E. F. San Juan’s renowned wood millwork creations are complemented by the highest-quality windows and doors. Our craftsmen work seamlessly with the most trusted providers of impact-rated doors and windows, such as Marvin®, to create custom homes that masterfully combine security, beauty, and function.
• Paradise Pool with Beach Entry and Tiki Huts
Sunshine and cool breezes. Palm trees and margaritas.
Welcome to Latitude Margaritaville, a 55-and-better community inspired by the legendary music and lifestyle of Jimmy Buffett, built on food, fun, music and escapism.
Escape to the place where fun and relaxation meet.
Escape to island-inspired living as you grow older, but not up.
Escape to Latitude Margaritaville Watersound, located on Hwy 79, less than 8 miles from the beach.
New homes from the $300s
- 5:00pm | Sun. 11:00am - 5:00pm
• Latitude Town Square with Live Music Bandshell
• Latitude Bar & Chill Restaurant with Panoramic Views of the Intracoastal Waterway
• Overlook Bar
• Fins Up! Fitness Center with Indoor Pool
• Tennis, Pickleball and Bocce Ball Courts
• Town Square Game Lawn
• Barkaritaville Dog Park
• Walking Trails and Multi-Use Sport Court
MEET ONE OF THE THREE CHEFS THAT TIED FOR BEST CHEF — RICHARD Mc CORD, MARROW PRIVATE CHEFS
82
BEST OF THE EMERALD COAST
Each year, Emerald Coast Magazine’s Best of the Emerald Coast readers’ poll gives the community an opportunity to register support for favorite businesses from Pensacola to Panama City. The results are in! In this issue, we present the region’s best of the best for 2024, as voted by you, the reader. compiled by PAIGE AIGRET AND MELINDA LANIGAN
FEATURES
108
RESTORING THE COAST
When the Florida Department of Environmental Protection first acquired the acreage now known as Deer Lake State Park, wetland environments were overrun by invasive hardwood species. Today, conservation efforts are returning rare and threatened native species to the area. Along coastal dune lake shores, research, water monitoring and maintenance keep the rare geological phenomena thriving.
by PAIGE AIGRET
114
OYSTERS RETURN TO PENSACOLA BAYS
In 2009, a study conducted by The Nature Conservancy revealed oyster populations to be “functionally extinct,” with an 85% global decline of oyster reefs. The organization’s research encouraged restoration efforts in bays across the world. Pensacola became an area of focus. Today, 33 new reefs are helping the Pensacola Bay System recover, but there is still work to be done.
by PAIGE AIGRET
THE WAVE
25 HISTORY The Pensacola Lighthouse’s history dates back two centuries. Today, the beacon is known for its active supernatural residents. Ghost tours welcome the public for a unique, paranormal experience.
32 PERSONALITY Andy McAlexander spent his formative years in landlocked states. Today, he’s a Floridian through and through — from farming and real estate ventures to environmental advocacy and nonprofit efforts.
PANACHE
39 CITIZEN OF STYLE
As a teenager, Kendall Andrews worked in retail to fund her own shopping habits. Over a decade later, a career in marketing returned her to the 30A boutique where it all started.
44 BEAUTY The modern spray tan breaks myths of orange hues, residue and lingering scents. New formulas create natural, sun-kissed skin.
50 WHAT’S IN STORE Fall in Florida is a season for layers. As the heat dies down, welcome back into your wardrobe light sweaters, boots, hats and endless accessories.
GASTRO & GUSTO
55 DINING OUT Ivy & Ale in Fort Walton Beach brings a new meaning to beer garden. Boasting brews, bites, live music and plants, the homey hangout doubles as a boutique nursery.
60 DINING IN Cooler evenings make for prime grilling season. Get your tongs, seasoning and skewers, and bring on the bold barbecue flavors of freshly grilled veggies.
EXPRESSION
71 ART For Kara Valentino Ffield, nature and art are intrinsically connected. At her Pensacola miniature farm, Ffield draws inspiration for her ethereal paintings of local flora and fauna.
132 GREEN SCENE Planting herbs can help ward off pesky garden pests, add a fresh scent to your green space and be useful in the kitchen to liven up dishes with garden-fresh flavor.
BOOKS From awardwinning writer, photographer and naturalist Doug Alderson’s collection of short stories, Spooky Stories From the Swamp, get a glimpse into the spooky tale of The Wild Man of Ocheesee Swamp
123 INTERIORS Local bibliophiles show off their home library collections, shelving and style, offering inspo for your dream built-in project.
128 EXTERIORS Traditional lawns have proved problematic for the environment, increasing greenhouse gasses and diminishing biodiversity. Alternative green spaces can be more sustainable and
Covington combines fine dining with dramatic flair. As executive chef of the AAA Four-Diamond Seagar’s Prime
CHEVRON COLLECTION
36 ↑ REFRESHED ROOMS The WaterColor Inn recently unveiled 60 newly renovated and redesigned guest rooms featuring furnishings and amenities that enhance the inn’s coastal, casual elegance. WaterColor continues to improve upon the excellence they’ve upheld for over 20 years.
30 ENHANCE & EXPAND As the premier plastic surgery destination of the Southeast, Destin Plastic Surgery is committed to excellence with highly qualified staff, the latest techniques and an expansive facility.
48 ↑ NATURAL BEAUTY Jennifer Albert, owner of JA 30A Salon and JA Essence Beauty, talks about how the nature and community of the Emerald Coast made her a more successful, balanced and inspired business woman.
52 PEEL POWER Dermatology Specialists’ Aqua Medical Spa has introduced a revolutionary new treatment, the VI chemical peel, which treats hyperpigmentation, sun damage, fine lines, acne and more.
68 ↑ CHEERS TO CHARITY
Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation’s eighth annual Harvest Wine & Food Festival offers four days of wining and dining in support of 17 children’s charities.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: Something under the tree for everyone on your list.
80
FALL FESTS
Get al fresco this fall as Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation welcomes attendees to four festive fall events that focus on arts, culture and community.
120
↑
PRESERVING
FLORIDA The Nature Conservancy provides three ways they are helping to preserve and protect the natural beauty, animals and resources of Florida.
127 ↑ PARADISE PALACE
Teresa Baum, a realtor with Dalton Wade, Inc., is hosting private viewings of a seven-bedroom, waterfront retreat complete with an array of desirable interior and exterior features.
134 CALENDAR
There’s nothing quite like autumn on the coast — a season that caters to outdoor events and festivals. As the weather cools, event season heats up.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Doug Alderson, David Ekrut, Ph.D., Les Harrison, Martha J. Laguardia-Kotite, Melinda Lanigan, Liesel Schmidt, Laci Swann
CREATIVE
PRODUCTION MANAGER Daniel Vitter
DESIGN DIRECTOR Jennifer Ekrut
SENIOR ART DIRECTOR, TALLAHASSEE MAGAZINE Saige Roberts
ART DIRECTOR, EMERALD COAST MAGAZINE Sarah Burger
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS/ILLUSTRATORS Anderson Photography, Dave Barfield, Patti Blake, Boo Media, Matt Burke, Jim Clark, Jordan Crowder, Epic Photo Co., Edward A. McGrath Photography, Erin Hansen Images, Mike Fender, Forever Young Images, Steven Gray, Colin Hackley, Chris Joy, Lensea Film, Kurt Lischka/Moon Creek Studios, Love is Wild Photography, Lindsey Masterson, Max Impact Photography, Daniel Meigs, Sean Murphy, Savvibelle Photography, Spears Group - Compass, Jeff Talbert, Sierra Thomas, Kiara Watson, Nathan Zucker
SALES, MARKETING AND EVENTS
SALES MANAGER Lori Magee Yeaton
DIRECTOR OF NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, EASTERN DIVISION Daniel Parisi
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Daphne Nikolopoulos HOUR MEDIA, LLC
CEO Stefan Wanczyk
PRESIDENT John Balardo PUBLISHERS
from the publisher
BEAUTY IN THE BREAK
Celebrating winners and their journey to becoming the best
Asthma, allergies, dyslexia, ADHD, anxiety, depression and COVID-19 — all challenges that American Olympian Noah Lyles faced throughout his life and leading up to and during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Still, Lyles was named the fastest man in the world after winning gold in the men’s 100-meter final with a time of 9.784 seconds.
“What you have does not define what you can become,” Lyles said in a social media post on Aug. 4, following his record-breaking win.
Showing resilience and perseverance to overcome challenging obstacles and hurdles, Lyles’ story is the type that inspires me.
I’m reminded of the Japanese artform Kintsugi, which involves repairing broken pottery with gold, silver or platinum dusted lacquer. Instead of masking the repairs, the cracks are intentionally highlighted. There is beauty in the break and the struggle that makes the artwork, or the Olympian’s story, that much more inspiring.
With the 2024 Paris Olympics concluded and our 2024 Best of the Emerald Coast winners announced in this issue, I’ve been reflecting on the incredible journeys of those who become the best on scales both global and local.
Here along the Emerald Coast, businesses voted the best by you, the reader, are made up of individuals who have dedicated their lives to their craft. Passion, dedication and consistency pave paths to success. But that is just half of it. Having the heart to believe and the will to keep getting back up when you fall, in my opinion, is the ultimate edge to winning success.
I am honored to congratulate each winner listed in our Best of feature beginning on Page 82. We have first-time winners and longtime local favorites that have won every year for the 26 years we have conducted this annual readers’
choice poll. Each year, the competition increases as more businesses come to our area and more readers cast their votes.
You might recognize our iconic “Best of” logo proudly displayed on business walls each year. I have seen this logo in advertisements throughout the pages of this magazine, all over town at local establishments and on commercial vehicles, billboards, signs, coasters and more. This logo is much to be proud of, and I encourage you to congratulate a business when you see it.
The attention to detail, creativity, consistency, dedication and resilience is really what is being celebrated. I invite you to come join us as we celebrate as a community. We will be hosting the annual Best of the Emerald Coast Winners Soirée on Oct. 10, 2024, at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin on the North Lawn. This year’s event will benefit Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF).
In 2025, MKAF will celebrate 30 years of cultivating and nurturing a deep appreciation of art along our Emerald Coast. The nonprofit organization operates the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village, which provides a central location to celebrate cultural arts in Northwest Florida, as well as the ArtsReach program that has served over 100 schools and agencies in support of K–12 students, children and adults with special needs, and the local military community. It is our privilege and honor to benefit this organization that does so much. I encourage you to learn more about how you can make an impact in their mission by visiting mkaf.org.
Too, we are proud to announce our Best Nonprofit/Charity winner, Bridgeway Center Inc., as the recipient of in-kind support from Emerald Coast Magazine to include pro-bono advertising and marketing services. Serving Fort Walton Beach and Crestview, Bridgeway
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.
offers services for mental and behavioral health, low-income housing and homelessness needs.
I also invite you to join us on the weekend of Oct. 19, 2024, as we host the annual VIP tent at the Harvest Wine & Food Festival, another incredible charity event brought to the community by the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation. We are honored to have hosted this experience since its inception and that, for a second year, we will be co-sponsoring with Brad Dahler of Dahler & Co. Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty. If you are experiencing a challenging chapter in your life, my hope is for you to have the courage to keep moving forward. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, be resilient and be inspired to become better rather than bitter because of your circumstances. I encourage you to share the breaks in you, for that is what makes you, you. There is beauty in the break.
Much love,
jaguartallahassee.com
CONSERVATION VS. CONSUMPTION
A visit to the sand dunes of Lake Michigan leaves Emerald Coast local hyper-aware of overconsumption
While away on vacation about a year ago, I visited Sleeping Bear Dunes, a national park along the shores of Lake Michigan where sand dunes tower as tall as 450 feet high.
At the eastern edge of the Sleeping Bear Plateau is the park’s main attraction — the dune climb. There, an initial sand wall 284 feet high leads hikers through a trail of rolling dunes that snake up and down a mile-anda-half wide before reaching Lake Michigan. Hiking to the lake would take more than three hours one way. Once there, the steep height is too dangerous to access the lake from the dunes.
With my partner and two friends from the area, we hiked about halfway to the lake, making our way up the mountainous formations, through sandy paths and sometimes stamping through tall dune grass.
It felt illegal.
I kept looking for posted warnings: “Keep off the dunes,” or “Keep off the grass.” I attempted to avoid any plant life in my path. I asked my best friend, “Should we be walking on the grass like this?” My questions confused her. But she assured me we were perfectly within park regulations.
A stark contrast from our Gulf Coast sand dunes, the experience left me bewildered. Their staggering height felt near incomprehensible compared to what we have at home. Our dunes, strikingly white and beautiful as they are, have always felt finite.
A resource to be protected, our dunes are incredibly important to our environment and infrastructure. They
protect beachside condominiums and other businesses during hurricanes and tropical storms. Threatened and endangered species, including snowy plovers, beach mice and the Gulf Coast solitary bee, find refuge in our dune ecosystems.
Here, signs warning beachgoers to “keep off the dunes” are common, and fenced-off areas help sand to accumulate without human interaction, which supports dune restoration.
Since I visited Michigan, the comparison has haunted me. Each time I travel the stretch of dunes between Okaloosa Island and Destin or along the Gulf Islands National Seashore, I can’t help but think about the opposition of Sleeping Bear’s vastness and how the enormity of a resource can change the way we perceive and treat it.
The experience has since become a metaphor in my everyday life, leaving me hyper-aware of the resources I use, both big and small.
According to data collected by Systems Change Lab, global material consumption by producers and consumers has more than tripled from 1970, reaching 98 billion tons in 2022. The data tracking site claims extraction and processing of material resources account for more than 55% of climate change impacts, 90% of water stress and 90% of land-userelated biodiversity loss.
Today, overconsumption plagues lifestyles regardless of tax bracket. Social media pushes advertising on us left and right, from run-of-the-mill
ads to paid sponsorships with our favorite influencers and celebrities. Millions of videos meant for entertainment encourage hyperconsumerism, boasting shopping hauls and product restocks.
Sayings from my childhood, “waste not, want not” and “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” come to mind.
They’re phrases most Southerners heard from parents growing up in attempts to save money and conserve resources — leftovers packed into butter containers repurposed as Tupperware, lightly used paper towels getting a second life for counter cleaning, worn furniture repaired for longer life.
These things remind me that we have a choice as consumers. It’s OK to want to conserve products, resources and money. It’s OK to make do with the old thing that’s maybe a little damaged but gets the job done. Sometimes, less is more.
Keep conserving,
PAIGE AIGRET, EDITOR paigret@palmbeachmedia.com
EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM
30A Songwriters Festival
We are giving away two general admission weekend passes to the 2025 30A Songwriters Festival valued at $950! Celebrate 16 years of Hooks, Lines and Singers from Jan. 16–20 at this beloved South Walton event. Enjoy access to over 175 artists performing original songs at more than 30 venues throughout South Walton. The lucky winner will be announced on Dec. 15, 2024.
Ultimate Hilton Sandestin Beach Resort Getaway
Enter to win the perfect staycation for two! Whether you are looking for a weekend at the spa, some time to relax and unwind, celebrate your anniversary or just grab some beach time with your someone special, this amazing Ultimate Hilton Sandestin Beach Resort Getaway is the escape you’ve been longing for.
Enter to win today at EmeraldCoastMagazine.com/giveaways.
MICROMANAGING WITH MICRONEEDLING
Brianna Morfesi, an aesthetician with Aqua Medical Spa of Fort Walton Beach, boasts microneedling as a minimally invasive cosmetic treatment that improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne, scarring and pigmentation. “I love to listen to patient concerns and be able to create a great experience where they feel and look good in their skin,” said Morfesi. Visit EmeraldCoastMagazine.com/micromanagingwith-microneedling to read more.
HILTON SANDESTIN BEACH RENOVATION AND CELEBRATIONS
Hilton Sandestin Beach proudly announces the completion of its extensive $35 million property-wide renovation, coinciding with the resort’s 40th anniversary of welcoming guests. Learn more at bit.ly/3SKUH8R.
In other exciting Hilton resort news, Serenity by the sea Spa and Circadia celebrate their partnership with new products and services! Learn more at EmeraldCoastMagazine.com/a-dream-team.
10 AMONG HUNDREDS
We asked former executive editor Steve Bornhoft to list his favorite stories from his nine-year Rowland Publishing career. Here is his Top 10 list across Emerald Coast Magazine, 850 Business Magazine and Tallahassee Magazine EmeraldCoastMagazine.com/ ten-among-hundreds
Do you love the idea of receiving the Emerald Coast newsletter in your inbox but not sure how to sign up for it? We’ve got you covered right here: EmeraldCoastMagazine.com/connect-with-us.
A historic beacon, the centuries-old
Pensacola Lighthouse continues shining through centuries of death, war and natural disasters by MARTHA
J. LAGUARDIA-KOTITE
Pensacola Lighthouse still functions today. Just as active are several haunting characters from its storied past.
Traditionally, lighthouses were staffed by a keeper tasked with manning the watchtower and looking out to sea for ships in peril. Today, most lighthouses in the U.S. are automated with a small staff and volunteer base to manage upkeep, tours and gift shops.
The Pensacola Lighthouse, built in 1859 at the Pensacola Bay entry from the Gulf, is still active today. While keepers are no longer on the payroll, a few of bygone eras may still remain.
In 2009, the Travel Channel’s Ghost Hunters team visited to investigate and returned to follow up on the hauntings again in 2022.
Jon Hill, executive director of the Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, admitted he was
skeptical at first. He became less so when he heard what sounded like voices playing on an AM radio. On another occasion, he and a volunteer heard someone talking in another room.
“We heard a woman call my name,” Hill said. He replied, “‘Yes ma’am,’ but there was nobody there.”
Believers in the lighthouse’s ghosts have no doubt that they are intertwined with the beacon’s turbulent history.
In 1823, before the original lighthouse was erected, a light ship called the Aurora Borealis, was positioned in the calm waters between the end of Santa Rosa Island and Fort Barrancas at the entrance to the port of Pensacola’s massive bay. The ship was replaced by a rudimentary lighthouse near the fort.
↑ The original Pensacola Lighthouse was first lit 200 years ago in 1824. Jeremiah and Michaela Ingraham were its first keepers. After Jeremiah’s death, Michaela continued watch until 1855.
→ One lighthouse bedroom has visible blood stains on the floor that are said to be from childbirth complications that resulted in Ellen Crawford’s death in 1904. Many believe her spirit remained on-site to watch over her surviving child.
This first lighthouse tower was lit in 1824. A young couple, Jeremiah Ingraham and his wife Michaela, managed the lighthouse and raised three children at the station. When Jeremiah died, Michaela continued watch until her death in 1855.
The new, current lighthouse was built a half mile west of the original lighthouse in 1859 to improve visibility. This one was taller and brighter — 159 feet tall, shining an improved Fresnel lens.
Over the years, death, war and natural disasters ravaged the lighthouse.
The tower was once a target for the guns of Fort Pickens before the Confederates evacuated in 1862. In 1874, it was struck by lightning, then struck again the next year. The eerie coincidence proved evidence of a faulty lightning rod. But in 1886, there was little explanation for an earthquake, a rare phenomenon for the area. A keeper’s report detailed, “… was accompanied by a rumbling as if people were ascending the steps making as much noise as possible.”
Today, ghost tour volunteers report regularly hearing people ascending steps or descending into the basement to greet them. It is not unusual to have conversations with the ghosts and spirits during the tours or in the original keeper’s quarters.
“Ghosts are like people,” said Kelly Merriman, a volunteer ghost tour organizer. “You could have a room full of people or a room of ghosts and spirits.” Merriman has given tours for three years. “My belief is ghosts are attached to the lighthouse or the grounds or historic items. We also have spirits that visit.”
↗ Museum volunteer Kelly Merriman leads visitors on ghost tours. In her three years at the lighthouse, she’s witnessed her own haunting encounters on several occasions.
The tours visit four high-activity areas during the two-hour experience. Volunteers use scanning devices, which light up when paranormal activity is present, and REM pods, which sense fluctuations in electromagnetic fields.
“You might hear them going up the steps or smell tobacco smoke or hear them going into a room,” Merriman said. Asking yes or no questions, she said, they get answers. “We have ghost meters that blink once for yes, twice for no.”
Merriman said she’s not easily frightened. However, there was one occasion when her fear meter peaked. Noticing a device light up and then another, she also heard a noise from the REM pod. “All of a sudden I’m cold, freezing,” she recalled. “The hair on my arms stood up.” Unnerved, she said aloud to a presence she felt and could not see, “I need you to step back away from me.”
The spirits who call the Pensacola Lighthouse home don’t seem to have an interest in scaring off their regular company. A happy home may be reason enough even for a ghost to respect boundaries.
No doubt, the historic beacon’s supernatural stars help to keep the original Fresnel light shining still today. EC
↑ Ghost tour volunteers man devices such as the Ghost Meter, which helps the living communicate with present spirits. A volunteer will ask questions, and ghosts can respond by setting the meter off: once for yes and twice for no.
DESTIN PLASTIC SURGERY
Destin Plastic Surgery
is continually enhancing its legacy as the premier plastic surgery destination in the Southeast.
EXPANDING ON EXCELLENCE
Founded by Dr. William Burden, Destin Plastic Surgery has become the center of excellence in North Florida, along the Gulf Coast and the Southeast region. People travel from around the world to Destin Plastic Surgery.
EXPANDING OUR FACILITY
Our state-of-the art facility is designed to provide comfort, safety, and privacy throughout your surgical experience. For example, our recovery room beds are equipped with Tempurpedic mattresses, our anesthesia machines are the latest digital machines, and there are only Destin Plastic Surgery patients in the facility. You will not be disturbed by patients from other surgeons. We have a private entrance. There is an IV lounge for
the friends and family members to use while their loved one is having surgery.
In response to the high demand for surgical procedures, we have expanded our operative capabilities from one to three cutting-edge operating rooms. This expansion allows us to accommodate more patients while maintaining our commitment to excellence in patient-centric care. Additionally, we are excited to announce the addition of hair transplantation services, further enhancing the comprehensive range of treatments offered at our practice.
EXPANDING OUR STAFF
DR. KYLE GABRICK, MD has relocated from Nashville’s Vanderbilt University to Destin Plastic Surgery’s state-of-the-art facility. Dr. Gabrick will further enhance the services offered at Destin Plastic Surgery. Dr. Gabrick has traveled extensively around the country, working with leaders in the field of plastic surgery — Dr. Martin, in San Francisco, is world renowned for deep plane face lifts; Dr. Dino Elyassnia and Dr. Rod Rohrich are famous for rhinoplasty (nose job) procedures, to name a few. He also has advanced training with Dr. William Burden in the “no scar on the breast” endoscopic breast augmentation and “no scar on the face” endoscopic brow lift.
In addition to his surgical skills, Dr. Gabrick published scientific articles while at Yale University and serves on the editorial board of the Annals of Plastic Surgery.
SASHA CASTIGLIONE, PA-C moved from the Tampa St. Pete area to start up the Destin Plastic Surgery hormone replacement clinic. She has also taken over the laser hair removal services and the ThermiVA vaginal rejuvenation procedures. Sasha offers Botox and Juvederm treatments for facial wrinkles, enhancing the lips and cheeks, and underarm treatments for sweating.
WHAT OUR PATIENTS ARE SAYING
Dr. Burden is not only a highly skilled plastic surgeon but also an incredibly caring individual. He took the time to thoroughly explain every step of the procedure, answering all my questions with patience and ensuring I felt comfortable and informed. His professionalism and expertise were evident throughout, and I felt completely at ease knowing I was in such capable hands. I have undergone several procedures throughout the years and keep returning. The results are better than I could have expected. Thanks to Dr. Burden, my clothes fit better, and I look better than I did before having children.
Dr. Gabrick is not only the most skilled plastic surgeon I’ve encountered but also the most trustworthy, genuine, dedicated and safety-conscious doctor I’ve ever come across. Dr. Gabrick’s approach was refreshingly different. He took the time to understand my vision and concerns, ensuring that my comfort and confidence were prioritized throughout the entire process. Dr. Gabrick’s impeccable professionalism and personalized care have truly transformed my experience and exceeded all expectations. I cannot express how satisfied I am with my breast augmentation and lip injections results; it has truly changed my life. I would recommend him to absolutely everyone and anyone because he is truly the best of the best.
DR. BURDEN AND DR. GABRICK
This personnel and facility expansion not only enhances our ability to deliver exceptional results but also reaffirms our commitment to setting the gold standard in plastic surgery on the Emerald Coast.
DR. BURDEN’S BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
PERSONALITY
THE SALTY REALTOR
Andy McAlexander ditches finance for entrepreneurship, adventure and community
by DAVID EKRUT, PH.D.
Before becoming a premier Walton County realtor and founder of the South Walton Artificial Reef Association, Andy McAlexander spent his formative years landlocked.
Though Arkansas has rocky trails and lush forests in abundance, few waves are to be found in the lakes and rivers.
McAlexander later moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where he attended high school before another move to New Orleans where he met his wife and earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Tulane University.
After graduation, McAlexander received an offer to become a stockbroker for Merrill Lynch in Jacksonville, Florida. His life’s trajectory was set, and he was on the path to finding his fortune. There was only one problem.
“I was very unhappy with being a stockbroker,” McAlexander recalled.
But his mother, who was living in San Francisco at the time, was building a house in Destin. “I came over periodically to check on progress and whatnot,” he said. He soon fell in love with the area, quit his lucrative job and moved to the Emerald Coast.
He worked as a salesman for a decade before turning his hobbies into profit. Being raised in Forest City, Arkansas, he was familiar with growing crops. He
lifelong
an
began growing tomatoes in his backyard for personal use, until a fortuitous encounter gave him an idea.
“I’ve always been into cooking and gravitated toward restaurateurs as friends,” McAlexander said, adding that he considers himself a foodie. For fun, he and his wife would often host dinner parties.
On one such evening, a friend and restaurateur offered to purchase McAlexander’s home-grown tomatoes.
McAlexander realized, “There is a market for this product on 30A.”
His backyard garden became Mac Farms. He expanded the growth of his
crops, introducing hydroponics and going so far as to buy a nearby empty lot.
“We were overseeing about 1½ tons of tomatoes a year,” he said.
He also grew lettuce, spinach and other crops. Eventually, McAlexander sold the business to Mona McGhee, who still continues the vision as a supplier to chefs and restaurants within the 30A corridor and Santa Rosa Beach area.
Now, McAlexander primarily works as a broker and realtor. But he sees his profession as more than a paycheck. Many of his clients become long-term relationships. Rather than, “be a sales monkey”
↗
Serial entrepreneur Andy McAlexander has worked in finance, sales, real estate and agriculture.
But a
passion for diving and
interest in environmentalism led him to found the nonprofit South Walton Artificial Reef Association.
and simply move houses, McAlexander puts in the effort to make sure he knows the wants and needs of his clients.
“If you do your job right the first time, you get repeat business,” he noted.
Beyond business, McAlexander is invested in his community.
“If you want to learn a town, find a salty realtor and have them drive you around and buy you coffee. You are going to get educated on what’s happening in each and every community.”
McAlexander can give a rundown of the best restaurants and happenings in Walton County, and he can offer insider info on one of the Emerald Coast’s top excursions.
including the Underwater Museum of Art (UMA).
A project of the Cultural Arts Alliance, the UMA was created in partnership with SWARA and features sculptures crafted by jury-selected artists. New works are added to the museum each year.
McAlexander also became involved in the January 2024 deployment of the R/V Deep STIM III, a 1990s offshore oil vessel, as an addition to the area’s reef systems. SWARA, along with the Emerald Coast Reef Association, helped fund reef modules for an addition to the deck of the vessel.
Following concerns spawned by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, McAlexander said, “I got to thinking; of all the things that you can do, which would be the best thing for the community?”
Founded in 2013 by McAlexander, the South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA) has deployed approximately 700 artificial reef structures at 16 evenly distributed sites along the coast of Walton County.
Reef installations are helping to revive species by creating a habitat for ocean life that frequent our Gulf of Mexico waters. Too, artificial reefs attract tourists and locals eager to visit subaquatic attractions
Once a diver himself, McAlexander has retired his own scuba suit due to the inherent risks. Still, he’ll always have a passion for diving and reef life. But now, he just runs the boat and takes pictures out on the water with his drone.
“There’s nothing more peaceful in the world than being down there,” he said but also acknowledged, “It’s an unnecessary risk for me.”
In his downtime, McAlexander enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids and trying new foods with friends and family.
Only time will tell what the next McAlexander dinner party might conjure up. EC
photography by MIKE FENDER
↑ South Walton is home to four near-shore dive reefs that were deployed by SWARA and serve as fish habitats. Seen here, the dolphin reef in Miramar Beach can be reached by kayak or paddleboard.
Renewed, Refreshed and Relaxed
WaterColor Inn unveils 60 newly designed guest rooms
Where most of a vacation takes place outside your hotel room, WaterColor Inn desires to make your stay luxurious and, most of all, memorable.
The boutique hotel’s newly reimagined 60 guest rooms make it difficult to want to leave your lodgings.
The redesigned rooms feature brandnew flooring and furnishings that reflect WaterColor’s signature coastal casual elegance. WaterColor Inn worked alongside Blount Designs, a hospitality design firm, to select natural woods, calming color palettes, cloud-like linens and spa-inspired toiletries that reflect a laid-back lux vibe.
The designers took note of the beautiful beachfront setting right outside each room’s doors, incorporating elements of warmth and organic touches that highlight the Inn’s connection to nature.
In addition to upgraded aesthetics, the rooms now feature keyless entry and guest
entertainment systems that provide access to Netflix and a comprehensive guest services directory.
“The new guest rooms are designed to elevate the guest experience through a blend of comfort, elegance and functionality,” said Gabrielle Testa, general manager for WaterColor Inn. “Ultimately, the goal was to craft a sophisticated yet laid-back beach style that allows our guests to feel both relaxed and indulged.”
The new guest rooms come following the unveiling of the seven new family suites and family-friendly pool introduced in 2022.
Whether in the guest rooms or family suites, WaterColor Inn provides scenic views and access to beautiful beaches from anywhere on the property. Guests enjoy family-friendly amenities such as the WaterColor Beach Club and Camp WaterColor, ideal for the whole family with two pools with slides, a lazy river, a playground and a basketball court. The six
dining options span any flavor your taste buds are craving, from casual cantinas to fine dining.
For over 20 years, WaterColor Inn has been widely recognized for its long-standing award-winning service, providing comfort, convenience, calm and extra special touches to make each stay memorable.
“The inspiration behind the design of WaterColor Inn’s recently renovated rooms stems from our commitment to a cohesive and enhanced guest experience,” said Testa.
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Ross • The Fresh Market
EATERIES
Texas Roadhouse • IHOP • Jersey Mike’s Subs • CAVA Grill
Chili’s • Wayback Burgers • Craft Bar: a Florida Gastropub
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PetSmart • Kirkland’s • Verizon • Bed, Bath and Beyond
Michael’s • Chan’s Wine World • World Market
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Chan’s Wine World • World Market • Shoe Carnival uBreakiFix • Dixielectricar • Barnes & Noble and more! 15750 Panama City Beach Pkwy PierParkNorth.com
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Threads ofDestiny
Fortuitous fashion interests bring Kendall Andrews’ career back its roots by LACI
SWANN
At 14, Kendall Andrews took a summer job at a local boutique to fund her teenage shopping habits. After more than a decade away, Andrews returned to Cabana by The Seaside Style with a new perspective and the same love for fashion.
CITIZEN OF STYLE
Growing up in the idyllic coastal community of Seaside, Florida, a teenage Kendall Andrews had one driving factor that sent her looking for a role in the local workforce: shopping.
At 14, Andrews took a part-time job at Perspicasity, now known as Cabana by The Seaside Style. Every paycheck, dutifully earned, found its way back into Andrews’ closet.
“In what I thought was a trendsetting moment, I bought babydoll tops, layering tanks and fold-over gaucho pants,” Andrews said, laughing, “but I mostly bought halter dresses for the summer.”
Andrews didn’t know it then, but that simple summer retail job would be her first step on a full-circle career journey.
For Andrews, white jeans are like a blank canvas for a bold outfit. Here, she pairs the wardrobe staple with pops of color in her floral print blouse, pompom kitten heels and beaded accessories from Cabana.
Her fashion love affair continued well into high school, where her peers idolized her eye for style — she was voted “best dressed” for senior superlatives. At one point, Andrews’ mother had to place a limit on daily outfit changes.
“I remember getting in trouble for going to our neighbor’s house to change my dress after I reached my daily outfit limit,” Andrews said, recalling five to be her max style allowance per day. “As a punishment, I had to wear shorts and a T-shirt for an entire week. It was torture for a fashion-loving girlie like me.”
↖ →
Andrews wound up working other endeavors to fund her wardrobe while attending college. She graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor of science in political science and economics. But 11 years after her Perspicacity days, Andrews found her way back to The Seaside Style.
“I was told that The Seaside Style needed a design assistant at Pizitz Home & Cottage, so I moved home and applied for the role,” Andrews said. “This began my post-grad journey at Seaside.”
Since then, Andrews has filled various roles within the company, including marketing coordinator, e-commerce director and director of marketing. Today, she’s the senior director of brand development and marketing for The Seaside Style. In her current role,
Andrews oversees marketing efforts across the company’s five stores and the town of Seaside. Beyond the Emerald Coast, Andrews’ work takes her on trips to cities including Miami, Atlanta and New York City, immersing herself in fashion’s latest trends.
“This hands-on experience helps us to curate stylish and trendy collections for our stores,” Andrews said.
Blending her eye for style and her experience in marketing, Andrews ensures that the company’s digital messaging and campaigns reflect ever-changing trends.
Similar to the fashion choices of her adolescence, classic staples and a splash of trendy pieces remain Andrews’ signature style. Embracing the influence of fashion on everyday life, she remains highly selective about her outfit choices.
↑ Andrews holds her closet to a high standard, and not every fashion brand makes the cut. Mainly, she shops what she knows — Cabana by The Seaside Style. Always, she pairs a classic, timeless fit with a few trending pieces.
“I believe that clothing can significantly impact one’s mood,” she said. “So, I choose pieces that bring joy and positivity to my day.”
While her style is generally a refreshing mix of vibrant florals and bold dresses, Andrews balances those statement pieces with neutral tones such as white, black and tan.
“White jeans are a staple in my wardrobe,” she said.
Functional and fashionable, Andrews pairs her favorite closet staple with a tropical print top in the summer and opts for a cozy cashmere sweater in the fall, demonstrating the versatile yet classic elements of her closet.
“I also enjoy adding a pop of color with accessories, such as a bold, beaded aquamarine necklace or a fun pair of bright green wedges,” she said.
Andrews’ 3-year-old daughter Elizabeth, lovingly known as Bizzy, has certainly followed in her mother’s fashion footsteps. The motherdaughter duo’s favorite pastimes include shopping for new outfits and accessories and enjoying time together on the beach.
“Whether it’s a day at the beach or enjoying the Huck & Lilly kids concerts in Seaside, Bizzy shares my passion for shopping and adventures,” Andrews said.
From her early days at Perspicasity to her current role at The Seaside Style, Andrews has woven together a rich tapestry of experiences, each thread representing moments of creativity and passion in the Seaside community. EC
↖ →
A bold dress with a fun, colorful print is a favorite look for Andrews. Here, her green Cabana dress features pops of pink and orange to complement her beaded accessories.
← Andrews shares her love of fashion with daughter Bizzy. Alongside her mom in a bright pink Cabana dress, the 3-yearold fashionista sports a white sundress from Bump + Baby.
PHOTO BY DANIEL MEIGS (KENDALL AND BIZZY)
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BEAUTY
THE NEW BRONZE AGE
No more orange hues, spray tanning gets a glow-up
by LACI SWANN
Known for beautiful weather and sunny seasons, Florida makes it easy to maintain a sun-kissed glow. Still, sunbathing beach days can often take a backseat to work schedules and responsibilities. And the occasional stormy weather, brief winters and cloudy days are a factor, too.
Enter the spray tan. Not so many years ago, bottled bronzers yielded unnatural and unpleasant results — tangerine hues, streaky skin and residue on clothing. Today, apparent fake tans are a thing of the past. Improved ingredients and blends have given a resurgence to the alternative tanning method.
“There’s a misconception that spray tanning will make you look orange or unnatural or that it will smell, but those are myths,” said Brittany Sigler, owner and operator of Destin 30A Luxe Mobile Tan. “Destin 30A Luxe Tan uses a proprietary blend solution that adjusts to the melanin and pH in your skin to give you an even tone and natural-looking tan. The smell is also very minimal.”
Too, spray tans offer preventative skin care from the health risks presented by traditional sunbathing. Skin cancer poses a long-term threat, and red, peeling skin from sunburns can be painful and ruin a fresh glow.
There’s no need for sunscreen when achieving a bronze tone sans harmful UV rays. Still, Allison Viviano, manager at Destin 30A Luxe Mobile Tan, suggests a skin care regimen to be followed pre and post tan.
“Be sure to shave and exfoliate ahead of your appointment time,” said Viviano. “To avoid unwanted skin reactions, be very cautious about not using oils,
↗ The modern spray tan breaks myths of orange hues, residue and lingering scents. New formulas create natural, sun-kissed skin.
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lotions or deodorant on your body right before your appointment.”
Similar to the precautions one must take before enjoying natural rays, such as using sunscreen and avoiding direct sun exposure, spray tanning requires precautions of its own.
One of the most important pieces of advice that Viviano shared is to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. The combination of hydration and prevention of abrasive rubbing will facilitate a lovely, lasting glow. Without adequate water intake, your skin becomes duller and more prone to irritations and blemishes. The more water you drink, the more likely your skin’s elasticity will improve.
“Be mindful of your water intake as well as your pre- and posttanning product choices, which will help or hinder your spray tan bond to your skin,” Viviano warned. “We suggest natural products, such as our exfoliating hydrator with hemp lotion. We absolutely love that one, and our clients do, too.”
TIPS TO MAKE YOUR SPRAY TAN LAST
Exfoliate your skin at least eight hours before your appointment. Wear loosefitting clothing to your appointment and after to avoid rubbing off on furniture or clothing. AFTER:
To avoid rubbing off on furniture or clothing, Destin 30a Luxe Mobile Tan advises steering clear of tight clothing, water submersion and sweating for about six hours.
“Allow the spray tan to sink into the skin, and once those six hours have passed, take a shower to rid yourself of residue and enjoy your new glow,” said Viviano.
With the days of unnatural orange hues in the rearview, spray tans now offer a safe and quick way to achieve a beautiful Florida glow. EC
FindingSolace & Inspiration in Nature
The journey of Jennifer Albert with JA Essence Beauty and JA 30A Salon
As an artist, creator and human, Jennifer Albert has long sought nature as a source of refuge and inspiration. Nature has been a guiding and healing force in her approaches to life, business and interactions with her clients and community.
In March 2020, she experienced a moment of immense pride when Forbes magazine published an article featuring the hard work and dedication she poured into opening her Soho, New York City salon, a space designed to support independent beauty and wellness brands. Sadly, that joy was quickly eclipsed by a global pandemic, leading to worldwide shutdowns and indefinitely closing her salon’s doors.
During this time, Albert retreated to her home in Santa Rosa Beach. Amidst tranquil nature walks, the soothing presence of local waters and the supportive community, she found a sanctuary that ignited her visions and fueled her pioneering spirit.
Opening her New York salon had been a daunting task that she
INSPIRED BY THE HEALING POWER OF NATURE, I SET OUT TO EXPAND THE LINE, AIMING TO OFFER A COMPLETE HOME AND TRAVEL SET FOR MY CLIENTELE AND WHOLESALE OPPORTUNITIES.”
— JENNIFER ALBERT
was proud of, but she realized a beautiful opportunity awaited her in her Santa Rosa backyard. During the pandemic and beyond, the area welcomed new residents and became a vibrant community.
With a reframed mindset, Albert invested her time and talents into her Santa Rosa Beach salon, JA 30A Salon and her beauty line, JA Essence Beauty.
“This revelation prompted me to rebrand and refocus my efforts, offering a unique one-on-one concierge experience to heal and soothe the community with my skills and talents honed over years of working in metropolitan cities, corporate salons and boutique salons,” said Albert.
Albert, who has long known the importance of self-care, wanted to extend caring for the hair, skin and
immune system to her clients. At that time, the JA Essence Beauty line was in its infancy, comprising just three products.
“Inspired by the healing power of nature, I set out to expand the line, aiming to offer a complete home and travel set for my clientele and wholesale opportunities,” said Albert.
“My deep connection to nature drove me to create products that harness nature’s ingredients to heal the skin and bolster the immune system.”
While the plants, animals and stunning landscapes of the Emerald Coast are her constant muse, so are the people who live there. Albert highly values the numerous collaborations she has with local entrepreneurs, artists, creators and business owners.
“Santa Rosa Beach has not only been my home but also the foundation of my vision for JA Essence Beauty.
I am committed to using my platform to promote healing, wellness and the importance of nature in our lives.”
WHAT’S IN STORE?
A roundup of retail happenings throughout the Emerald Coast
by REBECCA PADGETT FRETT
Fall and winter holidays are opportune occasions for indoor entertaining. Jes & Gray Living, located in Miramar Beach, can transform your dining experience with a STATEMENT DINING TABLE featuring elegant cone-shaped legs in a light, warm wood tone and comfortably seating up to 10 guests. Adding a vibrant yet cohesive coastal, modern touch, the SEA MIST FABRIC CHAIRS are crafted in a performance fabric to bring this dining area to life. Whether you’re looking to completely redecorate a room or upgrade a few pieces, Jes & Gray Living offers an extensive range of indoor and outdoor furniture, lighting, textiles, decor, artwork, lifestyle apparel, jewelry and comprehensive interior design services.
MERIT by Willow
➸ MERIT BY WILLOW in Alys Beach is all about the style indulgences that make life finer. Fall’s hottest color is hot pink. Exclusively at MERIT by Willow is the PINK SAPPHIRE COLLECTION featuring vibrant pink sapphires set in elegant designs that exude sophistication and style, perfect for adding a touch of luxury to any ensemble.
➸ Living in a beach town, a straw hat is a wardrobe staple, especially one that could be worn from the pool to dinner. The JANESSA LEONE PACKABLE STRAW HAT is a classic-style fedora made with packable straw and a structured modern shape. The hat is available in rich black or sand straw with a tonal leather band.
➸ THE ULLA JOHNSON TILDA RUCHED MINI BAG, made from calfskin pebbled leather, features hammered hardware and a magnetic clasp. These features make it both classic and modern, making it one of the most iconic bags in your closet.
➸ The search is always on for the perfect white sneaker, and the AUTRY SNEAKER is it. Simple yet versatile, pair them with a sundress or your favorite jeans and blazer combo.
Gigi’s Boutique & Eats
➸ In 2024, we’re celebrating the year of cowgirl-inspired clothing. The PEACH LOVE COTTON TERRY SEQUIN RIBBON AND BOOTS SWEATSHIRT and BERNESE DENIM COWBOY BOOTS available at GIGI’S BOUTIQUE & EATS IN PENSACOLA, are ideal for your next country concert or musical festival. The boots are also cute paired with any of the shop’s variety of sundresses.
➸ As fall temperatures set in, your lips may crave a bit of pampering. Look no further than POPPY & POUT’S 100% NATURAL VITAMIN E LIP SCRUB IN ISLAND COCONUT and 100% NATURAL LIP TINT IN ROXIE, FARRAH AND FAYE hues.
The Costa Rican-inspired brand Pura Vida has opened their first Florida store at the DESTIN COMMONS shopping mall. Colorful and eye-catching, the company’s iconic HANDMADE BRACELETS provide profit benefits to the global artisans who create them. Additionally, the company partners with more than 300 charities worldwide, donating over $4 million to worthy causes. While the bracelets are notably the most popular sellers, rings, earrings and necklaces are also available.
PURA VIDA
The Peel Reveal Dermatology
Specialists
Aqua Medical Spa offers revolutionary, new treatment
Skin treatments are constantly evolving, and Dermatology Specialists and Aqua Medical Spa stays current with the times, providing safe and proven treatments and techniques. The spa’s latest offering is the VI chemical peel.
The VI chemical peel is designed to help with a variety of skin concerns, including hyperpigmentation, sun damage, acne, acne scarring, fine lines, skin tone and wrinkles. Because of its expansive treatment options, it’s become highly popular and customizable.
“The VI chemical peel has been such a great addition to our treatment offerings because it’s very customizable,” said Dezire’e Weber, aesthetician at the Panama City Aqua Medical Spa location. “The peel you select depends on what you want to treat and how invasive you want it to be.”
Aqua Medical Spa’s aestheticians meet with each client to learn their skin goals and help them select the correct peel for optimal results. The VI chemical peel has six treatment variations: precision plus, purify, purify with precision plus, advanced, original and body.
Five of the treatments focus on issues related to the face, while the body peel can help with pigmentation, stretch marks, body acne and sun damage.
The VI peel is becoming preferred by many because it’s a safer alternative to mechanical or physical exfoliation with less downtime than deep
chemical peels. With VI peels, most clients notice results in seven days.
While they are not deep chemical peels, they are medium depth, going below surface level to boost cellular generation, making the results greater than a superficial peel.
In the office, the aesthetician will help you to download the VI peel app which will guide you through your sevenday recovery journey, instructing you on what products to apply and what to expect each day. Clients can expect peeling and flaking which should resolve
by day seven, resulting in refreshed, smooth skin.
For additional results, many clients elect to couple the peels with neurotoxin injections, which can be administered in the same appointment. The treatment combination, called ToxBooster, has been shown to boost neurotoxin results by 36%. The result of the neurotoxin boost can be noticed by patients within 30 days.
“We’ve been offering VI chemical peel treatment since June, and everyone has said their skin looks amazing and that they are happy with the results,” said Weber.
↗ Ivy & Ale owner Clint Hill envisioned a beer garden that moved beyond just casual bites and brews. Dishes like the OG whipped feta dip set a culinary tone from the beginning.
gastro & gusto
I←
An expansive 150-label wine list and wide selection of local and regional craft brews make Ivy & Ale a hot spot for beverage connoisseurs.
vy & Ale brings new meaning to a beer garden. Nestled in a quiet Fort Walton Beach neighborhood and housed in a charming former residence, this restaurant and taproom doubles as a boutique nursery.
Owner Clint Hill runs a full-time landscaping business in addition to the restaurant. While his landscaping work serves as a means to fund his creative, entrepreneurial endeavors, it has been an inspiration, too.
“The plants inside the restaurant are a nod to that,” Hill said. “Plus, they give a nice aesthetic.”
Inside Ivy & Ale is a verdant oasis featuring walls adorned with houseplants for sale propagated at Hill’s personal greenhouse. The dining room’s botanical ambiance is complemented by edgewood tables, string lighting and cozy seating. Outside, guests can enjoy a relaxed backyard atmosphere with patio seating and a performance space.
The casual space is met with an elevated yet approachable menu.
With a focus on offerings from Florida and Alabama breweries, Ivy & Ale boasts eight local and regional brews on tap, providing a diversity of flavors for both the beer connoisseur and the casual drinker. Rotating taps ensure there’s always something new to try, making each visit an adventure in beer tasting.
← Top: Creamy burrata cheese and savory prosciutto di Parma over a bed of arugula and grilled fruits, drizzled with balsamic glaze and served with toasted naan. Bottom: Flank steak cooked sous vide then seared and topped with house chimichurri sauce, paired with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted broccolini.
Equally impressive, and perhaps unknown to new patrons, is the vast wine selection.
“We have a lot more wine than people realize,” Hill said. “We have around 150 different types of wines from different vintners and buy quite a bit of limited wines, so there’s always a good pairing option for our guests.”
Whether you visit on a bustling Saturday night or for a leisurely brunch, Ivy & Ale offers a welcoming experience.
“We truly focus on celebrating and creating community,” Hill said.
Sans advertising, Hill has garnered a loyal patron base from word-of-mouth
recommendations and an active presence on social media.
“It’s nice because everyone seems to know one another,” he said. “Whether they are part of the neighborhood or just stumble into this place because of the word around town, they find themselves in a space where they’re meeting someone new or seeing a familiar face.”
A communal-style dining space encourages conversations where strangers often become friends. However, many would say the food is the real conversation starter.
With a rotating menu of select dishes, each meal is a combination of fresh,
IVY & ALE
Ivy & Ale is located at 222 Staff Drive in Fort Walton Beach.
Clint Hill, Owner
gastro & gusto
seasonal ingredients sourced locally by Hill, promising a unique culinary experience that celebrates the flavors of each season.
Still, several tried and true menu staples maintain a place on the menu and remain a hit among customers.
“One of the first menu items we’ve ever created for Ivy & Ale is our Whipped Feta Dip,” Hill said. “It’s been along for the ride during all of our menu changes.”
For Hill, crafting Ivy & Ale’s menu is a labor of love — the fresh, seasonal selections attract local and out-of-town diners alike.
“Our food is a big deal to me,” he said. “I spend so much time creating these menus and perfecting them. People know that when they come in, and they can tell because everything is fresh and intentionally made.”
From sauces to marinades, Hill prioritizes incorporating a homemade touch.
“Our steak tacos are extremely popular for that very reason,” he said. “Guests love this dish!”
A housemade marinade of 10 ingredients infuses the steak with its flavor base before it’s seared in an aged chimichurri made by Hill. Add to that pickled onions and smoked crema, it’s no wonder the steak tacos are such a hit.
Beyond food, beverages and plants, the homey hangout serves as a hub for its community, supporting local artists and organizations.
“We take part in several events,” Hill said. “We try to get all kinds of different local segments involved in our events by hiring local vendors and musicians and donating to local charities, too.”
Whether you come for the craft beer or the food, there’s no doubt you’ll stick around for the good vibes and good people. EC
DECADES COFFEE
Ivy & Ale owner Clint Hill has a knack for entrepreneurship. Adding to his repertoire, Hill has plans to open a new Fort Walton Beach coffee shop this winter at what once was the Roark Dentistry building. A remodel will open up the doctor’s office-style floor plan and house five rooms, each themed to replicate a living room from a different decade. Artisan coffee and breakfast burritos are planned for the menu, and evening offerings will include beer, wine and dinner burritos.
← Reverseseared duck breast served over sauteed squash and zucchini in a creamy tomato and mushroom sauce.
→
Doubling as a boutique nursery, Ivy & Ale guests can browse the wall of plants for sale and enjoy a cold beer or glass of wine while awaiting preparation of a curated dinner.
GET YOUR GRILL ON
Sliced, skewered or seasoned, veggies bring bold flavors to your backyard barbecue
by LIESEL SCHMIDT
Cutting vegetables into equal-sized pieces ensures everything cooks at the same rate.
Turning the heat up in the final moments of grilling produces a perfect char.
As high-tech and intricate as grills have become, you can do everything on them from charring steaks to baking cookies. Whether you’re a purist who prefers to break out the briquettes or find that nothing gets you going like gas, the grill is the perfect tool for making magic with your veggies.
SLICE AND DICE
Surface area is crucial to grilling, and greater surface areas increase the rate of cooking. Consistency is also crucial.
“Slicing or chopping vegetables into uniform pieces ensures that they will cook evenly,” said Ben Reese, a Fort Walton Beach-based financial advisor who heats up the grill whenever time allows.
Not all vegetables need to be cut up, of course — an ear of corn, for example. But cutting does speed things up and produces a more even cook. Thin or ribboned cuts of veggies like zucchini will have a very short window of time before risking overcooking or over-charring. Thicker cuts will take longer but will be easier to maneuver on the grill with tongs. By contrast, smaller pieces ←
DINING IN
gastro & gusto
may require the use of a grilling skillet or foil packet to prevent them from falling through the grates. Skewers are also useful in maximizing efficiency, but keep like vegetables together for an even cook.
SEASON LIKE A PRO
Coat your vegetable pieces in oil before putting them on the grill. Olive and coconut oils are ideal for grilling. Peanut works well, too, but be mindful of those with allergies. Also note that each will lend different flavors to your food. If you want to season your veggies, do so very lightly, as salt leeches moisture from vegetables. Too much salt before grilling can make it difficult to achieve a charred exterior.
“Italian dressings or vinaigrettes are a great pre-grilling marinade that helps keep veggies moist and adds flavor to them while you’re grilling,” said Jeff Harris, co-owner of Run With It and Blue Bay Lifestyle Co. Harris, a former restaurateur, hosts regularly, keeping his cooking skills up to speed.
“I like to toss my vegetables lightly in oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, rosemary and thyme and leave them to marinate for a couple of hours before grilling,” grill master Reese added. “This not only adds flavor but also helps prevent sticking to the grill and drying out.”
↑ Coat your vegetable pieces in oil before putting them on the grill. ← Keep your veggies from drying out and add a burst of flavor by using a saucy marinade or vinaigrette dressing before cooking.
HANDLE THE HEAT
If your grill comes with a built-in thermometer, make it your friend. When grilling vegetables, hotter is not always better. Temps of roughly 400–425 F are typically best. “Medium-high heat is ideal for most vegetables,” said Reese, “as it sears the outside quickly, creating a nice char and flavor while keeping the inside moist.”
gastro & gusto
DIRECT OR INDIRECT
In grilling, direct heat refers to cooking directly over the flames, while indirect heat involves cooking adjacent to your heat source. A combination of direct and indirect methods is often useful for grilling vegetables that take longer to cook through, such as whole carrots or cabbage wedges.
“After getting an initial char, move the veggies to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking on indirect heat,” Reese advised. “Make sure to keep an eye on them and move them around frequently.”
“Direct heat is great for fast cooking — especially when you want a good char on the veggies and to avoid steaming them,” Harris said.
USE YOUR LID
Keeping the grill lid open or closing it while you’re grilling is determined by what you’re cooking. For smaller or more delicate vegetables, keep the lid off. Thicker, more dense vegetables, however, benefit from a closed lid because it creates a convection effect, circulating the hot air and helping cook more thoroughly. Thicker veggies like whole cauliflower may need closed-lid grilling, while asparagus and similarly thin vegetables benefit from open grilling.
POST-GRILL SEASONING
The best time to season grilled veggies is after they’re finished on the grill. Salt and black pepper, a squeeze of lemon or a simple sauce are all great ways to enhance the taste of your grilled veg. But remember to be conservative rather than heavy-handed. Let that grill flavor shine! EC
↗ For a steamed effect, cook your veggies low and slow with the lid closed. If you’re looking for a good, crispy char, go for direct heat with a watchful eye and regular tong rotations.
Mimmo’s Ristorante Italiano
Authentic Italian cuisine, family hospitality and Old-World warmth
No matter the day of the week, a visit to Mimmo’s Ristorante Italiano should feel like Sunday dinner with family — plates heaped with food, wine glasses topped and conversation flowing.
For 11 years, this has been Mimmo La Innusa’s vision, bringing his cherished Sunday dinners at his grandparents’ home in Sicily to his home on the Emerald Coast.
“Our goal is to make guests feel at home as soon as they walk through the door,” said La Innusa. “From the hostess to the manager and chefs to the servers, we work as a team to make you feel like part of the family every time you visit.”
La Innusa opened his first location in Destin in 2013 and, 10 years later,
opened his second location in Blue Mountain Beach. La Innusa’s wife, Megan Hall, helped design the Blue Mountain Beach location, where OldWorld warmth meets modern flair style and has attracted steady business over the past year.
Both locations are known and loved for their menus serving authentic Italian cuisine, which features homemade sauces, dressings, breads, pasta and pizzas. Many of the recipes have been passed down through generations of the La Innusa family.
The Mimmo’s Marsala, veal or chicken cooked in Marsala wine mushroom sauce finished with a touch of cream and orange zest on a nest of angel hair, is a raved-about house speciality.
“Everyone works hard in the kitchen, making everything fresh and keeping up with the traditional standards customers have come to expect,” said La Innusa.
La Innusa had long been a partner of Clemenza’s at Uptown Station but took over the operation of that restaurant as well in early 2024. For the remainder of the year, La Innusa will embark on the expansion of the Destin Mimmo’s location, which will include taking over the space next door and remodeling.
“Having three restaurants has not been easy, but it’s worth it, and I’m grateful every day,” said La Innusa. “I have great employees who are dedicated and passionate and loyal customers who continue to support us.”
CUPS AND HEARTS BRIMMING OVER
DCWAF’s Harvest Wine & Food Festival raises funds for local charities
Aharvest represents an abundance, and in the case of the eighth annual Harvest Wine & Food Festival occurring Oct. 17–20, this equates to a bounty of culinary creations, libations and funds raised for the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF).
This four-day fall festival includes intimate wine dinners, The Grand Tasting, a cocktail brunch and plenty of opportunities to delve into the fine wine-and-dine world.
A ticket to any event over the weekend will benefit DCWAF’s 17 local children’s charities, which support a range of needs impacting children and families, including medical care, mental health, food insecurity, homelessness and more. Additionally, throughout the weekend, a virtual auction will take place, with all proceeds benefiting the designated charities.
The festivities begin on Thursday, Oct. 17, with five celebrity winemaker dinners hosted at various locations throughout South Walton. The dinners are as follows: AXR Napa Valley at Fonville Press, presented by First National Bank; Gamba Vineyards & Winery at Wild Olives, presented by Carol and Carter Zorn; Mending Wall Winery and Phifer Pavitt at Vin’tij Food & Wine, presented by the Powell Family; Perchance Estates at Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood presented by Stephen and Joan Carter; and William Cole Vineyards in a private WaterColor Residence presented by Setco Services.
Friday evening, 250 guests will attend Harvest After Dark, an upscale event in Cerulean Park that indulges the senses with unlikely food and wine pairings created by celebrity chefs renowned throughout the Southeast.
“This is a sought-after event because it pairs high-end beautiful wines with fun, approachable foods from culinary talent both in and out of the market,” said Kate MacMillan, director of marketing and communications with DCWAF. “It’s both intimate and fun, allowing the opportunity for attendees to talk one-on-one with culinary experts and representatives from wineries.”
Saturday features another sought-after event, The Grand Tasting, at Cerulean Park. Attendees stroll to tasting stations where they can sample hundreds of wines from around the world and nosh on provisions hosted by the finest culinary talent in the region.
For VIP guests, the VIP Tent, presented by Brad Dahler of Scenic Sotheby’s and
Emerald Coast Magazine, will include additional elevated wine, beer and food options, as well as a private lounge area, cocktail bar and live music.
The weekend will conclude with a Parisian-inspired cocktail brunch presented by Driftwood Wine & Spirits.
Kristen Hall, a French-trained chef and pastry chef based out of Birmingham, will provide the menu, paired with crafted cocktails by Better Together Beverage.
“Every year, the festival continues to get better and better as the team continues to do a really good job of elevating the experience created for guests by fostering relationships with local talent while bringing in new, exciting talent on the culinary, wine and beverage levels,” said MacMillan.
To learn more and purchase tickets, visit DCWAF.org/harvest-festival.
JUAN C. ZARATE, MD, FACC, FSCAI Interventional Cardiologist
ANTHONY S. AL-DEHNEH, DO, FACC, FSCAI Interventional Cardiologist
GEORGE A. YOUSSEF, MD, FACC, FSCAI Interventional Cardiologist
Carotid angiogram and stents | Peripheral stents in leg vasculature Aneurysm repair | Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysm
For over 17 years, our locally owned restaurant group has been the heartbeat of the west side of famed HWY 30A in Walton County. Our passionate chefs are dedicated to delivering exceptional cuisine in a casual, welcoming atmosphere Pairing gourmet dishes with the best in live music, we create unforgettable experiences that celebrate the vibrant culture of our community. Join us and discover why we are a beloved staple on 30A.
live music & award-winning chefs
Stinky’s Fish Camp & Stinky’s Bait Shack 2024
Red Fish Taco 2024
images credit Mooncreek Studios
OCT/NOV 2024
CREATIVE WORKS LAND ON PAGES, CANVASES AND STAGES
From Field to Easel
Kara Valentino Ffield seeks Mother Nature as her muse
by REBECCA PADGETT FRETT
photography by STEVEN GRAY
BOOKS The Wild Man of Ocheesee Swamp
ART
↖
Artist Kara Valentino Ffield adds detail to an oil painting inspired by her studio window view of the neighboring woods where foxes frequently pass through.
From her studio window, Kara Valentino Ffield spots an osprey among tree branches. On an afternoon walk, she collects local flora to sketch. In the evening, she sinks her hands into the soil of her Pensacola miniature farm.
In Ffield’s case, life imitates art and art imitates life. She’s cultivated a space and a life where nature and her art move in tandem.
Since childhood, she’s felt an equal pull to both the easel and the outdoors. She recalls being the child always doodling, prizing her 100-crayon box of Crayolas and creating collages to decorate the many homes she occupied growing up as the child of a Naval aviator.
Her first formal art class was in high school when she enrolled in a photography course during her sophomore year. Ffield
found enjoyment both in capturing the shot and in the solitary creative process that took place in the darkroom.
In 2012, Ffield received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Auburn University in painting and printmaking. After graduating, she held jobs as a decorator, art gallery manager and jewelry designer, all while pursuing her own art career on the side.
By 2018, she had been featured at a number of shows and galleries and commissioned enough work that she felt comfortable dedicating her livelihood to solely being an artist.
Ffield still accepts commission requests and has completed a number of personal collections inspired by nature’s flora and fauna. Her paintings are large-format pieces in oil, acrylic, watercolor and ink mediums.
photography by STEVEN GRAY
↑ Ffield frequently returns from daily walks with plant life for creative inspiration. At her desk, an antique baker’s table, she uses a fine felt-tip pen on homemade paper to imitate the intricacies of a coneflower picked from her garden.
“My inspiration often comes from taking walks and simply being outdoors,” said Ffield. “I pay attention to what’s happening around me — how the light plays off surfaces and listening to naturally occurring sounds. Then, I think about how these things make me feel. My art is a means of replicating the feeling nature gives me.”
Too, her collections are inspired by moods and emotions, which she reflects in her color schemes.
Her most recent collection titled Natural Daydreams is ethereal and gossamer, featuring smokey hues that mimic a hazy morning or looking through the cloud of a stormy afternoon. Through vapors and mist, florals swirl around animals such as foxes, deer, rabbits, birds and fish. Imagine looking through the fog of a day to view a thriving ecosystem.
“This collection stems from the hair raising on the back of your neck, goosebumps on skin feeling that happens when you’re paying attention to what Mother Nature is saying,” said Ffield. “I feel I particularly experience this heightened awareness on misty, rainy, moody days.”
Her previous collection, The Stirring, presents canvases of a sienna-meetsblush hue, a shade often viewed at the day’s end burning sundown, with the Gothic silhouettes of flowers, bees, butterflies and ravens.
A lover of nature’s beauty, Ffield’s appreciation extends further to her conservancy advocacy and environmental activism. She received her permaculture design certificate through
↖↓ At her Pensacola property, Ffield finds inspiration among nature. Her Natural Daydreams collection (depicted below with Daydream II) focuses on wildlife amid hazy scenes.
↙ Ffield's backyard farm helped her achieve certification in permaculture design. There, she grows her own food and tends to her chickens and two miniature pigs, Wednesday and Pugsley (pictured below).
a course at Oregon State University, using her own miniature farm as her case study.
The objective of permaculture is designing livable systems for people and the planet that support nature’s own naturally occurring ability. This can include growing your own food, repairing environmentally damaged land, practicing sustainable habits and other actions that promote harmony with nature.
“In my art, I reference and research real plants and animals that would occur together in actual, natural habitats,” said Ffield. “Where I hope my work presents peace and escapism, I hope it also encourages viewers to think about nature and how important protecting our environment is.”
When not in her studio, Ffield can be found tending to her animals — chickens, pigs, rabbits and cats — and selecting vegetables, herbs and fruits for that day’s culinary creation. While she delights in her own slice of ecosystem, she enjoys being a short distance from the coastline where she can see dolphins swimming while she treks through the tall grasses.
“Nature is spectacular and often spiritual,” said Ffield. “It’s an ancient and timeless thing to think, throughout history, nature has called to us to pay attention.” EC
Inspirations and Influences
Painter Kara Valentino Ffield finds artistic influences in all facets of her life — other art forms, hobbies, nature and feelgood moments. Here are a few of her favorites:
➺ Jane Austen movies
➺ Baroque paintings
➺ American folk art
➺ Embroidery patterns
➺ J.M.W. Turner paintings
➺ Cooking without a recipe
➺ Rococo style
➺ Whiskey on a rainy day
➺ Tea on a sunny day
➺ Botanical still-lifes
➺ Caspar David Friedrich paintings
➺ Solo road trips
➺ Greek sculptures
➺ Color palettes of Wes Anderson movies
PHARMACEUTICALS
REGINA JAQUESS
Your Physician’s Compounding Pharmacist
Regina Jaquess, Pharm D, a resident of Santa Rosa Beach since 1998, founded and opened Emerald Coast Compounding Pharmacy in 2010. She is recognized locally as a physician’s compounding pharmacist and works closely to meet the individual needs of each patient by recognizing the importance of their specific medical history. By creating a relationship between the patient, provider, and pharmacist, Regina is able to customize a solution to positively impact ideal therapeutic outcomes. You can also follow Regina’s international water skiing career at her website www.reginajaquess.com.
Regina Jaquess, PharmD; USA Water Ski Team member; 10 time PAN AM Game Champion; 3 time World Game Champion; 10 time World Champion; World Records in both slalom and overall; Member of Daughters of the American Revolution, West Florida Chapter.
Monday–Friday, 9AM–5PM 1719 S Co. Highway 393, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 www.eccpharmacy.com • info@eccpharmacy.com
THE WILD MAN OF OCHEESEE SWAMP
Inspired by a true story from the summer of 1884 by
DOUG ALDERSON
Irvin wasn’t quite sure when the wildness began. Perhaps it was in the battle itself when a bullet seared through his leg and then shrapnel from an exploding cannonball entered his skull. He struggled for life in a primitive field hospital at Chickamauga in 1863. His body survived the surgeries and fevers but not his mind, and no one seemed to care when he wandered off after three months — wandered away from what was left of the bloody Civil War, no longer capable of being a soldier.
He generally walked in a southerly direction, through his land of Dixie, scouring for vegetables in farm fields and foraging on berries and roots. He was scarred in every way and avoided humans whenever possible. Months, and even years, passed. Family became a vague dream. Faces, names and familiar places faded; he knew not how to find them, and slowly he forgot. Eventually, even his own name escaped him along with words. And when the last of his clothes tore away from him, he did nothing to replace them, and dark hair began to grow in all places of his body. When his boots fell away, his feet became as tough as bear paws.
Perhaps the moment he knew he had crossed into being a wild animal was when he came upon an old plantation house at dusk thinking it abandoned. A large bulldog came after him, and upon being confronted with the snarling beast, something took hold of him. He snarled back. Then, he reared up with claw-like fingernails and bared his teeth. This was followed by a guttural scream that sent the dog running. Afterward, he was less afraid of wild beasts, and they generally gave him space. He could howl like the wolves that roamed the forests and could scream nearly as loud as a wildcat. Yet, he could also be gentle. Once, he found a hidden fawn. He sat and stroked it for a spell and left it unharmed.
He wrestled with a playful bear cub one spring but knew enough to back away when mother bear rushed out from the brush. He learned from watching bears. Most of what they ate, he could eat. He could even catch fish with his bare hands or spear them with his fingernails and slice them open to eat the meat.
His closest call with death came when he tried to cross a swollen stream and was swept downstream. Upon emerging onto shore, gasping for breath and his
vision blurry, a coiled water moccasin struck him on the hand and caused a burning pain much like the Yankee bullet years before. His hand and arm became purple and swollen and he was delirious for days.
He lived in a cave for a spell, a sheltered place with clean water and a near-constant temperature. By the blackened ceilings and chipped stone, he knew native people had once lived there for generations. His dreams were the most vivid then. During sleep, he roamed with the spirits of the former occupants — watched their ways, heard their stories, saw how they lived and died. He felt kinship, but one day a wagon pulled up and men began
WHERE TO FIND IT
The Wild Man of Ocheesee Swamp first appeared in Doug Alderson’s Spooky Stories from the Swamp, a collection of short stories based on Alderson’s firsthand accounts, experiences and impressions of Florida swamplands. Alderson’s fictional account of the 1884 Ocheesee Wild Man is based on real events. First published in 2020, the Spooky Stories from the Swamp collection is a publication of the Palm Beach-based Pineapple Press.
unloading supplies for a whiskey still. He had to wait until dark to slip past and continue his wandering.
Deep in the forest, he once encountered a Muscogee Indian elder, someone nearly as secretive as him. The man started chanting when he saw him and slowly backed away, but not before leaving food and tobacco as a type of offering to a living and breathing mythological creature.
The longer the wild man roamed, the more he sought a place where no humans lived. When he reached the vast cypress forests of Ocheesee Swamp in North Florida, he stopped his roaming and moved from island to island in search of food and a feeling of peace. Here he felt safe. Here was home. Still, hunger pangs frequently wracked his body, always hunger. Gnawing from inside. Eventually, he was spotted by some of the pioneer settlers who lived on the
outskirts, and many heard his anguished cries at night. Men formed a team to find him, many of whom had served in the Confederate Army. They came with guns, ropes and dogs, moving from island to island until they surrounded him and closed in with screams and yells. They seemed afraid of him as he snarled and howled and thrashed at them with his long fingernails. But they did not shoot. Instead, they snared him with ropes and dragged him through the swamp, afraid to touch or get close, and once on land they caged him as they would a prized hog and gazed at him with a combination of fear and fascination, wondering who he was or what he was.
A skunk ape, some said, a Sasquatch. The missing link. He couldn’t be a man. No man could turn into such an animal. The mere idea seemed to frighten them, that people might not be so far removed from wild animals, that it could take
just a few years and hair would cover the body and fingernails would become claws and a species so proud of their forward evolution could revert back to something before organized civilization.
When adults weren’t looking, children poked him with sticks, and when he howled at them, they ran in fear, only to be pulled back for more, drawn in by the mystery and prodded by the dares of friends.
The people gave him food and water as they would a dog. They talked and pointed, and whiskey jugs were passed around. “We got us a real skunk ape!” exalted Zeke, one of the searchers. “We’re all going to be famous!”
Becky, his wife, wasn’t so convinced. She approached the cage and scrunched up her nose. “But what if he’s not?”
“What do you mean, woman?”
“I mean just that, what if he’s not? I been thinking real hard on it, and doing some praying. What if he was born to a Godfearing Christian family and somehow got that way, maybe in the war?”
“No, couldn’t be! You’re just trying to ruin our excitement.”
Becky scrunched up her nose again and looked closer at the creature thrashing about in the cage. “It could be. It just could be.”
Zeke’s mood sobered quickly. “Maybe we should have just shot him and buried him in the swamp.”
“Might have been the merciful thing to do, all right. But if he is a man, he got that way somehow and maybe he can go back to being a civilized man.” She glanced at Zeke and snickered, and decided not to say more, but the question gnawed at her. What if …
Zeke gulped whiskey from a nearby jug as Becky walked away. “No way a man could get like that. That’s a skunk ape. The first ever captured skunk ape. We’re all going to be famous.” But his enthusiasm had faded, doubt creeping in like swamp water.
Eventually, they put his caged body in a wagon and took him to the state
expression
mental hospital in nearby Chattahoochee to see if the creature was really a madman who had escaped, but there was no record of an escapee. He was then taken to Tallahassee where more fancy-dressed doctors pointed and wondered. “The teeth,” said one, “we must see the teeth.” Four men held down the creature and after several attempts, the doctor examined his teeth, or the few that remained in his mouth. “Those are not the teeth of an animal!” He announced, finally. “This is a man, a madman.” Wires were sent to mental hospitals in other states; responses came in. No escapees matched the description. Word spread of the wild man. Dispatches were sent through Florida, Georgia and Alabama, but since the wild man did not talk and had no belongings, details remained sketchy. Eventually, the wild man was sent back to the state mental hospital in Chattahoochee where his screams and cries were considered strange even by those who had been sent there for being mad. Orderlies held him and shaved his face, cut his hair, bathed and clothed him, and trimmed his nails as much for their own protection as appearance. And as the wild man ate regular food and was confined indoors, and heard the talk of humans, he slowly began to resemble a man again. During a dream, a voice called to him as if from a distant cloud, a woman’s voice, one very familiar — perhaps his mother’s. “Irvin,” she said over and over, “Irvin.” So one day, instead of screams, he uttered the one word he knew. After that, the orderlies and doctors no longer called him The Wild Man of Ocheesee Swamp, but Irvin. The man who had once lived as an animal, the man who could only speak his name. EC MEET THE AUTHOR Doug Alderson is an
writer, photographer and
Alderson lives in Tallahassee but regularly travels the state. No matter where he lands, you can be sure to find Alderson in, on and around Florida’s rivers, lakes and coastal shores. From his kayak, Alderson finds inspiration for his works including Spooky Stories from the Swamp, Florida’s Rivers, Discovering Florida’s Coasts and others.
CELEBRATE THE ARTS with Four Festive Fall Events
Promising a delightful blend of art, culture and community
Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) gives the Emerald Coast several festive opportunities to champion the cultural arts with four al fresco events this fall. Save these dates to gather with family and friends, and get ready to be immersed in a true celebration of creativity, culture and community. Proceeds from all MKAF events benefit ArtsReach, MKAF’s arts education community outreach program serving K–12 students, adults, children with special needs and our military community through MKAF’s Warrior Arts program. MATTIE KELLY
Best of the Emerald Coast
October 10 | 6–9 p.m.
Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, Miramar Beach
We are honored to be the nonprofit beneficiary of this dynamic event. Come celebrate the BEST winners, view local artwork and participate in the silent auction to support the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation.
Blue Dog & Bourbon on the Bayou:
An Evening with Wendy Rodrigue
October 11 | 6 p.m.
Churchill Oaks, Santa Rosa Beach
Step into the magical and colorful world of artist George Rodrigue’s “Loup-garou” or Blue Dog, featuring original artwork from his wife Wendy Rodrigue’s private collection.
Enjoy a bourbon-paired seated dinner curated by Chef Jack McGuckin, live music, a silent mobile auction and other surprise delights amid the beautiful backdrop of lovely Chuchill Oaks.
ARTY KICK-OFF PARTY
29th Annual Festival of the Arts
October 25 | 5:30 p.m.
Henderson Beach Resort, Destin
This year’s 29th annual celebration of art, food, music and family fun begins on Friday, Oct. 25, with the Arty Kick-Off Party at Henderson Beach Resort in Destin. Mix and mingle with festival artists, watch live art demonstrations, hear live music, enjoy light bites and a cash bar, enter to win raffle drawings and more.
29th Annual Festival of the Arts
October 26 | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. October 27 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Dugas Pavilion Green, Destin
The Festival exhibition is on Saturday (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) throughout the Dugas Pavilion green. Browse original artwork by 100-plus artists and enjoy artist demos, live music, food truck fare, craft beer and cocktails, a kids’ creation station, street performers, an art raffle, plus free admission, parking and shuttle service.
To support MKAF as a member, sponsor or volunteer and for more details on fall events, visit
BE ST
EMERALD COAST of the
EMERALDCOAST MAGAZINE’S THEEMERALDCOAST BEST of 2024
From downtown strips and shopping districts to hidden gems tucked away in the corners of our small towns — the Emerald Coast is home to a wealth of businesses, both new and established, run by talented, local industry leaders. More than the skilled professionals welcoming clientele with a smile, it’s the comforting atmosphere and outstanding customer service people find that makes a business a local favorite. It’s the coffee shop with the best WiFi and banana nut muffins, the restaurant with your favorite seafood dish, the doctor who helped you through a difficult health scare, the dentist who always remembers to ask about your dog Pluto.
Each year, Emerald Coast Magazine’s Best of the Emerald Coast readers’ poll gives the community an opportunity to register support for favorite businesses. The results are in, and we at Emerald Coast Magazine are proud to present the best of the best for 2024, as voted by you, the reader. A commonality across our “Best of” winners, these outstanding businesses showcase a passion for their work and a dedication to quality and customer service.
CHEERS TO THE 2024 BEST OF THE EMERALD COAST WINNERS!
ARTWORK BY BEST ARTIST/ ART GALLERY WINNER BRENDAN PARKER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SEAN MURPHY
STORY COMPILED BY PAIGE AIGRET AND MELINDA LANIGAN
BEST ARTIST/ART GALLERY BRENDAN PARKER
Miramar Beach-based resin artist Brendan Parker creates his best work when he submits to the flow state of mind. There, his creative eye takes control of the difficult resin medium.
entertainment/
ARTIST/ART GALLERY
Brendan Parker
Parker creates bespoke works of art that bring a coastal atmosphere and a touch of luxury to residential and commercial real estate.
Miramar Beach (850) 803-3677 brendanparkerart.com
DJ DJ 30A
A premier mobile entertainment company offering DJ, emcee, photo booth and dance floor lighting services in the Florida Panhandle.
Santa Rosa Beach (850) 225-1149 dj30a.com
EVENT
Peddlers 30A
Pavilion
Farmers Market
An open-air farmers market located at Peddlers Pavilion in beautiful Seacrest Beach, offering a true farm-to-table experience.
Seacrest Beach (770) 634-4899 peddlers30a.com
GOLF COURSE
Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club
Recognized by Golf Inc. magazine in 2022, this club boasts an 18-hole championship golf course, an award-winning waterfront restaurant and a private beach and pool club.
Santa Rosa Beach (850) 267-2229 santarosaclub.com
MUSICIAN/VOCALIST/BAND Below Alabama
The Emerald Coast’s hottest country band and recent Nashville recording artists, Below Alabama can regularly be found at local bars and venues across the Panhandle. (850) 902-9866 belowalabama.com
NIGHTLIFE/LIVE MUSIC VENUE AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar
Experience live music seven nights a week, fresh seafood, raw oysters, cold beer and top-notch libations on Florida’s Emerald Coast. Destin (850) 837-1913 ajsdestin.com
PLACE FOR A DATE
Vue on 30a
Showcasing unobstructed, panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico, enjoy a fine dining experience with a fresh, modern approach.
Santa Rosa Beach (850) 267-2305 vueon30a.com
PLACE FOR KIDS BIRTHDAY PARTY Emerald Coast Science Center
Step outside the box and explore science firsthand with cutting-edge exhibits, immersive programs and over 35 exotic animals.
Fort Walton Beach (850) 664-1261 ecscience.org
PLACE TO TAKE THE KIDS
Fudpucker’s
Beachside Bar & Grill
Locally owned and operated since 1982, Fudpucker’s offers a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience that welcomes all ages.
Destin (850) 654-4200 fudpucker.com
people
PLACE TO WATCH A SUNSET Cruisin’
Tikis Destin
The area’s original Cruisin’ Tiki vessel offering a beautiful, entertaining and one-of-a-kind experience with a variety of cruise options for your group or private party.
Destin (850) 200-0573 cruisintikisdestin.com
RADIO PERSONALITY
Kevin McKay, 99 Rock WKSM
Emerald Coast radio host Kevin McKay keeps the community entertained and rock ’n’ roll tunes flowing on the locally loved 99 Rock, 99.5 FM.
Fort Walton Beach (850) 243-7676 wksm.com
RESORT
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Over 1,000 accommodation options, from studios to penthouses, across the property’s 2,400 acres with recreation, dining, entertainment and complimentary guest amenities.
Miramar Beach (866) 303-9344 sandestin.com
STAYCATION PROPERTY/ RESORT TIE
Henderson Beach Resort
Where Southern charm meets modern luxury, experience the timeless romance of Henderson Beach Resort on Florida’s Emerald Coast. Destin (850) 424-4400 hendersonbeachresort.com
STAYCATION PROPERTY/ RESORT TIE
The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach
This 10-acre, 333-room paradise features two pools, a grotto swim-up bar, five on-site dining options and the opportunity to meet resident sea nymph Misty the Mermaid.
Fort Walton Beach (850) 243-9161 theislandfl.com
TENNIS FACILITY
Hidden Dunes
Tennis and Pickleball Center
A 27-acre resort tucked away amidst oak trees and sand dunes, offering five clay tennis courts and five pickleball courts available for rent to resort guests and the public.
Open to the public six days a week with 10 tennis and pickleball courts at this Emerald Coast beachside oasis. The facility offers group lessons, court rentals, open drop-in and open play.
food & beverage
APPETIZER
Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar
Enjoy coastal cuisine and Southern hospitality at the beach spot where starter favorites include fresh seafood dips, housemade pimento cheese, blue crab claws and more.
Santa Rosa Beach (850) 622-2733 shunkgulley.com
ASIAN FUSION Domo Cafe
Sushi bar and Asian fusion kitchen offering a wide selection of sushi, boba teas, ramen, bento boxes and more. Fort Walton Beach (850) 374-8799 facebook.com/domocafe850
ATMOSPHERE
The Red Bar
Iconic local landmark in Grayton Beach, featuring a full-service restaurant and bar with rotating
chalkboard specials and live music seven days a week.
Grayton Beach (850) 231-1008 theredbar.com
BAKERY
Black Bear Bread Co.
Your neighborhood bakery and seasonal cafe offering freshly baked pastries and bread, plus a full coffee and breakfast menu.
Grayton Beach*, Miramar Beach, Seaside (850) 213-4528* blackbearbreadco.com
BAR/TAVERN The Red Bar
A local beach dive with eclectic and funky style, The Red Bar is a Grayton Beach landmark with its iconic painted door and live music seven days a week.
Grayton Beach (850) 231-1008 theredbar.com
BARBECUE
3 Sons Bar-B-Q
Established in 2013, the family owned 3 Sons Bar-B-Q makes its smoked meats daily using quality hardwood in custombuilt units.
Santa Rosa Beach (850) 278-6082 3sonsbarbq.com
BEER SELECTION/CRAFT BEER
The Craft Bar
Local, elevated and casual gastropub offering a wide selection of beer on tap and bottled with exclusive and rare brews not found anywhere else in Northwest Florida.
Destin*, Fort Walton Beach, Miramar Beach, Panama City Beach (850) 460-7907* thecraftbarfl.com
BLOODY MARY
Ruby Slipper Cafe
Known for eye-opening cocktails, Ruby Slipper’s bloody mary brings the bacon, made with housemade mix, baconinfused Fris vodka and topped with all the fixings.
Destin*, Miramar Beach, Pensacola (850) 388-6248* rubybrunch.com
BREAKFAST
Bistrology
Featuring breakfast classics in an elevated style alongside a wide selection of specialty coffees, homemade sodas and fresh-made juices.
Established in 2013 as a flavor-first brewery in the heart of the Emerald Coast, Idyll Hounds brews are crafted with an attention to detail and ingredients.
Santa Rosa Beach (850) 231-1138 idyllhoundsbrewingcompany.com
BRUNCH
Ruby Slipper Cafe
Born from the spirit and soul of New Orleans, Ruby Slipper Cafe is a place where good times roll on any given day of the week.
Destin*, Miramar Beach, Pensacola (850) 388-6248* rubybrunch.com
CAJUN/CREOLE
Louisiana Lagniappe
Upscale waterfront venue serving Louisiana-style seafood with a Creole flair amidst tropical decor and harbor views.
Fleetwood
Covington, Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood
Destin (850) 837-0881 thelouisianalagniappe.com
CHEF TIE
Richard McCord, Marrow Private Chefs
Marrow Private Chefs and its executive chef and cofounder Richard McCord believe in the power of a shared meal to connect and celebrate life’s special occasions.
Santa Rosa Beach (850) 280-4319 marrowprivatechefs.com
CHEF TIE
Fleetwood
Covington, Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood
Covington’s journey to executive chef underscores his culinary excellence, demonstrating skill, high standards and global influences that elevate the restaurant to new heights. Miramar Beach (850) 622-1500 seagars.com
CHEF TIE
William Farrington, M&P by Farrington Foods
An American omakase immersive experience, leave it up to chef William Farrington to curate the tasting dinner of your dreams.
Santa Rosa Beach (850) 739-2950 farringtonfoods.com/m&p30a
Richard McCord, Marrow Private Chefs
BEST CHEFS TIE
RICHARD Mc CORD, MARROW PRIVATE CHEFS
Richard McCord worked for several years as head chef at a major local catering operation before venturing into entrepreneurship. Looking to focus on the art of culinary, McCord founded Marrow Private Chefs in 2018 alongside partner Ryan McNay. Now spearheaded by McCord, McNay and Chris Mongogna, Marrow brings to life inventive culinary creations for more than 500 events each year. At the new Marrow Chefs Bar, McCord and his team bring worldclass cuisine to the 30A community.
FLEETWOOD COVINGTON, SEAGAR’S PRIME STEAKS & SEAFOOD
Fleetwood Covington keeps busy as executive chef of Seagar’s. But always, he has time to curate new and inventive concepts for the AAA Four-Diamond restaurant’s seasonal menu. Covington joined the Seagar’s team in 2017. Starting out on the saute station, he quickly graduated to chef de cuisine and became executive chef in 2022. His culinary skills and passion are made apparent in every dish that leaves his kitchen.
WILLIAM FARRINGTON, M&P BY FARRINGTON FOODS
William Farrington first discovered a culinary interest at 21 in his home kitchen. Passion drove him to the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley, California, followed by a position at the successful Oak at Fourteenth in Boulder, Colorado. A move to the 30A area inspired his first restaurant concept, M&P by Farrington Foods. There, Farrington curates elevated takes on familiar dishes in what he describes as an American omakase style.
William Farrington, M&P by Farrington Foods
CHINESE Lin’s Asian Cuisine
Serving authentic and delicious Chinese and Asian cuisine at affordable prices, Lin’s is known for its variety of high-quality, fresh ingredients. Miramar Beach (850) 424-5888 linsasianfl.com
CRAB CAKES
Reel ‘Em In Fresh Seafood and Gourmet
Offering a selection of gourmet seafood dishes including the award-winning housemade crab cakes.
Seagrove Beach, Seacrest Beach* (850) 420-2240* reeleminfreshseafood.com
CRAWFISH
Kenny D’s
A cheerful, comfortable, casual beach bar serving authentic Cajun-style dishes and crawfish curated by owner and New Orleans native Kenny D. Miramar Beach (850) 650-0755 kennyds.net
DESSERT
Beachside Bubble Waffle
Offering 12 premium ice cream flavors, handspun milkshakes and made-to-order bubble waffles, plus signature creations and rotating specialty flavors. Navarre (903) 603-3233 linkfly.to/40104wM2cMj
DISTILLERY
Distillery 98
Come for the vibrant spirits and craft cocktails, stay for the atmosphere and entertainment including open mic events, live music, watch parties and rotating food trucks. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 919-2400 distillery98.com
FINE DINING
Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood
A renowned AAA FourDiamond steakhouse extolled for its award-winning 600-label wine list, original fresh seafood dishes and the finest aged Prime USDA steaks. Miramar Beach (850) 622-1500 seagars.com
BEST HAMBURGER MCGUIRE’S IRISH PUB
The area’s go-to for classic Irish pub fare, Angus steak burgers at Mcguire’s should not be overlooked. With nearly 30 options, you can order it classic with cheese or loaded with any combo of unique and tasty toppings.
FOOD TRUCK
The Rican Vegan
The Florida Panhandle’s only Latin American-style vegan food truck, The Rican Vegan is changing the vegan game one taco and bowl at a time. Pop-ups throughout the Emerald Coast from Pensacola to the 30A area (414) 840-1220 plantbasedwellnessconsaborllc.com/ organic-juice-and-meal-packs
FRENCH
Bijoux Restaurant + Spirits
Featuring a coastal menu with a New Orleans flair, prime steaks, an extensive award-winning wine list and a selection of specialty martinis. Miramar Beach (850) 622-0760 bijouxdestin.com
FROZEN TREAT
(ICE CREAM, YOGURT, GELATO, SNOW CONES)
That’s James Ice Cream
Veteran and business owner
James Patterson serves up a diverse selection of frozen treats including gelato, sorbet, popsicles and more. Mobile service throughout Okaloosa County (404) 797-5235 facebook.com/thatsjamesbiz
GLUTEN FREE
Chef Molly Arnett
Serving the 30A area and beyond, private chef Molly Arnett specializes in personalized, gluten-free gourmet meals to ensure a safe and delicious dining experience. Multiple locations chefmollyarnett.com
GOURMET/FOOD SHOP/ SPECIALTY FOOD STORE
Reel ‘Em In Fresh Seafood and Gourmet
Taking pride in offering a true Gulf-to-table experience, Reel ’Em In prepares housemade fresh seafood and our gourmet selections.
Seagrove Beach, Seacrest Beach* (850) 420-2240* reeleminfreshseafood.com
GROUPER SANDWICH Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar
Open-air eatery with an upstairs terrace offering regional seafood sandwiches and dinner plates, plus cocktails and live music. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 622-2733 shunkgulley.com
GUMBO
Stinky’s Fish Camp
Fresh ingredients and local seafood combine to make classic Gulf Coast dishes crafted by experienced chefs. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 267-3053 stinkysfishcamp.com
HAMBURGER McGuire’s Irish Pub
Custom-ground by in-house butchers and seasoned with a specialty blend, McGuire’s ¾-pound beef burgers come in a variety of styles and flavors with toppings galore.
Stylish cafe with water views, featuring daily happy hour from 5–7 p.m., including half-priced wines, martinis, cocktails, domestic beers and specially priced appetizers.
Destin (850) 837-7960 marinacafe.com
HARD
SELTZER
Palm Folly Hard Seltzer
A hard seltzer craft brewery using real fruit purees to create a beer-like seltzer that tastes clean and fruit forward.
Santa Rosa Beach (850) 420-9741 palmfolly.com
HIBACHI
Osaka Japanese Hibachi Steakhouse & Sushi Bar
Roll with the freshest at this family-run establishment offering sushi and teppanyaki, plus sake, wraps and bento boxes.
Destin*, Panama City Beach (850) 650-4688* osakahibachiandsushi.com
ITALIAN Mimmo’s Ristorante Italiano
A menu inspired by recipes passed on from owner Mimmo La Innusa’s Sicilian family paired with impeccable service and hospitality.
Destin, Santa Rosa Beach* (850) 660-6970* mimmos.com
JUICE/SMOOTHIE EC Squeezy
An elevated beverage company that brings joy and creates happy memories with signature lemonades, desserts and more.
Multiple locations (850) 372-0234 ecsqueezy.com
MARGARITA Pepito’s Mexican Restaurant
Bringing the flavors of authentic Mexican cuisine to the area since 2000, indulge in daily happy hour specials and double the fun with two-forone house margaritas.
Destin*, Miramar Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville (850) 650-7734* mypepitos.com
MARTINI Marina Cafe
From the Marina Flirtini and the Grasshopper to the James Bond and French 75, Marina Cafe knows what it takes to make the perfect martini. Destin (850) 837-7960 marinacafe.com
MEDITERRANEAN Aegean Restaurant
Live longer and eat like the Greeks at this authentic restaurant serving the Emerald Coast since 2007.
Miramar Beach*, Shalimar, Mary Esther (850) 460-2728* aegeanfl.com
MEXICAN/LATIN AMERICAN Pepito’s Mexican Restaurant
Bringing the flavors of authentic Mexican cuisine to the area since 2000, enjoy daily happy hour specials, signature fresh salsas, creamy guacamole and more.
Destin*, Miramar Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville (850) 650-7734* mypepitos.com
NACHOS
Jackacuda’s Seafood & Sushi
A casual eatery offering Southernand Asian-inspired seafood dishes, don’t miss out on Jackacudas’ signature poke nachos. Destin (850) 460-2909 jackacudas.com
When first envisioning his restaurant, Chef Mimmo La Innusa imagined a place for guests to gather, share stories and enjoy dishes crafted from family recipes. That vision became a reality, seeing success for over a decade.
BEST ITALIAN MIMMO’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO
food & beverage
NEW RESTAURANT (6 - 12 MONTHS)
Bistrology
Celebrating a year in business, Bistrology offers breakfast, brunch and dinner, plus a wide selection of specialty coffees, homemade sodas and freshmade juices.
Meeting expectations no matter the event or occasion, offering pub fare with a gourmet twist, modern culinary delights, a curated drink menu, 20-plus craft beers and more. Crestview (850) 331-3594 eaglesnestatblackwater.com
ON - SITE CATERING TIE Marrow
Private Chefs
Serving Miramar Beach and the 30A area, Marrow
Private Chefs provides services including private chefs, meal delivery and catering.
Santa Rosa Beach (850) 280-4319 marrowprivatechefs.com
OUTDOOR BAR North
Beach Social
Chef Jim Shirley’s beloved spot to eat, play and be social, offering great food, good times and the best vibes.
Santa Rosa Beach (850) 622-8110 northbeach.social
OUTDOOR DINING
The Edge Seafood Restaurant & Skybar
Experience Destin Harbor dockside dining and enjoy fresh, local seafood and craft cocktails as local fishermen unload daily catches and tour boats make their rounds. Destin (850) 659-3549 edgeseafood.com
BEST NEW RESTAURANT (6 - 12 MONTHS) BISTROLOGY
Located in Miramar Beach with a new location coming to downtown Pensacola, Bistrology brings an elevated brunch experience — hot latte art, iced coffees overflowing with toppings, pancakes piled high with fruit and croissants stuffed with savory goodness.
OYSTERS
Austons on 98 Oyster Bar and Grill
A spacious and open eatery offering oysters any way you want ’em, plus sandwiches, seafood, beer and happy hour specials. Miramar Beach (850) 842-3200 austonson98.com
PIZZA
Merlins Pizza
Life is too short to eat corporate pizza — taste the difference with Merlins Pizza, made with high-quality, fresh ingredients since 1999. Destin (850) 650-3000 merlinspizza.com
RESTAURANT IN BAY COUNTY
Saltwater Grill
Offering steaks and Gulf-fresh seafood with panoramic tropical views of its centerpiece 25,000-gallon saltwater aquarium.
Panama City Beach (850) 230-2739 saltwatergrillpcb.com
RESTAURANT IN ESCAMBIA COUNTY McGuire’s Irish Pub
Authentic Irish pub and awardwinning steak house, decorated with more than 2 million dollar bills hanging from the ceiling, walls and furniture.
Pensacola (850) 433-6789 mcguiresirishpub.com
RESTAURANT IN OKALOOSA COUNTY
Eagle’s Nest at Blackwater
A community-oriented gastropub that brings good food, good drinks and good times together in the perfect locale and atmosphere. Crestview (850) 331-3594 eaglesnestatblackwater.com
RESTAURANT IN WALTON COUNTY
Marina Bar & Grill
Enjoy a relaxed ambience at Marina Bar & Grill where weekly entertainment and delicious food are set to views of the Choctawhatchee Bay.
ROMANTIC/SPECIAL OCCASION RESTAURANT Ovide at Hotel
Effie Sandestin
An elegant culinary adventure, Ovide blends classic Gulf Coast flavors with Southern culinary traditions with an emphasis on sustainability and seasonality. Miramar Beach (850) 351-3030 hoteleffie.com
SEAFOOD MARKET
Destin Ice House
A retail and wholesale seafood business featuring fish, shrimp, oysters and crabs with steam-to-order services, plus homemade dips and sauces, steaks and desserts. Destin (850) 837-8333 destinice.com
SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
Grayton Seafood Company
Grayton Seafood is a cozy hidden gem beloved by locals and visitors alike, specializing in local, fresh-caught seafood. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 714-2155 graytonseafood.com
SEAFOOD STEAMER
Old Bay Steamer
A local treasure for nearly three decades where upscale meets eclectic-casual and
fresh seafood comes steamed to perfection.
Fort Walton Beach (850) 664-2795 oldbaysteamerfwb.com
SHRIMP DISH
JC’s Gourmet
Supplying the Emerald Coast’s hospitality industry with handcrafted, high-quality provisions, elevating culinary experiences with small-batch goodness.
Santa Rosa Beach (850) 687-2810 jcsgourmet.com
SPORTS BAR
Marina Bar & Grill
TUNA DIP
JC’s Gourmet
Supplies of JC’s small-batch goodness keep the Emerald Coast’s hospitality industry stocked with high-quality provisions, elevating local culinary experiences.
Santa Rosa Beach (850) 687-2810 jcsgourmet.com
VEGAN
The Rican Vegan
Marina Bar & Grill offers prime Choctawhatchee Bay views, weekly entertainment and delicious food specials in a relaxed, casual setting.
High-end steakhouse offering premium prime steak options, best-in-class seafood and innovative vegetarian options. Sandestin (850) 269-0830 flemingssteakhouse.com
SUSHI
Harbor Docks
Sourced locally through the restaurant’s seafood market, Harbor Docks’ selection of 60plus made-to-order sushi rolls are guaranteed fresh and high quality.
Destin (850) 837-2506 harbordocks.com
TACOS
Taco30A
Food truck and caterer serving up delicious and authentic street tacos, burritos, quesadillas and more to the 30A area and beyond.
Santa Rosa Beach (850) 420-5614 eattaco30a.com
THAI
Thai Delights Restaurant
Curry dinners, snapper specials, stir-fried classics and noodle dishes round out this authentic Thai menu.
Destin (850) 650-3945
Facebook: Thai Delights Restaurant
Puerto Rican goes vegan with this authentic Latin American-style food truck offering Puerto Rican rice, tangy tacos, banging bowls and slaying salads.
Pop-ups throughout the Emerald Coast from Pensacola to the 30A area (414) 840-1220
Experience over-the-water dining with panoramic Destin Harbor views as you enjoy fresh, local seafood and craft cocktails. Destin (850) 659-3549 edgeseafood.com
WEDDING CATERER
Townsend Catering Company
A premier, full-service catering company specializing in weddings, rehearsal dinners, large private events and fundraisers.
Santa Rosa Beach (850) 622-0663 townsendcatering.com
WINE LIST/WINE BAR
The Wine Bar
With an award-winning wine list, artisan cheese selections and fresh salads and sandwiches, The Wine Bar is the perfect place for sipping and snacking.
Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, Watercolor* (850) 231-1323* thewinebarfl.com
WINGS
Buffalo Jack’s Legendary Wings & Pizza
Legendary wings in 18 sauce varieties, plus pizza, burgers and Italian made with a New Orleans flair.
Miramar Beach (850) 424-6288
buffalojackslegendarywings.com
Your Local Paradise
Our Locals Program is your key to unlocking a world of luxury. Relax by our pristine pools, unwind with our world-class dining, and let the stresses of everyday life melt away in our luxurious spa. Locals enjoy exclusive pricing on accommodations, dining, spa treatments, and more.
shopping
ANTIQUES SHOP
Smith’s Antiques Mall
Come out and see what’s new at Smith’s, featuring rotating inventory of antiques, collectibles and gifts.
Miramar Beach (850) 826-7303
CHILDREN’S CLOTHING RETAILER
Coconut Kidz
Offering a wide selection of clothing and toys, discover a children’s boutique where wardrobe and whimsy meet, ensuring big smiles and happy parents.
Children’s consignment boutique offering top brands of gently used clothes, toys and gear at affordable prices.
Crestview (850) 683-4100 neatrepeatsstore.com
COSMETIC PROVIDER/VENDOR
Better Health and Home
An organic self-care line made sans chemicals and preservatives and produced using ingredients sourced at the owners’ Panzerosa Farm in DeFuniak Springs.
At its 10,000-square-foot design showroom, The Henry Haus welcomes clients to shop furniture, lighting, home accessories, gifts, tile, flooring, cabinetry and more.
Miramar Beach (850) 842-4415 thehenryhaus.com
JEWELRY STORE
McCaskill & Company
Over 30 years, McCaskill & Company has earned a reputation as the Emerald Coast’s premier jeweler for exceptional products, service and value. Destin (850) 650-2262 mccaskillandcompany.com
LOCALLY OWNED RETAILER
Barefoot Princess
Your destination for Southern lifestyle brands, offering women’s and children’s apparel, jewelry and footwear perfect for resort casual or a glitzy night.
Boasting Southern charm and a diverse selection, Island Clothiers offers trendy and classic apparel, footwear and accessories for men.
Sandestin (850) 267-8700 sandestin.com
OUTDOOR
FURNITURE RETAILER
Bay Breeze Patio
A premier retailer of highquality, long-lasting outdoor furniture, grills and appliances, featuring 19 furniture brands and nine grill brands.
Miramar Beach (850) 269-4666 baybreezepatio.com
SPECIALTY RETAILER
Emerald Lady Jewelry
Celebrating 30 years in business, Emerald Lady Jewelry has earned a reputation for exceptional stone quality and extraordinary designs.
Destin (850) 424-3823 emeraldladyjewelry.com
SPORTING
GEAR/
PADDLEBOARD
RETAILER
YOLO Board + Bike
A local lifestyle brand since 2007, YOLO offers paddleboards, bikes and electric bikes for sale, rent and booking for adventure tours.
Santa Rosa Beach (850) 424-6852 yoloboard.com
WEDDING SHOP
Margaret Ellen Bridal
A luxury bridal boutique located in Santa Rosa Beach known for its exceptional customer service, intimate appointments and curated selection of designer wedding dresses.
Santa Rosa Beach (850) 641-0266 margaretellenbridal.com
WOMEN’S ACCESSORIES McCaskill & Company
With 30 years of service, premier Emerald Coast jeweler McCaskill & Company offers the finest designer jewelry, watches, diamonds, engagement rings and wedding bands.
Destin (850) 650-2262 mccaskillandcompany.com
WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE Wood + Wave
Embracing Kentucky roots and Emerald Coast spirit, Wood + Wave offers diverse, stylish fashion for all ages with curated collections from coastal casual to beach chic.
Santa Rosa Beach, Seaside* (850) 231-0146* shopon30a.com
WOMEN’S SHOES
Sunset Shoes & Lifestyles
This locally owned shoe store boasts nearly 30 years in business, offering a vast selection of trending and designer brands to fit comfort, casual or sophistication.
Miramar Beach*, Destin, Seaside, WaterSound, Panama City (850) 837-5466* sunsetshoesonline.com
BEST SPORTING GEAR/PADDLEBOARD RETAILER YOLO BOARD + BIKE
More than a brand, YOLO is a lifestyle of the active genre. Shop outdoor gear for sale and rent, plus clothing, coffee and more. After all, you only live once.
BEST ACCESSORIES MCCASKILL & COMPANY
Fostering happy occasions since 1994, McCaskill & Company is among the Emerald Coast’s premier jewelers. Inspired by founder Bill Campbell’s grandmother, Gussie McCaskill Campbell, the company’s appreciation for fine jewelry spans generations.
service providers
ACCOUNTING FIRM
Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC
A super-regional accounting and consulting firm serving the Southern United States, offering audit, tax, estate and business advisory and consulting services.
Miramar Beach*, Fort Walton Beach (850) 837-3141* cricpa.com
ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC
Navarre Acupuncture and Wellness
Helping clients reduce pain, boost energy and increase their quality of life with services including acupuncture, dry needling, moxibustion, cupping and lifestyle modifications.
Navarre (850) 710-3288 navacuwell.com
AESTHETICIAN
Beachside
Beauty
Believing that every client deserves a dedicated team of talented professionals, Beachside Beauty’s expert staff will help you become the best version of yourself.
Destin (850) 353-2804 bsbdestin.com
ARCHITECTURE FIRM DAG
Architects, Inc.
Founded in 1981, DAG
Architects designs buildings and environments that are sensitive to the local climate, creating memorable experiences for clients and communities.
Destin, Pensacola, Panama City, Tallahassee, Melbourne, Atlanta (850) 837-8152 dagarchitects.com
AUDIO/VISUAL PROVIDER Superior Sound LLC
Bringing a degree of excellence to design and installation services for residential and commercial audio, video and home automation needs.
Pensacola (850) 466-8828 superiorsoundav.com
AUTOMOBILE DEALERSHIP
John Lee Nissan
Offering a wide selection of new and pre-owned vehicles with exceptional customer service and comprehensive auto repair and maintenance services. Panama City (850) 763-6575 johnleenissan.com
BANK
Capital City Bank
Full-service bank focused on relationship banking and
BEST ELECTRIC CART/ GOLF CART DEALERSHIP COASTAL
CARS & CARTS
Specializing in new, used, custom and street-legal golf cart sales, Coastal Cars & Carts provides personalized customer service. Whether you’re looking for recreational transportation, off-road capabilities or community and commercial movers, you’ll find the options you need.
offering a full range of products and services to meet clients’ financial needs.
Multiple locations in the Emerald Coast region (850) 708-6501 (Inlet Beach) ccbg.com
BARBER SHOP
Barber Kingz
A well-known, local establishment, Barber Kingz specializes in cutting and styling men’s hair, as well as shaping and grooming facial hair.
Mary Esther (850) 374-3453 barberkingz.com
BUILDER/CONTRACTOR COMMERCIAL Bear General Contractors LLC
A commercial construction contractor with decades of experience in commercial, educational, retail, office, institutional, industrial and health care construction. Pensacola (850) 435-4411 beargc.com
BUILDER/CONTRACTOR RESIDENTIAL Luke & Blue’s
A residential and commercial general contractor specializing in custom-built dream homes along 30A and beyond.
Santa Rosa Beach (850) 246-BLUE (2583) lukeandblues.com
CABINETS AND COUNTERTOPS
Kitchen
Tune-Up
Update, upgrade and uplift your kitchen with Kitchen Tune-Up’s remodeling services including cabinet painting, refacing, custom cabinetry, countertops and more.
Niceville (850) 678-9977 kitchentuneup.com
CAR/LIMO/ SHUTTLE SERVICE
654Limo
With a focus on luxury and reliability, 654Limo offers exclusive transportation services throughout the Panhandle. Destin (850) 654-5466 654limo.com
CARDIOLOGY PRACTICE
Ascension
Sacred Heart
Dedicated to transformation through innovation across the continuum of care, Ascension teams empower patients by listening and creating individualized care plans.
Fostering a healthier community since 1966, Bridgeway Center Inc. provides mental health and addiction services and special needs housing in Okaloosa County. Fort Walton Beach, Crestview (850) 833-7500 bridgewaycenter.org
CHARTER BOAT SERVICE (FISHING, DIVING, ETC.)
Swoop II Party Boat Fishing
A crew with over 90 years of combined knowledge and experience provides everything needed for your fishing experience — instructions, secret spots, safety and more.
Destin (850) 337-8250 swooppartyboat.com
CHIROPRACTIC PRACTICE
Payne Chiropractic Wellness Center
Using the Gonstead technique, Payne Chiropractic Wellness Center uses precise methodology to help restore and maintain optimal health.
Destin (850) 654-8770 destin-chiropractor.com
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE GROUP
Somers & Company
Top-producing realtors serving Destin and South Walton along Florida’s beautiful Emerald Coast. Serving Destin, South Walton, Fort Walton Beach, Freeport, DeFuniak Springs (850) 654-7777 somerscompany.com
COMPUTER SERVICES/ TECH SUPPORT
CRC Data Technologies
An IT security support firm, CRC Data Technologies has over 25 years of experience serving the Emerald Coast. Destin (850) 654-7262 crcdatatech.com
A veteran-owned spa providing exceptional services and customer care using advanced techniques to ensure complete satisfaction with every treatment.
Destin (850) 353-2804 bsbdestin.com
COSMETIC/PLASTIC SURGERY PRACTICE
Destin Plastic Surgery
Providing exceptional care in a safe, comfortable environment, offering surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic services at a 20,500-squarefoot facility. Destin (850) 654-1194 theplasticdoc.com
CREDIT UNION Eglin Federal Credit Union
A not-for-profit, memberowned financial institution, Eglin Federal Credit Union puts its members first with five-star service, support and solutions to simplify banking.
Multiple locations (850) 862-0111 eglinfcu.org
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Emerald Lady Jewelry
With the belief that every piece of jewelry should be as unique and lovely as the individual who wears it, Emerald Lady Jewelry can help you make the perfect selection.
Destin (850) 424-3823 emeraldladyjewelry.com
DANCING/CHEERLEADING/ GYMNASTICS FACILITY
30A Ballet
Premier dance studio in Bay and Walton counties offering classes taught by industry professionals in pre-ballet, ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, modern and adult groups.
Inlet Beach (850) 399-0514 30aballet.com
DENTAL PRACTICE
DeFuniak Springs
Family Dental
Providing comprehensive dental care for all ages, offering general, cosmetic and restorative services in a welcoming environment with experienced staff and modern facilities. DeFuniak Springs (850) 892-0866 defuniakspringsfamilydental.com
DERMATOLOGY PRACTICE
Coastal Skin
Surgery & Dermatology
Double board-certified and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons specializing in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology.
A family owned and operated local golf cart sales and service company offering pickup and delivery and in-stock parts and accessories.
Panama City Beach (850) 999-7733 coastalcc.net
EVENT PLANNING FIRM
Umbella Events
A full-service luxury event planning and design company, Umbella Events offers a personalized approach to creating unique, unforgettable experiences for each client.
Serving the Emerald Coast (850) 238-1687 umbellaevent.net
EVENT VENUE
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
The area’s largest full-service resort located directly on the beach, offering 60,000 square feet of meeting and event space, 590 guest rooms and suites and exclusive resort amenities.
A locally owned private practice providing compassionate eye care and premium optical for the whole family.
Crestview (850) 683-0221 okaloosaeyecare.com
EYE SURGEON PRACTICE
Eye Center South
Fueled by cutting-edge technology and an experienced team of specialists, the regionally renowned Eye Center South prioritizes patient satisfaction. Destin, Panama City, Tallahassee, Dothan, Ala., Montgomery, Ala., Andalusia, Ala. (850) 650-6550 eyecentersouth.net
FAMILY PHYSICIAN/PRACTICE
Coastal Family Practice
A full-service family practice of dedicated, experienced health care practitioners who base their success on the long-term good health of their patients.
Panama City Beach (850) 231-9286 coastalfamilypractice.net
Senior Financial Advisor Cherie Anderson offers investment advice and strategies guided by understanding your life goals, risk tolerance, time horizon and liquidity needs.
A full-service flooring design showroom offering a wide array of hardwood, tile, stone, luxury vinyl, laminate, carpet and rugs, as well as decorative tile.
Miramar Beach and Inlet Beach Showrooms (850) 460-7295 renovationflooring.com
FLORIST
Beachy Blooms
Where the beach meets bouquet, Beachy Blooms provides the 30A area with a mobile floral experience.
Santa Rosa Beach (404) 606-9535 beachyblooms30a.com
FULL - SERVICE SPA
Henderson Spa
At The Henderson Spa, the allure of the classic Southern spa merges with sophisticated contemporary design inspired by the Emerald Coast’s natural beauty.
A full-service salon specializing in hair coloring, extensions and styling, plus a variety of beauty services from lash lifts and brow lamination to waxing and facials.
Fort Walton Beach (850) 362-0050 urbangypsysalon.weebly.com
HEATING AND AIR SERVICE
Gulfshore Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc.
Specializing in installation, maintenance and repair, Gulfshore Air provides top-notch services with a commitment to quality work and customer satisfaction. Niceville (850) 897-6540 gulfshoreair.com
HOTEL
Hotel Effie
Sandestin, Autograph Collection
Luxurious accommodations, a rooftop pool, Spa Lilliana, gourmet dining at Ovide and access to Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort’s world-class amenities. Miramar Beach (850) 351-3000 hoteleffie.com
HR FIRM
SimpleHR
Providing cost-effective human resource outsourcing and employee risk management services to Emerald Coast businesses for over 21 years. Destin*, Panama City, Pensacola (850) 650-9935* simplehr.com
INSURANCE AGENCY
Harris Insurance Services, Inc.
Offering personal and commercial insurance to Floridians since 1965, with specializations in auto, homeowners, business, life, watercraft and more.
Fort Walton Beach (850) 244-2111 harrisinsurance.com
INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM
Coastal Design by Kim
Residential, hospitality and commercial services from Coastal Design by Kim curates an atmosphere that helps you make the most of your space. Destin, by appointment only (850) 904-6622 coastaldesignbykim.com
INTERNET PROVIDER LiveOak Fiber
LiveOak Fiber invests in its local communities by building the modern digital infrastructure needed to improve quality of life and drive economic growth.
Niceville and Brunswick, Ga. (888) 454-8362 liveoakfiber.com
LANDSCAPING/ LAWN SERVICE S & E Lawn Services
A locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity, offering a variety of lawn care and landscaping services.
Offering litigation and negotiation services, as well as counsel and advice to solve your important legal matters with a commitment to longlasting relationships.
Destin (850) 650-0010 handfirm.com
In 2024, boutique Hotel Effie Sandestin joined the ranks of Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection, expanding its luxury offerings and amenities.
HOTEL
EFFIE SANDESTIN, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION
LIGHTING STORE
Lighting ETC
A lighting and home furnishings retailer featuring a vast showroom selection of statement and customized lighting as well as personalized, on-site design advice. Inlet Beach (850) 249-6834 lelights.com
MARINE SALES AND SERVICE/ YACHT CHARTER SERVICE
Legendary Marine
Featuring award-winning sales and service teams, Legendary Marine is more than a boat dealership; it’s your ultimate destination for all things boating. Destin (850) 337-8300 legendarymarine.com
MARTIAL ARTS/KARATE Southern Soul Jiu Jitsu Academy
A family-centered Brazilian jiu jitsu gym offering expert instruction and fostering discipline, confidence and personal growth for kids, adults and families.
Mary Esther (850) 361-2119 southernsoulacademy.com
MEDICAL CENTER/HOSPITAL Ascension
Sacred Heart
A faith-based health care organization dedicated to transformation through innovation across the continuum of care. Miramar Beach (850) 278-3000 ascension.org/emeraldcoastfl
MEDICAL PRACTICE Pure Life
Health & Wellness Clinic
Providing high-quality primary care and weight-loss therapy services from compassionate, patient-focused staff in a personable and friendly environment. Destin (850) 963-9310 purelifehealthandwellness.com
MEDICAL SPA GLOW Med Spa
Premier medical spa providing the highest caliber of medical aesthetic treatments and prioritizing natural results with an attention to detail.
Santa Rosa Beach (850) 764-2340 medicalspa30a.com
BEST MARINE SALES AND SERVICE/YACHT CHARTER SERVICE
LEGENDARY MARINE
Beyond sales services, Legendary Marine staff works as a trusted partner in making clients’ boating dreams come true. A collaborative approach helps maximize the boating investment for a smooth and fun experience.
MORTGAGE LENDER Mortgage Apex
Providing a tailored approach to your mortgage needs, exceeding expectations with competitive pricing and never cutting corners. Fort Walton Beach (850) 972-8527 mortgageapex.com
ORTHODONTIST PRACTICE Sandy Smiles Orthodontics
Live life smiling with services from Sandy Smiles Orthodontics and boardcertified Dr. Morgan Zwickel. Fort Walton Beach, DeFuniak Springs (850) 244-3880 sandysmilesfl.com
ORTHOPEDIC SURGICAL PRACTICE
Orthopaedic Associates
Offering expert care for every bone, joint and muscle injury and condition, with expert staff working together to provide an individualized treatment plan. Crestview, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville (850) 863-2153 orthoassociates.net
OUTDOOR SERVICE PROVIDER
Landscape Enterprise Tree Service
Landscape Enterprise specializes
in safe and efficient tree removal, tree trimming and stump grinding for both residential and commercial properties along the Emerald Coast.
Board-certified pediatricians dedicated to caring for children from birth to 18 years old.
Santa Rosa Beach (850) 659-6556 coastalpediatricgroup.com
PHARMACY TIE
Emerald Coast Compounding Pharmacy
Independently owned and operated by licensed pharmacist Regina Jaquess and specializing in compounding prescription medications customized to individual patient needs.
Santa Rosa Beach (850) 622-5800 eccpharmacy.com
PHARMACY TIE
The Prescription Place
As your hometown pharmacy, The Prescription Place takes pride in offering fast, friendly and personal pharmacy services to the community.
Award-winning photo booth company creating unique 360-degree videos for weddings and events. Fort Walton Beach (850) 496-6739 lumipod.com
PHOTOGRAPHY
Savvy Leigh Photo
Shooting photos for families, weddings, events and more throughout the Emerald Coast
An instrument for impact in the lives and health of our community.
We are a community-minded practice for complete dental health, striving to serve our patients through high-quality, comfortable care. We serve areas all over NW Florida including Bonifay, Crestview, Freeport, Paxton, Ponce De Leon and Santa Rosa Beach. We are dedicated and passionate about high-quality patient care and serving our patients with fewer, well-planned appointments. Bestpart:weareacceptingnewpatients! We are flexible with most insurance companies, and if you don’t have insurance, don’t sweat!
• Routine Oral Hygiene Cleanings
• Deep Gum Cleanings
• Teeth Whitening
• Fillings
• Crowns
• Root Canals
• Implants
• Extractions
• Wisdom Teeth Removal
• IV Sedation
• And More!
with a passion to help clients make memories to last a lifetime.
Destin, sessions in Northwest Florida (205) 567-2779 savvyleighphoto.com
PLUMBING FIXTURES/SERVICE
Williams Plumbing
Specializing in residential and commercial plumbing and remodels while upholding a duty and obligation to do things right, fair and honest. Serving Destin, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, 30A, Niceville, Freeport (850) 974-4213 williamsplumbingfl.com
PR/ADVERTISING AGENCY
Frances Roy Agency
A creative firm specializing in strategy, design, digital and media, Francis Roy Agency helps businesses grow through a focus on innovation and client collaboration.
Valparaiso (307) 631-7644 francesroy.com
PRINTING/ COPYING SERVICES
Signarama-Freeport
Locally owned and operated, Signarama offers vehicle wraps, banners, building signs and more. Freeport (850) 880-2112 signarama.com/locations/flfreeport
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT GROUP
RealJoy Vacations
Operating on the values of respect, excellence, accountability and leadership, RealJoy Vacations provides the highest quality property management services.
Destin*, 30A, Panama City (850) 974-0974* realjoy.com
RESIDENTIAL
REAL ESTATE GROUP
Corcoran Reverie
Corcoran Reverie, led by Hilary Farnum-Fasth and Jacob Watkins with a team of 200-plus agents, specializes in luxury real estate in Nashville and Northwest Florida.
Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach*, Panama City, Nashville, Tenn. (850) 231-5030* corcoranreverie.com
ROOFING
Roti Project Management
Local and family owned, Roti Project Management specializes in roof repairs, full replacements, tile roof coatings, interior and exterior repairs and storm restoration.
Santa Rosa Beach (850) 428-6657 rotiproject.com
SOLAR COMPANY
Meraki Solar
A full-service solar installer ensuring its clients a smooth solar experience from start to finish.
Destin (850) 739-2519 merakisolar.com
SPECIALTY FITNESS STUDIO
Sculpt Studio 30A
Offering invigorating instudio and outdoor yoga and strength training classes set to today’s hottest music for a fun, community-focused experience. WaterSound (850) 231-0010 sculptstudio30a.com
SPECIALTY PET SERVICE/ DOG TRAINING
BTS K9 Dog Training
A professional dog training company offering obedience training, puppy training, on- and off-leash obedience, service dog training and more.
Fort Walton Beach (850) 848-2553 btsk9.com
SPECIALTY TATTOO PARLOR SERVICE/ PIERCING PARLOR
Mercy Tattoo Studio
Welcoming all to wear their story, Mercy Tattoo’s high-end studio with an art gallery vibe offers a comforting and custom tattoo experience.
A clean, secure and safe self storage facility featuring a covered drive-thru with carts and dollies for a seamless loading and unloading experience.
Santa Rosa Beach (850) 622-1748 johnfayardselfstorage.com
TENT RENTAL COMPANY
Tents of N.W. Florida, Inc.
Specializing in tent rentals, as well as tables, chairs, dance floors, staging, lighting and more for weddings and other special events. Fort Walton Beach (850) 939-3813 tentsofnwflorida.com
TITLE COMPANY
McNeese Title, LLC
Real estate title company handling purchase and sale transactions. Miramar Beach (850) 337-4242 mcneesetitle.com
VACATION RENTAL COMPANY/SERVICE
RealJoy Vacations
Prioritizing the guest experience and operating on the values of respect, excellence, accountability and leadership. Destin*, 30A, Panama City Beach (850) 974-0974* realjoy.com
VETERINARY PRACTICE
Pine Meadow
Veterinary Clinic
A well-established small-animal veterinary practice serving the Pensacola area since 1973. Pensacola (850) 477-2194 pinemeadowvetclinic.com
VIDEOGRAPHY
Moore Media
Creating unparalleled visual storytelling across the Emerald Coast through captivating videography and real estate media. (850) 218-9233 mooremedia.us
What started in 2021 as the convergence of two boutique 30A brokerages has since expanded, with a real estate reach up and down the Emerald Coast and across states to the Music City.
BEST WEDDING/ RECEPTION VENUE THE ORCHARDS OF MOLINO
Located in Escambia County, outside of the hustle and bustle of Pensacola, lies an elegant estate venue offering ceremony and reception space across multiple indoor and outdoor spaces. The courtyard, gazebo and green landscape offer the perfect backdrop to say “I do,” and the natural scenery and style are curated for dream weddings suited for fairy tales.
WEDDING HAIR SALON
Destin/30a Mobile Makeup Box
Make the wedding day seamless with on-site bridal hair services offered throughout Destin, 30A and beyond. Miramar Beach (850) 865-9698 destinmobilemakeupbox.com
WEDDING MAKEUP ARTIST
Destin/30a Mobile Makeup Box
A luxury beauty team brings on-site bridal makeup services to the Destin and 30A area and beyond Miramar Beach (850) 865-9698 destinmobilemakeupbox.com
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER Rachel Graham Photography
Serving the Emerald Coast and wherever love takes her, Rachel Graham Wainwright is known for her award-winning, published photography. Santa Rosa Beach rachelgrahamphotography.com
WEDDING PLANNER COMPANY
Kiss the Bride
Weddings 30A
An award-winning business offering full-service luxury wedding planning to the Emerald Coast’s breathtaking 30A area. Miramar Beach (850) 376-8272 kissthebrideweddings.com
WEDDING/RECEPTION VENUE The Orchards of Molino
An exclusive wedding venue offering breathtaking views and luxurious interiors, providing a magical setting and endless photo opportunities for your special day. Molino (850) 253-7617 theorchardseventvenue.com
WEIGHT LOSS FACILITY
Aesthetic Artistry Med Spa
An elite, award-winning med spa offering beauty and weight-loss services by experienced, highly trained and knowledgeable injectors and staff.
Fort Walton Beach (850) 716-0581 aestheticartistryfwb.com
WOMEN'S HEALTH FACILITY Pure Life Health & Wellness Clinic
Providing high-quality primary care and weight-loss therapy services using evidence-based guidelines individualized for the circumstances of each patient.
Offering a unique blend of yoga and wellness in a welcoming environment with comprehensive yoga classes and a vibrant vegan cafe.
Destin (850) 687-2413 roastdyoga.com
2024 FEATURED ARTISTS
BRADLEY COPELAND WES HINDS
MAXINE ORANGE BRENDAN PARKER VIVIAN AND TONY ZACK
The public is invited to celebrate the 26th annual Best of the Emerald Coast Winners as voted by the readers of Emerald Coast Magazine! This intimate soirée will be one for the books — all in celebration of 26 years of BEST! Guests will enjoy an evening where all your senses will be stimulated:
MUSIC, VISUAL MURAL
ARTISTS,
FEATURED CUISINE
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Harbor Docks, Henderson Beach Resort, Jackacudas Seafood & Sushi, M&P Farrington Foods, McGuire’s Irish Pub, Ovide, Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood
DELIGHTFUL CUISINE AND LIBATIONS
FEATURED LIBATIONS
Birdie Cocktails, Coastal Coffee Bar Co., Distillery 98, Idyll Hounds, Palm Folly, Penta Tequila, Half Shell Vodka, Superb Wines International, Timber Creek Distillery, Tipsy Mule Mobile Bar
Over 150 winners will be in attendance to celebrate their deserved win. The public is welcome to intertwine and celebrate with the best of the best to mark this incredible accomplishment! The winner of the Best Charity/Nonprofit will receive an exclusive in-kind support from Emerald Coast Magazine
SPONSORED BY
BRINGING BALANCE TO THE WETLANDS
Conservation efforts return life to rare, threatened species at Deer Lake State Park
STORY BY PAIGE AIGRET PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF TALBERT
In 1996, the State of Florida acquired nearly 2,000 acres of wetland, upland and dune lake environment from The St. Joe Company. When Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) employees first arrived, a walkthrough assessment proved that invasive species had all but taken over the area now known as Deer Lake State Park.
BUT ONE LONE FLOWER
PAINTED A PROMISING PICTURE OF HOPE.
“THEY FOUND A SINGLE WHITE-FRINGED ORCHID,”
SAID JEFF TALBERT. “THEY WERE VERY EXCITED BECAUSE THEY HADN’T FOUND THAT. THEY DIDN’T KNOW THAT WAS DOWN HERE ANYWHERE.”
The impressive orchid should thrive naturally in wetland environments, but it’s a threatened species in Florida.
“We’ve gone from one white-fringed orchid to well over a thousand down here,” noted Talbert, a conservation project coordinator working at the state park.
Talbert knows the wetlands well. He became a park ranger for Deer Lake and Grayton Beach state parks in 2008. Today, wetland conservation is his focus. As part of an Atlanta Botanical Garden (ABG) extension program, Talbert and a team of field biologists are working alongside teams from the DEP to restore balance to protected wetlands in Walton County.
Originally owned by St. Joe during its paper milling days (1936–1996), the land acquired by the DEP in ’96 had, over those 60 years, lost many of its naturally occurring characteristics.
“For a long time, they didn’t burn out here,” Talbert said. “Some of these wetlands here haven’t seen fire in probably 70 or 80 years in some cases.”
Forest fire, Talbert said, has had a negative reputation since the early 1900s when fighting wildfires became common practice. Fire wasn’t introduced as a conservation tool until the first prescribed burn at Everglades National Park in 1958.
Deer Lake State Park’s wetlands and uplands should have been able to burn on their own every two to four years, Talbert said, but decades of hardwoods overgrowth, namely black titi, prevented that.
In 2015, ABG and the DEP received $9 million in funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Association’s Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund for their 10-year project proposal at the Deer Lake State Park wetlands.
“Our project objective is to bring that balance back to those wetlands.”
Though native, black titi shrubs spread quickly, and when overgrown, they become towering hardwood trees that stamp out other wildlife. Without prescribed burns, Talbert said that the white-fringed orchids, and other natives including pitcher plants, threadleaf sundews, spoonleaf sundews and orange milkwort that now thrive would not exist.
“All of these plants are what they call heliocentric; they’re sun-loving plants,” Talbert said, “so they need an open canopy. They can’t have shade. Once shade starts coming in, they start dying off.”
Over 10 years at Deer Lake State Park, ABG has helped to restore 310 acres to native origins. The DEP was tasked with operational management, providing equipment and hiring crews for clearing, burning and other tasks. ABG coordinated logistics, creating mapping for removal, clearing and burning, tracking progress and collecting scientific data.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, fires caused by lightning and other natural effects once played a major role in forming Florida landscapes. Today, controlled and prescribed burns help to nourish and maintain wetland ecosystems like those found in Deer Lake State Park.
DOWN
BY THE
DUNES
ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF 30A, Deer Lake State Park offers a haven for visitors looking to fish, swim, paddleboard and explore. The park’s namesake is one of 30A’s 15 coastal dune lakes — bodies of water found in dune ecosystems within two miles of the coast.
Each of the 15 dune lakes maintains an intermittent connection to the Gulf, creating an ever-changing ecosystem.
“One thing about the coastal dune lakes is that they are so rare that there is not a lot of research,” said Alison McDowell, an estuary scientist with the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA).
A program of Northwest Florida State College, CBA is working to bridge that gap in research.
Studies from the early 2000s involved symmetry and vegetation surveys. Today, they conduct regular maintenance and monitoring.
Giant reed, an invasive bamboo-like species, can take over the shoreline, stamping out native species like smooth cordgrass and sawgrass. CBA works to maintain giant reed growth to prevent spreading. Torpedo grass and alligator weed are two big offenders. Those, McDowell said, they try to get rid of completely.
Water monitoring supports other research efforts and helps CBA identify culprits causing imbalanced nutrients. CBA monitors levels of total nitrogen, total phosphorus, chlorophyll, salinity, PH and dissolved oxygen.
“Nutrients are an indicator of a water body’s ability to support life,” McDowell said. “With too many nutrients, you can get algae blooms and low oxygen levels. But you want to have enough nutrients.”
Balance is key.
“Prior to any of this being cleared, we’d set up a baseline in 50-meter transects and take data every so often,” Talbert explained. “We’d see what was in there, how wet it was, the canopy cover, various things. Then we’d come in after they cleared and take data twice a year, so we can see over that long-term period how it’s changed.”
Talbert, with the ABG team and contributors from the DEP, prescribed fire by zones throughout the park. A
single zone, 200 acres give or take, is burned in a single day. Burning helps prevent unpredictable wildfires and creates that natural balance needed in the wetland ecosystem.
“One of the things this project is doing is removing this huge fire risk along the edge of these wetlands, but it’s also helping the wetlands,” Talbert said. “We want to help restore these areas back to these very biodiverse ecosystems.”
Carnivorous plants, including pitcher plants and sundews, produce flowers that safely welcome pollinators. Resembling a cheese puff, the orange milkwort is commonly known as the bog Cheeto. The threadleaf sundew features spiraling stems that unfurl as they grow, revealing leafless stems with hairlike growths that produce a dew gel, trapping insects for consumption.
Clearing and removal of invasives was a top priority in this project to make space for rare, threatened species to thrive. No herbicide was used in the clearing process.
“We didn’t want to introduce chemicals into this very rare
ecosystem,” he said. “We wanted to do it without it, and we wanted to show that it was possible.”
In the last year of the project, Talbert said his team is in, what he called, “the cleanup phase” — consolidating piles, burning them
Walking through coastal wetlands and uplands, one might have trouble differentiating the two. Still, the slightest change in elevation, inches, can create an entirely different ecosystem.
and retreating areas to prevent returning invasives.
There is still work to be done, but Talbert said their efforts have provided a much-needed reset for the wetlands and set a standard for continued maintenance.
“They can come in here and burn this on a regular two-year rotation, and it will maintain itself,” Talbert said. “It will look just like this — it won’t get taken back over.”
In the summer of 2025, the decadelong project will come to an end.
“We are currently looking for money to move over to Grayton because we are nearly done here,” Talbert said. “Grayton has about 580 acres of wetlands that need this work.”
Looking out over the 300-plus acres and nearly 10 years of work, Talbert recalled the landscape as it was when he first arrived as a park ranger in 2008.
“I remember driving around at that time and not being able to get to places because it was too dense, too wet, too thick,” he said. “Now, this place is entirely different.”
Today, tall, native andropogon and wiregrass billow in the breeze; carnivorous sundews and pitcher plants contribute to the ecosystem; and the now plentiful white-fringed orchids continue to thrive with impressive blooms.
Then and now, Talbert said, “This is all just a snapshot in time.” EC
“ALL OF THESE PLANTS ARE WHAT THEY CALL HELIOCENTRIC; THEY’RE SUN-LOVING PLANTS, SO THEY NEED AN OPEN CANOPY. THEY CAN’T HAVE SHADE. ONCE SHADE STARTS COMING IN, THEY START DYING OFF.” — CONSERVATION
JEFF TALBERT
OYSTER REEFS restoring
ORGANIZATIONS, COMMUNITY AND OYSTER FARMERS WORK TO RETURN PENSACOLA BAY SYSTEM POPULATIONS TO HEYDAY NUMBERS
STORY BY PAIGE AIGRET | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVE BARFIELD
“WHERE WE CAN ADD VALUE IS WHERE WE WANT TO GO, AND PENSACOLA STOOD OUT AS ONE OF THOSE AREAS.”
— Anne Birch
“It’s about restoring estuaries back to what they were when they had oysters,” she said. “It’s restoring fisheries, a culture and an economy that was once there.”
n East Coast Floridian, Anne Birch makes regular visits to the Pensacola area to keep tabs on her baby — the Pensacola East Bay Oyster Habitat Restoration Project.
On a June visit, Birch, who previously served as the ocean and coasts strategy director for The Nature Conservancy’s Florida division, hosted a reef tour that would be her last before retirement in August.
Under Birch’s project management, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) facilitated the installation of 33 reefs as part of the Pensacola East Bay Oyster Habitat Restoration Project.
“It means that there’s a real hope for the future,” Birch said of the project’s progress.
Oysterman Pasco Gibson has accompanied Birch on her many reef visits and joined us that June day. A career fisherman, Gibson earned his livelihood selling to local restaurants and markets, including the locally loved Nichols Seafood in Milton. Gibson bought the business when the original owners retired, and he continued to stock the inventory with his fresh catches and oyster harvests until selling the business in 2017.
“It was hopping,” Gibson said of Nichols prior to 2004’s Hurricane Ivan. “We sold oysters for 10 cents apiece. They were plentiful in season — we were catching a lot of them.”
The spotlight first fell on Pensacola as a result of TNC’s 2009 Shellfish Reefs at Risk study, which looked at 144 estuaries and 40 ecoregions across the world. Calling oyster reefs “functionally extinct,” the report showed a global estimation that 85% of oyster reefs had been lost.
“Where we can add value is where we want to go,” Birch said, “and Pensacola stood out as one of those areas.”
Where most of the studied estuaries had seen drastic declines of 90–99%, the Gulf Coast showed numbers as low as 50%. But Pensacola showed a 72% decline.
According to Gibson, in the wake of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, things worsened before they could get better. However, oil was not the culprit.
“It was due to some poaching that went on with a dredge,” Gibson said. “A couple of rogue oystermen came in here and destroyed a lot of the habitat.”
Project manager Anne Birch said reef restoration efforts are about more than just increasing oyster populations.
According to Florida statutes, it is unlawful to use a dredge to remove oysters from natural or artificial state reefs.
“An oyster dredge is like dragging a bulldozer across a pile of dirt — it just flattens it out,” Gibson explained. “This dredge just destroyed that whole mound. There was no habitat left for them to cling to.”
Law enforcement was tied up with the oil spill, and the illegal dredging went unnoticed until several complaints from Gibson and other local oystermen came in. Law enforcement took action, but the damage was done.
Today, Gibson says outdated septic systems are creating water quality issues, slowing the recovery process.
“I’ve spoken before the county commissioners,” Gibson said. “I got stats from the Florida Department of Agriculture Division of Aquaculture, which monitors these bays weekly.”
Still, no changes.
“We’re just not getting anywhere,” he said.
Heading out from Blackwater Bay, tour guide Birch recalls the journey by counting the reefs.
In Fundy Bayou are eight of TNC’s 33 reefs. Turning the bend at Escribano Point, we pass three more. Approaching reef No. 12, we stop for a field trip lesson from expert Birch.
Reef No. 12 was the first test reef constructed in August 2021, making it the most established. The 33-reef project was completed by August 2022.
“Eventually, it would be great if all of it was populated by live oysters,” Birch said. “But that will take many years.”
Still, she wades over and easily locates an inhabited rock for show and tell.
Most of the 33 reefs are within protected areas, but several lie in harvesting zones, as dictated by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Aquaculture.
For wild oysters to breed on their own, they require a reef or structure they can cling to, somewhere to call home.
Oysters reproduce through a process called external fertilization. Into open water, males
release thousands of sperm at a time, and females release millions of eggs. Fertilized eggs become free-swimming larvae until they find a reef, shell or surface to cling to. Once attached, they become spat and begin growing and forming their own shells. In about two years, they become fully formed oysters.
“If you let them just grow, they create these beautiful reefs,” Birch said. “They’re awesome little critters.”
Aquaculture oyster farming has become a common practice in the Pensacola Bay System.
“AN OYSTER DREDGE IS LIKE DRAGGING A BULLDOZER ACROSS A PILE OF DIRT — IT JUST FLATTENS IT OUT. THIS DREDGE JUST DESTROYED THAT WHOLE MOUND. THERE WAS NO HABITAT LEFT FOR THEM TO CLING TO.” — Oysterman Pasco Gibson
The 33-reef installation project, managed by The Nature Conservancy, was a collaborative community effort. Local oystermen like Pasco Gibson (previous page) provided key insight. Matt Posner (above), alongside fellow members of the Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program, served as project partners with plans to execute future restoration efforts.
Gibson was initially indifferent to the idea but has recently acquired a lease.
“I never thought it was something for me. I’ve always been a wild harvest person,” Gibson said. “I can see now that this is the only way we’re going to have a surplus of oysters again, I believe.”
Most oyster farmers source seed from wholesalers. Gibson will breed his own oysters from locally sourced spawn. He believes this will produce a better quality oyster, as good as they were when he sold them for 10 cents.
“We will have an oyster that is genetically adapted to this area,” he said, “because our oysters were the best in the world.”
Unlike some industries, there’s no beef between environmental restoration organizations and oyster farmers. Aquaculture oyster reefs and wild oyster reefs offer the
same benefits of larvae distribution throughout the bay system.
“Any type of oyster reef you put in the water benefits other reefs,” Birch said. “Whether it’s a harvestable reef, reef for habitat or aquaculture, they’re all working together in a system.
And the people who are involved in that are all working together as well. I think that’s a really important point, that the harvesters and the aquaculture farmers and the resource managers are all working together on this, they all want the same goal.”
Recent drone footage taken this summer shows high activity within the new reefs. Large schools of fish including trout are frequent visitors.
“That’s a great sign that they like the structure,” Birch said.
“It just builds on the whole ecosystem there,” Gibson added.
Now, all the reefs need is time. EC
STILL WORK TO DO
Prior to the reef installation project, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), alongside 20-plus stakeholders, worked over 18 months to facilitate an Oyster Fisheries and Habitat Management Plan for the Pensacola Bay System.
The Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program was among those stakeholders.
“We adopted that as part of our comprehensive management plan for the Pensacola Bay System,” said Matt Posner, executive director of the Estuary Program.
The plan, finalized in 2021, identifies 600 hectares, or 1,482 acres, where oyster habitats once thrived. The plan approves permitting for reef restoration efforts for up to 100 of the 600 hectares within the Pensacola Bay System. The Pensacola East Bay Oyster Habitat Restoration Project’s 33-reef installation was part of this plan.
“This hasn’t been done before — to have a permit for a bay system,” said Anne Birch of TNC.
“We’re able to increase the speed and efficiency of restoration and decrease the costs,” she continued. “That’s what this is about — getting oyster reefs in the water as quickly as we can to start the recovery process.”
With TNC’s 33 reefs established, the organization’s presence will soon come to a close. But the plan is set in motion.
“This project was the catalyst for something larger,” Posner said.
The Estuary Program has received a $10.9 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to fund additional outlined projects. The established plan saves them the hassle of the lengthy permitting process, which can take up to two years from Birch’s experience.
“The Estuary Program stepped up,” Birch said. “They’re a perfect partner for implementing the plan because they coordinate and collaborate with partners all over the estuary watershed.”
Posner and the program have a 10-year goal to restore all 600 hectares of oyster reefs that once thrived in the bay system.
“It’s a very ambitious goal, but we know the bay once supported that.”
Protecting the Panhandle
Three ways The Nature Conservancy in Florida conserves our wild wonders
Northwest Florida is a treasure, and it’s our duty to protect this place that we love. Here are three ways The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Florida employs sciencebased solutions to create positive changes for the planet — in our backyards and across the globe.
HOW YOU CAN HELP: VOLUNTEER, SUPPORT AND LEARN MORE
SAVING LAND FROM DEVELOPMENT
The Nature Conservancy in Florida is part of a statewide effort to protect the 18-millionacre Florida Wildlife Corridor, including key ecosystems in the Panhandle. Wildlife like Florida black bears rely on a network of lands to travel and breed, and the best way to protect them is by protecting their habitats. TNC connects protected lands throughout the state, including TNC properties such as Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve in Liberty County. TNC protects land from development through land acquisition partnerships, conserving the 17,000-acre Bluffs of St. Teresa and the 20,000-acre Lake Wimico properties.
RESTORING LANDS FOR WILDLIFE
It’s not just about buying land but restoring it, too. In Northwest Florida, TNC’s Center for Conservation Initiatives works to revitalize once-abundant longleaf pine and wiregrass habitats. Through controlled burns, TNC uses the natural benefits of fire to support native plants and wildlife. Threatened species like eastern indigo snakes and gopher tortoises are vital to Northwest Florida ecosystems, and thanks to science-based restoration, they are returning to the landscape.
BOOSTING RESILIENCE AND WATER QUALITY WITH OYSTER REEFS
Restored oyster reefs improve ecosystem health and defend sensitive coastlines. The Pensacola East Bay Oyster Habitat Restoration project is TNC in Florida’s largest estuarine habitat restoration project, consisting of 33 reefs over 6.5 miles. The reefs absorb wave energy, prevent erosion and foster calmer waters that allow seagrass to thrive, supporting manatees, dolphins, sea turtles and many other species.
TNC’s Center for Conservation Initiatives educates and engages communities to inspire a love for nature and a passion for protecting it. Our volunteers maintain trails, collect wildlife data and connect with their communities. By supporting The Nature Conservancy in Florida, you too can help make our treasured Panhandle more vibrant and resilient. Learn more about who we are and what we do around the world by subscribing to Nature News. nature.org/florida
abodes
INTERIORS
Bibliophile Archives
Local bookworms share their stories, shelves and style →
by PAIGE AIGRET
TRENDS FROM FLOOR TO CEILING, FRONT TO BACK OCT/NOV 2024
↖
Home libraries create a space for expression. Often, living-space librarians double as collectors and curators. Decorated and stocked builtin shelving units become personalized museums of bookish minds.
METHOD TO THE MADNESS
Armed with a genre, author, title or call number, a manual search through the aisles of any public library would quickly provide readers with the exact book they’re looking for. The same can’t be said for home libraries.
“Everything is organized the way that makes sense to my brain,” Skylar Dennis said. “I’m fairly positive that it would make no sense to anyone else.”
Though she works for the Destin Library, she hasn’t implemented the Dewey Decimal System in her home. Instead, she sorts books according to vibes.
Meanwhile, Jenna Burger, a Fort Walton Beach teacher and restaurateur, says sentiment and theme take the lead in her home library.
“I have a whole shelf of books that help you understand people’s life experiences,” she said. There, Burger houses early slave narratives, women’s studies books, coming-of-age stories and all 11 of Toni Morrison’s novels.
“All of my books have changed my life in some way … there’s a reason why I’ve chosen them to keep in my house.”
BOOKCASE BUILDS
Dennis’ library is the stuff of dreams — floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall shelving; a full-size, cozy daybed; and an oversized, vintage rattan chair. All it’s missing, Dennis says, is a sliding ladder à la Beauty and the Beast. But it took some DIY elbow grease and a little help from her father to create.
Her 1953 home came at a fair price but had quirks, like too few walls. Previous renovations had created a too-open floor plan. Where Dennis might have resolved with insulation and drywall, another idea came to mind.
“We built bookcases that were inset between the studs,” Dennis said. “So it’s actually built into the structure of the house now. There are five 8-foot, floor-
In Fort Walton Beach, Jenna Burger's built-in unit, handcrafted by her husband, spans the length of her living room, with space for innumerable books, board games, plants and unique decor. Antiques, personal trinkets, art and inherited treasures add sentimental elements to the space.
KNOW YOUR HARDBACKS
When purchasing hardback books for aesthetic or practical preference, library technician and home librarian Skylar Dennis warns collectors to look out for lowquality binding. Some publishers and printers glue paperbacks into hardcovers and don’t reinforce them with stitching to cut printing costs. Gluing alone rarely stands the test of time, and backend shortcuts cost consumers in the long run.
↘ Skylar Dennis gave new meaning to builtin at her Destin home when, in place of dry wall, she installed a book wall to separate rooms. There, her home library exudes a whimsigoth style, showcasing an aesthetic where fairytale meets macabre.
to-ceiling bookcases in the room. The bookcases are about 12 or 14 feet wide in total. And I think there’s about 40–45 shelves on the bookcases.”
To those planning a DIY built-in project, Dennis recommends painting the shelves before installing them.
“You’re going to ding them up putting them in, for sure,” she said. “But it’s so much easier to touch stuff up than it is to stand on a ladder for 14 hours painting bookshelves.”
AUTHENTIC DESIGN
Dennis described her style as whimsigoth. Coined by architectural designer Evan Collins, the whimsigoth aesthetic combines the dark and macabre with the whimsy of fairy tales and bohemian influence.
“Just anything kitschy that kind of speaks to me in the space,” Dennis said. “I’ve got triceratops skulls, I’ve got a music box made out of copper from the ’20s or ’30s in the shape of a steamboat.”
Burger prefers a “collected, eclectic look” and designs with sentimentality in mind. Potted plants and greenery adorn her bookshelves. A collection of vintage cameras from both of her grandfathers is on display. And a record player and nearby piano complement the common-room library.
“Keep stuff that’s meaningful to you,” Burger said. “A library is not going to work unless it’s authentically what you want in your home.”
Alternatively, Dennis curates her collection by thrift shopping and “haunting Michael’s” in the fall season.
“Keep it fun and personal,” Dennis said. “It’s your space — it’s supposed to be something that makes you happy.”
HOME IS WHERE YOUR BOOKS ARE
Those in small spaces, don’t fret. Every nook and cranny can become a valuable piece of library real estate. For example, Dennis stores frequently read books on floating shelves and stacks books for borrowing on coffee tables.
“Find the space that’s not going to compromise utility to have the books there,” she said.
Burger suggests making use of decorative storage to keep common space libraries decluttered. Vintage woven baskets make great catchalls for games, remotes and chargers.
No matter your style, home librarians, be warned:
“The shelving is not the expensive part,” Dennis said.
A bookworm knows where their money goes. EC
Paradise Found
Discover luxury and tranquility in this waterfront retreat
Discover and tap into the region’s beauty by living on a gorgeous coastal dune lake in Northwest Florida. This private estate boasts over two acres of land and 330 feet of coastal waterfront with unobstructed water views. The home is secured by a privacy gate and wall surrounding the entire property, making it a haven for peace.
This perfect location provides privacy and serenity yet is just one mile from gorgeous white sand beaches and two miles from Scenic Highway 30A, home of Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach and Seaside, where world-class dining, shopping, golf and year-round events await you. The Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is a short 20-minute drive.
This refined and recently remodeled custom-built estate home offers a dramatic floating staircase entrance, elevator, private library with safe room, formal dining room, gourmet kitchen, breakfast room, media room, mahogany bar, professional gym, seven bedrooms and 5 ½ bathrooms.
With 8,640 square feet of living space, you’ll discover many custom craftsman features, like the 24-foot vaulted ceilings in the main living room showcasing a fabulous soaring fireplace and pocket patio doors that open onto the vast screened lanai and saltwater pool. Additionally, the 2,400-square-foot garage/ apartment can accommodate your cars, car collection, RV motor coach, boat, golf cart and more.
Outdoor living is a Northwest Florida way of life, making the beautiful, screened lanai patio, fountain and saltwater pool, which overlook the waterfront, a focal point of the home. This space is designed for entertaining and family fun. There is also a private dock and boat house for your boat, plus fishing, paddleboarding and kayaking on the water. High-level security systems and a commercial backup generator ensure safety and security. This is a superb Northwest Florida location in a highly desirable area with rare waterfront acreage that every member of your family will enjoy as their slice of paradise.
820 Gulfview Drive
(850) 685-5683
abodes
EXTERIORS
↗ Introducing clover can improve poor soil, adding nitrogen and acting as a natural fertilizer. The low-growing Dutch white clover does well on its own or mixed with native grasses.
WHERE THE GRASS IS GREENER
Native plant species bring backyards to life with biodiverse ecosystems
by PAIGE AIGRET
For decades, the traditional green lawn has been a standard.
Homeowners and landscapers have spent endless resources and spring and summer hours dedicated to achieving that clean, green appearance.
But environmental scientist Mary Gutierrez will tell you that any lawn that requires that much maintenance is just not natural.
“I know it’s difficult for people because socially or culturally we’ve been trained, ‘keep your lawns short, keep it manicured,’” Gutierrez said. “But there’s a way to have your lawn looking natural without looking like the house has been abandoned.”
A biodiverse lawn introduces a myriad of species native to Florida and the U.S.
“Typically, biodiverse lawns take less maintenance,” Gutierrez said. “They require less water. You don’t have to mow them as often, if at all. You don’t have to apply pesticides or herbicides.”
↑ The dandelion is attractive in flower and seed form. Most Southerners can recall summers plucking the yellow blooms from park grasses or blowing at the fluffy seed heads to make wishes into the wind. Too, the edible flower proves practical with medicinal benefits.
A mix of native grasses and clover is ideal to produce a full, lush lawn. Bermuda and Pensacola Bahia do well in Northwest Florida’s loamy soil. Several clover species can help fill in those patchy areas and reintroduce nitrogen and other nutrients into depleted soil. Most clovers are low-growing and some bloom flowers that attract pollinators. Crimson clover will produce vibrant, impressive blooms but needs to reach a height of about 4–6 inches before blooming. Once established, clover lawns require less watering and fertilization and will
Beach Craft, Berlin Gardens, Brown Jordan, Castelle, EC Woods Jensen Leisure, Lane Venture, Lloyd Flanders, Sunset West, Polywood, Ratana, Seaside Casual, Summer Classics, Telescope, Tommy Bahama, Tropitone, and Winston AOG, Big G reen Egg, Broilmaster, DCS, Delta Heat, Fire Magic, Memphis Grills, MHP Products, TEC Grills, Twin Eagles, and Wilmington Grill
naturally stamp out aggressive and invasive species. Gutierrez said to avoid invasive clover lookalikes including the dollarweed. Seed in the fall and early spring for best results, watering frequently during the germination stage.
Gutierrez suggests not cutting your lawn until it’s reached at least 1½ inches or up to 3 inches in height.
“That would still look good and presentable, but you’re still allowing for bugs and insects,” she said.
Many insect species are integral to a healthy biodiverse lawn and will benefit from habitats created by intact grass canopies or clippings, mulch and leaves.
“We have a tendency to think those are just the pests. But there are some insects, like fireflies, that actually incubate underneath the soil, and then they come up after that incubation period,” Gutierrez explained. “They’re good because they eat gnats and mosquitoes, so we need them. But if we’re maintaining the lawn too short, if we’re using chemicals on the lawn, we’re actually killing them.”
When it comes to worries of weeds, Gutierrez says, don’t.
“Growing up, we never considered dandelions a weed,” she said. “I believe they’ve gotten a bad rap in being categorized as that.”
While the dandelion and others like spiderwort are quick to spread, Gutierrez said that doesn’t mean they’re invasive, and they can prove productive in attracting pollinators to your lawn.
Non-native, invasive plants should be identified and removed down to the root, by hand or with a garden tool, and disposed of away from the yard to prevent continued spread. Though native, other fast spreaders, like pointy sandspurs, can be a nuisance and can be treated the same way.
Gutierrez recommends removing non-native and unwanted species in the spring before the season’s first mow to discourage spreading. Pesticides and herbicides, she said, should not be used.
“We don’t want to disturb bees, butterflies and other insects and pollinators. And we don’t want to have adverse impacts on ourselves,” Gutierrez said. “A lot of these chemicals have carcinogens in them, so we really need to be careful.”
others, use caution, and always be sure to consult your hardiness zone when selecting seeds and plants.
Florida’s state wildflower, tickseed, blooms heartily, as do coneflowers, marigolds, blazing star (gayfeather) and coralbean. Too, flowering shrubs including azalea, hibiscus and firebush thrive with vibrant blooms.
While some non-native ornamentals do well in our climate and prove fairly harmless, others have reputations as wildly invasive and should be avoided. The non-native, vining exotic wisteria — popular for its drooping purple blooms that look nice climbing a trellis or pergola — is vigorously invasive.
“People love to plant it,” Gutierrez noted. “Most people plant these because they’re fast growing. But they’re fast growing because they’re invasive.”
Gutierrez said others to avoid include Brazilian peppertree, skunk vine and English ivy.
For flower gardens, Gutierrez said native is always best. If implementing
When in doubt, Gutierrez emphasized, go native. “It goes back to doing what’s right for the Florida environment,” she said. Your backyard will be better for it, too. EC
Attracting Fireflies
Environmental scientist Mary Gutierrez said fireflies were once more common in our region and that human-impact factors, including light pollution and overcrowding, have played a role in warding off the lightning bugs. To attract them to your yard, increase your native plant species. Milkweed is especially productive in attracting the creatures and will attract pollinators, too.
Mary Gutierrez holds a bachelor’s degree in earth and atmospheric sciences and a master’s degree in sustainable community development. She’s worked for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and as an environmental planner. Gutierrez runs two nonprofits, Earth Ethics and Earth Action, with a mission to engage and educate the public and increase environmental awareness.
↑ Native flowering shrubs, like the firebush pictured above, bring color to green spaces and attract pollinators. Be sure to consult your hardiness zone before planing. Most of the Panhandle falls into zone 8B, but coastal Northwest Florida falls into zone 9A.
Herb Appeal
FROM GARDEN TO GARNISH
Flavorful food is closer than you think
by LES HARRISON, UF/IFAS EXTENSION AGENT
EMERITUS
One way to add a distinct and unique touch to home cooking is through herbs. These aromatic plants don’t just add exciting flavors to your food. They can also add captivating colors, textures and shapes to your living space.
While you can find these culinary enhancements at any supermarket, with some preparation and care, you can also grow them at home.
Perennial herbs are excellent candidates to use in the home landscape because they last three or more years, so you don’t have to replace them annually. Arrange them with traditional ornamentals with similar light, water and soil requirements for an elevated visual effect.
BEGINNERS TIP
Novice gardeners may want a starter plant versus a pack of seeds. Browse your local nursery, and remember to choose healthy plants with bright green leaves and stems. Avoid any that show evidence of disease or insect activity.
While perennial and biennial herbs last multiple years, annuals will bolt and die at the end of their growing season. The bolting process is when the plant sends up a bloom spike, produces seed and dies.
At this point in the annual herb’s existence, it’s no longer usable. If left in the garden, it might become feed for next year’s insect population, so remove it. At the first hint of decay and disease, destructive insects commonly attack. These opportunistic bugs will chew on chamomile, feast on fennel and gorge on ginger.
The first step to any herb garden will be to choose the herbs you want to grow and establish them at the correct time of year. Many, such as basil, oregano, sage, edible ginger and rosemary, can be planted from March through June. Others, like Mexican tarragon and mint, can be started in North Florida from late summer to early autumn — just monitor them to ensure they don’t succumb to the season’s high temperatures or extended dry spells.
Once you’ve determined the herbs you want to grow, it’s time to gather your materials. You can purchase seeds from any number of places, but try to buy them from a North Florida grower versus someone online. These seeds are far more likely to be accustomed to the local environment and produce superior yields. And don’t forget to check the germination test date or “sell by” date on the package. All seed lots in Florida must have been tested within a year. Next, grab peat cups and starter mix, and plant your seeds in a site protected from temperature extremes, with proper watering and drainage.
If you’re an experienced gardener, you can try growing herbs from cuttings.
Remove a woody branch section from a plant about 6 inches long. Use rooting hormone on the clipped end to encourage root growth, and as with seeds, place the cutting in a peat cup filled with starter mix. Then, choose a growing site.
In-ground herbs flourish in well-drained soil with ample organic matter. Soil that remains soggy or saturated will encourage root rot and result in premature plant death. So, be mindful. But don’t be afraid to get creative!
But hopefully, by this point, you’ve seasoned countless dishes with your herbs. Most herbs perform best in full sunlight — at least eight hours daily. However, due to the position of trees and structures relative to the sun’s movement across the sky, finding ample sun exposure on a typical suburban lot can be challenging. Some herbs can produce well with partial sunlight. Chives, comfrey and lemon balm will be in this group. But very few thrive in heavy shade. One solution is to grow herbs in pots. This option allows you to place a container in spots where it would otherwise be impracticable to cultivate the plants inground. For example, patios and porches are great locations for container-grown herbs. A 1-gallon pot is sufficient for most annual herbs. Perennial herbs, on the other hand, will require a larger container with more room for their root development. Simply water as needed, but remember: Containers can dry out quickly in the heat of late summer and early fall. Be aware that in-home herbs will likely require supplemental lighting to ensure success. Maintaining proper soil moisture can also be an issue, especially in air-conditioned enclosures.
Les Harrison is a retired University of Florida/ Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Wakulla County extension director.
GREEN SCENE
Lemon balm
Comfrey
Chives
OCT/NOV 2024
Join the Northwest Florida Ballet at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center Nov. 22–23 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 24 at 2:30 p.m. for the 45th annual presentation of The Nutcracker. As the only full-length version of this classic holiday fairytale in the area, NFB’s production features a cast of more than 140 performers and live music by the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra led by NFB music director and conductor David Ott.
Visit NFBallet.org/the-nutcracker to learn more.
UNDER THE BIG TOP WITH THE TIP TOPS
→ Enjoy family friendly fun where kids are the VIPs at this concert in the North Park at Grand Boulevard, featuring music by the Tip Tops on Friday, Oct. 4, from 5:30–8:30 pm. Benefiting the Children’s Volunteer Health Network, this event offers family-fun festivities such as games, dancing, food, drinks and much more! For more information and to purchase tickets, visit CVHNKids.org, call (850) 622-3200 or email info@cvhnkids.org.
The Market Shops
BLOODY MARY FESTIVAL
→ Eat, Drink, and “b. mary” at The Market Shops’ ninth annual Bloody Mary Festival on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Powered by Step One Automotive Group and benefiting Habitat for Humanity of Walton County, the event offers unlimited bloodies prepared by local bars and restaurants, plus local food, live music, a DJ, craft beer, a bubbly bar, shopping, SEC football and much more!
Tickets are on sale now at TheMarketShops.com.
Thank you to the Artists who made it possible! Borromeo String Quartet, Steven Banks, Thomas Mesa, Ilya Yakushev, Harlem Quartet, Terrence Wilson, Astralis Chamber Ensemble, Ensemble Schumann, Imani Winds, Cann Sisters, Daniel Hsu, Axiom Brass, Paul Galbraith, Itamar Zorman, Amy Moretti, Windsync, Akropolis, Vienna Piano Trio, Juilliard String Quartet, and many more!
October 27, 2024
Amadi Azikiwe, violin, viola & Read Gainsford, piano
Artist-in-Residence “mini” outreach
Sunday, Opperman Hall, FSU, 4 pm
November 15, 2024
Raleigh Ringers, bell choir
Friday, St. Peter’s Anglican Cathedral, 7 pm
January 19, 2025
Vega String Quartet, Artist-in-Residence
Sunday, Opperman Hall, FSU, 4 pm
December 2024
Frisson Chamber Ensemble, “A Classic Christmas”
Time/Location TBA-This concert is Free to the public!
March 9, 2025
Duo Beaux Arts, four-hand piano
Sunday, Opperman Hall, FSU, 4 pm
FESTIVAL
OF THE ARTS
→ Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation’s Festival of the Arts is one of the Southeast’s premier juried art festivals. This year’s annual celebration of art, food, music and family fun begins on Friday, Oct. 25, with the Arty Kick Off Party at Henderson Beach Resort. Head to the Cultural Arts Village in Destin on Saturday, from 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sunday, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m., to browse original artwork by more than 100 premier artists from across the United States and Europe. Watch live artist demos, hear live music, enter the art drawing contest, enjoy hands-on children’s activities and street performers, snap a keepsake masterpiece photo, savor food truck fare, and sip on beer, wine and bloody marys and more. Join in the festivities by casting your vote for the People’s Choice Award (Saturday). Proceeds benefit MKAF and its ArtsReach community outreach education initiatives. Visit MKAF.org for more information.
Halloween SymphonySpooktacular
→ Get spooky with the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra this Halloween! The free ninth annual Spooktacular event will be held Friday, Oct. 25, at 6 p.m. at the Adderley Amphitheater at Cascades Park in Tallahassee. Join us for trick-or-treating, costumes, games, food and a ghoulishly good concert. More information can be found at TallahasseeSymphony.org.
THE ARTIST SERIES OF TALLAHASSEE
→ The Artist Series of Tallahassee celebrates 30 years with the second and third concerts of its series. Amadi Azikiwe, on violin and viola, and Read Gainsford, on piano, will delight you with their exquisite tones and elegant interpretations at 4 p.m. on Oct. 27 at Florida State University’s Opperman Hall in Tallahassee. Raleigh Ringers, a professional bell choir, will astound with their versatile sounds and lush arrangements on Nov. 15 at St. Peter’s Anglican Cathedral in Tallahassee at 7 p.m.
For tickets and season passports, go to TheArtistSeries.org or call (850) 445-1616. Doors open 30 minutes prior to the concert.
LIGHTWIRE THEATER’S DINO-LIGHT
OCT. 5
Northwest Florida Ballet’s season kicks off with Dino-Light, performed by Lightwire Theater in Grand Boulevard’s North Park. Lightwire Theater’s Dino-Light tells the story of a famous scientist with magic powers who brings a friendly dinosaur to life using electroluminescent artistry and poignant storytelling. grandboulevard.com
THE OAK RIDGE BOYS
OCT. 6
The Oak Ridge Boys will take to the Saenger stage to perform their chart toppers including No. 1 hits Elvira, Bobbie Sue, Thank God for Kids, American Made, Y’all Come Back Saloon and dozens more. pensacolasaenger.com
BAYTOWNE WHARF BEER FESTIVAL
OCT. 6–7
Time to roll out the barrel and discover unique suds and ales. The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin presents the 16th annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest. American specialty beers from around the nation will be available for participants to sample and savor. baytownebeerfestival.com
PIRATES OF THE HIGH SEAS AND RENAISSANCE FEST
OCT. 6–8
Ahoy, mateys! In celebration of the marauders who once sailed the Gulf, pirates will invade Panama City Beach for a weekend of activities, including a big parade,
a kids parade, treasure hunt, costume contest, live music, food vendors, fireworks and more. visitpanamacitybeach.com
ARTFUL DINING WITH WENDY RODRIGUE
OCT. 11
An al fresco celebration of the culinary and creative arts with a backdrop of the beautiful Choctawhatchee Bay with special guest author/ speaker/art advocate Wendy Rodrigue. Enjoy a reception, curated chef dinner and silent auction. mkaf.org
BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY PRESENTS THE MUSIC OF ELTON JOHN
OCT. 12
The incredible Black Jacket Symphony presents the top hits of the iconic Rocket Man himself, Elton John. pensacolasaenger.com
HARVEST WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL
OCT. 17–20
Epicurean excellence awaits at this festival with the merging of fine wines and culinary creations. The weekend features wine dinners, vendor tents, a cocktail brunch, a silent auction and a grand tasting with over 400 wines from around the world. dcwaf.org/harvest-festival
CELTIC THUNDER
OCT. 23
This Irish ensemble presents a show that is musically impressive, visually impactful and carefully choreographed, all while honoring Celtic heritage. pensacolasaenger.com
OCT. 10
Best of the Emerald Coast Winners Soirée
→ The Best of the Emerald Coast Winners Soirée will take place at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin in Miramar Beach. Winners will not be displaying or serving their products or services. Instead, the public is invited to attend an intimate gathering of the best businesses in the region as voted by the readers of Emerald Coast Magazine
Attendees can expect an evening of entertainment, heavy hors d’oeuvres and, most importantly, celebrating this year’s winners. This year’s event will benefit Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation. For more information and to purchase your tickets, visit EmeraldCoastMagazine.com/bestofec.
NOV. 7
LUMINESCENCE: CATALYST BY CANDLELIGHT
→ Hailed by The New York Times at its Carnegie Hall debut as “invariably energetic and finely burnished … playing with earthy vigor,” the Grammy Awardwinning Catalyst Quartet will redefine your classical music experience with a serene and intimate candlelit concert.
Scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 7, at 7:30 p.m., the performance will be held at the architecturally praised Seaside Chapel. With members Karla Donehew Perez (violin), Abi Fayette (violin), Paul Laraia (viola) and Karlos Rodriguez (cello), the Catalyst Quartet is known for its “perfect ensemble unity” and “unequaled class of execution.” Add this enchanting 30A concert to your fall calendar, and join us with someone special for a memorable evening of live music. To purchase tickets, go to SinfoniaGulfCoast.org.
NOV. 8–9
Panama City Songwriters Festival
→ Join us for the thrilling Panama City Songwriters Festival, a two-day extravaganza in downtown Panama City, featuring multiple artists and venues all within walking distance, where you can experience the captivating stories and songs from some of the nation’s most talented songwriters! Tickets available at PCSongwriters.com.
THUNDER BEACH AUTUMN RALLY
OCT. 23–27
Motorcycle enthusiasts from across the country will converge on Panama City Beach for a rally that features demos, vendors, custom bike shows, rides, workshops and a free concert to kick off the event. thunderbeachproductions.com
THE MARSHALL TUCKER BAND
OCT. 24
Hailing from South Carolina, this Southern rock band has been creating music together since 1972. Their show will be composed of their 20-plus studio albums. pensacolasaenger.com
BAKERSVILLE: A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY
OCT. 24–NOV. 3
Intrepid investigators try to escape a dizzying web of clues, silly accents and disguises as five actors deftly portray more than 40 characters. Can the heroes discover the truth in time?
emeraldcoasttheatre.org/ on-stage
BARKTOBERFEST
OCT. 25
Join Grand Boulevard’s
→ Get ready to discover your potential at EntreCon 2024 on Nov. 13–14 at Pensacola Little Theatre.
spooky-costume doggie social for a costume contest, music, beer and light bites, all benefiting Dog-Harmony. grandboulevard.com
HALLOWEEN ON THE BOOLEVARD
OCT. 31
Bring your little ghouls, goblins, ghosts, princes and princesses to trick or treat throughout the Town Center of Grand Boulevard. The event is open to the public and free of charge. grandboulevard.com
FOO FOO FESTIVAL
OCT. 31–NOV. 11
Foo Foo Fest is big fun, featuring events of high artistic and cultural caliber, all delivered with a hefty dose of Southern sophistication. From opera to graffiti, a variety of culturally inclined events will take place at locations throughout Pensacola. foofoofest.com
EMERALD COAST CRUIZIN
NOV. 7–9
View thousands of hot rods, muscle cars, trucks and classics. Events include cruise-ins, car vendors, concerts, parades and food. emeraldcoastcruizin.com
Celebrating a decade of growth with a lifetime of possibilities, this year’s EntreCon will feature three tracks: leadership, entrepreneurship and business growth, and community. For registration and to learn more, visit EntreConPensacola.com.
FIND YOUR WEAKNESSES BEFORE CYBERCRIMINALS DO
Alys Beach Crafted
→ Alys Beach Crafted is a collection of events designed to gather masters of food and drink and renowned artisans from around the country to share the process, inspiration and product of their craft. Benefitting the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, Crafted aims to tell the stories of crafted beverages, culinary experiences, artistry and workmanship. Visit AlysBeachCrafted.com for more information and to purchase tickets.
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF PANAMA CITY BEACH HOLLY FAIR
NOV. 7–10
Deck your halls with boughs of holly and other home goods thanks to Holly Fair, presented by the Junior League of Panama City Beach. Vendors will be selling apparel, jewelry, crafts and more. Proceeds from this holiday tradition help fund the Junior League’s many community projects. jlpanamacity.org/hollyfair
UNITED WE WORSHIP TOUR
NOV. 14
This November, making history together with a musical journey like no other, Danny Gokey and Mac Powell hit the road for the “United We Worship” tour! Plus, special guests Tasha Layton and Seph Schlueter take the stage, adding to an already amazing lineup. One night, four artists, “United We Worship.” mattiekellyartscenter.org
TINA: THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL
NOV. 16–17
An uplifting comeback story like no other, Tina: The Tina
Turner Musical is the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers and became the queen of rock ’n’ roll. Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her most beloved hits, this electrifying sensation will send you soaring to the rafters. pensacolasaenger.com
SPARKLING WINE & HOLIDAY LIGHTS
NOV. 23
This sparkling event will feature more than 30 champagnes and delicious appetizers at featured restaurants at The Village of Baytowne Wharf. Carolers supply sounds of the season, and the event offers a sneak peek of the first tree lighting of the season. baytownesparklingwinefest.com
CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE
NOV. 26
As the nation’s premier family holiday tradition, CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE will convey the magic of the season with a Broadwaystyle production infused with contemporary circus arts. pensacolasaenger.com
SOCIAL STUDIES
Pairing & Sharing Wine Dinner
MAY 2 The second annual Pairing & Sharing Wine Dinner, benefiting Caring & Sharing of South Walton, was a huge success thanks to a generous community. Guests enjoyed a delectable four-course dinner by Swiftly Catered, perfectly paired with exquisite wines donated by Dry Farm Wines. The event was held at the beautiful Churchill Oaks Clubhouse. Proceeds from the event will help Caring & Sharing continue meeting the growing demand of its food and financial assistance programs. Caring & Sharing has been serving Walton County residents for 30 years!
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM CLARK
1 Kyle and Kristen Swift with Karen and Mark Gergel
2 Rick and Ginger Cramer with Heather and Brandon Cramer
3 Stephanie Ford, Paulina Snow, Courtney Fisher, Carole Ensley and Mara Clark
4 Joni Wallace and Jill Campbell
Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic
JUNE 19–23 The 22nd annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, held June 19–23, 2024, thrilled anglers and spectators. Despite schedule changes due to marine conditions, the tournament saw fierce competition and a total payout of $849,184.16.
PHOTOS BY MAX IMPACT PHOTOGRAPHY
1 Team Just the Tip
2 Tournament directors Jonathan Boone and Jason Draughn
3 April Sarver, Rylie Thomas, Dalton Sarver, Devin Sarver, Lindsey Howard and Joey Sarver
TITLE COMPANY
2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2021, 2023 & 2024
SOCIAL STUDIES
Farnborough International Airshow
JULY 22–24 In mid-July, economic development agency Florida’s Great Northwest (FGNW) led a local delegation to England for the Farnborough International Airshow. This year’s event featured 1,200 companies from 44 countries and over 74,000 visitors from 102 countries. FGNW was a host sponsor of the Select Florida Pavilion alongside Pensacola-based companies Paradigm Parachute & Defense and Viewpoint Systems, plus other major Floridian aerospace players. Additionally, FGNW joined the four-state Aerospace Alliance as a corporate partner to host nearly 400 executives, community leaders and industry players for a pre-show event.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF FLORIDA’S GREAT NORTHWEST
1 Shannon Ogletree, Erica Grancagnolo, Scarlett Phaneuf, Jennifer Conoley, Ben Moorman and Becca Hardin
2 Mike Rinaldi, Aaron Nazaruk, Jennifer Conoley, Mark Moody and Alexander Alvarado
3 Ben Moorman, Jennifer Conoley, Becca Hardin and Cathy Chambers
Discover unparalleled luxury and adventure at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, the crown jewel of the Emerald Coast—voted the 'Best Resort’ by readers of Emerald Coast Magazine.
Spanning 2,400 pristine acres, Sandestin offers an escape where every moment shines. Master your golf swing on our championship courses or refine your tennis serve at our top-rated courts. Indulge in shopping, dining, endless activities, relaxation on our sugar white-sand beaches, and more!
Whether you’re joining us for a seasonal event or to unwind in tranquil coastal beauty, experience why we’re consistently voted the best—and thank you for voting us “Best Resort on the Emerald Coast”!
dining guide
AMERICAN
BUFFALO JACK’S
LEGENDARY WINGS & PIZZA ★
Catch the game and enjoy legendary wings, pizza, burgers and Italian dishes with a New Orleans flair. Miramar Beach, (850) 424-6288, buffalojackslegendarywings.com $$ L D
THE BODACIOUS BREW
This coffee house and eatery specializes in handcrafted espresso, lattes and cappuccinos. For breakfast, try their omelets and acai bowls; for lunch, salads, wraps and flatbread pizzas are on the menu. Pensacola, (850) 434-6300, bodaciousshops.com/cafe $ B L
THE CRAFT BAR ★
Craft brews on tap along with artisan cocktails and elevated bar fare. Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, Destin*, Miramar Beach, Grayton Beach, (850) 460-7907*, thecraftbarfl.com $$ L D
EAGLE’S NEST AT BLACKWATER ★
Casual dining featuring American fare, live music, game-day showings and themed events. Crestview, (850) 331-3594, eaglesnestatblackwater.com $$ L D
EMERIL’S COASTAL
Located at Grand Boulevard in Sandestin, the famed chef’s first restaurant in Northwest Florida combines Italian cuisine with the variety of fresh Gulf seafood and local ingredients. Miramar Beach, (850) 608-7040, emerilsrestaurants.com/emerils-coastal $$$ L D
FIREFLY
Fresh Gulf seafood, steak, sushi and signature cocktails. Panama City Beach, (850) 249-3359, fireflypcb.com $$$ D
FUDPUCKER’S BEACHSIDE
BAR & GRILL ★
Seafood dishes and American fare in a fun, casual atmosphere with entertainment including a live gator attraction and deck games. Destin, (850) 654-4200, fudpucker.com $$ L D
GALLION’S
Elevated small plates, chef-inspired dishes and specialty craft cocktails in a sophisticated, relaxed setting. Rosemary Beach, (850) 399-4909, gallions30a.com $$$ L D
GEORGE BISTRO + BAR
Husband and wife owners are driven by a passion to create exceptionally humble, ingredientdriven food, coffees and cocktails while treating guests like family. Pensacola, (850) 912-4655, georgebistroandbar.com $$$ L D
IVY & ALE
A boutique plant nursery and beer garden offering a selection of shareable apps, sandwiches and entrees along with wine, craft beer and spritzers. Fort Walton Beach, (850) 226-2263, ivyandale.com $$ L D
LOUISIANA LAGNIAPPE ★
A taste of New Orleans hits the coast through Louisiana-style favorites like shrimp and grits
and Cajun seafood gumbo. Destin, (850) 837-0881, thelouisianalagniappe.com $$ D
LULU’S
Lucy Buffett’s funky hangout features cocktails, burgers and seafood, plus allergyfriendly menus. Destin, (850) 710-5858, lulusfunfoodmusic.com $$ L D
MAGNOLIA GRILL
Steak, seafood, pasta, soups, salads and desserts. Fort Walton Beach, (850) 302-0266, themagnoliagrillfwb.com $$ L D
MARINA BAR & GRILL ★
Seafood, po’ boys, burgers and salads. Miramar Beach, (850) 267-7778, sandestin.com/ dine/marina-bar-grill $ B L D
MARINA CAFE ★
Gourmet pizzas, Creole and American cuisine. Destin, (850) 837-7960, marinacafe.com $$$ D
NICK’S BOATHOUSE
Serving a wide variety of seafood, steaks and flatbreads by the waterfront. Pensacola, (850) 912-8775, nicksboathouse.com $$ L D
NORTH BEACH SOCIAL ★
Favorites include chef Jim Shirley’s famous Grits a Ya Ya, the NB Social Burger, fresh raw oysters, and tuna poke bowls. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 622-8110, northbeach.social $$ L D
OVIDE ★
Located inside the new Hotel Effie, acclaimed chef Hugh Acheson brings together classic Gulf Coast flavors and impeccable classic French technique. Miramar Beach, (850) 351-3030, hoteleffie.com/dining/ovide $$$ D
THE RED BAR ★
Locally renowned landmark location serving classic meals in a casual, eclectic environment. Grayton Beach, (850) 231-1008, theredbar.com $$ L D
RESTAURANT IRON
Buzzy, stylish locale serving gourmet, reimagined takes on Southern cuisine, plus clever cocktails. Pensacola, (850) 912-4655, restaurantiron.com $$ D
RESTAURANT PARADIS
Restaurant and lounge offers rich coastal flavors in its innovative dishes. Rosemary Beach, (850) 534-0400, restaurantparadis.com $$$ D
SHADES BAR & GRILL
A 30A mainstay for over 20 years, Shades features 17 high-def TVs plus a menu of salsas, steaks, sandwiches and fish tacos. Inlet Beach, (850) 231-9410, shades30a.com $$ L D
SUNQUEST CRUISES SOLARIS YACHT
Enjoy a fusion of ambiance, food and live music aboard the SOLARIS yacht offering three decks of indoor and outdoor spaces. Miramar Beach, (850) 650-2519, sunquestcruises.com $$$ D
VUE ON 30A ★
Fine New American dining in a modern, cream and beige waterfront spot with bar,
Buckhead
Mrs.
Assortment
lounge and views. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 267-2305, vueon30a.net $$ L D
VIN’TIJ FOOD & WINE
Award-winning boutique wine shop and restaurant offering seasonally inspired culinary creations paired with high-quality wines. Miramar Beach, (850) 650-9820, vintij.com $$ L D
THE WINE BAR ★
A gathering spot for lunch or dinner, plus daily happy hour specials. Destin* and Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 269-2902*, thewinebarfl.com $$ L D
ASIAN
DOMO CAFÉ ★
This Asian kitchen offers dozens of sushi options, including vegetarian, signature, fried and baked rolls. Fort Walton Beach, (850) 226-6412, Facebook: Domo Cafe $$ L D
DOMO IZAKAYA RAMEN + SUSHI
Expansive sushi options and ramen, noodle and rice bowls in an authentic, modern atmosphere. Destin, (850) 353-2096, Facebook: DOMO Izakaya $$ L D
LIN’S ASIAN CUISINE ★
Authentic Asian cuisine at a convenient and casual location offering dine-in or takeout. Miramar Beach, (850) 424-5888, linsasianfl.com
$ L D
OSAKA JAPANESE HIBACHI
STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR ★
Known for its sushi, Osaka also serves a variety of veggie chicken, steak and seafood dishes. Destin, (850) 650-4688, theosakasteakhouse.com $$ L D
P.F. CHANG’S
A Chinese restaurant serving Mongolian, Thai, Korean and other Pan-Asian dishes. Miramar Beach, (850) 269-1806, pfchangs.com $$ L D
BLACK BEAR BREAD CO. ★
Contemporary cafe for craft coffee, housebaked breads, pastries and sandwiches and all-day breakfast. Miramar Beach, Grayton Beach*, Seaside, (850) 213-4528*, blackbearbreadco.com $ B L
MAMA CLEMENZA’S
EUROPEAN BREAKFAST
A range of European-inspired breakfast dishes, cappuccinos and pastries. Miramar Beach, (850) 424-3157, Facebook: Mama Clemenzas $$ B
RUBY SLIPPER CAFE ★
A New Orleans-inspired brunch spot offering classic takes, signature Southern specialties and eye-opening cocktails. Pensacola, Destin*, Miramar Beach, (850) 660-7100*, rubybrunch.com $$ B L
SUNSET BAY CAFE
Casual and outdoor dining overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay, featuring locally sourced ingredients and sustainable seafood. Miramar Beach, (850) 267-7108, sunsetbaycafesandestin.com $$ B L D
30A COOKIES & CREAM
Treats from Great American Cookies and Marble Slab Creamery make for an irresistible combination. Seagrove*, Inlet Beach, (850) 231-2552*, 30acookiesandicecream.com $
BLUE MOUNTAIN BEACH CREAMERY
Homemade ice cream, yogurt and sorbet at The Creamery and milkshakes, coffee and donuts at the Shake Shop. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 278-6849, bluemountainbeachcreamery.com $
BEACHSIDE BUBBLE WAFFLE ★
Food truck serving bubble waffles filled with ice cream, tasty toppings and sauces. Navarre, Instagram: Beachside Bubble Waffle $
SUSHIMOTO
Family-owned casual eatery with a sushi bar offering up creative rolls, plus other Japanese fare. Miramar Beach, (850) 424-5977, destinsushi.com $$ L D
THAI CHIANG RAI
Soups, curries and specials including Papa’s Crab Meat Fried Rice. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 213-3972, Facebook: Thai Chiang Rai Restaurant $$ D
THAI DELIGHTS RESTAURANT ★
Thai soups, curries and rice and noodle dishes in a variety of meat, seafood and veggie options for dine in or takeout. Destin, (850) 650-3945, Facebook: Thai Delights Restaurant $ L D
BARBECUE
3 SONS BAR-B-Q ★
Barbecue classics smoked on-site daily alongside Southern sides and desserts. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 278-6082, 3sonsbarbq.com $ L D
98 BAR-B-QUE
Award-winning barbecue, gumbo, sandwiches and salads in a casual atmosphere. Dine in, take-out and catering. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 622-0679, 98bbq.com $ L D
BREAKFAST/ BRUNCH/BAKERY
BISTROLOGY ★
Fully loaded brunch spot featuring oversized omelets, French toast with sweet toppings, stuffed croissants, specialty coffee and beverages and more. Miramar Beach, (850) 757-7374, bistrology.restaurant $$ B L D
THAT’S JAMES ICE CREAM ★
Ice cream truck serving frozen classics including popsicles, shaved ice and ice cream bars. Rotating locations, (404) 797-5235, Facebook: That’s James Ice Cream Truck $
FRENCH
BAY CAFE FRENCH RESTAURANT
Step out on the bay for authentic European cuisine, featuring fresh local seafood and decadent cream sauces. Fort Walton Beach, (850) 244-3550, Instagram: Bay Cafe French Restaurant $$ L D
KENNY D’S ★
Cajun beach bar and eatery in a casual, comfortable atmosphere with a New Orleans vibe. Miramar Beach, (850) 650-0755, kennyds.net $$ L D
GREEK
AEGEAN RESTAURANT ★
Authentic Greek restaurant serving salads, wraps, pastas and more. Mary Esther, Shalimar, Miramar Beach*, (850) 460-2728*, aegeanfl.com $$ B L D
IRISH
JOHNNY MCTIGHE’S IRISH PUB
Easygoing pub providing Irish and American eats, a game room for kids and deck seating. Blue Mountain Beach, (850) 267-0101, johnnymctighes.com $$ L D
MCGUIRE’S IRISH PUB ★ Burgers, pub grub and the famous 18-cent Senate Bean Soup. Pensacola, Destin*, (850) 650-0000*, mcguiresirishpub.com $$ L D
ITALIAN/PIZZA
AMICI 30A
Offering authentic Italian cuisine with a flair for celebration. Inlet Beach, (850) 909-0555, amici30a.com $$$ L D
ANGELENA’S ITALIANO
In the heart of downtown, nationally renowned Chef James Briscione’s menu serves up rustic yet elegant plates with an Italian, coastal vibe. Pensacola, (850) 542-8398, angelenaspensacola.com $$ D
CLEMENZA’S UPTOWN
Classic Italian dishes including pastas, wood-fired pizza, salads and desserts. Fort Walton Beach, (850) 243-0707, clemenzasatuptownstation.com $$ L D
FARM & FIRE SOUTHERN PIZZERIA
Featuring a clean-burning coal oven to impart a unique, full flavor to their pizzas, whole fish, steaks and roasted chicken. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 622-3871, farmandfiresouthwalton.com $$ D
FAT CLEMENZA’S
Brick oven pizzeria serving wood-fired pies, specialty desserts and more. Miramar Beach, (850) 650-5980, fatclemenzas.com $$ 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. Miramar Beach, (850) 837-3095, grimaldispizzeria. com/location/grand-boulevard $$ L D
MERLINS PIZZA ★
Locally owned pizzeria serving specialty and customized pies made with fresh ingredients. Destin, (850) 650-3000, merlinspizza.com $ L D
MIMMO’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO ★
Authentic Italian dishes bursting with flavor and color. Destin*, Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 460-7353*, mimmos.com $$ 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. Destin, (850) 974-5484, pazzodestin.com $$ L D
THE PIZZA BAR AT BUD & ALLEY’S
Artisan cheese, fresh salads, antipasto dishes, homemade soups, seasonal vegetables, hearty pastas and homemade wood-fired Neapolitan pizza. Seaside, (850) 231-3113, budandalleys.com/ pizza-bar $$ L D
TRATTORIA BORAGO
Enjoy classic Italian cuisine and favorites like pork tenderloin or pan-seared grouper from the open kitchen. Grayton Beach, (850) 231-9167, Facebook: Borago Restaurant $$ D
MEXICAN
BURRITO DEL SOL
This Mexican restaurant serves fresh Bajastyle Mexican food, including tacos, burritos, quesadillas and more. Fort Walton Beach*, Destin, (850) 226-8016*, burritodelsol.com $ L D
CANTINA LAREDO
A gourmet twist on Mexican favorites. Miramar Beach, (850) 654-5649, cantinalaredo. com/location/sandestin-florida $$ L D
PEPITO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT ★
Serving award-winning authentic Mexican food with the finest ingredients available since 2000. Niceville, Fort Walton Beach, Destin*, Miramar Beach, (850) 650-7734*, mypepitos.com $$ L D
PEPPER’S MEXICAN GRILL & CANTINA
Casual eatery with familiar Mexican dishes, including seafood and vegetarian options, plus
a full bar. Crestview, Niceville, Shalimar*, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, (850) 613-6970*, peppersmexicancantina.com $ L D
RED FISH TACO
Featuring fresh takes on classic fare, such as street tacos, burritos, taco salads and quesadillas. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 994-7443, redfishtaco.com $$ L D
TACO 30A ★
Food truck and catering service dishing up authentic street tacos, burritos, quesadillas and more. Weekly rotating location schedule, eattaco30a.com $ L D
THE TACO BAR AT BUD & ALLEY’S Baja fish tacos, homemade guacamole, burritos and top-shelf margaritas. Seaside, (850) 231-4781, budandalleys.com/taco-bar $$ L D
SEAFOOD
AJ’S SEAFOOD & OYSTER BAR ★
Known for waterfront views, raw oysters and live music, AJ’s serves up fresh local seafood, cold beverages and good times. Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island, Destin*, Grayton Beach, (850) 837-1913*, ajsdestin.com $$ L D
THE BAY SOUTH WALTON
Waterfront restaurant overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay, offering Gulf Coast cuisine, sushi, a 12-draft beer system, plus wine and crafted cocktails. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 622-2291, baysouthwalton.com $$ L D
BOSHAMPS SEAFOOD & OYSTER HOUSE
Gulf-to-table Southern cuisine with harbor views. Destin, (850) 424-7406, boshamps.com $$$ L D
BROTULA’S SEAFOOD HOUSE & STEAMER
Fresh steamed and boiled seafood dishes. Destin, brotulas.com (850) 460-8900. $$ L D
Since 1967, offering traditional seafood items, flavorful salads and soups with a view of the marina. Panama City Beach, (850) 234-2225, captandersons.com $$$ D
THE CRAB TRAP
Beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico and fresh local seafood processed in the restaurant’s own facility. Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, Destin*, (850) 654-2722*, crabtrapflorida.com $$
DEWEY DESTIN’S
Award-winning seafood in a quaint house. Destin at Crab Island, Destin Harbor*, Navarre, (850) 837-7525*, destinseafood.com $$ L D
FOOW RESTAURANT
Southern coastal cuisine with an Asian flair at the picturesque WaterColor Inn. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 534-5050, dinefish30a.com/food $$ L D
GRAYTON SEAFOOD COMPANY ★
A casual beach-neighborhood gathering spot and seafood restaurant on Scenic 30A. Grayton Beach, (850) 714-2155, graytonseafood.com $$ D
HARBOR DOCKS ★
A surf-and-turf restaurant also offering highquality great sushi. Destin, (850) 837-2506, harbordocks.com $$ L D
JACKACUDA’S SEAFOOD & SUSHI ★ Asian and Southern-inspired dishes including seafood, sushi, salad and sandwiches. Destin, (850) 460-2909, jackacudas.com $$ L D
OLD BAY STEAMER ★
Fresh-caught seafood and steamers served in a casual and eclectic atmosphere. Fort Walton Beach, (850) 664-2795, oldbaysteamerfwb.com
$$$ D
PESCADO SEAFOOD GRILL & ROOFTOP BAR
Dining room, inside bar and outside rooftop bar overlooking the Gulf of Mexico; extraordinary service and cuisine by Chef Brendan Wakeham. Rosemary Beach, (850) 213-4600, rooftop30a.com
$$$ L D
RUNAWAY ISLAND
Crab, oysters and grouper sandwiches in a casual, beach-bar setting, just steps away from the sand. Panama City Beach, (850) 634-4884, runawayislandpcb.com $$ L D
SHUNK GULLEY OYSTER BAR ★
This seafood and casual fare restaurant features classic coastal cuisine and genuine Southern hospitality plus live music daily inside the panoramic bar. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 622-2733, shunkgulley.com $$ L D
STINKY’S FISH CAMP ★
This seafood and wine mainstay promises Gulf-fresh fare. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 267-3053, stinkysfishcamp.com $$ L D
STEAK & SEAFOOD
AUSTONS ON 98 OYSTER BAR AND GRILL ★
Home of the 102-foot bar, specialties include littleneck clams, raw oysters, clam chowder and jumbo shrimp cocktail. Miramar Beach, (850) 842-3200, austonson98.com $$ L D
BEACH WALK CAFE
Located at the Henderson Park Inn, this award-winning establishment features grouper Vince, pepper-crusted yellowfin tuna and seafood pasta Rockefeller. Destin, (850) 650-7100, hendersonparkinn.com/dine/beachwalk-cafe
$$$ D
BIJOUX ★
Fine dining coastal cuisine with a New Orleans flair, Gulf seafood, prime steaks. Miramar Beach, (850) 622-0760, bijouxdestin.com $$$ D
CAPTAIN DAVE’S ON THE GULF
Inspired by traditional waterfront dining, Captain Dave’s features American seafood cuisine infused with a contemporary Gulf Coast twist. Destin, (850) 837-2627, captdavesonthegulf.com $$$ D
THE EDGE SEAFOOD & SKYBAR ★
Located at the Destin Harbor, fresh catches soon land on plates at The Edge. Head up to the adults-only Skybar for great views and live music. Destin, (850) 659-3549, edgeseafood.com
$$ L D
FLEMING’S PRIME
STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR ★
Enjoy fine dining with family and friends, offering prime steak, lobster, wine and more. Miramar Beach, (850) 269-0830, flemingssteakhouse.com/Locations/FL/Sandestin
$$$ D
THE GULF ON OKALOOSA ISLAND
Locally inspired food and beverages in a beautiful waterfront setting, alongside a curated vinyl record collection. Fort Walton Beach, (850) 387-1300, thegulf.com/locations/fortwalton-beach $ L D
M&P BY FARRINGTON FOODS ★
An immersive luxury dining experience hosted by chef William Farrington. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 739-2950, farringtonfoods.com/m&p30a
$$$ D
THE OCEAN CLUB
Storied restaurant serves fresh Gulf seafood and the finest steaks. Enjoy live music, great service and a full bar. Miramar Beach, (850) 267-3666, theoceanclubdestin.com $$$ D
OLD FLORIDA FISH HOUSE
Nestled beside Eastern Lake, find your retreat for oysters, fresh seafood fare, sushi and other classics. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 534-3045, oldfloridafishhouse.com
$$$ L D
RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE
Steak and seafood. New Orleans-inspired. Destin, (850) 337-5108, ruthschris.com/locations/fl/ destin/destin $$$ D
SALTWATER GRILL ★
Fresh Gulf seafood, choice steaks and craft martinis are anchored by this dining room’s 25,000-gallon saltwater aquarium centerpiece. Panama City Beach, (850) 230-2739, saltwatergrillpcb.com $$$ D
SEAGAR’S PRIME STEAKS & SEAFOOD ★
Premium steak, fresh seafood and caviar. Miramar Beach, (850) 622-1500, seagars.com $$$ D
SLICK LIPS SEAFOOD & OYSTER HOUSE
Family-friendly seafood and oyster bar featuring locally caught fare and nestled in picturesque Baytowne Wharf. Miramar Beach, (850) 347-5060, slicklipsseafood.com $$ L D
TAKE OUT
DESTIN ICE SEAFOOD MARKET & DELI ★
Fresh fish and seafood items, pastas, salads, side dishes, Buckhead meats, decadent desserts, wines, cheeses, spices and more. Destin, (850) 837-8333, destinice.com $$ L D
EMERALD COAST CATERING & GOURMET TO GO
Offering full-service catering and prepared gourmet meals to go. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 585-5979, cater1.com $$ L D
JC’S GOURMET ★
Freshly prepared seafood and specialty dips sold at local partner restaurants and grocers throughout the Southeast region. Sold at various locations, (850) 687-2810, jcsgourmet.com $
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. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 280-4319, marrowprivatechefs.com $$$
REEL ’EM IN FRESH SEAFOOD AND GOURMET ★
Delivering fresh Gulf seafood — fish, shrimp, crab and more — from Miramar Beach to Panama City. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 420-2240, reeleminfreshseafood.com $$
TOWNSEND CATERING COMPANY ★
Professional service, meticulous menu planning and delectable cuisine provided for weddings and special events. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 622-0663, townsendcatering.com $$$
THE RICAN VEGAN ★
Vegan food truck offering plant-based takes on authentic Latin-American dishes, plus fresh wellness juices. Rotating locations, (414) 840-1220, plantbasedwellnessconsaborllc.com $ L D
AURORA BOREALIS GRACES THE EMERALD COAST
Like everyone else, I didn’t have “Northern Lights visible in Florida” on my 2024 Bingo card. I remember turning to my husband as soon as we heard that the faint red light was visible in Florida and saying, “I need you to get me out of the city lights.” He just smiled as I grabbed my camera gear and we hurried to start driving north. We made it to a construction area near Pit Springs before I couldn’t stand it anymore and made him pull over so I could try to get some photos. I set up my camera and was dazzled after the first long exposure revealed the warm red glow. Although the light was difficult to pick up with the naked eye, a long exposure on a camera helped reveal it. As the red lights stretched further across the sky, we traveled back to see it stretch across the Milky Way over St. Andrews State Park. We were up until 3 a.m., absolutely mesmerized by what we were seeing. It was an experience unlike anything else! — Patti Blake
Panama City Beach-based photographer Patti Blake works as a creative marketing specialist for Walton County Tourism, but she spends her free time focusing her creative lens on the night sky. Blake shoots moonlit Emerald Coast landscapes and specializes in long-exposure photography.
