has its own bathroom. This spacious home offers sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico and Apalachicola Bay.
APPEAL: Nestled among the pines, this home offers a sense of privacy and seclusion, allowing you to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The home also boasts an outdoor shower and fish cleaning area as well as extra ground-level storage that provides space for beach gear. The Bluffs community offers a common swimming pool and beach boardwalks just steps away. The kitchen and bathrooms were remodeled in 2007. In 2018, a new roof and Hardie board siding (Kevin Queen) were installed. Every day feels like a vacation in this charming coastal retreat!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Marilyn Bean
Century 21 Collins Realty Inc. (850) 653-6733
marilyn@century21collinsrealty.com. Contact the agent or view this property, MLS# 317355, to learn more!
I never thought I would find the lifestyle I’ve been longing for. At Watersound Fountains℠, I can walk, bike, or take my golf cart to everything I love on the Emerald Coast. Shops, the beach, you name it. The best part? I’m living the life I love on my terms in a sophisticated residence with brag-worthy amenities and no home maintenance. It’s an enviable vacation spot – and I get to call it home. You can fi nd your place in the sun, too.
Professional PROFILES
The Emerald Coast is home to a community of business professionals who serve their customers as both consultants and service providers in important areas that relate to their finances, health and livelihoods. Choosing the right company to trust can be critical. In this special section of Emerald Coast Magazine, we profile selected, highly regarded professionals who have proven accountable, dependable, trustworthy and dedicated to improving the lives of the people they assist.
The Barrett School
ADRIENNE SEABORN
AUDREY HILL
Every student deserves to learn in an equitable environment. The Barrett School, set to welcome its fi rst class of pre-K through 12th grade students in August 2024, believes in classrooms that cater to each student.
The Barrett School was started by a group of community leaders, teachers and therapists who saw the need in Destin for a private school and clinic dedicated to serving neurotypical and neurodiverse students.
The school’s mission is to promote hands-on activities, emphasize STEM education and play theory and take these lessons outside of the classroom walls. These educational experiences aim to inspire students to foster their passions, spark creativity, become technologically savvy and lead with environmental stewardship.
A unique aspect that bolsters a successful educational experience is
The Barrett School’s therapy clinic, which o ers behavior analysis therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, counseling, play therapy, tutoring and more.
The Colony Clinic is a team of pediatric therapists and specialists led by clinical directors Adrienne Seaborn and Audrey Hill. They are committed to helping students achieve academic, social and emotional success in the classroom and beyond.
Seaborn and Hill observe students in the classroom so they can best gauge natural reactions and interactions. Observing in this natural environment can help the therapists
determine whether the issues are academic or behavioral. The therapists then work alongside teachers, aides, sta and parents to best identify any support or therapy a child might need.
“By observing, we can identify any defi cits, so no student falls through the cracks,” said Seaborn. “We can also access areas in which they excel. All of this contributes to educational and social success for everyone.”
While the emphasis is on the students, Seaborn and Hill aim to impact the families as well. Having a child with disabilities or who is struggling in school can often put a strain on the entire family, which they aim to alleviate by working with students to eliminate educational barriers and provide life skills such as coping with and regulating emotions.
“Every time we work with a child or family, it is to help make that child as independent as possible by giving them the tools and techniques to be the best version of themselves,” said Hill.
Left-right: Adrienne Seaborn - Director of Clinical Operations and Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Audrey Hill - Director of Clinical Operations and Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Emerald Coast Compounding Pharmacy
REGINA K. JAQUESS, PHARM.D.
Regina Jaquess leads two professional lives, one as the owner of Emerald Coast Compounding Pharmacy and another as a member of the elite USA water ski team. For her, there are strong connections between those roles.
Donning water skis for the first time at age 5, Jaquess learned that she liked standing up to a challenge. Later, as a scholarship athlete, she joined a water ski team at the University of Louisiana-Monroe that won two national championships.
As an athlete, she pursued optimal health and conditioning.
As a student, she was drawn to pharmacy school and the mindbody-spirit connection central to healing through pharmaceuticals.
In 2010, she opened her business, Emerald Coast Compounding Pharmacy, in her hometown of Santa Rosa Beach.
“Compounding pharmacy is really the origin of pharmacy in general because you’re making adjustments and modifications to fit the needs of each patient,” Jaquess said. “I love the challenge of compounding pharmacy because there are so many
avenues you can take in order to find the medicine that will most benefit the patient with the least side e ects.”
Her pharmacy addresses prescription compounding, bio-identical hormones, thyroid replacement, veterinary pharmacy, dermatology, dental, pain management, pediatric care and more.
She is a 10-time world champion and has set 13 world records. She has won more than 300 medals in international competition. Last year, Regina swept the field at the World Games in Birmingham. She
wrapped up the year defending her slalom, jump and overall titles at the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, representing the USA under the United States Olympic Committee. She has her sights set on another slalom World Record in 2024!
Warren Averett
Branden Crosby loves a good craft beer. Even more so, he loves helping the people behind the brew. As a CPA with Warren Averett, Crosby maintains and strengthens client portfolios for craft breweries, distilleries, restaurants and retail businesses across Northwest Florida. As the industry group leader in the retail and consumer industry
practice, Crosby has been making his mark within Warren Averett and the community since his arrival at the Destin o ce in 2019.
“The people in the restaurant, beverage and retail industries really spark my passion because they are down-to-earth, a pleasure to work with and appreciate the value of what Warren Averett has to o er,” Crosby said.
Since 1972, Warren Averett has been recognized as a top accounting firm providing traditional accounting, tax services, auditing, technology services, business consulting, HR solutions and more to help companies throughout the Southeast optimize their businesses.
Warren Averett has o ces in Florida, Georgia and Alabama with four locations in the Panhandle — Destin, Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach and Panama City.
The company provides the experience, talent and technology resources of a national firm, with local roots and traditions that enable a superior level of personal attention, specialization in industries and experts that are community focused.
“Craft breweries, restaurants and retail make huge impacts on the communities they are in,” Crosby said.
“By leading and specializing in these industries, I’m able to provide tax and consulting services all while partnering to find increased e ciency and value in production, internal processes and business planning.”
Crosby works alongside clients to determine their goals. Taking this a step further, he focuses on recognizing and adapting to trends that will advance a client’s business and puts a plan in place to mitigate any potential issues.
The process begins with the attentive ear that Crosby lends to clients to gain an understanding of their issues from their perspective. He then takes a problem or pain point with a company and crafts a solution. To Crosby, the bigger the issue, the more opportunity for Warren Averett to rise to the occasion and shine.
calendar
30A Songwriters Festival
Co-produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County and Russell Carter Artist Management, the 30A Songwriters Festival will celebrate 16 years of festival performances from Jan. 16-20, 2025. More than 175 artists will perform original songs at 30-plus venues and dedicated listening rooms throughout South Walton, Florida. Visit 30ASongwritersFestival.com for more information.
BANDS ON THE BEACH
AUG. 6, 13, 20, 27 & SEPT. 3, 10, 17, 24
Pensacola Beach’s popular outdoor summer concert series, Bands on the Beach features a lineup of regional performers sure to satisfy every musical taste. Make plans to visit the beautiful Gulf-side Pavilion overlooking the Gulf of Mexico for hot music, smooth grooves and good times.
Sip and shop through the streets of The Village of Baytowne Wharf. Enjoy free champagne while shopping with participating merchants. baytownewharf.com
PERFECT HUES: BAYTOWNE WHARF ART FEST
AUG. 31–SEPT. 1
Each evening from 4–9 p.m., stroll The Village of Baytowne Wharf streets as you browse a variety of artwork from local and regional artists. Enjoy live music throughout the festival and a spectacular fireworks show over the lagoon on Sunday at 9 p.m. baytownewharf.com
more events in the EC, visit EmeraldCoastMagazine.com and 850tix.com
EMERALD COAST BEER FESTIVAL
SEPT. 6
Sample beers from microbreweries, specialty bottle beers and even homebrewed beers crafted throughout Northwest Florida at the 28th annual Emerald Coast Beer Festival. Enjoy live music and a variety of food vendors in Pensacola’s Seville Quarter. emeraldcoastbeerfest.com
RANDY TRAVIS: MORE LIFE TOUR
SEPT. 14
The Randy Travis: More Life Tour features the legendary country singer with James Dupré, his co-star from the 2015 film The Price, along with his longtime touring band. This is Travis’ first time back on the road since his life-changing stroke in 2013. The show will consist of Dupré and the band performing all 16 of his iconic No. 1 hits with Travis making special appearances.
The ’90s country hitmaker group Shenandoah will perform some of their greatest hits including She Doesn’t Cry Anymore, Mama Knows, Church on Cumberland Road,
EGGS ON THE BEACH EGGFEST
→ Presented by Bay Breeze Patio, the 10th annual Eggs on the Beach cooking competition is returning to Seascape Resort in Miramar Beach. Cook teams will be serving delectable bites cooked on the Big Green Egg while raising funds for local nonprofits including Fisher House of the Emerald Coast and Food For Thought. Join the fun as a cook team, volunteer or taster!
Visit EggsontheBeach.com for more information.
Sunday in the South and Two Dozen Roses pensacolasaenger.com/events/ shenandoah
INTERNATIONAL TALK LIKE A PIRATE DAY
SEPT. 20
Ahoy Matey! Head to The Village of Baytowne Wharf for an evening full of adventure with special guest Captain Davy. Don your best pirate gear, and get ready for a scavenger hunt, magic show, costume contest and loads more mayhem. baytownewharf.com
JERSEY BOYS
SEPT. 20–OCT. 13
This Tony Award-winning musical takes audiences from the streets of New Jersey to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame following Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Enjoy chart-topping hits like Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry and Can’t Take My Eyes Off You emeraldcoasttheatre.org/on-stage
BURGERS, BOURBON & BEER FESTIVAL
SEPT. 21
This fourth annual festival
features mouth-watering burgers, smooth bourbon and ice-cold beer. The event benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast. sowal.com/event/burgers-bourbonbeer-festival-0
EMERALD COAST HOME AND BOAT SHOW
SEPT. 21–22
Attend the biggest and best home and boat show in the region featuring over 100 indoor vendors and 50,000 square feet of outdoor space. Vendors include home, boat, health care and retail businesses. emeraldcoasthomeshow.com
PENSACOLA SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
SEPT. 27–29
The Pensacola Seafood Festival provides an all-around sensory experience offering fresh seafood, live music and arts and crafts. Sample scrumptious bites from a variety of vendors, listen to music from talented acts and find a crafting booth to get in touch with your artistic side. pensacolaseafoodfestival.com
Sacred Heart Foundation
Emerald
Ball
APR. 6 The Sacred Heart Foundation’s Emerald Ball raised $159,131 thanks to its generous patrons. The Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa hosted the ball where guests enjoyed dinner, danced to Mr. Big & the Rhythm Sisters, and captured the glamor of the evening at the LumiPod photo booth. The black-tie Gala was presented by Howard Group, Grand Boulevard and Silver Sands Premium Outlets.
PHOTOS BY THE LAUGHING PHOTOGRAPHER
1 Bonnie and Harry Pastuszek
2 Dr. Mandy Bartels, Gary Westfal, Briana Esterberg with Mr. Big & the Rhythm Sisters
3 Kris and Megan Harrison
4 Brieanne Raines and Garrison Cox
5 Michael and Briana Esterberg, Destin Mayor Bobby Wagner and Melissa Ritenour
6 Melody and Matthew Patton
Sunset on the Bay
APR. 10 Aletha’s Legacy hosted its fifth annual Sunset on the Bay event at the home of Tim Krueger and Jill Cadenhead. The nonprofit’s mission is to give hope to children of Liberia. Pillars of the local community participated in silent and live auctions and had a memorable time coming together to support this amazing cause!
PHOTOS BY JENNIFER DEEB OF GO WITH THE FLOW PHOTO
1 Tammie Boyer, Mindy Moniz and Nicole Browning
2 Susana Wetzel, Tom and Dana Saffell
3 Larry Hill, Jessi Beauchamp and Vicki Hill
4 Tim Krueger, Cole and Lydia Blair and Kalah Hathcock
5 Shelley Waller, Dion Moniz, Kalah Hathcock, Tim Krueger, Jill Cadenhead, Zhalman Harris, Velia Lala and Beth Rountree
SOCIAL STUDIES
South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival
APR. 25–28 Many of the best winemakers and distillers from around the globe came together again for the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival at Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach. More than 4,600 attendees enjoyed the four-day event where 15 award-winning Oregon winemakers poured to enthusiastic wine lovers. More than 500 wines and spirits were poured along the Boulevard and a dozen interactive activations kept patrons entertained and engaged. The popular Tasting Seminars were presented to more than 300 seated guests over the weekend; the Featured Tasting tent celebrated Willamette Valley Wineries’ 40th anniversary; and the Nashville Songwriters, presented by the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, enjoyed a triumphant return. The Casey Kearney Band closed out the festival on Saturday and Sunday with an energetic music set.
PHOTOS BY JULIE DORR AND STEVE MANGUM
1 Steve Paul, Merry Beth Myrick and Josh Jimenez
2 Julie Dorr and Sherri Marsteller
3 Ronnie and Nancy Stanley
4 More than 250 patrons enjoyed the VIP Tasting featuring 60 collectable wines and a dozen high-end spirits
5 Casey Kearney
Destin Charity Wine Auction
APR. 26–27 The Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation raised $3.3 million for children in need in Northwest Florida at the 19th annual Destin Charity Wine Auction presented by the Jumonville Family. Hosted to a sold-out crowd of more than 600 guests, proceeds from the auction benefited DCWAF’s 17 partner children’s charities in Northwest Florida.
PHOTOS BY PAIGE AIGRET
1 Megan Harrison, Courtney Youngblood, Kathryn Youngblood, Diana Phelps, Lane Redding and Adrienne Tew
2 Chris and Christina Abbott, Farrar Barker, Danielle Wilson, Kelly Barker and Hannah Martin
3 Maggie Weaver and Ryan Hewitt
4 Serenity Davis, Leigh LaRosa and Kelly Smith
5 Barrett Spiegel from Alpha Omega Collective and Jimmy Huff
SOCIAL STUDIES
ArtsQuest
MAY 4–5
The Cultural Arts Alliance transformed North Park at Grand Boulevard Town Center into a vibrant hub of artistic expression and cultural appreciation for the 36th Annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival. The event featured work by more than 100 artists, continuous live music, student exhibitions, artist demonstrations, a silent auction, interactive arts activities for all ages and food offerings.
PHOTOS BY LYNN CROW PHOTOGRAPHY
1 Robin Wiesneth, Donnelle Clark and Charles Wiesneth
2 Festivalgoers enjoyed shopping for unique pieces from more than 100 participating artists.
3 Cultural Arts Alliance Team members Jessica Roberts, Michelle Touchstone, Gabby Callaway, Melissa Wheeler, Jennifer Steele, Morag Rosa, Allie Anderson, Courtney Malone, Elise Gilbert, Lee Greene and Pam Singh
4 Local singer songwriter Mari Gleason
Digital Gra ti
MAY 16–19
The Alys Foundation hosted the 17th annual Digital Graffiti Festival at Alys Beach. This year’s show was the biggest yet with 10 events and 139 artists exhibiting 72 art projections set to interactive sound installations, performance art and projection mapping. With new initiatives including Digital Graffiti + Education and behind-the-scenes interviews from DGTV, the depth of the festival’s reach has expanded with international artists, students and the community.
PHOTOS BY MOON CREEK STUDIOS
1 Festival guests taking in Alter of the Feminine Divine by Eddy Katt
2 Jace Vanderbilt, Ysabella Peterson and Lila Peterson with The Parade by The Fox, The Folks
3 Residency artist Brandon “Xodus” Ellis of immersive studio X Enterprises International (and guest) with his work CREATIØN
4 Guests of Digital Graffiti checking out Best in Show winning artist Peter Clark’s Arboriform
SOCIAL STUDIES
30A Foam Fest
MAY 11 The second annual 30A Foam Fest, presented by Idyll Hound Proper and 30Avenue, was held on Saturday, May 11, at 30Avenue. Proceeds benefited the Neurodiversity Resource of the Panhandle. Hundreds gathered for a VIP dinner under the stars and then the main festival showcasing craft breweries from the Southeast, food by 30Avenue restaurants, live music, shopping, entertainment and more!
BY
1 Festivalgoers dance to live music performed by CHXNDLER
2 Frasier Hansen
3 & 4 Festival attendees participating in the stein-holding competition
5 Cody Michaud and Trista Black
PHOTOS
MICHAEL BOOINI OF BOO MEDIA
SOCIAL STUDIES
Sip & Splash
JUN. 1 The third annual Sip & Splash was presented by Tim Smith Acura and benefitted the Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation. The event was set to take place at the Taj Renee Community Aquatic Center in Destin but shifted indoors to the Legendary Marine showroom due to inclement weather. The evening included a cocktail hour with hand-rolled sushi by Yoshie Eddings, a live painting, silent auction and more. Guests went on to enjoy a beautiful evening full of rich Emerald Coast history with a six-course dinner served by six local chefs, live music and a 2024 Okaloosa County Swimming and Diving Hall of Fame ceremony.
1 Will and Laura Estell
2 2024 Okaloosa County Swimming and Diving Hall of Fame Inductees Tracy Strom, Jamie Seifert, Gary Heapy, Jason Velez, Jim LeFebvre and Len Strom
3 Susan Stencil, Deb Nissley and Anna Dedicke
4 Mara Clark and Al Alvarado
PHOTOS BY JIM CLARK
dining guide
AMERICAN
BUFFALO JACK’S LEGENDARY
WINGS & PIZZ A ★
Catch the game and enjoy legendary wings, pizza, burgers and Italian dishes with a New Orleans flair. 11275 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Miramar Beach. (850) 424-6288. $$ L D
COMMELFÓ RESTAURANT
American dining; enjoy steak and eggs for breakfast, a Southeast Cuban sandwich for lunch or lobster ravioli for dinner, among many other options. 10859 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Miramar Beach. (850) 353-2991. $$$ 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. $$$ D
GALLION’S ★
Elevated small plates, chef-inspired dishes and specialty craft cocktails in a sophisticated, relaxed setting. 104 N. Barrett Square, Unit C, Rosemary Beach. (850) 399-4909. $$$ L 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. $$ B L D
IVY & ALE ★
A boutique plant nursery and beer garden offering a selection of shareable apps, sandwiches and entrees along with wine, craft beer and spritzers. 222 Staff Dr. NE, Fort Walton Beach. (850) 226-2263. $$ 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 Harbor Blvd., 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, Inlet Beach. (850) 231-9410. $$ L D
SPORTS TO GEAUX ★
Food truck meets sports bar and grill. Serving up American food with a Cajun flare and bringing the party to you. Rotating location schedule. (850) 520-0429. $
SUNQUEST CRUISES SOLARIS YACHT
Enjoy a fusion of ambiance, food and live music aboard the SOLARIS yacht offering three decks of indoor and outdoor spaces. 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Miramar Beach. (850) 650-2519. $ D
THE BODACIOUS CAFÉ
This coffee house and eatery specializes in handcrafted espresso, lattes and cappuccinos. For breakfast, try their omelets and acai bowls; for lunch, salads, wraps and flatbread pizzas are on the menu. 407 S. Palafox St., Pensacola. (850) 434-6300. $ B L
THE CRAFT BAR ★
Craft brews on tap along with artisan cocktails and elevated bar fare. 4424 Commons Dr., Destin. Also in Grayton Beach, Fort Walton Beach and Pensacola. (850) 460-7907. $$ 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
VIN’TIJ FOOD & WINE ★
Award-winning boutique wine shop and restaurant offering seasonally inspired culinary creations paired with high-quality wines. 500 Grand Blvd., Suite 100K, Sandestin. (850) 650-9820. $$ L D
ASIAN
BAMBOO SUSHI AND HIBACHI
Offering fresh Japanese cuisine like sushi, tempura and hibachi dishes, plus a sake bar. 117 W. John Sims Pkwy., Niceville. (850) 678-0771. $$ 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. $$ L D
DOMO IZAKAYA RAMEN + SUSHI ★
Expansive sushi options and ramen, noodle and rice bowls in an authentic, modern atmosphere. 753 Harbor Blvd., Destin. (850) 353-2096. $$ 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. $$ L D
P.F. CHANG’S ★
A Chinese restaurant serving Mongolian, Thai, Korean and other Pan-Asian dishes. 640 Grand Blvd., Sandestin. (850) 269-1806. $$ 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
THAI DELIGHTS RESTAURAN T ★
Thai soups, curries and rice and noodle dishes in a variety of meat, seafood and veggie options for dining in or takeout. 821 Harbor Blvd., Destin. (850) 650-3945. $ L D
BARBECUE
98 BAR-B-QUE ★
Award-winning barbecue, gumbo, sandwiches and salads in a casual atmosphere. Dine in, take-out and catering. 5008 Hwy. 98 W., Ste. 1, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 622-0679. $ L
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. $$ L D
BREAKFAST/ BRUNCH/BAKERY
ANDY’S FLOUR POWER CAFE & BAKERY
Lively brunch/lunch destination known for its French toast, rolled omelets and cheery ambiance. 2629 Thomas Dr., Panama City Beach. (850) 230-0014. $$ L D
BLACK BEAR BREAD CO. ★
Contemporary cafe for craft coffee, housebaked 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. $$ B
NAVARRE BAKERY & CREAMERY ★
Goodies fresh from the oven: bagels, kolaches, scones, cinnamon rolls and more; sandwiches for lunch. 9914 Navarre Pkwy., Navarre. (850) 844-9705. $ B L
RUBY SLIPPER CAFE ★
A New Orleans-inspired brunch spot offering classic takes, signature Southern specialties and eye-opening cocktails. 34902 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin. (850) 660-7100. $$ B L
SUNSET BAY CAFÉ
Casual and outdoor dining overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay, featuring locally sourced ingredients and sustainable seafood. 158 Sandestin Blvd. N., Miramar Beach. (850) 267-7108. $$ B L D
DESSERT
30A COOKIES & CREAM
Treats from Great American Cookies and Marble Slab Creamery make for an irresistible combination. 174 Watercolor Way, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 231-2552. $
BLUE MOUNTAIN BEACH CREAMERY ★
Homemade ice cream, yogurt and sorbet at The Creamery and milkshakes, coffee and donuts at the Shake Shop. 2129 S. Co. Hwy. 83, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 278-6849. $
FRENCH
BAY CAFE FRENCH RESTAURANT
Step out on the bay for authentic European cuisine, featuring fresh local seafood and decadent creme sauces. 233 Alconese Ave. SE, Fort Walton Beach. (850) 244-3550. $$ 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. $$$ L D
ANGELENA’S ITALIANO
In the heart of downtown, nationally renowned Chef James Briscione’s menu serves up rustic-yet-elegant plates with an Italian coastal vibe. 101 E. Intendencia St., Pensacola. (850) 542-8398. $$ 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
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. $$ L D
TRATTORIA BORAGO
Enjoy classic Italian cuisine and favorites like pork tenderloin or pan-seared grouper from the open kitchen. 80 E. Hwy. 30A, Grayton Beach. (850) 231-9167. $$ 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 $$ L D
TACO 30A ★
Food truck and catering service dishing up authentic street tacos, burritos, quesadillas and more. Weekly rotating location schedule. $ D
THE TACO BAR AT BUD & ALLEY’S Baja fish tacos, homemade guacamole, burritos and top-shelf margaritas. 2236 E. Hwy. 30A, Seaside. (850) 231-4781. $$ 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. $$$ B
BUD & ALLEY’S WATERFRONT RESTAURANT
Sea-to-table dining, serving fresh seafood, steak and vegetarian dishes. 2236 E. Hwy. 30A, Seaside. (850) 231-5900 $$$ 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 $$ L D
PESCADO SEAFOOD GRILL & ROOFTOP BAR ★
Dining room, inside bar and outside rooftop bar overlooking the Gulf of Mexico; extraordinary service and cuisine by Chef Brendan Wakeham. 74 Town Hall Rd., Ste. 4B, Rosemary Beach. (850) 213-4600. $$$ L D
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. $$ L D
STEAK & SEAFOOD
AUSTONS ON 98 OYSTER BAR AND GRILL ★
Home of the 102-foot bar, specialties include littleneck clams, raw oysters, clam chowder and jumbo shrimp cocktail. 125 Poinciana Blvd., Miramar Beach. (850) 842-3200. $$ L D
BEACH WALK CAFE
Located at the Henderson Park Inn, this award-winning 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 EDGE SEAFOOD & SKYBAR ★
Located at the Destin Harbor, fresh catches soon land on plates at The Edge. Head up to the adults-only Skybar for great views and live music. 302 Harbor Blvd., Destin. (850) 659-3549. $$ L D
THE GULF – FORT WALTON BEACH
Locally inspired food and beverages in a beautiful waterfront setting, alongside a curated vinyl record collection. 284 Marler Ave., Fort Walton Beach. (850) 387-1300. $ L D
JACKSON’S STEAKHOUSE
High-end steakhouse cuisine with fine wines. Local seafood is hand-selected and artistically prepared to perfection. 400 S. Palafox St., Pensacola. (850) 469-9898 $$$ 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, Miramar Beach. (850) 347-5060. $$ L D
TAKE OUT
DESTIN ICE SEAFOOD MARKET & DELI ★
Fresh fish and seafood items, pastas, salads and side dishes, Buckhead meats, decadent desserts, wines, cheeses, spices and more. 663 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin. (850) 837-8333. $$ L D
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. $$ L D
MARROW PRIVATE CHEFS ★
Marrow takes the hassle of planning out of fine dining, offering private chef, meal delivery and catering services to South Walton and 30A areas. 3906 Hwy. 98, Ste. 20, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 280-4319 $$$
REEL ’EM IN FRESH SEAFOOD AND GOURMET ★
Delivering fresh Gulf seafood — fish, shrimp, crab and more — from Miramar Beach to Panama City. Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 420-2240 $$
Visit our comprehensive, searchable dining guide online at EmeraldCoastMagazine.com/Restaurants.
PRIMA DONNAS OF THE INSECT WORLD
Butterfly House entertains visitors with winged beauty by
PTHOMAS J. MONIGAN
ositioned along the banks of the scenic Blackwater River, the Panhandle Butterfly House and Nature Center in Milton is both magical and educational.
Founders Jack and Fonda Weatherfell started the Butterfly House in a tent in the backyard of their Navarre home in 1997. They later worked with the county to move it to Navarre Park on Santa Rosa Sound, where it remained for 21 years. It has become a program of the nonprofit Keep Santa Rosa Beautiful Inc.
During its two decades in Navarre, the Butterfly House welcomed visitors from more than 40 different states and 15 countries. Visitation averaged about 14,000 people annually. But when the county announced plans to renovate the park and fix stormwater drainage issues, Keep Santa Rosa Beautiful knew that it wouldn’t be able to afford to rebuild the house.
On-site at
Relocation became necessary, and the Butterfly House landed on 10 acres in the Milton Historic District.
“This wonderful organization has taught people about local ecology for a number of years, and we’re excited for our community to learn and benefit from it,” said Bethany Anderson, public information officer for the City of Milton. “Given Milton’s love for nature, this center is going to be a place for everyone to enjoy.”
What is now the center’s main building is the T.W. Jones House, which was home to Alice and Thomas W. Jones from 1897 to 1951. Jones renovated the house in the early 1920s, transforming it into a lovely bungalow as a gift for his wife. At more than 3,400 square feet in size, the house includes a full porch and multiple indoor spaces.
The house contains a history room with portraits of the Joneses and period furniture; a classroom and conference room; kitchen and office; and the Wings & Wonders Gift Shop. Gift shop proceeds go to support programming at the center.
Features of the attraction include a mounted butterfly collection donated by Dr. Tom Grow in 1999 and containing some 300 species from around the world. Plantings of native wildflowers, made possible by a grant from the Florida Wildlife Foundation, decorate the front yard. Nearby is a camellia garden.
A 1,600-foot vivarium is home to hundreds of butterflies.
“We started building the vivarium last year, and it’s taken well over a year to get to where we are now,” said the center’s executive director, Pamela Murfey, in 2023.
“The vivarium is a humiditycontrolled greenhouse,” she explained. “Visitors will enter through the attached 12-by-12 vestibule. Once inside the vivarium, they will encounter tropical to semi-tropical botanical gardens of native and Florida-friendly wildflowers, shrubs, vines and trees.”
Visitors are likely to spy native butterflies along a walkway that winds through the center’s gardens. Mounted chrysalids and feeding caterpillars can be viewed in an area where visitors learn about the butterfly life cycle. And, noted Murfey, “Thanks to Nancy and Mike DeSousa, we’ve got a hummingbird garden.”
Murfey also gave credit to Rachel Coggins.
“She’s a friend of mine and a master gardener,” she said. “She’s been instrumental in helping me accomplish many of the garden chores, and she helped bring in the home school group that we’re doing. We teach classes once a month.”
“The butterfly is the prima donna of the insect world,” Coggins said. “Its beauty and grace encourage us to learn more about nature and how we can better care for our environment. The Panhandle Butterfly House will be a premier location for locals and tourists to visit, enjoy and learn, and it is a joy and privilege to be part of it all.” EC
HOME TO BUTTERFLIES The Panhandle Butterfly House and Nature Center, located at 4966 Henry St. in Milton, is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesdays through Saturdays. The Butterfly Vivarium at the center is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., same days. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for children ages 5 to 17. Children up to age 5 are admitted free of charge. (850) 741-9077; PanhandleButterflyHouse.org
The Panhandle Butterfly House and Nature Center
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the new home of the Panhandle Butterfly House, a 1,600-fooot, humiditycontrolled vivarium that houses hundreds of butterflies.
