Emerald Coast Magazine • February/March 2024 by Rowland Publishing, Inc.

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INTERIOR DESIGN: DUCE MAY, DUCE & COMPANY ARCHITECT: GEOFF CHICK & ASSOCIATES BUILDER: PRESTIGE PROPERTIES PHOTO BY STM PHOTOGR APHY

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FEB–MAR 2024

FEATURES

40 GYM WITHOUT WALLS

At their gym, Sand Dunes Strength & Conditioning, located near the foot of the U.S. 331 bridge in South Walton County, Rachael and Evan Chelini work to build more than bodies. In addition, they are committed to establishing multidimensional relationships with their clients and becoming a meaningful and engaged part of the community that supports them. The Chelinis’ approach to training reflects those aims. “We’re not like the usual gym where everyone is in his own space with headphones on,” said Rachael. “You won’t see any of that here.” by STEVE BORNHOFT

↓

TRIUMPH OVER ANOREXIA For long years, Liesel Schmidt battled an eating disorder that resulted in irrational behavior and resisted the best efforts of doctors and therapists to reverse its hold on the patient. For a time, Schmidt was an elite runner on the Emerald Coast, but she became so depleted by the ravages of anorexia that she was banned from competitions. She had fallen into a trap whereby she figured the lighter she was, the faster she would run. Her weight fell to that of a kindergartner. Her bones became brittle. But a prayerful recovery has her back running again and traveling the world. by LIESEL SCHMIDT

photography by SEAN MURPHY

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Contents

FEB/MAR 2024

49 IN EVERY ISSUE 12 FROM THE

33 19 HISTORY Sunbright

36 DINING OUT Applied

learning is the key ingredient at the Seagrass Restaurant, a student learning lab at Northwest Florida State College. The public is welcome to enjoy dishes prepared by future chefs.

PANACHE

EXPRESSION

49 ENTERTAINMENT An

auto repair estimator by day, “Battln Bill” Weaver has been side-hustling as a pro wrestler for 30 years. He “retired” recently, but the smart money says he’ll be back.

52 BOOKS Jarret Keene, a

graduate of the doctoral creative writing program at FSU, has written a post-apocalyptic novel in which a 21-year-old heroine uses made skills to triumph over rival warlords.

28 WHAT’S IN STORE

Bright, bold and breezy are in. Area retailers are offering colorful prints, oneof-a-kind caftans and the latest swimwear styles.

ABODES

25 FASHION

59 EXTERIORS Apartment

and condo dwellers, who are adept at making efficient use of small spaces, enliven balconies with plants and gardens and even find room for seating and a small table on which to rest an iced tea.

66 G REEN SCENE Adding

appeal for curbs and birds, holly species like yaupon are ideal for the Gulf Coast climate. Known for their glossy leaves, the plant’s unassuming blooms attract pollinators, too.

Get fuzzy with it. Pair a puffy faux fur bomber jacket with athleisure wear, or style it up with a knit dress. Cozy up beside a bonfire in a fleece pullover, or wear a shaggy wool or mohair coat for a fresh, off-the-runway look.

» PRO WRASSLIN’ » SEAGRASS RESTAURANT

Anchorage Children’s Home in Panama City strengthens families with programs including one that encourages children and parents to effectively communicate and manage emotions.

were long dismissed as celery-chompers and tofu touters, but the plant-based craze is going mainstream with recipes that have broad appeal.

ANCHORAGE CHILDREN’S HOME

22 C HAMPIONS

33 EATING WELL Vegans

19 EMERALD COAST MAGAZINE

Manor has weathered the ravages of storms and time since it was built in 1886. An early Florida governor once called it home. Today, it is an inn that honors its past.

GASTRO & GUSTO

CHANGE AGENTS A rep at a time, gym owners Rachael and Evan Chelini are building a community of healthy, confident people

Couple revives historic manor Vegan moves beyond bland

ON THE COVER:

Together, Rachael and Evan Chelini help people become their best selves and add more good years to their lives. At their Walton County business, Sand Dunes Strength & Conditioning, they emphasize teamwork and cooperation among their members and maintain an immaculate and welcoming environment. Everyone is welcome there, provided they meet one prerequisite. They have to be willing to change. PHOTO BY MIKE FENDER

6 February–March 2024 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

Writer conquers eating disorder

PHOTOS BY MIKE FENDER (19, 49), SAIGE ROBERTS (33) AND H&M (25)

THE WAVE

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

14 EDITOR'S LETTER 87 SOCIAL STUDIES 94 DINING GUIDE 98 POSTSCRIPT

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Contents

FEB/MAR 2024

SPECIAL SECTIONS AND PROMOTIONS

62 ← ASTONISHING ARCHITECTURE

Nestled between a coastal dune lake and the Gulf is the community of Draper Lake. Town architect Geoff Chick, talks about the defining characteristics and features of the homes, which are reminiscent of the Adirondacks’ signature mountain style.

FILL IT UP

MUSIC AND DANCE

The ballet, symphony and opera merge in the Northwest Florida Ballet and the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra’s spring staging of Carmina Burana, based on ancient poems depicting an exotic medieval paradise.

CALENDAR While there’s still

a slight chill, take in a show at the many theaters throughout the coast. As spring thaws, head to one of the many food and libations festivals.

The experts at Dermatology Specialists of Florida and Aqua Medical Spa fill readers in on the benefits and procedures of dermal fillers, a nonsurgical enhancement focusing on lips and cheeks.

↑ ART FOR ALL With something for every audience,

Florida State University’s Opening Nights features acclaimed artists, musicians, dancers, singer-songwriters, comedians and more during their upcoming season.

WOMEN’S PROFILES Discover the inspirations, motivations and accomplishments of women who have emerged along the Emerald Coast as leaders and are making important differences in their fields of endeavor and in the community at large.

OF EMERALD COAST BALLOT — NEXT ISSUE BEST cast your vote for your favorite businesses! 8 February–March 2024 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

↑ BEST OF EC RECAP Read about our favorite night of the year! The night where Emerald Coast Magazine and its readers celebrate and congratulate the best in business.

PHOTOS BY MOORE MEDIA (84) COURTESY OF GEOFF CHICK & ASSOCIATES (62) AND OPENING NIGHTS (56)

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EMERALD COAST MAGAZINE

VOL. 25, NO. 1

FEBRUARY-MARCH 2024

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER BRIAN E. ROWLAND ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER MCKENZIE BURLEIGH

EDITORIAL EXECUTIVE EDITOR Steve Bornhoft EDITOR Paige Aigret CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Rian Adams, Hannah Burke, Raemi Creteur, Mike Fender, Rebecca Padgett Frett, Les Harrison, Laurie Einstein Koszuta, Liesel Schmidt

CREATIVE

COAST MAGA LD ZI RA

2023

E’S N

EM E

VICE PRESIDENT/PRODUCTION AND TECHNOLOGY Daniel Vitter CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jennifer Ekrut SENIOR ART DIRECTOR Saige Roberts ART DIRECTORS Sarah Burger, Shruti Shah SENIOR PUBLICATION DESIGNER Scott Schiller GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sierra Thomas CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Patty Blake, Boo Media, Lawrence Davidson, Epic Photo, Mike Fender, Brenna Kneiss, EMJ Visuals, Tracy Louthain, Moore Media, Sean Murphy, Rhonda Murray, Ringmark Photography, Saige Roberts, Nathan Saczynski, Luke Trexler, Bobby Wagner

BEST 850-999-7733 | www.coastalcc.net ERALD C O

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I have been shopping with clients for 36 years, listening to their needs and desires, then vigorously pursuing the market until I find the right fit, and I will do the same for you!

SALES, MARKETING AND EVENTS SALES MANAGER, WESTERN DIVISION Rhonda Lynn Murray SALES MANAGER, EASTERN DIVISION Lori Magee Yeaton DIRECTOR OF NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, WESTERN DIVISION Dan Parker DIRECTOR OF NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, EASTERN DIVISION Daniel Parisi ADVERTISING SERVICES MANAGER Tracy Mulligan SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Julie Dorr ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Darla Harrison, Erica Wilson MARKETING MANAGER Javis Ogden SALES AND MARKETING WRITER Rebecca Padgett Frett SALES AND EVENTS COORDINATOR Renee Johnson

OPERATIONS CUSTOM PUBLISHING MANAGER Sara Goldfarb CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE/AD SERVICE COORDINATOR Sarah Coven PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION SPECIALIST Melinda Lanigan STAFF BOOKKEEPER Amber Ridgeway

DIGITAL SERVICES DIGITAL EDITOR/MARKETING SPECIALIST Alix Black

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I t ’s A l l A b o u t

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SUBSCRIPTIONS One year (6 issues) is $35. Call (850) 878-0554 or go online to emeraldcoastmagazine.com. Single copies are $5.95. Purchase at Barnes and Noble in Destin and Pensacola and Books-A-Million in Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City and Pensacola. CUSTOMER SERVICE & SUBMISSIONS Emerald Coast Magazine and Rowland Publishing, Inc. are not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photography or artwork. Editorial contributions are welcomed and encouraged but will not be returned. Emerald Coast Magazine reserves the right to publish any letters to the editor. Copyright February 2024 Emerald Coast Magazine Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

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MEET YOUR NEXT DOOR BANKERS

Stephen Stabler President

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February–March 2024

from the

associate publisher

BY AND FOR THE COMMUNITY Clinic reflects founder’s selfless vision excited to expand our services and hours to serve our neighbors even more.” Glenn explained that the building was designed with the patient in mind in ways that ensure privacy, provide a calming, comfortable environment and give volunteers and team members ready access to the tools they need. She pointed out features of the facility including a children’s educational play area, a state-of-the-art classroom with a teaching kitchen, and a meditation prayer garden. “To support the calming environment, we leaned into the natural landscape,” Glenn said. She noted large windows in the lobby overlooking a forest. Dental patients will enjoy the same view while being treated. “And our partnership with the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County and their Arts in Public Spaces program will enhance the interior beauty by bringing in works from local artists,” Glenn added. The mission of PWMC is to build a stronger and healthier community by providing high-quality primary health care without regard for a patient’s ability to pay. Because it is volunteer driven, PWMC’s costs per patient will be much lower than those of other providers. “Our new building will allow us to exponentially expand our services to the community,” Glenn said. “It will triple the number of exam rooms and add dental and mental health services, on-site lab testing for patient bloodwork and a community education room.” Among counties along the Emerald Coast, poverty rates range from 8.9% to 14.9%, according to 2022 Census data. In Walton County, that figure is 10.5%. The need for the PWMC is great.

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

I believe we all have gifts, including time, that we can share with people in need. We can all make a difference. Never underestimate the impact that even sharing your story can make. Much love,

MCKENZIE BURLEIGH, ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER mburleigh@rowlandpublishing.com

PHOTO BY SEAN MURPHY / RPI FILE PHOTO

February is Women’s History Month, observed to recognize women whose remarkable achievements serve to inspire succeeding generations — people like Hillary Glenn. Glenn, who holds a doctor of nursing practice degree, is the co-founder and executive director of the Point Washington Medical Clinic (PWMC). She and the volunteers who have joined her in bringing about her vision combine to save lives, reduce demand at area emergency rooms and save countless dollars in health care expenses. Fundamental to everything Glenn does is her light and her love for humanity, which have moved many people including me. I first met Glenn at a yoga class about four years ago. I could feel the beautiful energy of her serving heart even during brief encounters before and after class. With contagious energy and kind leadership, she has inspired the community she serves to support her clinic with time, money and other resources. For almost seven years, PWMC, which is part of the ministry of Point Washington United Methodist Church, operated as a pop-up clinic. In January, it moved into a new, permanent facility at 1321 N. County Highway 395 in Santa Rosa Beach. As one of 1,400 free clinics in the United States, the clinic treats sick and injured people, provides health-maintenance services and also has plans to promote healthy living via educational efforts. “This building is by the community, for the community,” Glenn said of the clinic’s new home. “We wouldn’t be here without the many contributions of our generous supporters, and we’re incredibly

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editor’s letter

AN EAGLE SAID HELLO AND THE KNOTS HELD

We should remember the days when it all went right

Feedback

14 February–March 2024 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

hook held. My knots held. I was able to steer the fish away from the choffer line, and eventually, it came to my landing net. I could tell at a glance that the red fell within the legal slot limit — it did at 21.5 inches — and photographed it before putting it on ice. I scanned the skies, took a pull off a water bottle and breathed. I had my fish and presently headed for the landing and the house. I have experimented with several ways to clean a redfish and have settled on one that works well for me. I have a favorite Dexter knife with an 8-inch blade that has a little flex to it. I separate the meat from the spine, cut a fingersize hole near the tail and then pull the filet from the fish. No flesh is left behind. I would share these filets with a retired charter fisherman who used to guide me to snapper, grouper and cobia before his back tore up. Dipped in milk, coated with Zatarain’s, sprinkled with Cavender’s, salt and pepper, and pan-fried in olive oil, that backcountry bottom feeder tasted damn good. Even an old offshore guy had to admit that. See you out there,

TEVE BORNHOFT, S EXECUTIVE EDITOR sbornhoft@rowlandpublishing.com

PHOTO BY BOO MEDIA / RPI FILE PHOTO

→

I will look back on it in years together in a rare show of bipartisanship to come as a halcyon day when and officially make the bald eagle the everything went right. Up early, I national bird, something that has never thought twice about going out of my way happened, notes historian Jack E. Davis for live shrimp — I had plenty of fresh in his book about Haliaeetus leucocephalus. cut baits carved from choffers — but The government does that, and I will I did. I stopped by the bait shop after market a TALONS AND CARRION telling myself that I would buy only two T-shirt honoring the great bird, with dozen. Behind the counter was a new proceeds going to the nonprofit Raptor man who said he could probably scrape Research Foundation. up a few, but “we had a big die-off last A slight northerly breeze rippled the night, something in the water, I guess, bay as I stopped by spots that often lost about three-quarters of what we yield catches: The Dead Trees, which had.” I wondered if the surviving shrimp tumbled into the water years ago; The might be near death themselves, but I Throat, a narrows that connects the said nothing, hoping for the best. bay with a backwater; and The Reeds, I had the Crooked Creek landing to a marshy isthmus. I made The Reeds myself, save for the black SUV that is my third stop, put out a line baited with always there, parked by the overlook and a chunk of choffer — some call them occupied by a man who could’ve played pinfish — and another baited with a still Marley in Home Alone. frisky shrimp, and with a third rod, I The old Suzuki fired right up despite fished a plastic plug made to resemble a not having been run for a few weeks — menhaden — some call them greenies. thank goodness for “recreational,” nonThe lure was ignored. Small, scavenging ethanol gas — and I fish attacked the choffer unhurriedly motored like piranhas on a down the creek toward capybara, and I hooked West Bay. Opposite a only small trout on the bank where a buddy shrimp. Still, I remained and I once saw a gator at The Reeds, too lazy Dear Mr. Bornhoft, so large that he has to move out into the I hope you are well and never fished with me main body of the bay. started the new year on a good note. I must tell you again, a bald eagle This day, my that we received much flew over my boat, the lackadaisicalness paid wonderful feedback on Bullpen, not 25 feet off off. Something decent your story about our chabad and Chanukkah. the water, and I saluted steadily moved off with People loved the article it in appreciation, a shrimp, pulling behind and the photos. So, thank believing that my it a Cajun Thunder you and G-d bless you and your family. May you gesture might somehow float. I let the fish have a good year, full of be received. Already, travel maybe 15 feet good and happy things to my day was made. It before I reared back on write about. seems to me that the my whippy trout rod RABBI SHAYA Congress, even today’s TENENBOIM, DESTIN and held on as the fish Congress, might get made several runs. The

38 years of Good Food. Good People. Good Times.

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PROMOTION

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BLOODY MARY FESTIVAL RAISES $41,000

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The Market Shops eighth annual Bloody Mary Festival, powered by Step One Automotive Group, was held on Saturday, Oct. 14 and raised $41,000 for Habitat for Humanity of Walton County.

SKIN IN THE GAME

From platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and microneedling to the three-in-one skin treatment DiamondGlow, Dermatology Specialists and Aqua Medical Spa is the most comprehensive dermatologic service provider on the Emerald Coast. When not conducting in-person consultations or administering treatment, they offer valuable insights to inquiring minds. To learn more, visit EmeraldCoastMagazine.com/ sponsored-content/beauty-links.

STAY IN TOUCH

Read more at EmeraldCoastMagazine.com/ the-market-shops-eighth-annual-bloody-maryfestival-raises-41000.

SETTING IT STRAIGHT Our December/January story on sweet holiday treats, as it was presented online, mistakenly credited a photo of bourbon pecan pie from the Black Bear Bread Co. to Madra McDonald. The photo was taken by Jack Gardner.

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wave

THE

FEB/MAR 2024

A CONSCIOUS, COOL COMPENDIUM OF COASTAL STUFF

HISTORY

LIGHT ON A HILL At the Sunbright Inn, the rest is history by HANNAH BURKE

→ ↖

Afternoon light casts a warm glow over the Magnolia Suite, named for the flowering groves that historically dotted the grounds at Sunbright Manor. The room, which sleeps two and features Southerninspired floral decor in warm tones of cream and pink, is ideal for a couple’s retreat.

CHAMPIONS Anchorage Children’s Home photography by MIKE FENDER

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February–March 2024

THE

wave →

The Loblolly Suite, with its deep greens and rich golds, gives a nod to Walton County’s history as a center of pine resin harvesting and logging activity.

↑ Patrick and Heather O’Neill bought and restored the historic Sunbright Manor, which was first built in 1886.

ith its three stories, sweeping verandas and iconic, octagonal turret, Sunbright Manor is one of the most emblematic buildings in Walton County. It’s a link to another era when DeFuniak Springs was little more than train tracks, magnolia groves and the secluded site of the Florida Chautauqua Winter Assembly, an initiative that gathered artists, entertainers and educators dedicated to enlightening rural America. The Chautauqua cultural movement inspired merchant James T. Sherman and his wife Abigail to construct their Victorian home over four years beginning in 1886. The Shermans, who hailed from Broadhead, Wisconsin, made Sunbright their winter refuge and regularly attended Chautauqua retreats, but it wasn’t until the house changed hands that the manor gained widespread notoriety. Sydney J. Catts acquired the manor in 1924. He was a lawyer and Baptist preacher and an early Florida governor. His was an audacious campaign slogan, according to DeFuniak Springs resident and history buff Diane Pickett. “There are only two things you can trust: The Lord Jesus Christ and Sydney J. Catts,” the candidate boasted. Sunbright became the first home in Walton County to be equipped with indoor plumbing. For the governor, an outhouse was not acceptable. Catts lived there with his wife, Alice, until his death in 1936. The ensuing decades would see a series of owners. Its

current owner, Patrick O’Neill, would discover that the years have not been kind to the structure. NEW LIFE FOR OLD BONES O’Neill personally never intended to take on the massive job of turning a centuryold mansion into a fully functional bed and breakfast. In recent years, he devoted his time and construction expertise to building Twin Lakes Camp Resort in DeFuniak Springs. With the resort well established, O’Neill presented a list of possible next projects to his family and his resort business partners, David and Heather Campbell. Sunbright was the clear winner. “My wife is native to the area,” O’Neill said. “Her dad moved here in the ’40s and worked on boats with the Destins and the Marlers. My wife had always loved Sunbright, so it had her vote and everyone else’s. When David and Heather agreed to manage the inn, I said, ‘OK, I’m gonna go with the providence here, and we’ll see where it leads us.’” O’Neill hired an expert on Victorian home renovation, Paul Rushing of Rushing Construction. Rushing’s father renovated historic homes in DeFuniak’s

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Circle Drive Historic District for 50 years and taught Paul the tools of the trade. Rushing was tasked with renovating the inn and its interior; O’Neill would handle everything outside of it. As it turned out, the team was up against a lot. “There was rot,” O’Neill said. “The biggest problem we encountered was the foundation. We thought we would be in and out of here in six months, but it took us four times longer than we thought and cost us four times as much.” As O’Neill describes it, Sunbright was “sinking.” Beams had rotted, and

↑ In reimagining Sunbright Manor as an inn, the O’Neills have incorporated designs that are true to its original features. Sweeping verandas wrap the three-story home, which surrounds an iconic octagonal turret. photography by MIKE FENDER

bricks supporting the home were soft and crumbling. The crew ended up leveling then lifting the home, pouring a new footer and then installing a new, rebar-and-concrete stem wall slab foundation and top plate. In the walls, studs were replaced and laminate beams were added for additional strength. The crew made quick work of the water-damaged parapet and leaning turret, which, over the last century, had been slowly disintegrating. Sunbright suffered a fire sometime in the 1930s. Trusses and shingles, long charred, were replaced. Outside, it was a family affair. “My kids and I labored together at Sunbright daily,” O’Neill said. “We fixed the underground water storage areas, which were the size of three swimming pools, for stormwater retention. We devoted a summer to laying pavers, building fences, installing utilities and irrigation, and adding plants and other landscape features, including the iron gate out front.” A big part of the vision, O’Neill said, was marrying history with modernity. “The present is as important as the past,” he said. “We wanted to keep its function as an inn with all the comforts and amenities — WiFi, air conditioning, soundproof rooms — but keep it looking the same as it always has. That’s why our slogan is, ‘The rest is history.’” ROOMS THAT CELEBRATE THE PAST With a fresh coat of sunny, yellow paint on the outside, Sunbright Inn opened last November. Eight bedrooms, each equipped with bathrooms and outfitted with era-appropriate wallpaper sourced from the United Kingdom, represent facets of Walton County’s heritage. The first-floor parlor contains a history wall lined with antiques and original objects from Sunbright, as well as a reading room that O’Neill has stocked with leather-bound Harvard Classics. Near it is the Governor’s Suite, which with its king and antique queen bed, comfortably sleeps up to four. The room features donated items from Catts’ grandchildren, a claw foot tub and the home’s original brick chimney, which is complemented by rich burgundy, gold and cream interiors.

↑→ The Library Suite pays homage to the DeFuniak Springs Library, which has been in continuous operation longer than any other library in the state. A clawfoot tub and chinoiserie-style wallpaper complement the classic design. A turret sitting room affords guests Sunbright Inn’s best views.

The neighboring Magnolia Suite features a chic and Southern floral rococo wallpaper. It sleeps two, and its pink, gold and ivory accents are ideal for a romantic getaway. The first floor’s third room pays homage to the county’s rich logging history. Affectionately dubbed the Loblolly, this room also accommodates two guests, and its green and gold damask wallpaper and paneled wainscoting mimics sleeping beneath the stars in a Florida pine forest. O’Neill’s favorite feature of the home, its four-tabbed Chautauqua windows, are just up the stairs. Formerly stained glass, the windows are now clear. They are believed to have represented the four pillars of the Chautauqua movement: Art, Religion, Recreation and Education. On the second floor, the Queen Anne is what O’Neill calls a “curtsy to the classic styles found in a Queen Anne house.” It is bathed in blue, gold and ivory, and is equipped with a king bed, private balcony and turret view. The neighboring room, the Walton, is a nod to the county’s namesake, Colonel George Walton. The black and silver-hued room presents information about Walton and has porch access, a claw foot tub and a walkin glass shower. A family of four might occupy the L&N Suite, which pays tribute to the Louisiana

Nashville railroad and historic train depot in DeFuniak Springs. Sunbright’s large Chautauqua Suite is one of two third-story rooms. It houses two of the home’s prototypical, tabbed windows and contains two separate bedrooms that sleep a total of four. Its elegant navy, gold and ivory wallpaper recalls the Chautauqua movement’s original headquarters in New York. The Library turret room features a king bed and sitting area. Celebrating the DeFuniak Library, the oldest in all of Florida, the space features a large, plush couch, wood fireplace mantle and openroom tub. A Bible stand from the 1860s has been placed in the turret. On it, an antique Bible illustrated with hand-drawn paintings is open to Matthew 5:14-16 and the “city on a hill” scripture. “It says the light in a house gives light to all,” O’Neill said. “And that’s what this whole project has led to, if I had to give it a purpose. It’s a renovation that fits with what’s happening in DeFuniak, starting with a new foundation and finishing with a spiritual meaning.” O’Neill said one of his goals as a builder is to do it right — and to do it right the first time. “Sunbright is done right,” he said. “It hopes to last another 137 years.” EC

EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

February–March 2024

THE

wave

CHAMPIONS

Lessons in Conflict Resolution Children’s home helps keep families together by RAEMI CRETEUR

↑ Toys brighten a classroom at the Anchorage Children’s Home and may be used as teaching tools.

22 February–March 2024 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

Championing the cause for Anchorage is director Naret Morales. “I work at Anchorage because I am passionate about keeping families together and helping them find ways to work through conflicts and challenges, so they don’t have to separate,” Morales said. Anchorage is more than a children’s home; the nonprofit also offers individual family counseling services, group counseling for children engaging in antisocial behavior, transitional housing and more. Nonprofits are challenged to ← find ways to meet the needs The nonprofit Anchorage of communities with limited Children’s Home in Panama City supplies people in need resources. The dedicated team with resources, services at Anchorage both extends and counseling including its resources to people in need and SNAP (Stop Now and Plan) program led by director helps them move past barriers Naret Morales. SNAP offers separating them from resources behavioral counseling to for which they qualify. children of ages 6–11. “I’ve lived in Bay County my whole life, but it wasn’t until someone at Girl’s Inc. reached out to me that I ore than once, found out what Anchorage is and what Amelia (not her real name) had they do,” Amelia’s mom said. “The been suspended from her afterprogram may not be well known, but it school care program. Then, followneeds to be.” ing a particularly serious incident, she was Participants in the SNAP program are at risk of being permanently expelled. provided with dinner and child care for the “I had returned to college full time participating child’s siblings. Additionally, and losing child care was going to be families that wish to utilize the family devastating for my family,” Amelia’s counseling services may not even need to mom said. “I felt like I had the tools to arrange transportation. succeed as a parent, but I was at the end “We meet the families wherever is of my ability to resolve this on my own. most convenient for them,” Morales said. I wondered where I had gone wrong as a “That could be in their home, at school or parent to cause this behavior.” here in the office. We’ve even met with a There doesn’t seem to be an objectively family in parks as long as we could find right way to raise children. One approach someplace private. We make it work. We does not fit all, advice isn’t always helpful really try to make the experience not so and parents may become so frustrated that much of a burden. We try to make it easy they lose their cool. and convenient for them.” “At home, we were having problems,” Amelia’s mom knew she would not be the mother said, “but it was more her able to attend SNAP meetings if not for the getting kicked out of school activities that child care provided for her other children. had us seeking help.” Knowing that dinner was taken care of Help came in the form of the Anchorage permitted her to focus on SNAP sessions, Children’s Home’s Stop Now and Plan allowing each lesson to really sink in. (SNAP) program. Years after they “I cannot say enough about the facility,” enrolled, the family is still discovering Amelia’s mom said. “I consider myself to be a smart person, but some of the things benefits from what they learned.

photography by MIKE FENDER

“I work at Anchorage because I am passionate about keeping families together and helping them find ways to work through conflicts and challenges, so they don’t have to separate.” — Naret Morales they would say caused me to think, ‘Why didn’t I consider that sooner?’” During weekly sessions, counselors provide notecards that describe scenarios and offer tips for how best to handle each situation. Once a month, the groups come together for role-playing sessions. They act out behaviors that they used to engage in and then play roles consistent with the lessons they have learned at Anchorage. For example, parents may have a tendency to bombard a child with a list of chores to be done: walk the dog, wash the dishes, take out the trash, etc. Instead, counselors advise that they use a gentle tone, assign one task at a time and then ask the child to return for instructions on their next task.

“Breaking those tasks into smaller items helps to not overwhelm the child — that seems simple, but we just never really think about it,” Amelia’s mom said. “We were with other parents just like us, going through the behaviors in a way that normalized my own behaviors and learning how I could best respond rather than just reacting.” Four years after successfully completing the SNAP program, Amelia’s family is still using the tools that Anchorage provided. “These tips stuck with us — rather than getting mad, now we stop and think about the best way to handle a situation; now we can stop the behaviors from becoming problematic in the first place.” EC

↑ Staff member Kyntera Speights leads a SNAP session with three Anchorage Children’s Home residents. The sessions help children relearn behaviors that have produced conflict in their lives.

Carmina Burana

March 9th, 2024 - 7:30 P.M. March 10th, 2024, - 2:30 P.M. Mattie Kelly Arts Center

Tickets $45 12 & Under $20

Northwest Florida State College does not discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment. For more information, visit nwfsc.edu.

EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

February–March 2024

LOUVERED PERGOLA

+ AUTOMATION = BEAUTIFUL LIVING

GRAND BOULEVARD

CGC1530272

24 February–March 2024 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

panache FEB/MAR 2024

ELEMENTS OF STYLE RANGING FROM THE SUBLIME TO THE MORE SUBLIME

FASHION

Up the Hygge Fuzzy fashion comforts when it’s cool by REBECCA PADGETT FRETT

→

↖

PHOTO COURTESY OF FURIOUS FUR

Furious Fur’s Bambi Duffle is made of faux fur resembling sheep’s wool.

WHAT’S IN STORE Retail Roundup EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

February–March 2024

panache

← WOMEN'S MINI UGG BRAID BOOT

26 February–March 2024 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NATURAL LIFE (OMBRE SWEATER PONCHO), UGG (BOOT), H&M (FLUFFY SHOULDER BAG) AND MANGO (FUR-EFFECT BOMBER JACKET)

e begin our lives clinging to comfort, whether in the form of a favorite blanket or a teddy bear. But at some point, we’re told we’re too old to don the blanket cape or tote the teddy. Enter the fuzzy sweater and the teddy bear coat. The Danish have a word for it — hygge — a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that causes a feeling of contentment or well-being. During the winter months, when many of us would rather spend our days cuddled in a blanket versus going about our daily tasks, we can seek hygge in wardrobe form. “You can’t bring your fuzzy blanket to work, but the fuzzy trend is so much fun because it gives our everyday fashion the teddy bear-inspired makeover,” said Debra Fortson, owner of Gigi’s Boutique & Eats in Pensacola. “It brings an element of coziness and comfort to our lives.” In many ways, we are ← becoming like the animals The Ombre Sweater these fabrics emulate, putting Poncho from Natural Life features on our thicker hides and an oversized fit, winter coats of faux fur, wool, allowing easy shearling, fleece and mohair. layering. The trend, which Fortson refers to as “fluff-core” is cropping up on shelves and racks in the form of plush coats, floppy fur bucket hats, cozy chenille sweaters, faux fur-lined boots and shearling bags. Pair a puffy faux fur bomber jacket with athleisure wear, or style it up

with a knit dress and knee-high boots. Cozy up beside a bonfire in a fleece pullover and jeans, or wear a shaggy wool or mohair coat for that fresh, off-the-runway look. Fuzzy coats in bold colors make for the perfect statement piece in a winter outfit. For those seeking something more casual, Fortson suggests pairing a furry sweater with a quality pair of jeans. Or you can go with the monochromatic look — a tan fur coat paired with varying shades of brown. But if full fur is intimidating, opt for pieces with fur accents, such as a trench coat with fur-capped sleeves or a blazer with a fur collar. Fuzz doesn’t stop at the outermost layer. Fuzzy accessories, especially handbags and shoes, are fun ways to embrace the trend.

A fuzzy purse in a bold hue adds a spark to a little black dress or a monochromatic outfit. Fuzzy sneakers and fur-lined boots keep your feet warm and give street credibility in the vogue department. The ultimate cozy shoe (besides the fuzzy house slipper) is the UGG — one of many trends from the early aughts that’s back on shelves in full force. “What better way to fend off the winter blues and cooler weather than with this soft, cozy fluff-core trend?” said Fortson. Give a warm embrace to fuzzy-filled fashion while you can — Florida’s hot and humid weather makes it hard to enjoy this trend for long. EC

↓ H&M’s Fluffy Shoulder Bag includes a concealed magnetic fastener and a small, open inner compartment to store items without detracting from the design. ↘ This “fureffect” bomber jacket from Mango features a ribbed hem for a synched look.

Thursday, January 25, 2024 Bijoux Restaurant + Spirits Seated lunch, exclusive shopping showcase and festive raffle. $150/person

SCAN HERE TO

BUY TICKETS Box Office: SinfoniaGulfCoast.org 850.460.8800

Friday, March 1, 2024 Celebrity vintners and chefs in stunning homes and venues. $500/person

Sunday, March 3, 2024 Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa World-class vintners, delectable bites, a seated lunch, expert spirit purveyors, amazing auction items and award-winning entertainment. $195/person CRESCENDO! 2024 IS PRESENTED BY:

EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

February–March 2024

panache Cabana by The Seaside Style ➸ Timeless and enduring, the ENEWTON JEWELRY LINE uses

quality materials resistant enough to shower, sweat, swim and sleep in. Cabana by The Seaside Style offers an array of bracelets, earrings and necklaces to accessorize with.

➸ Cabana by The Seaside Style carries LA VIE STYLE HOUSE —

a luxury fashion brand that designs a curated collection of one-of-a-kind caftans. The caftans are one-size-fits-all and are handmade in the USA. Flattering on all body types, they can be worn for casual beach days or extravagant events. ➸ Hand-printed by artisans, each piece from SCENTS & FEEL GLASSWARE has its

own character. The golddusted pattern is transitional and stylish in any season, creating the perfect vessel for your preferred cocktail, wine, water or juice. ➸ STONEY CLOVER allows customers to create something

that’s uniquely you. Select from a variety of silhouettes, colors, materials and patches to customize your own bag. Cabana’s sister store The Seaside Style sells the SEASIDE® X STONEY CLOVER collection of patches featuring the iconic Seaside Post Office.

Ophelia Swimwear

A roundup of retail happenings throughout the Emerald Coast by REBECCA PADGETT FRETT

Bright and bold prints, breezy linens, sparkly accessories, statement-making dresses, flowing caftans and trendy home goods are just some of the treasures that await at

Cabana by The Seaside Style.

KIKI RISA

Destin retailer Kiki Risa has something for everyone and every occasion, from ballgowns to bathing suits. Kiki Risa features notable brands such as ZIMMERMANN and MOTHER DENIM. In the upcoming season, Kiki Risa can outfit you in feminine floral-print dresses with vintage-inspired cowboy boots, brightly patterned tops with eye-catching sneakers and pastel dress pants with eclectic straw handbags.

28 February–March 2024 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

➸ THE ALEJANDRA ONE PIECE BY OPHELIA LOVE comes in the

stunning shade of indigo, a perfect complement against the emerald green waves. With two adjustable side cutouts to either cinch higher or lower on the leg for more or less coverage, this suit looks amazing on all body types.

➸ THE PAIGE REVERSIBLE V-CUT TOP AND BOTTOM BY OPHELIA is two suits for the price of one. The suit reverses

between two colorways, palm green and a pastel purple floral print, and is designed exclusively by Rebekah Steen of Goldfish Kiss. Mix and match the two hues, or coordinate for the full print or solid. ➸ For those who prefer a two-piece

suit but adore the indigo hue, the reversible TORI TRIANGLE TOP BY OPHELIA LOVE features an indigo hue on one side and periwinkle on the other.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CABANA BY THE SEASIDE STYLE, OPHELIA SWIMWEAR AND KIKI RISA

↑ WHAT’S IN STORE?

Cold months have us dreaming of beach days. Spring is just around the corner, and who knows, in Northwest Florida, even a winter beach day is possible. Ophelia Swimwear is your spot for spring break attire. With three locations in Seaside, Miramar Beach and Inlet Beach, Ophelia stores brim with all you need to feel beautiful and confident at the beach — from the latest trending swimwear to accessories including sun hats, beach totes and cover-ups.

Celebrate the joy of living, eating and drinking well.

RESERVATIONS

Located at The Pearl Hotel 850.588.2882 | thepearlRB.com

63 Main Street

R o s e m a r y B e a c h , F L 3 24 61 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

February–March 2024

CUSTOM CONTENT

Smooth and Restore

Everything you need to know about dermal fillers from the experts at Aqua Medical Spa

f your face is lacking the luster it once held or you wish to plump up your pout a bit, dermal fillers have become an increasingly popular option. This nonsurgical cosmetic procedure plumps, smooths and restores volume to the face. Dermal filler, often simply called “filler,” works to fill in areas of the face that have lost or are lacking volume. Filler contains hyaluronic acid, a substance that’s already found in your skin and is necessary for plumpness and hydration. As we age, our production of hyaluronic acid decreases causing visible wrinkling. Using a thin needle, a licensed health care provider can inject a small amount of hyaluronic acid filler into the desired area adding volume to sagging skin, plumping lips or cheeks, smoothing wrinkles or making facial features symmetrical. “Dermal fillers help to turn back the clock on aging, making the patient’s appearance fresh and

youthful,” said Lindsey Watford, nurse practitioner at the Fort Walton Beach office of Dermatology Specialists of Florida’s Aqua Medical Spa. Watford said dermal fillers have been on the rise since 2011 and reached a pivotal height in 2016. Today, she believes dermal fillers are being put to their best use after several years of evolution. “Aesthetics are my passion, and as an experienced injector, I have my patients’ best interests at heart,” Watford said. “I don’t see dermal fillers as changing or augmenting the face but rather as enhancing the natural features.” Watford emphasizes the importance of using a licensed professional that you can trust, such as the providers at Dermatology Specialists of Florida & Aqua Medical Spa. During a

consultation, Watford will ask patients to hold up a mirror and describe their wants or goals. She listens closely to their concerns and then provides her professional recommendations to achieve their desired look. For the best visible results, you should receive dermal fillers at least two weeks before any big event. This will also allow time for any bruising or swelling to subside. To lessen bruising, remain hydrated before the appointment, avoid drinking alcohol in the days before and don’t use blood thinners. Recovery time is minimal, but patients should refrain from exercise and strenuous activity for at least 24 hours. The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes with results lasting 6 to 12 months. Of course, individual results may vary.

DERMATOLOGY SPECIALISTS OF FLORIDA & AQUA MEDICAL SPA TO LEARN MORE OR SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION, GIVE THE OFFICE A CALL. (850) 659-9393, FORT WALTON BEACH | AQUAMEDICALSPA.COM | (877) 563-3772

30 February–March 2024 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

BOOK

NOW

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• Convenient location along 30A in Seagrove Beach • 1-Bedroom Studios and Suites with Fully-Equipped Kitchenettes • Outdoor Hotel Pool and Fitness Center • Access to Watersound Beach Club and Private Golf Clubs • Greenway Station–30A’s newest destination for shopping and dining • Easy access to Point Washington State Forest and the Timpochee Trail for hiking, biking and walking

TheLodge30A.com |

| #TheLodge30A | 4721 E. County Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

February–March 2024

OUTSIDE LIVING. OUTSIDE OF ORDINARY.

A new home designed around you, with a backyard for parties and fun. Plus, a new amenity center ready to enjoy life without leaving the neighborhood. The Gathering Place clubhouse features a resort-style pool and sundeck, state-of-the-art fitness center, tennis courts and event lawn. Our gated community is just a short bike ride or drive to the activities and adventure awaiting you at 30A and the Emerald Coast. NatureWalk by Kolter Homes is outside the ordinary, and open daily for you to explore.

NEW PHA SE OF HOME S ITE S NOW AVAIL ABLE

MODELS OPEN DAILY | Tour designer-decorated models in-person or online New Homes from the $500s to $1M | NatureWalkWatersound.com © 2023. Prices, homesites, amenities, home designs, square footage and other information subject to errors, changes, omissions, deletions, availability, prior sales and withdrawal at any time without notice. Square footage numbers are approximate and may vary depending on the standard measurement used. Photos and/or drawings of homes may show upgraded landscaping and may not represent the lowest priced homes in the community. All renderings and floorplans in these materials are an artist’s conceptual drawings and will vary from the actual plans and homes as built. CRC057817/CGC1514916

32 February–March 2024 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

DINING OUT Seagrass Restaurant: Northwest Florida State College

gastro&gusto FEB/MAR 2024

DINING, IMBIBING AND LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST

EATING WELL

VEGAN GOES MAINSTREAM

Plant-based foods take a star turn ↗

→

CREAMY CASHEW ALFREDO SAUCE

by LAURIE EINSTEIN KOSZUTA

see recipe on next page

photography by SAIGE ROBERTS

EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

February–March 2024

gastro & gusto

“V

egan” may conjure images of people eating tofu and lettuce leaves or munching on plant burgers and seem like a current dietary trend. In fact, veganism has been around for decades and is now steadily gaining momentum in the mainstream. Grocery stores have taken note and now offer shelves filled with vegan-only selections. A vegan, by definition, is a person who adheres to a plant-based diet and abstains from eating any foods from animal sources, which include meat, seafood, eggs and dairy. Honey is also off the list because it comes from a source other than plants. Some wines are also not considered vegan due to filtration processes that use animalderived agents. “Being vegan is not just about food,” said Amy Sievers, chef and co-owner of Vibe Vegan Bistro in Destin. “It is a conscious lifestyle of making decisions not to use products that exploit animals in any way.” As interest in plant-based eating has increased, so have misconceptions. First, vegans are not vegetarians. Nor are they gluten-free eaters. Vegetarians eat plantbased foods, but some also eat fish, eggs and dairy or use products derived from animals. While unprocessed foods like fruits and vegetables are naturally vegan and gluten-free, vegans eat gluten from sources like wheat, barley and rye. Another belief is that vegan diets are bland and lack substantial protein and essential nutrients. Vegan eating doesn’t have to be

dull, particularly when cooking with a creative mix of healthy and satisfying ingredients. “There are many alternative sources of complete proteins in vegan diets,” said Chandler Parrett, a vegan and team member at Vibe Vegan Bistro. “It makes eating protein from meat unnecessary. For example, dishes made with quinoa, beans, chickpeas, lentils, nuts, seeds and soy products are rich in protein and high in fiber.”

Research has shown that people who eat a balanced vegan diet are less likely to develop chronic conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. “People don’t want to miss out on flavor by being vegan,” Sievers said, “which is why many manufacturers are replicating styles of food everyone can enjoy. Our restaurant offers vegan salmon, burgers, cheesesteaks and brisket, all good-tasting

← Creamy Cashew Alfredo Sauce INGREDIENTS

➸ 1 cup soaked or boiled cashews, raw and unseasoned ➸ 3 cloves of garlic, or measure with your heart ➸ ¼ cup diced onion ➸ 3 tablespoons plant-based butter ➸ 1 cup plain and unsweetened nondairy milk, plus more as needed ➸ Fresh herbs or seasoning to taste; basil, oregano, salt, pepper ➸ ½ cup vegan parmesan or mozzarella shreds (optional)

34 February–March 2024 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

INSTRUCTIONS Presoak your cashews for 4–6 hours. In a pinch, cashews

can instead be softened by bringing to a boil in a pot with water. Once your cashews are softened, set aside. Melt butter in a saucepan on low to medium heat. Add onion and saute until nearly translucent. Add in minced garlic. Saute until fragrant. Meanwhile, combine cashews and milk into a blender or food processor. Mix until a smooth consistency is reached, stopping to stir as needed. Add in the sauteed onion and garlic and blend until combined. Add in additional milk as needed to reach desired sauce consistency. Transfer back to pot and simmer on low heat. If desired, add in vegan cheese shreds. Whisk until well combined. Serve over your choice of pasta with veggies of choice — broccoli, zucchini and mushrooms pair well. Opt for a chickpea or other plant-powered pasta for an extra protein boost. Sprinkle with vegan grated parm (see other recipe) and enjoy! photography by SAIGE ROBERTS

← Vegan Grated

Parmesan INGREDIENTS

➸ 1 cup blanched almonds, raw and unseasoned ➸ 1 teaspoon lemon juice ➸ 1 teaspoon olive oil ➸ 1 clove garlic or garlic powder to taste ➸ Fresh herbs or seasoning; basil, oregano, salt, pepper INSTRUCTIONS

For the best results in flavor and texture, be sure to purchase blanched almonds or blanch them yourself. To blanch your almonds, first bring them to a boil in a pot of water. Do not cook to soften, only to loosen the skins. Strain and cool. Remove the skins, the almonds should now easily pop loose. Preheat your oven to 375 F. On a cookie sheet lined with parchment or a silicone baking mat, spread out blanched almonds evenly. Bake for about 10 minutes or until lightly browned. In a blender or food processor, combine almonds and all remaining ingredients. Blend until you’ve reached a texture similar to that of grated parmesan. Store in a jar or airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy sprinkled over pasta dishes, salads, soups and more.

meat substitutes. We have amazing vegan desserts like limoncello cake and tiramisu on our menu. The only things people are missing out on are the stomach aches and the digestive issues of meat.” Sievers noted that there are numerous options for vegan eating. “I am constantly experimenting with flavors, spices and textures to create dishes that taste good and look beautiful on the plate,” she said. “Home cooks can do the same. You can take a non-vegan recipe and make it vegan using plant-based ingredients. Instead of using eggs for a cake, use vegan yogurt. You can use oat, soy, cashew or almond milk for recipes that traditionally call for dairy.” The key to diverse vegan cooking is creative thinking. Swap tofu for meat in stir fries and casseroles, or add barbecued jackfruit to tacos. When soaked and well-blended, cashews are a versatile base for the creamy sauce used in fettuccini alfredo. Mushrooms make delicious stand-alone dishes like portobello burgers or crab cakes.

Ethnic cuisines make excellent vegan fare. Mexican dishes are based on beans, rice, guacamole, corn tortillas and salsa. Vegetable sushi rolls and Mediterranean food like tabbouleh, falafel and lentil soup are also good choices. Even a comforting bowl of eggfree pasta with tomato sauce is vegan. A plant-based diet doesn’t have to be any more expensive than those that include meat. Start by buying staples like peanut butter, beans, whole grains, nuts, brown rice, quinoa, lentils and seeds in bulk. Shop the frozen food aisle for store-brand produce as it lasts longer and is cheaper. Read vegan cookbooks, and follow vegan chefs online for ideas on how to build meals around plant-based foods. Transitioning to a vegan lifestyle doesn’t have to mean living without favorites like ice cream or cheese because there are plenty of vegan brands and flavors to choose from. Even Oreos and potato chips are vegan. As in any diet, watching for excessive carbs and saturated fats in processed foods is important. But the best measures of success will always be moderation and creativity. EC

feat. Steven Banks Saturday, March 23 | 7:30 pm | Destin High School Prepare to be spellbound by the mesmerizing talent of charismatic saxophonist Steven Banks. Recipient of the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant and Sinfonia Gulf Coast's Young Concert Artist prize, he pushes boundaries, expanding the instrument's repertoire while showcasing its vast capabilities. Experience the unique and intimate compositions of this emerging musical genius.

TICKETS: $20-$35 PER PERSON

CLASSICAL CONNECTIONS PRESENTING SPONSOR:

SCAN HERE TO

BUY TICKETS

Box Office: SinfoniaGulfCoast.org 850.460.8800

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February–March 2024

gastro & gusto

DINING OUT

Edible Education A hands-on approach to culinary instruction by LAURIE EINSTEIN KOSZUTA

hef Layne Eggers, director and assistant professor of the Culinary Management degree program at Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC), stood in the industrial prep kitchen and watched as his students sampled their latest delectable salad creation of watermelon, cucumber and feta. At the same time, Chef Tim Yeabower, the culinary management and lab instructor, asked if anyone needed an extra drizzle of syrupy balsamic glaze.

For Eggers and Yeabower, teaching and mentoring students at NWFSC’s Culinary Management Program is not just a job. It’s more of a calling. “I’ve had a great career,” said Eggers, who previously owned several fine dining restaurants and directed culinary innovation in many aspects of the airline industry. “I always seem to come back to teaching.” According to Julie Cotton, director of NWFSC’s Culinary Management and Hospitality and Tourism Management

programs, the two-year associate degree program originated after several local restaurant and tourism leaders approached Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of NWFSC, noting a tremendous need for professionally trained people in the area. The program, now in its fifth year, currently has 30 students and has seen a dramatic rise in enrollment. There is also a 20-credit hour pathway to a Culinary Arts Management Operations certificate for students not interested in a degree program. The curriculum is designed to teach students the basics of cooking and food preparation in a lecture setting, and then apply those skills in the kitchen. There are courses on baking and pastry preparation, nutrition, alternative diets, recipe development and wine presentation, among others. There is also catering, food and beverage management, cost controls and purchasing coursework. “We want students to thrive after graduation, so we partner with industry professionals for internships,” Cotton said. “The internships require students to complete 225 hours working with a mentor and supervisor in the field.” “Any culinary program must stay ahead of the current trends,” Eggers explained. “We have an advisory board of industry professionals that meet with us throughout the year. Hands-on learning is the best way to teach the culinary arts,” he added. It all comes together at the Seagrass student learning lab, a pop-up restaurant born from Chef Eggers’ belief that the program’s curriculum should mirror the real world. Culinary students spend six Thursdays in the fall and six in the spring

VEGGIES

If you want to see gorgeous vegetable plants, step inside the Kay Litke Culinary Arts Greenhouse on the Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) campus. There, you’ll find six varieties of lettuce and tomatoes, four varieties of peppers and cucumbers, bok choy and herbs, all grown hydroponically. Chef Layne Eggers, Director of the Culinary Management program at NWFSC, is the resident green thumb who designed the permanent 1,800-square-foot space three years ago. He wanted his culinary students to learn how to sustainably grow and harvest produce and use the resulting bounty for creative, farm-to-table cooking. Hydroponic systems allow plants to take root and grow in shallow channels of nutrient-rich water. A computerized system in the greenhouse controls the amount of water, oxygen and nutrients that flow over the roots. The solution is then recirculated to be reused. Plant productivity is impressive. The current crop of tomato plants is nine months old, can grow up to 50 feet tall and is still flowering. The cucumbers have grown more than eight inches a week. In this environment, there are no bugs and no pesticides, just only good old-fashioned flavor.

36 February–March 2024 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

photography by LUKE TREXLER

PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE (GREENHOUSE)

← Northwest Florida State College’s culinary students presented more than 2,500 baked goods including pastries, cakes, pies, strudels and freshly baked artisan bread at a Baking and Pastry Tasting Showcase held in August at the Niceville campus Raider Café.

→ Showcase attendees enjoyed patisseriestyle samplings of chocolate truffles, crème brûlées, petit fours and decadent cakes (top), plus bites of honey walnut bread (bottom left) and New York cheesecake (bottom right).

↑

meticulously planning and preparing the food, while students enrolled in NWFSC hospitality classes serve as greeters and wait staff. “These meals enable students to get immediate feedback from faculty and guests,” said Yeabower, who was previously the executive chef at the Emerald Grande in Destin. “This really helps improve and sharpen their skills.” “We push the students to talk to the guests who come to the Seagrass,” Eggers added. “They get nervous, but we tell them they must speak to people, not hide behind an oven. That is why we call it culinary management.” The on-campus restaurant utilizes the open space of The Raider Café, located on the lower level of the 400 building. During the fall semester, the area transforms into a French-inspired, fine-dining lunch venue with linen tablecloths, china and glassware. This year, six three-course lunches included entrees such as CroqueMadame, Trout a la Meuniere, Coq au Vin a la Seagrass and Scallops Provençal. During the spring semester, the Seagrass puts on a series of six five-course dinners highlighting international and regional cuisine with themed menus — French, Cajun, Brazilian, Italian, Spanish and “Floribbean.” Menus have included such entrees as Teres Major Prepared Sous-vide (French), Creole Oven Roasted Duck Breast (Cajun), Teres Major Shoulder Steak with Chimichurri sauce (Brazilian), Lobster Ravioli (Italian) and Cuban Fiesta Steak (Floribbean). The fresh greens and vegetables used in the Seagrass are all sourced from NWFSC’s hydroponic greenhouse, operated by faculty and students. “It’s hard to wrap my head around everything I have learned in this program,” said second-year student and Air Force veteran Mikki Santiago, sporting a huge smile. “I have been thinking about what I want to do after graduation — possibly a food truck. All of it is just so exciting.” EC

GOOD EATS

The Seagrass restaurant is open to the public and can accommodate 60 guests with a maximum of six per table. Reservations are accepted by email in the spring and fall for lunch and dinner events. For more information on reservations and cost, email seagrass@nwfsc.edu.

BEST OF THE EMERALD COAST multiple award winner

↑ Left to right: Chef Layne Eggers, Julie Cotton and Chef Tim Yeabower, lead the Culinary Management and Hospitality and Tourism Management departments at NWFSC. The programs were established in an effort to provide area businesses with a source of employees.

The original, award-winning, wood-fired pizza and classical Italian cuisine Lunch M–F 11–2 · Dinner M–Sat 5–9 · 850.650.5980 12273 US Hwy 98, Miramar Beach · fatclemenzas.com EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

February–March 2024

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87 87Central Central Square Square

Jim Jim Shirley Shirley Enterprises’ Enterprises’ latest latest inventive inventive endeavor endeavor

ne of ne the of the great great pleasures pleasures of of living living in Northwest in Northwest Florida Florida is the is the ability ability to dine to dine andand sip sip al fresco al fresco year-round year-round — be — it beaitglass a glass of chilled of chilled white white andand sushi sushi in the in the summer summer or aorbold a bold redred served served with with lamb lamb ribsribs in the in the winter. winter. As As thethe latest latest venture venture of Jim of Jim Shirley Shirley Enterprises, Enterprises, 87 Central 87 Central Square Square brings brings intentionality intentionality in pairing in pairing a curated a curated menu menu with with exceptional exceptional wine wine in ain a relaxing relaxing atmosphere. atmosphere. This This latest latest concept concept of chef of chef JimJim Shirley Shirley joins joins thethe likes likes of his of his other other successes successes including including Great Great Southern Southern Cafe, Cafe, TheThe Bay,Bay, North North Beach Beach Social, Social, Farm Farm & Fire, & Fire, TheThe C-Bar, C-Bar, b.f.f. b.f.f. andand TheThe Meltdown Meltdown on on 30A. 30A. Shirley, Shirley, alongside alongside his his daughter daughter Madison, Madison, vicevice president president of Jim of Jim Shirley Shirley Enterprises, Enterprises, sought sought to expand to expand thethe dining dining enterprise enterprise to include to include a new a new concept concept thatthat placed placed a focus a focus on on specialty specialty wines wines andand a creative, a creative, evereverevolving evolving menu. menu.

Where Where locals locals andand vacationers vacationers havehave come come to expect to expect their their favorites favorites on the on the menus menus of Shirley’s of Shirley’s other other restaurants, restaurants, 87 Central 87 Central Square Square encourages encourages its chefs its chefs to push to push culinary culinary boundaries boundaries andand create create menu menu items items from from local, local, seasonal seasonal andand thematically thematically appropriate appropriate ingredients. ingredients. “We“We want want to provide to provide variety variety andand intrigue intrigue because because it creates it creates a a newnew excitement excitement around around thethe dining dining experience experience andand raises raises thethe cuisine cuisine to to an exceptional an exceptional caliber caliber often often seenseen in in major major metro metro areas areas butbut withwith thethe beach beach nearby,” nearby,” saidsaid Madison. Madison. ForFor Shirley, Shirley, 87 Central 87 Central Square Square is is a respite a respite from from thethe busyness busyness of 30A, of 30A, offering offering an atmosphere an atmosphere that’s that’s laidlaidbackback in nature. in nature. No No bustling bustling servers, servers, andand no rush no rush to finish to finish your your meal. meal. It’s It’s a place a place to linger to linger overover thethe wine wine menu menu before before selecting selecting thethe glass glass thatthat suits suits your your palate palate or to or order to order another another plate plate of dumplings of dumplings to be to shared be shared between between friends. friends. TheThe space space includes includes a mix a mix of tables of tables andand lounge lounge seating seating thatthat cancan be be arranged arranged to accommodate to accommodate an intimate an intimate dinner dinner for for twotwo or aorlarger a larger group group for for a girls a girls night night out.out. TheThe tented tented outdoor outdoor

space space offers offers fansfans or heaters or heaters andand even even blankets blankets for for comfort comfort in any in any weather. weather. TheThe Shirleys Shirleys hope hope to extend to extend thethe space space as aascommunity a community hubhub andand looklook forward forward to hosting to hosting events events andand wine wine pairings pairings at the at the newnew restaurant. restaurant. Long Long known known for for their their culinary culinary success, success, thethe Shirley Shirley family family hashas alsoalso made made a substantial a substantial impact impact on the on the Panhandle’s Panhandle’s wine wine industry industry overover thethe years. years. At 87 At Central 87 Central Square, Square, thethe selection selection of more of more thanthan 100100 wines wines couldn’t couldn’t be found be found on grocery on grocery store store shelves. shelves. TheThe team team works works with with an an array array of distributors of distributors to support to support smaller smaller boutique boutique wineries wineries from from around around thethe world. world. With With a relaxed a relaxed yet yet refined refined coastal coastal atmosphere atmosphere andand a revolving a revolving menu menu of of culinary culinary andand wine wine options, options, 87 Central 87 Central Square Square is sure is sure to rank to rank frequently frequently in in youryour regular regular dining dining rotation. rotation. “Our “Our dearest dearest hope hope for for thethe space space goesgoes backback to our to our family’s family’s personal personal ethos ethos thatthat if you if you break break bread bread withwith someone, someone, youyou learn learn their their story,” story,” saidsaid Shirley. Shirley. “When “When youyou dinedine here, here, we we hope hope youyou learn learn more more about about thethe community community withwith every every bitebite andand sip.”sip.”

CHEF CHEF JIMJIM SHIRLEY SHIRLEY ENTERPRISES ENTERPRISES | ChefJimShirley.com | ChefJimShirley.com

38 February–March 2024 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

PARADISE has arrived ON THE EMERALD COAST

Live the life you’ve dreamed at Latitude Margaritaville Watersound! 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

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Obtain the Property Report required by Federal law and read it before signing anything. No Federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. WARNING: THE CALIFORNIA BUREAU OF REAL ESTATE HAS NOT INSPECTED, EXAMINED, OR QUALIFIED THE OFFERINGS. Latitude Margaritaville Kentucky Registration Number R-201. For NY Residents: THE COMPLETE OFFERING TERMS FOR THE SALE OF LOTS ARE IN THE CPS-12 APPLICATION AVAILABLE FROM SPONSOR, LMWS, LLC. FILE NO. CP20-0062. Pennsylvania Registration Number OL001182. Latitude Margaritaville Watersound is registered with the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salesmen, 1000 Washington Street, Suite 710, Boston, MA 02118 and with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 1700 G Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20552. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required and has not been completed. The facilities and amenities described are proposed but not yet constructed. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only and are merely representative of current development plans. Development plans, amenities, facilities, dimensions, specifications, prices and features depicted by artists renderings or otherwise described herein are approximate and subject to change without notice. ©Minto Communities, LLC 2024. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced, copied, altered, distributed, stored, or transferred in any form or by any means without express written permission. Latitude Margaritaville and the Latitude Margaritaville logo are trademarks of EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM February–March 2024 120919. 2024 Margaritaville Enterprises, LLC and are used under license. Minto and the Minto logo are trademarks of Minto Communities, LLC and/or its affiliates. St. Joe and the St. Joe logo are trademarks of The St. Joe Company and are used under license. CGC 1519880/CGC

r e w o P

e l p u Co FT DER FEN E MIK PHOT OGR APHY BY STOR Y BY STE VE BOR NHO

40 February–March 2024 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

IN I RA CH AE L AN D EV AN CH ELNS HI P S B UI LD B OD IE S AN D RE L AT IO

PHOTO COURTESY OF WILDOLIVES30A.COM

omething had to give. Already, Chris Trovas had undergone hip replacement and triple bypass surgeries. His weight had reached 287 pounds, and that’s a lot to carry around 18 hours a day as a chef/ sommelier and the owner/operator of Wild Olives, a tony South Walton bistro. “Either I was going to have to get in better shape, or I was going to have to retire,” Trovas said. He met a nurse at a medical clinic in Santa Rosa Beach, and she recommended that he consult Rachael and Evan Chelini, the owners of a gym, Sand Dunes Strength & Conditioning, located near the southern foot of the U.S. 331 bridge. Trovas met with Evan, and as it happens, he wasn’t done yet. He retained Evan as a one-on-one personal trainer. Evan said his objective initially was to get Trovas stabilized, to “keep water out of the boat.” He asked his new client to limit himself to 50 grams of carbohydrates a day, and Trovas did; Evan has a way of commanding obedience. People embark on a relationship with him, and they don’t want to disappoint him. There was a time not long ago when Trovas would suck the bottom out of a bottle of tequila in a night. Now, he limits himself to special-occasion drinking when, for example, his restaurant caters a high-profile fundraising event. He goes to the gym four times a week, walks his dog mornings and evenings, and logs 6,000–8,000 steps a day. Six months after starting at Sand Dunes, Trovas weighed in at 193 pounds. He weighed 215 pounds as a high schooler playing beneath Friday night lights in Alvin, Texas. “I’m in the best shape of my life, and Evan is the reason,” Trovas said. “It started out with an intense interview. He found out where I was physically and mentally, and I liked that.” Evan’s approach presented a stark contrast to what Trovas had experienced as a footballer in Alvin and at the University of Houston. “It wasn’t like my old football days when they’d say, ‘OK, let’s see if we can get you to squat 600 pounds. And we’re gonna get you to bench press 400, and we’ll get you so freaking strong, you’re gonna be able to beat people up.’ Evan was all about achieving the right mindset and then getting the body into shape.” Evan thinks of himself as a biomechanic. Trovas said he can think of no better way to describe him. “His understanding of the body and how to put muscles together is unbelievable,” the student said about

↑ Evan Chelini, right, shows Sand Dunes Strength & Conditioning member Hank Hendrick the ropes during a one-on-one training session. Evan, in working with clients, favors an approach to fitness that emphasizes longevity.

his teacher. “He’s like, ‘OK those squats look good, but now I want you to turn your knees in a little bit, and I want you to fire on all your glutes, and I want you to get your abs going.’ Then all of a sudden you’re doing it, and it’s like ‘Holy cow, this feels so much better.’” Evan Chelini was born outside Seattle. His father was a Navy man, and his mother, an educator. When his dad retired from Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base north of Jacksonville, the family followed his mom to the Midwest and her job as a member of the nursing faculty at the University of Missouri. Growing up, Evan was aware of Arnold CHRIS TROVAS Schwarzenegger but didn’t find an entry point to the world of fitness. He “I’M IN THE BEST tried on a couple of team sports but SHAPE OF MY LIFE, didn’t vibe with them. Karate for him AND EVAN IS amounted to a bunch of old men in THE REASON,” pajamas throwing air punches. TROVAS SAID. Jujitsu, though, was different. It was “IT STARTED OUT something that he figured he could carry WITH AN INTENSE with him for a lifetime, and it made him INTERVIEW. HE feel “more comfortable and confident in FOUND OUT WHERE his own skin.” He got into martial arts and I WAS PHYSICALLY won a couple of MMA bouts before he AND MENTALLY, was introduced to CrossFit competition AND I LIKED THAT.” and coaching. EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

February–March 2024

He’s been performing consultative training roles ever since. Along the Emerald Coast, he first started training clients by keeping overhead low, working out of his car and working people out in their driveways. He proceeded through 12 business locations before arriving at 24700 U.S. Highway 331 South, where he and Rachael set up shop in August 2020.

↑ Rachael Chelini, kneeling, offers encouragement to Jane Solomon as she carries a kettlebell across the gym floor. Sand Dunes Strength & Conditioning tends to organize itself into groups of people of similar interests or circumstances. Rachael often works out with other new mothers.

42 February–March 2024 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

As a high school athlete in Pittsburgh, Rachael Chelini — the couple celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary on Oct. 20 of last year — ran, danced, played volleyball and burned out on competition. She had no desire to play sports at the college level. Rachael was doing restaurant work when she noticed a CrossFit competition on a television above the bar and was engrossed by what she saw. “My bartender told me he had never seen me stare at a TV like that before,” she said. “I Googled ‘CrossFit,’ went to a gym the next day and said, ‘OK, what do I do?’” Rachael had found her entry point to the fitness world. She got into bodybuilding, powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting in addition to CrossFit. She knocked out 18 photo shoots in 18 months. She stressed her body by making herself strong for athletic competitions and alternately shredding for photo shoots. She came through a handful of poor nutrition coaches, then resolved to educate herself. “From there, it’s been continuously finding health and longevity,” she said. She traveled from the Allegheny Mountains to the Emerald Coast to do a photo shoot with a woman who was a coach at Evan’s gym at the time. “I did a workout with Evan where he tried to just destroy me, and I aced it,” Rachael said, smiling. “He ignored me for three days, and then I came back. I had a lot of signs in Pittsburgh suggesting that it was time for something new. The worst-case scenario was summer at the beach, so I went for it.” Consult the schedule at the Sand Dunes website, and you will find blocks of time reserved for group classes, one-on-one sessions and open gym. What you won’t find are classes dedicated to Zumba or body pump or butts and guts or spinning and grinning. “Our class structure is based on the needs of the individuals — their learning style, level of physical fitness, assertiveness, preferences,” Evan said. For example, Evan worked closely with Pearce Spurlin III, now a tight end at the University of Georgia, when he was at South Walton High School. “He had very specific goals and needed a lot of 1:1 support,” Evan said. “Other members may be a little bit out of shape and a little more laid-back about things, and they do 1:4. Most of our business is training with groups of eight or more.” Those groups may be teams from South Walton High School, which is located just south of the gym. Some groups comprise business professionals. A group of young mothers gets together at 9 a.m., and Rachael, as a new mother, herself, participates with them. “Friends work out with one another, and the coach is there to see that they work out safely, effectively

↑ Trainer Clarissa Seales, an endurance athlete, heard about Rachael and Evan Chelini soon after moving to the Emerald Coast from Alabama and became a member of the Sand Dunes Strength & Conditioning training staff. She appreciates the ways in which the Chelinis maintain close contact with their members throughout their fitness journeys.

and intentionally,” Evan said. “We are trying to create an enjoyable but challenging environment” — one governed by a sense of community. That effort is working. Sand Dunes is a gym where everyone knows your name. “Back in my sports days, I would walk into a gym and there would be nothing but machines,” Trovas said. “I feel like when I walk into Evan and Rachael’s gym, I am walking into their house. I am their guest, and they are there to take care of you. It’s not a business proposition.” “The community is important to us,” Rachael said. “It’s not like the usual gym where everyone is in his own space with their headphones on. You won’t see any of that here.” “We’re unified by common effort, common purpose,” Evan said of the Sand Dunes family. “If you are not ready to change, you won’t fit in here.” Clarissa Seales is an endurance athlete who has worked as a trainer for more than 15 years in Alabama and Florida. She arrived on the Emerald Coast five years ago and heard Sand Dunes being talked about. She joined as a member, later joining the coaching team. “They are very smart people who are very patient with the community members who come in,” Seales said about the Chelinis. “They are always looking to

gain more knowledge about health and fitness that they can relay to others. “Everybody has the same basic goals: look better, feel better, get stronger, lose weight. Going about it the right way takes time. Evan and Rachael stay with members throughout that process. It’s not like they are on their own after the first week.” Allee Coble graduated from South Walton High School in 2018. As a sophomore, she played in the state high school basketball tournament where the Seahawks were SAND humbled. Disappointed, Coble asked herself DUNES what she could do to elevate her game. “A family friend told me I had to start CORE working out with this guy, Evan,” Coble said. VALUES She made twice weekly trips into Destin ➼ We are curious where Evan’s gym was then located. The about the motivations drives proved worthwhile. of the people around us and actively “I knew Evan before he was a big deal,” develop new skills Coble said. “He was a godsend for me in order to positively growing up. He was a trainer, but he was also impact quality of life for our clients. a fabulous father figure.” Upon graduating from Auburn University, ➼ We are committed to supporting your where she was a student assistant for the “why” and developing women’s basketball team for two years, a relationship that Coble returned home. She is now the girls extends beyond the walls of this gym. basketball coach at South Walton. “When I got the job, Evan was one of the ➼ We are passionate about our work. first three phone calls I made,” Coble said. ➼ We lead by example. “I knew I had to get my girls in with him. If you want to be the best, you have to train ➼ We believe in community and with the best. He trains their bodies, trains teamwork to help their minds and makes them great athletes. achieve goals and overcome obstacles. Sometimes, he will say that so and so needs this. Or, ‘Mentally I think she is having a ➼ We are consistent in caring for ourselves hard time.’ Or, ‘I think the block for girl A and others. is that she is so afraid about messing up that ➼ We recognize the she is afraid to try.’ I really like his insights trust our community on my girls.” puts in us in order to create and support The Chelinis know that the time they get changes in their lives. to spend with their members is limited, and ➼ We prioritize they work to make the most of it. long-term health as “They are giving us the gift of investing the foundation of two hours, three hours, four hours a week, performance. and we need to be as effective with that time as we can,” Evan said. “Time is the resource that we cannot get more of. We meet people where they are, whether they are working out in their garage or if they are coming here every day. “We want people to include fitness in their lives the same way that you eat lunch, sleep or drink water. It should be something that integrates very kindly into the rest of the day.” EC EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

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44 February–March 2024 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

E AT I N G D I S O R D E R , N A Y B D E M U S N O C S E D AFTER DECA WITH LIFE A R U N N E R C AT C H E S U P EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

February–March 2024

T For more than 20 years, Liesel Schmidt battled an eating disorder that reduced her to the weight of a kindergartner and made her bones brittle. Today, her relationship with food has changed dramatically, she has rejoined the world and she has rediscovered herself.

46 February–March 2024 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

here is almost no photographic record of me between 2009 and 2021. You won’t find me photobombing anyone else’s selfies or tagged in someone else’s photos. You won’t dig up some random shot with me in the background. The only pictures of me that exist are private photos that I took while deep in the throes of an eating disorder that almost killed me. Should have killed me. Every day for months, I would take three photos of myself — left side, right side, frontal — to keep track, to keep score, to make sure that I wasn’t losing control. In truth, I’d already lost it. I was terrified of gaining weight, and my body became nothing but skin stretched tightly over a skeleton, so thin that it would tear at the slightest touch. My muscles had withered; my bones had become as fragile as those of an 80-year-old. My hair had thinned and my natural curls had gone into hiding. I went years without a menstrual period. Most people thought I had cancer. Some days, I would look in the mirror and see a ghostly wraith staring back at me, this horrible creature that I had become. What had happened? My anorexia began when I was 14 at a point when I’d felt as though my world was falling apart. I fell headlong into a mental breakdown. I was overwhelmed by all the noise in my brain, so much so that I did not speak. Relief only seemed to come when I limited what I ate. Eating was the one thing in my world that I felt like I could control, quantify and understand. Doing so became an all-consuming pursuit that dictated every aspect of my life — where I went, who I saw, what I did every minute of every day. Anyone or anything that threatened that obsession became unsafe in my mind. The list of foods I felt safe eating and the things that I felt safe doing grew smaller and smaller. My world shrank along with my body.

Liesel Schmidt readies for a run on the beach in Fort Walton. She was among the top female runners in the region before she was slowed by the ravages of anorexia. Eating disorders are not uncommon among runners who convince themselves that the lighter they are, the faster they will go.

I’d been an avid runner since the age of 17, and, because I was fast, I’d become well known in the local running community. I’d run too many races to count, placing in all of them and sometimes winning top overall female honors. My time in my first 26.2-mile race was good enough by six minutes to qualify me for the Boston Marathon, even though I crossed the finish line with a broken ankle. That injury steepened the slide. I Googled ways to keep from gaining weight while injured and spent eight weeks riding a stationary bike in the gym and swimming — two activities that my ortho had given me the approval to do. I cut calories from my diet to compensate for the calories I thought I wasn’t burning by not running. When I was healed and running again, I was even faster. I was setting new personal records at almost every race I ran. And the weight kept coming off. People noticed both the stepped-up speed as well as the drastic weight loss.

My clothes began to fit differently, sliding off my hips and hanging from my frame. One day, I received a call from a close friend and training partner telling me that I’d been banned from racing because the local racing committee was concerned about my very marked weight loss. The next week, my mother got a call from the president of a local running association that I belonged to, a two-hour long call in which he berated her for not doing something to help me. But there was nothing she could do. I was 26 and the master of my own destiny. For better or worse. I saw a slew of doctors and nutritionists, psychiatrists, psychologists and counselors, but I did so only to suspend my parents’ lectures about what I was doing to my body and to our family. I didn’t want help. I didn’t think I needed help. By the time I turned 28, I’d lost my social network, as it was tightly connected to my running community. I’d disappeared

after being banned from racing, and no one reached out. They didn’t understand eating disorders or how to help, and they stayed silent. Consequently, I felt incredibly alone and abandoned by the people I loved. It seemed like an answer to a prayer when the man I’d been dating for a month proposed. We were married for eight months but dominated by verbal abuse and manipulation about my weight. While we’d been dating, he humiliated me by weighing me every (continued on page 90)

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“Battln Bill” Weaver let out a scream while manhandling an opponent during a match held at a Thomasville, Georgia, middle school and billed as Weaver’s last ride. Whether he truly calls it quits remains to be seen. He’s “retired” before.

ENTERTAINMENT

BATTLN BILL’S LAST RODEO ↓

A journeyman wrestler answers the bell one more time by MIKE FENDER

BOOKS Hammer of the Dogs photography by MIKE FENDER

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expression

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or 30 years “Battln Bill” Weaver has chased dreams in the world of professional wrestling. He made it to the big time early in his career, traveling the country with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and later the World Championship Wrestling (WCW) circuit. At 210 pounds, he was often the underdog, the “jobber” in the ring to make the big names look good. He has wrestled some of the big names in professional

wrestling like Owen Hart, Booker T and Yokozuna. He once wrestled legendary, 444-pound King Kong Bundy. It did not end well for Weaver. Weaver, 60, lives in Panama City Beach. He coaches his grandson’s baseball team and works by day estimating auto repair costs for an insurance company. But on special evenings, he keeps his wrestling dream alive on the independent wrestling circuit. On a Saturday night in November, Battln Bill put on his camo shorts and a shirt bearing his name and climbed into a ring in Thomasville, Georgia. It was billed as Bill’s Last Ride, a chance for fans to see him win and to say goodbye after three decades of perfecting moves like the “Texas Cloverleaf.” Ironically, the Solid Rock Championship Wrestling event raised money to combat bullying. Weaver spent the first half of a six-man brawl getting the crap kicked out of him by his opponents, a group of bad guys who called themselves Order 66. One of his opponents even yelled at him, “Stay out of the ring, old man.”

50 February–March 2024 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

To the delight of fans, Weaver miraculously made a comeback in the closing minute to put an opponent into submission and end the bout. He had help from a wrestler from St. Petersburg called “The Cheese.” In the match before Weaver’s triumph, “The Flying Fro” leaped off the ropes to flatten his opponents. In the next match, a wrestler in a Britney Spears shirt smashed his opponent through a table for the win. Independent wrestling may be scripted. The results may be pre-determined. The feuds and storylines might be fake news. But the trauma and pain from body smashing is more than real. Weaver has sustained a broken wrist and several knee surgeries, and he deals with chronic back pain. He keeps his body going with morning workouts and weightlifting, something he has done since he served in the Marines out of high school. Weaver has been a wrestling fan since he was 6. He’d go to a friend’s house on Saturday nights to watch the big names battle because he didn’t have cable at home. When he left the Marines, he photography by MIKE FENDER

PHOTOS BY PATTI BLAKE (JAMES) AND RINGMARK PHOTOGRAPHY (THOMAS)

Bill Weaver of Panama City Beach sustains a kick delivered by Alejandro Bravo during a six-man contest in Thomasville. Weaver and his partner, “The Cheese,” rallied to win the bout. Inset: Weaver hugs his son — and referee — Kyle Weaver.

← Bill Weaver and his partner known as “The Cheese” triumphantly raise their arms after emerging victorious at a bout in Thomasville. Weaver, 60, has been wrestling for 30 years. By day, he works up auto repair estimates for an insurance company. ↑ Weaver has a word with a loyal fan.

↑ Aaron James, top, of Panama City Beach and “Prime Time” Cameron Barnes of Marianna look up to veteran wrestlers like Bill Weaver and hope to have lengthy careers of their own in the ring. Weaver would tell them that breaking up with wrestling is hard to do.

settled in Tampa and went to the Malenko School of Wrestling. There, he made the connections that got him into the big time for a few years. “I knew I was never going to be one of their major stars,” said Weaver, who stands all of 5 feet, 8 inches. “The big guys looked good on television.” Weaver has spent the majority of his 30 years on the independent circuit in the South. He has been a promoter as well as a wrestler and likes to help young wrestlers make a name for themselves. Elton Allen, 46, has teamed up with Weaver and looks up to him. In the ring, Allen calls himself Aaron James and wears cowboy boots. His wife, Patti, says he has more athletic tights than she does. Allen grew up in Cottondale where he did rodeo in high school. He lives in Panama City Beach, works as an assistant administrator at an elementary school and wears a knee brace. He underwent surgery over the holidays. Allen does daily workouts consisting of cardio and weightlifting. He likes to hit the Stair Master for 30 minutes. His goal is to always be “TV ready.” Dieting is a big part of the process. He weighs his food. He keeps three crock pots running beef, chicken and something special. Add some rice and vegetables and that is pretty much it. Allen also feels a cheat meal every week or two is essential. “We like to go to Shore Dogs and get a cheeseburger,” he said.

“Prime Time” Cameron Thomas, 34, has always been a fitness fanatic. In the nonwrestling world, he goes by Cameron Barnes, lives in Marianna and drives a dump truck during the day. He, too, looks up to wrestlers like Weaver and hopes he can have a career as long or longer. But Barnes knows that the older he gets, the harder it will be to keep going. “It’s all about being young right now,” he said. The last ride? After his comeback win in Georgia, Weaver was slow to get off the canvas. He was slow to leave the ring. His son, Kyle, raised his father’s hand to celebrate the victory. Kyle just happened to be the referee for the match. It was a long goodbye. Weaver circled the ring shaking hands with literally everyone. He climbed the bleachers to do the same. Small kids flocked to have photos taken with him. Bad to the Bone blared over the speakers. Tears formed in his eyes as Battln Bill slowly walked toward the exit. Fans were screaming. He turned and raised his arms to salute them. They screamed louder. It was the fairy tale ending you would expect after a 30-year career in the ring. In that moment, he felt no pain. Sitting at a table stacked with Battln Bill T-shirts, Weaver’s wife of 36 years could only shake her head. “It’s the biggest lie,” Mary Weaver said. “Wrestlers never retire. Once a wrestler, they are always a wrestler.” EC

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expression ←

reason why students are turning away from the humanities and going toward STEM.” Keene is aware of writings including New Yorker staff writer Nathan Heller’s essay, “The End of the English Major” (March 6, 2023). Therein, Columbia University English professor James Shapiro cites two reasons for declining interest in the humanities: the ceaseless distraction provided by websites, social media and podcasts, and declining investment on all levels in humanities programs. Keene knows what he’s up against, but he rejects as pure rhetoric the notion that a student must major in a science, technology, engineering or mathematicsrelated field to qualify for a good job post-graduation. In writing Hammer of the Dogs, set in what is left of Las Vegas after the bombs drop and America ends, Keene aimed to give students a fun book, one characterized by a “bright darkness.” He brought a chapter a week to his Introduction to Creative Writing class as a way to introduce students to the process and work of writing a book. “Lash is my idea “This wasn’t a trunk of an ideal Barbie. novel,” Keene said. She fights back. “This was a messy work I saw the Barbie in progress,” one that he movie and it’s completed with a cerfine, but it’s not tain sense of urgency. Riding his bicycle Lash. Lash is like down the deserted Las Ripley from the Vegas strip toward the Alien movies or familiar Welcome to Sarah Connor in Las Vegas sign durThe Terminator.” ing the height of the — Jarret Keene COVID-19 pandemic, Keene entertained thoughts that the end might be near and resolved to finish his book before he got scooped by reality. The book succeeds on several levels: as a thriller; as social commentary on issues including the hoarding and concentration of wealth and resources; as a jab at corporate religion; as a humorous work that unites disparate elements

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NIGHTMARES, DREAMS AND KILLER FLAMINGOS In Jarret Keene’s fantasy thriller, humanity outlasts power-trippers by STEVE BORNHOFT

Gen Xer, Jarret Keene grew up playing with action figures — G.I. Joe, Star Wars characters, Scarlet Spider. They were armed and aggressive, and they were heroes, he said, and led children to exercise their imaginations. He read comic books, too, back in the day when ads for .22-caliber rifles and “raising chinchillas for fun and profit” appeared on their back pages. “The tie-in stuff related to the characters was amazing,” Keene added. “The vinyl records, the lunch boxes. Now everything seems diffuse.” We don’t relate to shared experiences or each other as we once did. No question. Keene, who earned a doctorate in creative writing at Florida State University,

is doing what he can to combat unsettling trends, both personally and via a character of his own creation, Lash, the heroine in his debut post-apocalyptic novel, Hammer of the Dogs, which was published on Sept. 12. As an assistant professor in the Department of English at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Keene seeks to ignite a passion for reading in students who grew up in front of screens. He departs, within limits, the traditional canon by teaching books that students enjoy reading. “Reading a Jane Austen novel and discussing whether it reinforces gender stereotypes? It’s important, but there are other things that students need to know how to do,” Keene said. “I think the death of fun and joy is precisely the

52 February–March 2024 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

PHOTO COURTESY OF BECCA SCHWARTZ / UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS VEGAS (UNLV)

Florida man Jarret Keene, a professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, has written a post-apocalyptic novel in which a cyborgian heroine finds love among destruction and favors man over machine. Keene is pictured at the Luxor Hotel and Casino, which figures in the book.

unafraid to confront enemy forces led by Richter, whom she has been led to believe is a sadistic killer who gets off on knocking off students. When she meets Richter, however, Lash finds him both repugnant — and irresistible. She falls for him before she proves to be the superior warrior. And she learns that he is answerable to a woman, Mrs. Westphal, who like Prof, seeks absolute power and who surrounds herself with a flock of attack flamingos. (Keene arrived at the flamingo idea having once encountered an aggressive emu at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge during his FSU days.) Ultimately, Lash and friends vanquish both warlords, but not before she learns that Prof has tried to fulfill his own Cyborg Savior prophecy by implanting in her a “mechanism for transubstantiation, a cybernetic link to the dronesphere.” “I made you into a god,” Prof tells Lash. But Lash chooses otherwise, and in that, there is hope that the desert might bloom again. The darkness has been made bright. EC

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like Zippo lighters and warbots; and as a vehicle for Lash, replete with her exaggerated secondary sexual characteristics and possessed of the strength of both man and machine. “Lash is my idea of an ideal Barbie,” Keene said. “She fights back. I saw the Barbie movie and it’s fine, but it’s not Lash. Lash is like Ripley from the Alien movies or Sarah Connor in The Terminator.” The surviving world has devolved into a competition between warlords seeking to gain complete control over the wounded landscape they inhabit. Lash, lacking an alternative, takes refuge at an academy presided over by an evangelist wannabe known as Prof and housed in the Luxor Resort. The world outside the academy is a toxic wasteland, where emaciated survivors struggle to get by on rations of cactus. The Prof takes advantage. Kids are easily conscripted and made students to be schooled in robotics and drone-making. Most become fodder with only a few surviving to Lash’s age. She is possessed of extraordinary skills and instincts and emerges as a leader

HAMMER OF THE DOGS (University of Las Vegas Press, 2023) is available for purchase at Sundog Books in Seaside and at major booksellers and Amazon.com.

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Carmina Burana Comes to Northwest Florida Northwest Florida Ballet and Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra stage joint production

his spring there will be an ethereal merging of dance, symphonic music and opera that will enliven and inspire audiences! On March 9 and 10, the Northwest Florida Ballet and the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra will present an original production of Carl Orff’s masterpiece, Carmina Burana, and Afterglow, choreographed by NFB’s own artistic director, Todd Eric Allen. Carmina Burana was composed in 1934, and is based on ancient poems dating back to the 11th century depicting an exotic medieval paradise. The production is intended to be a staged cantata for orchestra, chorus, soloists and dancers. The live music will be performed by the NFSO and NFSO Chorale, led by maestro Todd Craven in conjuction with NFB dancers and soloists from the New Orleans Ballet Theatre under the choreography of Gregory Schramel, artistic director of NOBT. Rising opera stars Sarah Vautour, Chris Bozeka and Ben Taylor will be the featured vocal soloists. “Carmina Burana is this really exciting rock star moment combining voice, ballet and symphonic music coming together to tell this extremely powerful and compelling story,” said Todd Eric Allen, Artistic Director and CEO of the NFB.

Every bit of the Mattie Kelly Arts Center stage, from the orchestra pit to the aprons, will be utilized in this large production with varied moving parts. It’s a production both Allen and Craven have long hoped to bring to this stage. Previously, Allen has staged Carmina Burana on Mobile Opera in Alabama, and Craven has had a long association and love for the piece as both a conductor and trumpet player. Todd Allen has known NOBT Directors Gregory and Majorie Schramel for many years and is excited that they accepted his offer to participate in this project. The three organizations will combine talents to bring the first Carmina Burana production to the Emerald Coast. “Collaboration and pooling of our resources is a wonderful thing to witness even despite some of the logistics it takes to bring three organizations together,” said Craven. “An exciting component is the cross-fertilization of audiences and the opportunity for attendees to experience multiple art forms at once.” The program will also include the neoclassical ballet, Afterglow, choreographed and conceptualized by Allen. The dancers will be accompanied by the NFSO’s performance of Ralph VaughanWilliams’ majestic Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis. This will be the first time the ballet has been performed with live music, an aspect Allen is excited about. The evening will be a one-of-a-kind production for our area that brings together powerful music, dance and visual spectacle.

To learn more about the production or to purchase tickets, visit NFBallet.org/Carmina-Burana. NORTHWEST FLORIDA BALLET 310 PERRY AVE. SE, FORT WALTON BEACH | (850) 664-7787 | NFBALLET.ORG

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Opening OpeningNights Nights Welcomes Welcomes Second SecondHalf Half of of2023-2024 2023-2024 Season Season New Newyear yearbrings bringsart art forms formsfor forallalltotoenjoy enjoy

rt rtis isthe thegreat greatconnector, connector,and and Opening Opening Nights Nights presented presented byby Florida FloridaState StateUniversity, University,intends intends totoconnect connectdiverse diversecommunities communities through throughsong, song,spoken spokenword, word,dance danceand and other otherartistic artisticexpressions expressionsperformed performedbyby world-class world-class acts. acts. The Thesecond secondhalf halfofofthe theseason, season,which which spans spansfrom fromJanuary JanuarytotoMay, May,features features2222 performances performancesoccurring occurringononFSU’s FSU’scampus campus and and throughout throughout the the capital capital city. city. Each Each artist artist will willpresent presentperformances performancesmeant meanttotoedueducate, cate,inspire inspireand andcultivate cultivateawareness awarenessforfor the the importance importance ofofthe the arts. arts. “Opening “OpeningNights Nightsreally reallyhas hassomething something forforeveryone, everyone,from fromrock rocktotoclassic classicand andvi-visual sualartists artiststotoauthors authorsand andsosomuch muchmore,” more,” said saidNoelle NoelleEnright, Enright,marketing marketingassociate associate with withOpening OpeningNights. Nights.“Our “Ourprogramming programming encompasses encompassesa avariety varietyofofgenres genresthat thatwelwelcome come allall audiences.” audiences.” With Withsuch suchvast vastprograming programingand andnotable notable names names each each year, year, many many Emerald Emerald Coast Coast resresidents identscome cometotothe theTallahassee Tallahasseemarket markettoto experience experience Opening Opening Nights Nights performances. performances. On OnFeb. Feb.29,29,thethesoulful soulfulsongstress songstressRuthie Ruthie Foster Foster is is celebrating celebrating her her ninth ninth studio studio album album onon thethe Opperman Opperman Music Music Hall Hall stage stage byby sharsharingingit itwith withrapt raptaudiences. audiences.Foster Fosterwill willsing sing from from Healing Healing Time, Time, anan album album that that showcases showcases thethe most most extensive extensive ofofher her songwriting. songwriting. Throughout Throughouther hercareer, career,Foster Fosterhas hasre-received ceivedmultiple multipleGrammy Grammynominations nominationsforfor

her hermusic musicthat thatis isequal equalparts partscompassion compassion and andresolve. resolve.Foster Fosterdescribes describesher herstyle styleasas Texas Texas blues-Americana blues-Americana with with bits bits ofofNew New Orleans Orleans influence. influence. Mandy MandyPatinkin Patinkinis isa amultitalented multitalented force forcehaving havingexperience experienceinintheater, theater,film, film, television televisionand andmusic. music.Patinkin’s Patinkin’sperforperformance manceononMarch March9 9atatRuby RubyDiamond Diamond Concert ConcertHall Hallwill willfocus focusononhishismusicalmusicalityityasasheheshares sharessongs songsalongside alongsidepianist pianist Adam Adam Ben-David. Ben-David. InInhishis1980 1980Broadway Broadwaydebut, debut,Patinkin Patinkin won wona aTony TonyAward Awardforforhishisrole roleasasChe Che inin Andrew Andrew Lloyd Lloyd Webber’s Webber’s Evita Evita and and was was nominated nominatedinin1984 1984forforhishisstarring starringrole role asasGeorge Georgeininthe thePulitzer PulitzerPrize-winning Prize-winning musical, musical, Sunday Sunday in in thethe Park Park with with George. George. For For hishisconcerts, concerts,Patinkin Patinkindraws drawsfrom fromhishisdi-diverse verse Broadway Broadway background. background. On On April April 5 5 atat Ruby Ruby Diamond Diamond Concert ConcertHall, Hall,Terence TerenceBlanchard Blanchardand and the theE-Collective E-Collectivewith withthe theTurtle TurtleIsland Island Quartet Quartetwill willspeak speakasasa acollective collectivevoice voice forfor American American tragedies tragedies past past and and present. present. AsAsa acomposer composerand andrenowned renownedtrumpet trumpet

player, player,Blanchard Blanchardhas hasbeen beena aconsistent consistent artistic artisticforce forceforformaking makingpowerful powerfulmusimusicalcal statements. statements. AsAsa aseven-time seven-timeGrammy Grammywinner winnerand and two-time two-time Oscar Oscar nominee, nominee, Blanchard’s Blanchard’s work work inin jazz, jazz, film film scores, scores, television television and and opera opera has has situated situatedhim himasasa avoice voiceononsocial-cultural social-cultural and andracial racialinjustice injusticeissues. issues.Each Eachwork workhehe touches touches is is with with powerful powerful sentiment. sentiment. Taking Takingartartoutdoors, outdoors,Word WordofofSouth South and andOpening OpeningNights Nightswill willpresent presentRising Rising Appalachia Appalachia inin a free a free concert concert onon April April 2727 atatAdderley AdderleyAmphitheater AmphitheaterininCascades Cascades Park. Park.AsAsworld worldtravelers travelersforfornearly nearlytwo two decades, decades, Rising Rising Appalachia Appalachia have have merged merged multiple multipleglobal globalmusic musicinfluences influenceswith with their theirown ownSouthern Southernroots rootstotocreate createthe the inviting invitingnew newfolk folkalbum, album,Leylines, Leylines,which which they they will will present present toto their their audience. audience. “Our “Ourhope hopeis isattendees attendeeslearn learnsomesomething thingnew, new,whether whetherit itbebea anew newartist artistoror genre genreororlearning learningsomething somethingnew newabout about ananartist artistthey’ve they’velong longknown,” known,”said said Enright. Enright.“The “Themore morepeople peoplecan canlearn learn about about and and through through the the arts, arts, the the better.” better.”

OPENING OPENING NIGHTS NIGHTS TOTO SEE SEE ALL ALL EVENTS EVENTS OCCURRING OCCURRING ATAT OPENING OPENING NIGHTS NIGHTS VISIT: VISIT: OPENINGNIGHTS.FSU.EDU/EVENTS OPENINGNIGHTS.FSU.EDU/EVENTS

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GREEN SCENE By Golly, Plant Holly

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TRENDS FROM FLOOR TO CEILING, FRONT TO BACK

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Woven-wicker modular seating can be useful and versatile as well as attractive. A loveseat with ottomans can quickly be rearranged into a full-length or L-shaped couch.

PHOTO BY IN4MAL / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS

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Blooming Balconies Get savvy with space and maximize your outdoor living by PAIGE AIGRET

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February–March 2024

or condo and apartment dwellers, private outdoor living may feel out of reach — public beach accesses become your backyard and open patio spaces are swapped, for cramped balconies. That concrete sliver of space can sometimes be ignored, save for a set of mix-match camping chairs and beach towels drying on the railing. But there are simple ways you can put it to greater use.

for safety reasons. Small electric grills may be allowed upon the complex’s inspection. Otherwise, Jean reminds tenants that the patio is not a storage unit, and she encourages people to get creative with decor. “It’s meant for you to enjoy ↙ Bistro sets work well your space outside — have on balconies, offering furniture, have plants,” she said. seating for two and a When choosing seating, be small table for coffee or lunch. Easily stowed mindful of your patio plans — folding chairs make will you need to leave room for for versatility. a garden or grill? A bistro set will be ideal for most balcony situations, offering seating for two and a small table for coffee or lunch. Opt for a set with folding chairs for versatility. Similarly, you can optimize the space with stackable stools paired with a bistro table or a short, round coffee table paired with floor cushions for a modern boho look. Jean noted that woven-wicker modular seating can be attractive and useful — a loveseat with ottomans can quickly be rearranged into a full-length or L-shaped couch. Pull the space together in style with an outdoor rug. Sizes from a 3-by-5-foot to 5-by-7-foot will work for most balconies. Adding the right lighting will enhance the setting, creating a comfortable glow for an evening of reading or a glass of wine with a friend. Bistro lights can be strung from adhesive hooks on the ceiling or along the railing. Solar- and batterypowered sconces can easily be hung with Command Strips for a classy look with minimal effort. Tableside and floor lamps allow for creativity in design choices. Opt for a rattan look to match boho vibes or metal or glass for a more sleek look. Incorporating plants and greenery can liven up the space with color and create a natural, inviting environment. You can add a few low-maintenance plants for looks, “It’s your home,” said Ellaina Jean, a or curate a full garden. Keep it simple leasing manager and resident at the Pier and regional with a few palms, crotons or Park Crossings apartment complex in vibrant cordylines; all do well in North Panama City Beach. “Love your patio, Florida. These bold, leafy plants will add and decorate it.” depth and color to your green scene. Apartment rules aren’t typically as Before choosing your porch plants, strict as you’d think. Pier Park Crossings’ take note of how the sun hits your prohibits the addition of hooks, nails or balcony. If shade is an issue, try partial hardware to walls or ceilings. Fireplaces sun-loving plants. Creeping jenny will and charcoal and gas grills are a no-go do well and look whimsical when draped

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PHOTOS BY ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS: PUNDAPANDA (PLANTER) AND RISTIN MITCHELL (TABLE)

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over railing planters or billowing from macrame hangers. Jean suggested freestanding plant hooks to achieve the hanging effect and avoid hardware. If floral is your style, marigolds are a trusty annual, and petunias, chrysanthemums and geraniums will do well in full-sun planters. For herb and vegetable gardening, get savvy with your space and opt for stackable or tiered planters. Not all vegetables do well in pots, so start out with tomatoes and herbs before filling in every planter tier. Several varieties of lavender do well in pots and will add a pop of color as well as a fresh and calming scent. Jean said that creating a patio oasis is achievable for many and that those with especially green thumbs really make the most of their space. “One resident, they have a lot of plants, but it makes sense and it isn’t overwhelming,” she said. “It was almost like a little greenhouse.” Residents on the second floor and higher will want to be mindful when watering plants, especially for wood-planked patios with gaps in the floor. Water basins are a good preventative measure, and residents can bring plants indoors for watering. Decorative outdoor rugs can act as a barrier for soil and rocks. At the holidays, Jean said that residents enjoy getting festive with their patio design, and the complex encourages appropriate decor. At Halloween, one third-floor resident incorporated a fog machine, creating a creepy, draping fog effect that impressed. At Christmas, go all out for the occasion with Santas, candy canes, colorful lights and fully decked-out trees. Don’t let that balcony space go to waste — get to decorating! An added perk? No yard work. EC

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space, and plants that enjoy full sun may thrive on balconies. Above, a woman installs heather in a planter.

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Retreat of One’s Own Draper Lake town architect Geoff Chick describes what makes this community a place of solace

he gentle lapping waters of Draper Lake and the Gulf of Mexico as well as the thriving flora and fauna of a Northwest Florida ecosystem serve as an idyllic landscape. It was only fitting that the homes of Draper Lake Coastal Village were designed with the attributes of turn-of-the-century lake villages and retreats, such as an absence of synthetic materials and an emphasis on natural beauty. This single-family residential community of 96 lots for coastal cottages and homes perched atop hills overlooking two wooded peninsulas and a tributary was planned by Duany Plater-Zyberk & Company with Geoff Chick & Associates serving as the town architect since 2019. “Draper Lake embraces the rare coastal dune lake habitat by taking inspiration from the Great Camp style of the Adirondacks, which celebrates the authentic use of natural materials influenced by classic mountain-style architecture,” said Geoff Chick, AIA architect. “The homes are intentionally designed to emulate a bygone era of architecture and craftsmanship which harmonizes with its rustic surroundings.” Situated on land that provides access to a coastal dune lake and the Gulf, it’s essential that Draper Lake homes provide outdoor living spaces. From the comfort of a scenic balcony or cozy porch, the beauty of untouched North Florida nature can be accessed.

62 February–March 2024 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

Calling forth inspiration from woodland coastal towns, the home’s facades feature shake siding juxtaposed against stark white wood. The bottom right photo is the first home Chick built in Draper Lake, standing as a testament to the neighborhood’s trademark style.

When envisioning the mountain/ lake retreat style, think weathered wood boat houses, Old Town canoes, shake siding, steep roof pitches, exposed rafter tails, stone masonry and the classic Adirondack chair itself on large porches amongst the trees. While smaller in scale than the massive mansions waterside locales have become known for, the homes of Draper Lake create dimension through large windows letting in natural light with spacious porches and outdoor living areas. The exterior of each home is composed of natural, non-synthetic materials such as wood, stone and glass. As a result of the homes being composed of wood, each home has a

fire suppression system, allowing the homes to be both naturally made and as safe as possible. Interiors emphasize vaulted ceilings composed of Cyprus wood, focal-point fireplaces, rustic barn doors, bedrooms and living spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows and neutral color palettes, all coming together to render cozy, intimate dwellings. Northwest Florida provides a temperate climate year-round which Draper homes bask in through screened spaces, cantilevered porches, balconies, swimming pools and outdoor fireplaces that anchor the home. With the surrounding land being such a vital part of the community’s EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

February–March 2024

Indoor and outdoor living areas are inviting reprieves of natural light with plush seating and fireplaces as the centerpiece. Every design element exudes simple pleasures and little luxuries.

meaning, the first 100 feet from the lake’s edge is protected from development providing neighborhood access to the water via nature and hiking trails. The land for Draper Lake originally went under development in 2004, but the financial crisis of 2008 stalled progression a bit. Chick designed his first Draper Lake home in 2012, with the intent that his houses would lead by example. There was steady interest over the years, but the swell came in 2020. “This community is unique because it’s sheltered from the rest of 30A. It’s an enclave of full-time homeowners who know one another, which is one

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CUSTOM CONTENT

Rustic meets modern when weathered wood and geometric patterns combine. Featured here is what Chick calls the “best bedroom in Walton County” fashioned with windows that span the walls letting in treetop views.

of the reasons it became so popular during the post-COVID migration,” said Chick. “Draper is a respite from the cookie-cutter mentality of rental communities and created for people who want to retreat from the surrounding chaos into a place curated for year-round living.” Draper Lake is a gated, non-rental community, which allows residents to get to know their neighbors while still maintaining their own slice of solace. Residents have access to two community pools, a boat house providing access to the dune lake and the Gulf, a greenway and a 48-foot observation tower. Chick finds that the design code and rules can be intimidating to some, but as the town architect with an extensive portfolio of houses in the Emerald Coast’s most notable neighborhoods, he helps clients build homes that both align with the code and their own desires. “The best architecture is created when you have some limitations, but then you are able to refine and individualize those ideas,” said Chick. “The homes in Draper Lake are thoughtfully designed, and I’m there to assist people through the process of building their dream house as smoothly and seamlessly as possible.”

GEOFF CHICK & ASSOCIATES

17660 US Highway 331, Freeport | (850) 880-2146 geoffchick.com | @geoffchickandassociates EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

February–March 2024

abodes YAUPON HOLLY

GREEN SCENE

Trees supply color and food for birds by LES HARRISON, UF/IFAS EXTENSION AGENT EMERITUS

nyone interested in supporting avian residents can make landscape additions now that will attract birds and add color to the home landscape. Ilexes, as hollies are scientifically known, are common in the temperate to tropical parts of the globe with species on every continent except Antarctica. Plants in this genus have simple, alternate glossy leaves, usually with sharp spines on their edges. Their inconspicuous flower is greenish-white with four petals and is a source of food for native pollinators during the warmer months of the year. Generally slow growers, hollies can be either trees or shrubs. While there are many exotic hollies available for home landscapes, there are several native species, too. Yaupon, sometimes called a yaupon holly, is an evergreen tree or large shrub capable of reaching 25 feet in height. It has small gray-green, leathery leaves densely arranged along smooth, stiff branches. It will grow in soil with a pH in the mildly alkaline range and is very tolerant of drought and salty air from the Gulf of Mexico. Ideal for coastal landscapes, female plants are very heavy berry producers and form dense thickets in the wild.

First identified in 1927 growing near East Palatka, Florida, the Palatka holly is thought to be a hybrid between two other Ilex species. The broad, rounded leaves have one spine at the tip and few, if any, along the blade edge. A female Palatka holly is usually heavily laden with bright red berries in fall and winter, especially toward the top of the tree. The tree is capable of growing to approximately 45 feet and has a moderately tight, pyramidal shape. Dahoon holly has smooth, shiny dark green leaves two to three inches long with just a few serrations near the tip. This holly tree is capable of reaching a height of 20 to 30 feet with a limb spread of 8 to 12 feet. Dahoons have male and female flowers on separate plants. Male and female trees need to be in close proximity to ensure production of the brilliant red berries in fall and winter. It is not a heavy producer of berries. The local hollies provide food for hungry wild residents or travelers migrating through the area. If a flock arrives famished from flying, the berries can disappear almost overnight.

Emerald Coast turfgrasses are inactive and currently not growing appreciably. Still, there may be tiny white blooms among the blades of grass. The roundleaf bluet or innocence (Hedyotis procumbens) is a tiny, native wildflower that blooms during winter and early spring. The height of this plant is less than 2 inches, and it barely appears above the decaying leaf litter or landscape grasses common to the area. The flowers are about the size of a dime and usually appear in clusters of 10 or more blooms. Each flower has four snowy-toned, elliptically shaped petals. The plant requires partial sun but uses the protection offered by trees along with its natural hardiness to produce blossoms during periods of cold and frost. Chemical control or weeding has never been an issue with this perennial. As the weather warms and the days lengthen, it retreats until the next winter.

WINTER WILDFLOWER

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Starting plants from seed With spring approaching, thoughts turn to planting annual ornamentals and vegetables. Many people install potted plants to get a head start, but others use seeds. Seeds are economical to buy. Countless varieties are offered at retailers, in mail-order catalogs and through internet purveyors. Buyers are cautioned to check the packaging for several informational items required by law. Included are germination percentages and the date tested for germination. No seed with a germination test date over one year old is legal to sell. Typically, germination rates fall after a year, and some batches of seed may have a substandard germination rate rendering them unsaleable. If other seeds are in the package, they must be listed. This includes weed seeds if they are present. Required information also includes the weight of the package’s contents and the percentage by weight of each component listed in order of predominance. Seed coatings will account for some of a packet’s gross weight. Les Harrison is a retired University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Wakulla County extension director.

PHOTOS BY WIKIPEDIA / CREATIVE COMMONS / FLICKR.COM / BOB PETERSON (ROUNDLEAF BLUET) AND ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES: VIKTOR2013 (HOLLY), FOTODUETS (SEEDS)

BY GOLLY, PLANT HOLLY

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Postmodern Jukebox APRIL 4 | 7 PM

mattie kelly arts foundation

THURSDAY NIGHTS | APRIL 4 - JUNE 6 Annual Thursday evening concert live music series featuring family-friendly premier musicians and bands performing everything from classic rock, reggae and disco to modern pop.

April 4 | Postmodern Jukebox April 11 | Wendy Moten

Yacht Rock Revue

APRIL 25 | 7 PM

April 18 | Black Jacket Symphony presents

Haley Reinhart

April 25 | Yacht Rock Revue

MAY 30 | 7 PM

Prince’s Purple Rain

May 2 | The Mulligans

Black Jacket Symphony presents

May 9 | Rumours ATL:

A Fleetwood Mac Tribute

Prince’s Purple Rain APRIL 18 | 7 PM

May 16 | Gotta Groove Band May 23 | Mitch Malloy

Rumours ATL:

A Fleetwood Mac Tribute MAY 9 | 7 PM

May 30 | Haley Reinhart June 6 | Adam Ezra Group

Purchase Tickets at MKAF.org/Events MKAF ME

MBERS

TS CO N C E R E !

ARE FMREE MBER BECOME

mattie kelly arts foundation

Series of wine dinners throughtout the year at various fine dining in Destin benefiting MKAF’s ArtsReach.

mattie kelly arts foundation

OCT 26 - 27 Annual arts festival featuring ﬁne artists exhibiting their original art, live music, food trucks, crafted cocktails.

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Know that your membership fees impact students, veterans and adults of all abilities throughout Northwest Florida.

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Women IN BUSINESS

Women’s History Month, marked annually each March, focuses

attention on the contributions to society and community that women have made historically and make each day. In this edition of Emerald Coast Magazine, we present Women’s Professional Profiles featuring individuals who, each in her way, is making life on the Emerald Coast better while making a little bit of history. While these women represent diverse careers, interests, talents and lifestyles, all are possessed of the qualities of a leader.

The M Abbott Martin Group

any Realtors focus solely on the home that will be lived in. The Realtors of The Abbott Martin Group extend their focus beyond, considering the community the home belongs to. This appreciation and emphasis on community stems from the company’s deep roots along the Emerald Coast. The Abbott family has been prominent in the real estate industry since they first opened their doors in Destin in 1970. Over the past 53 years, the company has remained a top producer along the Emerald Coast, and family and community remain a priority. Today, The Abbott Martin Group is spearheaded by third-generation Nathan Abbott, CEO and Broker Associate, and TJ Martin, President and Realtor. Also on the team are Nathan’s sister Amanda Abbott, Realtor and Seller Specialist, and TJ’s sister Shaye Martin, Realtor and Team Lead for the Pensacola office. Combined with great leadership through Travis Brewington, Director of Operations, and Adam

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Myrick, Director of Marketing, The Abbott Martin Group can deliver a full-service experience. The Abbotts and the Martins enjoy working as brother-sister duos, making an impact in the community they were raised in. The expertise of the two families in real estate and construction adds perspective to the company dynamic. “Nathan and TJ have created beautiful career paths for myself and Shaye by realizing we are both strong women with good leadership skills who help to elevate and empower all of the women on our team,” said Amanda. “We all work together to support each other and our customers.” The Abbott Martin Group, as part of eXp Realty, has over 60 Realtors situated throughout the Florida Panhandle. In 2020, the team joined with eXp Realty, the fastestgrowing global real estate company. This partnership allowed The Abbott Martin Group a higher tier of exposure throughout the country, while still promoting the familial welcoming of a local business.

PHOTO BY MIKE FENDER

Left to right: Vanessa Bergquist, Karla Gillan, Cali Ventura, Rhonda Acquistapace-Breland, Lesley Dionne, Nicole Parker, Amanda Abbott, Paige Robinson, Mary Jane Kirby, Melinda Azar and Jessica Hayon

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As a company, they are ranked in the top 1% nationally in annual real estate production. Since 2020, they have been recognized on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing private companies in America. In 2022, 509 individuals and families bought and/or sold their homes with The Abbott Martin Group, resulting in $365 million in transactions. Since its inception, Abbott Martin Group has closed over $1 billion in sales. While numbers certainly talk, the team’s secret to success is one-on-one conversations to truly get to know their customers. Taking time to understand a customer’s wants and desires allows The Abbott Martin Group to align each customer with their ideal property. The Abbott Martin Group aims to raise a higher standard of

expectation in the industry and create a fun yet seamless experience for the customer. Often, these conversations will occur while an agent takes customers paddleboarding or biking to explore the area. It’s not unlikely to tour homes by boat for waterfront homebuyers. With more and more people from throughout the country gaining interest in owning homes on the Emerald Coast, The Abbott Martin Group loves connecting newcomers not only to amazing properties but to a new, more relaxed lifestyle here on the coast. “We are versed in the whole coastline and have a presence in every community across the Panhandle,” said Amanda Abbott. “The transplants coming to the area don’t necessarily know the ins and outs of each community, but as locals, we get to give the

immersive experience of showing them the dynamics and history of an area.” The company’s knowledge and flexibility affords the ability to help customers pivot if they begin to reconsider an area due to pricing or desired qualities. “We understand the whole coastline, not just a niche market,” said Amanda. The Abbott Martin Group truly elevates the real estate experience. A sizable focus for 2024 will be launching their website, Enjoy Emerald Coast, which will provide lifestyle guides and resources that connect homebuyers with local businesses and experiences. “It’s important to us to connect our customers with the lifestyle,” Amanda said. “Because this area is so special, beautiful and truly life changing.”

9657 US H W Y. 98 W., MI R AMA R B E AC H | ( 8 50) 4 60-2900 | A B B O T TMA R TINGROUP.COM

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Amanda Hampel

General Counsel and Broker, Rosemary Beach Realty

t’s important to note that Amanda Hampel, while awaiting her results from the bar exam, took the real estate license exam, and went on to pass both. The year was 2012, and she had relocated from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Inlet Beach, Florida, where she needed to obtain her Florida licensure to continue practicing law. In the meantime, she was working as the office manager for Rosemary Beach Realty and noticed her increasing interest in real estate. Already in study mode, she figured why not take another test? This decision would shape the trajectory of her life. Working as an office manager, Hampel became aware of the many ways she could utilize her law degree to help Rosemary Beach Holdings and its subsidiaries, including Rosemary Beach Realty. Hampel saw an opportunity where she could help with the company’s business law, employment law, contracts and intellectual property and decided to seize it. She asked the owner, Mike Rose, to lunch and proposed her idea. Thinking she was resigning, with relief and gladness he agreed and offered her the position of general counsel. Hailing from parents who are lawyers, the law has long been Hampel’s first passion, but when the opportunity to become a broker presented itself in 2019, Hampel

accepted the position. Today, Hampel serves as both a broker and general counsel for Rosemary Beach Holdings and all of its subsidiary companies. Through both roles, each day of the job is different, but one component that remains consistent is protecting the intellectual property of Rosemary Beach. “The Rosemary Beach trademark is one of our strongest assets,” said Hampel. “My goal is always to maintain the integrity of the trademark and the related intellectual property rights through a good working relationship with my associates and the property owners since they work handin-hand to make Rosemary Beach a place people want to live and visit.” One of the aspects Hampel enjoys most about her roles is interacting with the almost 100 employees. Acting as general counsel, she upholds honesty and integrity believing they are vital attributes to a role that relies heavily on morals and ethics. She just as firmly believes in humor, knowing that being able to laugh and have a good time is a true connector of humans. A connection that’s important to Hampel is the one she has with Jessica Standley, the president of Rosemary Beach Cottage Rental Company, who has served as her mentor throughout the years. “Jessica is a dynamic leader who has served as an inspiration as I developed

into the role of broker,” said Hampel. “I’m grateful for her advice, guidance and always open door.” Where Hampel considers general counsel to be her primary role, one of her proudest career moments came in 2020 when she negotiated a record-breaking sale for all homes on 30A, at the time, coming in at $15.1 million. The high-stakes deal closed in just 10 days. An ongoing and continuously rewarding accomplishment Hampel holds dear is her relationship with her husband and her two sons. Hailing from Knoxville and attending undergrad at the University of Tennessee, Hampel met her husband Jonathan who would go on to pursue architecture in Northwest Florida. The family enjoys boating in the Choctawhatchee Bay with their dog Jelly Roll and beach days at Grayton Beach. Hampel is a member of a Rosemary Beach tennis team, an avid snowboarder and spends many weekends taking in live music. As Hampel looks toward the future, she hopes to support younger women in the company, especially those who are considering law school. She hopes to impart knowledge her mother once gave her, that there are countless paths a law degree can take you on. Hampel is happy to have listened to her mother and found steady footing on her own path.

7 8 N. B AR R E T T S Q UA R E , IN LE T B E AC H | ( 8 50) 278 -2000 R O S E MA RYB E AC H R E A LT Y.C O M EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

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ewelry often represents an important moment in time — selecting an engagement ring, honoring 50 years of marriage, gifting the watch he’s always wanted for his birthday, a young girl’s first pearl earrings. To witness these moments is why being a part of McCaskill & Company often feels like a daily celebration. “People often purchase jewelry to celebrate occasions in their lives, and it’s an honor to be a part of their joy and know that our store becomes a part of their memory of the occasion,” said Carolyn Brigman, vice president of McCaskill & Company. McCaskill & Company has been a part of making memories since their founding in 1994. While the store was opened by Bill Campbell, the name was inspired by a woman, his grandmother, Gussie McCaskill Campbell, who loved fine jewelry — an appreciation Bill also gained. While Bill opened the designer jewelry and luxury watch gallery as the sole employee, his wife, Elizabeth Campbell soon joined as co-owner. The couple would work to build to a team of 18, including their daughter Carolyn Brigman. Recently, Bill has retired, leaving Elizabeth and Carolyn at the helm. Elizabeth and Carolyn are quick to recognize that it is the team they surround themselves with who create outstanding customer service experiences that have landed them on Best Jewelry Store lists with Emerald Coast Magazine throughout the years.

“As a family-owned business, the culture of our staff is very family-oriented, which causes customers to feel that warm welcome,” said Elizabeth Campbell. Entering the store is like stepping into a living room, a decision that was intentionally made since jewelry stores can feel intimidating. This detail, alongside the staff’s hospitable nature, leads to a no-pressure experience that can solely focus on what the client is seeking for a piece of jewelry. The ladies of McCaskill are as diverse as their positions with the company, hailing from a variety of backgrounds — nursing, banking, education, retail and more — and uniting as extensively trained experts with a love of being surrounded by beautiful jewels each day. In the spring of 2024, McCaskill will be expanding with an addition that will allow for both Rolex and David Yurman buildouts, a dedicated service department, a larger showroom and expanded parking areas. They plan to continue and increase the charitable donations they make each year to local charities. Over the years, they’ve given back to over 50 different nonprofits. “I’m proud of how we’ve grown and continue to grow,” said Brigman. “We put our whole hearts into this business and carefully think through each decision in order to continue toward betterment for our community and customers.”

1 3 3 9 0 H I G HWAY 98 W., D E S TIN | ( 8 50) 650-2262 MCCA S K ILL A N D C O MPA N Y.C O M

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PHOTO BY MIKE FENDER (MCCASKILL & COMPANY)

McCaskill & Company

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Cyndi Warren, Managing Member Warren Averett

yndi Warren, managing member of Warren Averett’s office in Pensacola, is among the women who have risen to leadership positions in the company. Warren has been with Warren Averett since the early 1990s. One of the aspects she enjoys most about working for the business advisory firm is the company’s empowerment of women. In college, Warren pursued a degree in accounting, secured an entry-level position with a Big-4 Accounting firm and enjoyed the opportunity to merge her talent for accounting services with her desire to help others. Upon her return to the area she called home, Warren was immediately interested in Warren Averett. As a long-established firm that assembled more than 20 CPA firms into one of the largest regional accounting firms in the nation, the firm stood out to Warren because of the range of services it offered including full-service accounting, tax planning, auditing, technology services, HR advising, consulting and more. “With each client, we provide a holistic approach, becoming an extension of their team and a trusted advisor,” Warren said. This same team-centric attitude extends to employees. All are encouraged to try new things, work on endeavors that inspire them and seek internal mentorships. Warren has been on both the receiving and giving end of mentorships at the company. “There is an abundance of female leaders in this company, which is inspiring and helps women to understand that having a career at that level is not only possible, but highly rewarding,” Warren said. Warren emphasizes the importance of a healthy work/ life balance for all women, especially when families are

involved. Warren is proud of her career achievements such as becoming a partner, passing the CPA exam and the many valuable client relationships she’s maintained. She’s equally proud of her marriage, her three children and being highly involved in her community. “Our oldest son works in financial services as well, and he’s very involved in the community,” Warren said. “To see him so passionate about these things says to me that he saw value in what I did as he was growing up.” As a long-term Warren Averett employee, Warren reflects with pride on people she has mentored through the years. “I’ve never been in a situation where I thought I couldn’t do something because I’ve always had people who encouraged me, so I’ve set out to do the same for others,” Warren said. “It’s important that we focus on women and encourage them to not give up, to be confident in knowing that their place can be both at home and at the head of the boardroom table.”

( 8 00) 759-78 57 WA R R E NAV E R E T T.C O M EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

February–March 2024

Regina K. Jaquess, Pharm.D. Emerald Coast Compounding Pharmacy

t’s no secret that Regina Jaquess enjoys a win. Jaquess experiences wins by helping patients pursue optimal health as the owner of Emerald Coast Compounding Pharmacy and as a 10-time World Ski Champion who has set 13 world records. There has long been a duality to Jaquess’ life; she’s balanced her passions for medicine and sports since her college years as a scholarship athlete at the University of Louisiana-Monroe studying pharmaceuticals. In 2010, she made her way back to her hometown of Santa Rosa Beach to open Emerald Coast Compounding Pharmacy all while traveling the world as part of the USA water ski team. In 2023, ECCP was voted “Best Pharmacy” on the Emerald Coast in Emerald Coast Magazine’s “Best of” awards for the seventh time. This is an accomplishment Jaquess holds dear because she values her relationships with both the patients and the providers. “Whether you’re coming in for vitamins to help with your energy levels, hormonal imbalance treatments or medicine for your pet, we provide clear communication so everyone can achieve their health and wellness goals,” said Jaquess. Goal setting extends beyond the patients to include those whom she mentors both in her pharmacy and on the water. Her appearance on the cover of her alma mater’s La Pharmacie en Louisiane, the College of Pharmacy Alumni Newsletter 2022, issue two, garnered interest.

In addition to her pharmaceutical endeavors, at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, she captured gold medals in slalom, jump and overall, defending her title from four years prior in Peru. She is the current world record holder in slalom, breaking her own record in 2023 at the Malibu Open in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Jaquess has been inducted into the National Collegiate Hall of Fame and Georgia Water Ski Hall of Fame. In 2021, she was named the Most Outstanding Female Water Skier of the Past 25 Years by the International Water Ski Federation (IWWF) and was recently named Female Water Skier of the Year by the IWWF, which is the sixth time she has received this award. While Jaquess is no stranger to winning awards, her proudest accomplishment yet is being nominated as Female Athlete for All Sports at the Pan American Games for 2023. Jaquess is one of five nominees, and the award encompasses all sports that participate in the games. “Balancing and succeeding in both my roles is no easy feat, and it’s largely made doable by the foundational support I receive from staff, fellow athletes and the community,” said Jaquess. “I’m blessed and lucky to be surrounded on all sides by those who support me, protect me and have the same goals and mindset that I do.”

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Dr. Casi Stubbs

Stubbs Orthodontics

or a woman whose career revolves around the smiles of others, Dr. Casi Stubbs certainly has a lot to smile about. She is, after all, living the life she long dreamed about. Born and raised on the Emerald Coast, Stubbs sought education nearby and headed east to attend Florida State University for a degree in chemistry. A few years later, she traveled a couple more hours south to attend dental school at the University of Florida. Then, she went on to Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale where she completed her residency in orthodontics. She never ventured too far from home, but all the while, she couldn’t wait to return to the Emerald Coast. “I’m very grateful to have my own practice in the place I was raised,” said Stubbs. “The whole time I was in school, I was dreaming about coming back here and making what I have now into my reality. I don’t take the opportunity I have for granted.” Stubbs opened her first office in Niceville in 2007 and would go on to open her second practice in Miramar Beach in 2012. Where the orthodontic industry has fluctuated throughout the years, Stubbs has maintained both a steady clientele and reliable employees. This retention stems from the positive environment Stubbs creates. Her staff matches that energy, passing joy along to patients. Stubbs was initially drawn to orthodontics after witnessing, during her time volunteering at a pediatric dentist, how children were often anxious during their visits. She wanted to change that. Through orthodontics, she could provide a comforting in-office experience with tangible, often life-changing results. With most orthodontic treatments lasting around three years, Stubbs is able to get to know patients and see their selfconfidence progress. “It makes me really happy to go on social media and see the smiles I helped to create,” said Stubbs. “They were once shy

8-year-olds. Now they are going off to college or starting their own families with big smiles on their faces.” Where Stubbs invests in her patients, she also actively invests in her community. Each month, the office holds an office fundraiser in which she matches patient donations. Over $250,000 has been donated to local nonprofits. As a lifelong learner, Stubbs is part of a group of 12 local dentists who come together to discuss methods, techniques, case studies and more. Stubbs has both given and received valuable knowledge that she takes into her practice to best care for her patients. To create accessible care and offer proper assessment, the first visit to Stubbs Orthodontics is free, including X-rays. Stubbs’ reasons to smile only increase when she’s at home with her husband and two daughters. With her top priority being a mother, Stubbs utilizes these instincts when making treatment plans for patients. Families are assured that they will be treated just like a member of Stubbs’ family.

4 6 3 3 E . H I G H WAY 2 0 , N IC E V ILLE | 11394 U. S . 98 , MIR A MA R B E AC H ( 8 50 ) 678 -8 338 | S T U B B S O R TH O.C O M EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

February–March 2024

Kathy Dwyer, owner

ince opening U.S. Gold Gymnastics in 1992, Kathy Dwyer has been leading the way in coaching young athletes to go for the gold. To Dwyer, “the gold” extends from students’ gymnastic careers to encompass careers as exceptional teammates and community members. As a former gymnast, Dwyer understands the importance of providing a space where children can hone their talents and achieve their goals while also developing confidence, communication skills and a strong sense of self.

“Often, it’s a balance between teaching about life and teaching gymnastics,” said Dwyer. “While I’ve changed and adapted the way I coach over the past 32 years, honesty and sincerity have always remained constant.” Dwyer recalls watching the 1976 Olympics and becoming fascinated with the gymnasts. In college, at the University of Georgia, she was part of the team that won the 1989 NCAA National Championship title. Researching the Destin area, she realized there were no gymnastics facilities nearby. U.S. Gold Gymnastics became the first. Now,

there are two locations with a third opening in Santa Rosa Beach in mid-2024. Raising a daughter and impacting the lives of hundreds of children, Dwyer feels deep ties to the Emerald Coast community and gives back regularly. “It brings me as much satisfaction to see a high level gymnast do a double backflip as it does watching a 3-year-old walk across the high beam for the first time,” said Dwyer.

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PHOTO BY NATHAN SACZYNSKI (KATHY DWYER)

U.S. Gold Gymnastics

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Gulia Metcalf, owner Pink N Blue Avenue

PHOTO BY EPIC PHOTO CO (GULIA METCALF)

n all that she does, Gulia Metcalf hopes to be an inspiration to her children. Knowing they are always watching her, she seeks to be a good mother, a successful business owner and an avid humanitarian. Metcalf is no stranger to hard work and determination. Hailing from Russia, she holds degrees in political science and management. She decided to leave her homeland to live in America, a country whose language she did not speak and where she had no family ties. To best learn the language and get to know the Destin community, she traded a political science background for customer-facing industries such as retail, restaurants and real estate offices. Unsure which path she would settle on, she knew she enjoyed serving and helping people. When Metcalf had children, she became interested in a career that would allow her to further connect with her children and the community they lived in. Amid frustration with big-box children’s clothing retailers, Metcalf began envisioning a solution — opening Pink N Blue Avenue simply made sense. In 2024, the store will celebrate its 10th year. Pink N Blue Avenue is a destination store for those who seek the tangible — to be able purchase high-quality products available locally and interact with sales staff. “I want our customers to feel like more than just a transaction — I want them to feel a real connection based on trust and care while receiving high-quality products,” said Metcalf. “Getting to know people, understanding their stories, their families and being able to serve them brings me genuine fulfillment.” While the customer interaction is where Metcalf thrives, she also enjoys learning the latest trends, managing the social media platforms and finding the best products possible for children.

In July of 2023, Metcalf started the Dream Big Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting local youth activities, with plans to offer scholarships to families in need. This endeavor was inspired by her own two children, Gigi and Gregory and by the many families she connects with at the boutique and through her real estate career. While she enjoys the store, real estate allows her to further get to know the market and connect with the different communities throughout Destin. In her downtime, Metcalf enjoys reading, jogging outdoors and creating cherished memories with her kids whether playing board games, cooking together or exploring new destinations through travel. “I wholeheartedly believe that by supporting, listening and standing by each other, we grow stronger together,” said Metcalf. “I strive to remind everyone, just as I do my daughter daily on our way to school — dream big, sis! You’ve got it!”

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February–March 2024

calendar PROMOTION

FEB/MAR 2024 For more events in the EC, visit EmeraldCoastMagazine.com and 850tix.com. compiled by ALIX BLACK,

SARAH COVEN, JAVIS OGDEN

and REBECCA PADGETT FRETT

SAVE THE DATE

APRIL 4–JUNE 6

Concerts in the Village

FEB. 16–25

Emerald Coast Theatre Company presents

MARCH 3

SINFONIA GULF COAST PRESENTS

Crescendo!

→ Crescendo! is returning to the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Miramar Beach. This energetic experience celebrates the cultural and culinary arts by showcasing world-class vintners, expert spirit purveyors, amazing auction items and a live musical performance. Enjoy reserved table seating, hors d’oeuvres and a seated lunch. Proceeds benefit Sinfonia Gulf Coast and its music education and community engagement initiatives. $195 per person (includes reception, lunch, gratuity, wine and live entertainment/ performances). SinfoniaGulfCoast.org

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

CRIMES OF THE HEART → Beth Henley’s Pulitzer Prizewinning play centers around three eccentric sisters from a small Southern town rocked by scandal when Babe, the youngest, shoots her husband. Humor and pathos abound as the sisters unite with an intense young lawyer to save Babe from a murder charge.

Performances are slated for Friday, Feb. 16, through Sunday, Feb. 25. Consult EmeraldCoastTheatre.org/on-stage for showtimes.

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

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Doors open at 6 p.m. and concerts start at 7 p.m. MKAF members enjoy early admission and attend for free. Purchase tickets in advance and save $5. Proceeds benefit MKAF and its ArtsReach initiatives. Learn more at MKAF.org.

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

PHOTOS BY MIKE FENDER COURTESY OF MATTIE KELLY ARTS FOUNDATION, BOBBY WAGNER COURTESY OF SINFONIA GULF COAST, EMERALD COAST THEATRE COMPANY AND OPENING NIGHTS

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Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Concerts in the Village kick off at the Dugas Pavilion inDestin on Thursday, April 4, 2024, with Post Modern Jukebox. This year’s spring lineup also features Wendy Moten from The Voice; a fulllength rendition of Prince’s iconic album Purple Rain by Black Jacket Symphony and the chill sounds of Yacht Rock Revue. In May, see fan favorites The Mulligans; the Fleetwood Mac tribute band, Rumours ATL; party starters Gotta Groove Band; rocker Mitch Malloy; and gifted pop/jazz/ blues and soul songstress Haley Reinhart. The series concludes on June 6 with Adam Ezra Group’s mix of rock and soul. Bring a blanket or chair, and enjoy dinner al fresco from local restaurants and food trucks.

PROMOTION

BAYTOWNE ON ICE FEB. 1–5 Keep the winter wonderland spirit going with a visit to the ice-skating rink in The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin. baytownewharf.com

KANSAS: ANOTHER FORK IN THE ROAD 50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR FEB. 2 FEB. 16–18

Seaside School Half-Marathon & 5K Race Weekend

→ Celebrating its 22nd year, the Seaside School Half Marathon + 5K Race Weekend will begin with the coastal cuisine event, “Taste of the Race,” on Friday night and culminate on Sunday morning with the running of the halfmarathon and 5K along Scenic Highway 30A. The race starts and finishes in Seaside. This year, runners and spectators are encouraged to don their masks and capes for the superherothemed Race Weekend. Register at RunSeasideFL.com.

The Another Fork in the Road tour celebrates 50 years of the band’s illustrious music history with concerts featuring two full hours of memorable hits, fan favorites and deep cuts rarely performed live. pensacolasaenger.com

PENSACOLA DOUBLE BRIDGE RUN FEB. 3 One of the premier 15K races in the country, the course carries runners over two bridges, one across Pensacola Bay and the other across Santa Rosa Sound. Starting in Downtown Pensacola, runners run through the historic district, along picturesque Bayfront Parkway, through Gulf Breeze and onto Pensacola Beach. pensacolasports.org/ doublebridgerun

STARS OF TOMORROW FEB. 10 REGIONAL MARCH 7

SING AND SWING

A JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER PRESENTS PRODUCTION

→ Join Opening Nights at The Moon and witness talented trumpeters Bria Skonberg and Benny Benack III as they breathe life into the Great American Songbook with Jazz at Lincoln Center presents: Sing and Swing. The show reimagines jazz and popular classics, including samplings of Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, Bing Crosby, Duke Ellington and more. To purchase tickets, visit OpeningNights.fsu.edu or call (850) 644-7670.

Experience the powerful ballet music from the great Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev in his musical depiction of the story of Romeo and Juliet. mattiekellyartscenter.org

CHARLOTTE’S WEB FEB. 12 This treasured tale, based on E.B. White’s story, featuring madcap and endearing farm animals, explores bravery, selfless love and the true meaning of friendship. mattiekellyartscenter.org

MANIA THE ABBA TRIBUTE FEB. 14 In an exhilarating, two-hour recreation of one of ABBA’s most memorable concerts, MANIA brings to life the flamboyance of the ’70s. This includes all of the uplifting, dance-inducing and sometimes heartbreaking songs from the iconic Swedish band, with fantastic costumes, staging, lighting and effects. pensacolasaenger.com

PANAMA CITY BEACH FOOD TRUCK & CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL FEB. 16–18 Florida’s most popular food trucks will dish out fan favorites while the season’s top craft beers will be available for sale. This festival will be a weekend of craft beer, great food, lawn games, music and fun for the whole family. A gathering of 30 food trucks will serve everything from fall-off-the-bone barbecue and juicy prime rib to wood-fired pizza, spicy Korean dishes and gooey mac and cheese. foodtruckfestivalsofamerica.com/ panama-city-beach

QUEENS OF SOUL FEB. 17 Celebrate the iconic soul and R&B music of Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys and Adele in a symphonic tribute that spans six decades. Featuring the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra and vocalists Tamika Lawrence, Kelly Levesque and Shayna Steele, this concert includes favorites such as Proud Mary, Rollin in the Deep, I Wanna Dance with Somebody and more. pensacolasaenger.com

30A WINE FESTIVAL FEB. 21–25 Sip and sup at the annual 30A Wine Festival, a mustexperience for lovers of

fine wines and the culinary arts. Proceeds from the wine festival will support the Children’s Volunteer Health Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing access to health services for children in Walton and Okaloosa counties. 30awinefestival.com

THE CHER SHOW FEB. 22 The Cher Show is 35 smash hits, six decades of stardom, two rock-star husbands, a Grammy, an Oscar, an Emmy and enough Tony Award-winning Bob Mackie gowns to cause a sequin shortage in New York City, all in one unabashedly fabulous new musical that will have audiences dancing in the aisles. mattiekellyartscenter.org

COME FROM AWAY FEB. 22–23 Broadway’s Come From Away is a Best Musical winner all across North America. This New York Times Critics’ Pick takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. pensacolasaenger.com

34TH ANNUAL SANDESTIN GUMBO FESTIVAL FEB. 23–24 Restaurants and businesses along the Gulf Coast will compete for the title of Area’s Best as they concoct and serve unique variations of a classic Southern dish: gumbo. Held at The Village of Baytowne Wharf, this event will offer food, live music, family activities and much more. sandestingumbofestival.com

PENSACON FEB. 23–25 Pensacola’s comic-con returns to the Pensacola Bay Center and Pensacola Grand Hotel with many celebrity authors,

EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

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FEB/MAR 2024

PROMOTION

NORTHWEST FLORIDA BALLET PRESENTS

Carmina Burana

artists, voiceactors and actors present for meet-and-greets, talks, merchandise and more.

CHAMPIONS OF MAGIC

pensacon.com

The Champions of Magic cast presents incredible interactive magic, a daring escape from Houdini’s water torture cell, a mind-blowing prediction that has to be seen to be believed, levitation high above the stage and a finale beyond explanation.

→ In collaboration with the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, NFB returns to the Mattie Kelly Arts Center on Mar. 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Mar. 10 at 2:30 p.m. with Carl Orff’s powerhouse masterpiece, Carmina Burana. A celebration of new beginnings, this inspiring program is a mesmerizing mix of live music, opera and dance.

CELTIC WOMAN 20TH ANNIVERSARY

Visit NFBallet.org/carmina-burana for additional information or to purchase tickets.

pensacolasaenger.com

FEB. 27 The Celtic Woman 20th Anniversary Tour will be delighting audiences with its fresh blend of traditional and contemporary Irish music that echoes Ireland’s rich musical and cultural heritage while reflecting the vibrant spirit of modern Ireland.

THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES CAPS AND GOWNS FEB. 28–29 & MARCH 1–3 SAVE THE DATE

MARCH 4

PINNACLE AWARDS

→ For the 10th year, 13 honorees will receive a Pinnacle Award, which recognizes women who have distinguished themselves professionally and as community servants. The awards will be presented to these outstanding leaders during a luncheon at The LakeHouse at WaterColor Inn in Santa Rosa Beach. Virginia Glass, for many years a prominent and pioneering Realtor in Tallahassee, will serve as keynote speaker. Virginia Glass, for many years a prominent and pioneering Realtor in Tallahassee, will serve as keynote speaker.

Visit 850BusinessMagazine.com/ pinnacle-awards to learn more and purchase tickets.

Go back in time to 1958 as the Wonderettes graduate in this delightful sequel. This musical will include all the most popular ’50s hits. emeraldcoasttheatre.org

CRESCENDO! VINTNER DINNERS MARCH 1 Crescendo! Vintner Dinners are hosted in elegant private homes, restaurants and resort hotels throughout the region and feature some of the country’s most exclusive vineyards that have included Darioush, Frias Family Vineyards, Oakville Ranch, Fleury Estate, Thompson 31Fifty, Chateau Gaby, Bouchaine and others. sinfoniagulfcoast.org

MOZART, MAHLER & MENDELSSOHN MARCH 2

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14081 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin (850) 398-4729 urbanairdestin.com

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Laser Tag Virtual Reality Sky Rider Ropes Course Climbing Wall and more!

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Join the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra for an exploration of metaphorical light and darkness through the works of musical giants. This program features Mozart’s Symphony No. 40, one of his few major works in a minor key, and Felix Mendelssohn’s Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage, inspired by the poetry of Johan Wolfgang von Goethe. Soprano Susan Platts joins the orchestra for Gustav Mahler’s Kindertotenlieder. pensacolasaenger.com

MARCH 6

pensacolasaenger.com

JOE BONAMASSA MARCH 7 Having just earned a remarkable 26th No. 1 on the Billboard Blues Chart for his sprawling and extensive live concert film and album, Tales of Time, Bonamassa’s upcoming album, Blues Deluxe Vol. 2, finds him returning to his roots and giving new life to the classic tracks that helped form his artistry. pensacolasaenger.com

LITTLE RIVER BAND MARCH 9 Little River Band has undergone an evolution or two since its origins as an Australian rock band hungry make it in America. Fans nostalgic for such tunes as Reminiscing or Lady can join us to hear the current incarnation for a night of fantastic music, memories and more. pensacolasaenger.com

DIE FLEDERMAUS MARCH 15–17 With nonstop laughs from start to finish, Die Fledermaus has become one of the most well-known and beloved German operettas of all time. pensacolasaenger.com

GOLDEN GIRLS: THE LAUGHS CONTINUE MARCH 19 The Golden Girls are back! Miami’s sassiest seniors have returned for one more hurrah. Relive the heartfelt hilarity of four ladies who never stopped being your friends. pensacolasaenger.com

PHOTOS BY LAWRENCE DAVIDSON / RPI FILE PHOTO (GLASS) AND COURTESY OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA BALLET AND SOUTH WALTON BEACHES WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

MARCH 9–10

PROMOTION

SYMPHONIC SPECTACULAR MARCH 23 Join the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra for a spectacular evening, featuring Sergei Prokofiev’s Fifth Symphony. The program also includes Dmitri Shostakovich’s reorchestration of Modest Mussorgsky’s Overture to Khovanshchina and soloist William Hagen performing Max Bruch’s perennially fresh First Violin Concerto. pensacolasaenger.com

DAVE MASON’S TRAFFIC JAM WITH SPECIAL GUESTS THE OUTLAWS MARCH 27 Dave Mason’s Traffic Jam is a must-see concert that

includes fan favorites and deep cuts from Traffic, Dave Mason and other surprise songs that share the story and important milestones in an undeniably powerful era of rock ’n’ roll history. pensacolasaenger.com

JEREMY CAMP MARCH 28 Between 2002 and 2023, Jeremy Camp has released 12 albums, five of them certified as Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. He has sold over 6 million albums with 43 No. 1 singles across all formats. His music has earned him numerous awards and nominations across the Christian and secular music industries. pensacolasaenger.com

SAVE THE DATE

APRIL 25–28

South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival → With more than 600 quality wines and spirits to taste over four days, this annual award-winning charity event delivers a wine experience unparalleled among Northwest Florida wine festivals. For more on this year’s festival slate, and to buy tickets, visit SoWalWine.com.

EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

February–March 2024

Atlanta-based electro-funk band, MonoChrome

A PARTY WITH A N PURPOSE EMERALD COAST MAGAZINE SOIRÉE ROCKS GRAND BOULEVARD

STORY BY STEVE BORNHOFT PHOTOGRAHY BY MOORE MEDIA AND EPIC PHOTO CO.

ear the top of MonoChrome’s playlist was its cover of Kool & The Gang’s “Celebration.” You know the one: Celebrate good times, come on / There’s a party going on right here / A celebration to last throughout the years. It is no surprise to find that the song is part of the Atlanta-based, electric-funk band’s repertoire — MonoChrome plays lots of weddings. But the number was as appropriate to the 2023 Best of the Emerald Coast Soirée, a celebration of businesses who were the top vote-getters in their categories in an annual readers poll conducted by Emerald Coast Magazine. MonoChrome, led by their velvet-voiced front man, Dain Harris, got the party started and kept its energy at a high level. Asked how the five-member band came together, Harris said that was God’s doing. In any event, their music was divine.

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When the band took a break, Rowland Publishing associate publisher McKenzie Burleigh took the stage. There she shouted out love to soirée sponsors Grand Boulevard, Florida Blue, Silver Sands Premium Outlets, Proffitt PR, John Gandy Events, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Sunbelt Rentals, Luke & Blue’s, Hawley Co. 30A Hat Bar, Sherwin-Williams, Beachy Blooms, Legendary Marine and Scout Boats. And because this was a party with a purpose, Burleigh brought to the stage Staci Berryman and Heidi Blaylock, the co-founders of the Emerald Coast Autism Center, the soriée’s beneficiary. Berryman thanked Rowland Publishing, all who supported the event and all who attended it. She made special mention of the Dugas Family Foundation, which is currently matching contributions to the center.

PROMOTION

BENEF I T I NG

S PONS ORED BY

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Emerald Coast Magazine presented a check to the Emerald Coast Autism Center. Left to right: Rhonda Murray, McKenzie Burleigh, Heidi Blalock, Elizabeth Corriveau, Staci Berryman, Elizabeth Williams, Haley Shelton and Renee Johnson

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For celebration-goer Bruce Bickley, who made his living in the trust business (Pendleton Square) and who now lives in Blue Mountain Beach, MonoChrome was part of an immersive, multi-sensory experience that “coalesced everything that is good about living here — food, music and the arts.” Bickley recalls being introduced to Rowland Publishing personnel at a holiday dinner held at the Ocean Club Restaurant in Miramar Beach. “What I remember most about that night was how beautiful your employees are,” Bickley said. Hey, give that man a free lifetime pass to future Best of the Emerald Coast events! Bickley was right about the arts/music/food trifecta. In fact, the event, held at Grand Park at the Grand Boulevard Town Center, was designed and intended to activate all five senses. People, as they arrived at the soirée, passed by five murals painted by area artists Daniela De Castro Sucre, Maxine Orange, Sarah Page, Morgan Summers

and Lindsay Tobias. Taken together, their paintings represented hearing, sight, smell, taste and touch. “I was honored to be included and was surprised at how well the murals went together,” said Orange, who brought to the party her new Mobile Splatter Studio, a tent wherein folks decorate a small canvas by peppering it with paint flicked from the ends of brushes or shot from squirt guns. Restaurants including Harbor Docks, McGuire’s Irish Pub, Marrow Private Chefs, Taco 30A, Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar and Black Bear Bread Co. served small bites from stations that added up to a premium buffet. For Chef Chris Gordaux of Taco 30A, the soirée provided a stark contrast to the circumstances that prevailed when he and Taylor Tucker started their business. Idled by COVID-19, the partners resolved to perfect the “art of the taco,” Gordaux said, and sell their shells by the Emerald Coast seashore from a food truck. Now, they also offer catering services. Their secret ingredient: “We make tacos with a lot of love,” Gordaux said. They make everything fresh, including their sauces. Caleb Steadman of Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar served dollops of smoked tuna dip topped with a tiny sweety drop pepper and placed on a square of flatbread. Asked what makes Shunk Gulley’s tuna dip the best around, he unhesitatingly replied, “They’re made with love.” Huh, a trend, then? What kind of love fest is this? Steadman touted Shunk Gulley’s wild oysters from Louisiana and the farmed “rattlesnake” oysters it gets from Apalachicola. No word if they are treated with love. Richard McCord, the executive chef at Marrow Private Chefs of Santa Rosa Beach, heads up a business that both prepares meals at customer

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February–March 2024

PROMOTION

Marrow Private Chefs, Shalimar Kuban, Ryan McNay, Richard McCord and Joey Donuts

McCaskill & Company, Carolyn Brigman and Bill Campbell

households and operates a commissary kitchen. Two favorites among his clients are the Fresh Gulf Catch, slathered in coconut cilantro cream sauce, and Pork Belly S’mores. While Marrow is usually retained for special occasions, McCord recognizes that there are plenty of people who would like to use them every day. “My wife’s one of ’em,” he said. Perhaps the most talked about food item of the night was a savory puff pastry made with locally grown delicata squash, infused with sumac (of a non-poisonous variety) and prepared by the Black Bear Bread Co. It came about in an effort to arrive at a pastry that would relate to the fall season, said Chef Phil McDonald, who partnered with restaurateur and fellow surfer Dave Rauschkolb (Bud & Alley’s et al.) to found the bakery. To wash down the squash, there were plenty of libations to be had, supplied by Idyll Hounds Brewery, Distillery 98, Palm Folly, Timber Creek Distillery, Coastal Coffee Bar Co., Tipsy Mule Mobile Bar, Tarpon Cellars, Cantina Laredo

Harbor Docks, Yoshie Eddings and Chris Shea

Margaritas, Superb Wine International and Penta Tequila. Representative of the Best of the Emerald Coast award winners on hand was Gary Ellis, the owner of Coastal Cars & Carts, located in Panama City Beach. His is a family owned and operated business that has benefited greatly from the growing popularity of street-legal “golf” carts and the creation of communities like Watersound, Carillon Beach and Latitude Margaritaville Watersound. Ellis and his wife Terri are new residents of Margaritaville. Dealing primarily in MadJax brand carts, they only occasionally sell a vehicle to someone who intends to use it on fairways. Their elaborate showroom includes a replica vintage Texaco station and houses mint ’37 and ’55 Chevys; it’s an attraction in itself. MonoChrome’s arrangement of a Temptations song turned the Ellises’ heads, and they headed for the dance floor. “Get ready,” someone might have said. “’Cause here they come.”

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Jennifer Albert

Back row: Brendan Parker, Levin Bracken and Brent Shaw. Front row: Sara Becnel, Jessica Proffitt Bracken and Kate Shaw

Wendy and Jeff Wilcox

PROMOTION

SOCIAL STUDIES Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival Over 200 craft beers from both domestic and international breweries were supplied by brewers who were eager to share insights into the diverse world of lagers and ales. The weekend was alive with vibrant tunes performed live. OCT. 6–7

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SANDESTIN GOLF AND BEACH RESORT 1 Aubrey Russell, Tanya Rauch, April Sarver and Maddie Garner 2 Gage Reed and Maddie Garner 3 Live music by Six Piece Suits

Eggs on the Beach OCT. 14 Presented by Bay Breeze Patio, the ninth annual Eggs on the Beach Cooking Competition returned to Seascape Resort in Miramar Beach on Oct. 14, welcoming 20-plus cook teams preparing creative bites on Big Green Eggs. Complemented by live music and Angels Envy samples, the delicious event raised $44,500 for local nonprofits, including Fisher House of the Emerald Coast and Food For Thought.

PHOTOS BY TRACY LOUTHAIN

1 Chef Giovanni Filippone 2 Susan Kiley and Wayne Paul 3 Ed and Denise Kendust 4 Stephen Carter, Susan Kiley and Joan Carter 5 Carli Harman and Tiffanie Nelson

EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

February–March 2024

PROMOTION

SOCIAL STUDIES The Market Shops 8th Annual Bloody Mary Festival OCT. 14 The Market Shops’ eighth annual Bloody Mary Festival, powered by Step One Automotive Group, featured 16 local restaurants, bars and catering companies each serving their take on the classic bloody mary. All used Distillery 98 Half Shell Vodka while competing for the title of “Best Bloody Mary” in South Walton. The event raised $41,000 for Habitat for Humanity–Walton County.

PHOTOS BY BRENNA KNEISS

1 The Market Shops welcomed over 1,000 guests at their eighth annual Bloody Mary Festival, powered by Step One Automotive Group. 2 Cheers to unlimited bloody marys crafted by 16 of the best restaurants, bars and catering companies along the Emerald Coast. 3 Justin Humphrey and Sean Humphrey 4 Riley Powell, Maggie Weaver and Sarah Powell

Toast on the Emerald Coast OCT. 15 Destin’s hottest new charity event, Toast on the Coast, was held at the Henderson Resort and raised funds for the Junior League of the Emerald Coast. The event featured unlimited samples of popular food/drinks, a DJ, live sketch artist and silent auction..

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JUNIOR LEAGUE OF THE EMERALD COAST

1 Michelle Watson, Stacie Hughes, Daniel Hughes and Elizabeth Hughes 2 Nicholas Kirkman and Grace Barton-Kirkman 3 Sarah Babb and Laura Tramell 4 Isis Villalobos, Tanner Caulfield and Janice Tader

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PROMOTION

SOCIAL STUDIES Harvest Wine & Food Festival The seventh annual Harvest Wine & Food Festival, held in WaterColor, raised more than $175,000 for children in need in Northwest Florida. Produced by the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, this year’s festival featured an expanded schedule of 10 events including a cocktail seminar and elevated culinary and wine pairing event. The festival’s proceeds benefit 17 local children’s charities. OCT. 19–22

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MCKENZIE BURLEIGH AND RHONDA MURRAY

1 Kate Mikos, Kait Crawford, Karah Fridley-Young and Brooklyn Bain 2 Tyler Simmons and Fleetwood Covington 3 McKenzie Burleigh, Darla Harrison and Rhonda Murray 4 Jennifer Albert and Colette Murray Zawisza

Alys Beach Crafted The second annual Alys Beach Crafted festival celebrated talents that come together to enrich the experience of life along 30A. The event united attendees with renowned artists and artisans, culinary experts and leaders in the beverage industry from around the country with proceeds benefiting the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County. OCT. 25–28

PHOTOS BY BOO MEDIA

1 McKenzie Burleigh, Jessica Proffitt Bracken, Kate Shaw and Brittany Lee Rebolledo 2 Lindsey McEwan and Monica Herrera 3 Walt and Sandi Chancey 4 Brian and Memori Spence with Brandon Jones and Annie Lockamy

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Evtoerything

gain

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THE TASTE OF PASSION Award-winning, local, family-owned, Pazzo Italiano restaurants are here to share with you their passion for fresh, high-quality and authentic Italian cuisine in a cosmopolitan yet family-friendly atmosphere in both of their locations. CATERING // TAKE-OUT // PRIVATE PARTIES // CAKES FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS! 34904 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin (850) 974-5484 // pazzodestin.com

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

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The Original Cruisin’ Tikis Destin Why go bar hopping, when you can hop on the bar?

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Thank you for voting us the Best Place to Watch a Sunset on the Emerald Coast!

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RDER, M E D B Y A N E AT I N G D I S O AFTER DECADES CONSU WITH LIFE A R U N N E R C AT C H E S U P EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

February–March 2024

time I saw him. I remember once standing on the scale in the dark at a restaurant in Pensacola while people walked by. He’d even staged an intervention with my family, promising them that he would “fix” me. And still, I married him. I’d found myself on a runaway train, and walking down the aisle seemed my only failsafe when I felt the world once again falling apart. When my husband committed suicide, I felt no grief. How could I? My marriage had been a horrible mistake, and I was finally freed of its dangers. But I was still in danger of my own making. Over the next eight years, I lived on my own, getting deeper and deeper into the eating disorder that still felt like the only way for me to have a measure of control. Even though my logical brain knew I needed to eat far more than I was, I couldn’t. I was terrified of it to the point of literal nightmares. Even a broken hip that required emergency surgery and two months of recovery time in 2017 didn’t derail me. Nor did the fact that my orthopedic surgeon had very little confidence that I would live through surgery because of my extremely low weight and how much it would tax my compromised heart. Despite that assessment, which the doctor shared with my parents, my surgery went well. I was sent home with a repaired hip and little more than directions for how to navigate the coming weeks of healing. Over those eight weeks, I was stripped of control. I couldn’t come or go as I wanted, couldn’t drive, couldn’t exercise, couldn’t prepare my own meals. That task was left to my mother, who carefully studied how to get me the calories I needed without running the risk of refeeding syndrome, which can be deadly to someone as undernourished as I was. And yet, I still lost weight. By the end of 2019, there was nothing left of me to lose. At 36 years old, I weighed as little as a kindergartener and was osteoporotic, with a body that was almost constantly in pain. I could count every rib, even run my fingers over my right hip and feel the heads of the screws and the plate where they’d put me back together.

JUAN C. ZARATE, MD, FACC, FSCAI Interventional Cardiologist ANTHONY S. AL-DEHNEH, DO, FACC, FSCAI Interventional Cardiologist GEORGE A. YOUSSEF, MD, FACC, FSCAI Interventional Cardiologist SHADY HENIEN, MD, MBA, FACC, FSCAI Interventional Cardiologist JOHN B. DUDLEY, MD, MPH, Interventional Cardiologist ANGEL D. MORROBEL, MD, FACC Invasive Cardiologist

Best Cardiologist

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EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

February–March 2024

I had become a creature that people would whisper about, point to and laugh at. But no one seemed to understand the hell and the prison I was living in. And then, God set me free. Not that I didn’t go kicking and screaming. What terrified me was that all of it seemed to be happening without my consent. Suddenly, it was as though my survival instincts took over and wrestled the noise in my brain to the ground. I began eating — a lot. Entire boxes of Pop-Tarts, whole bags of chips, massive containers of cashews — anything that looked good was fair game. All the things that had once been so “unsafe” became my way back to health — and my way back to living. But because I felt out of control, I also felt ashamed. The changes I saw in the mirror were not ones I felt I could live with. It was everything I had been so afraid of, come to life in my reflection. And though the wraith was slowly being

replaced by a fuller me, I couldn’t deal with the woman in the mirror. As a result, I spent the entire year of 2020 hiding from my family as well as the rest of the world. Even before anyone had even heard whispers of COVID, I had begun my own self-quarantine, staying sheltered in a place where I felt safe, away from anyone’s eyes or judgment. I gave no explanations for my sudden disappearance from life. No one knew what I’d been going through, and no matter how many times my mother asked me what was going on, I couldn’t bring myself to say the words, “I’m gaining weight.”

92 February–March 2024 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

By the time Christmas was in view, it had been almost a year since I’d last seen my family, and I knew I couldn’t stay away any longer, even though I was still struggling with self-acceptance. I knocked on my parents’ door on Dec. 23, terrified. After all, if I couldn’t accept this new version of myself, how would they? I was crying hysterically when my mom opened the door. I was ashamed of how I looked and fearful about how she would react to the changes in me. But what I saw in her tear-filled eyes was relief, disbelief and absolute joy. Standing there was a person who had been dead for so long, now alive and vibrant again. The love I felt from her and the rest of my family enabled me to begin to accept the change. I felt like I had been set free and given the world. Not that it’s been easy. I have worked hard on how I perceive myself, and I have dealt with the realization that I lived a lie for too many years. Still, I struggle to

Since escaping the clutches of anorexia, Liesel Schmidt has grown in confidence and has become willing to share photos of herself on social media. She has discovered, too, an appetite for travel and has made multiple trips to the small town in Germany where she lived as a small child.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LIESEL SCHMIDT

accept aspects of myself that I’m not completely satisfied with. But I am truly fully alive and healthy. And strong. And independent. And so many other things that I had once been robbed of. I laugh easily and often. I eat with enjoyment and free of worry. I embrace challenges and change. And I love. I feel sometimes as though I was missing for years, that the world moved on without me while I stayed stuck behind the bars of my eating disorder and all the psychological and physical damage it inflicted. But I have come back to life from that place of nothingness. And if you look for them, you can find photos of me, living free. EC

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February–March 2024

AMERICAN BUFFALO JACK’S LEGENDARY WINGS & PIZZA ★

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 ★

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

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

RESTAURANT IRON

LOUISIANA LAGNIAPPE ★

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

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

RESTAURANT PARADIS

LULU’S

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

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

MAGNOLIA GRILL

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

SPORTS TO GEAUX ★

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

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. $

MARINA CAFÉ ★

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

Gourmet pizzas, Creole and American cuisine. 404 Harbor Blvd., Destin. (850) 837-7960. $$$ D

NICK’S BOATHOUSE

THE BODACIOUS CAFÉ

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

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

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

THE CRAFT BAR ★

Craft brews on tap along with artisan cocktails

COAST MAGA LD ZI RA

2023

E’S N

EM E

Fresh Gulf seafood, steak, sushi and signature

cocktails. 535 Richard Jackson Blvd., Panama City Beach. (850) 249-3359. $$$ D

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

JACO’S BAYFRONT BAR & GRILLE

dining guide

OVIDE ★

spritzers. 222 Staff Dr. NE, Fort Walton Beach. (850) 226-2263. $$ L D

BEST E

ERALD C O

850-278-6849 2129 S Co Hwy 83 Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

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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

BREAKFAST/ BRUNCH/BAKERY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THAI DELIGHTS RESTAURANT ★

GOT BAKED ★

30A COOKIES & CREAM

MAMA CLEMENZA’S EUROPEAN BREAKFAST

BLUE MOUNTAIN BEACH CREAMERY ★

THAI CHIANG RAI

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

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. $ 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

THE KEY ★ Best of the

Emerald Coast 2023 Winner

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

The restaurants that appear in this guide are included as a service to readers and not as recommendations of the Emerald Coast Magazine editorial department, except where noted. B Breakfast L Lunch D Dinner

Outdoor Dining Live Music

$ Inexpensive

$$ Moderately

Expensive

$$$ Expensive

FRESH SEAFOOD FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS DEWEY DESTIN’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT 9 Calhoun Ave., Destin, FL • (850) 837-7575

DEWEY DESTIN’S HARBORSIDE RESTAURANT 202 Harbor Blvd., Destin, FL • (850) 837-7525

DEWEY DESTIN’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

8673 Navarre Pkwy., Navarre, FL • (850) 710-7070

DESTINSEAFOOD.COM EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

February-March 2024

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

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-yetelegant plates with an Italian coastal vibe. 101 E. Intendencia St., Pensacola. (850) 542-8398. $$ D

AEGEAN RESTAURANT ★

CLEMENZA’S UPTOWN

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

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

ALI BABA GRILL CAFÉ

FARM & FIRE SOUTHERN PIZZERIA

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

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

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

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

Capt.on Dave’s the

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

SERVING LOCAL FLORIDA SEAFOOD AND STEAKS Dinner 4pm UNTIL … For more information visit captdavesonthegulf.com

Gulf

C ald er m Ser rS ving the e yea 0 5 for over

Enjoy cocktails on the deck for sunset Happy Hour: 4–6pm Open 6 days a week (closed Tuesdays)

oaSt

Casual Gulf Front Dining. Gulf to plate since 1968! 3796 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin | 850.837.2627 | captdavesonthegulf.com

96 February-March 2024 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

DEWEY DESTIN’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT & MARKET

special gatherings. 3899 E. Scenic Hwy. 30A, Seagrove Beach. (850) 231-2166. $$$ D

DOWN ISLAND GULF SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

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

FOOW RESTAURANT

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

HARBOR DOCKS ★

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

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

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

JACKACUDA’S SEAFOOD & SUSHI

JACKSON’S STEAKHOUSE

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

PESCADO SEAFOOD GRILL & ROOFTOP BAR ★

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.

RUNAWAY ISLAND

THE OCEAN CLUB

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

BIJOUX ★

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

CAFE THIRTY-A ★

Offering the best in steaks and Gulf fare, Café Thirty-A is also available for weddings and

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

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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

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. $$

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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

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

CAPTAIN DAVE’S ON THE GULF

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

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NEW LOCATION NOW OPEN 2700 W CR 30A, Santa Rosa Beach | 850.660.6970 979 US HWY 98 E, Destin | 850.460.7353 (in the 98 Palms Shopping Plaza) Mimmos.com

Find Your Sweet Spot

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.

Destin Harbor Location 302 Harbor Blvd Unit D, Destin, FL. 32541 850.424.6587 beignetsandbrew.com

Franchising Opportunities Available

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postscript

SPIRITUAL FITNESS Connect with the world around you, and say thanks by RIAN ADAMS

While many people have goals related to physical health such as losing weight or getting in shape, it’s easy to forget about the importance of nurturing our spiritual wellbeing. Cultivating your spiritual life in the following ways helps you stay grounded amid the unpredictable nature of life.

One of the easiest ways to boost your spiritual health is by practicing gratitude. Studies show that expressing gratitude can bring about a positive mood and a sense of well-being. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and forget to take note of the blessings in our lives. The medieval theologian and philosopher Meister Eckhart suggested the spiritual importance of gratitude, writing, “If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.” Take a few moments each day to reflect on what you’re thankful for, whether it’s a roof over your head, good health or the love of family, pets and friends.

➺ CONNECT WITH NATURE Another simple way to nurture your soul is by taking in the beauty the Gulf Coast offers us. Nature has a way of reconnecting us with the things that are truly important. As you soak in the natural sights and sounds, let your mind wander to the teachings of Buddha, who said, “In the woods, we return to reason and faith.” Spending time in our natural surroundings, we gain an appreciation for life’s simple wonders.

Jesus encouraged prayer when he said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Find a quiet place in your home or outside, close your eyes and focus on the gift of every breath. Or, if you’re religious, take time to connect with the divine through self-emptying prayer. Whatever your technique, embracing the present moment without judgment will help you release any worries or stress.

➺ MEDITATE OR PRAY

➺ CULTIVATE POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS The Hebrew Bible reminds us, “Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another.” The people we surround ourselves with profoundly impact our spiritual and mental

Dedicating a few moments of your day to meditation or prayer can help you feel more centered and calm. For centuries, meditation and prayer have been used to quiet the mind and impart hope.

health. Cultivating positive and uplifting relationships can bring contentment, laughter and happiness to our lives. Spend time with positive people who make you feel good about yourself and inspire you to grow and prosper.

➺ HELP OTHERS

Finally, one of the most powerful ways to boost your spiritual well-being is by practicing active compassion. As the Dalai Lama said, “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” Volunteering your time or donating to a charity can bring immense joy and satisfaction to your life. When we give back to those in need, we tap into our innate sense of love and community.

All of us would do well to remember the words of Rumi, the 13th-century master poet: “Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today, I am wise, so I am changing myself.” Who knows? We might change the world if we begin with ourselves.

The Rev. Dr. Rian Adams is a retired Air Force captain who served as a chaplain in Iraq.

98 February-March 2024 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

PHOTO BY KIEFERPIX / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS AND COURTESY OF REV. DR. RIAN ADAMS (HEADSHOT)

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