Emerald Coast Magazine

EMERALD COAST

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In Pensacola, big tournaments and local leagues are making soccer accessible for fans and players alike

TRIATHLETES

PAVE PATH TO FINISH LINE

OUTDOOR

EXERCISE

BENEFITS BODY AND SOUL

Y O U R V I E W ,

O U R P A S S I O N .

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Architect: Gary Justiss | Builder: Artisan of Seagrove Beach, Inc. | Photo: Jack Gardner

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Painting the Picture

ArtsReach is a creatively curated array of performing and visual arts inspiring K-12 students, children and adults with special needs, and the military community along the Emerald Coast.

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54 SOCCER IN THE PANHANDLE

Surging soccer interests have made Pensacola a hub for the sport in recent years. In 2022, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) signed a multiyear contract to host its annual women’s soccer tournament at Ashton Brosnaham Park. Local soccer mavens John Guidroz and Justin Witkin are enhancing the sport at the local level with Coastal Rush all-star teams and the Pensacola FC 1559 semi-professional adult league. For players of all levels, the pickup game promises beneﬁts for mental and physical health.

by PAIGE AIGRET

60 A BEACHSIDE TRIATHLON

Every November, Panama City Beach hosts the Gulf Coast’s oﬃcial Ironman triathlon race made up of a 2.4-mile swim in the Gulf of Mexico, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run. Local triathletes take up varying styles of training to achieve the ultimate title of Ironman. In May, an Ironman half-race brings the ultimate training opportunity for repeat triathletes and an opportunity for newcomers to get a taste of the challenge.

by MIKE FENDER

photography by MIKE FENDER

FEB/MAR 2025

THE WAVE

19 FESTIVAL The 10-day Forgotten Coast en Plein Air festival invites world-renowned painters to create landscape-inspired works, painting live at locations along the coastline surrounding Apalachicola.

22 EXERCISE Emerald Coast locals are ﬁnding ﬁtness routines accessible in outdoor spaces with little to no equipment. Amid openair environments and like-minded individuals, communities are formed.

26 WELLNESS Happiness is always available to us, though it’s often buried beneath layers of thoughts and emotions. Learn how to reconnect and ﬁnd immediate relief from daily stress.

PANACHE

31 CITIZEN OF STYLE

Private chef Molly Arnett brings a fresh, hip look to 30A cuisine. Her curated, gluten-free plates speak to style as much as her outﬁts.

36 WHAT’S IN STORE

Local boutiques bring warm ﬁts and cozy winter wear, and ﬁne jewelry options make for the ideal Valentine’s Day gift.

LIBATIONS

With New Year’s resolutions still in mind, now is the perfect time to hop on the mocktail train with these delicious recipes.

GASTRO & GUSTO

44 DINING IN Whether you’re a novice chef or a seasoned professional, crafting sushi is a tactile way to explore your creativity.

DANCE The Northwest Florida Ballet’s partnership with the Okaloosa County School District combines dance and education to prepare ballerinas for the professional world.

72 BOOKS Part-time

Santa Rosa Beach resident Tripp Friedler’s new memoir, The Tunnel recounts his family’s experience navigating his son’s battle with mental health.

77 ATMOSPHERE

Houseplants have a host of beneﬁts for humans, from cleaning the air we breathe to helping combat stress. Start a collection of your own with our guide, tips, and tools.

82 INTERIORS Rest is vital to health. So why do so many of us sleep so poorly? Wake up a new person with these tips from the experts.

ON THE COVER: With experience shooting advertisements for Nike, New Balance, Oakley, and more, sports photographer Matt Coughlin was ready and waiting to capture the action at Ashton Brosnaham Park in Pensacola.

LIVE YOUR DREAM

↑ TIMELESS CRAFTSMANSHIP The 30A-based custom homebuilding company, Luke & Blue’s, is creating intentionally designed homes where families can foster lasting legacies.

28 HOLISTIC HEALTH CARE Panama

City Beach internal medicine physician Dr. Myra Reed has built a practice based on wellness, balance, and patient-centered care. FEB/MAR 2025

48 FRESH FROM THE FARM Buying

local never tasted so good—Florida farmers oﬀer freshly harvested ﬂavors with in-season produce and always-fresh seafood.

50 ← HARVEST FEST

Hosted at WaterColor in Santa Rosa Beach, the 2024 Harvest Festival treated event goers to a weekend full of decadent fare, ﬂowing libations, and live music.

BEST OF THE EMERALD COAST BALLOT: Voting opens for Emerald Coast Magazine’s annual readers’ poll.

↑ CONCERTS IN THE VILLAGE

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation’s 10-concert series kicks oﬀ in April and runs through June, delivering lively performances at Destin’s Dugas Pavillion.

91 WOMEN’S PROFILES

Meet the local female leaders and entrepreneurs enacting change, growth, and innovation throughout the Emerald Coast and across career ﬁelds that impact local communities.

98 COASTAL HAPPENINGS

Fill in your calendars with local performances, festivities, markets, events, and more.

106

↑ BEST OF THE EMERALD COAST

The Best of the Emerald Coast event was bigger and better than ever in 2024. An expansive venue and live music welcomed a community of friends, family, and favorite businesses to celebrate the best night of the year.

VOL. 26, NO. 1

PUBLISHER MCKENZIE BURLEIGH

EDITORIAL

EDITOR, EMERALD COAST MAGAZINE Paige Aigret

FEBRUARY–MARCH 2025

EDITOR, NORTHWEST FLORIDA WEDDINGS MAGAZINE Rebecca Padgett Frett

SENIOR COPY EDITOR Melinda Lanigan

CUSTOM CONTENT EDITOR Zandra Wolfgram

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Hannah Burke, Abigail Duﬀy, Mike Fender, Laurie Einstein Koszuta, Kelley Marcellus, Kaki Menser, Liesel Schmidt, Evgeniya Stetsenko

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 Jennifer Boles, Boo Media, Bjorn Bolinder, Matthew Coughlin, Mari Darr-Welch, Mike Fender, Desirée Gardner Photgraphy, Goldie Wolfe Creative / Lillian Rose Baker, Daisy Hipbilly, Karolina Kuras, Savvy Leigh Photo, Kurt Lischka / Moon Creek Studios, Jimmy Mitchell, Edward A. McGrath Photography, Bob O’Lary, Gyorgy Papp, Whitney Port Photography, Maddie Reed, Savvibelle Photography, Kiara Watson, Lorelei White

SALES, MARKETING, AND EVENTS

SALES MANAGER Lori Magee Yeaton

DIRECTOR OF NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, EASTERN DIVISION Daniel Parisi

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Tracy Mulligan

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Rayna Bishop, Julie Dorr

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Darla Harrison, Erica Wilson

ACCOUNT MANAGER Renee Johnson

MARKETING & EVENTS SPECIALIST Alix Black

OPERATIONS

CIRCULATION/DISTRIBUTION SPECIALIST Melinda Lanigan

OFFICE MANAGER Amber Ridgeway

PUBLISHER EMERITUS Brian Rowland

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CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Todd Schmidt

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FINDING FITNESS AND COMMUNITY

Intimidation kept me from the gym for most of my life; in my 30s, I’ve changed my mind

I spent much of my life opposed to exercising at the gym. To me, the gym represented judgment and unattainable standards.

I remember being a teenager and my mom roping me into attending a Curves class with her. She was drawn to the idea of a women-only gym, and I can understand why. But when I attended the class with her, I found myself, 16 at the time, surrounded by women my mom’s age.

I felt out of place.

No matter what gym I entered, I felt like I didn’t belong. I felt insecure in those spaces.

I’m not someone who looks like they go to the gym—I’m not visibly muscular, I don’t have six-pack abs, and my weight has uctuated for years. In all honesty, I’m not even someone who enjoys tness as a hobby.

I’ve always found my own ways of staying active—walking, hiking, yoga, and workout classes. But unaware that I needed it, I never truly found a health or tness community I belonged to. In turn, maintaining a routine proved di cult over the years.

It was two and a half years ago that my best friend proposed we start hitting the gym together. I was hesitant. But I had just turned 30, and I began to realize that it takes a lot more work to maintain health as we age.

Too, I had begun to think a lot about my Grandma Ernestine. She was turning 92 at the time (94 today) and she is still so strong. Of course,

age has slowed her down, but she gets around on her own for the most part. I know the reason she’s kept her strength for so long—she stays busy.

She worked her whole life from the age of 12. Her rst job was at a pharmacy and soda fountain. In the summers, she traveled from her home in Texas north to Michigan where she and her siblings worked harvesting produce from elds. She had many jobs over the years. Another was as factory shrimp grader, selecting and separating shrimp for packaging based on size. But her real passion was always in the kitchen—cooking, baking, and cleaning. She worked in catering and restaurants for years. One of her last jobs before retirement was in catering at the old Ramada—now The Island Resort—on Okaloosa Island. And for a brief stint, she ran and owned a restaurant with her husband, my late Grandpa Maurice, in Fort Walton Beach called The Rendezvous.

Today, she begrudgingly settles for chores around the house.

But it’s no accident she’s able to keep moving at 94; it’s credited to the fact that she kept moving all her life. After family, work is her legacy and one she’s proud of.

I aspire to be like my grandma when I’m older, but my work happens at a desk, not on my feet. Staying active was naturally part of my grandma’s routine—it was her livelihood. If I want the longevity she’s achieved,

I have to make that choice and make that change.

So, I said yes to my friend.

Part of my insecurity was that I didn’t know what to do in the gym and was sure I would look like an idiot. I feared judgment. But it turns out that looking like an idiot is a lot less intimidating with your best friend by your side. We follow a tness app, and we gure it out together.

Small but mighty, I’m glad I nally found my tness community.

Over two years later, I’m no major success story. I still don’t have six-pack abs, and I continue to struggle with weight uctuation. But if I ex, I can show o a little bit of muscle.

Most importantly, I feel stronger and healthier.

And I’m grateful to my 30s for teaching me that it’s never too late to get t and nd your community.

Stay healthy,

PAIGE AIGRET, EDITOR paigret@emeraldcoastmagazine.com

from the publisher

NEVER HESITATE ON YOUR HEALTH

A local’s experience sheds light on the No. 1 cause of death in U.S.—preventative measures can help

A friend of mine, Meaghan Easterhaus, recently had a health scare and shared her story with me.

“I woke up with what I thought was heartburn,” Easterhaus recalls. “By the time I made it out of the bedroom door, I was experiencing the most extreme chest pain and could not breathe. I’d been having heartburn lately and thought it was a bad attack. I made it to the medicine cabinet as fast as I could and took some Pepto-Bismol tablets and a pu of an inhaler that happened to be there. I didn’t get any relief.”

Her husband was out of town and her three children were sleeping. As she was contemplating what to do, both of her arms went completely numb from her shoulders to the tips of her ngers. These symptoms persisted for over an hour. When she couldn’t take the pain anymore, she called 911.

She was having a heart attack, though unaware in the moment. By the time she got in the ambulance, things were better. Her blood pressure, pulse, oxygen, and EKG levels were all normal.

According to the American Heart Association, the average age of a rst heart attack is 65 for men and 72 for women.

Easterhaus is 45.

She prides herself on maintaining a healthy diet and exercises often. She is in good shape by health standards. She also maintains a healthy balance in work and life. She is very involved in the community as a mother, wife, entrepreneur, and business owner of Palm Folly, Best Hard Seltzer winner in the 2024 Best of the Emerald Coast readers’ poll.

The hospital sta was puzzled and unable to o er an initial diagnosis. She was referred to follow up with a gastroenterologist. But a nal blood test came back before her release, revealing

an increased level of cardiac enzymes, which indicates a cardiac incident.

Follow-up testing con rmed a diagnosis—Easterhaus had experienced a heart attack, with 95 percent blockage in one of her three arteries. She subsequently underwent a stenting operation.

Easterhaus is the third person I personally know that has recently experienced a heart attack at a young age—all people that don’t t the perceived mold of being at risk for heart attack and cardiovascular disease.

The American Heart Association notes that heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the U.S. for 100 years. February is American Heart Month, an opportunity to raise awareness on the importance of heart health. No matter your age, I encourage you to take charge of your preventative health.

The National Institute of Health recommends getting involved by wearing red for awareness, getting active, eating healthy, reducing stress, quitting smoking, and managing conditions alongside health care professionals.

Put yourself and your heart rst. Even just one change can make a di erence. Daily meditation or walking could be a simple start. Maybe you opt for one meatless meal a week or incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Yoga, swimming, and weightlifting can be great ways to increase physical activity. Too, you can create boundaries to ensure you are putting yourself rst.

We continue to see the bene ts of investment in health care access throughout the Emerald Coast through facilities including Ascension Sacred Heart, White Wilson Medical Center, HCA Florida, Baptist Health Care, and the new FSU-TMH Medical Campus.

Never hesitate to ask for help and to call 911. It is better to be safe than sorry, and health care professionals will always share in that sentiment.

Our bodies often give us subtle signs leading up to health emergencies. Easterhaus’ heartburn in the months before her heart attack were warnings missed. Even in a moment of emergency, she hesitated.

We’ve all boarded a plane to hear ight attendants advising you to put on your oxygen mask before helping others in the case of an emergency. This life is your plane, so be sure to put your mask on rst.

Much love,

MCKENZIE BURLEIGH, PUBLISHER mburleigh@palmbeachmedia.com

EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM

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CHEERS TO 20 YEARS

The Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation celebrates 20 years of transformative giving in support of children’s charities throughout the Emerald Coast. Visit EmeraldCoastMagazine.com/ cheers-to-20-years to read more.

NEW EXPANSION SHINES BRIGHT

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EN

MIKE FENDER

It was the sand dunes that artist Michelle Held focused on as she looked out at the calm Gulf waters off Mexico Beach.

She knew about Hurricane Michael and the devastation it brought to the town in 2018. But it was the resilience of the dunes she couldn’t get off her mind. To her, they stood as a testament to the area’s natural beauty and endurance.

They were survivors.

“The sand dunes themselves are such striking subjects,” she says. “Their soft, flowing forms contrast with rugged grasses and the windswept patterns etched into the sand. The way the light plays across them, shifting from warm to cool tones throughout the day, is fascinating.”

For Held, the scene was as pretty as a painting.

So, the Sarasota-based artist set up an easel, mixed up her colors, and started to paint. As a beach breeze ran across her face, a crowd gathered to watch. With a dab of color here and a brushstroke there, she brought the spirit of the dunes to life on her canvas.

Held was one of 17 artists invited to participate last March in the Apalachicola

“The sand dunes themselves are such striking subjects. Their soft, flowing forms contrast with rugged grasses and the windswept patterns etched into the sand. The way the light plays across them, shifting from warm to cool tones throughout the day, is fascinating.” — Michelle Held

festival, Forgotten Coast en Plein Air: America’s Great Paint-Out. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, the 10-day event invites world-renowned painters to create works inspired by eight communities along 100 miles of the Forgotten Coast.

The event is organized by The Forgotten Coast Cultural Coalition, a nonprofit that funds the festival through donations, grants, painting sales, and sponsors like Duke Energy, the State of Florida Cultural Affairs, and regional tourist development councils. Too, The St. Joe Company has been instrumental in supporting the event from its beginnings 20 years ago.

Communities from Alligator Point to Mexico Beach, including Carrabelle, Eastpoint, Apalachicola, St. George Island, Cape San Blas, and Port St. Joe, take part in the festival.

Board president Susan Bassett says that the capturing of fleeting moments of light, composition, and subject is what makes the event special.

“The paintings represent a moment in time,” Bassett says. “It is challenging for the artists to produce and thrilling for observers to watch take form.”

The history of plein air painting dates back to the early 1800s in France where the practice of creating paintings outside from start to finish became popular. Prior to that, most painting took place inside studios. By 1870, when paint in tubes was invented, the style became even more popular.

Held started painting plein air style after three decades of doing custom murals, historical restoration, and fine faux finishes.

between the artist and the organization. Many of the pieces are sold to collectors.

For Bassett, two of the biggest accomplishments over the 20-year run of the event have been helping start and develop the community art space at the Apalachicola Center for History, Culture and Arts, as well as purchasing, renovating, and launching The St. Joe Center for the Arts building in Port St. Joe.

For the 20th anniversary, Bassett says they will have legacy awards for artists who have made an impact both within the festival and among the greater plein air community. There will also be roundtable discussions with artists and customary key activities such as Plein Air Church, a community-wide gospel service on the waterfront in Apalachicola.

Now, she paints on the plein air circuit across the country, teaching and hosting workshops in the U.S., Italy, and Ireland.

“There’s something magical about being outdoors,” she notes. “There’s an honesty in plein air painting, an authenticity that comes from responding directly to the world around me which keeps me coming back to it.”

Artists invited to the March festival are culled based on recommendations from the organization’s board and other artists. Bassett said they look for accomplishments on the national level including awards, gallery representation, and social media following. Artists stay with volunteer hosts during the event. Finished pieces are offered for sale with proceeds split

Other events include Quick Draw, a timed two-hour painting event you can register for and compete in or just come to watch. Student Art Day welcomes local high school students and pairs them with invited artists for a morning of painting in Apalachicola. The Wet Room Gallery, where recently painted works hang on display, will be at the Fort Coombs Armory in Apalachicola.

From March 14-23, invited artists will paint live at scheduled appearances throughout the Forgotten Coast. Visitors can watch and interact with artists throughout the 10-day run. EC

←

Each spring, selected artists are invited to paint live at the Forgotten Coast en Plein Air festival, a 10-day event hosted by the Forgotten Coast Cultural Coalition. The 2025 Great Paint-Out will take place from March 14–23.

FITNESS GOES GREEN

The great outdoors oﬀers a beneﬁcial alternative to the monotony of gym routines

by PAIGE AIGRET

There’s no question that exercise is good for us—from improving sleep and cardiovascular health to decreasing the risk of stroke and depression. But, for many, monotonous gym routines can begin to feel like a chore.

Personal trainer Amy Habrack spent the greater half of her career inside a gym before deciding fitness need not be so rigid.

“Regular gyms are just kind of a turn and burn, like you’re in and out,” says Habrack, who worked in, opened, and ran gyms across the country throughout her 20s.

According to the American Council on Exercise, “green”—or outdoor—exercise is more impactful to cardiovascular and mental health and in lowering blood pressure than indoor exercise. It also proves more helpful in managing stress and boosting mood and self-esteem.

Jeff Harris, owner of Run With It in Fort Walton Beach, says he can’t imagine running on an indoor treadmill.

“I just think being outside is so good for you,” he says. “Feeling the sun on you, the wind in your face.”

And it offers a more intense workout, too. Harris and wife Donna host a Tuesday night run club and organize and direct area races and marathons alongside the Northwest Florida Track Club.

“We get people in occasionally that don’t like running outside for whatever reason, usually it’s too hot, too humid, and they run on treadmills,” Harris says. “They can run six miles, no problem. When they go to run outside, it’s a totally different animal.”

Habrack says there’s something special about exercising in our mostly temperate climate.

“You’re not confined to a small space; it’s just wide-open air,” she says. “And I think that is a huge benefit.”

After moving to Panama City Beach in 2016, Habrack began to crave an exercise routine surrounded by trees and blue sky instead of drywall. Too, she craved community.

“I knew I didn’t want to get back inside a gym, but I wanted to share my knowledge,” Habrack says. “For me, selfishly, I wanted that community, and I needed it.”

Habrack resolved to bring the female-focused Sweat Like a Mother

(SLAM) fitness regimen to the area and opened the Panhandle’s first SLAM location in PCB, an option convenient for moms with young children. The group meets for hourlong morning workouts at Frank Brown Park, where they combine strength training and cardio in an outdoor routine built around one vital piece of equipment—the stroller.

“You exert a minimum of 30 percent more energy when you are pushing that load,” Habrack says. “It actually is beneficial to push during your workout.”

Led by Habrack, the routine starts with stroller-pushing cardio throughout the park. Along the way, the group stops at three designated stations for a variety of 10-minute functional exercises using mats and dumbbells. The course is repeated until the hour is up.

“As women, it’s important that we strength train,” Habrack says. “At those functional stations, we are lifting weight that is challenging.”

According to the Office on Women’s Health, muscle mass decline begins at age 30 with a 3 to 5 percent loss per decade. An advanced rate of loss can lead to sarcopenia, a condition common among 10 to 20 percent of older adults.

In Fort Walton Beach, Harris’ Tuesday run group—anywhere from 20 to 60 runners—has been at it since he first opened Run With It 16 years ago.

“This is just a purely communitydriven, grassroots deal,” Harris says. “It’s fun. Everybody does their own pace, their own distance.”

The group follows a safe, well-lit route in the area surrounding Mooney Road. Water is available along the way. Back at the store afterward, the crew congregates to socialize over a beer.

“You get your group of people that you run with, and all of a sudden, they’re your best friends,” Harris

“We have to make sure that we are continuing to lift those weights, and heavier weights,” Habrack says. “People are afraid of them, but we have to push some weights around—it’s so important.”

↑ Career gym rat Amy Habrack ditched the confinement of indoor exercise after moving to Panama City Beach in 2016. Today, she leads Sweat Like a Mother (SLAM) classes at Frank Brown Park. The regimen is centered around one main piece of equipment—the stroller.

↑ SLAM group members are committed to more than fitness—they’re committed to community. A monthly moms’ night out and regular meetups keep the close-knit group socially active.

says. “In the 16 years, we’ve probably had a halfdozen couples meet and get married.”

Outside of their regular fitness routines, Habrack hosts a monthly moms’ night out with members of the PCB SLAM group and organizes group jogs and playgroups for those with kids.

“It’s not just the workout; it’s so much more than that,” she says.

Races organized by Run With It and the Northwest Florida Track Club focus on community, too, regularly raising funds for area organizations including the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge, the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), the Fort Walton Beach Fire Department’s holiday toy drive, and the local high schools.

“We actually were able to get this track built at Fort Walton Beach High School,” Harris says. “At this point, we’ve raised over $200,000 for the high school track.”

The track, installed about four years ago and shared by Fort Walton Beach and Choctaw high schools, was upgraded to rubber from asphalt. It has improved the quality of running for students and allowed the schools to host meets.

At race after-parties hosted by local establishments like AJ’s on the Bayou, hard work culminates in awards ceremonies, good food and drink, and great company.

After all, community proves as impactful to health as a green fitness routine. EC

PHOTO BY MIKE FENDER

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WAYS TO BE

HAPPIER

by PAIGE BOWERS and KELLEY MARCELLUS

Does happiness seem like a feeling you chase after but never quite reach? The good news is this: Happiness is always available to us, though it’s often buried beneath layers of thoughts and emotions. Want to learn to reconnect with a happy state of mind? Experts offer 12 simple ways to tap into happiness.

1 OWN YOUR OM

Thanks to new research into neuroplasticity, we now know that one’s happiness set point (the level of happiness that we naturally feel) can be altered. Meditation thickens the areas of the brain that help us process uncomfortable situations as well as shrinks the amygdala, the part of the brain that’s activated under stress. Meditating for as little as two minutes a day leads to a calmer mind, improved cognition, and better self-awareness. Try an in-person meditation class at a local studio, or download guided meditation apps like Headspace and Calm. If you’re a person who likes tech feedback, check out the Hyperice Core, a meditation gadget that uses vibrations to center your attention. Core’s biosensors also give you real-time feedback by measuring your heart rate variability, which is your leading indicator of wellness.

2 MOVE YOUR BODY

A Harvard University study reveals that 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise five days a week releases mood-boosting hormones that can reduce stress and make

you feel happier. If traditional cardio isn’t your thing, don’t despair. Researchers at the University of Derby found that depressed patients who took salsa lessons reported improved moods; a similar Australian study found that people who tangoed for 20 minutes felt happier and had lower levels of stress hormones than people who sat on the sidelines.

HAVE A LAUGH

Making yourself smile (even when you might not feel like it) has a moodboosting effect. The muscles used to turn a frown upside down actually send signals to your brain that you’re happy, which can spur the body to release hormones like dopamine and serotonin. This phenomenon, known as the facial feedback hypothesis, doesn’t mean you have to plaster a fake smile on your face. But the next time you’re feeling low, try cracking a smile and see what happens. Laughter produces similar results, so watch a funny YouTube video, listen to a humor podcast, or stream a comedy special the next time you need a mood lift.

Hyperice Core

4 LET IT GO

According to the Mayo Clinic, holding onto grudges increases anger and bitterness, making it difficult to enjoy the present moment. Letting go of a grudge is not the same experience as forgiveness—in which you replace a negative judgment of a person or situation with a positive feeling. Instead, moving on from a grudge might conjure indifference instead of positivity; you don’t need to feel warm and fuzzy toward a person who wronged you to avoid letting negative feelings control your life. Take time to consider the perspective of the person who wronged you, and you’ll have a better understanding of what might have contributed to the situation at hand.

5 HUG IT OUT

A research study published in the Journal of Nonverbal Behavior found that people who were consistently hugged over a two-week period reported being in a better overall mood. Not only does hugging reduce stress levels and unleash feel-good hormones like oxytocin, but it also makes people feel less lonely, which increases their sense of well-being. Based on research in what’s known as deep touch pressure therapy, a product like HugSleep’s Sleep Pod offers cocooning, hug-life comfort that stimulates the brain in the same way a traditional hug does.

6 BE KIND TO OTHERS

Research shows that acts of kindness can have a significant impact on mental health, reducing symptoms of depression and

anxiety and increasing feelings of well-being. Consider small acts of kindness that can be done on a regular basis. This might include volunteering in the community, offering a listening ear to a friend in need, or simply taking a few moments to tell the people in your life how much they mean to you.

7 CREATE A JUDGMENT-FREE ZONE

In the Buddhist tradition, our attachments are the cause of suffering because all things can change—or disappear—in an instant. One way to practice nonattachment is to get rid of the idea that certain people, thoughts, etc. “should” or “must” be a certain way. When you look at your life without that judgment, it is easier to go with the flow. Work to release yourself from the happiness that comes from external things like clothing, cars, or food. You don’t have to sell everything you own and become a monk or a nun to practice nonattachment; you just need to embrace the importance of letting go.

8 REPLACE TRIGGERS WITH GLIMMERS

Be aware of your triggers (things that make you feel sad or anxious)—like certain social media feeds, that friend who always seems to go on better trips, or a relative who puts you down—and avoid them. Replace those with glimmers (things that spark joy) like walking with a friend who makes you laugh, feeling the sun on your shoulders, or curling up with a new book.

GET OUTSIDE

The Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, is the simple act of getting into nature, observing it, and breathing deeply. According to health care company Kaiser Permanente, studies have shown that spending 10 to 20 minutes a day outside doing something like gardening, listening to the sound of waves at the beach, or walking in a park can lower blood pressure, heart rate, and levels of stress hormones.

10 PUT YOUR PURPOSE INTO PRACTICE

A National Institutes of Health-funded study showed that those who expressed having clear goals or a purpose lived up to seven years longer than those who did not. To find your sense of purpose, make a list of your mental, emotional, and physical talents. Then reflect on what you like to do and where you can use those skills. Maybe it’s tutoring students in math or volunteering at the Humane Society. Find places where you can contribute and make a difference.

11 BE REALISTIC

Recognize that you won’t always be happy in every moment—and that’s normal. Whether you’ve received bad news, are running late, or somebody hurt your feelings, take a moment to acknowledge that the frustration, fear, or anger you feel is not permanent. Allow yourself to experience it, and then shift your focus toward what made you feel this way and what it might take to recover. Then, let the moment pass and take care of yourself. But remember: If you are struggling to reframe your thoughts, it’s important to seek someone to talk to.

12 KEEP IT UP

Like anything else, happiness is a habit, and research tells us that it takes time and dedication to build any habit you want to see through long term. Consider the 21/90 Rule, which is based on studies that show that it takes 21 days to make a habit and 90 days to turn that habit into a permanent lifestyle change. Commit to making happiness your goal for 21 days, or start small and adopt any one of these suggested practices. Push past that initial 21-day period to 90 days, and active happiness will become a part of your lifestyle. EC

A Holistic Approach to Wellness

Combining traditional and functional medicine for a personalized patient experience with

In the heart of Panama City Beach, Myra Reed, M.D., has built a practice that re ects her passion for wellness, balance, and patient-centered care. As an internal medicine physician certi ed in functional medicine, Dr. Reed integrates traditional medical practices with holistic and preventive approaches to help patients achieve optimal health.

“I’m dedicated to partnering with my patients,” says Reed, who has been serving the Emerald Coast for over three decades. “My approach is about truly listening and helping them make lifestyle changes that foster vitality and longevity.”

At the core of her practice is her concierge membership program, designed for patients seeking personalized care and unparalleled access. Members bene t from longer appointments, same-day or next-day scheduling, telemedicine options, and a HIPAA-compliant app for communication. “This program is perfect for those who want peace of mind and a proactive approach to their health,” she explains.

Reed’s philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that the body has the capacity to heal itself when supported by proper nutrition, lifestyle adjustments, and natural treatments. “I focus on food as medicine,” she says. “We work to eliminate processed and in ammatory foods while incorporating natural, nutrient-rich options to promote healing and vitality.”

Her practice also o ers tailored weight-loss programs and advanced hormonal therapy, including bioidentical hormones and peptides. “Hormone balance is life-changing for many patients,” Reed notes. “It impacts everything—energy, sleep, mood, and even brain health.”

Myra Reed, M.D.

A Louisiana native and LSU Medical School graduate, Reed draws inspiration from her parents, both physicians, who instilled in her the value of patient-centered care. “I wanted to bring back that small-town doctor approach where you truly know your patients and their needs,” she shares.

Beyond her practice, Reed is passionate about maintaining her own wellness. She prioritizes daily exercise, a clean, organic diet, and mindfulness, demonstrating her commitment to practicing what she preaches. “I try to walk the talk,” she says.

With a focus on wellness, longevity, and personalized care, Reed has created a space where patients feel empowered to take control of their health. “It’s about partnering with patients to help them live their healthiest, most vibrant lives,” she says.

1814 Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach (850) 788-7289 | DrMyraRreed.com

From left to right: Kim Smith, Gail May, Dee Allred, Dr. Myra Reed

EXPANSIONPROJECT AT

OPENINGFALL2025

State-of-the-Art Expansion Project Fueling the Future Workforce of Walton County

A groundbreaking partnership transforming education and workforce development, empowering high school students with college credits, certifications, and the skills needed to thrive in high-demand industries—today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.

“NorthwestFloridaStateCollegeisproudtoseetheworkofourlong-termpartnershipwithSeacoastCollegiateHighSchoolcometo fruitionwiththeopeningoftheSouthWaltonExpansionin2025.Alongsidetheexpandedhighschool,theCollegeisexcitedtooffer on-sitepostsecondaryeducation(includingdualenrollment,testing,andadvising)tostudents,families,andbusinessesofWalton County, whichwillworkalongsidecharterhighschooleducationprovidedbySeacoast.EnrollmentforFall2025opensinAprilwitha completeschedulefortheAssociateinArtsinSouthWalton.Infutureyears,theCollegeplanstooffertheAssociateinSciencefor BusinessAdministrationand,togetherwithSeacoast,willcontinuetoexpandandtailorofferingstomeettheworkforceneedsof WaltonCounty.”

-MelPonder,NorthwestFloridaStateCollegePresident

“ThepartnershipbetweenSeacoastCollegiateHighSchoolandNorthwestFloridaStateCollegehasthepotentialtotransform workforcedevelopmentbyaligningeducationwithindustrydemands.Throughinnovativecollaboration,studentsgainaccessto collegecredits,technicalcertifications,andhands-onexperience,empoweringthemtoseamlesslytransitionfromtheclassroomto the workplace.Thisdynamicapproachcreatesarobusttalentpipeline,preparinganewgenerationofhighlyskilledprofessionalsto thriveinanever-evolvingWaltonCountyeconomy.Thisprojectexemplifiesthekindofforward-thinkinginitiativesthatdriveour communitytosuccess,andtheWaltonAreaChamberofCommerceisthrilledtosupportsuchatransformativeendeavor.”

-MeganHarrison,Walton AreaChamberofCommercePresident+CEO

"SEASIDENEIGHBORHOODSCHOOL™andSeacoastCollegiateHighSchooltrulysetus upforsuccess.The supportivecommunity,incredibleteachers,andchallengingacademicscreatedtheperfectenvironmentforus tothriveinbothmiddleandhighschool.Fromearningcollegecreditsinhighschooltolearninginvaluablelife skills,SEASIDESCHOOL™asawholegaveusaseamlesstransitiontocollegeandbeyond,preparingusto confidentlypursueourdreamsandexcelinourcareers.It’sacareerspringboardthatwe’resogratefulfor!"

confidently pursue our dreams and excel in our careers It’s a career springboard that we’re so grateful for!"

-Caroline&AlexBeer,SEASIDESCHOOL™Alumni

-Caroline & Alex Beer, SEASIDE SCHOOL™ Alumni

↗ Local chef Molly Arnett gives gluten-free a good name with unique, quality flavors fashioned with flair. Her personal style is as bold as her penchant for packing a tasty punch.

panache

EVGENIYA STETSENKO

CITIZEN OF STYLE

Molly Arnett’s culinary journey is one marked by resilience.

Diagnosed with celiac disease in 2019, Arnett found herself facing a daunting challenge.

“There was nowhere for me to eat in town at all,” she recalls.

Living in her home state of Alabama, Arnett had just graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management. Rather than feeling deterred from her dreams, Arnett found determination. She enrolled in the Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) in Brooklyn and moved to New York City. There, she mastered the art of restrictive cooking.

She graduated from ICE in 2021 and moved to the Emerald Coast seeking a culinary community where she could carve out a place for her niche as a glutenfree chef. Her private chef services quickly grew in demand.

Arnett took her long-time passion for party planning and combined it with her culinary skills. Today, Chef Molly Arnett is both a title and a business. Her butterfly logo represents her transformative journey since her celiac disease diagnosis six years ago. Her signature culinary style blends a fusion of Gulf Coast, Italian, and Creole influences—always gluten-free.

“My whole cooking style, like my personality, is very feisty and bold,” she says. “So, my flavors definitely represent that.”

Drawing inspiration from the likes of Ina Garten, Bobby Flay, and Giada De Laurentiis, Arnett curates her style of plating and cooking specific to each individual client of her private chef business.

Arnett is steadfast in her belief that food has the power to nourish the body and the soul, a value she implements in every dish she plates. Arnett ensures her dishes are made without gluten

→ Dressed in denim, Arnett incorporates capsule pieces like the jean button up she’s had “since Gap was a big thing” and snakeskin boots she was gifted a decade ago that have remained a staple since.

↑ Arnett brings sentiment to her style with gold bangle bracelets passed down from her grandmother and bold rings gifted by her mother. The butterﬂy necklace was purchased on a trip to The Bahamas and mirrors the transformative representation of her business logo.

and uses fresh, local produce to create safe and healthy cuisine. Gulf Coast classics like the parmesan-crusted grouper have become favorites among clients with and without restrictions.

Arnett’s creativity is shown in her rustic plating style, where she uses a variety of colors across proteins, veggies, and garnishes.

Her colorful style isn’t exclusive to the plate. Arnett describes her personal fashion style as eclectic and casual, often opting for streetwear styles in hues ranging from vibrant pinks to neutral earth tones.

“My fashion sense comes from the time when I started finding my own style,” she says. “When I moved to New York, I could do and wear whatever I wanted.”

Arnett’s sartorial choices are not merely a means of self-expression; they are an integral part of her identity as a chef.

“I think they represent each other well as far as the color goes,” she

says. “My personality is bright and bold, my style is bright and bold, my food is bright and bold.” Arnett strives for memorable impressions. One of her first realizations that her food was making an impact on clients came when serving for the second time the Delta Airlines executive board during a 30A work retreat. The executives recalled specific details of her dishes and

When working in the kitchen, Arnett opts for a more functional style with jeans and a Kith T-shirt. A brand favorite of hers since college, she even has Kith oven mitts. Her green apron, a gift from her first-ever clients, is a must, reminding her of her culinary journey.

food markets, health food stores, and her trusted local seafood market, Shrimpers Seafood Market, where she exclusively sources seafood for her cuisine. Seasonal ingredients are top of mind for meat, seafood, and produce.

“I am a curious person at heart,” she says. “I constantly follow what’s trending in this industry.”

mentioned their anticipation for the return of her signature lobster bisque, lamb chops, and fried coconut shrimp.

“It was shocking to me when I did the initial event and then I came back eight months later, and several people came up to me and asked about the lobster bisque,” she says.

To achieve those lasting impressions, Arnett frequents local

In 2023, Arnett was selected and featured in an episode of the Food Network’s show Chopped. In October 2024, Arnett won the title of Best GlutenFree Chef in Emerald Coast Magazine’s Best of the Emerald Coast annual readers’ poll. Looking to the future, she hopes to pen her own cookbook.

“I would love to do an educational style cookbook,” she says. “I think the gluten-free cookbooks that are out there are fabulous, but I think we need more education behind it, more of a textbook style cookbook.”

No matter the recipe, an Arnett signature gluten-free dish is destined for success. EC

←↘

What’s In Store?

A roundup of retail happenings throughout the Emerald Coast

by REBECCA PADGETT FRETT and PAIGE AIGRET

↓The LoveShackFancy Dress

, at Destin retailer Kiki Risa, has a Victorian-inspired feel with its lace details, a tie waist, snap covered buttons, and a sweet, ladylike collar.

➸ An essential staple everyone needs in their wardrobe—the SWEATERS AND BOXER SHORTS from Kiki Risa’s private label LANE B

➸ This beautiful ZIMMERMANN MIDI DRESS features a gathered ﬂoral neckline trim, a removable self-tie rouleau belt, and is ﬁnished with frills throughout.

➸ LAMARQUE’S FAUXLEATHER BUSTIER TOP oﬀers a long-line, strapless silhouette and vented hem. Side ﬂap pockets complete the front-zip piece.

McCaskill & Co.

➸ Dainty and timeless, the BOULI BRACELET BY HULCHI BELLUNI features alternating diamonds and pink sapphires set in an 18-karat rose gold bangle.

➸ Omi Prive’s stunning TANZANITE, PINK TOURMALINE, DIAMOND, AND PLATINUM RING catches the eye with its bold hues.

➸ The wear-witheverything SUBMARINE HUGGIE EARRINGS BY ALEX SEPKUS features 34 white diamonds set in hand-carved, 18-karat gold hoops.

Gigi’s Boutique & Eats

➸ The DENIM WITH PEARL BOWS JACKET BY PEACH LOVE is perfect for a night out on the town or a country music concert. For a full denim cowgirl look, pair the statement jacket with the DENIM STRAPLESS MINI DRESS BY CLOUD TEN, a DENIM WITH RHINESTONE EMBELLISHED COWBOY HAT, and CREAM COWBOY BOOTS BY MI.IM.

Cream Cowboy Boots By Mi.iM.

Join Jennifer Albert in redeﬁning luxury with the JA Essence Beauty Collection.

This clean beauty line is perfect for spas, yoga studios, boutiques, and resort properties.

The products are ecofriendly, sustainably designed, and cra ed with Mother Nature’s healing ingredients.

Pamper your clients with an elegance that aligns with their values and elevates your space into a destination for indulgence. Ja30asalon@gmail Ja30asalon.com

gastro&gusto

MOCKTAIL MIXER

FEB/MAR 2025

DINING, IMBIBING AND LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST

story by PAIGE AIGRET || recipes by KAKI MENSER

PHOTOS STYLED BY JULES ARON

Mocktails—aka nonalcoholic cocktails—have become one of the latest health trends among millennials and GenZ, but they’re perfect for everyone, regardless of age. With New Year’s resolutions top of mind, now is the time to hop on the mocktail train with these deliciousrecipes.

WINTER WHITE RUSSIAN

There’s no better way to embrace the winter season than cozying up with a book and a good drink. This smooth and creamy nonalcoholic version of a White Russian will give you that serotonin boost you need after the hustle and bustle of the holidays and have you feeling content staying in for the night—you’ve earned it!

INGREDIENTS:

➸ 4 oz. milk of choice

➸ 1 oz. nonalcoholic vodka

➸ 1½ oz. espresso (can substitute cold brew or iced coffee)

➸ ½ oz. simple syrup (can substitute maple syrup)

➸ 1-2 drops vanilla extract

➸ ¾ oz. heavy cream

➸ Chocolate sauce (for the glass)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker and fill with ice. Shake contents well. Set aside and grab a clean glass. Drizzle chocolate sauce around the inside of the glass. Add fresh ice, then strain mixture into your chocolate-garnished glass.

IMMUNE BOOST

Citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits, and lemons, are available year-round but reach peak season in the winter months through early spring. Providing vitamin C, citrus fruits offer the immune boost we all need after flu season and holiday travels. Probiotic-rich kombucha can also help with your immune system and offers an energy boost. This light and refreshing recipe will help give you a healthy taste of spring weather tocome.

INGREDIENTS:

➸ ½ oz. lemon juice

➸ 3 oz. orange juice

➸ 2 oz. carrot juice

➸ ½ oz. simple syrup or sweetener of choice

➸ Ginger-lemon kombucha

INSTRUCTIONS:

Add a scoop of ice and all ingredients except the kombucha to a cocktail shaker. Shake thoroughly to combine. Strain the drink into a serving glass filled with ice. Fill the remainder to the top with kombucha. Garnish with lemon or orange slices.

STRAWBERRY CRUSH

This simple and sweet mocktail says everything you can’t find the words to say to your valentine. No crush? No problem. This pink drink is sure to be a hit at the Galentine’s party! Make a round for the group, or create a drink station with the ingredients and themed garnishes.

INGREDIENTS:

➸ 2 oz. strawberry puree

➸ 2 oz. prepared coconut creme (can substitute canned coconut cream, blended)

➸ 1 oz. lime juice

➸ Nonalcoholic sparkling rosé

INSTRUCTIONS:

Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker and fill the shaker with ice. Shake well and pour all ingredients and ice into a glass. Top with your favorite nonalcoholic sparkling rosé or zero-proof wine. Garnish with fresh strawberries. Cheers to sweet love!

gastro & gusto

ORDER UP

If you find yourself out on the town as the night’s designated driver or simply want something hydrating to sip on between dance floor grooves, the mocktail is the perfect solution. A recent spike in mocktail popularity has landed the not-so-boozy drinks a spot on many bar menus.

If you don’t find what you’re looking for, don’t feel pressured to settle for a cola. Bartenders are familiar with the mocktail craze and are often happy to accommodate. Simply ask your bartender for a virgin or mocktail version of your go-to drink. Or, describe the flavor profile you want and let them work their magic. Some bars and restaurants offer mocktails made with nonalcoholic spirits. So, if an allergy is of concern, be sure to let your bartender know.

Now there’s nothing holding you back from raising a glass to that inevitable speech coming from your friend group’s favorite extrovert. Cheers! EC

Kaki Menser is a seasoned party planner and Emerald Coast bartender with 15 years of experience in the service industry. When she’s not hosting her annual holiday parties and get-togethers or planning weddings and events, you can find her slinging drinks at Bud & Alley’s in Seaside or at Boshamp’s in Destin.

KIWI HYDRATION MOCKARITA

In preparation for Florida’s inevitable early spring and warm days, hydration is key. Kiwi is one winter fruit that flavorfully hints at spring’s tropical promise. Paired with lime, this refresher offers a healthy mix of antioxidants all in one drink.

INGREDIENTS:

➸ 1 kiwi peeled and cut into slices

➸ 1¾ oz. zeroproof tequila

➸ 1½ oz. lime juice

➸ ½ oz. orange juice

➸ Agave, to taste

➸ Coarse salt for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:

Start by salting the rim of your glass. In the cocktail shaker, muddle two or three slices of kiwi. Combine the rest of the ingredients into the shaker. Add a scoop of ice, and then shake the cocktail thoroughly. Fill your salted glass with fresh ice and the remaining kiwi slices. Strain your “mockarita” into the glass.

DINING IN

DIY SUSHI ROLLS

The art of creating a masterpiece

by LIESEL SCHMIDT

Making sushi at home is a fun and delicious culinary adventure. Whether you’re a novice chef or a seasoned professional, crafting sushi is a tactile way to explore your creativity. To ensure your sushi is both safe and satisfying, there are some key steps to follow, especially when handling raw sh.

Much like working with raw eggs and meat, safety is paramount when working with raw fish. Sushi-grade fish, which is the cornerstone of good sushi, requires careful selection andhandling.

Firstly, it’s crucial to purchase your fish from a reputable source that understands the specific requirements for sushi-grade fish. This usually means the fish is of the highest quality and has been handled with rigorous safety standards, from cleaning tostorage.

“Sushi-grade fish is all about the handling,” explains Brett Easterling, manager at Southern Seafood Market in Tallahassee.

“The fish must be frozen and kept frozen at certain temperatures to be considered sushigrade and safe for rawconsumption.”

Keeping your fish cold is essential—and that continues throughout the process of making sushi. From the moment you pick it up to the moment you prepare it, the fish should be kept at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Transport the fish from the store in a cooler with ice packs, and once home, store the fish in the coldest part of your refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. For easier, more precise cuts and slices, consider placing it in the freezer for a shortwhile.

“I usually freeze my fish for 15to20 minutes before I slice it into pieces,” says Easterling, who frequently makes sushi at home. “Freezing it for a bit helps firm it up and gives it a better texture forslicing.”

↓ Raw ﬁsh should always be kept at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Transport your ﬁsh in a cooler and store in the fridge or freezer until you are ready to roll.

Tuna, salmon, and yellowtail are popular choices for quality sushi fish. Emerald Coast seafood experts at local fish markets can offer recommendations, too.

Combine rice vinegar, sugar, and salt

parasites. Some sushi-grade fish might already be pre-frozen, but confirm this with your supplier.

Cleanliness is another critical factor and an important step in sushimaking.

“Before you even begin preparing your sushi, make sure all your utensils, cutting boards, and surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized,” Easterling says.

Cross-contamination is a serious risk when dealing with raw fish, so never skip this step. Additionally, many experts recommend freezing fish at -4 degrees Fahrenheit for at least a week to kill any existing

When it comes to selecting the right fish, there are certain indicators of freshness to be aware of. Look for bright, clear eyes. Dull or sunken eyes can indicate poor handling or that the fish is no longer fresh. The flesh should be firm and springy, with a vibrant color free of brown spots or discoloration. Smell also matters. Fresh fish have a clean, ocean-like scent, not a strong, fishyodor.

Tuna, salmon, and yellowtail are popular choices for sushi, but a variety of other fish will also work well. Ask your fishmonger for recommendations—they can guide you to the freshest and safest optionsavailable.

Once you’ve selected your fish, the next step is preparing sushi rice. Sushi rice has a unique, slightly sticky texture that holds everything together, making it an essential component of your rolls. To make sushi rice, rinse the rice under cold water until the water

SUSHI RICE

↑ To perfect the unique, slightly sticky rice texture that will hold your sushi together, be sure to properly rinse and season your rice. Under a cold tap, rinse until the water runs clear. In a large bowl, after cooking, gently fold in your vinegar mixture using a wooden spatula. Avoid overworking or mashing the rice to ensure the right texture.

runs clear; this removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky. After rinsing, cook the rice according to your preferred method, either in a rice cooker or on thestovetop. While the rice is cooking, prepare the seasoning. Combine rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and gently stir in the vinegar mixture using a wooden spatula. Be careful not to mash the rice; mashing will ruin its texture, which is essential to good sushi. Next, allow the rice to cool slightly before using it. It should be slightly warm but not hot when you’re ready to assemble your sushi.

Fish eyes can indicate quality and freshness. Opt for selections with bright, clear eyes, and avoid those with dull or sunken eyes.

VINEGAR MIXTURE

over low heat.

Now comes the fun part: rolling your sushi. To start, prepare your workspace by laying a bamboo sushi rolling mat on a clean surface. Cover it with plastic wrap to prevent sticking, and have a bowl of water nearby to dip your hands in, as this will help keep the rice from sticking to your fingers.

Place a sheet of nori, shiny side down, on the mat. (The rough side will help the rice adhere better.) Wet your hands, and spread a layer of sushi rice evenly over the nori, leaving about an inch of space at the top edge. This space will help seal the roll. Arrange your fillings—whether you’ve chosen slices of fresh fish, crunchy vegetables, or creamy avocado—in a line across the center of the rice. Don’t overstuff the roll, as this can make it challenging to roll properly.

Using the bamboo mat, lift the edge of the nori closest to you and fold it over the fillings, tucking them in tightly. Continue rolling, applying gentle pressure to shape the roll as you go. Once you’ve reached the top edge of the nori, dampen it with a little water to seal the roll.

Finally, slice your roll into bite-size pieces using a sharp knife. To ensure clean cuts, wipe the knife with a damp cloth between each slice. And voila! Your very own homemade sushi, ready to eat with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger. EC

↑ Fresh fish, avocado, and crunchy vegetables make for ideal fillings. But take care to slow your roll when stuffing your sushi. Overflow can make rolling difficult.

FRESH FROM FLORIDA:

Taste the Beneﬁts of Buying Local

Discover the ﬂavor and impact of homegrown goodness

When it comes to avor and freshness, nothing compares to produce picked straight from the farm and served close to home. “Food simply tastes better when it’s grown nearby,” says Susie McKinley, director of marketing and development for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. “Produce is crisper and fresher, and seafood is rmer and more avorful. Why wouldn’t you choose local?”

Florida’s agricultural landscape is vast and diverse, boasting 44,400 farms and ranches across nearly 10 million acres.

From citrus groves to cattle ranches, these lands o er a rich variety of fresh products.

Known as the “winter garden” of the U.S., Florida supplies fresh produce to the Eastern Seaboard during the cold winter season. “When you choose local, you’re getting the freshest food while supporting your neighbors,” McKinley explains. “Farmers are deeply connected to the land, managing natural resources responsibly with sustainability in mind.”

Seasonality is key to enjoying Florida’s freshest o erings. From October through July, Florida’s farms yield abundant produce, while its waters provide seafood year-round, with only a few species under seasonal restrictions. Understanding what’s in season can elevate your meals. Fresh From Florida provides a wealth of resources, including seasonal guides and recipes, to help you enjoy Florida’s bounty at its peak. “Knowing what’s fresh ensures the best avors on your plate,” McKinley says.

To stay connected to Florida’s vibrant agricultural community, join the Fresh From Florida

Club. Members receive monthly emails featuring exclusive recipes, insights from the state of Florida’s culinary ambassador Chef Justin Timineri, and updates on Florida products. “It’s the perfect way to celebrate and savor Florida’s incredible bounty,” McKinley shares.

“Fresh From Florida is more than a frontfacing brand for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The sunny logo indicates that products are from Florida and provides shoppers the con dence in their food’s origins,” McKinley adds. By choosing Fresh From Florida, you’re not just treating yourself to superior avor—you’re supporting sustainable practices, investing in local farmers, and strengthening your community.

Visit freshfromflorida.com to explore what’s in season, discover inspiring recipes, and sign up for the free e-newsletter. To catch up with Fresh From Florida follow us on social media @FreshFromFlorida on Facebook and Instagram.

CHEERS TO A GREAT CAUSE

The Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation celebrates 20 years of supporting area children with a memorable 8th Harvest Festival in the books

Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) celebrates 20 years supporting children in need in Walton and Okaloosa counties. Bene ting local charities and nonpro ts, DCWAF has funded over $35 million for these e orts by hosting worldclass wine and culinary events. One of the many fundraising events, Harvest Festival features multiple micro events leading up to the large nale festival with a closing brunch the last day. Partners and supporters of the foundation host patron dinners throughout the community, partnering with local and national chefs and vintners.

The eighth annual Harvest Festival last fall was hosted on a beautiful weekend at the Watercolor property in Santa Rosa

Beach, Florida. Thursday kicked o the festival weekend with patron dinners. Friday evening featured Harvest After Dark, a new event, while the main festival took place on Saturday with a concluding brunch on Sunday.

Event goers enjoyed decadent fare and libations throughout the weekend. Emerald Coast Magazine hosted the VIP tent on Saturday as it has since the inception of the festival eight years ago. This year marked the second time the magazine cohosted with Dahler & Co./Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty.

Attendees of the sold-out VIP tent and festival were spoiled. As the sun’s rays ltered through the beautiful oak trees at Cerulean Park, a beautiful oasis with a gorgeous design

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Brooklyn Bain, Melissa Eager, Kate MacMillan, and Karah Fridley-Young; McKenzie Burleigh and Brad Dahler; and Morag and Kevin Rosa

STORY BY MCKENZIE BURLEIGH PHOTOS BY KIARA WATSON

of plants and peacock feathers by Fisher Flowers greeted attendees. Guests were welcomed by a glass of champagne, courtesy of 360 Blue as they entered the 30A version of a secret garden. An oversized cover of Emerald Coast Magazine featuring Chef Fleetwood Covington of Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood, welcomed guests to experience the rst cuisine of many throughout the tent.

Seagar’s team served seared New York strip steaks with a decadent reduction. O-Ku Alys Beach o ered yellow n tuna poke with cilantro aioli on a wonton crisp. The Henderson served a squid-ink éclair with avocado mousse, smoked salmon horseradish cream, and trout caviar. Wild Olives 30A tempted participants with an espresso-cumin rub on a lollipop lamb chop with cumin sour cream for dipping. The Salty Butcher sliced locals’ favorite, prosciutto. The Queen of Flavor satis ed everyone’s sweet tooth with apple nancier with brown-butter almond cake and cascades of sabayon with apple compote with cranberry. Wine Chips were also popular.

Harrison Prentice, a local favorite who is becoming internationally known, sang original music including some of his 2024 released singles: God Bless The Rest, Drown, and his newest single, Friday Night Millionaire, which was released on January 3.

Guests experienced what appeared to be bottomless options of wines, cocktails from Better Together Beverages as well as tequila tasting from Penta Tequila. Exclusive and small batch wines were available, and the vintners presented personal favorites from William Cole Vineyards, Perchance Estates, Phifer Pavitt Wine, AXR Napa Valley, Gamba Vineyards & Winery, Mending Wall, Innumero Wines, Finca Ambrosia, and Senegal Estate.

DCWAF’s largest fundraising event happens April 25-26, 2025 in partnership with the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival at Grand Boulevard. See you at the patron dinners and auction under the tent this spring. Remember to bid high and often!

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Ryan Coletta, Jeanne Dailey, and Tiﬀany Coletta Edwards; Justin and Diana Phelps; Harison Prentice; O-Ku Alys Beach; Jonah Sachar and Carol Zorn; VIP Attendees (center bottom photos) enjoying the entertainment and exclusive wines and cuisine; and Maggie Yelverton and Jeﬀ Watson

SOC

story by PAIGE AIGRET

photography by MATTHEW COUGHLIN

THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR SPORT TAKES PRECEDENCE IN THE PANHANDLE

CER

SYNERGIES

SOCCER IS WIDELY RECOGNIZED AS THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR SPORT. EVEN IN THE U.S., WHERE THE NFL DOMINATES VIEWERSHIP, MORE THAN 14 MILLION AMERICANS PARTICIPATED IN ORGANIZED SOCCER IN 2023, ACCORDING TO STATISTA, ABOUT TWICE AS MANY AS TACKLE AND FLAG FOOTBALL.

Amid surging interests, Pensacola has become a hub for the sport.

“Soccer is an accessible sport for anyone; all that you really need is a ball,” says Marcus Bishop, assistant director of competition for the Southeastern Conference (SEC). “You don’t technically need a goal. You could go to a brick wall and draw a goal with some chalk, but you can grow your skills just with the ball.”

John Guidroz, founder of Coastal Rush, the largest youth soccer umbrella organization in the Panhandle, says that with greats like Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi at play, more people are drawn to the sport.

“There are more GOATs now, and the kids are aware of it,” Guidroz says. “Like when [David] Beckham went to Los Angeles years ago, you have kids that now look at Messi and go, ‘I want to go outside and kick the ball like him.’”

An estimated 3.5 billion fans ock to stadiums and TV screens to experience soccer, a staggering number compared to

that of the NFL’s 410-million-strong global fan base. It’s no surprise then that the SEC Women’s Soccer Tournament is attracting a still-growing crowd at Pensacola’s Ashton Brosnaham Park, where it has been held annually since moving in 2022 from Orange Beach, Alabama.

The energy is palpable at the event.

“It feels like soccer culture,” Guidroz says. “The stadium is packed—they have to bring in extra seats. It’s all your big SEC school names, and the facilities are incredible.”

At the 2024 championship game, University of Texas took the winning title with a 1-0 score. In 2023, Bulldogs player Croix Bethune helped the University of Georgia take the winning title. Bethune went on to Olympic heights, competing on the U.S. Women’s Soccer team in the 2024 Paris games where they bagged a 2-1 win over Australia.

Georgia, Texas, and other SEC stalwarts prove popular among fans in Northwest Florida, but Pensacola Sports president Ray Palmer noted that the real loyalty lies with the conference itself.

prove popular among fans in Northwest with the conference itself. Alabama fan, you didn’t care about Auburn such

“The brand of conference has changed,” Palmer says. “It used to be if you were an Alabama fan, you didn’t care about Auburn or anybody else. But the competition between conferences is such that people will come out to the soccer event just to support the SEC.”

The SEC Women’s Soccer Tournament runs from Sunday to Sunday each year in the early part of November at Ashton Brosnaham Park in Pensacola. Tickets are available through the SEC online ticket office, and the event is televised on the SEC Network.

“There is an SEC mentality when it comes to a lot of our fans,” Bishop says. “If you’re a soccer fan in general, you know that if you come to the SEC soccer tournament, you’re going to see some great soccer on the pitch.”

Increased interest in women’s sports has made for an added draw. Palmer, like many others, points to the Kaitlin Clark e ect—what Messi is to soccer, Clark is to women’s sports overall—and he also noted the impact of investments and new resources in women’s sports.

“The training for the girls, the opportunity for them to get

Updates, including new locker rooms, were made by Escambia County Parks and Recreation at Ashton Brosnaham Park to accommodate the needs of the tournament. “They were going to do anything that needed to be done to make this a first-class event and a first-class experience for our student-athletes,” says the SEC’s Marcus Bishop.

quality coaching is better and continues to be better,” says Palmer. “So, the reality is that the product is better. The girls have been given the fair opportunity that we boys had for so long.”

“There is even a lot more interest among general fans,” Bishop says. “They obviously have the support from fans, who are very much women’s soccer fans, but I think now it’s breaking more into the mainstream.”

“There are just so many synergies that are happening for women’s opportunities in women’s sports,” Palmer added.

Pick Up the Sport

Lifelong soccer player Justin Witkin says the sport is for everyone and can be good for mental and physical health.

“Being active is great for so many reasons, from mental acuity to physical, those aspects are obvious, but sports for me have always been a huge part of socialization,” Witkin says. “As a society, we look for ways to connect with people. Sport bridges that. There’s no politics in sport.”

Too, he says, soccer is a sport you can continue to play throughout your life.

“It offers longevity, and it offers a really broad melting pot way to build community with your fellow citizens.”

Fellow footballer John Guidroz encourages casual players to ﬁnd a pickup game in their community. Facebook groups for cities and areas throughout the Emerald Coast make it easy to bring a group together for a Saturday game.

“A natural culture of soccer is to play the pickup game—it’s kind of the purest form of the sport,” Guidroz says. “Think of it as backyard basketball or the movie The Sandlot.”

Like Witkin, Guidroz says the social aspect is inherent to the sport and an added beneﬁt for all who play it.

“You can be in the gym with 100 people and never talk to somebody,” he says. “Soccer is a very social sport. Sometimes we’re too isolated in our communities, like we’re around thousands of people but we don’t know anybody. I ﬁnd soccer to be a great sport to go meet people and to have a common ground to associate with.”

are getting nervous that we don’t have enough fields to support the demand of the amount of kids that are about to come into the

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will come to the U.S., one of three host countries alongside Mexico and Canada. Coastal Rush’s John Guidroz hopes increased interest will yield increased resources for improvements like new durable turf fields. “We

sport,” Guidroz says.

Pictured above: Justin Witkin (left) and John Guidroz (right).

SYNERGIES ARE HAPPENING ACROSS SOCCER, TOO.

Justin Witkin’s Pensacola FC 1559 adult teams o er an opportunity for players who age out of Guidroz’s Coastal Rush youth leagues to continue their sport via a semi-professional summer league.

Men’s 1559 teams compete in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), a United States Adult Soccer Association Tier 1 league. The women’s 1559 teams previously played in the equivalent Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL), in which they competed at the national level two years in a row and won a national title. After the WPSL disbanded Pensacola’s district, the women’s 1559 teams began competing at the regional level in the Gulf Coast Premier League (GCPL).

“It’s an environment that feels very professional,” Guidroz says of the 1559 teams. “Justin and his team have done a great job of bringing that to the backyard of Pensacola.”

Witkin’s goal is to expand opportunity and development in the sport for young athletes and adults alike.

“I always talk about it in terms of bringing to the community an apex soccer opportunity,” Witkin says. “It o ers those kids who are excited about taking their soccer to the next level a glimpse of what it can be.”

Gearing up for the 2025 season, which begins in May, Witkin says the men’s team has

its sights set on a conference title. In 2024, the men’s 1559 team won their league, but failed to grab the conference championship after a tough defeat in the 2024 playo s. Witkin anticipates the women’s 1559 team will have a good chance to land the GCPL championship, too.

Witkin’s long-term goal is to attract the United Soccer League (USL) to Northwest Florida. The USL is the largest and fastest growing pre-professional and professional soccer organization in the country and is sanctioned by the U.S. Soccer Federation.

“It’s not something that’s going to happen overnight, but my goal, my hope, is that as we continue through Pensacola FC to build community support,” he says, “maybe that will give us the momentum to get community forces lined up behind a bigger opportunity somewhere down the road.”

With interest in soccer surging in the Panhandle, that momentum is palpable.

“If you do everything right,” Witkin says, “results follow.” EC

Pensacola’s Coastal Rush brings over 2,000 elite youth players to the sport. The regional organization works in tandem with Pensacola FC 1559 teams to funnel talent from the club level to semi-professional.

IRONMAN FLORIDA

LOCAL TRIATHLETES DEFINE INDIVIDUAL TRAINING ROUTINES TO PAVE THEIR WAY TO THE FINISH LINE

story and photography by MIKE FENDER

IT WAS ONE SMALL TURN OFF A LONG, GRUELING ROAD. Alex Burgans had spent almost four hours and 26 miles ghting the third leg of the Ironman triathlon. When he rounded the corner at Pier Park, he could see the nish line, he could see the crowd, he could hear the cheers.

Among the cheering spectators was his ancée, mom, aunt, grandma, and other friends and family members.

“It was super, super emotional,” he recalls, ghting back tears.

Behind Burgans was a 10-hour race day. The Ironman Florida triathlon race consists of a 2.4-mile swim in the Gulf of Mexico, followed by a 112-mile bike ride, and nished with a 26.2-mile run.

Over the public address system Burgans heard his nish announced: “Alex Burgans, you are an Ironman.” One by one, hundreds of athletes would cross that nish line. Some would scream, some raise their sts in celebration, and some would break down in tears. Ironman Florida’s triathlon event has a way of breaking you down before letting you get to that

Panama City local Alex Burgans finished in fifth place in his 25-29 age group at the November 2024 Ironman Florida triathlon held in Panama City Beach. Burgans qualified for the Men’s Ironman World Championship to take place in France in September 2025.

IT’S A VERY HUMBLING SPORT, AND IT TENDS TO HUMBLE YOU VERY QUICKLY.”

—ALEX BURGANS

nish line. More than 200 of the 1,700 who started the race didn’t reach the end.

The November race was one of two Ironman events hosted by Panama City Beach each year. A half-triathlon race takes place in May. Race director Ben Rousa says PCB has hosted the full Ironman for 27 years and the half-triathlon for 43 this year. The events attract up to 2,000 athletes each.

For Burgans, the 140.6 miles logged on race day made up just a fraction of the training miles it took to get to that nish line. Burgans worked with a coach to develop a balanced training regimen on a weekly basis. On a normal week he put in 10 hours of training that he split between the three legs of the race, some weeks that number went up to 12. All this while working his full-time job as an engineer.

Most of the biking is done on a bike trainer inside his Panama City home with a long ride outside of town on the weekends. On his runs, he often has his dad or ancée riding a bike beside him to keep him company. Most of his swim training took place in the pool.

“I’ll try to get out to the beach and get a swim or two in the Gulf before the race,” he says.

For Burgans, training is essential. Like most, he says he didn’t realize how challenging triathlons would be until his rst race.

“It’s a very humbling sport, and it tends to humble you very quickly,” he says. For the November race, he taped a sticker that said “believe” onto his bike frame for encouragement.

During that training, he had his mind on one goal—qualifying for the Men’s Ironman World Championships in Nice, France. After a fth-place nish in his 2529 age group at the November race, he earned that bid and plans to compete there in September.

After competing in ve Ironman Florida full triathlons and countless other races Burgans is excited to see the hours and miles of training pay o .

“I’ve been chasing this dream since I was 19,” he says.

The rst time he showed up to a pool to swim he couldn’t make it 25 yards. Now, he is thankful for the maturity that multiple races have provided him.

“I allow myself to soak in those moments to celebrate,” he says. “That last 200-yard stretch is everything.”

Left: Burgans runs the marathon leg of Ironman Florida after completing the swim and biking portions, which alone totaled 114.4 miles. The triathlon closes out at 140.6 miles by water, bicycle, and foot. Right: Burgans (center) and other competitors wait for the start of the swim event. Below: Burgans leaps over the first waves to start the swim portion of Ironman Florida.

Like Burgans, Margaret Tobey, 28, also utilized a coach to ne tune her training for her rst Ironman Florida event. The data scientist from Panama City Beach nished second in her age group and was the 16th fastest woman to complete the race.

Her e orts earned a bid to the Women's Ironman World Championship in Hawaii this coming October. She said training in the heat and humidity of Panama City Beach should help her with similar conditions in Kona.

“I’ll probably train most of the year,” she says. “Then I’ll do the half-marathon in May, recover for a little bit before I rip up the distance before fall.”

To prepare for her rst Ironman, Tobey trained for ve months for 10 to 18 hours a week.

She did most of her swimming in the pool at Frank Brown Park, with her running and biking outside on trails and roadways. To get to Ironman level, Tobey advises athletes to start with smaller sprints and Olympic triathlons with shorter distances, then work their way up.

“I think this will get you excited about racing and help encourage yourself more and more each time,” she says. “You have to learn to love the sport rst.”

A majority of competitors are male and, Tobey says, it can be intimidating for new women entering the Ironman scene. Tobey hopes to encourage more women to compete in the future.

“I do nd that women in the triathlons are really supportive of each other regardless of their goals” she says.

Above: Margaret Tobey coasts down the side of the West Bay Bridge, one of the few places with an incline and decline on the Ironman biking course. Below: Margaret Tobey is all smiles as she crosses the Ironman Florida finish line, taking second place in her 25-29 age group and qualifying for the upcoming Women’s Ironman World Championship.

Patrick Chapin discovered Ironman by watching the championships in Hawaii on television when he was in his early 30s. He’s 57 now. A friend told him about a website to try that gave you training tips. So, he bought a bike and followed the training to his rst race.

Chapin, who leads the Bay County Chamber of Commerce, says he is atypical to most Ironman athletes when it comes to training.

“I probably do 30 percent less training than the friends I have who compete,” he says.

And he doesn’t use a coach. Too, age has impacted his training approach.

“It takes a lot more recovery time,” he says. “And I try to do a lot more stretching.”

Because he likes running, he focuses more on that and does most of his bicycle training on an indoor trainer at his home. He trains on the weekends with long runs and long bike rides, slowly building up to race day. He trains for swimming in a pool with waterproof earbuds. The music helps ght the monotony.

Chapin puts Ironman training at the top of his di culty list, outranking a rim to rim run across the Grand Canyon, a climb up Kilimanjaro, and all the ultra-marathons he has run.

“Training for an Ironman is harder than any of those,” he says. “It is just so grueling and so di cult. The Ironman itself is easier compared to the training.”

To get through the race Chapin takes a four-part compartmentalization approach. He starts with the swim, breaks the bike ride into two halves, and looks at the run as the nal part. That keeps him from being

overwhelmed with the task of doing 140.6 miles in one day.

Chapin says, at his age, he’s not planning to break any race records.

“I just try to enjoy it and soak everything in,” he says.

Over the years, he’s competed in Ironman events across the country and in Mexico. He has completed Ironman Florida ve times. He tries to do at least one big Ironman or ultramarathon each year. He missed the November race in 2024 due to a shoulder injury but was there to cheer on friends. He plans to get back on the course this November to mark his 10th anniversary as a kidney donor, a milestone he hopes can inspire others.

“I’m dealing with one kidney,” he says. “So, if I can do this, you can do this.” EC

I PROBABLY DO 30 PERCENT LESS TRAINING THAN THE FRIENDS I HAVE WHO COMPETE. ... IT IS JUST SO GRUELING AND SO DIFFICULT. THE IRONMAN ITSELF IS EASIER COMPARED TO THE TRAINING.”

—PATRICK

CHAPIN, PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, BAY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Above: Jacksonville native Steven Lowenthal greets supporters as he finishes first in the Ironman Florida triathlon. Below: Jennifer Sylvia, from Saint Johns, celebrates as she nears the finish line, taking second place in the triathlon’s female overall category.

Academics Académie

by LAURIE EINSTEIN KOSZUTA

Success is often found when preparation meets opportunity.

Northwest Florida Ballet’s (NFB) Académie and Pre-Professional Program give both to its students.

The success of both programs is owed in great part to NFB’s artistic director and CEO Todd Allen. After an impressive two-decade dance career working throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe, Allen returned home to Fort Walton Beach in 1996 to take over instruction at his childhood dance school, NFB. After some time, Allen brought to the school district his idea to bridge the gap between academic and dance education.

“What makes us unique, is that we have that partnership with the Okaloosa County School District for the academic block of our program,” Allen says.

In 2001, NFB opened the Académie for students in grades 3 through 8 in partnership with the Okaloosa County School District. In 2012, NFB started a Pre-Professional Program, similarly designed for high school-aged students. The two programs give students an opportunity to achieve an enriching academic education while also honing in on focuses of dance education.

From 7-10:30 a.m. Monday-Friday, PreProfessional Program students attend classes through a local high school, homeschooling, or through Florida Virtual School online, earning credits toward their high school diploma. Following the academic morning, students transition to dance training in the afternoon, followed by additional company classes and rehearsals.

“By graduation, they will have earned eight fine arts credits through the Pre-Professional Program,” Allen says.

“Dance is very competitive, and being a professional dancer is like any professional sport. It takes a lot of practice and dedication.”

— Todd Allen, Artistic director and CEO, Northwest Florida Ballet

With approximately 25 students, male and female, in the Pre-Professional Program, classes are small enough for individualized coaching and artistic development. Auditions are required for admission to the school, and enrollment comes at no cost to the student or family. Students do also participate in the tuition-based NFB company or trainee programs offered after school. Fundraising opportunities and scholarships are available to students to cover the expense of afterschool classes.

“Dance is very competitive,” Allen says, “and being a professional dancer is like any professional sport. It takes a lot of practice and dedication.”

The premise of the program is two-fold, providing a heavy emphasis on dance while developing a broad range of life skills. Beyond dancing, the program guides students through resume building, writing prospect emails to companies and programs,

professional and collegiate application and audition preparation, and self-promotion.

“We spend a lot of time discussing what it means to have a dance career,” Allen says. “What will life look like? Do they have a backup plan if they are unable or are not ready to get into a professional company?”

In addition to classical ballet, students study contemporary ballet, jazz, modern dance techniques, classical variations, pointe, and technical proficiency.

“We also work on body conditioning and strength training for injury reduction,” Allen says. “I have

The overall academic and artistic programs work in partnership with Okaloosa

to ensure a quality education.

↑ While ballet is at the heart of NFB, academics remain a top focus for its students.

County

←

High school-aged students enrolled in NFB’s Pre-Professional Program receive individualized dance education and development. Graduation will award them an academic diploma alongside eight ﬁne arts credits.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

COURTNEY SHEALY

Courtney Shealy attended Northwest Florida Ballet programs for nine years. She went on to receive scholarships to attend programs with the Boston Ballet, Next Generation Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, and American Ballet Theatre. In 2014, she received third place at the Youth American Grand Prix semiﬁnal for both senior classical and contemporary dance. Shealy joined the American Ballet Theatre Company in September 2015, completing an apprenticeship in 2016 before joining the company’s corps de ballet in 2017, which she continues to perform with today.

SABRINA LOBNER

Since graduating from Northwest Florida Ballet’s programs, Sabrina Lobner has performed for renowned directors and choreographers across dance, opera, and theater companies as well as in ﬁlm and television. This spring, Lobner looks forward to performing with Boston Lyric Opera as a principal dancer in the Rodgers and Hammerstein production of Carousel, directed by Anne Bogart and choreographed by Shura Baryshnikov.

a team of skilled instructors who help maintain high standards for the program. I employ alumni whenever possible and bring in guest artists to provide diverse experiences and allow students to ask questions.”

According to Allen, there are many pathways to a career in dance. Students can major in dance or ballet in college, which might lead to a professional career in a company or as a teacher. They can also audition for a job in a professional dance company without attending college.

“We want students to understand the nuances if they forgo college and audition for a professional company,” says Allen. “What are the pros and cons of each? Some students may decide to shift into something other than dance.”

The programs ensure opportunities for students to take the stage as part of the ensemble or corps de ballet with the Northwest Florida Ballet Company, and

annual auditions permit the students to graduate in difficulty level.

“Students have to be invited back,” Allen explains, “because the program is based on dance ability, not academics. Instructors give frequent feedback on their technique or areas that need more practice.”

Training extends through the summertime for many.

“We help students find summer dance programs they might like to attend,” Allen says. “We have had kids dancing with the Orlando Ballet and the American Ballet Theatre. We share a lot about the programs they attended and find out what they liked or didn’t like.”

Allen says he’s proud that many PreProfessional Program alumni have since joined elite ballet companies, are teaching, or are successful in the world of dance.

“Being a dancer is an extraordinary life, but it is hard, and we want to support our students in whatever they choose to do.” EC

↑ The Pre-Professional Program ensures opportunities for students to perform in NFB’s annual lineup of perfomances like the neoclassical ballet, Afterglow (pictured above), an original work choreographed and conceptualized by artistic director Allen.

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APRIL 24-27, 2025

Thursday • Winemakers & Shakers • 5pm–7pm

Friday • VIP Wine Tasting Kick-Off • 4pm–6pm

Friday • Craft Cocktail Competition • 5:30pm–8pm

Saturday • Grand Tasting • 3pm–6pm

Sunday • Grand Tasting • 1pm–4pm

Spirits Row, Interactive Activations, Savor South Walton Culinary Village, Nosh Pavilions, Tasting Seminars, Craft Cocktail Competition, live entertainment, and more than 600 wines and spirits poured by industry insiders.

THE TUNNEL

Tripp Friedler casts light on mental illness in striking memoir to honor his son

by HANNAH BURKE

There’s a tradition among Southerners who travel through the George Wallace Tunnel in Mobile, Alabama.

As the tunnel dips under the Mobile River, you’re encouraged to hold your breath for the 3,000-foot expanse of it. If you manage it successfully, you can make a wish on that first gasp of oxygen, and it may be granted.

It’s a ritual New Orleans resident Tripp Friedler participated in with his children when they’d travel through on the way to their second home in Santa Rosa Beach. But when his son Henry began struggling with mental illness, Friedler could only wish for one thing: A healthy, happy Henry who would get better.

His son didn’t make it to the end of his tunnel. After battling bipolar disorder for years, Henry Frank Friedler took his own life.

He was 27.

For Friedler, penning The Tunnel: A Memoir, was taking the first breath after an unimaginable heartbreak.

“Writing this was hugely cathartic,” says Friedler. “It’s given meaning to a tragedy.”

The Friedler family’s tale is a heartwrenching one, but one that is eloquently told through Friedler’s raw, no-holdsbarred writing. There is no glamorization or embellishment. It’s a father’s bravely objective examination of his son’s harrowing struggle in navigating a brain that doesn’t want to believe it’s sick, and his family’s endeavor to support him.

Friedler, who is openly critical of the U.S. health care system, details in his memoir how systems repeatedly failed Henry, from academic institutions to the criminal justice chain to health care facilities. Too, he believes we have criminalized mental health as a society.

←Beyond shared experiences, Tripp Friedler hopes to make a diﬀerence with his story, The Tunnel: A Memoir In honor of son Henry, Friedler is donating 100 percent of royalties to mental health organizations throughout the U.S.

Readers intimately get to know Friedler, his wife Heidi, their two daughters Patti and Kate and, above all, Henry. Told through a mostly chronological series of chapters, Friedler details the odyssey of Henry: from a tenacious boy who loves dinosaurs to a teen who excels in academics and athletics to his descent into battling cycles of mania and severe depression.

“It’s interesting, once you get over the age of 18, the health care system is so protective of the individual which, on one hand, I understand, but on the other, when you have parents who are trying to help their kids, we’ve been completely cut off,” says Friedler. “We have no rights.”

“We’re willing to let guilty people go free to protect due process, but we don’t appear willing to let sick people be hospitalized in the protection of the sick,” he says. “And, because no one wants to take care of it, it’s left to the police, which is tragic.”

Education and empathy, he says, could make all the difference.

“Life is full of nuance,” he says. “If we could just take half a second to look at some of it, I think it would go a long way in helping people.”

One of the most striking recurrences within the book is Friedler’s self-criticism, often wondering if he loved his son enough, if he did the right things or could have done more.

“A parent’s responsibility is to take care of their kids,” he says. “If your kid dies, there’s a certain sense of ‘I could have BOOKS

↑ Henry Friedler attended Millsaps College where he played tennis and achieved an Academic All-American title. He later earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Orleans. His creative and curious nature led him to roles as a coach, teacher, and artist before his passing in 2020.

done better.’ I think if people get anything from this book, it’s yes, you could have done better, and you also did the best you could. Both things can be true.”

While mental health is the main theme in Friedler’s book, it’s also about loss, grief, and recovery. When asked by readers or peers how to approach supporting a loved one with mental illness or navigating grief, his best advice is to learn how to be comfortable being uncomfortable.

WHERE TO BUY IT

The Tunnel: A Memoir is available for order at your local booksellers, Amazon, and on audiobook through Audible, where Tripp Friedler narrates the story himself. Visit TrippFriedler.com for more info.

“It’s uncomfortable to sit with someone with serious mental health issues; it’s uncomfortable to sit with someone whose child just died,” he says. “It’s not fun, right? But if you want to be a real friend, you should learn how to be comfortable with that and just sit, listen … give them a hug if they need it.”

For Friedler, the biggest resource has been community. It’s a tough enough fight with loved ones by your side, but it’s nearly impossible alone.

“Find a support system because they exist,” Friedler says. “Find someone who will listen to your issues with no judgment and help you try to make sense of the unimaginable.”

When all else feels lost, seek the light at the end of the tunnel, take a deep breath, and wish for the best. EC

FIND HELP

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This service provides 24/7 confidential support to anyone in emotional distress or suicidal crisis. For additional help and resources, visit NIMH.NIH.gov/ health/find-help

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THE KNOW

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Concerts in the Village to Deliver

Ten Weeks of Stellar Sounds This Spring

As the days grow longer and the Emerald Coast comes alive with springtime energy, the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation invites you to experience one of Northwest Florida’s most anticipated events: Concerts in the Village. Recently named one of the “Top 10 Things to Do” by The Florida Travel Guide, this beloved 10-concert series kicks o on Thursday, April 10 and runs through June 12 at the scenic Dugas Pavilion stage in Destin.

Headlining the opening night is none other than The Fabulous Thunderbirds. Known for their signature blend of blues, rock, and Southern swagger, the band promises an electrifying performance that sets the tone for a season of diverse musical acts. Among the highlights this year is the legendary 10,000 Maniacs, delivering their timeless alternative rock sound that has captivated audiences for decades. Whether you’re a fan of classic rock, disco, R&B, modern pop, or soulful tributes, Concerts in the Village delivers something for everyone. From the yacht rock stylings of Yacht Rock Revue to the nostalgic beats of the Molly Ringwalds and tributes to legends like Amy Winehouse, Eric Clapton, Tom Petty, Journey, Def Leppard, and Jimmy Bu ett, the series covers a broad spectrum of genres and generations.

Bring your family, friends, and a beach chair to enjoy a relaxing evening under the stars. With doors opening at 6 p.m. and concerts beginning at 7 p.m., you can savor dinner al fresco from local food trucks. A limited number of VIP tables remain. Individual tickets are $35, but here’s the ultimate insider tip: Becoming an MKAF member grants you free admission to all 10 concerts and early entry to set up your table or grab the best lawn seating, depending on your preference. Memberships directly support MKAF’s ArtsReach program, which funds essential arts education and outreach initiatives across the community.

From timeless classics to crowd-pleasing favorites, Concerts in the Village o ers an unparalleled opportunity to celebrate music, community, and the arts—all while supporting a great cause. Don’t miss out on this season’s stellar lineup. Visit MKAF.org to learn more, become a member, and join the fun under the stars!

The Fabulous Thunderbirds

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TRENDS FROM FLOOR TO CEILING, FRONT TO BACK FEB/MAR 2025

The POWER of PLANTS

Our guide to the myriad beneﬁts of living with houseplants, plus tips and tools for starting a collection of your own by ABIGAIL DUFFY

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Clustering

Think of the last time you walked into a greenhouse or hiked through a dense forest. Did you take a deep breath in, luxuriating in how the air felt in your lungs? Did you notice how a sense of calm washed over you?

You can reap some of the same bene ts from houseplants. A recent metaanalysis conducted by researchers at the Department of Landscape Architecture at the National Chin-Yi University of Technology found that houseplants positively impact basic human functions, “particularly those of relaxed physiology and enhanced cognition,” to

Living with plants may support physical, mental, and emotional health, such as speedier recovery from illness, decreased fatigue, increased feelings of happiness, and improved attention span.

include a reduction in diastolic blood pressure. This is bolstered by ndings (published in a 2015 issue of the Journal of Physiological Anthropology) that plantrelated tasks can potentially reduce stress by suppressing the autonomic nervous system. Other studies and reviews have identi ed additional ways in which living with plants may support physical, mental, and emotional health, such as a speedier recovery from illness, decreased fatigue, increased feelings of happiness, and improved attention span.

Houseplants also do wonders for their caretaker’s environment. Plants oxygenate the space around them,

dioxide

leaves as a byproduct of absorbing wa-

absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen during photosynthesis. Furthermore, they humidify the air during transpiration (the process of a plant releasing water vapor from its leaves as a byproduct of absorbing water from soil), which has been shown to alleviate dry skin, soothe sinuses, and reduce allergies. Clustering plants together increases these e ects. If navigating the wild world of healthy houseplants is daunting, this guide to which ones to start with, how to nurture them, and more will help plant the seeds. It’s a jungle out there. Let’s explore.

plants together increases their many healthsupporting effects.

Tips for selecting the right plants to begin your home collection and how to care for them

PHILODENDRON BRASIL

This heartleaf philodendron variety is a fast grower and easy to care for. It drapes beautifully and offers color variation thanks to light-green variegation on most leaves.

READY to GROW

ANTHURIUM

Most plant people have a story of heartbreak that involves an anthurium (or two). Though they have a finicky reputation, they do well if kept in cooler temperatures and planted in thicker soil that stays moist.

DIEFFENBACHIA

Dieffenbachias, or dumb canes, grow large and boast colorful foliage. There are more than a dozen commonly available varieties to choose from for the home.

RHIPSALIS

Also called mistletoe cactus, rhipsalis is similar to cacti but can tolerate low light.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Peek into any plant parent’s collection, and you’re sure to find ZZ plants, snake plants, and spider plants, all renowned for being hardy and supremely easy to care for.

WATERING

If the plants are being housed indoors, water once per week. Water lightly but consistently. Remember, underwatering is better than overwatering.

LIGHTING

Most houseplants thrive in bright but not direct light. Many new plant parents hear the term “indirect light,” but it can mean different things to different people. For example, some may think indirect means low light, which is not ideal for any plant. If natural light is an issue, grow lights are a great option.

FERTILIZER AND PEST TREATMENTS

Fertilize every month with Miracle-Gro or fish fertilizer, and adhere to the instructions on the bottle to avoid going overboard. Two weeks after fertilizing, follow with a pest treatment (like watering plants with a dose of horticultural oil, which doubles as a topical leaf shine).

SOIL

Cocoa husk is the secret to a balanced soil mix. It absorbs moisture and allows for airflow, which prevents root rot (a consequence of overwatering). Try mixing cocoa husk with regular potting soil. Additional options include nutrient-rich additives like worm castings or anti-bacterial ones like horticultural charcoal.

THE WORD

Small but mighty, herbs pack a delicious and nutritious punch. Here are ﬁve unique options for a countertop herb garden.

BAY LAUREL

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HOW TO GROW: Leaves from this Mediterranean broadleaf evergreen tree are usually dried and packaged as bay leaves. Grow your own by planting bay laurel in a container with well-draining potting mix for edible plants, and place in a spot that receives at least five to six hours of bright light through a window.

BEST IN: Everything. From chicken soup to tomato sauce, stews, and roasted meats, bay leaves lend depth to whatever you toss them into.

CHERVIL

MAIN BENEFITS: Bay leaves contain immune-boosting vitamins C and E, as well as carotenoids that can help lower cholesterol.

DILL

HOW TO GROW: Plant dill seedlings in a deep pot with well-draining, slightly acidic soil for edible plants. Place in a window that receives five to six hours of sunlight per day, or under a grow light for 12 to 14 hours.

MINT

HOW TO GROW: Take mint cuttings and plant them in a deep pot with soil for edible plants that allows for water retention, but with enough air space to prevent sogginess. Place in a window that receives five to six hours of sunlight per day, or under a grow light for 12 to 14 hours. Mint grows best in milder temperatures, so keep indoor temps between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

BEST IN: Homemade pickles, salmon dishes, and yogurt-based sauces, like tzatziki

MAIN BENEFITS: Dill is a good source of vitamins C and A, as well as manganese.

BEST IN: Tea, watermelon salad, chutneys, ice cream, and, of course, mojitos

MAIN BENEFITS: Mint can help relieve indigestion. Derivative menthol can also alleviate cold symptoms, like congestion.

HOW TO GROW: This parsley relative is essential in French fines herbes and can be grown from seeds in a large, deep container filled with welldraining soil for edible plants, watering regularly. Chervil enjoys cooler temperatures and shadier conditions, so consider keeping it away from harsh sun and maintain indoor temps between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Some people even recommend growing it in a wine fridge.

BEST IN: Béarnaise sauce, vinaigrettes, salads, and poultry, egg, and fish dishes

MAIN BENEFITS: Chervil contains calcium and potassium and is also rich in dietary fiber.

LEMONGRASS

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HOW TO GROW: Lemongrass crops are easy to start from propagations. Place leftover stalks in a glass with 3 inches of water, and move to a window that receives five to six hours of sunlight per day. Replenish water if levels drop. Once roots sprout, plant the stalks in well-draining potting mix for edible plants, ensuring that the crown is covered by soil.

BEST IN: Tea, stir-fries, and marinades

MAIN BENEFITS: Lemongrass contains quercetin, a flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can slow cancer cell growth, lower cholesterol, and reduce one’s risk of heart disease.

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THE SWEET SPOT FOR SLEEP

A guide to catching some z’s

by REBECCA PADGETT FRETT

We’ve all woken up on the wrong side of the bed. As the idiom suggests, this can put a person in an irritable mood for the day. To some, this may be a random occurrence, but for others, this can happen all toooften.

The value of sleep is not a new sensation. For years, scientists, doctors, and even our parents have emphasized the importance of shut-eye for growth, immunity, cognitive function, stress reduction, and countless other bene ts. Yet, many of us still sleeppoorly.

Money may not be able to buy everything, but it can purchase you better sleep. If you’re tossing and turning even on nights when your stress levels aren’t high, it’s likely time for a mattressupgrade.

→ Innumerable beneﬁts arise from a good night’s rest. Establishing a healthy bedtime routine can improve sleep. Too, a mattress upgrade could be the restful investment you need.

↓↘ There are mattresses and bases with apps that track your sleep and can play music or whitenoise.

Shown here: Tempurpedic LuxeBreeze Soft Split King on a Temper-Ergo Smart Base.

“Sleeping on the wrong mattress can cause aches, pain, restlessness, and poor quality of sleep,” says Katie Kahn, general manager of King’s Furniture & Mattress Co. Inc. inDestin.

We live in a world where online shopping reigns, but when it comes to mattress shopping, it’s critical you give them a rest test in person.

“Comfort is subjective, and if you get the recommended eight hours of sleep a night, that means you spend a third of your

time in bed,” says Kahn. “We encourage you to lie down and feel thedi erence.”

Where plush may sound luxuriant, it could end up being too cloud-like, which in turn provides no support and could leave you in pain. On the opposite end, too rm of a mattress may make for a miserable night’ssleep.

“When you come in and test a bed, your body will tell you what’s working,” says Mike Munroe, owner of MaysMunroe & The Sleep Center in Tallahassee. “The two most important things you must feel from a mattress are comfort andsupport.”

Munroe claims this is why they sell mostly medium hybrid mattresses that merge plush and rm with coil and memory foam. This is an especially preferred option for couples who seekconsensus.

Mays-Munroe takes sleep seriously, creating an atmosphere of peace and relaxation in their sleep center to transport you to the right mindset with dimmed lights, pillow protectors, soft music, and lavender di used through theair.

↖ Consider Swapping the box spring for an adjustable base. For the ultimate sleep compromise, partners can rest easy with the help of split-mattress independent settings.

10 TIPS for Better Sleep

1. Keep a consistent sleepschedule.

2. Avoid screens at least 30 minutes before bed.

3. Avoid caﬀeine at least six hours before bed.

4. Keep your room cool, dark, and quiet.

5. Try blue-light glasses.

6. Relax before bed by stretching, taking a bath, or reading.

7. Avoid heavy meals or fatty foods before bed.

8. Limit daytime naps to an hour.

9. Keep your phone away from your bed.

10. Make the bedroom a space for rest.

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↑ Remember to factor in your habitual sleep position while shopping for a new mattress. Side, versus back, versus stomach sleepers will have diﬀerent needs. Aiignment is often an important factor, especially for side and back sleepers.

When assessing the right mattress for you, you’ll be asked questions such as the age of your mattress, what issues you believe contribute to your poor sleep, how you feel when you go to bed, how you feel when you wake up, what position you sleep in, and if you sleep hot, among others.

Munroe states that it takes at least 15 minutes for the mattress to adjust and conform to you. He will leave customers during that time but watch for relaxed postures and behavior such as stillness, steadied breathing, and feet splaying to the sides.

“Your body always tells you what’s working,” says Munroe. “We don’t take making a mattress decision lightly, as it’s a purchase that impacts your quality of life.”

The position you prefer to sleep in is a decisionmaking factor. Stomach sleepers fare best on a rm mattress. Back sleepers need a mattress that lls in the hollow of the lower back. For side sleepers, alignment is important as no one part of your body should be sinking in further than another.

Munroe and Kahn see many couples who sleep di erently. Fortunately, technology has come a long way. Instead of a box spring, for example, consider an adjustable base. Should a partner be kept up at night by snoring, they can raise the head of the bed to stop it.

Cooling technology present in mattresses can cool down the overheated sleeper while remaining comfortable to their partner. If you nd you’re often woken by the movements of your partner, it’s worth checking out a mattress system that lessens motion transfer.

There are even mattresses and bases with apps that track your sleep and can play music or white noise.

The quickest way to stop counting sheep and start gaining sleep is to invest in the surface you sleep on. EC

CRAFTING LEGACIES

Luke & Blue’s raises the bar with timeless craftsmanship and intentional design along the Emerald Coast on 30 a

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JORDAN MARTIN, H&M PHOTOGRAPHY

In the coveted community of Forest Lakes in Blue Mountain Beach, Luke & Blue’s latest project, a custom-built Florida Cottage, epitomizes the craftsmanship and vision of owner Deron Strickman and his wife April (who also serves as the company’s Director of Marketing and Business Development). This isn’t just any builder—Luke & Blue’s has been recognized as the Best Local Builder for three of the last four years in the Best of the Emerald Coast reader’s poll, and they are known for their mantra: “Good Enough, Never Is”. Their recent collaboration with Nashville-based architect Jamie Pfeffer of Pfeffer Torode (who was recently recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of America’s Top 200 Residential Architects) and local engineer Neill O’Connell of O’Connell & Associates demonstrates the elevated level of their work, merging aesthetic beauty with practical functionality.

The dream team trio, clearly friends, bantered as they toured Emerald Coast Magazine through their latest custom home on a sunny fall afternoon.

“We’re not just building houses; we’re creating homes with integrity and character,” explains

Strickman, donning a Luke & Blue’s hat with their signature slogan, “Cool Name-Fine Homes,” and a pair of well-worn cowboy boots. For Strickman, each project is about more than materials; it’s about gathering an A-list team committed to delivering enduring quality. “There’s a difference between cost and value,” he says. “Cost is the price of goods and materials, but value is the legacy of the home. This is where a family will make memories—that’s a very big deal.”

This custom Forest Lakes home, located at 104 Lanier, serves as a stunning testament to their dedication. As Pfeffer describes, “This house was conceived for a family that appreciates elevated design. It lives big, with flowing spaces that make the most of every square foot.”

Every detail in the home reflects an intentional choice for durability and style. “The millwork and cabinetry in this home aren’t just decorative— they’re built to last,” says Strickman, pointing out a chamfered lamb’s tongue detail on a column, a feature rarely seen in homes at this price point. “It’s a throwback to an era when homes were built to endure,” adds O’Connell, emphasizing

▲ From left to right: Neill O’Connell, Jamie Pfeﬀer, and Deron Strickman

how even the hidden engineering elements add to the home’s longevity. “The technology we’re using allows for more structural integrity, but the craftsmanship makes it feel timeless.”

The home’s design combines the clean lines of coastal craftsman style with contemporary comforts. “Forest Lakes has its own unique charm, we wanted to create something that respected that character but also added a new level of sophistication. This approach allowed us to maximize the home’s third floor, which features an adaptable loft space. Whether it’s a game room, gym, or fifth bedroom, it was important to create a space that could evolve with the family’s needs,” Pfeffer explains.

The house is engineered with Florida’s climate in mind, featuring highperformance materials and details that enhance comfort and efficiency. O’Connell, who lives in the same neighborhood, highlights how their engineering expertise makes a significant difference. “The doors, the windows, the roof—they’re all designed to withstand the elements. But they also work together to create a cohesive, comfortable environment.”

Indoor and outdoor living spaces blend seamlessly, aided by a multi-

panel Euro-slider that opens to a covered porch, effectively expanding the living room. “When you open that slider, the screened-in porch becomes an extension of the living room,” says Pfeffer. “It’s perfect for Florida’s climate and the casual lifestyle that people move here to enjoy.”

The kitchen is another centerpiece, tailored for both functionality and flair. It features custom cabinetry, a bi-fold serving window for indooroutdoor entertaining, and high-end GE Monogram appliances. “This kitchen is designed for someone who loves to cook and entertain,” says April Strickman. “It’s not just a kitchen—it’s a space that brings people together.”

Upstairs, the primary suite offers a private retreat, complete with a screenedin balcony overlooking the surrounding green space, a large custom walk-in closet, and a luxurious en suite bathroom with a showstopper soaking tub. “We’ve put a lot of thought into these spaces to ensure they offer both comfort and elegance,” notes Pfeffer.

For Strickman, who manages about 10 custom projects at any one time, maintaining quality over quantity is

central to Luke & Blue’s approach.

“We can’t build 50 homes a year and still deliver this level of craftsmanship,” he says. “Our goal is to produce homes that are collected and appreciated, homes that become a part of the family’s story.” This philosophy has led to a high demand for Luke & Blue’s custom homes, with many clients joining a waiting list just for the chance to work with the team.

Looking ahead, Luke & Blue’s vision remains clear. They plan to continue crafting homes that respect the coastal environment and local aesthetic, while also setting a new standard for quality. “We get a lot of referrals from word-of-mouth so we don’t advertise much. Our homes speak for themselves,” Strickman remarks. “Each one tells a story of collaboration, quality, and intentional design.”

With every detail meticulously planned and expertly executed, the Forest Lakes home on Lanier isn’t just a house—it’s a legacy in the making. And for Luke & Blue’s, that’s the true measure of success. (850) 246-BLUE | LukeAndBlues.com

▲ April and Deron Strickman

Discover luxury at Churchill Oaks, a prestigious gated community in South Walton. Enjoy a private marina, top-tier amenities, and nearby golf courses and shopping. Experience watersports, pristine beaches, and fishing in the bayous. With 40% of the property dedicated to green spaces, trails, and lakes, nature is a priority. The elegant Clubhouse offers two pools and a private gym. Experience extraordinary living at Churchill Oaks in South Walton.

JOSH JIMENEZ

Women IN BUSINESS

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

DERMATOLOGY SPECIALISTS AND AQUA MEDICAL SPA

Dermatology Specialists and Aqua Medical Spa shine in the ﬁelds of dermatology and aesthetics, led by a predominantly female team. With 28 of their 33 providers being women across 14 Florida Panhandle locations, they exemplify a commitment to delivering expert, patientcentered care. Notably, women also hold 67 percent of the practice’s executive leadership roles—a testament to their dedication to empowering female leaders.

“It’s exciting to have such a large group of women come together for a shared goal: being the best for our patients and helping them maintain healthy, beautiful skin at every stage of their lives,” says director of marketing Harmony Nagy.

From medical and surgical dermatology to advanced cosmetic treatments, the team

oﬀers services that span a patient’s entire lifetime. “Our practice covers everything,” says Jill Bauer, the practice’s physician liaison of 11 years. “Whether it’s treating a newborn with eczema, helping a teenager with acne, or providing skin cancer treatment for an older patient, we’re here for every need, at every stage of life.”

The team also prioritizes accessibility, bringing specialty care to smaller communities like Bonifay and DeFuniak Springs through satellite oﬃces. “It’s rare for specialty care to be so accessible in rural areas, but we believe in providing timely, quality care close to home,” says Bauer.

Since its founding in 2006, the practice fosters a culture of growth and community connection. Many providers have deep local ties, often returning after advanced training to

serve their hometowns. A standout example is Ariel Perry, who began as a medical assistant, pursued training, and returned as a physician assistant to serve her community. “Watching providers we’ve recruited ﬂourish and thrive within the practice is incredibly rewarding,” Bauer says.

Dermatology Specialists and Aqua Medical Spa also stay at the forefront of innovation, combining trusted treatments like chemical peels with advanced laser therapies to achieve optimal outcomes. Beyond patient care, the team is deeply engaged in their communities, oﬀering free skin cancer screenings every May during Skin Cancer Awareness Month and participating in educational events to promote sun safety are just a couple of examples. With a foundation built on expertise, compassion, and innovation, Dermatology Specialists and Aqua Medical Spa are setting a standard for excellence in dermatology. These female health care providers exemplify what it means to lead with purpose and passion, ensuring the Florida Panhandle is cared for— one patient at a time.

REGINA K. JAQUESS, PHARM.D. Emerald Coast Compounding Pharmacy

It’s no secret that Regina Jaquess enjoys a win. Jaquess experiences wins by helping patients pursue optimal health as the owner of Emerald Coast Compounding Pharmacy and as a 10-time World Ski Champion who has set 13 world records.

There has long been a duality to Jaquess’ life; she’s balanced her passions for medicine and sports since her college years as a scholarship athlete at the University of Louisiana-Monroe studying pharmaceuticals.

In 2010, she made her way back to her hometown of Santa Rosa Beach to open Emerald Coast Compounding Pharmacy all while traveling the world as part of the USA water ski team.

In 2023, ECCP was voted “Best Pharmacy” on the Emerald Coast in Emerald Coast Magazine’s “Best of” awards for the seventh time. This is an accomplishment Jaquess holds dear because she values her relationships with both the patients and the providers.

“Whether you’re coming in for vitamins to help with your energy levels, hormonal imbalance treatments, or medicine for your pet, we provide clear communication so everyone can achieve their health and wellness goals,” said Jaquess.

Goal setting extends beyond the patients to include those whom she mentors both in her pharmacy and on the water. Her appearance on the cover of her alma mater’s La Pharmacie en Louisiane, the College of Pharmacy Alumni Newsletter 2022, issue two, garnered interest.

In addition to her pharmaceutical endeavors, at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, she captured gold medals in slalom, jump, and overall, defending her title from four years prior in Peru. She is the current world record holder in slalom, breaking her own record in 2023 at the Malibu Open in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Jaquess has been inducted into the National Collegiate Hall of Fame and Georgia Water Ski Hall of Fame. In 2021, she was named the Most Outstanding Female Water Skier of the past 25 years by the International Water Ski Federation (IWWF) and was recently named Female Water Skier of the Year by the IWWF, which is the sixth time she has received this award.

While Jaquess is no stranger to winning awards, her proudest accomplishment yet is being nominated as Female Athlete for All Sports at the Pan American Games for 2023. Jaquess is one of ﬁve nominees, and the award encompasses all sports that participate in the games.

“Balancing and succeeding in both my roles is no easy feat, and it’s largely made doable by the foundational support I receive from staﬀ, fellow athletes, and the community,” said Jaquess. “I’m blessed and lucky to be surrounded on all sides by those who support me, protect me, and have the same goals and mindset that I do.”

DR. CHARLOTTE KUSS AND DR. TANYA BEAUREGARD

Northwest Florida State College

Health sciences careers are in high demand, and Northwest Florida State College is rising to meet the moment with a more than $40 million expansion of its nursing program.

A new, top-tier learning facility, slated to open in May at the main Niceville campus, will provide students the competitive edge necessary in today’s job market, here on the Emerald Coast and beyond.

The two women steering the expansion—Health Sciences Dean Dr. Charlotte Kuss and Director of Nursing Dr. Tanya Beauregard— say the work is as exciting as it is challenging.

“We’re excited to oﬀer these opportunities to more people and provide more high-level, qualiﬁed providers to our community as it’s growing,” Kuss says. “Health care is such an important part of the infrastructure of a community.”

Financed by state education funds and a $21.7 million Triumph Gulf Coast grant awarded in 2023, the project will set the nursing program on a path to double enrollment by 2026.

For Kuss and Beauregard, both of whom bring decades of nursing education to their positions, it’s a labor of love.

“We have a very relational program,” Beauregard says. “We spend so much time with our students, and they seek us out, coming in to talk about what’s happening in their lives.”

As a result, every decision about the new learning spaces— from furniture to faculty—is being made with those relationships in mind.

The new building will feature spacious collaboration rooms, study rooms, and areas where students can simply hang out.

“That helps build community,” Kuss says. “Students can get overwhelmed by everything they have to know and do, and if they can develop relationships, they’ll have an easier time getting through the program.”

Kuss and Beauregard’s own professional relationship has proven equally valuable while navigating the program’s expansion.

“We would not be nearly to this point or nearly this eﬀective if we didn’t have each other through this process,” Kuss says.

The new facility will also boost the nursing program’s already robust virtual reality instructional enhancements that allow

students to immerse themselves in patient care before ever practicing in a hospital.

“They’re not intimidated at all because it’s like gaming,” Beauregard says. “They’re leaving the rooms much, much more enthusiastic about what they’re doing.”

Students practice assessing patients, communicating therapeutically with patients, and administering medication. They can also progress to simulations for mental health, obstetrics, pediatrics, and medically complex patients.

Kuss says she sees the nursing expansion elevating all four tracks of the health sciences program, which includes radiography, physical therapist assistant, and medical laboratory technology.

“The most important part of who we are is that we are a team that deeply cares about student success,” she said. “We want to help people reach their goals and dreams.”

From left to right: Dr. Tanya Beauregard and Dr. Charlotte Kuss, Northwest Florida State College

DR. CASI STUBBS Stubbs Orthodontics

For a woman whose career revolves around the smiles of others, Dr. Casi Stubbs certainly has a lot to smile about. She is, after all, living the life she long dreamed about. Born and raised on the Emerald Coast, Stubbs sought education nearby and headed east to attend Florida State University for a degree in chemistry. A few years later, she traveled a couple more hours south to attend dental school at the University of Florida. Then, she went on to Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale where she completed her residency in orthodontics.

She never ventured too far from home, but all the while, she couldn’t wait to return to the Emerald Coast.

“I’m very grateful to have my own practice in the place I was raised,” says Stubbs. “The whole time I was in school, I was dreaming about coming back here and making what I have now into my reality. I don’t take the opportunity I have for granted.”

Stubbs opened her first office in Niceville in 2007 and would go on to open her second practice in Miramar Beach in 2012. Where the orthodontic industry has fluctuated throughout the years, Stubbs has maintained both a steady clientele and reliable employees.

This retention stems from the positive environment Stubbs creates. Her staﬀ matches that energy, passing joy along to patients. Stubbs was initially drawn to orthodontics after witnessing, during her time volunteering at a pediatric dentist, how children were often anxious during their visits. She wanted to change that.

Through orthodontics, she could provide a comforting in-oﬃce experience with tangible, often life-changing results. With most orthodontic treatments lasting around three years, Stubbs is able to get to know patients and see their selfconﬁdence progress.

“It makes me really happy to go on social media and see the smiles I helped to create,” says Stubbs. “They were once shy

8-year-olds. Now they are going oﬀ to college or starting their own families with big smiles on their faces.”

Where Stubbs invests in her patients, she also actively invests in her community. Each month, the office holds an office fundraiser in which she matches patient donations. Over $250,000 has been donated to local nonprofits.

As a lifelong learner, Stubbs is part of a group of 12 local dentists who come together to discuss methods, techniques, case studies, and more. Stubbs has both given and received valuable knowledge that she takes into her practice to best care for her patients.

To create accessible care and oﬀer proper assessment, the ﬁrst visit to Stubbs Orthodontics is free, including X-rays. Stubbs’ reasons to smile only increase when she’s at home with her husband and two daughters. With her top priority being a mother, Stubbs utilizes these instincts when making treatment plans for patients. Families are assured that they will be treated just like a member of Stubbs’ family.

CLARE HAENSZEL Member, Warren Averett

Clare Haenszel has all the right assets—expertise, integrity, and a commitment to community—that make her a standout partner at Warren Averett. With over 14 years in public accounting, Haenszel brings depth and precision to her role in the ﬁrm’s audit division. Since joining Warren Averett in 2013, she has focused primarily on clients in manufacturing, service, and retail as well as on nonproﬁts and governmental organizations.

“One of the things that drew me to accounting was the chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at diﬀerent industries and how they function,” she says. “It’s a continuous learning process, which I ﬁnd incredibly rewarding.”

Originally from Lima, Ohio, the 37-year-old University of Dayton graduate began her career with a national accounting ﬁrm in Cincinnati. She and her husband, Matt, relocated to the Gulf Coast for his job 11 years ago. Today, they reside in Pensacola’s North Hill neighborhood with their three children, Margot, Emmy, and Colette. The community has become an integral part of Haenszel’s life and work. “I’m committed to making Pensacola a thriving place not only for my family but also for future generations,” she reﬂects.

Community involvement is central to Haenszel’s approach. Over the years, she’s served on the boards of the United Way of West Florida and United Ministries and is a past treasurer for the Junior League of Pensacola. Warren Averett, too, emphasizes community partnerships, a value Haenszel sees reﬂected in her work. “Our ﬁrm believes in sharing our success,” she explains. “We engage in quarterly partnerships with various charities, whether it’s through a Habitat for Humanity build or local food drives.”

Haenszel’s guiding principle, “Do what you said you would do,” underscores her dedication to trust and accountability,

qualities she values both in business and in life. “My advice to young women in business is to lean in, work as hard as you can, and ask for help when you need it,” she advises.

Despite a busy work and home life, this energetic professional recharges with family and friends by enjoying beach outings, Pensacola’s vibrant food scene, and local festivals. For Haenszel, success is about growth and service—values she lives daily as she supports her clients and community.

ERIN PETERSON Owner, Williams Plumbing

Erin Peterson is under no illusion that many are surprised to learn she is the face and brain of Williams Plumbing.

While she’s aware the occurrence of women in the plumbing industry and trades in general is not nearly as common as men in the industry, she aims to break down barriers and disprove misconceptions.

Peterson came to plumbing by means of a background in construction. Before moving to the Emerald Coast, she was a project manager for a construction company in Arizona. While being a female in the ﬁeld was a rarity, she was inspired by the company owner to keep pursuing this course.

“He always told me there’s a place for women in the trades because the way we approach projects is diﬀerent,” says Peterson. “We are detail-oriented while also being able to see the impact of the big picture.”

Ever the problem solver, Peterson found herself pulled toward plumbing because it presented a challenge.

“Plumbing is not an exact science, it is not always black and white,” Peterson says. “While I enjoy solving problems for clients, even more so, I’m drawn to helping people through times that can be challenging, even scary. I have a heart of service, so I love to lend expertise, provide advice, and ultimately solve their problem.”

Williams Plumbing specializes in many different facets from plumbing service calls to remodels. As a small, femaleowned-and-operated company, Peterson fields all calls herself and can be found both running the office and out in the field working alongside her crews.

As plumbing impacts the functioning of homes and businesses, Peterson understands that many people call

her in a panic. Her intent is to offer a sense of calm and empathy followed by confidence and assurance that the issue will be resolved. This is an asset she feels secures repeat customers—having their problems first validated and then eliminated.

Peterson plans to keep expanding her service area and adding to her team, while always maintaining her values of honesty and community service.

“I owe it to the women in this community to support, inspire, and mentor them,” she says. “The women before us cracked the glass ceiling; we are working to eliminate it.”

Her favorite part of owning a plumbing company is getting to see the twinkle in her 9-year-old son’s eyes when he shares her career path with others.

“He sees what women are capable of and is proud of that,” Peterson says.

MARCH 2

Sinfonia Gulf Coast presents CRESCENDO!

MAIN EVENT

→ “Crescendo!” is the season’s cultural event extravaganza. This energy-infused experience will celebrate the cultural and culinary arts by showcasing world-class vintners, expert spirit purveyors, amazing auction items, and a live musical performance. Enjoy reserved table seating, hors d’oeuvres, a seated lunch and an all-inclusive afternoon of incredible fun. Proceeds from “Crescendo!” benefit Sinfonia Gulf Coast and its music education and community engagement initiatives. Visit SinfoniaGulfCoast.org for tickets and more information.

Concerts in the Village

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) presents a 10-concert live-music series on Thursday evenings throughout the spring. Performances will feature premier musicians and bands showcasing everything from classic yacht rock to dance-thenight-away disco to modern pop. The Florida Travel Guide named the Concerts in the Village as one of its Top 10 Things to Do in Northwest Florida. The fun kicks off on Thursday, April 10. Gather with family, friends, and colleagues for this mustnot-miss family-friendly fun. Bring a blanket or chair, and enjoy dinner al fresco from local restaurants and food trucks.

Ticket proceeds benefit MKAF and its art education community outreach initiatives. Doors open at 6 p.m. and concerts start at 7 p.m. MKAF members enjoy early admission and attend for free. Find the full lineup at MKAF.org.

MARCH 7

EMERALD COAST THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS

LA VIE EN ROUGE

Immerse yourself in the glamour of 19th-century Parisian cabaret at La Vie En Rouge, presented by Emerald Coast Theatre Company. Get ready to indulge yourself in an evening of elegance as you are transported to the iconic Moulin Rouge for a night of dinner, dancing, entertainment, a silent auction, and many more unforgettable moments. This is a 21-plus event. For more information, visit EmeraldCoastTheatre.org.

PENSACOLA DOUBLE BRIDGE RUN

FEB. 1

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

THE ADAMS FAMILY: A NEW MUSICAL COMEDY

FEB. 1

The Addams Family is the magnificently macabre hit musical featuring everyone’s favorite creepy, kooky characters. A grown-up Wednesday Addams falls in love with a nice young man from a respectable family. Everything changes for the family when they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents. mattiekellyartscenter.org

THE BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY PRESENTS ABBEY ROAD

FEB. 7

Note for note, sound for sound, relive The Beatles’ famous Abbey Road album in its entirety, recreated and performed by The Black Jacket Symphony. The group has performed over 40 classic rock albums, bringing an incredible night of entertainment to over 1 million music lovers across the U.S. Enjoy a full night of rock ’n’ roll magic, plus a visual experience unlike any other. pensacolasaenger.com

Spring Fashion Show

→ Join La Luna Children’s Boutique for a Spring Fashion Show, tea party, and an exciting Easter egg hunt for kids. Enjoy light refreshments, giveaways, crafts, and Easter bunny photos with your family on the North Lawn at Grand Boulevard.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast.

PROMOTION

VALENTINE’S 8K

FEB. 8

Get ready for an exhilarating dash through the scenic pathways of Fort Walton Beach’s Ferry Park neighborhood. This flat, speedy 8K run kicks off at 8 a.m., offering both novice and seasoned athletes an invigorating morning challenge. nwftc.com/race-calendar

PANAMA CITY BEACH FOOD TRUCK & CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL

FEB. 8-9

Florida’s most popular food trucks will dish out fan favorites while the season’s top craft beers will be available for sale. This festival will be a weekend of craft beer, great food, lawn games, music, and fun for the whole family. A gathering of 30 food trucks will serve everything from

MARCH 8

NORTHWEST FLORIDA BALLET PRESENTS

Cinderella

Join the Northwest Florida Ballet (NFB) for the beloved classic, Cinderella, which brings to life a cavalcade of enchanting characters, brilliant dancing, vibrant costumes, and magical scenery. Cinderella features the acclaimed choreography of NFB Artistic Director Todd Eric Allen and the beautiful music of Serge Prokofiev with live accompaniment by the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra under the direction of NFB Music Director and Conductor David Ott.

Visit NFBallet.org/cinderella or call (850) 729-6000 for more information.

fall-off-the-bone barbecue and juicy prime rib to wood-fired pizza, spicy Korean dishes, and gooey mac and cheese.

foodtruckfestivalsofamerica.com/ panama-city-beach

MANIA: THE ABBA TRIBUTE

FEB. 13

“Mania: The ABBA Tribute” takes you back in time by recreating one of the world’s finest pop groups in

a live stage performance. This highly polished and professional production has brought ABBA hits back to the stage across the U.S. and internationally since 2000, making this the world’s most successful touring ABBA show. pensacolasaenger.com

PENSACON

FEB. 14-16

Pensacola’s comic-con returns to the Pensacola

Bay Center and Pensacola Grand Hotel with many celebrity authors, artists, voice actors, and actors present for meet-andgreets, talks, merchandise and more.

pensacon.com

SEASIDE SCHOOL HALF MARATHON AND 5K RUN

FEB. 16

Choose between the half marathon or 5K.

SOUTH WALTON BEACHES WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

→ Enjoy more than 600 wines and spirits available to taste at the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival. An expanded Culinary Village will offer exclusive Napa Valley vintners and featured wines to delight the senses, a showcased Willamette Valley Wineries Grand Tasting tent, fun and informative tasting seminars, and celebrity winemakers from around the world to celebrate the best in wine and food at the beach, plus a Friday night Craft Cocktail Competition and more!

Visit SoWalWine.com for more information and to purchase tickets.

PHOTO BY JENNIFER G PHOTOGRAPHY

REGIONAL FEB. 13 & MARCH. 9

THE ARTIST SERIES

→ The Artist Series of Tallahassee will celebrate 30 years with a 30th Anniversary Valentine Gala and a concert season finale. The Artist Series will honor its donors with a gala at the Governors Club at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 13, featuring performances from soprano Carla Connors and Timothy Hoekman on piano. On March 9, four-hand piano husband and wife team Catherine Lan and Tao Lin of Duo Beaux Arts will close the season with a performance at Opperman Music Hall at Florida State University. For tickets and season passports, go to TheArtistSeries.org or call (850) 445-1616. Doors open 30 minutes prior to the concert.

REGIONAL: SAVE THE DATE APRIL 26–27

CHAIN OF PARKS ART FESTIVAL

→ The 25th annual Chain of Parks Art Festival in downtown Tallahassee offers an outdoor cultural experience that is fun for the entire family. Visitors will enjoy unique works of fine art from over 150 national juried artists as well as 3D street art, live entertainment by local bands and performing arts groups, kids art activities, family fun, local heritage reenactments, delicious local food, craft beer, and cocktails.

A uniquely Tallahassee experience! For more information on this uniquely Tallahassee experience, visit ChainOfParks.com.

Either option will be scenic, and both benefit the Seaside School. Proceeds enable students to participate in advanced placement and career readiness courses. runseasideﬂ.com

30A WINE FESTIVAL

FEB. 19-23

Sip and sup at the annual 30A Wine Festival, a must-experience for lovers of fine wines and the culinary arts. Proceeds from the wine festival will support the Children’s Volunteer Health Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing access to health services for children in Walton and Okaloosa counties. 30awinefestival.com

FLORIDA CHAUTAUQUA ASSEMBLY

FEB. 20-23

The annual Florida Chautauqua Assembly will take place in historic DeFuniak Springs, featuring a four-day educational program for families with notable keynote speakers, educational breakout sessions, and a nightly street party. The assembly will also host free events along with paid events around the lake yard.

ﬂoridachautauquaassembly.org

ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID

FEB. 20-MARCH 2

Four friends have sworn to keep the promise they made on the night of their senior prom: to be in each other’s weddings … no matter what. More than 30 years later, these Southern

gals are determined to honor that vow. This deliriously funny Jones Hope Wooten comedy will have you rolling with laughter. emeraldcoasttheatre.org

SANDESTIN GUMBO FESTIVAL

FEB. 21-22

Restaurants and businesses along the Gulf Coast will compete for the title of Area’s Best Gumbo as they concoct and serve unique variations of the classic Southern dish. Held at The Village of Baytowne Wharf, this event will offer food, live music, family activities, and much more.

sandestingumbofestival.com

CRESCENDO! VINTNER DINNERS

FEB. 28

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

KILLER QUEEN

MARCH 5

Queen tribute band Killer Queen has been touring the U.S. and England since 2016, performing regularly at famed venues like Red Rocks Arena in Colorado. Flash back to Wembley in 1986 with a tribute performance that critics are calling “scarily real.” pensacolasaenger.com

LUCKY LEPRECHAUN 5K & GET LUCKY HALF MARATHON

MARCH 8-9

Start your St. Patty’s Day weekend with a bang at the Lucky Leprechaun 5K on Saturday, March 8, at 8 a.m. Then, push your limits with the Get Lucky Half Marathon on Sunday, March 9, at 7 a.m. Traversing a fast and flat route, these Fort Walton Beach courses promise a thrilling race.

nwftc.com/race-calendar

GO, DOG. GO!

MARCH 11-16

P.D. Eastman’s classic children’s book comes to life on stage! These dogs delve into life with gusto as they snorkel, howl at the moon, and ride a Ferris wheel. They even sing, dance, and climb trees! Like a pop-up book that comes to life, it’s a big and little musical world of doggy fun that never stops. emeraldcoasttheatre.org

THE TORTOISE AND THE HARE: FAST FRIENDS, SLOW FOES

MARCH 27-30

In this madcap retelling of The Tortoise and the Hare, the tortoise and hare just can’t get along. They’re constantly at odds, and their feud becomes legendary among the woodland creatures. Can these two ever find common ground? And just how did this pesky possum end up running in the race? Their competitive nature culminates in a foot race to finally decide who’s best, and the whole forest is there to watch! emeraldcoasttheatre.org

SOCIAL STUDIES

Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest

OCT. 11

The Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest, held at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort on October 11, featured over 200 craft beers for sampling. Guests enjoyed live music, learned from brewery representatives, and celebrated at the Beer from Around Here event. Proceeds beneﬁted Fisher House of the Emerald Coast and Sandestin Foundation for Kids.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MADDIE REED

1 Stephanie Garner and Maddie Reed

2 Kelly and Zach Henle

3 Maddie Reed and Whitni Standard

Bloody Mary Festival

OCT. 12

The Market Shops hosted its ninth annual Bloody Mary Festival, powered by Step One Automotive Group, on Saturday, October 12. The event featured 14 local restaurants, bars, and catering companies, each serving their take on the classic Bloody Mary made with Distillery 98 Half Shell Vodka. Vendors competed for the title of Best Bloody Mary in South Walton. The event raised $37,600 for Habitat for Humanity of Walton County.

PHOTOS BY BOO MEDIA

1 Guglielmo and Michelle Ianni

2 Will Estell, Laura Estell, and Jeﬀ Watson

3 Ali Diamond and Harrison Holditch

4 Rayna Bishop, Jessica Bracken, Erica Pappas, and Merry Beth Myrick

SOCIAL STUDIES

Harvest Wine & Food Festival

OCT. 17–20

The eighth annual Harvest Wine & Food Festival was hosted from Oct. 17–20 in the picturesque 30A community of WaterColor. The festival welcomed a soldout crowd for four days of wine and culinary events. The Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) event raised over $175,000 for children in need in Northwest Florida. Since its inception in 2005, DCWAF has donated more than $35 million to its 17 beneﬁting children’s charities.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIARA WATSON AND COURTESY OF DCWAF

1 Jayna Leach and Patty Taylor

2 Marisa Mylott, Ashley Cole, Kim Catellier, Alex Curry, Meredith Spector, and Amber Fillingame

3 Megan and Kris Harrison, Justin and Diana Phelps, with Lane and Trevor Redding

4 Sarah Davidson and Andy Bovender

Eggs on the Beach

NOV. 2 The 10th annual Eggs on the Beach Big Green Egg Cooking Competition, held on November 2 at Seascape Towne Centre, raised an impressive $52,000 for local nonproﬁts including Fisher House of the Emerald Coast and Food For Thought. Hosted by Bay Breeze Patio, this year’s Egg Fest featured a diverse array of deliciously creative bites presented by 25 cooking teams.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EGGS ON THE BEACH

1 Tiﬀanie and Darren Nelson

2 Susan Kiley and Wayne Paul

3 Sheila Williams and Mia McKenna

4 Meagan and Herbert Arlt

SOCIAL STUDIES

Panama City Songwriters Festival

NOV. 8–9 The sixth annual Panama City Songwriters Festival was a resounding success, drawing record crowds and a joyful atmosphere to the downtown area. Attendees explored seven nearby venues that celebrated the immense talent of various artists. The festival fostered a spirit of love and appreciation, showcasing the beauty of grassroots music culture in a vibrant community setting.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAISY HIPBILLY

1 A crowd favorite David Ryan Harris singing to a sold-out room

2 Director Will Thompson, Lindsey Thompson (wife), and Anthony Peebles at Panama City Boxing Club

3 Will Thompson Band supporting Cat Ridgeway and Johnny Hayes at after party on Saturday night

4 Jake & Shelby performing at the Light Room downtown Panama City

Alys Beach Cra ed

NOV. 13–17 Alys Beach’s third annual Crafted festival in November featured 12 events and a public Holiday Makers Market. Guests enjoyed craft beer, spirits, cocktails, culinary delights, live music, artwork, artisanal goods, art and mixology workshops, and a special silent auction with all Crafted proceeds supporting the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County. Among good company, attendees enjoyed a celebration of the spirit, story, and connections behind craftsmanship.

PHOTOS BY BOO MEDIA AND KURT LISCHKA / MOON CREEK STUDIOS

1 Trey Humphreys, Reese Harrison, JD Sullivan, and Bethany Humphreys at Pickleball & Picklebacks

2 Julie Sibler, Arlease Ciatto, and Colleen Stugard at Firkin Fête

3 Katie Witherspoon and Elise Gilbert of the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County at Spirited Soirée

4 Kevin and Meredith Kynerd, Henry and Erin Phillips, Kathryn Simms, Stephen and Melanie Schoen, with Jay Simms at Firkin Fête

THE BEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR

Annual Best of the Emerald Coast readers’ poll culminates in a celebration for the books

BY PAIGE AIGRET

I’ve always enjoyed immersing myself in the community and attending area events. But of all the festivities I’ve experienced, the Best of the Emerald Coast event has become my annual favorite. I may be biased as Emerald Coast Magazine editor, but beyond my editorial ties, it’s the pride in my community that makes me eager for what I dub the best night of the year.

The 2024 Best of the Emerald Coast event on Thursday, Oct. 10, most certainly did not disappoint. We celebrated bigger and better than ever this year. The venue on the Grand Lawn at Grand Boulevard was expansive, and the space quickly filled in, bustling with guests excited to celebrate their friends, family, and favorite businesses.

Presenting sponsor Corcoran Reverie’s Hilary Farnum-Fasth and Jacob Watkins started the night out with bright energy.

“We are so excited to be here tonight for the Best of the Emerald Coast awards,” Farnum-Fasth said. “And we’re

so excited to be the presenting sponsor of the Best of awards.”

“This organization and these awards have become such a big part of the business community here,” added Watkins. “I’m really excited to see all the award winners and celebrate their achievements.”

A first-time attendee, Anna Mooney came to support her boyfriend, Best Videographer winner Nick Moore of Moore Media. Moore was busy recording event content, but Mooney enjoyed the night alongside Moore’s parents.

“It was such a heartwarming experience,” Mooney said, “being there with Nick’s family and also seeing all the other families who were there to support their loved ones who had won awards. It was just such a good moment for the community.”

At the event entrance, winners were presented with awards and ushered toward the night’s main photo-op at the original mural created in collaboration by local artists Maxine Orange, Wes

CLOCKWISE FROM OPPOSITE PAGE: Paige Aigret, Zandra Wolfgram, Demetrius Fuller, McKenzie Burleigh, Hilary Farnum-Fasth, Jacob Watkins, and Daniel Vitter; Carolyn and Todd Brigman; Attendees dancing enjoying the live music; and Flow Tribe Band.

Hinds, Bradley Copeland, Vivian and Tony Zack, and Brendan Parker.

Once inside, guests were greeted by an array of vendors, offering the best food, beverages, and art in the area.

Of the 18 food and beverage vendors offering bites and refreshments across the main event and the VIP section, Mooney named a few for her top contenders.

Mooney called her favorite beverage from Birdie Cocktails “dangerously good,” describing the drink as naturally flavored and refreshingly ideal for Florida’s weather and vibes.

“They had such a perfect blend,” Mooney said. “I tasted every single note. I feel like didn’t even know what a note was before I sipped on Birdie.”

Mooney named other standouts including Tipsy Mule’s Cherry Pie Margarita and the sushi from Harbor Docks. But seeing her boyfriend shine was the best part of the night for her.

“I just could not help but be captivated by Nick’s dedication to his work during the event. I was so proud of him,” she said.

Other guests noted favorites, including the steak bites from Fleming’s, dumplings from Jackacuda’s, the burgers from McGuire’s of Destin, chef Molly Arnett’s cupcake bites, and cappuccinos from Coastal Coffee Bar Co.

Featured live music included opener Harrison Prentice and headliner band Flow Tribe. Seaside-based singer-songwriter Prentice brought Southern charm to his performance, playing his debut single, God Bless the Rest, and the recently released Drown, among other originals in his set. A six-member American funk rock band from New Orleans, Flow Tribe is known for fun and funky vibes and lively performances. On the Hilton Sandestin Beach Main Stage, they delivered a setlist that kept the crowd dancing.

“Flow Tribe kept the momentum flowing,” said local Maggie Dickhaus who attended with husband Bob.

“The band was groovy; I love them,” said Mooney. “I was jamming out all night.”

Cindy Kelly attended with coworkers from Bridgeway Center Inc., the 2024 Best Charity/Nonprofit Winner, and had a memorable experience.

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE:

Zachary Gerard Noel Mignot, Payton Troy, and Lance Stokes; Chef Molly Arnett; Rayna Bishop, Julie Dorr, and Erica Pappas; Harrison Prentice; Victor Vaggalis, chef Fleetwood Covington III, and Mac Watkins served seared Wagyu that literally melted in your mouth.

“The Best of the Emerald Coast really was the best,” Kelly said. “The food was great; I didn’t taste anything that I didn’t like. Flow Tribe is an excellent band, and it was great to hear them again.”

Front-row, stage-side seating included color-lit bubble chairs for a fun rest stop and boho-style woven lounge chairs for in-style comfort. In the VIP tent, couches, love seats, and armchairs took comfort to elevated levels. Tables throughout the venue featured tapestrystyle tablecloths and vibrant florals and decor.

“The couches were super comfy,” Mooney noted. “I love how they put together the event. It was so nicely done.”

“Bob and I thoroughly enjoyed our first Best of event,” said Dickhaus. “We loved the cool, cozy vibe in the VIP lounge, sampling signature bites paired with specialty cocktails prepared on-site.”

Aside from electric live-music performances, the Hilton Sandestin Beach Main Stage was host to an exciting announcement. Emerald Coast Magazine publisher McKenzie Burleigh highlighted the event’s beneficiary, Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF), alongside presenting sponsors Farnum-Fasth and Watkins of Corcoran

Reverie. Director of marketing for MKAF Zandra Wolfgram shared words of gratitude on behalf of the organization.

“We are truly honored to be the beneficiary of tonight’s Best of the Emerald Coast event,” Wolfgram said. “We are grateful for the support of this incredible community and would like to congratulate all of the 2024 winners.”

MKAF was honored on stage with a check for over $60,000. The funds were raised through efforts of the Best of the Emerald Coast event.

“We deeply appreciate Emerald Coast Magazine, a longtime media sponsor, for their continued support of the arts,” Wolfgram continued.

The announcement brought a cheerful energy through the remainder of the evening.

“Seeing how much money was raised for Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, that was so impressive,” Mooney said. “That moved my heart, seeing how many people were willing to come together to support the community because that’s what community is about.”

At the end of the night, community is truly what it’s all about.

Cheers to another best night of the year!

VENUE SPONSOR

PRESENTING SPONSOR

BENEFITING

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

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, ingredient-driven food, coffees, and cocktails while treating guests like family. Pensacola, (850) 912-4655, georgebistroandbar.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, lounge, and views. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 267-2305, vueon30a.net $$ 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

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

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

BLACK BEAR BREAD CO. ★

Contemporary cafe for craft coffee, house-baked breads, pastries, 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

DESSERT

30A COOKIES & CREAM

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 $

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 ITALIAN KITCHEN

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

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

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,

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

BUD & ALLEY’S WATERFRONT RESTAURANT

Sea-to-table dining, serving fresh seafood, steak, and vegetarian dishes. Seaside, (850) 231-5900, budandalleys.com $$$

CAPT. ANDERSON’S RESTAURANT

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/7396 $$$ 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 $$$

VEGAN

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

Visit our comprehensive, searchable dining guide online at EmeraldCoastMagazine.com/Restaurants.

BLUES ON THE BLOCKS

In 2019, Pensacola’s Belmont-Devilliers neighborhood, also known as The Blocks, was named part of the historic Mississippi Blues Trail.

The neighborhood came to prominence in the early 1900s when segregation pushed African Americans out of the city and out of white neighborhoods. But unsti ed culture began to thrive in the area, and Belmont-Devilliers became a well-known stop along the Chitlin’ Circuit—a network of black-owned entertainment venues.

Pensacola’s Mississippi Blues Trail markers recognize notable landmarks and members of the historically Black Belmont-Devilliers community where blues, jazz, vaudeville, and ragtime music brought life to the neighborhood. Well-known Black performers, including B.B. King, Sam Cooke, and Junior Parker, were known to stop in Pensacola while touring the circuit, and Mother of Blues Ma Rainey from Columbus,

by PAIGE AIGRET

Georgia notably performed at the historic Belmont Theatre.

Pensacolan Abe Pierce opened Abe’s 506 Club, one of a string of clubs and restaurants that fostered and supported the local music scene. The Belmont Street Gussie’s Record Shop was home to recordings by local musicians Wally “The Cat” Mercer, Ray Sheppard, Harold Andrews, Ida Goodson, Corrie Davis, Bo Bo Edwards, the Rounders, and others.

Visit Pensacola encourages locals and visitors to tour The Blocks on foot, taking in the rich history noted by markers and murals throughout the neighborhood.

Popular Black-owned businesses open today make for an ideal lunch break stop while visiting Belmont-Devilliers. The Five Sisters Blues Cafe o ers classic Southern soul food set among decor highlighting the area’s history in the blues scene. Others include the no-frills burger joint Blue Dot and the casual comfort food found at Dwarf Chicken Stand. EC

FOR MORE INFORMATION about the history of the Belmont-Devilliers neighborhood and upcoming events, go to VisitPensacola.com, Facebook.com/belmontdevilliers, and Facebook.com/backontheblocks

Mural at Belmont-Devilliers

5 Sisters Blues Cafe

Intersection of N. DeVilliers St. and W. Belmont St.

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

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

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

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

JOHN B. DUDLEY, MD, MPH, Interventional Cardiologist

ANGEL D. MORROBEL, MD, FACC Invasive Cardiologist

FARHAT MEHMOOD, MD, FACC, FHRS

INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY

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

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

STRUCTURAL

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

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

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

PERIPHERAL & ENDOVASCULAR

Carotid angiogram and stents | Peripheral stents in leg vasculature

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

Best Cardiologist