SPECIAL REPORT STUDER FAMILY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL BENEFITS REGION
Physician powers through Parkinson’s Author explores oyster culture Musician creates intricate mandolins
Pursuing Lofty Heights
Precocious students discover their strengths in quests for excellence
+
PROFESSIONAL PROFILES
Dedicated business owners, service providers rise to the top
A Family Legacy
Fulfilling Dreams Since 1976
The Pride of a Master Craftsman When old-world craft meets new-world technology, an unprecedented level of quality is birthed. At E. F. San Juan, the quality and long-term function of our woodwork are the keys to creating elements that will transform a house into a dream home. An enchanting test of our woodworking skills, this beachside residence in the New Urban town of Seaside, Florida, is one of our favorite projects. The team at E. F. San Juan crafted unique molding and paneling profiles for each room of the home and its many elements. The result is a spectacular example of Swedish classicism designed by Robert A. M. Stern and built by O. B. Laurent Construction.
efs a nj u a n.c o m Photo by Steve Mangum EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
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Licensed and Published Design Firm
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Contents FEATURES
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PRECOCIOUS KIDS OF THE PANHANDLE
Dismiss the generalizations you’ve heard about millenials. Set aside the age-old, exasperated “Kids today,” refrain. Members of the next generation of technology developers, stage performers and civic leaders inspire optimism and have a strong sense of where they are going. by KARI BARLOW AND STEVE BORNHOFT
photography by MICHAEL BOOINI
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POWERING THROUGH PARKINSON’S
Nineteen years ago, Dr. Jeff Livingston of Panama City Beach was diagnosed with an incurable disease that produces tremors and makes people progressively less able to control their movements. But Livingston, a former track athlete, has discovered that rigorous CrossFit workouts slow Parkinson’s advances.
AUG/SEPT 2019
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Dr. Jeff Livingston, accompanied by his wife Lisa, rests between sets at the Battleship CrossFit gym in Panama City Beach. His devotion to Crossfit, he says, has enabled him to continue to work — he specializes in maternal fetal medicine — despite dealing with Parkinson’s Disease.
by STEVE BORNHOFT
EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
August–September 2019
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Contents
AUG/SEPT 2019
19 31
63 STUDER FAMILY
CHILDERN’S HOSPITAL
38 WHAT’S IN STORE
Discover places where you can get bites light and heavy, pamper yourself and freshen your fashion look.
19 OUTDOORS Trail running
is picking up adherents in Northwest Florida, where flat, sandy terrain means that no specialized shoes are required.
22 PERSONALITY Amy Hoyt has been anchoring newscasts in her hometown of Panama City for 25 years consecutively.
PANACHE
31 FOR HER Bracelets speak
in a range of voices, from dramatic arm candy that makes loud statements to more subtle wristwear that fairly whispers.
34 CITIZEN OF STYLE
Brittany Sigler, the developer of her own line of cosmetics, is committed to making people feel comfortable in their own skin.
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44
EXPRESSION
26 PETS Students spent some of their final days at the Oakland Terrace School applying art principles to depictions of the animals that they would most like to have as pets.
The advent of a new children’s hospital at Sacred Heart in Pensacola will enhance the quality of life in Escambia County and add to the hospital’s reputation as a regional health care provider.
41 A RT The Gulfside
community of Rosemary Beach’s commitment to public art manifests itself in a biennial display of sculptures that has attracted the attention of artists from around the country.
44 M USIC Jason Sloan’s
musical meanderings took a turn when he discovered an abandoned mandolin in a closet at a friend’s house.
48 S TAGE Bernadette
Clements Sims chose love over career and Northwest Florida over the Big Apple, but she never lost her passion for ballet.
56
Dining In — Barbecue Sauce: It’s made for slathering.
August–September 2019 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
50 B OOKS Oyster author Irv
Miller says his favorite bi-valve ideally has just the right combination of sweetness and brininess.
G ASTRO & GUSTO 53 D INING OUT The Blue
Mabel Smokehouse in Blue Mountain Beach mixes Southern traditions with Asian influences.
58 L IBATIONS House-made vanilla custard makes the shakes at Al’s Beach Club and Burger Bar the real deal.
A BODES 99 INTERIORS Upcylers
give new life to furniture and fixtures that are otherwise destined for the junkyard.
106 EXTERIORS Putting a
reliable roof over your head begins with selecting a proven contractor who will not sell you more than you need.
108 GARDENING Attract
butterflies to your garden, and you will find that they add more than grace and beauty.
IN EVERY ISSUE 12 14 130 141 146
PUBLISHER’S LETTER EDITOR’S COLUMN SOCIAL STUDIES DINING GUIDE POSTSCRIPT
SPECIAL REPORT STUDER FAMILY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL BENEFITS REGION
Physician powers through Parkinson’s Author explores oyster culture Musician creates intricate mandolins
Pursuing Lofty Heights
Precocious students discover their strengths in quests for excellence
+
PROFESSIONAL PROFILES
Dedicated business owners, service providers rise to the top
ON THE COVER:
Orlan Lasher tried on ballet first as something new to do. Then, “The Nutcracker” broke open his simmering appreciation for the art of dance. He now hopes one day to pirouette his way around the world. PHOTO BY MICHAEL BOOINI
PHOTOS BY JENNIFER G PHOTOGRAPHY (31), MICHAEL BOOINI (19, 44) AND SAIGE ROBERTS (56)
THE WAVE
SPECIAL REPORT
Tuesday, October 29 at 5:30pm The Henderson Beach Resort Fun-filled night of inspiration, dinner and cocktails as we honor local breast cancer survivors and help raise awareness.
Tickets $50
EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
August–September 2019
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Contents
PROMOTION
AUG/SEPT 2019
SPECIAL SECTIONS AND PROMOTIONS
102 62
HARVEST WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL Sip in style
and for a great cause at the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation’s annual wine and food festival.
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OASIS RUGS & PEARL HOME This Miramar Beach
↑ BEACH BLINDS, DRAPERIES & MORE The highly experienced team at Beach Blinds, Draperies & More will help you select products for your home that are both beautiful and functional.
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CARE AND COMPASSION Fort Walton
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MARA FIORENTINO, M.D. Mara Fiorentino, M.D.
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people travel from around the world to experience exceptional patient care at Destin Plastic Surgery Center.
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PROFESSIONAL PROFILES
This special section profiles highly regarded professionals in a variety of fields, all proven performers in their areas of expertise. From bankers and brokers to surgeons and construction company owners, discover who’s the best in the business.
specializes in telepsychiatry, a form of psychiatric care available via telecommunication, making it convenient for all.
← DESTIN PLASTIC SURGERY Learn why
↑ COUNCIL ON CULTURE & ARTS
A Q&A with Terry Galloway, a deaf performer, writer, lesbian activist and co-founder of Tallahassee’s Mickee Faust Club. She provides creative advice and plenty of laughs.
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CALENDAR This season offers events galore from headlining country acts on the beach to Broadway productions in a theater to food festivals, triathlons and more.
NEXT ISSUE We annouce the results of this year’s Best of the Emerald Coast balloting. 8
August–September 2019 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
DEAL ESTATE
Learn about two threestory homes both with Gulf views in tiny coastal neighborhoods.
Beach Medical Center offers comprehensive women’s and children’s services including the only Level II neonatal intensive care unit in a three-county area.
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PHOTOS BY ALISSA ARYN PHOTOGRAPHY (102), BEATRICE QUERAL (46) AND COURTESY DESTIN PLASTIC SURGERY (36) AND DESTIN CHARITY WINE AUCTION (62)
showroom brims with coastal furnishings and luxury rugs perfect for a home that exudes laidback luxury.
EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
August–September 2019
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EMERALD COAST MAGAZINE
VOL. 20, NO. 4
AUG–SEPT 2019
PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER BRIAN E. ROWLAND
EDITORIAL EDITOR Steve Bornhoft MANAGING EDITOR Jeff Price STAFF WRITER Hannah Burke CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kari C. Barlow, Laurie E. Koszuta, Thomas J. Monigan, Wynn Parks, Audrey Post, Leisel Schmidt, Gary Yordon
CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION AND TECHNOLOGY Daniel Vitter CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jennifer Ekrut ART DIRECTOR Saige Roberts SENIOR PUBLICATION DESIGNER Shruti Shah PUBLICATION DESIGNERS Sarah Burger, Jordan Harrison, Lindsey Masterson GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sierra Thomas CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Alissa Aryn Photography, Bill Strength Photography, Michael Booini, Brandan Babineaux Photography, Manny Chavez, Jim Clark, Lawrence Davidson, Alex Dossey, Colleen Duffley, Mike Fender, Terry Galloway, Kristin Guin,John Harrington, Scott Holstein, Jacqueline Ward Images, Jennifer G Photography, Tim Kramer, Kristin Guin Photography, Kurt Lischka, Erick Lima, Phillip Makselan, Rhonda Murray, Beatrice Queral, Saige Roberts, Brian Rowland, Shelly Swanger Photography, Stephan Vance
SALES, MARKETING AND EVENTS VICE PRESIDENT/CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT McKenzie Burleigh SALES MANAGER, EASTERN DIVISION Lori Magee Yeaton SALES MANAGER, WESTERN DIVISION Rhonda Lynn Murray DIRECTOR OF NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, EASTERN DIVISION Daniel Parisi DIRECTOR OF NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, WESTERN DIVISION Dan Parker ADVERTISING SERVICES COORDINATORS Tracy Mulligan, Lisa Sostre ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES David Doll, Julie Dorr, Darla Harrison, Linda Powell MARKETING MANAGER Kate Pierson SALES AND MARKETING WRITER Rebecca Padgett SALES AND EVENTS COORDINATOR Mackenzie Little SALES AND EVENTS ASSISTANT Abby Crane SENIOR INTEGRATED MARKETING COORDINATOR Javis Ogden
OPERATIONS ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR Melissa Spear CUSTOM PUBLISHING MANAGER Sara Goldfarb CLIENT SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE/PRODUCTION SPECIALIST Melinda Lanigan ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT Amber Dennard RECEPTIONISTS Natalie Kazmin, Kaitlyn Henderson
DIGITAL SERVICES DIGITAL EDITOR Janecia Britt
OW
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EMERALD COAST MAGAZINE emeraldcoastmagazine.com facebook.com/emeraldcoast twitter.com/emeraldcoastmag instagram.com/emeraldcoastmag pinterest.com/emeraldcoastmag youtube.com/user/emeraldcoastmag ROWLAND PUBLISHING rowlandpublishing.com
EDITORIAL OFFICE 1932 Miccosukee Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308. (850) 878-0554 SUBSCRIPTIONS One year (6 issues) is $30. Call (850) 878-0554 or go online to emeraldcoastmagazine.com. Single copies are $3.95. Purchase at Barnes and Noble in Destin and Pensacola and Books-A-Million in Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City and Pensacola. CUSTOMER SERVICE & SUBMISSIONS Emerald Coast Magazine and Rowland Publishing, Inc. are not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photography or artwork. Editorial contributions are welcomed and encouraged but will not be returned. Emerald Coast Magazine reserves the right to publish any letters to the editor.
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Copyright August 2019 Emerald Coast Magazine Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.
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August–September 2019
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from the publisher
SOLITUDE AND COMMUNITY In the right doses, both are good for the soul
Depower your phone. Smell the coffee. Watch a lake wake up in the morning. Meander along a beach. Pause to wonder what goes on behind your dog’s eyes. Marvel at nature’s diversity. Engage in recreational reading. Reassess your priorities. And recalibrate, as necessary, your approach to the rest of your days. It’s good DIY therapy. You’ll find that when you re-engage, your outlook is brighter and your vision is more clear. Also this summer, I was pleased to meet in two roundtable conversations — one held at the offices of Proffitt PR in
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Miramar Beach and the other conducted at the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce — with people whose opinions I value. In conversations that passed very quickly, we talked about people and trends and developments that would be appropriate to future stories in Emerald Coast Magazine and, in some cases, 850 Magazine. Each participant provided a unique perspective, born of a unique set of life experiences and his or her particular circle of friends, acquaintances and business associates. Various walks of life were represented, ranging from public service to human resource development and from education to marketing and promotion. I appreciate the time and the energy that each participant invested in our gettogethers. Invariably, these sessions prove highly productive by yielding a trove of great story ideas. I am not a philosopher — far from it. I am a magazine publisher whose
August–September 2019 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
products result not from introspection, but from conversation, collaboration and relationships. Our print products are tangible, yes, but they are, more importantly, organic. They live because they are infused with the stories, dreams, achievements, good works and spirit of the people of Northwest Florida. They are people who, for me, are far more companionable than solitude. My thanks go out to editors Steve Bornhoft and Zandra Wolfgram for putting together the roundtable groups and to all who graciously made time to participate. In Panama City Beach, we were helped out by Panama City Mayor Greg Brudnicki; Jayna Leach, Visit Panama City Beach; Maria Goodwin, CareerSource Gulf Coast; Kristopher McLane, Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce; Mary Beth Lovingood and Becky Kelly, Florida State University Panama City. In Miramar Beach, invitees were Jessica Proffitt Bracken, Proffitt PR; Tracy Louthain, Newman-Dailey Resort Properties; Heather Thomas, Destin Vacation Boat Rentals; Leslie Moland, White-Wilson Medical Center; Melissa Wheeler, Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County; Susan Shaw, University of West Florida (retired); and Shantelle Dedicke, Frances Roy Agency. I am indebted to them all. Go peacefully,
BRIAN ROWLAND browland@rowlandpublishing.com
SCOTT HOLSTEIN
For a couple of weekends this summer, I was without plans, my wife was out of town and I was left to entertain myself. In such a way, I rediscovered the joys and benefits of small doses of solitude or, as it has come to be known these days, “unplugging.” Mind you, I am not a candidate to make a long-distance solo trek across a barren expanse. Never will I go full Thoreau. That is, I stop short of finding that, as Henry David once famously wrote, “I have never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude.” But I do relish the occasional opportunity to slow down and recharge. Modern life can be so hectic that we become disconnected from ourselves, and it’s important from time to time to rediscover who we are and to reflect upon where we are and where we may be going. So, get away from the 24-hour, it’s-notreally-news cycle.
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editor’s letter
TURNING THE PAGE
As I move on, here’s a story about a lobster and a nod to Zandra Wolfgram
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August–September 2019 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
Mind you, that’s the kind of stemwinder you are treated to only when dealing with someone you know and especially a man who, like Nelson, works for himself and will take the time to tell it to you. I haven’t had the chance to get Holmes’s side of the story. Nelson didn’t find anything to account for the Bullpen’s hesitation and suggested that I test is out before hauling it to Buck. I did and it ran like a sewing machine, marking perhaps the first time that a boat surprised its owner with other than bad news. I have been writing Northwest Florida-based stories for some 35 years and, for three years or so, greatly enjoyed the opportunity to serve as the editor of Emerald Coast Magazine, especially so in the year since I moved back to Panama City Beach from Tallahassee. Recently, I turned over the Emerald Coast editorial reins to Zandra Wolfgram, who has begun her second tour of duty in that role. I edited this edition of the magazine, but it’s all Zandra from here on out. Meanwhile, I have been given an opportunity to focus more tightly on my duties as the editor of 850 Business Magazine. Zandra is good people. She is a foodie and a fashionista who works hard and is a fine writer. She knows the Emerald Coast and its rhythms, people and tourism industry exceptionally well. You will like what she does with the magazine. Now, needless to say, Zandra’s circle and my circle do not coincide. And, from that space where they do not overlap, I will continue to write stories for Emerald Coast Magazine about people and their passions, especially those with a proclivity for the unpredictable. See you on or near the water,
STEVE BORNHOFT
sbornhoft@rowlandpublishing.com
BRIAN ROWLAND
I hadn’t visited Ken Nelson for so long that while my name survived in his computer, all of the records related to the 17-foot Mako that he used to keep running for me had been purged or lost to a computer upgrade or some such. But when, after a 20-year absence, I dragged my current boat, a 16.5foot Alumacraft, into the driveway of his shop in the beaches area of Bay County, he immediately recognized me and got my name right, pretty well. “Mr. Bornyhopper, you doin’ all right?” Nelson greeted me, and then caught me glancing at a bandage near the crook of his left arm. “Yeah, had to have some blood drawn.” My 60-horsepower Suzuki was overdue for servicing, it was time for a new water pump and the last time I had used my boat, named the Bullpen, it didn’t throttle all the way up on the way in. Getting the engine looked at where I had bought it wasn’t an option. That business had been scraped off the face of Callaway by Michael. And so it was that Capt. Nelson and I were reunited. “Could be a spun prop,” Nelson theorized. “If that’s the case, you’re gonna have to go see Buck in Southport, but lemme look and see if I see anything. Of course, there’s one thing wrong already. That engine’s the wrong color.” (Nelson prefers to work on Yamahas.) Nelson and Buck Holmes are well acquainted. They once traveled together as part of a men-only group that made a dive trip to the Bahamas. They were admonished against picking up lobsters, but Holmes spied a spiny he couldn’t resist, so Nelson’s version of events goes. Holmes decapitated it by hand — that’s completely plausible — and stuffed the remainder in his trunks. So concerned was the prop man about being seen with crustacean contraband that he awkwardly ambled back to his room with the big bug on board (shorts). Holmes put some water on to boil, seasoned it liberally and dropped in his catch. “When he set to eating on it, he invited others to join him, but nobody wanted any part of the crotchster,” Nelson said. “They knew where it had been.”
Love
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Contact us today. vueon30a.com | 850.267.2305 ext. 3 | becca@santarosaclub.com EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
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BEAUTY LINKS
From liposuction to chemical peels, our expert surgeons and aestheticians know it all. Learn more about the latest trends and procedures in the cosmetic industry at EmeraldCoastMagazine.com.
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE
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AUG/SEPT 2019
A CONSCIOUS, COOL COMPENDIUM OF COASTAL STUFF
OUTDOORS
OFF THE BEATEN PATH Trail running hits its stride in South Walton by HANNAH BURKE
↗
In Northwest Florida, trail running does not require specialized shoes with traction enhanced soles. Your favorite pair of running shoes will do.
PERSONALITY photography by MICHAEL BOOINI
The Face of News
|| PETS
Artists in Waiting
EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
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THE
wave
T
om Losee recalls a time when, at the mere mention of “trail running,” his community of fellow runners leaped to thoughts of precipitous terrain and alpine climbs that show even the most athletic types no mercy. But today, trail running has expanded to The latest products encompass essentially keep runners hydrated, fueled, comfortable and any trek that doesn’t in track of their time. occur across pedestri Insect repellent anized pavement. If Sunscreen your morning work Nuun or Hammer out includes a detour Nutrition tabs Skratch Labs Sport through your neighEnergy Chews or borhood park, or a jog Hammer Nutrition along the beach, then raw energy bars you are an active par Nathan ticipant of one of the hydration vest Mid-ankle or crew world’s most in-vogue trail socks (Grit fitness movements. Running Socks) According to Losee, Garmin watches The Running Event Run Guard (TRE) Trade Show — anti-chafe a showcase of America’s premier running apparel and equipment — established trail running as its own category just last year. As hiking isn’t exactly groundbreaking, why did it take so long for us to add running to the mix? “Running and nature are like chocolate Now he prefers the solace and solitude and peanut butter, a solid combination, afforded to him by the winding, wooded yet no one thought to combine them until trails of his new home in Santa Rosa Beach. Reese’s,” Losee said. “But now that our “There are certain trails around here world is getting smaller through social that transport you to a place you feel media, people are seeing these influencis undiscovered and as if you must be a ers on Instagram running these amazing hundred miles inland,” says Losee. “The places around the world. They’ve realized white, sandy ground reminds you you’re it’s a quick ticket to a better workout, and still near the beach, but you’re surrounded a great way to escape to nature.” by canopies of pines and all variations Losee, a New York City native, is of wildlife. It makes for a nice change of something of a trail-running hipster, pace that anyone can enjoy.” having, in his youth, traded his treadmill for the lush, looping trails of GEARING UP Central Park. You know, since before Located in Seagrove Beach RUN/SUP, “trailing” became something other than owned by Losee and wife Darla, is an falling behind. athletic supply store and fitness experience
TRAIL RUNNING CHECKLIST
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that marries the Losees’ love for trail running and YOLO Boards, a brand of stand-up paddleboards that Tom cofounded. It’s both haven and hub for the runners and SUPers of Highway 30A. The Losees are always prepared with cutting-edge equipment, and invaluable insight into the local topography. Losee stresses to all customers that before you begin planning where you want to go, make sure you are both mentally and physically prepared for your journey. While Walton County boasts some of the highest elevations in the state of Florida, you’re often working with relatively flat, sedimentary terrain. As a photography by MICHAEL BOOINI
result, Losee said, local runners will opt for their go-to pair of running shoes, instead of the waterproofed, traction-enhanced sneakers a trickier terrain would demand. Altra, Brooks, Mizuno and ON Cloud brand running shoes are popular sellers at RUN/SUP, but the traveling trail runner may benefit from a pair of Salomon Sense Rides or Speedcross 5’s. “Stick to a mid-ankle or crew trail sock, because we have plenty of sticker burrs and brush out there that’ll get ya,” advises Losee. As will the insects. OFF Deep Woods or Cactus Juice insect repellents keep even the most dogged and determined mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers and yellow flies at bay. And, while you’re at it, don’t neglect a coat of sunscreen that’s SPF 30 or higher. Light, moisture-wicking shirts and shorts in brands such as lululemon and Salomon work to absorb sweat and cool the body. And because you’ll be sweating up a storm, hydration is key. “You need to drink around 18 ounces of water an hour,” Losee advised. “Nuun or Hammer Nutrition tabs replace the electrolytes you use while running in the humidity.” He recommends Skratch Labs Sport Energy Chews or Hammer Nutrition raw energy bars to replenish calories. All of this can be contained in a SPIbelt for runners, or a Nathan Hydration Vest, which holds up to a liter of water in the back, and offers spacious compartments for your fuel and phone up front. You’re better off safe than sorry. Firsttime trailblazers should embark with either a knowledgeable tour guide or a companion to learn the ropes, but if you’re going to go it alone, always let someone know where you’re going. Pack a physical map. Apps such as “All Trails” are convenient, but not entirely reliable. “Garmin watches are also very good
CONSULT THE EXPERTS
RUN WITH IT 170 Miracle Strip Parkway SE Fort Walton Beach RunWithitFL.com
↑ CLOSE TO HOME Tom Losse hits a trail near his shop, RUN/SUP, located at 20 Gardenia St. in Santa Rosa Beach.
in that most models not only have GPS and heart rate capabilities, but mapping modules as well,” says Losee. “There are also some bread crumb features on a Garmin that will back track your steps in case you get lost on the trail.” Finally, consult your local running store. They’ll be able to recommend the best times to hit the trail based on how far you wish to run and disclose which areas may be cordoned off or impacted by obstacles, such as standing water. RUNNER’S HIGH From the marked nature paths of Grayton Beach State Park to the unmarked fire trails of Point Washington, there’s no shortage of environments to explore. Losee aims to spread the word and, through interval-style RUN/SUP classes, build upon 30A’s niche running community by providing “fitness experiences,” which occur several times a week at the BoatHouse in WaterColor. From there, Losee leads a moderate paddle across Western Lake to the trailhead of his choosing, where the workout will wrap up with a 2- or 3-mile run. He and Darla also spearhead a weekly, Wednesday-
LOVE TO RUN 12805 U.S. Highway 98 E, Ste.R103 Inlet Beach ThirtyAvenue.com/love-2-run
morning run club, whose members range from the novice trotter to the marathoner. “Another reason people are getting more into trail running is because they’re coming to realize how much better it is for you than just consistently pounding the pavement,” says Losee. “Each step is different, so you’re utilizing different muscles and taking a much shorter stride.” Building one’s stamina and sense of topography is especially crucial to those fit enough to undergo Losee’s training program for the newest trend in “Ultra” races, which are 50-100 K in length, and a contributor to trail running’s rise in popularity. “Spartan races with longer distances require a slower pace, and I think that’s what people like about trail running in general. It doesn’t have to be high intensity. It’s okay to slow down or maybe stop to take a picture.” For Darla Losee, trail running is a “spiritual experience.” “So much of our life is multi-tasking, but trail running requires you be present,” she explained. “You can’t be distracted, or you’re going to trip over a root. Our minds aren’t used to focusing on the here and now, so while you’re getting a workout, you’re also experiencing catharsis.” EC
RUNNING WILD 3012 E. Cervantes St. Pensacola WeRunWild.com EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
RUN/SUP 20 Gardenia St., Cottage 2 Santa Rosa Beach RunSup.com August–September 2019
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PERSONALITY
THE FACE OF NEWS For Amy Hoyt, there’s no place like her small-market home
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Broadcast journalist and news anchor Amy Hoyt, one of the most familiar personalities in Bay County, has been stationed at WMBB-TV for 25 years.
by STEVE BORNHOFT
F
or 25 consecutive years, Amy Hoyt has been delivering the news to viewers of WMBB-TV in Panama City. In the industry she first entered in 1980, such stability is an oddity, but Hoyt never aspired to a job in a major market or with a network. For Hoyt and her husband Robert — they both graduated in 1977 from Panama City Christian School — Bay County always has been home. They departed the area for a few years when Robert enlisted in the Army and learned to be a pilot, but when they returned, it was for good. Even as Amy resisted the temptation to go big, Robert contented himself to fly with a small carrier, Northwest Airlink, when the couple’s two daughters were young. “We were happy here,” Hoyt said. “And we wanted to be around family.” She attended then-Gulf Coast Community College, where she studied journalism and wrote for the school newspaper before catching on with the on-campus public radio station, WKGC-FM. Hoyt’s first TV job was at WMBB rival WJHG, where the iconic Joe Moore hired her as a weekend anchor and weekday reporter and served as her first news director. With two years under her belt as a record spinner and news director at a commercial station, WPAP, Hoyt applied for a job
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with another then-popular radio station in Panama City and was told that she didn’t have enough experience. “I was upset and crying, and my dad told me to go see Joe Moore,” she said. “It was the best advice he ever gave me. Joe was a good man and a great mentor. He gave me my start in television, and I can never forget that.” Moore died in December 2015 after spending 43 years behind the news desk at WJHG. These days, Hoyt, 60, is a mentor to reporters — now called “multimedia journalists,” given the advent of social and digital platforms — who are younger than her own children. “They are from a generation that you worry about sometimes,” Hoyt said. “In the era of social media, you’re maybe not sure how they are going to perform as journalists, but I have been amazed at their talent and their ethics and morals. We give them challenges, and they meet every one of them. And we give them a lot to do. In a small market, they do it all.” They arrive from throughout the Southeast, she said. One came from Minnesota. A typical rookie mistake, Hoyt said, is coming back to the studio without all of the information a story may require or without a complete command of the facts. “So, we may have to get on the phone and call a county photography by MIKE FENDER
commissioner back,” Hoyt said. “We may need to verify whether a figure from a budget is thousands or millions. It’s not easy to sit through a three-hour commission meeting and then condense it into 90 seconds. As a beginning reporter right out of college, you may find that those meetings deal with subjects that you don’t know much about. You have to learn to do research and be inquisitive.” And sometimes enterprising. Some news days are slower than others. “If we have the kind of day that doesn’t result in a lot of breaking news, that gives us the opportunity to air the story about the school groups that we didn’t have time for the day before,” Hoyt said. “News doesn’t have to be bad to make our broadcasts. I enjoy doing stories on Panhandle residents who do extraordinary things on a daily basis. “It’s fun to put their stories out. Hometown journalism is different than network news. People ask us to cover things, and we try our best to get it all done. But we have not scrambled to fill a broadcast since October 10.” On that day, Hurricane Michael delivered the biggest story Hoyt has covered in her career. Hoyt and fellow members of the WMBB news team covered developments and kept their cool until the storm’s Category 5 winds knocked them off the air. That is, they “It’s fun to remained in character as detached be first, but news professionals until the station went down and they became part of the I’d rather be shared storm experience. right. It’s our Hoyt is confident that Panama City job to try to and environs will come back over time. She was heartened by an observation be perfect.” made by a reporter from Texas who had — Amy Hoyt been dispatched by a Nexstar station there to help with storm aftermath coverage at sister station WMBB. That reporter returned to Panama City six months after the storm and said she was impressed by the progress that had been made. “When you live here every day, it’s harder to see how far we’ve come,” she said. “We’ll get there.” Asked about on-air gaffes, Hoyt didn’t immediately come up with one. Then, a smile overtook her face and she began, “There was the time we were doing a health story on the benefits of exercise. When I got to the word, pedometer, I said peed-o-meet-er. My co-anchor at the time, Chris Cato, leaned into the shot in front of me and said, ‘Amy, it’s pedometer.’ We laughed pretty hard.” And that is Hoyt — affable, fallible once in a great while, never flamboyant and always, it seems, neutral. She is a broadcaster who listens well and has a genuine interest in people. “It’s fun to be first,” she said, “but I’d rather be right. It’s our job to try to be perfect.” EC
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August–September 2019
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PROMOTION
CARE AND COMPASSION FORT WALTON BEACH MEDICAL CENTER
MEMORIES BY AMANDA LEE
S
tephanie Zenk’s relationship with Fort Walton Beach Medical Center began with a conversation with a friend who worked as a nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit at the hospital. Today, she is a well-satisfied, repeat FWBMC customer and speaks highly of its labor and delivery service. Zenk was new to the area and seven months pregnant when the NICU nurse recommended an FWBMC physician to her. That doctor saw her through the remaining months of her pregnancy, but when it came time to deliver her first child, Zenk, a military wife, could have opted for Eglin Air Force Base. She chose FWBMC instead. The birth, as it happened, presented complications. “But I was very comfortable and confident about the care I received,” Zenk said. “Everyone involved was very attentive.” Two-and-a-half years later, Zenk had her second child at FWBMC and, in October of last year, she checked into the hospital and had a third. Zenk’s children are among more than 43,000 babies who have been delivered at FWBMC — a considerable body of experience. The hospital’s Women and Children’s Services
department is dedicated to providing mothers and their babies with the highest possible level of care in a genuinely compassionate environment. Consistent with that commitment, the hospital offers a type of mother-baby arrangement that it calls couplet care. It’s not the same as mere “rooming in,” where the mother is expected to care for her newborn by herself. Rather, a nurse cares for both mother and child in the comfort and convenience of their room. And, Mom decides whether and when the baby leaves her side. FWBMC has the area’s only pediatric surgeons and offers consultation and coordination with some of the best pediatric subspecialists and other health care professionals to ensure continuity of care. It also has the only Pediatric ER in the area, serving Okaloosa, Walton and Santa Rosa counties. The Pediatric ER is a separate exam area open 24/7 that is dedicated solely to treating the emergency health care needs of infants, children and teens. There is a separate waiting area just for children and their parents. Children need specialized care, especially during an emergency. No other hospital in the area has this level of care and this level of commitment to making our patients feel comfortable.
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“My goal is to create beautiful, luxurious jewelry that will encourage a woman’s sense of individuality and embrace self expression.” Renee Launiere, Owner / Designer
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August–September 2019
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THE
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PETS
ARTISTS IN WAITING
Unleashed, students create inspired pet pictures by STEVE BORNHOFT
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discussion about spirit animals preceded the exercise, seemingly pretty elusive stuff for fourth-graders. But, said teacher Chad Wallis, each of eight of his students at the Oakland Terrace School for the Arts in Panama City, when asked to choose an animal as the subject for an art project, selected a creature that mirrored her own characteristics. The students were asked to create artwork representing the pet they would most like to own. The tally: four dogs, one horse, one cat, one hamster and one bearded dragon. Once, Oakland Terrace was intended to serve as a magnet school for students with an interest in visual and performing arts. But, said Wallis, state art funding was withdrawn and the school’s consuming focus came to be on improving standardized test scores. “Most of our kids come from homes with very modest incomes,” Wallis said. “Many have no male role model in the
household. The hurricane only made conditions worse. These students have talent and abilities like kids in wealthier neighborhoods, but they have a lot of circumstances to overcome.” This fall, Oakland Terrace will no longer be a community elementary school. Its students will be divided between elementary schools elsewhere, and Oakland Terrace’s buildings will host two stormbattered programs: the local chapter of Girls Inc. and an alternative school that specializes in working with children with behavioral issues. The art project surfaced a love of art and of animals in the participating students. Meeting with “the man from the magazine,” they spoke with facility about the concepts and techniques Wallis had encouraged them to employ: vibrant, contrasting colors; blended hues; patterns; and gradients. And, they were curious to know if an appearance in Emerald Coast Magazine would lead to fame and riches. EC
← “We have three cats at home and a husky named Timber, who gets real hot in the summer. But I really like lizards and snakes. They are cool creatures. I would like to have a lizard. I put lots of eyes on my bearded dragon and I used fades. And I put a flame on him.” — Sophia Wooten
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For several years, Chad Wallis taught at a K-8 charter school that attracts some of the best and brightest students in Bay County. At Oakland Terrace, he worked with an ethnically and culturally diverse population of students, more than 75 percent of whom qualified for free or reduced-price lunches. He has developed a deep affection for students facing long odds. Girls in his classes adore him, preferring to call him, “Handsome WaWa.”
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5 1 MIA GOMEZ
2 SHACCARI
“I have a Pekingese at home named Molly. She is shy and she usually likes adults more than kids, but she taught me to love dogs. So, in my artwork, I put hearts on the ear and the chest. I used a purple-to-blue fade and a punk effect for the tail and lots of diamonds.”
“I used dark and light colors. Mr. Wallis told me not to use too much pink. I added stars and swirls and S’s, and I made one leg striped and one leg spotted. We only had three days for our project. I have two dogs, a Chihuahua named Rose and a terrier named Mumu.”
LEONARD
photography by MICHAEL BOOINI
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4 TEACHER CHAD WALLIS
6 3 HALI FORBES
“Our first cat named Buddy got run over, and I was sad about that. Our new cat named Buddy is an indoor cat. We also have a golden retriever named Lulu. I put ‘850 Strong’ on my artwork because I wanted to do something about the hurricane. I gave the cat a crown because she is the queen of all cats.”
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4 EMY WALKER
5 YESENIA
“Where I live, you are only supposed to have four pets. But we have two mixed dogs, two cats and a Dutch hound. We are one over. I chose a horse because we are moving to the country. I am not a good person to have a horse, though, because I am not a morning person and I would not be up to feed it.”
“I don’t have any pets at home, but I would like to have a Chihuahua. I gave my artwork hamster striped eyes, and Mr. Wallis told me to make both eyes the same. I also gave the hamster earrings. For part of it, I used a blend of red and orange and pink. It is eating lettuce, and I made that green.”
MARTINEZ
6 YARILIZ GONZALEZ
“I have two dogs named Hercules and Precious and a cat named Paco. That’s Spanish. I made the pattern for the back part of my art dog and, on the head, I used light and dark colors. The middle of the dog is a sunset. I accidentally cut off its nose, but that’s OK because it looks like he is running into something.”
EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
7 JOSE LYNN
“I have two pets — a hamster named Steven and a guinea pig named Pinta. I made part of my artwork like a candy cane, and I blended pink and brown because it is super pretty. I added the bow at the top, and it took me about five minutes to decide what colors to make it.” August–September 2019
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PROMOTION
MARA FIORENTINO, MD PROMOTES AND PRACTICES TELEPSYCHIATRY
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edicine and technology are two fields that are constantly enhancing and evolving. With this in mind, one branch of health care growing in popularity is telepsychiatry, which Destin based psychiatrist Dr. Mara Fiorentino utilizes in her practice. Telepsychiatry is the delivery of psychiatric assessment and care via telecommunications technology, usually videoconferencing. This innovative psychiatry practice is promising and increasingly popular because it is convenient, affordable and readily accessible. Telepsychiatry can benefit patients in a number of ways: It improves access to mental health, brings care to the patient, reduces the need for trips to the ER, cuts delays in care, improves continuity of care, reduces the need of taking time off, reduces the stigma barrier and dissolves the need for transportation. The overarching purpose of telepsychiatry stems from the need to reach underserved populations and to continuously promote the importance of mental health. Telepsychiatry is especially beneficial to those who do not have access to traditional forms of mental health care. It is comparable to a traditional in-person appointment because the content and format is the same including issues discussed in private, forming a treatment plan and prescribing medications. Studies
have shown that the results of telepsychiatry are comparable to in-person appointments in accuracy, quality of care, treatment effectiveness and client satisfaction. Telepsychiatry has been found especially effective in the treatment of PTSD, depression and ADHD. As a psychiatrist who has been in practice for over 20 years, Dr. Fiorentino advocates for telepsychiatry because it allows her to provide care that best fits her clients’ wants and needs. She received her medical degree from the University of Buenos Aires and went on to train at Columbia University in New York City. She later worked at the Office of Mental Health in New York, Mount Sinai Hospital, Lenox Hill Hospital and at the New York City Department of Human Resources. Dr. Fiorentino holds active medical licenses in Argentina, New York, New Jersey and Florida. Her specialties include — psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, general psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry and sleep medicine, all of which are available in-person or via telepsychiatry. “From a young age it was a gift given to me to be interested in the lives of people and their sufferings, which led me to learn about how to best help them in my own practice,” said Dr. Fiorentino. In 2018, Dr. Fiorentino was chosen Best of the Emerald Coast in the Mental Health Services category.
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BEAUTIFUL HOME
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ELEMENTS OF STYLE RANGING FROM THE SUBLIME TO THE MORE SUBLIME
FOR HER
ARM CANDY
Classy or chunky, wristwear completes looks by HANNAH BURKE
Whether you’re dressing to the nines for a night on the town, or keeping it “caj” for brunch with friends, bracelets are a fundamental, but often overlooked, element of a complete ensemble.
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Signature Ruffle Cuff, rainbow moonstone and appetite bezel-set in 18k yellow, 18k bi-metal base. Cuff is 3” wide. Retail price $3,230
CITIZEN OF STYLE photography by JENNIFER G PHOTOGRAPHY
Cosmetic Intervention
|| WHAT’S IN STORE
Retail Roundup
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panache For Lisa Hanna, owner and designer at LH Bead Gallery in Panama City, wristlets are one of the simplest, chicest ways in which we express ourselves. “Bracelets are designed to make a statement,” said Hanna. “Maybe that statement is confidence — you’re a woman who is complete and put together.” Or, maybe you’re struck by a design that represents something significant. Chunky and bold or dainty and subtle, the weight around your wrist is undeniably comforting. Like Hanna, Renee Launiere, jewelry designer and owner of Bijoux De Mer in Destin, views bracelets as one of the most artistically liberating accessories to assemble. “Usually, it’s the stones or pearls that speak to me first,” said Launiere. “Then I go about planning the design in my head. I hand-select all the materials and creatively combine them in ways that are different than anything out there.” Launiere believes it’s that intricate process which has successfully fostered her wholesale business and gallery. “Everything in my store is designed by me and either made by me or my master goldsmith,” Launiere shared. “I make everything from casual, stretchy bracelets to sturdier bands with diamond beads for added bling.” Launiere’s signature pieces include leather, multi-stranded cuffs
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Baroque gold Edison pearls, naturally colored, pave' diamond bead and clasp, 2.8 ctw black diamonds. Oxidized sterling silver. $1,850
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embellished with precious pearls and radiant gemstones. And for those interested in customization, Bijoux de Mer provides over 200 leather cuffs in various colors and textures adding up to endless combinations of stones and pearls. “People love to play ‘designer’ for the day and pick out all the goodies — of course with help from me!” Launiere said. Customers are also afforded the opportunity to customize their cuffs at LH Bead Gallery, whose slogan is “Dream it. Design it. Wear it.” With over 40,000 beads available in the store, patrons enjoy pushing the boundaries of their creativity. “A triple-wrap bracelet made from leather and gemstone beads can be worn casual or dressed-up depending on whether you use metallic or natural leather, and matte or shiny-faceted gemstones,” said Hanna. “You can also purchase a simple, elegant and adjustable chain bracelet with a connector bead, or we can help you make your own.” Those seeking one-of-a-kind professional bangles, however, need look no further than Hanna’s lampwork designs. “Lampwork beads are created in a torch using glass rods,” Hanna explained. “You let them get moltenhot, then anneal them in a kiln for strength.” Most of these designs are sculptural in nature, and incorporate a sea-themed motif. Flat-leather bracelets featuring a metallic mermaid focal point are among the most exotic accessories Hanna’s customers encounter. And while we love bracelets for their versatility, some pieces are strictly reserved for special occasions. For Launiere, her award-winning “Ruffle Cuff” is the ultimate dazzler. “The ruffle cuff is truly a couture piece of fine jewelry,” Launiere said. “It’s usually made of 18-karat gold and sumptuous gemstones, such as opals, emeralds, diamonds and moonstone.” For ladies who prefer a more delicate elegance, Launiere recommends
August–September 2019 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
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Multi-strand brown leather cuff with baroque Edison pearls and freshwater pearls, handwired in 14k yellow gold, bezel-set crystal quartz for added bling. Retail price: $450
All jewelry made by Renee Launiere, jewelry designer and owner of Bijoux De Mer in Destin
her “traditional with a twist” bracelets, which feature daintily strung pearls, diamond accent beads and a bedazzled clasp. “Sterling silver, gold and high-end gemstones, such as aquamarine, are great ways to class-up your look,” added Hanna. There’s a bit more wiggle room in day-to-day options. Bohemian-style wrap bracelets — accented by raw stones and miniature charms — are ideal for the free spirit. Minimalist chains discreetly accent the girl on the go, while woven, wood-beaded bracelets may never leave a beach bum’s wrist. Find what speaks to you, and wear your heart on your sleeve. EC photography by JENNIFER G PHOTOGRAPHY
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CITIZEN OF STYLE
COSMETIC INTERVENTION Brittany Sigler answers her life’s calling in Destin by HANNAH BURKE
D
uring her time as a Sephora makeup artist and manager, the request Brittany Sigler heard most often was, “Make me look like a Kardashian.” Living in an era where the likes of Kylie Jenner, Jeffree Star and the YouTube beauty guru de jour dominate the cosmetics market, this came as no surprise. Still Sigler couldn’t help but wonder, “Why try to emulate them, when you could pursue the best version of you?” Maybe it was none of her business then, but as owner and founder today of the Destin Mobile Makeup Box and Consecrated Cosmetics, Sigler’s singular mission is helping women embrace their inner beauty. “Consecrated means for a divine or special purpose,” Sigler explained. “My purpose is to help people feel comfortable in their own skin, something we all deserve.” Originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee, Sigler discovered the magical properties of makeup at age 12 — long before “makeup was cool.” “Before there was Instagram, before there was Sephora and Ulta, there was the counter life,” she said. “I would go to the mall and see these beautiful women who represented Estée Lauder and Clinique. All of them were older than me and so pretty. I was intimidated. But what they did fascinated me.” Sigler entered college intent on following her mother’s footsteps and becoming a teacher, but by 19, landed a part-time job with Estée Lauder. By her second year at a university, Sigler had gained a small but encouraging clientele and told her parents she wanted to drop out to pursue beauty school. She was met with a resounding “No.” Back then, women didn’t make a career out of makeup like they do now. Sigler pushed through and, the month she graduated, interviewed for a full-time position with Estée Lauder that
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photography by JACQUELINE WARD IMAGES
she never imagined she’d secure. “When I got it, I leapt at the chance,” Sigler recalled. “I began to travel around the country with them, and that’s when I began to really appreciate makeup artistry.” After eight years, she said, it became apparent that a teaching career wasn’t written in the stars. Meeting the love of her life, Brandon, and having the destination wedding of her dreams in Destin, Florida, ← Makeup professional Brittany Sigler is though, was. passionate about Brittany and Brandon investing in young both grew up vacapeople and maintaining her commitment to tioning in Destin and personal growth and Miramar Beach with improvement. their respective families before going as a couple; the Emerald Coast was the site of their happiest memories. Sigler corresponded with her wedding photographer, Sandy, and would often visit her while they were in the area. It was Sandy who encouraged Sigler to move to Destin and realize her longtime dream of becoming an on-site bridal hair and makeup artist. Two years later, the Siglers put their Tennessee home on the market. It sold within a month to one of Sigler’s clients at Sephora. “My husband and Sandy believed in me before I ever believed in myself,” said Sigler. “Everything happened so quickly, and I thought I’d have some time to make a plan. Sandy offered me a studio space to work in, and I didn’t even know how I would pay her rent. But, she told me things would work themselves out. “I’m a Southern hometown girl; all of my family lives in the same state, and I never thought I’d go so far out of my comfort zone. But I just had this feeling that God wanted me here, and I had some kind of purpose to fulfill.” As soon as they arrived, Sigler began coldcalling wedding planners, introducing herself to photographers and getting her foot in doors.
Upon attending Soothing Arts Healing Therapies School of Massage & Skin Care and obtaining an esthetician license, she was ready to advertise herself as the Destin Mobile Makeup Box. Sigler’s years in the beauty industry have culminated in her business receiving a fivestar rating on Wedding Wire and the honor of receiving its Couple’s Choice Award in 2018. “I feel like I’ve put my heart and soul into what I do,” said Sigler. “I can give my clients the experience they crave because I’ve been in their chair before. Hair and makeup are so personal. My team and I want to make you feel like you’re getting the best service you could ask for.” No two days are the same, Sigler said, and she loves being kept on her toes. Just like fashion, makeup fads fluctuate. Currently, glowing, dewy “No matter skin is in high demand. Highlight, bronzer, contour what industry and a pastel pop of color on you’re in, if the lip are recommended for you ever think beach weddings. “We try to advise a you’ve learned timeless look as opposed everything, to an on-trend look that you will never will date your pictures. But we do everything from old push yourself Hollywood glam to the most to be any better bare-minimum faces. Getting than you were to know my subjects is a huge part of my job so I can yesterday.” style them to look their most — Brittany Sigler, beautiful.” owner Destin Mobile Too, clients are partial to Makeup Box and Sigler’s line of Consecrated Consecrated Cosmetics Cosmetics, an idea that was sparked by brides repeatedly asking for lip touch-up recommendations. Once Sigler established a company, she began outlining everything she wanted in a lipstick: a vegan, cruelty and toxin-free, liquid formula that smells like vanilla buttercream icing. Consecrated Cosmetics offers lipsticks, designed and vetted by Sigler, in colors such as “Peace,” “Love,” “Hope” and “Bliss”— well wishes for each woman who wears them. Its rapid success spurred the expansion of Consecrated Cosmetics into matte and shimmering eye shadows, rosy blushes and scintillating skincare products. “I can honestly say I’m living my dream,” Sigler said. EC EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
August–September 2019
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SPONSORED REPORT
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DESTIN PLASTIC SURGERY PATIENT TESTIMONIAL Dr. Burden, I wanted to take the time to thank you and your staff for an excellent experience. From my initial consultation to follow-up visits, I have always felt that I was in the very best of hands. Everyone has been extremely professional, caring and attentive to all of my needs and concerns. Thank you so much for the huge positive change you’ve made in my life. — K.C. PENSACOLA, FL
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August–September 2019 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
When you come to Destin Plastic Surgery, you engage with people who have expertise they have gained over many years of experience. Dr. William Burden’s team members have devoted their careers to developing their capabilities and polishing their techniques. Dr. Burden commits 3D Imaging is used to communicate possible results. time regularly to improving the function of the practice and the development of the staff. The longevity of the staff is a testament to Dr. Burden’s dedication to his team and their dedication to him. Joan Pleat, RN; Bill Edelman PA; Machele Hale; Pam Moore; and Natalie Kline have been at Destin Plastic Surgery for 24, 21, 19, 16 and 15 years, respectively. That is many years of experience that you can trust. The philosophy of Destin Plastic Surgery is to strive for continual improvement. That is evidenced by the quality of the facility. Destin Plastic Surgery once leased a 1,200-square-foot office space. As of 2018, Destin Plastic Surgery now owns a 20,500-square-foot building. Years of planning went into the development of the Destin Plastic Surgery Center. Completion and renovation of the current facility has created an environment that includes a fully accredited surgery center, an experienced medical-grade skin care clinic, a multiple modality laser therapy center, a vein treatment center, a nationally renowned Botox and Juvederm clinic and, of course, a world-renowned Plastic Surgery clinic. When you are a patient at the surgery center, you will have an experienced anesthesia team taking care of you. The team will provide you with comfort and care and will work to diminish your risk of nausea and discomfort. Our anesthesia team has years of experience with plastic surgery patients and will tailor your care to your needs. The OR team has been working with Dr. Burden for 15 years. Many of the nurses and OR technicians have participated in hundreds and even thousands of procedures, ensuring you will be cared for by people with considerable experience. In April 2019, Destin Plastic Surgery began its year-long second renovation to the facility. The plastic surgery center will be improved to include a private entrance, expanded laser services and provisions for overnight stays. Solar panels will be installed with Tesla battery energy storage and electrical backup to supplement the generator that is already in place. What have you learned to expect from Destin Plastic Surgery? We are continually striving for improvement, continually striving for refinement and continually trying to make a better experience for our patients.
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(850) 654-1194 | 4485 FURLING LANE, DESTIN | THEPLASTICDOC.COM EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
August–September 2019
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panache
Hitting the Racks ➸ Say “Aloha!” to soft, CARILOHA
bamboo-stitched apparel, bedding and bath accessories and mattresses, now available at Pier Park Panama City Beach. Cariloha borrows breezy, tropical motifs from the Caribbean with soft, environmentally conscious bamboo for a look as stylish as it is cozy.
WHAT’S IN STORE? A roundup of retail happenings throughout the Emerald Coast by HANNAH BURKE
Ride the last waves of summer at Innerlight Surf Shop, the Gulf Coast’s premier hub for everything from surf boards and skate decks to swimsuits, active wear and tropical apparel for men, women and children. Serving the Pensacola area for over 50 years, Innerlight recently launched a new location in Destin Commons.
Summer’s End
A Little TLC
➸ HAVAIANAS Brazilian-
➸ Whole body cryotherapy works
branded flip-flops have landed at Silver Sands Premium Outlets in Sandestin, along with wedges, espadrilles and specialty sandals for adults and youth. High-quality, rubber Havaianas flip-flops come in dozens of solid, printed and metallic designs that are ideal for hitting the beach and kicking around town.
to treat inflammation and pain associated with degenerative diseases, reduce fatigue, enhance athletic performance and provide anti-aging benefits. Step inside CRYO850’S nitrogen free “igloo” in Destin to sample this cuttingedge treatment, or receive red light and massage therapies, professional coaching and 3D body composition scans.
➸ Christina D of CHRISTINA D SWIM AND RESORT in Santa
➸ Spruce up your nails at the
Rosa Beach adheres to these tips when scouting out swimwear: Avoid loose fits, invest in prints and colors, seek bra-sized tops and avoid sizing up in hopes of more coverage. With brands such as Aerin Rose, Curve and Sunsets, Christina D’s collection checks all the boxes.
GET YOUR FILL SHAKA SUSHI & NOODLE BAR
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POLISHED 30A NAIL BAR, a healthconscious salon offering shellac and SNS powder gel manicures, soak-and-massage pedicures and acrylic removal services. Shine on with Polished-brand lip balm and creamy, exfoliating mint, vanilla and citrus-scented Shea butter skin scrubs, available in store and at polished30a.com.
Come hungry, y’all! PAULA DEEN’S FAMILY KITCHEN is now open for business in Destin Commons and at Pier Park in Panama City Beach, serving up Southern, shareable-sized helpings of fried chicken, dumplings, succulent pot roast and Georgia-fried catfish with all the fixins’. Traditional banana pudding and Deen’s iconic “Ooey Gooey Butter Cake” make for a sinfully sweet finish. // With a robust menu of both traditional and contemporary fusion sushi and sashimi, customizable noodle bowls and an assortment of sake to warm the belly, SHAKA SUSHI & NOODLE BAR at Inlet Beach lets the good times roll. First-timers should seek out the Inlet Beach Roll — tempura shrimp, cream cheese and “Shaka” sauce sushi topped with flaky, baked salmon and a soy reduction.
August–September 2019 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
PHOTOS BY COLLIS THOMPSON / COURTESY OF SHAKA SUSHI & NOODLE BAR AND INNERLIGHT SURF SHOP
INNERLIGHT SURF SHOP
➸ Moms can vouch that it’s no fun investing in special occasion formal wear your child will outgrow or only wear once. RAINEY’S CLOSET in Pensacola offers shippable, rental designer outfits and accessories for infants and children sized 1-16, as well as maternity dresses for mommies-to-be.
Summer Step Into
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(833) 378.5387 | destinationjets.com EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
August–September 2019
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2019/2020 SEASON:
SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 6
OCTOBER 25-27
DECEMBER 12-22
JANUARY 23-26
FEBRUARY 20-23
MAY 14-17
Emerald Coast Theatre Company is located at 560 Grand Boulevard, Suite 200 in Miramar Beach. The entrance is on the south side of the building facing Highway 98, take the stairs or elevator to the second floor.
Tickets or info, call 850-684-0323 or visit 40
August–September 2019 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
EMERALDCOASTTHEATRE.ORG
MUSIC
Sloan’s Mandolins
|| STAGE
On Pointe
|| BOOKS
Oyster Culture
expression AUG/SEPT 2019
CREATIVE WORKS LAND ON PAGES, CANVASES AND STAGES
→ STEELY LADY Nathan Pierce’s sculpture titled “Empress” is made of stainless steel and cast acrylic. Priced at $9,500, the piece stands 65 inches tall.
ART
PUBLIC ART COLORS THE MIND PHOTO BY BRANDAN BABINEAUX PHOTOGRAPHY
Sculptures again populate Rosemary Beach by HANNAH BURKE
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expression
I
n 1997, nascent Rosemary Beach was 107 acres of obscure, unpopulated and largely pristine land. It was then that St. Louis, Missouri, residents Tom Kramer and wife Mary purchased property, built a vacation home and helped pioneer a community. Kramer, when asked about his leap of faith, says the decision was always “easy.” “We had stopped by Rosemary Beach while on vacation, and I remember standing atop a dune,” Kramer recalled. “It was one of those days when the Gulf was perfectly calm with no wake, beneath a bright blue sky. It was the most beautiful sight I’d ever seen.” Kramer, now a full-time resident, has been devoted to preserving and enriching that beauty ever since. In 2014, he and fellow members of the Townscape Enhancement Committee of Rosemary Beach began to talk about the role of public art in a New Urbanist community. “With New Urbanist towns such as Rosemary Beach, you find that housing is more dense than suburban locations,” Kramer said. “Everything is centralized. It’s a five-minute walk from the square to shops, restaurants, the post office or town hall.” But one of the most defining characteristics of New Urbanism/Neo Traditional townships, he said, is the unique scope of its architecture: intricately designed abodes, wide-open green spaces and coastal backdrops begging to be accented. Ironically, a notion for a way in which to do so wouldn’t dawn on Kramer until he was thousands of miles away in Provence, France. While sampling the wines of a bucolic commune known as Gigondas, the Kramers stumbled across an al fresco showcase of about 30 sculptures dispersed throughout the town. “I looked at my wife, she looked at me, and we said, ‘My God, we could do this at Rosemary Beach!’ ” So, it was in 2015 that the Rosemary Beach Sculpture Exhibition (RBSE) was founded, governed by a small committee consisting of Kramer and four others. It took a couple of years, said Kramer, to “get ideas ↗ BOLD COLORS “Red Green Construction,”
created by Ray Katz, is a painted-steel artwork that is 16 feet in height and priced at $25,000.
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PHOTOS BY BRANDAN BABINEAUX PHOTOGRAPHY
The 16 artists featured in this year’s exhibition hail from across 11 different states, Washington D.C. and even Austria. Kramer said the RBSE refrains from restricting artists to a certain theme, allowing for a larger window of creativity. One entry, “The Race,” by Jeff Best, consists of three, wire-sculpted steeds, whose respective colors represent courage, speed and endurance. Ray Katz’s “Red Green Construction” is an abstract, multi-hued steel sculpture said to speak to the human experience of “evolution, metamorphosis and transcendence.” “Woman in the Wind,” a sleek, bronze statuette by Kim Fiebiger is seen by Kramer to be “different from the rest. Where others are abstract, this is a figure, and one that is apropos of the climate of our culture and celebrates women.” And, that’s not the only piece with a little social commentary. RBSE partnered with the Ohana Institute in Rosemary Beach to participate in Washed Ashore, an educational ↑ DOWN TO THE WIRE Sculptor Jeff Best created initiative in which students constructed “The Race,” priced at $12,000. “Invasive,” a lionfish molded from plastic debris fished from the Gulf. off the ground,” but in 2017, the event debuted “They chose the lionfish because it is an 12 entries, including a unique, three-sided blue invasive species with no natural predator in dog sculpture, “Colors of My Mind,” by the our waters,” Kramer explained. “And like late, famed artist George Rodrigue. the lionfish, single-use plastics are a menace “Colors of My Mind” was later donated to marine life. We gave them carte blanche, to the Rosemary Beach Property Owners and the students came up with that idea Association by Rodrigue’s widow, Wendy, and themselves. We couldn’t be more pleased with is prominently displayed along what they have accomplished.” Scenic Highway 30A today. Like “Invasive,” all 16 sculpSixteen new multimedia tures are equipped with their sculptures are currently being own story. If you’re going to ROSEMARY exhibited in Rosemary Beach for take the sculpture walk, Kramer BEACH the third annual RBSE and will suggests you download the app, SCULPTURE remain in place until Feb. 24 of Otocast, to your smartphone, next year. and follow along with a free auEXHIBITION “We did things a little difThe Rosemary Beach dio tour narrated by the artists Sculpture Exhibition ferently this year,” said Kramer. themselves. is a biennial juried art “We used a website called Café, “We’re very fortunate to reshow of contemporary where artists submit their projoutdoor sculptures ceive continuous encouragedisplayed throughout ects, then our committee went ment and positive feedback Rosemary Beach through about a hundred of from our community,” said and is intended to them. It was easy to narrow down enhance the town by Kramer. “It’s my hope that one complementing its our top 20, but a little harder to day, Seaside, Alys Beach and architectural heritage whittle it down to 16. We knew other communities along 30A and natural beauty we wanted the sculptures to difwith outdoor art. The will join us in participating in a current exhibition fer from each other stylistically, sculpture exhibition, and we all will remain in place and I think we achieved that dicontinue to grow the local art through Feb. 14, 2020. versity well this year.” scene.” EC
↑ BRONZE BEAUTY “Woman in the Wind,”
fashioned by Kim Fieberger, is priced at $20,000.
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expression Copper Line, Sloan’s surely no mic-hound. He leans forward only on the refrains to kick in on the “high and lonesome.” But on the musical bridge, he
←↑ Musician and craftsman Jason Sloan’s mandolins have been embraced by players from Georgia to Idaho.
MUSIC
SLOAN’S MANDOLINS Tap Dancing on the Treble Clef by WYNN PARKS
J
ason Sloan is a musical jack-of-all-trades and a master to come. He leans toward bluegrass, often playing mandolin for the Panhandle bluegrass band, Copper Line, but nobody who knows him is surprised to catch him at Hammerheads in Sandestin, backing up jazz guitarist Clinton Hall. Sloan grew up in Thomasville, Georgia, listening to rock and roll and taking up the guitar in his teens — pretty standard stuff. Other than his father playing harmonica, he doesn’t recall his family being all that musical. In his 20s, Sloan “twigged” to bluegrass. Maybe it was a natural modesty that led him there, because however much hell other country artists might raise, for blue-grassers, anything beyond a poker face and a quick wink or taciturn smile in performance might look like showboating. On stage, with
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steps up, cradling his mandolin cross-chest like a baby, and plays it like he’s driven. Sloan’s affection for the mandolin is not a “showy” kind of love, but it’s one that sets his “baby” tripping like a high-speed tap dancer on the treble clef. What makes Sloan a musician’s musician isn’t just his “chops” on the mandolin. It’s as much his carving and finishing of wood. He had played the guitar seriously before coming, by chance, upon a neglected mandolin in a closet at a friend’s home. Curious, Sloan asked to put new strings on it and try it out. “So (the mandolin) kind of found me,” he said. The inspirational mandolin still holds a place of honor in his house. Mandolins are in the lute family. Historians say the bowl-bellied, classic-style mandolin, sometimes called “taterbugs,” evolved from instruments built with turtle shells. Gradually, after his discovery in the closet, Sloan began ruminating on the idea of mandolin construction, frequenting the workshops of
mandolin luthiers. By and by, he commissioned luthier James “Winky” Hicks to build him one for which Sloan himself selected the materials: trim, hardware and such. As a carpenter and Walton County building contractor, Sloan already had sawdust in his beard. So, finally, he took that one big step for luthierkind, ordering maple, rosewood and spruce. He tooled up, cut and bent the Carpathian spruce top, “tap-tuning” it with an oscilloscope before gluing. Finally came motherof pearl embellishments and a meticulous French finish. Sloan subjects his completed mandolins to 100 hundred hours on a “string-vibrator” device to integrate the instrument’s parts acoustically. His first mandolin, the “F” model which he still uses in performance, took him two years to complete. Since then, his production time has shortened substantially, and Sloan mandolins have found homes and kudos with a growing number of regional bands from Georgia to Idaho. Today, after 10 years of crafting mandolins from homegarage workshops, Sloan has found an ideal location outside of DeFuniak Springs on Bob Sikes Road and started construction on a 600-square-foot, climate-controlled workshop. Even after a decade, Sloan, always modest, thinks of himself as a “journeyman” luthier and is honored to have been offered an apprenticeship with the widely regarded master luthier Ronnie Griffin. It’s a commitment that will take Sloan to Woodbine, Georgia, once a month, and though one suspects Sloan is tickled pink at the prospect, it would probably be bad form to ask. EC photography by MICHAEL BOOINI
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PROMOTION
TERRY GALLOWAY The Arts Live Here By Erica Thaler, Council on Culture & Arts (COCA)
Photo by Beatrice Queral
Terry Galloway Photo by Andrea Jones
Want to learn more about Terry? Visit tallahasseearts.org/artist/Terry-Galloway learn more about Terry and over 950 artists of all creative disciplines in our Artist Directory. This content is provided by the Council on Culture & Arts, the capital area’s umbrella agency for arts and culture.
Visit TallahasseeArts.org for a complete list of arts and cultural events, public art, arts education and more on the Tallahassee Arts Guide.
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I N C E L E B R AT I O N O F
50 Years
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expression
STAGE
ON POINTE Ballet company celebrates golden anniversary by LAURIE EINSTEIN KOSZUTA
A
t first glance, 75-year-old Bernadette Clements Sims could be anyone’s grandmother. But she is also a former ballerina ↑ Bernadette Clements Sims, who, 55 years ago, turned down Robert Joffrey to marry her high school sweetheart, and longtime ballet teacher works with students at Northwest Florida Ballet. who has been involved with the art of ballet for 50 years. Sims won’t readily admit it, but she is until she was 11 that ballet became her true “We would bring in professional dancers often regarded as the face behind ballet in passion. As she progressed, her teachers took to supplement performances,” Sims noted. Northwest Florida. note, routinely encouraging and prodding “I also brought in well-known professional “I have been called a pioneer,” Sims says her to excel. Even Robert Joffrey of the iconballet companies who might have been with a laugh. “Those are nice labels, but I am ic Joffrey Ballet in New York came calling to traveling through this area. I wanted the not totally responsible for all that has been ask her to join his company. community to experience real ballet and accomplished here. There are thousands of By age 20, Sims had a decision to make: not just student recitals. people through the years that have had an Either take the offer from Joffrey or marry “The first time I realized that anyone cared active role in its success. I give a tremendous her high school sweetheart, Bill Clements. about our company was when we changed amount of credit to Todd Allen, my former Sims chose love, got married and moved to the name to the Northwest Florida Ballet in student, who took over as creative director Fort Walton Beach. 1987,” she said. “People were puzzled when after I retired.” “When we got to Fort Walton, I thought we did that. But it was more inclusive for This year, the Northwest Florida Ballet I had moved to the end of the world,” Sims Panama City and Pensacola audiences, and will celebrate its golden anniversary, quite said. “It was so different from anything I they were quite supportive after that.” a feat for a town with no arts venues five had known. I traveled back to Mobile twice Sims’ ballet school had several locations decades ago. In 1963, Sims, then known as a week by bus to dance in the Mobile Ballet over time, but in 2002, the ballet academy Bernadette Clements, started her own ballet Company. But after a year, I just couldn’t do found a permanent home on Perry Avenue in school and then founded the Fort Walton the travel anymore. That’s when I decided Fort Walton Beach amid great support from Beach Ballet Association (FWBBA) six to start my own school and ultimately the the community. A public school adjoins the years later. ballet company.” academy for dancers in grades 3 through 8. “People told me that it couldn’t be done,” The FWBBA started small, and the Fifty years later and Sims, who remarried Sims said. “I was just stubborn enough to audience was sparse, mostly comprised after her first husband died, still teaches try to prove them wrong.” of the young dancer’s own families. But public pointe classes and character dance. Sims grew up in support came from Peggy May, a local Her legacy with the NWFB stands strong Mobile, Alabama, newspaper reporter who wrote rave as the company has evolved into a critically and began ballet lesreviews and called out readers who had not acclaimed contributor to the arts in the sons at age 4. It wasn’t shown up for performances. community. EC
Sims
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Northwest Florida Ballet conducts community classes from August through May. They require a 10-month financial commitment plus registration and costume fees. Family and military discounts are available. Classes are held at NFB studios in the Sybil Lebherz Center for Dance Education in downtown Fort Walton Beach.
August–September 2019 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
photography by JOHN HARRINGTON
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BOOKS
OYSTER CULTURE Chef’s new book flows from the boom in aquaculture by STEVE BORNHOFT
O
ysters are hot right now. That’s the view of Chef Irv Miller, who has authored a cookbook, Gulf Coast Oysters (Spring House Press, 2018), which presents “classic and modern recipes of a Southern renaissance.” Miller, shortly after the book’s release, conducted a meet and greet/book signing at the Hidden Lantern bookstore in Rosemary Beach. I asked Miller to “describe the perfect oyster — and would it be wild or farmed?” “You don’t know what a loaded question that is,” Miller replied, recoiling slightly and suggesting that my query was more stuffed with implications and traps and shades of meaning than Oysters Rockefeller are slathered in sauces and cream and a spinach mixture. Haltingly, Miller mentioned Caminada Bay and the Grand Isle Sea Farm in Louisiana. But he then proceeded to list oyster aquaculture operations all the way east to Cedar Key. And, he did give a nod to every-one-is-different, barnacle-encrusted wild oysters, noting that they are especially good in postspawn periods.
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Miller notes the familiar advice about avoiding oyster consumption during months without an “r” in their name. The adage appeared in a cookbook written by an Englishman in 1599 and there is evidence that Native Americans abided by the precaution even earlier than that. It applies today to wild oysters as much as it ever did, owing to reproductive cycles. Miller, by way of explanation, quotes fellow oyster author Robb Walsh. “Oyster meat becomes creamy before spat, which happens as the water begins to warm, then very thin and translucent,” Walsh wrote in Sex, Death and Oysters. “This silky, sweet-cream texture is different from the oyster’s texture the rest of the year. … As the water gets colder, more glycogen accumulates, and the oyster gets plumper and tastes sweeter.” Farmed oysters, however, are triploid organisms, meaning that they have an extra set of chromosomes and are sterile. They grow faster than wild diploids and their meat remains plump throughout the year. They are uniform in size and shape and tend to have an ideal “cup size,” Miller said, employing a term usually reserved for something else.
August–September 2019 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
↑ Irv Miller’s Gulf Coast
Oysters is a celebration of bivalves whose naturally occurring cousins would scarcely recognize the farmed varieties now decorating plates across Northwest Florida.
← DRESSED AND OTHERWISE Far
PHOTOS BY BILL STRENGTH PHOTOGRAPHY (FOOD) AND PHILLIP MAKSELAN (MILLER)
left: Oysters with bacon and aioli. Left: Simply fried oysters, a Southern staple. Below: Oysters with bacon and carmelized onion.
But even triploids can vary in quality owing to factors including the water they are pulled from, when in the course of their development they are harvested and how they are cared for following harvesting. Miller has plenty of culinary cred. He is the executive chef at Jackson’s Steakhouse in Pensacola, a job he’s held for 20 years. He worked at Bud & Alley’s in Seaside during that restaurant’s early years. He underwent formal training at the Culinary Institute of America. “Ideally,” Miller said, “oysters will have just the right combination of sweetness and brininess.” And that, of course, is a matter of taste. “We live in a catsup/hot sauce/horseradish culture, and that’s fine,” Miller said. “But I’m trying to move us beyond that and make people more adventuresome.” When I suggested to Miller that he is an “oyster change agent,” he cottoned to that right off. Miller includes a recipe for “Simple Fried Oysters,” but he ranges far from the basics to include “Oyster Stew with Gochujang & Coconut Cream” and “Oyster, Bacon & Carmelized Onion Tartelette” and “Chargrilled Oysters with Smoky Spanish Paprika Butter & Serrano Ham.” The book is beautifully illustrated with photography by Bill Strength; his images are mighty strong. Miller devotes two pages to “Shucking Oysters,” but the pages are mislabeled. Described instead is oyster surgery. So much so that the preferred implement is not an oyster knife but a sharp-bladed one. To wit, “Hold the shell open and slide the blade
against the cap, gently dragging and jiggling the knife to scrape the shell from the abductor muscle.” For Miller, the boom in oyster aquaculture is like the explosion of microbreweries. “In fact, I prefer the term, ‘craft oyster’ to ‘boutique oyster,’ ” Miller said. Miller profiles oyster farms, including that of the Pensacola Bay Oyster Company, headed by Don McMahon. Writes Miller: “Don remembers when Escambia Bay was labeled ‘environmentally unsuitable’ to swim in or fish from only decades ago. Today is a different story. The bay is once again healthy and full of life. On any given day, you may see schools of dolphin swimming the shorelines, mullet skimming the surface or fishermen pulling up redfish or speckled trout.” McMahon has taken advantage of the bay’s recovery by pioneering Pensacola’s first oyster farm. Miller gives his product high marks. “They were meaty, with a gentle brine up front and a delicate, sweet finish. For several months, I served them at Jackson’s Steakhouse and at numerous community events. They are among my top three picks and, in my opinion, one of the tastiest and most beautifully shelled, off-bottom-farmed oysters from all of the Gulf Coast’s growers.” Given the proliferation of oyster farms, others may develop a particular fondness for oysters from Bon Secour or Panacea or Alligator Point. Shuckers, take note. Your job may increasingly come to resemble that of a wine steward, thanks in part to the Oyster Change Agent. EC EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Chef Irv Miller has been writing about the foods of the Gulf Coast for more than 30 years, and is recognized for having pioneered “New Florida Cooking” during the American Cuisine movement of the 1980s and ’90s. In 1999, he, along with his partners, founded Pensacola’s Jackson’s Steakhouse where Miller serves as executive chef. He is a six-time performing chef for the James Beard Foundation and is also noted for cooking alongside renowned chef Edna Lewis numerous times. He appeared as a guest judge on the Bravo network’s Top Chef program. August–September 2019
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gastro&gusto AUG/SEPT 2019
DINING, IMBIBING AND LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST
DINING OUT
URBAN SMOKEHOUSE
↗ BRISKET AND FRIES Specialties of the smokehouse at Blue Mabel — a restaurant named for an old-timey rodeo queen — include its “Famous 24-Hour Smoked Brisket.”
Blue Mabel drops flavor bombs with beachy touches
by THOMAS J. MONIGAN
DINING IN photography by COLLEEN DUFFLEY
Boss Sauce
|| LIBATIONS
Salty, Sweet and Simple
|| DINING GUIDE
See Page 141
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gastro & gusto
N
ikki Nickerson already had plenty on her proverbial plate in terms of offering unique food choices to the Emerald Coast, but that didn’t stop her from starting something new: Blue Mabel Smokehouse & Provisions on Highway 30A in Blue Mountain Beach.
↑ Blue Mabel’s irresistible desserts include a scrumptious banana pudding cheesecake.
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Already, Nickerson had developed Cowgirl Kitchen Restaurant & Bar in Rosemary Beach and Cowgirl Kitchen Market & Café in Seagrove. Both were opened in 2004 at locations on Scenic Highway 30A. The Rosemary Beach location also features a retail store, CK Feed & Supply. Ten years later, Nickerson added Southern Belle Catering. “Chef Steven Sandy and I had our catering kitchen all the way down on the west end of Panama City Beach,” Nickerson said, “and we felt like it was a little far away from our core restaurant and retail store. So, we started wandering down this way.” Their search led them to buy what had once been Marie’s Bistro in Blue Mountain Beach, and the dormant location included an extra feature that proved pivotal. “We didn’t know what it was going to be,
August–September 2019 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
so Steven and I started walking through it,” Nickerson said. “Once we got to the smokehouse out front, we looked at each other with that little glint in our eyes, and that’s how this was born.” Texas native Nickerson named her new operation Blue Mabel for two reasons. One involved Mabel Strickland, a rodeo queen from the early 20th century. The other was in homage to the location itself. Blue Mabel is open for lunch and dinner six days a week. It’s closed on Tuesdays. There are 86 seats inside and an outdoor patio with 42 more. The restaurant includes a full bar and has 140 different vintages on its wine list. Nickerson schedules regular visits from prominent winemakers, who interact with guests. The lunch and dinner menus both offer plates to share and sides. photography by COLLEEN DUFFLEY
← Chef Steven Sandy
appears pleased with results as he slices a slowcooked brisket; the meat may be paired with veggies, including blistered shishito peppers. ↘ Restaurateur Nikki Henderson and Sandy offer a menu of “urban smokehouse cuisine.” Share plates are recommended.
↑ MEAL STARTER Korean pork belly burnt ends are stacked on watermelon strawberry kimchi that is made from scratch. Asian influences permeate the menu at Blue Mabel.
“It’s Southern coastal food with our own twist of Asian influences and local ingredients,” said Chef Sandy, who was born and raised in Alabama. “We like to call it urban smokehouse cuisine, where everything comes off the woodfire grill and there’s still a little beachy flare to it.” Nickerson explained that the menu is tailored to families or groups on vacation. “It’s built for sharing,” she said. “When you have four to six people, you can order seven or eight shared plates, so you can try so many different things.” Unusual offerings include Korean pork belly burnt ends. “They’re just like a flavor bomb,” Nickerson said. “They’re stacked on watermelon strawberry kimchi that’s made from scratch. There’s six to a plate, and they are a great way to start your meal.” Reservations are accepted. “That’s been very important to me since day one,” Nickerson said. “A lot of people visiting here have groups of eight to 10 with them. And we have a great kid’s menu. We understand the lifestyle of what people want when they come to the beach.” EC EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
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gastro & gusto
DINING IN
BOSS SAUCE
Tips for crafting a condiment you can call your own by LIESEL SCHMIDT
I
f you’ve ever stood in front of the rows upon rows of bottled barbecue sauces in the grocery store, you’ve probably realized that there’s no shortage of flavor options. Tangy, sweet, sour, smoky, spicy — you name it, it’s there somewhere. And every region of the country has its own signature style, the one that it stays true to — so much so that there’s a fierce rivalry over whose sauce is boss. So just which one really is the best? Truly, it depends on whom you ask and how strictly they follow the regional rules. For much of the country, however, the sauce wars are won according to whatever appeals to their palate, the whims of their taste buds proving to be the deciding factor in what they pour on their meats, whether they’re elbows deep in slabs of ribs or double-fisting a pulled pork sandwich. Obviously, the foundation of great barbecue is the meat itself — the quality and the flavor, the tenderness and moisture. It all matters. And while every morsel should be good enough to stand on its own without need of a slather of sauce, the
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addition of those sauces takes something that’s already practically perfect and makes it absolutely worthy of an angel’s chorus. The herbs and spices and often-oh-sosecret additions of this and that make it magical, so deliciously addictive that people pour it with abandon onto everything from proteins like chicken, beef and pork to veggies, French fries and even pizza. They don’t just love it — they LOVE it. And while it’s easy to break out bottles of mass-manufactured sauces, creating them from scratch is far simpler than you might realize. All you need is a little inspiration and the right ingredients, and you’ll have the perfect recipe for a sauce that might just make you boss. “Making a sauce really isn’t that difficult — it just takes a little patience and a willingness to try new things. Basically, though, most standard sauce recipes start with a tomato base, molasses or honey,
August–September 2019 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
and whatever spices you want to add. Some people like to add ketchup to it just to thin it out, but those are the basic components. Find one that looks good, try it out, and then play with it a little to make it yours,” says Rob Broussard, head hog of the kitchen at East River Smokehouse in Navarre. So what should you keep close at hand while you’re doing all that playing? “Some people like to add mustard or citrus juice to give it more of a tangy, acidic taste,” Broussard said. “From there, the most commonly used spices and aromatics are chili powder, cayenne, cardamom and turmeric. Turmeric is great in a barbecue sauce not only because of its flavor but also for the fact that it helps in the digestion of proteins. “Freshly chopped and sautéed garlic and onion are also ideal because they bring such depth of flavor. You can use pure garlic or photography by SAIGE ROBERTS
← Chef Broussard’s Smoky Barbecue Sauce INGREDIENTS
➸ 1 cup dark brown sugar ➸ 1 tsp. ground mustard ➸ 1 tsp. paprika ➸ 1 tsp. kosher salt ➸ ½ tsp. white pepper ➸ 1 cup ketchup ➸ ¼ cup apple cider vinegar ➸ Splash of Worcestershire sauce DIRECTIONS
Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and simmer together on medium heat for 30 minutes. Allow to cool. Serve over favorite meats.
onion powders — never garlic or onion salts — but chopping them fresh and sautéing them until they puff up slightly and become fragrant is actually the best way to get them to release their oils. You’ll get a richer taste that way.” Another important thing to note: Stay away from tomato paste, which imparts bitterness and an unpleasant acidity, and add salt and pepper at the end, when their levels can be properly adjusted. Naturally, determining when the sauce is added is fully up to you, whether you decide to “mop” the meat while it’s cooking or use it simply as a condiment. “A great sauce — regardless of what kind it is — is one that has a unique flavor that’s not too heavy or overpowering. Sauces should not be used to mask the flavor of the meat but to complement it,” advised Angie Childers, co-owner of Kinfolks BBQ in Fort Walton Beach, where they’ve been smoking meats for more than 30 years. No matter your flavor preference, one thing remains: If you’re willing to try, you can make a boss sauce that’ll make everyone go hog wild. EC
The Tradition Continues Best Italian 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018 Best Restaurant Okaloosa County 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 Best Service, Food & Beverage 2015 Best Locally Owned Restaurant 2017
Best Brunch 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018 Best Restaurant in Walton County 2017 Best Breakfast 2018
Mama Clemenza’s | 12273 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Miramar Beach 850.424.3157 | mamaclemenzas.com Clemenza’s At Uptown Station | 75 Eglin Pkwy, Fort Walton Beach 850.243.0707 | clemenzasatuptown.com
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August–September 2019
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gastro & gusto
LIBATIONS
SALTY, SWEET AND SIMPLE Meaty custard shake complements burgers by THOMAS J. MONIGAN
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“It’s one of my favorites because it’s got something frozen in it, of course,” Thomas said. “It’s different; it’s not the common bar drink. It’s part of the beach bar atmosphere, and that’s different from where I come from.” Thomas estimated he made “60 to 70” of the Maple Bacon Bourbon variety, one of three Real Deal options, each week during Spring Break. “I’ve never had anybody say they didn’t like it,” Thomas said with a little smile. “They’re surprised we came up with a mix of those ingredients, and I can make one in about two minutes.” And that’s not all. “Custard is not like regular ice cream,” Thomas said. “It’s softer and doesn’t have the aftertaste that ice cream usually gives you. The candied bacon is made right here in the kitchen, the maple whiskey gives it more flavor, and the whipped cream is another extra.” Ruthrauff called it the “perfect blend of salty and sweet and simple. It’s a heartier cocktail, and I think it can also give people dinner and dessert in one.” Clint Rogers, director of operations for Saltwater Restaurants, has known Thomas for about 20 years. “I was the general manager at Pompano Joe’s in Destin and I hired him when he was very young,” Rogers recalled. “He is a huge asset, he has a great work ethic and he’s very passionate about his job. We’re fortunate to have him on the team.” EC
August–September 2019 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
“Real Deal” Maple Bacon Bourbon Shake
➸ Blend 3 to 4 scoops of frozen vanilla custard ➸ Add 1 ounce of Jim Beam Maple Bourbon and 2 tablespoons of bacon bits ➸ Top with whipped cream and garnish with a full slice of candied bacon
PHOTOS COURETSY OF SALTWATER RESTAURANTS, INC.
l’s Beach Club and Burger Bar, which opened in 2016, is the latest addition to the dining and entertainment complex known as The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island. Caleb Thomas, who has been bartending for about 17 years, came to the Emerald Coast from New Orleans about five years ago. He has become a key “utility player” at the complex, which includes The Crab Trap, Floyd’s Shrimp House and Rockin’ Tacos. “I’ve done it all pretty much,” Thomas said. “Wherever they need me.” His favorite role is bartending at Al’s, the open-air bar that is open from March through October. And his favorite cocktail is the Maple Bacon Bourbon “Real Deal Shake” for adults. “The whole concept of Al’s Beach Club was classic American burgers and fries and milkshakes, so it fit the concept,” said Misty Rae Ruthrauff, marketing director for Saltwater Restaurants, which owns and operates all four restaurants. “And when Al’s opened, that big trend with bacon had started,” Ruthrauff said. “Well, bacon goes with everything,” Thomas was quick to add. Ruthrauff estimated that in a given season, Al’s uses 785 gallons of frozen vanilla custard that is made exclusively in its kitchen. That’s enough to make about 11,000 Real Deal Shakes over the span of eight months.
Magnolia Grill
157 Brooks Street SE (850) 302-0266
fort walton beach
tom & peggy rice, proprietors
www.magnoliagrillfwb.com
steaks • seafood • italian lunch bridal luncheons
• dinner
• wedding rehearsals • unique receptions EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
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Restaurant Spotlight
Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen Dine in the dining room or the patio, browse the retail items from Paula’s home kitchen and lifestyle collection and enjoy a photo opportunity with our fullscale replica of Paula Deen. The retail area features items hand-selected by Paula Deen to reflect Savannah’s rich cultural heritage and her gracious tastes. Many of her favorite products can only be found in the Family Kitchen retail stores.
This restaurant exemplifies traditional Southern hospitality and brings her famous family recipes, including Paula Deen’s Southern Fried Chicken to the restaurant table. “I have selected my favorite recipes to serve to my guests familystyle in an atmosphere just like my home. It’s all you can eat, so come hungry y’all!” said Deen. The Panama City Beach restaurant will be the latest in a rapidly growing expansion of the Paula Deen’s Family
Kitchen brand, which also has locations in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Fairview, Texas; San Antonio, Texas; Destin, Florida; Panama City Beach, Florida; and coming soon to OWA in beautiful Foley, Alabama. The management and staff look forward to seeing you come through the doors so they can treat you like family. Until then, love and best dishes, y’all!
PAULA DEEN’S FAMILY KITCHEN 601 PIER PARK DRIVE, SUITE 103, PANAMA CITY BEACH | (850) 321-5354 4237 LEGENDARY DRIVE, DESTIN | (850) 321-5353 | ILOVEPDFK.COM
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August–September 2019 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
PHOTOS COURTSEY OF PAULA DEEN’S FAMILY KITCHEN
“Hey, y’all!” That’s what you should expect to hear when you walk through the doors at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen. Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen caters to those that appreciate soul-satisfying meals. We provide our guests with an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, friends and loved ones while enjoying true Southern comfort food and hospitality. As a value-oriented, family-style restaurant, the entire table selects two to three entrees and sides to share with unlimited servings, just like at Momma’s house!
HOW DO YOU FOOW? NOW OPEN FOR LUNCH & DINNER Happy Hour 3–6 PM Daily Seasonal Hours Apply
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PROMOTION
Harvest Wine & Food Festival Cheers to Three Years
T
he Harvest Wine and Food Festival is one
The main event, The Grand Tasting, will be on
of those idyllic afternoons when you have to
Saturday, Oct. 26 from 1–4 p.m. This event highlights
pinch yourself as a reminder that this is reality.
harvest season at the beach with a bounty of over
HARVEST WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL
Dappled sunlight filters through the trees,
250 wines, beers and spirits to please your palette.
beautifully alighting the crimsons, golds and blushes
Coastal seafood, barbecue and market-style stations
HarvestWineandFood.com
being sipped by smiling lips. Live music resonates as
will be served by celebrity chefs and distinguished
a soundtrack to the evening, and you peruse a variety
Gulf Coast restaurants. The acclaimed Fox Brothers
of coastal cuisine options.
of Atlanta will be back again to showcase their world-
OCT. 24–26 WATERCOLOR, FLORIDA
“The festival is such a sensory and beautiful
famous barbecue.
experience that it feels like the set of a movie,” said
A new addition to this year’s festivities is a private
John Russell, president of the Destin Charity Wine
seminar occurring an hour before the Grand Tasting
Auction Foundation.
begins. Sommelier Marika Vida-Arnold, a wine
The third annual event will occur Oct. 24–26 in the
educator for the famed Argentine winery Catena
beautiful South Walton beach town of WaterColor
Zapata, will be leading the exclusive tasting seminar
and is presented by the Destin Charity Wine Auction
and showcasing Catena Zapata’s luxury wines.
Foundation, which supports 16 local children’s charities.
“We work hard to partner with the highest quality
Last year’s festival occurred 17 days after Hurricane
possible for those who appreciate quality wine and
Michael’s landfall, and the event raised over $100,000,
food,” said Russell. “It’s a laid back, relaxed yet
with $21,447 raised for The Sonder Project, which
luxury event in the picture perfect place.”
Tickets to the Oct. 24 Celebrity Winemaker Dinners are $150 Tickets to the Oct. 25 Al Fresco Reserve Tasting are $200 Tickets to the Oct. 26 Mad About Malbec Seminar are $50 Tickets to the Grand Tasting main event on Oct. 26 are $150 for general admission and $300 for VIP
assisted those affected by the hurricane. The festival begins on Thursday, Oct. 24, with three Celebrity Winemaker Dinners hosted in homes
MARIKA VIDA-ARNOLD
and restaurants throughout South Walton.
“Cantena Zapata is most looking forward to being a part of what this festival does for others. The 16 children’s charities that Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation helps is inspirational. I want to be a part of any organization that realizes we are put on this earth to help others!”
On Friday, Oct. 25, the Al Fresco Reserve Tasting will present an elevated experience featuring rare vintage wines paired with high-end cuisine on par with the James Beard level. The elegant evening will take place during the golden hour, complete with a live band to set the tone for the night.
–Sommelier and Brand Ambassador Marika Vida-Arnold
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August–September 2019 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
2019 SPECIAL REPORT
STUDER FAMILY
CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
The new state-of-the-art facility opens its doors to care for all children and infants
STUDER FAMILY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL President Will Condon Vice President for Patient Care Services Lisa Gardner Director of Community Relations & Children’s Programs Cat Ouzen
ROWLAND PUBLISHING CREATIVE, SALES & OPERATIONS Publisher Brian Rowland Vice President/Corporate Development McKenzie Burleigh Director of Production and Technology Daniel Vitter Custom Publishing Manager Sara Goldfarb Managing Editor Jeff Price Proofreader Melinda Lanigan Contributing Writers Pete Reinwald, Hannah Burke Publication Designer Lindsey Masterson
2019 SPECIAL REPORT
STUDER FAMILY
CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS 03
ON THE COVER: The newly completed Studer Family Children’s Hospital is dedicated to the compassionate care of children, regardless of their parents’ ability to pay.
NAMESAKE LEGACY
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
The Studers and the Watsons leave a lasting impact on Sacred Heart
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NOW WAS THE TIME Children’s healthcare embraces the future in Pensacola and along the Emerald Coast
BY THE NUMBERS The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at a glance
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PUTTING PATIENTS FIRST
SOLID FOUNDATION
New children’s hospital aims to make young patients feel comfortable
The new state-of-the-art facility opens its doors to care for all children and infants
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For over five years, the Sacred Heart Foundation rallied a community
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THEY ALL PLAYED A PART
CELEBRATING A SUCCESS STORY
Dedicated crew turned plans into reality
L E TT E R F ROM T H E
PRESIDENT Dear friends, I’d like to share with you an incredible story. It’s a story of care, courage and community. Most of all, it’s a story about our children. On May 4, Studer Family Children’s Hospital opened to an excited and grateful community that loves and takes care of its children. The four-story facility consolidates all inpatient pediatric care that had spread throughout the campus of Sacred Heart Hospital. It features state-of-the-art design and technology, including topof-the-line imaging equipment, plus amenities and services that focus on the care, needs and emotional well-being of children and their families. The hospital also includes 72 Level II and III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit rooms; 30 medical/surgical patient rooms; 14 observation beds for children who aren’t ready to go home; and 10 Pediatric Intensive Care Unit beds. We built the hospital entirely for children’s care. It’s 100 percent pediatric and 100 percent state-of-the-art. We built it with an emphasis on the present and an eye on the future. As we grow, we’ll be able to reconfigure the inside of the building and add additional floors. Our founders at Sacred Heart looked 20 to 30 years into the future and did so fabulously. We pledge to follow their lead.
We’ll never turn a child away. That policy affirms who we are: a nonprofit organization that cares for children as if they were our own and turns no child away, regardless of the family’s ability to pay. It’s a testament to nearly 11,724 donors who gave everything from one dollar to millions as we reached our $30 million goal ahead of time — an amazing feat that Pensacola had never seen. It’s a testament to the fundraisers and volunteers. It’s a testament to the workers who spent more than two years building the hospital. It’s a testament to Pensacola and the Northwest Florida region. It’s a testament to you. We hope you enjoy this special section on the incredible story of the Studer Family Children’s Hospital. We hope you read it as a celebration of what we built together. Sincerely,
Will Condon
President, Studer Family Children’s Hospital
2019 Special Report
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OUR BENEFACTORS
NAMESAKE LEGACY THE STUDERS AND THE WATSONS LEAVE A LASTING IMPACT ON SACRED HEART by PETE REINWALD
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o, Quint Studer says. A donation to an organization couldn’t possibly give him pride. “I don’t like the word ‘pride,’ ’’ he says. Studer, a Pensacola business leader and philanthropist, says the major gift that he and his wife gave to Ascension Sacred Heart’s new state-of-the-art children’s hospital in Pensacola, Florida, leaves him with gratitude. “I’m grateful — grateful for the opportunity to make a difference,” he says. The Studer Family Children’s Hospital is making a difference, providing top-of-the-line technology and visionary medical and emotional care for children and families of Pensacola and Northwest Florida. Officials at Ascension, one of the leading nonprofit healthcare systems in the U.S., hail the new children’s hospital as a testament to Pensacola and its donors, including its top investors: Quint and Rishy Studer, and professional golfer Bubba Watson and his wife, Angie. As a gesture for those gifts, the hospital carved the Studer and Watson names and legacies onto its new building and entrance road for patients, families and visitors to see. To get to the Studer Family Children’s Hospital, you must turn onto Bubba Watson Drive. The hospital’s address: 1 Bubba Watson Drive. The Studers and Watsons call themselves friends and Pensacola residents and supporters. They say they saw the Studer Family Children’s Hospital as a natural place to put their hearts and money. “I wanted to give to something that (will be) helping kids and families for years and years to come,” Bubba Watson told the Pensacola News Journal in 2017. “Our goal is to help every child have the best chance to succeed,” Quint Studer says. Studer says he and his wife remain uncomfortable having their name on the hospital and that they didn’t ask for that in return for their gift. But Susan Davis, the president and CEO of Sacred Heart Health System at the time of the Studers’ 4
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Studer Family Children’s Hospital
Rishy and Quint Studer
donation, thought it would help spur fundraising, Studer says. Studer has been a leader and thinker in healthcare his entire adult life, including as founder of the Studer Group, president of Pensacola’s Baptist Hospital and past board chair of the Sacred Heart Health System. Leaders in healthcare and other industries trumpet one of his seven books, “Hardwiring Excellence: Purpose, Worthwhile Work, Making a Difference,” as an organizational guide to customer service and excellence. As somebody who knew the industry and numbers, Studer understands why a children’s hospital in a community of Pensacola’s size might not succeed. He calculated that the average children’s hospital in the United States serves a population of 1.4 million children. With a metropolitan statistical area population under 500,000, Pensacola didn’t come close to such a demand. Studer also observed that most children’s hospitals are attached to a large academic medical center. That’s not the case in Pensacola. Yet Davis, the Sacred Heart Health System CEO at the time, saw the need for a new Children’s Hospital that was larger and better able to provide more advanced, less fragmented care than the existing Children’s Hospital built 23 years ago. That building had reached its capacity in offering children’s health services, including intensive care. For a new hospital, Ascension committed $55 million to an $85 million fundraising goal in which $30 million would have to come from donors. Studer decided that he would help, he says, “because Susan Davis asked me. I have great respect for Susan. I just thought, ‘Could she really pull it off?’ ” In late March, Studer wrote in a guest column for the Pensacola News Journal in which he said: “I greatly underestimated Susan’s determination, Ascension’s commitment to this area and the generosity of the community … I am so happy I was wrong.” Empathy perhaps played a role in the Studers’ decision to give. In 1995, their youngest child, Michael, was seriously hurt on a camping trip in South Dakota and spent seven days in intensive care. Studer says he and Rishy spent virtually all their time at Michael’s side, with no place in the hospital to eat, rest, shower or spend time alone with their young daughter without feeling as though they were leaving their 8-year-old son. The hospital that bears the Studer name provides all the amenities and comforts that the South Dakota hospital lacked.
Bubba and Angie Watson with their children, Caleb and Dakota.
“They did the best they could, just like every adult hospital does,” Studer said of the facility that cared for Michael, who recovered. “But it’s not the same. If you’re in a children’s hospital, it’s a whole different ballgame.” When it comes to helping Pensacola, including its children, you’ll find “yes” in the Studers’ DNA. They’ve supported scholarship programs at the University of West Florida and Pensacola State College. Their donations and projects have helped create a vibrant downtown that includes The Bodacious Brew, a popular coffee shop and eatery that adjoins another of the Studers’ businesses, The Bodacious Olive. With the Studers’ help, downtown Pensacola also features a scenic waterfront baseball stadium that serves as home to the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, a minor league baseball team owned by the Studers and the Watsons. Studer points to the mission and vision statements of the Studer Family of Companies, the umbrella entity of organizations including Studer Properties, the Studer Foundation, the Studer Community Institute and the Blue Wahoos: “to improve the quality of life for the people in the Pensacola Metro Area” and “to make the Pensacola Metro Area the greatest place to live in the world.” The Watsons share that vision. The Bubba Watson Foundation aims to “enhance the everyday lives of people in need with a particular emphasis on helping and inspiring children, young adults and those associated with the U.S. Military.”
Watson, a winner of two championships at The Masters, has pointed out that he and his sister were born at Sacred Heart Hospital and that his father underwent cancer treatments there. “In my business, winning a trophy is great,” Watson told Emerald Coast Magazine in 2017. “I do that, and on Sunday night, I’m a hero. But, as of Thursday morning, when the next tournament starts, people are looking for the next hero. So, you begin to ask yourself where you can best put your love and use your connections to provide for generations to come.” Watson and Studer have made their appreciation for each other known, yet Studer says the Watsons’ donations for the new hospital came without his influence. “This is completely Bubba and Angie on their own,” he says. Studer adds: “Bubba and Angie are very wonderful, loving human beings, and I think this is important to them.”
WHEN IT COMES TO HELPING PENSACOLA, INCLUDING ITS CHILDREN, YOU’LL FIND “YES” IN THE STUDERS’ DNA. 2019 Special Report
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NOW WAS THE TIME
CHILDREN’S HEALTHCARE EMBRACES THE FUTURE IN PENSACOLA AND ALONG THE EMERALD COAST by PETE REINWALD
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Studer Family Children’s Hospital
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he data said no way: The Pensacola area was not large enough to support a Children’s Hospital 50 years ago, and it still didn’t have the population to justify building a new children’s hospital. Only large metropolitan areas could support a children’s hospital, the data said. And only cities that count themselves as major academic centers could support a children’s hospital. Yet today, Pensacola says: Behold our brand new children’s hospital. “Nobody believed this hospital was ever going to come up,” said Will Condon, president of The Studer Family Children’s Hospital. But it’s up, and it’s open. The new Studer Family Children’s Hospital welcomed its first patients on May 4, more than five years after Ascension and Sacred Heart embarked on an ambitious plan to raise $30 million in
COVER STORY
donations and build a state-of-the-art children’s healthcare facility. More than half of the funds came from Ascension, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit and Catholic health systems. The four-story, $85 million hospital represents the vision of Susan Davis, the former Sacred Heart CEO, who concluded that Sacred Heart Hospital needed a bigger and better space to care for children. Davis wanted a facility that offered the best in comfort and technology and had the ability to improve and expand the scope of specialized pediatric care across Northwest Florida and into South Alabama. The April 1 ribbon cutting came precisely 50 years after Sacred Heart, with inspiration from pediatricians Dr. Reed Bell and Dr. John Whitcomb, opened the city’s first facility dedicated to the care of infants and children. “Truly, every day is a gift for us to be able to
care for kids in this region,” said Condon.“We don’t take it lightly. We are very proud that pediatricians came to us 50 years ago asking us to care for children.” The new Children’s Hospital includes 126 beds and offers patient and family amenities that the previous Children’s Hospital couldn’t offer: bigger patient rooms for more privacy; a Ronald McDonald House family room where families can eat, sleep, relax and do laundry without feeling as though they’re leaving their child; and state-of-the-art technology. Hospital officials emphasize that the new facility puts a premium on the mental and physical well-being of children and families, from its colors and design to its doctors and staff. “You don’t just care for the patient,” said Condon. “You also care for the patient’s family. Any time a kid is in the hospital, it is a tense situation. So not only do our caregivers have to be very good at caring for the patient, they also have to be very good at educating and also caring for that family that’s worried.” Inspiration for the Children’s Hospital came more than five years ago. Sacred Heart Hospital had 55 beds in its neonatal intensive care unit, or NICU, yet it consistently cared for about 60 babies. That meant increasingly cramped and uncomfortable spaces for children, families and staff. Officials first considered adding space to the building but saw long-term limits to that option.
Davis championed a grand idea: Build a new facility that would provide space for more children and bring all children’s healthcare services into one building. Pediatric care had spread throughout the Sacred Heart Hospital campus, with NICU units in two buildings and the operating room far from other children’s units and services, for example. Henry Stovall, former president of Sacred Heart Hospital, says Davis approached him in a 2015 meeting. “She pulled me out of the meeting, looked me in the eye and said, ‘We’re building a new children’s hospital,’ ” Stovall said. “I started laughing. I thought she was kidding.” She wasn’t. Ascension hired global design firm
HOSPITAL OFFICIALS EMPHASIZE THAT THE NEW FACILITY PUTS A PREMIUM ON THE MENTAL AND PHYSICAL WELL-BEING OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, FROM ITS COLORS AND DESIGN TO ITS DOCTORS AND STAFF.
2019 Special Report
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COVER STORY
HKS Architects, which had designed children’s hospitals, and got to work. Officials brought in staff, physicians, therapists, pharmacists and members of the hospital’s patient-family advisory council — the latter of which played an especially key role in the emphasis on care and consideration of children and their families. “All of those experiences,” Condon said, “those are what built this hospital.” Ascension committed $55 million to the project and asked for an additional $30 million from donors. The nonprofit organization touted it as the largest investment and largest communityfunded campaign in its 104 years. The Sacred Heart Foundation said it reached its $30 million goal weeks before the hospital opened. The Foundation says it will continue to raise money for the children’s hospital, including a $5 million campaign to expand the pediatric cancer center in the children’s hospital. “For a community to raise $30 million, it had never been done in Pensacola,” Condon said. “I mean, that’s unheard of.” The result: a facility that adjoins Sacred Heart
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Studer Family Children’s Hospital
Hospital and includes a pediatric pharmacy, an inpatient rehabilitation gym and a pediatric imaging department, plus playrooms, themed interactive play stations, outdoor gardens and a family dining area. In terms of technology, officials and staff celebrate a pediatric CT scanner that performs a complete CT scan in just seconds — greatly reducing the need to have the child sedated. “For every aspect of the building,” Condon said, “an enormous amount of thought went into calm.” That includes outside the building and the hospital entrance road, Bubba Watson Drive. Next to the front entrance, the Mother Seton Children’s Garden includes shrubs, gazebos, benches and playground equipment. “Right when you pull off 9th Avenue, we want a playful, less-anxiety, less-stress environment,” Condon said. Hospital leaders and designers also focused on making the children’s hospital look less like a hospital. They also wanted parents and children not to feel as though they were in one. “So the days of calling a name or number and
having people queue up — gone,” Condon said. “When a child and family comes through those doors, they’re going directly to a treatment area, period.” When you enter the children’s hospital, you immediately encounter openness and warmth via wide walkways and calming colors. Light shades of blue dominate. Walls feature murals that mimic the ocean and sea life. Each floor carries a theme, beginning with sea turtles on the first floor. Such features intend to promote the feeling of a family day at the beach, including “things that we in Pensacola hold dear, that relaxing moment you get watching a sunset or a sunrise or putting your feet in the water,” Condon said. The new hospital also allows a family to experience the outdoors. Condon shared the story from the previous children’s facility of a mother whose baby was about to die. She requested that her baby first see sunshine. He said the new hospital offers private outdoor respite areas that give families “what they want and need at their most critical time.” Officials say every hospital feature aims to fulfill Sacred Heart’s mission of “caring for all people regardless of their ability to pay, with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable.” “The thing I’m most proud of is the fact that we have never and never will turn a child away, period,” Condon says. “A child comes in, and they’re going to get care. We’ll figure out the bill later.”
ABOUT
STUDER FAMILY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL SERVING KIDS FOR OVER
1,042
378 EMPLOYEES
BABIES SERVED IN OUR NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNITS ANNUALLY
CARE OF CHILDREN
4,009
50 YEARS DEDICATED TO THE
120 MEDICAL
STAFF PHYSICIANS
ACROSS 30 SPECIALTIES
75,353 OUTPATIENT/EMERGENCY ROOM VISITS
145 TOTAL # of BEDS
CHILDREN
SERVED IN OUR INPATIENT UNITS
ANNUALLY OVER
4,000
BIRTHS ANNUALLY 2019 Special Report
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PUTTING PATIENTS FIRST
NEW CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL AIMS TO MAKE YOUNG PATIENTS FEEL COMFORTABLE
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or Cat Outzen, Director of Community Relations & Children’s Programs at the Studer Family Children’s Hospital, the facility is “childfriendly, not childish.” “It wasn’t designed with what we think is good for them, but what they have told us they want,” Outzen said. And with the new facility comes ample family accommodations, engaging entertainment and a carefully cultivated, affable environment to make every child feel at home. Undoubtedly, this experience starts with the hospital’s dedicated team of child life specialists, a team of medical professionals whose background in child development affords them the ability to normalize the hospital experience for each patient. “Whether you’re 2 or 18, our child life special10
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by HANNAH BURKE
ists can explain medical procedures in a manner that is catered to you,” Outzen explained. “They also introduce coping plans to families, oversee appropriate play and celebrate a patient’s developmental milestones.” Child life specialists check in with patients daily and remain updated on their diagnoses and scheduled procedures. They are responsible for helping children accomplish tasks such as properly swallowing pills and providing positive distractions from procedures that could be uncomfortable, painful or frightening. “Whether it’s an IV start or a lumbar puncture, positive distractions help children disassociate and focus their attention elsewhere,” said Outzen. If a child must lie on their back for treatment, there may be an elaborate mural on the ceiling, or “I spy” activities on the walls. Mobile distrac-
tion stations introduce a sensory experience — complete with lights, sounds and aromatherapy — and are especially well received by smaller children and those on the autism spectrum. The children’s favorite distractions, said Outzen, are often the four-legged friends of the hospital’s Facility Dog Program. “Our dogs work alongside child life specialists to support patients throughout their treatment,” Outzen explained. “They’re great listeners; some of our teenage patients have found them more comforting to talk to than people.” As of this writing, Studer Family Children’s Hospital employs a 3-year-old golden retriever named Sprout, who works full-time alongside her handler. By 2020, four more highly trained facility dogs will join the program, which encourages and motivates patients to become more active.
OUR PATIENTS
Activity and play is highly encouraged and promotes healthy coping mechanisms, normalization and catharsis. The playroom, located on the fourth floor of the new facility, is a medical-free space. “There are no white coats, no stethoscopes or anything allowed in our playroom,” said Outzen. “It’s a strictly recreational and a safe space for patients to make friends, play games and relieve stress.” Video games, board games and art supplies abound, supplying a plethora of playful activities from which patients may choose. Thanks to many generous donations, the playroom is additionally stocked with a catalog of toys and stuffed animals that children can adopt and take back to their rooms. The fourth floor is also party central for St. Patrick’s Day festivities, Halloween and Christmas carnivals and birthday bashes. Local organizations will often pop in to host special art activities, and the U.S. Air Force and Navy often visit to complete crafts with the children. And, it’s always a home run for fun when the Pensacola Blue Wahoos baseball team and mascot swing by. But leisure isn’t limited to indoors. “The Mother Seton Garden outside the facility is a space for us to care for all of the other children who enter our facility,” said Outzen. “Some of our patients will use it — especially those with autism or those in pediatric rehabilitation — but there are thousands of kids who come to visit their siblings or grandparents and need a space to release their energy and unwind.” The Mother Seton Children’s Garden features flora of all different colors, textures, sizes and scents that stimulate the senses and provide a tranquil, therapeutic environment. Families may bring Fido for a romp in Sacred Heart’s new dog park or enjoy the sunshine and spot butterflies from one of the many special seating areas. For children, the main attraction is undoubtedly the playground, which features traditional play equipment, as well as sensory-centric stations and green space. “We want children to tell us what we’re doing right and see what they react the most positively to,” Outzen said. “We’re excited the new Children’s Hospital will provide a lot more inclusive spaces for families to be together and quiet areas to calm the mind, body and spirit. We’re looking forward to the privacy, peace and opportunities that this facility will provide for our patients.” 2019 Special Report
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THE FOUNDATION FOR OVER FIVE YEARS, THE SACRED HEART FOUNDATION RALLIED A COMMUNITY by PETE REINWALD
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eeks before it would open to the public, Studer Family Children’s Hospital smelled like fresh paint and a thick layer of warmth and joy. Yes, you could sense the excitement. Carol Carlan, president of Sacred Heart Foundation, showed a visitor around the new four-story, $85 million facility in late March. She occasionally came upon a worker touching up a wall, moving equipment into a room or taking a break in what appeared to be a state of satisfaction — or maybe reward. Carlan would ask the worker what he or she did. Then she’d thank them for helping turn what was just an idea more than five years ago into what is now a state-of-the-art children’s hospital that opened in May in Pensacola.
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TO GIVE TO A CAUSE IS AN INVESTMENT FOR A DONOR, SO YOU REALLY HAVE TO FIND OUT WHAT THEIR STORY IS AND HOW THEY CONNECT TO THE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL.
Carol Carlan, President of Sacred Heart Foundation
OUR FOUNDATION
The worker would nod and smile in return as if to say, “And thank you for letting me do this.” “Every worker in that building was doing what they do best with caring hands, doing their labor of love, because the end result was taking care of kids,” Carlan says. Carlan has found similar motivation from donors throughout Pensacola and beyond. Donors have included the wealthy and notso-wealthy in the community and people from Sacred Heart Hospital — staff members, nurses, doctors, top officials, emergency personnel and others. Many have volunteered for Foundation fundraising events such as the Cordova Mall Ball. “It took everybody in this community,” says Will Condon, president of the Studer Family Children’s Hospital. “There was just an energy.” That’s where Carlan and Sacred Heart Foundation come in. The Foundation, a philanthropic advocate of Ascension Sacred Heart, has been working for more than five years to meet the nonprofit system’s goal of $30 million in donations for the new hospital. Through the middle of April, Carlan said, about 11,000 people had donated at least $1 to the project and helped the Foundation reach its initial goal. The Foundation now emphasizes a new children’s hospital phase: a $5 million campaign to construct a new, expanded pediatric oncology center. “This work — raising money for a children’s hospital that really doesn’t make money — never ends,” Carlan says. She points out that more than 60 percent of the children’s hospital patients are Medicaid recipients and that the hospital never turns a child away. That motivates donors who respond to need and to helping the poorest children and families, she says. Many find additional inspiration in a facility such as Studer Family Children’s Hospital, which offers comforting amenities for children and families and boasts state-of-the-art technology that can make a difference and save lives. Often, a donation starts with empathy. “To give to a cause is an investment for a donor, so you really have to find out what their story is and how they connect to the children’s hospital,” Carlan says.
Henry Stovall, former president and CEO of Ascension Sacred Heart, with wife, Ann Blair, Children's Hospital namesake donors, Quint and Rishy Studer, with Carol Carlan, president of Sacred Heart Foundation, at the grand opening of the Studer Family Children's Hospital in April 2019.
One family expressed gratefulness that a daughter born in the Children’s Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, or NICU, got the care she needed and is alive and healthy today. The family responded with a significant gift. “We hear story after story,” Carlan says. As incentive, the Foundation offers naming opportunities that allow an individual or family to be recognized on a room, wall or hospital unit or section in return for a gift. Upon walking into the hospital, you encounter a wall of fame of significant givers, highlighted in the hospital’s calming and peaceful hues. A “Dream Maker” panel trumpets donors who have given at least $5 million. A “Miracle Maker” panel touts families who have given at least $1 million, and so on. Wall after wall and room after room features a plaque that honors a giver or givers. “There is a naming opportunity for just about every room in the hospital,” Carlan says. Other naming opportunities include the hospital playgrounds, the parking garage and one of the NICU floors. Foundation and children’s hospital offi-
cials remain confident that more donors will respond, especially now that the hospital has opened. “Carol Carlan should be so excited because somebody who gave early, now that they’ve seen the hospital, will come back and say, ‘I want to double my gift,’ ” says Condon. “Like, ‘Take another hundred thousand, or I want my name on the wall. How much does it cost to get my name on the wall? I want to be a part of this thing.’ ” Carlan says the Foundation also offers various volunteering opportunities, including at the annual Mall Ball, which requires over 300 volunteers. The Ball is held every January and has raised over $4.6 million for the children’s hospital. In the Preemie Cup, which takes place every August, the Foundation asks participants to enjoy a day on the water in support of premature babies at the children’s hospital. “Our events are always community driven,” Carlan says. “So people can give three ways: their time, their talents, their resources — or all three.” 2019 Special Report
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OUR BUILD
THEY ALL PLAYED A PART
DEDICATED CREW TURNED PLANS INTO REALITY by HANNAH BURKE
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efore overseeing construction management for the Studer Family Children’s Hospital, Hoar Construction senior project manager David Roberts took his team aside and gave them a key piece of advice: “You’re working at a hospital that is under construction — not a construction site that just happens to be a hospital.” That, he said, made a monumental difference in how Hoar Construction approached the project, where “safety for patients, staff and visitors, and ensuring the hospital can provide the services they need to” took top priority. For Hoar, that meant copious planning around infection control, maintaining a gold standard of cleanliness, minimizing noise and working through mechanical, electrical and plumbing interruptions. And all of this was done while the existing children’s hospital remained fully operational throughout the entire 25-month construction period. The fact that the project finished two months earlier than anticipated was a “huge accomplishment,” Roberts said, and would not have been possible without the unwavering efforts of their “incredibly skilled and talented trade partners.” “We were in constant contact with the hospital when working on building systems; shutting down these systems to tie in new areas affects all staff and patients,” said Roberts. “Our project team and the hospital partnered well together throughout the construction process, as working in, on and around an existing and very active campus always presents its challenges and opportunities.” The project’s most momentous challenge, however, was outside of anybody’s control. Over two years, two tropical storms, three hurricanes and numerous bouts of rain dropped over 14 feet of water on the site and halted productivity for a total of 137 days. “One of the biggest challenges we faced was getting the foundations and underground utilities installed during one of the rainiest years in recent history,” Roberts recounted. “This was particularly vexing because we had already excavated nearly 25 feet of existing soils out of the entire building footprint, including areas below the existing building to install the foundation system.”
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In just two years, Hoar Construction completed a single-story, vertical expansion to the hospital’s pre-existing structure, a new four-story tower and basement space. The project, designed by HKS Architects, birthed around 175,000 square feet of brand-new construction and 13,000-square-feet of renovations, furnishing the new Children’s Hospital with a pediatric emergency room and trauma center, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), pediatric imaging department, playroom facilities and a family-friendly dining area. Sacred Heart’s Regional Perinatal Center, which provides specialized care to women with high-risk pregnancies, also received a significant spatial renovation. Hoar places high priority on its quality of work and superior stewardship, and Roberts gives much credit to Hoar’s senior superintendent Mike Broadaway, who he considers to be the face of the SFCH project. “Mike is a 22-year veteran with Hoar Construction and has been building hospitals for 26 of his 29-year career,” Roberts said. “This project would not have had the same results without the relentless determination, drive and perseverance that Mike sustained day in and day out. Mike thrives in a construction environment and loves getting in the details. He is a forward thinker and planner and the individual that I believe deserves the most credit for the overall outcome of this project.” Broadaway and his family have lived in Pensacola for the past 20 years, which Roberts believes fueled his drive and made this community-based undertaking all the more meaningful. “Mike’s daughter, Megan, was also our on-site field office administrator,” Roberts added. “As a family-oriented company, it was great to see that Mike was able to include her in the overall success of the project.” Families, after all, laid SFCH’s foundation. “The Studer Family Children’s Hospital has been an exciting project to work on since day one,” said Roberts. “It is an incredible feeling knowing that this facility will be so beneficial to the children and families of Pensacola for decades to come. This is a state-of-the-art facility, and Hoar Construction is incredibly grateful to have been a part of seeing it come to life over the past two years.”
OUR SMALL MIRACLE
A
by HANNAH BURKE
t six months pregnant, Talisa Jackson was faced with every expectant mother’s worst nightmare. Following an excruciating night of pain and spotting, Jackson, who lives in Century, Florida, was informed that she was miscarrying her baby girl, and there was nothing her doctors could do for her. Jackson was rushed to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, where she underwent an emergency cesarean section. Upon waking, Jackson was in for two surprises. Though premature, her baby was very much alive. And she had a boy. On Jan. 26, 2019, at just 24 weeks, Omaurian “Logan” Allen was born at 12 ounces and 10 inches long. He is likely the smallest surviving baby in Sacred Heart’s 100-year history. “When I woke up three days later and got to see him for the first time, I cried,” said Jackson. “He was so little and surrounded by all these tubes. I remember thinking, ‘Why me?’ ” Doctors prepared Jackson for the worst, but she said, “Do everything you can for my baby, because I’m not giving up on him.” For the next five months, neither would the Studer Family Children’s Hospital (SFCH). After being on and off ventilators and enduring countless surgeries and skin grafts, baby Logan was deemed healthy enough to go home in June. “We had two episodes where Logan died on us and stopped breathing,” Jackson said. “For a while, I went into a depression. I blamed myself because I had pre-eclampsia.” But SCHF doctors helped her realize that pre-eclampsia, a type of pregnancy complication influenced by high-blood pressure,
was common and beyond her control. Jackson said she met some “amazing people” while bonding with other NICU mothers and nurses, forming a unique support system that helped her through the darkest days. “I love my nurses,” she said. “If I was busy with my other two girls at home, they would reassure me that they had Logan, and he wasn’t going anywhere. If they ever thought something might be wrong when I came to see Logan, they would ask if I needed to talk. They became my family. They went through this with me, and I was never alone.” When the new Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart opened on May 4, Jackson and Logan were transferred from Sacred Heart’s old Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to SFCH’s new Level III NICU, where each family receives their own private room. There, Jackson was able to enjoy more solitude and peace with her son, and learn all about his “big” personality. “You’ve got to be on time with that bottle, or he’s going to let you have it” Jackson laughed. “He may be little, but he’s loud. He knows he has his nurses and mom wrapped around his finger.” But when he quiets down, gazes into his mother’s loving eyes, Jackson is steadfast with their mantra. “Every night, I tell him he’s my champion,” she said. “I tell him, ‘You are strong. You are smart. You’re a soldier, you’re victorious, you’re my miracle.’ ” Jackson promises Logan he will grow up to be successful, able to do anything and everything he could want. “As soon as I start telling him, he looks up with a smile, because he knows.”
2019 Special Report
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THANK YOU Studer Family Children’s Hospital and the Sacred Heart Foundation would like to offer their heartfelt thanks to our sponsors for all that they have done. Thank you for your support in making the new Studer Family Children’s Hospital a reality and in helping assure that all children receive the care that they need. SPONSORS
1 Bubba Watson Drive, Pensacola, FL 32504 GiveSacredHeart.org
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EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
August–September 2019
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Precocious
Kids STORIES BY KARI C. BARLOW AND STEVE BORNHOFT // PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BOOINI AND STEPHAN VANCE
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PHOTO BY MICHAEL BOOINI
To set out to find the most precocious — however defined — young people in the Emerald Coast region would be a fool’s and a hopelessly subjective errand, of course. But highlighting a few unquestionably talented young high-achievers can be illustrative, certainly. Instructive, even. The subjects profiled here may remind us that we adults often give children too little credit. We may learn or relearn that we can inspire them to greatness by celebrating rather than underestimating their capabilities. Among educators, there is a debate regarding “ability grouping,” an approach disfavored by the National Education Association. Opponents argue that the practice disserves poor and minority students by relegating them to tracks where they receive lower quality instruction than other groups. The result, they say, is a widening of achievement gaps. Here we present evidence both anecdotal, yes, and compelling that economic status, ethnicity, race and gender are not reliable predictors of student performance.
JONATHAN WALKER PANAMA CITY
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August–September 2019
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Jonathan Walker can pinpoint the moment when his fascination with science began. He was a fifthgrader at the Bay Haven Charter Academy in Panama City when he was introduced to the periodic table of elements. And, while most students are intimidated by a chart dealing with atomic weights and strontium and beryllium, Jonathan was transfixed. “I realized that everything around us is made up of elements in that table,” Jonathan said. “That fascinated me.” A year later, he wanted to study chemistry in addition to the standard sixth-grade earth science curriculum. A teacher made that happen and, today, Jonathan, as a Rutherford High School freshman taking a college-level chemistry course via a virtual school, is encountering lessons he mastered years ago. Jonathan enjoys football — he’s a place kicker who once hit a 45-yard field goal — but he especially delights in tuning in to the 3Blue1Brown YouTube channel. He was ecstatic upon solving a problem presented there and, in addition, understanding what made his solution correct. “Conquering a difficult concept is very satisfying and that is something I am going to want to pursue for a very, very long time,” Jonathan said. That pursuit, after all, is limitless. Jonathan attended STEM camps last summer and was introduced to radioactive imaging and particle accelerators. He finished third in a state science fair with a project that used photosynthetic organisms to remove carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide from vehicle exhaust.
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PHOTOS BY MICHAEL BOOINI
Jonathan Walker
Jonathan Walker delights in solving problems and “mastering difficult concepts.” He permits himself an occasional distraction, such as kicking field goals for his high school football team.
At this writing, he had advanced to the second round of a coding contest sponsored by Texas Instruments. His project involves a hydroponics system with sensors that monitor nutrient solutions to ensure that they conform to conditions preferred by a given plant. In April, he scored a 33 on the ACT exam, placing him in the 99th percentile among Florida students and in the 98th percentile nationwide. He scored a perfect 36 on the reading component of the test. The son of a man who grew up in Mississippi not far from the intersection of highways 49 and 61 where bluesman Robert Johnson is said to have bartered away his soul to the devil, Jonathan hopes to travel academic highways to success. In his travels, he is not likely to forget Frank Luke, who taught him algebra and geometry at Bay Haven. “He taught me how to back away from a problem and reapproach it,” Jonathan said. “He gave me a very solid base to work from. We still talk.”
EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
August–September 2019
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As a fifth-grader, Madelyn Chance has become well practiced in the art of public speaking. Varying inflection? Maintaining eye contact? She gets all that.
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August–September 2019 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
PHOTOS BY MICHAEL BOOINI
Madelyn Chance When Madelyn Chance was named 2019 Junior Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Club of the Emerald Coast, she learned a thing or two about the value of hard work. The articulate 9-year-old — who had to make a public speech and answer questions from a panel of judges to advance in the competition — was selected from Boys & Girls Clubs stretching from Pensacola to DeFuniak Springs. “I practiced all the time!” said Madelyn, a fifthgrader at Destin Elementary School. “I actually practiced in front of the mirror and making eye contact and not sounding like a robot. … You have to make eye contact. You can’t just stare down the whole time because that’s not really interesting!” In the final round, held Feb. 28 at The Henderson Beach Resort & Spa, all of her hard work paid off. “I was nervous and excited because usually I don’t have all the attention,” she said. “I was energetic, and I remembered not to answer in one-word answers.” When she won, it not only felt great, it kind of made sense. “I’m not saying this will always happen, but usually when you work really hard, you will be able to achieve what you’re going for,” said Madelyn, whose favorite things include any song from “Hamilton” and any kind of sushi. “And if you don’t, that’s fine. You know you worked hard.” The alternative, she added, is deliberately slacking off, which only leaves you feeling disappointed in yourself. Although public speaking isn’t on Madelyn’s short list of future careers — veterinarian, dancer, worker
at a huge tech company — she wouldn’t mind giving speeches every now and then. “About the things that are going on in the world and how we can fix them,” she said. “Like how to stop global warming and how to help the bees stay alive. … I see that on the news a lot, and I think, ‘Hey, we should stop this!’ ”
EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
August–September 2019
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While engaging as a somewhat bored 8-year-old in a search for new activities, Orlan Lasher was flexible. In a literal sense, that trait proved valuable when he discovered a fondness for ballet.
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PHOTOS BY MICHAEL BOOINI
ORLAN LASHER When Orlan Lasher enrolled at the Northwest Florida Ballet Academie in Fort Walton Beach, he was a third-grader in search of a new gig. Dance wasn’t on his 8-year-old radar, but he was restless, a little bored and willing to take a literal and figurative leap into the unknown. “My other school wasn’t much of a challenge,” he said. “I just wanted to try something new.” Ballet wasn’t a perfect fit, but Orlan gave it time, stretching both his mind and body to appreciate its art and discipline. “I was pretty flexible, so it was OK for me,” he said. He credits Tchaikovsky — and NFB’s staging of his holiday classic, “The Nutcracker” — for finally awakening the dancer within. “I was one of the party children, and that’s when I really started to enjoy ballet,” he said. “It was just the music and the stage. … I always thought you’d be able to see the crowd, but it’s really just you and the magic of dancing!” Today, Orlan is an eighth-grade standout at the Academie. His favorite subject is civics, he likes to catch lizards with his brothers, and he loves to watch old episodes of “Monk” in his free time, but ballet is his refuge. “It’s kind of a break from everything else,” he said. For Orlan, ballet is not only an art but an ongoing collection of skills to master.
“Right now, I’m good at pirouettes,” said the 13-year-old, who’s also working on pushing his rond de jambe past 90 degrees. “There’s always more to do. Always a new step, a new move. Always something more to learn.” A gifted dancer, he trains hard and dreams even harder, confident that dance will play a key role in his future. “With dance, you get to go around the world,” he said, adding that Italy is on his short list of global destinations. “It doesn’t really matter as long as it’s some place other than Florida!”
EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
August–September 2019
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There’s music inside Gracie Slocum, and sometimes she has to set it free — singing her heart out in her bedroom, the kitchen, the living room, the car. “My parents are always yelling at me to stop!” laughs the 11-yearold, who has been a member of the Pensacola Children’s Chorus for the past three years. “It’s just something I’ve always loved. It’s a passion!” Her mom and dad are also her two biggest fans, nurturing her talent
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appeared in the PCC’s popular “Christmas on the Coast” as well as the Pensacola Little Theatre’s productions of “The Snow White Variety Show” and “The Further Adventures of Nick Tickle, Fairy Tale Detective.” When it comes to performing, Gracie’s favorite part is the moment it ends — when the lights are bright, and the applause is deafening. “Every nerve in your brain goes away, and you’re like, ‘I did it!’ … and you have all this confidence running through you,” she said. While Gracie dreams of one day being on stage as a professional, she’s not entirely sure what that will look like. She is sure that it will take a lot of hard work, and that’s just fine. “In the end, I am learning,” she said, “so it’s not a waste of my time!”
PHOTOS BY STEPHAN VANCE
Gracie Slocum
with a careful eye, carrying her to once-a-week voice lessons with wellknown soprano Sewell Griffith and to countless Pensacola Children’s Chorus rehearsals. While Gracie — who’s a sixthgrader at Sacred Heart Cathedral School — is aware that she has something many adults call “raw talent,” she likes to sing, dance and act simply because it’s fun. Even the stomachchurning experience of auditioning. “It’s kind of horrible because you’re so nervous,” she said. “It’s very hard to sing in front of people, but every time it gets easier.” To calm herself before a performance, she uses a trick Griffith taught her. “I take in a breath and hold it for 10 seconds — it helps me gain confidence,” said Gracie, who has
Auditions are horrible, says aspiring singer and stage performer Gracie Slocum, but they are becoming less horrible with experience and a growing knowledge of confidence-inspiring tricks of the trade.
EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
August–September 2019
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Experiences with animal husbandry provided by the Future Farmers of America chapter at Jay High School have inspired Emerson Walters to consider a career in medicine. FFA plus cheerleading and tennis make for full days.
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August–September 2019 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
PHOTOS BY STEPHAN VANCE
EMERSON WALTERS If you want to hang with Emerson Walters, be prepared to run to keep up. The freshman at Jay High School is not one to dawdle, and she keeps a demanding schedule. “Between tennis and cheerleading and FFA, it’s always slam-packed,” she said. “But I can’t get rid of one because I’m passionate about all of them!” And that’s on top of caring for four cats, two dogs and eight lionhead rabbits. “No one else in my family is really a pet person, so I’m basically responsible for all of them,” she said. That’s fine with Emerson, who prefers to be busy. At 14, she’s already mapping out her post-secondary path — maybe a couple of years at the University of West Florida before transferring to Auburn University and then on to medical school to become a dermatologist. “Dermatology will always be something that is needed,” she said. “People will always be looking for ways to fix their skin and things to change their appearance.” She credits her years in Future Farmers of America with helping her decide to go into medicine. In addition to public speaking skills, she’s learned a great deal about raising healthy animals and the important role of plants.
“Lots of allergies can be caused by plants and that can cause people’s skin to break out, so if you know the science behind the plants, it can help you figure out their case,” she said. For now, Emerson is jazzed about high school and has a laser focus on what it will take to be successful. “I want to keep straight As — that’s the top priority,” she said. She’s also inspired by her parents, who are pharmacists and own their own business in Milton. “I want to work hard enough to have my own practice,” she said. “I tell myself I’ve come this far — I’m not going to mess it up now!” EC
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August–September 2019
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Staying
Engaged DR. JEFF LIVINGSTON PUSHES AND PULLS FOR PARKINSON’S SUFFERERS story by STEVE BORNHOFT photography by MICHAEL BOOINI
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ONE MIGHT EXPECT THAT A PHYSICIAN, UPON RECEIVING A
serious diagnosis, would immediately set about studying his affliction, treatments, sources of relief from symptoms, the status of research seeking a cure. Nineteen years ago, Dr. Jeff Livingston was troubled by a tremor in his right hand. He consulted a neurologist and, at age 35, learned that he had Parkinson’s Disease, unusual in a person that young. The diagnosis was devastating and, in response, Livingston, for a time, counter to what you might think, did … nothing. “About all I knew was that life expectancy following diagnosis was typically 10 years,” Livingston said in the course of an interview conducted at his Panama City Beach home. “I was not a good patient. I didn’t do any reading. I accepted the diagnosis. And, I ignored it. I hoped it would go away.” Eventually, however, that inactivity would be replaced by an old friend: exercise.
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↓ Dr. Jeff Livingston demonstrates while jumping rope at Battleship CrossFit that he still has some “ups.” → Livingston briefly rests as his wife, Lisa, works out with a kettleball and a fellow CrossFit athlete performs a ring dip.
In high school and in college — as an undergraduate, Livingston attended the University of Richmond in Virginia for two years and then Franklin & Marshall College in Pennsylvania — he ran track. Middle distances, the 400 and the 800. He coached a high school track team while studying at the Medical College of Virginia. In 1996, he completed an Ironman Triathlon in Switzerland. But he would later abandon exercise until, he said, nodding toward his wife, “Lisa kicked me in the ass.” Lisa was working out with a personal trainer and found a trainer for her husband, but he didn’t much like the experience. Not long thereafter, he moved (in April 2014) to Florida from Greenville, North Carolina, where he had been vice chairman and a tenured professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at East Carolina University. Lisa
↑ Livingston’s medical practice is focused on maternal fetal medicine. Many of his patients are women who have delayed having children until reaching their late 30s or early 40s.
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and the couple’s three children would join Jeff in Bay County three months later, following the conclusion of the school year. Meanwhile, Lisa had instructed Jeff to find her a trainer in Florida. “I wanted to transition smoothly,” Lisa said. “I didn’t want to stop what I had started.” Livingston, seeking to carry out orders, stumbled across Emerald Coast CrossFit near Naval Support Activity Panama City, then Battleship CrossFit, located amidst a collection of non-descript commercial buildings on Holley Circle off Thomas Drive in Panama City Beach. “I just saw it was a gym,” he said. “I didn’t even know what CrossFit was. I had to look it up.” Upon doing so, he discovered that CrossFit is a branded fitness regimen created by Greg Glassman and launched as CrossFit Inc. in 2000. It is both an approach to exercise and a competitive sport that incorporates elements from high-intensity interval training, powerlifting, gymnastics and other disciplines. It is practiced by members of affiliated gyms throughout the United States and beyond. Those gyms, because they are so spartan, are called “boxes.” But they contain all of the equipment required to complete workouts of the day or “WODs,” in CrossFit parlance. And, the Battleship box is also home to a less tangible something that Livingston has found to be especially helpful: a supportive, engaging community. “Part of the problem with Parkinson’s is that it is a very isolating disease,” Livingston said. “All neurological diseases are isolating. You experience problems with speech. You can become hard to understand. Your movements become awkward. “All of this adds up to a debilitating self-consciousness. I isolated myself for a long time to my detriment. Everyone with Parkinson’s becomes depressed. But CrossFit has helped me to become much more engaged with my own life and more open about my condition.” Said Livingston, softly, “Even if I don’t have a voice, that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t have a say.” Lisa, who had never been a “gym person,” has, like her husband, been infected by her CrossFit experience. Versus working out alone, which can be “boring,” she said, “CrossFit holds my attention — and a lot of people say that. “You have a whole group of people and you are all doing the same workout and it is very hard. You’re accountable. You’ve got people watching you and making sure you are following through.” For Livingston, in particular, CrossFit has had the effect of slowing the progression of his disease. He is unique at Battleship — he is the only member of the gym battling Parkinson’s.
Most people who contract Parkinson’s do so at an age when CrossFit is not a good fit for them. They may opt for other forms of exercise: dancing, bicycling or boxing. Dance classes catering to people with Parkinson’s were being conducted in Panama City, Livingston said, but as a result of Hurricane Michael, the music stopped. Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative, progressive neurological disorder that affects nerve cells in deep parts of the brain called the basal ganglia and the substantia nigra. Nerve cells in the substantia nigra produce the neurotransmitter dopamine and are responsible for relaying messages that control body movement. As the disease progresses, dopamine-producing nerve cells of the substantia nigra begin to die off. When 80 percent of dopamine is lost, Parkinson’s symptoms such as tremors, slowness of movement, stiffness and balance problems occur. Vigorous activity or resistance that Livingston calls “forced exercise” increases the release of dopamine and, he explained, “the resulting increase in dopamine and its positive effects last longer than the exercise period.” CrossFit has allowed Livingston to decrease medication levels and limit his prescriptions to one, which is remarkable among Parkinson’s patients.
↑ Livingston has found that the vigorous exercise prescribed by CrossFit workouts of the day has slowed the progression of Parkinson’s Disease. His membership at Battleship CrossFit also helps by keeping him engaged with others. EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
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And, he added, “There are not a lot of people who are working 19 years into a diagnosis, especially in a high-stress job like I have.” Livingston works full time as a physician. His practice, North Florida Perinatal Associates, is focused on maternal fetal medicine. Livingston is nothing if not competitive and, early in his career, he challenged himself to master a medical sub-specialty moving beyond more general obstetrics and gynecology. He said that upon his arrival in Bay County, he was the only doctor between Pensacola and Tallahassee doing what he does. He departed the Carolinas for the coast in part because the move was an opportunity to occupy a niche that was standing wide open. Too, Lisa hastened to add, “We had the chance to live on the beautiful water.” The Livingstons’ home is located on Grand Lagoon, a short run by boat to the pass uniting St. Andrew Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
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“It’s all about assigning and mitigating risk,” Livingston described his practice, in which he has no partner doctors, meaning that he is on call around the clock, every day of the year. In order to take the occasional vacation, he brings in a doctor from out of state to mind his practice. Many of Livingston’s patients have joined a trend by delaying childbearing until their late 30s or 40s and have risk factors that may include diabetes and hypertension. Interviewed on a Friday, Livingston was looking ahead to a week that would include appointments with 22 new patients and 70 patients in total. He no longer takes on “big cases” involving surgeries and has stopped delivering babies, but does perform minor “needle” surgeries. Prior to his move to Panama City Beach, he did fetal surgeries. Livingston, himself, submitted to surgery designed to rid him of his Parkinson’s-related tremor by providing deep brain stimulation. In a six-hour procedure, electrodes that regulate abnormal impulses were placed in his brain. The electrodes are controlled by a device, similar to a pacemaker, which is implanted beneath the skin in the
← Lisa and Jeff Livingston are the parents of three children, all born after he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Nick is at left, Jack is seen with his guitar and Mattie Lou, background, is about to get wet. ↓ The Livingstons hatched a new poultry hobby after receiving an unexpected Christmas gift.
upper chest. A subcutaneous wire connects the “brain pacemaker” to the electrodes. The device, which is “not pretty,” Livingston said, “must be charged up nightly.” It has worked as intended — the tremor has gone away — but there is a downside to it. Walking and speaking become more difficult. CrossFit, meanwhile, deals in “functional movements” and “that’s what I have trouble with,” Livingston said. He cited a workout of the day that includes bench presses, jumping rope, barbell exercises and rope climbs. Other movements may include flipping tires, pulling a weighted sled or even walking on hands. Livingston said he “falls all the time” while striving to complete CrossFit workouts, “but I pick myself up and keep going.” He lost teeth in one fall, he said. “I have good days and bad.” Al Burgermeister, a member of Battleship CrossFit, said Livingston “has the respect of everyone at the gym. He has inspired every one of us. No exceptions. “Jeff is an enthusiastic supporter of community-based programs and
causes in which we share an interest,” Burgermeister said. “He’s inspired me — in my 71st year — to become more physically active by joining the CrossFit program. He’s a great friend.” For his part, Livingston bench presses 185 pounds and dead lifts 285. And, after four years at Battleship, he was able to do a muscle-up, said to be one of the most difficult CrossFit moves. It involves doing a pull-up, rolling the chest over the bar and then driving the body into a vertical position by pressing down with the hands. It’s hard. In 2018, Livingston, exercising the community mindedness that Burgermeister cited, organized and conducted the inaugural FoxWOD, an awareness and fundraising activity held at Battleship. More than 100 CrossFitters, representing six boxes in Bay County, joined in a group workout and learned something about Parkinson’s Disease. The event raised $7,000 that was donated to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and the Parkinson’s Foundation. This year’s FoxWOD was scheduled for April 27. Livingston estimated that approximately 700 athletes would participate, representing local boxes and boxes in Florida, Georgia, Nevada, Tennessee and England, and all joining in a workout comprising big movements such as lunges and burpees appropriate to people with Parkinson’s. (Learn more about FoxWOD by visiting push4parkinsons.org.) Livingston is encouraging the Parkinson’s Foundation to recognize CrossFit as a modality helpful to people dealing with the disease. Progress in research is being made, he said, but it’s slow. Fundraising is difficult in a volatile period of uncertainty in which many causes are competing for limited dollars. There is evidence suggesting that FoxWOD is doing well with its awareness goal. (continued on page 134)
EARLY SIGNS OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE No single one of these signs is a cause for worry, advises the Parkinson’s Foundation, but if you have more than one sign, you should consider making an appointment to talk to your doctor. TREMOR A slight shaking or tremor occurs in your finger, thumb, hand or chin while you are at rest. SMALL HANDWRITING The way you write words on a page changes. Letter sizes get smaller and/or words are crowded together. LOSS OF SMELL You no longer smell well certain foods such as bananas, dill pickles or licorice. TROUBLE SLEEPING You are told that you thrash around in bed or act out dreams when you are deeply asleep. Sudden movements occur during sleep. TROUBLE MOVING OR WALKING You experience stiffness in your body, arms or legs. Others notice that your arms don’t swing like they used to when you walk. CONSTIPATION You have trouble moving your bowels without straining. A SOFT OR LOW VOICE Your voice is very soft or you sound hoarse. MASKED FACE You been told that you have a serious, depressed or mad look on your face, even when you are not in a bad mood. This is often called facial masking. DIZZINESS OR FAINTING You notice that you often feel dizzy when you stand up from a chair or you experience fainting. STOOPING OR HUNCHING OVER You are not standing up as straight as you used to. You stoop, lean or slouch when you stand. Source: Parkinson’s Foundation
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EXTERIORS
Roofs — Repair or Replace?
|| GARDENING
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AUG/SEPT 2019
TRENDS FROM FLOOR TO CEILING, FRONT TO BACK
↑
Rachel Stewart of Niceville has repurposed and refinished leadedglass cabinets once found in a great uncle’s kitchen.
INTERIORS
OLD BECOMES NEW
Stylish furniture may have had a former life
by LAURIE EINSTEIN KOSZUTA
photography by ERICK LIMA
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← Rachel Stewart employs her grade school desk — an item of sentimental value — as a nightstand. ↑ Pastor Michael Janetis finds meaning in resuscitating broken or scarred items.
“It started with a lot of trial and error, but with practice, the pieces turn out great,” noted Batton. “Because I am able to get items at a low cost, my finished pieces are affordable. I reuse window rends in furniture come and go, but repurposing or upcycling is one frames and old drawers and make trend that may be here to stay. Repurposing has become mainstream inspirational signs. People love as many people are eager to give new life to outdated, ready-tothem, and it keeps these odds and be-discarded junk and turn it into beautiful furniture. Some are ends out of the landfill.” do-it-yourselfers who love the challenge of the hunt for unusual items Those that repurpose furniture while others prefer to find their pieces online or in stores like DeFrance agree that with some imagination, Antiques, Flea Market and Collectibles in Fort Walton Beach. many old things can be new again. The terms “repurposing” and “upcycling” may sound new, but the “I love using things differently concept isn’t. People have always tried to come up with creative and than what they were originally imaginative ways to reuse old items. intended for,” said Rachel “People love different,” said Mark Hoard, co-owner of DeFrance. Stewart of Niceville. “I use “They like pieces that are one of a kind. Repurposing does that. We built my old grade school desk as a a fountain out of an old upright piano and a bar out of a baby grand piano.” nightstand. It has great meaning Amanda Batton of Fort Walton Beach turned her to me. longtime hobby of repurposing furniture into 2nd Chance “My great uncle Designs, a full-time business she runs with her boyfriend, had beautiful leadBrent Byrd, on Facebook and Facebook Marketplace. ed glass kitchen “Some people see items as garbage when they no loncabinets,” she said. ger need something,” Batton said, “but I can visualize the “When he remodRescuing used and uniqueness and design a piece of furniture that people love. eled, he stowed abused items from Then Brent builds the piece off my design. the cabinet’s glass scrap heaps may require imagination “Brent has cut old, unwanted armoires in half, refinished pieces in his attic and craftsmanship. the top, painted the sides and made a beautiful television where they stayed And a nostalgic console,” she said. “We have taken outdated dressers, pulled for 20 years. When frame of mind out the drawers, strung lights on the inside and made a it was time to sell often helps. doggy condo.” his house, we found
T
UPSCALING JUNK
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all six glass panels. I knew that I wanted them but wasn’t sure how to use them. My family thought I was crazy, but my father helped me build a beautiful piece of furniture around those panels.” Michael Janetis, a pastor at the newly established Oceans Church in Destin, takes a similar approach. “I am always looking at scraps everywhere I go and then wondering what kind of project I can come up with,” he said. “Our church is doing some renovations, and we had a pallet ready for the trash,” said Janetis. “I took the pallet home, painted the face of Jesus on it and made it into a table for the church.” “I have been known to go dumpster diving as well as double back if I see something interesting by the side of the road,” he laughed. “I have taken old window frames and made them into chalkboards. “I have used repurposing as a basis for a sermon,” Janetis said. “I think there is a message for life in taking things that might be broken or scarred or beaten up and making them valuable again.” EC photography by ERICK LIMA
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISSA ARYN PHOTOGRAPHY STORY BY REBECCA TAYLOR WINDOW TREATMENTS BY SONATA JAKUTONIS AND BEACH BLINDS, DRAPERIES & MORE
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SPONSORED REPORT
LIGHTand BEACH BLINDS, DRAPERIES & MORE ILLUMINATES YOUR IDEAL SPACE
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hen decorating a home, it’s easy to get caught up in a whirlwind of paint swatches and flooring samples, but it takes the right window treatment to tie everything together. Beach Blinds, Draperies & More has the experience and resources to help you navigate the wonderful products available so your home is beautiful and functional. Beach Blinds, Draperies & More is led by owner and designer Melinda Laird-Kysely. A Panhandle local, Melinda began her career in interior design before serving 10 years in the U.S. Air Force, but she returned home after Hurricane Opal to help her family rebuild.
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Shortly after, she realized her passion for fabrics and window treatment design and opened her showroom. In addition to her strengths in fabric and composition, Melinda’s knowledge of construction practices and ability to decipher blueprints has aided her in this business. She has also worked with many of the area’s local contractors and designers. “We consider it an honor and a privilege to be asked into a client’s home,” says Melinda. “The main trait that sets us apart is our attitude. This is more than a job to us; we love what we do.” Sonata Jakutonis is the Associate Designer at Beach Blinds, Draperies & More. She brings fresh ideas and takes a personal interest in every project. Sonata is especially good at choosing and coordinating fabrics, a task that is difficult for most people. She brings 20 plus years of experience in design. Installation is a very important part of window treatments, and lead installer Bryan Kysely, along with his assistant Michael Brown, makes sure it is done right. Taya Tarolli and Vernie Brown provide office support, and, of course, Beach Blinds, Draperies & More would not be complete without their workroom of dedicated, highly experienced seamstresses. Come visit Beach Blinds, Draperies & More in their showroom at The Crossings in Inlet Beach. Their friendly staff would love to meet you and start making your home a sanctuary you would be proud to show off to family and friends.
13123 Hwy. 98 E., Suite A, Inlet Beach (850) 502-5401 BeachBlindsDraperies.com
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EXTERIORS
REPAIR OR REPLACE?
Understand your options when sizing up roof projects by LAURIE EINSTEIN KOSZUTA
S
hopping for a new roof can be overwhelming. It is hard to know where to start and what choices to make, and the need for a new roof often tends to be urgent, adding more pressue on decision-making. New roofs are an important, and costly, home investment. The cost of a roof can vary significantly due to the type of materials used, the complexity of the job, disposal of old roofing materials and labor
“If the repair is more than a simple fix,” Leitheiser advised, “it is best to weigh the cost of repairs against the age of ← While assorted the roof. If the roof is nearing the alternatives are available, end of its useful life, which can asphalt shingles remain, far range from 20 to 30 years, then and away, the most popular roofing material in Florida. you might want to consider a total Asphalt shingle roofs are replacement. Some insurance relatively affordable and companies insist that their readily installed. policyholders replace aging roofs to keep policies intact.” Check first with your insurance company to determine if the replacement is covered under your policy. If your policy does not cover a new roof, contact several roofing companies so that you can compare quotes. Be sure you are working with a licensed and bonded professional roofing contractor who can be trusted to get the job done right the first time. Ask about the skill of their workers, their track for installation. The cost of a new roof can record, references and particularly, if range from $5,000 to $30,000 or more. financing is available. Ask your contractor Before making any quick decisions, or power company about rebates and however, there are options to consider. incentives that might be offered when “You may not have to replace the certain products or coatings are used on entire roof,” said Mark Leitheiser, your project. operations manager at Holloway Roofing Since some roofing materials are in Niceville. “It is possible that you only heavier, your selection may be limited to need to make repairs if you notice leaks or the amount of load your existing structure if individual shingles need to be replaced can handle. Your contractor can help you due to wind or storm damage. determine if higher-end products, such as “The first thing to do is consult an galvanized steel, aluminum, clay or cement independent, certified roof inspector,” tile, and slate, would be a suitable choice. Leitheiser said. “They don’t have any “In Florida, asphalt shingles are financial involvement with a particular commonly used,” Leitheiser noted. company and can be honest about “They are usually the best value, have a whether a repair will do the job or if a variety of colors, textures and styles to new roof is actually needed.” choose from.” At times, leaks may come from With any new roof, read and ineffective or worn out flashing around understand the warranty to avoid issues roof vents, chimneys and skylights rather that could potentially void it later. than problems with the roof. If that is the A new roof, while costly, can make case, fixing the flashing should take care a house look great, increase energy of the problem. efficiency and, of course, keep you dry. EC
CAVEAT EMPTOR
Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis has advice for people shopping for a contractor to replace a storm-damaged roof: Avoid a contractor or restoration professional who offers to waive or discount your insurance deductible. Contact your insurance agent or company or the CFO’s Insurance Consumer Helpline (1-877-MY-FL-CFO) before signing anything, including assignment of benefits agreements.
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PHOTOS BY RATCHAT / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS
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Oriental Rugs • Natural Fiber Rugs Custom Rugs • Stair Runners Cowhides • Sheepskins The Crossings at Inlet Beach 13123 E. Emerald Coast Parkway, Inlet Beach 850.230.4425
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LACE YOUR GARDEN WITH BUTTERFLY MAGNETS
Your Monthly Garden Chores AUGUST
➸ Cool-season
vegetables can be started now in seed pots. Make sure to keep them where they’ll get morning sun but afternoon shade.
BUTTERFLIES BRING GRACE AND BEAUTY TO THE GARDEN. It’s easy to attract butterflies if you provide
what they need: nectar for adults, who need to lay their eggs, and host plants for their larvae (caterpillars) as they feed, form chrysalises and eventually emerge as butterflies. The plants that attract butterflies tend to attract hummingbirds and pollinators, too, so putting in the effort reaps great rewards. 1 Different species of butterflies have their favorite nectar foods, but they’ll sip from different blossoms if their favorites aren’t around. Their larval needs, though, tend to be specific. Monarchs, for example, need milkweed (Asclepias) for their larvae. Zebra longwing, the state butterfly of Florida, favors passionflowers (Passiflora) and citrus trees. Your county extension service has a wealth of information on which plants various butterflies need, or check out this University of Florida publication: edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw057. 2 Keep in mind that in the larval stage, these “butterflies in the making” will eat the leaves of the host plant, at times defoliating it. Don’t panic! This is proof your garden has attracted butterflies, and the leaves will grow back promptly. 3 Butterflies are highly susceptible to pesticides and other poisons,
so limit their use if you want to keep butterflies coming. Butterflies have no concept of property lines, so let your neighbors know you’re building a butterfly garden, and inquire about their use of pesticides.
4 Butterflies and their developing offspring also need water and protection — particularly from birds and weather extremes. It is possible to have both coexist in your garden. For the butterflies, fill a small clay pot saucer with sand and wet it, then place it in a protected location, such as under a shrub. The butterflies can absorb the water through their proboscis, which looks like a straw but functions more like a paper towel.
Yard and Garden Critter: Ticks
Adult ticks are most active in North Florida and the Florida Panhandle PESKY between March and September, but because of our PESTS climate, they can be a problem year-round. Related more closely to spiders than to insects, ticks feed on mammal blood — primarily dogs, cattle and humans — and can carry serious diseases including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain TICKS spotted fever. The five most common ticks in our area are the brown tick, the American dog tick, the Lone Star tick, the Gulf Coast tick and the black-legged tick, aka the deer tick. The good news is that ticks must feed for several hours to transmit disease, so finding them quickly and removing them promptly is key. Forget all the homeremedy techniques you’ve heard for removing a tick, such as coating it with petroleum jelly or lighting a match, blowing it out and then applying the hot match-head to the tick. You’re more likely to leave a piece of the tick attached or burn your skin. Instead, grab the tick with tweezers at the point where it is attached and pull straight up and out. In addition, wear light-colored clothing when you’re outdoors so you can spot ticks faster and remove them promptly. In wooded areas, keep your shirt tucked in your pants and your pants tucked in your boots. Apply repellents to uncovered skin, clear brush along pathways and talk to your veterinarian about treatments that can protect your pet from ticks.
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➸ Give your citrus trees their final application of fertilizer for the year. Choose a fertilizer blended for citrus and follow instructions. ➸ Raise the height of your mower to leave the grass a bit longer, to conserve moisture and reduce stress on the lawn. Remove no more than one-third of the grass blades. SEPTEMBER
➸ Plant cool-season
vegetables such as carrots, lettuces, collards and broccoli. Provide afternoon shade if temperatures remain in the upper 80s and higher.
➸ Pinch back poinsettias
and mums early in the month to encourage buds to form in time for holiday blooming.
➸ Plant perennials firebush
(Hamelia patens) and firespike (Odontonema stricta) for fall color. Your bonus is they also attract hummingbirds.
©2015-2019 PostScript Publishing LLC, all rights reserved. Audrey Post is a certified Advanced Master Gardener volunteer with the University of Florida/ IFAS Extension in Leon County. Email her at Questions@MsGrowItAll. com or visit her website at msgrowitall.com. Ms. Grow-It-All® is a registered trademark of PostScript Publishing.
PHOTOS BY LENSBLUR (MILKWEED), THAWATS (BUTTERFLY), ARTISTEER (CARROTS), MYKOLA SOSIUKIN (GRASS) AND NECHAEV-KON (TICK) / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS
BY AUDREY POST, MS. GROW-IT-ALL®
GROUNDS MANAGEMENT • COMMERCIAL INSTALLATION RESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION • CONSULTATION AND DESIGN BAY LANDSCAPE PO Box 9548, Panama City Beach, FL 32417 Phone (850) 249-0980 | Fax (850) 249-1005 www.bay-landscape.net
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PROMOTION
Oasis Rugs & Pearl Home F
inding a pearl is something to be cherished, much like finding the perfect piece to furnish your home. Oasis Rugs & Pearl Home has an abundance of treasures waiting to complete the vision you have for your home. The Miramar Beach showroom brims with an impressive selection of fine rugs and luxury coastal home furnishings that invite you to immerse yourself in laidback luxury. The store’s intent is for each customer to enter feeling welcomed and leave with one-of-a-kind pieces that perfectly pairs with their style. While the store and showroom exude peaceful and relaxed vibes, they offer furniture for every style preference — traditional, contemporary, transitional, rustic, modern and more. The design team enjoys interacting with visitors, listening to their needs, providing design consultations and ultimately leading customers to furnishings and rugs that mesh with their lifestyles. “The process of working with a member of our team is very inclusive,” said owner Marc Ginter. “We encourage clients to send us photos and describe not only how they want the room to look but also how they want it to feel.”
Clients will undoubtedly feel special with such personalized attention to their home. The showroom is versatile in its offerings, whether you wish for a complete redesign or to simply add statement pieces to revive a space. From an intricate rug to downy luxury linens to rustic, reclaimed wood pieces, the style selection is vast and comprised of items you won’t find elsewhere. Oasis Rugs & Pearl Home opened their doors in 2001, and two years ago, Marc and Julie Ginter became the owners. While they continually look to bring in new and exciting pieces along with one-of-a-kinds that Oasis Rugs & Pearl Home have become known for, they are most impacted by the clients and trade partners they get to meet and work with on a daily basis. “We believe it’s important to make personal relationships with our clients and trade partners, ones that we aim to make long term with exceptional service and our price guarantee to ensure the area’s best value,” said Marc Ginter. “These relationships allow us to truly learn how our clients prefer to enjoy each space in their home in order to best achieve their goals and visions. We treasure the opportunity to make your home what you want it to be.”
12555 Emerald Coast Parkway, Miramar Beach | (850) 650-9292 | OasisPearlHome.com
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Register today! Northwest Florida State College
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(850) 678 - 5111 | WWW.NWFSC.EDU NORTHWEST FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE IS ACCREDITED BY THE SOUTHERN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS COMMISSION ON COLLEGES. WWW.SACSCOC.ORG OR 404.679.4500. NORTHWEST FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE IS COMMITTED TO EQUAL ACCESS/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IN ITS PROGRAMS, ACTIVITIES, AND EMPLOYMENT. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.NWFSC.EDU. FOR INFORMATION REGARDING GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT, PLEASE VISIT WWW.NWFSC.EDU/ACADEMICS/GAINFUL-EMPLOYMENT. MATERIALES DE LA UNIVERSIDAD SON DISPONIBLES EN ESPAÑOLA LLAMANDO A LA OFICINA DE ADMISIONES DE NORTHWEST FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE AL 850-678-5111.
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850.424.7320
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DEAL ESTATE
JUST LISTED
Call this Breathtaking Watersound Bridges Property Your Home In the gated Watersound Bridges community, this gorgeous home boasts serene Gulf and Camp Creek Lake views. Its spacious lot is one of the largest in Watersound Bridges, located just down the street from the community pool and beach. The ground floor living area has a gas fireplace and ample room to relax with two private porches. The second floor is perfect for entertaining. There you’ll find the ideal open kitchen, plus an indoor and outdoor dining room. The third floor is entirely devoted to the master bedroom with gorgeous views and two separate walk-in closets. LISTED PRICE: $1,995,000 ADDRESS: 44 Bridge Water Lane, Watersound Bridges SQUARE FOOTAGE: 4,008 BEDROOMS: 5 BATHROOMS: 5.5 FEATURES: On the second floor kitchen, you'll find all Kitchenaid appliances and plenty of granite counter space, a pantry and a breakfast bar. The oven is dual baking/convection. The tower room has its own HVAC and is surrounded with windows providing 360-degree views of the Gulf and Camp Creek Lake. APPEAL: You will have ample parking for you and your guests in the large driveway and 2½-car detached garage with finished carriage house above. The ground floor is perfect for guests with its own living room, service kitchen, three bedrooms and two full baths. CONTACT INFORMATION: Counts Real Estate Group, Inc., Jennifer Ethridge, Realtor® (850) 960-6050, Jennifer.Ethridge@ CountsRealEstate.com, CountsRealEstate.com
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PHOTOS BY TIM KRAMER, TIM KRAMER PHOTOGRAPHY
YEAR BUILT: 2009
FOR
ALL
YOUR
REAL
ESTATE
NEEDS
EXPERIENCE COUNTS
Make Your Realty Dreams a Reality Along the Emerald Coast COUNTS REAL ESTATE GROUP, INC.
30-A EMERALD COAST 5231 E. County Hwy 30-A, #100 21901 PCB Pkwy Santa Rosa Beach, FL Panama City Beach, FL (850) 231-1483 (850) 249-1414 CountsOn30A.com CountsEmeraldCoast.com
THOMAS DRIVE 2104 Thomas Drive Panama City Beach, FL (850) 249-3615 CountsRealEstate.com
PANAMA CITY 3009 Hwy 77, Suite H Panama City, FL (850) 248-3615 CountsPanamaCity.com
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DEAL ESTATE
JUST LISTED/JUST SOLD
Gulf-Front Home Hits the Market The ultimate expression of Florida living is defined in this exceptional, Gulf-front home. The immaculate architecture of this three-story estate includes an elevator, and its state-of-the-art design incorporates clean lines and open concept planning with breathtaking views. With high-end designer features, this is one of the most exquisite residences along Scenic Highway 30A. Great care has been taken in the selection of premium finishes that complement a subdued palette, conveying a sophisticated ease. An entertainment porch across the south side of the home is the ideal spot to take in the Gulf views while al fresco dining and watching the sunset.
LISTED PRICE: $5,400,000 ADDRESS: 8220 E. County Highway 30A SQUARE FOOTAGE: 3,531 BEDROOMS: 5, plus 2 bunk rooms BATHROOMS: 4.5 FEATURES: A mixture of Dominican shell-stone flooring, white oak hardwood and marble floors. The south side of the second and third level includes a master suite complete with 10-foot ceilings and a combination of windows and glass doors offering stunning panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico. APPEAL: Custom built Gulf-front home, designed by Stackable Mracek Design Group and built by John Galvas, is a great rental investment or second home. CONTACT INFORMATION: The Premier Property Group Jason Stephens, (850) 231-7026
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PHOTOS BY ALEX DOSSEY, SOUTHERN COAST PHOTOGRAPHY
YEAR BUILT: 2017
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Professional Profiles
Every day we confront choices as we work to improve our lives, advance our businesses, promote our brands and protect our interests. In so doing, we often have occasion to enlist the services of skilled professionals. Who is the best person for the job? Those can be tough calls, but we’re here to help. In this special section of Emerald Coast Magazine, we profile selected, highly regarded professionals who are proven performers in their fields of expertise. Whom can you trust? Turn the pages of this section and find out. PHOTO BY RAWPIXEL / GETTY IMAGES
TURN THE PAGE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TOP PROFESSIONALS EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
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PROFESSIONAL PROFILES
MICHAEL CASTLEBERRY BRANCH MANAGER, BANK OF ENGLAND MORTGAGE
WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE? Bank of England Mortgage is a mortgage company that specializes in residential loans on primary, secondary and investment properties. WHAT SETS YOUR COMPANY APART? Our strategic advantage is that we focus on getting you cleared to close quicker than other lenders. My loan officers only work with 10 realtors at a time. The reason for this is that it elevates the level of service we are able to give each realtor. We take 10 good realtors and focus on helping them be more successful. HOW DID YOU GET INTO THIS BUSINESS? I began my career in the mortgage business over 17 years ago. I began in accounting and worked my way forward. Prior to being in the mortgage business, I was a financial planner. When I moved over to the mortgage side, I was most excited about helping people achieve their dreams of home ownership. Ever since then, I could not imagine doing anything else.
Michael Castleberry, Branch Manager
HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS, which is why Michael Castleberry, branch manager of Bank of England Mortgage in Fort Walton Beach, ensures that his heart, and the hearts of his employees, are committed to client satisfaction. For 17 years, Michael has taken great joy in unlocking homes and happiness. This success stems from his belief in strong loan officer and realtor relationships, which then extends to the homeowner. With a customer-centric attitude, stress-free closings, competitive rates and extensive product knowledge, your financial goals are all guaranteed by the friendly and experienced mortgage professionals of Bank of England Mortgage.
WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO MAKE ON THE COMMUNITY? We have 30 employees, and many are on different boards of companies here in Fort Walton Beach. They also have families and other involvements making us very active in the community. My CFO, Matt Turpin, is the Chair of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber this year,
helping other people become successful to be “ Ithefind most rewarding aspect of the job.” 348 MIRACLE STRIP PARKWAY, SUITE 37 | FORT WALTON BEACH | (850) 362-6488 | BOEFWB.COM
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Bank of England Mortgage, Fort Walton Beach Team
and multiple people here are involved in the Chamber. One advantage of closing with us is lower closing costs for our Veterans. Bank of England Mortgage in FWB has given a total of almost $500,000 back to our military community. WHAT AWARDS/RECOGNITION HAVE YOU RECEIVED? We have been awarded Best of the Emerald Coast Mortgage Lender for five years in a row. We have also won branch excellence awards five years in a row. For the next two years, I will be the incoming Chairman of the Board for the Mental Health Association for Okaloosa and Walton County.
HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS? By helping the people I employ find their own levels of success. I find helping other people become successful to be the most rewarding aspect of the job. Our company’s success lies in our 30 employees and four branches in Fort Walton Beach, Atlanta, San Antonio and Madison, Alabama. In this business, for a branch to reach $100 million is a pretty big accomplishment, and this will be my first year reaching $100 million in mortgages in a single year. WHAT IS THE MISSION OF YOUR COMPANY? To help our realtor referral partners be more successful by helping their buyers close loans faster, smoother and quicker.
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD? I’m extremely excited about the future. The economy is great, and people are excited about mortgages again. I hope to increase from four to 10 branches in the next 12-18 months. I also hope to grow from $100 million to $250 million per year in mortgages. WHAT DO YOU HOPE CUSTOMERS GAIN FROM INTERACTING WITH YOUR COMPANY? I ask my loan officers to strive to be in constant communication with their realtor partners. We hope that through this communication, we gain their trust and their business.
348 MIRACLE STRIP PARKWAY, SUITE 37 | FORT WALTON BEACH | (850) 362-6488 | BOEFWB.COM Michael Castleberry is not a loan originator. Bank of England Mortgage is a division of Bank of England. NMLS 418481. Member FDIC. EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
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TRUSTMARK
JOHN SUMRALL, REGIONAL PRESIDENT - FLORIDA MARKET
WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE? Trustmark is a financial services company with over 200 locations in Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas. We provide retail and business checking, savings, certificates of deposit, credit cards, consumer loans and business loans. We also offer residential and commercial construction loans. We are one of the Emerald Coast’s leading mortgage providers. Our cash management offerings are best in class and can be custom fit to the needs of small businesses or the largest publicly traded company. We offer investment management and provide a broad array of wealth management strategies, including financial planning, portfolio management, trust and custodial services through our Tailored Wealth division. We also are one of the leading commercial insurance providers in the Panhandle through our wholly owned subsidiary, Fisher Brown Bottrell Insurance.* WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO MAKE ON THE COMMUNITY? We are committed to the economic success of the Emerald Coast, whether it’s providing a small business capital through an equipment loan to expand, arranging a mortgage for a family to buy their first home, implementing an investment plan that helps someone live their retirement dreams, or simply a safe place to keep their hard-earned money. We take that responsibility seriously and know if we do our jobs well, the community is strengthened and continues to be the kind of place people want to move to, retire to, raise their kids in and go to operate a business.
WHAT AWARDS/RECOGNITION HAVE YOU RECEIVED? Trustmark recognizes our individual markets and branches annually. For 2018, I was fortunate to have Okaloosa/Walton County and Bay County finish No. 1 and No. 6 overall within our company, respectively. Six of our branches were recognized in the top 25%, with four of those finishing in the top 10%. The most satisfying achievements are team awards. When you are younger, you may think differently. Perhaps we all have a tendency to focus on ourselves until we
get comfortable with who we are and our values. The various measurements that determined those rankings mean that a lot of the people in our community chose to do business with Trustmark. WHAT SETS YOUR COMPANY APART? We are committed to our clients’ success. We genuinely believe in helping our customers win financially. We are dedicated to a community-banking model that allows us to be highly attuned to local needs, and therefore, we customize our approach to best fit each market.
“ We are committed to our clients’ success.” (800) 243-2524 | TRUSTMARK.COM *Tailored Wealth and Risk Services products are: Not FDIC Insured | Not Bank Guaranteed | Subject to Loss in Value | Not Bank Deposits | Not Insured by any Federal Government Agency
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SUZANNE VICKERS CONSTRUCTION INC. SUZANNE VICKERS, OWNER
WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE? We are custom homebuilders that focus on residential and commercial new construction. Due to Hurricane Michael, we have started renovation projects to help families return to their homes.
WHAT IS THE MISSION OF YOUR COMPANY? Suzanne Vickers Construction combines quality construction with attention to detail and personal supervision to create a streamlined design-build experience for our clients. WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO MAKE ON THE COMMUNITY? Our goal is to build long-lasting beautiful homes that add value to the community, as well as build relationships that support our local charities. HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS? Success is when we exceed our client’s expectations by providing a home tailored to their specific lifestyle. WHAT DO YOU HOPE CUSTOMERS GAIN FROM WORKING WITH YOUR COMPANY? I want to change the perception of building by taking stress out of the process. Our clients deserve to enjoy the adventure of creating their home.
PHOTO BY HEATHER CULLEN
WHAT SETS YOUR COMPANY APART? Being that I am a designer and female contractor, I approach each project with sophistication and mingle that with the knowledge of what a family needs for everyday living — from raising children to entertaining guests to maintaining organized spaces.
I approach each project with “ ...sophistication and mingle that
with the knowledge of what a family needs for everyday living ...”
MY PARENTS, DON AND MARGARET MILLER, started the company in 1986. In 1998, I joined the company. It was only supposed to be temporary, but I enjoyed it so much that I stayed. In 2016, when my dad began talking about retirement, I became a licensed contractor alongside my husband, Jim. In April of 2017, my dad retired. Jim and I bought Don Miller Construction, Inc. and changed the name. Our company is composed of Jim and myself with hopes of our boys, James and Brad, joining us in the future. I’m so grateful for my parent’s commitment and the legacy they have built.
CALL (850) 265-8332 FOR MORE INFORMATION
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COUNTS REAL ESTATE GROUP, INC. STEVE COUNTS, OWNER & BROKER
WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE? We are a general real estate brokerage offering commercial, residential, land sales and development. I opened Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. in 2006, and we have grown to include four offices and almost 150 agents. WHAT SETS YOUR COMPANY APART? Our philosophy from the beginning has been to concentrate on supporting our agents so they can do the best job for our customers. We focus more on our agents and customers — and less on the bottom line. HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS? There’s a million ways to define success. For some it might be financial status, others it is education level or qualifications. For me, doing the best I can and knowing I tried my hardest — win, lose or draw. WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD? The sky is the limit. There’s nothing holding any of us back, and growth opportunities are endless. Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. has continued to grow year after year, and it all boils down to our people. Real estate is all about relationships and knowledge, and we have the best of the best. WHAT DEFINES YOUR WORK ETHIC? Driven. A lot of blood, sweat and tears and even more sleepless nights went into the creation of our company. Never take no
for an answer; always assume there is a way to work around it to get to yes. Focus, focus and focus some more. Set goals every year, month, week and day. If you achieve the daily goal, you are guaranteed to achieve the annual goal. WHAT ARE SOME GOALS YOU HAVE? First is always a happy and healthy family. Second, for business, it is a 25% revenue growth over last year and expanding into new markets.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE CUSTOMERS GAIN FROM WORKING WITH YOUR COMPANY? We hope that our customers become friends and part of the family, so that if an agent retires or moves, the person feels that Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. is still their company because of how they were treated — from the time they called or walked in the door to the time they moved into their new home. If we put the people first, everything else will fall into place.
hope that our customers become friends and part of the family. “ We If we put the people first, everything else falls into place.”
2104 THOMAS DRIVE | PANAMA CITY BEACH | (850) 249-3615 | COUNTSREALESTATE.COM
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
DR. ANDREW McALLISTER and DR. DANIEL DAUBE
L-R: DR. MCALLISTER, DR. DAUBE | PHOTO BY KRISTIN GUIN PHOTOGRAPHY
Dr. Andrew McAllister founded the Coastal Plastic Surgery Institute in 2012, and is a general plastic and reconstructive surgeon. He completed a general surgery residency at the SUMMA Health System in the Akron/Cleveland, Ohio area. During his surgical residency training, Dr. McAllister was honored with several awards, followed by completing a challenging fellowship in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. McAllister is highly respected for his accomplishments in breast reconstruction after mastectomy and a wide range of other cosmetic surgery procedures. Dr. Daniel Daube founded Gulf Coast Facial Plastics more than two decades ago. He was born in Compton, California. Dr. Daube graduated from the University of New Mexico’s School of Medicine in the top 10 percent of his class. In 1994, he received his
Board Certification in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. He was Fellowship Trained and Board Certified in Facial Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery from Louisiana State University. Dr. Daube is the region’s only double board certified and fellowship-trained Facial Plastic Surgeon and Otolaryngologist in Northwest Florida, and has a reputation for providing the “Gold Standard” in facelifts and other aesthetic procedures. What happens when two well-trained doctors come together for the common good of the patient? The patient wins! “We believe it was the right answer at the right time for the patient,” said Dr. Daube. “We have one goal — to be able to create a total makeover of the face and body, simultaneously.” “We will be maximizing our time and talents, and at the same time, it’s a smart strategy for the
patient,” added Dr. McAllister. “We wanted to create an experience where the patient requires only one surgery, with me concentrating on the body, and Dr. Daube focusing on the face, which saves time and money for the patient.” Surgeries will be done at a private, personal center: The Surgical Center of Excellence in Panama City. This approach to plastic surgery makes these two doctors unique in the southeast United States. “We wanted to form a powerful and unique team,” said Dr. Daube. The final result? Patients will become more attractive, but have a practical approach to their personal goals by trusting the very capable surgical combination of Drs. Daube and McAllister. Consults provide patients with complete information from both physicians, allowing them to decide the course of action to take moving forward.
“ We wanted to form a powerful and unique team.” GULF COAST FACIAL PLASTICS | TWO HUNDRED DOCTORS DRIVE | PANAMA CITY | (850) 233-7674 WWW.GULFCOASTFACIALPLASTICS.COM | WWW.COASTALPLASTICSURGERYINSTITUTE.COM
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THE PREMIER PROPERTY GROUP BARBARA SCHOTT, BROKER
WHAT SETS YOUR COMPANY APART? Certainly, our development arm which allows customers to receive first and exclusive previews to new development opportunities, along with our affiliated partners like Leading RE and Luxury Portfolio International, who give us global visibility. Very few companies can say they are true experts of coastal real estate and commercial development, marketing and sales. A consistent thread amongst all of our teams is the approachable and professional culture. HOW DID YOU GET INTO THIS BUSINESS? My previous work experience was working with large institutional investors in an asset management or fee manager role. When I moved to the beach, I knew that I wanted to experience a different aspect of the real estate business — that being resort real estate sales. I first became associated with Arvida, a St. Joe Company. I have been associated with The Premier Property Group for the last seven years. WHAT IS THE MISSION OF YOUR COMPANY? To represent and serve our customers and community with excellence, professionalism and honesty. We are quintessentially local but strive to maintain and leverage our global reach. HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS? Bringing together buyers and sellers to create a win-win for both parties. WHAT DEFINES YOUR WORK ETHIC? Honesty, integrity and accountability to agents, customers and the public.
integrity and “ Honesty, accountability to agents,
customers and the public. ”
THE PREMIER GROUP consists of three Pillars of Excellence — Premier Development Group, The Premier Property Group and Premier Commercial Group. The Premier Development Group, a leading developer on the Gulf Coast, has six developments in various stages representing over $100 million in new product offerings, to which their customers and agents will have priority access. The Premier Property Group is a fresh, dynamic firm with a strong presence in the Emerald Coast real estate market. The Premier Commercial Group provides all aspects of commercial real estate, from leasing to buying to selling.
10343 E. COUNTY HIGHWAY 30A, SUITE 105 | SEACREST BEACH | (850) 213-5000 | B.SCHOTT@ATT.NET | THEPREMIERPROPERTYGROUP.COM
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GALATI YACHT SALES JIM AZZOLINI, PROFESSIONAL YACHT BROKER
mission of the company is to exceed customer expectations “ The every day by creating the best buying experience possible coupled with the best service — even after the sale. ”
WHAT IS SOME BACKGROUND/HISTORY ON THE COMPANY? Galati is a family-owned-and-operated company that has been in business for 50 years. We started out originally with one location specializing in service only. It was not until years later that we got into sales and added 11 locations worldwide. WHAT SETS GALATI APART? A dynamic background of global professionals at every level of the sale, delivery and servicing process. We also have amazing sales support and an incredible service department.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO THIS BUSINESS? I started building sport fishing yachts for Viking Yacht Company on the factory production line right out of college at each level of construction, from hull lamination to interior/exterior finish. I made them and got them ready for delivery. WHAT AWARDS/ RECOGNITION HAVE YOU RECEIVED? Ultimately the best recognition that I can receive is earning my customers’ confidence and the likelihood of future referrals from them. Regarding the awards, I was fortunate that in 2018, I was awarded Top
Salesman, Top New Viking Salesman, Top Brokerage and Top Princess Salesman. In 2016, Top New Viking Salesman, Top Brokerage and Top Salesman. In 2014, Top Salesman and Top Viking Sales. In 2013, Top Salesman and Top New Viking Sales. In 2008, Top Brokerage Sales and Top New Viking Sales. The Galati organization has won Top 100 Dealers from 2007–2018. WHAT IS THE MISSION OF THE COMPANY? To create the best buying experience possible coupled with the best service — even after the sale. To try to exceed customer expectations every day.
HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS? By learning from each and every customer and selling experience — and by improving each time. I feel you can never stop learning and improving. WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD? Doing my best to take care of existing customers and looking forward to meeting new ones that I can build relationships with for years to come, and sharing that with my own family. WHAT DO YOU HOPE CUSTOMERS GAIN FROM WORKING WITH YOU? That they feel they have become part of the Galati family.
126 HARBOR BLVD | DESTIN | (850) 654-1575 | GALATIYACHTS.COM
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RESORTQUEST BY WYNDHAM VACATION RENTALS EMMA KOEN, OPERATIONS MANAGER
IN THE WORLD OF VACATION RENTALS, the guest experience is critical. From the very beginning, when a vacation is just a twinkle in their eye, the guest embarks on a journey, and ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals is there to make it one for the books. How do they do it? While there are many factors involved to curate the dream vacation, the guest’s initial excitement starts when they book their “home away from home,” and ResortQuest has their owners to thank for that. ResortQuest is comprised of dedicated hospitality professionals who handle the many facets of the business, with a key one being the relationships they foster with their owners. Emma Koen, Operations Manager, has been in the hospitality business for nearly a decade, devoting her most recent four years to ResortQuest. “It’s critical to build relationships with our owners because, just like any mutually beneficial business relationship, there has to be trust,” said Koen. “By getting to know the owner, you can customize your service to them. Plus, it’s fun to get to know them, just like you would if you made a new friend. If they mention they love wine or that they are expecting a grandchild, I show them I’m listening by having a bottle of wine ready for when they visit, or by sending a congratulations card for the new addition to their family — the little things.” When it comes to owners, ResortQuest understands that no two owners are the same. They all have a goal for their property, and whatever that goal is, ResortQuest is there to help make it happen. “We have lots of owners who have been with us for a very long time, and I think that speaks volumes of our staff and our business culture,” said Koen. “When I found hospitality in a part time job at a hotel nearly a decade ago, I knew immediately this is what I wanted to do as a career. And I see that passion and dedication to our guests and owners every day in my peers at ResortQuest.”
critical to build relationships with our owners because, just like “ It’s any mutually beneficial business relationship, there has to be trust.” (877) 234-8822 | JOINRQ.COM
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ARCHITECTURAL & DESIGN ELEMENTS MIKE GLASS AND MICHAEL WEAVER, PRINCIPALS
MIKE GLASS WORKED IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY for 30 years before joining forces with Michael Weaver, who has worked for over 28 years in the flooring business, from manufacturing to distribution. With years of combined expertise, they opened a showroom and warehouse that is a one-stop source for residential and commercial projects. The Santa Rosa Beach location offers the interior design community and end users with exclusive, state-of-the-art flooring and wall products. Whether you desire an updated master bath, a sleek new kitchen or an outdoor living area complete with a pool, Architectural & Design Elements sells on-trend and quality products. “We would like to become the go-to business in 30A for all of your interior and exterior custom spaces, because you don’t have to hire six different contractors. We can do it all,” said Weaver. Getting the project, no matter how big or small, completed on time and within budget is one of their utmost priorities. The new designer showroom is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They also feature a scanning system that provides detailed product information, simply by scanning a small label. Their goal as a company is to work with clients to accomplish the best project available. It’s essential to Glass and Weaver that product education is promoted alongside their work to produce the best possible interior or exterior projects. “It’s not always about the sale,” said Glass. “It’s about people being happy and recommending our services. Our goal is to be No. 1 in customer service. We hope to provide knowledge and trust. To have that level of comfort with a client is what we strive for.”
Michael Weaver & Mike Glass
we work hard to ensure the best “ Ifproducts are selected for the right project, then we have done our job for our client, as we take service personally.” - Mike Glass
When designing an interior or exterior space, the possibilities should be thrilling. With a lot of decisions to make, you should also feel comfortable during the process and educated in your choices. Architectural & Design Elements began in 2016 with the mission of embodying a one-stop shop — from conception to completion — while ensuring unique products, exemplary customer service and product knowledge. “Our proudest moment has been opening this business,” said principals Michael Weaver and Mike Glass. “We have owned other companies, but this is the one that we have always been passionate about.”
(850) 622-0246 | 181 LYNN DRIVE, SUITE A | SANTA ROSA BEACHA | ADESRB.COM
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SAVE THE DATE
OCTOBER 19
PHOTOS BY LAWRENCE DAVIDSON (PINNACLE AWARDS), JIM CLARK (BEST OF EC) AND COURTESY OF FLORIDA CHAPTER AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION AND EGGS ON THE BEACH
BEST of the EMERALD COAST
Taste, sip and experience the Best of the Emerald Coast at our 20th annual event, which showcases the businesses that our community awarded with “Best of” honors. The public is invited to Grand Boulevard at Sandestin for an evening of food, fun, fashion and entertainment, all to benefit the Junior League of the Emerald Coast. The fun starts at 6 p.m. and lasts until 9 p.m. Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 the week of the event. VIP passes are $100 in advance and $115 the week of the event. Visit EmeraldCoastMagazine.com/best-ofthe-emerald-coast/ to purchase tickets or for more information.
REGIONAL
AUG/SEPT 2019 For more events in the EC, visit EmeraldCoastMagazine.com and 850tix.com. compiled by JAVIS OGDEN and REBECCA PADGETT
SEPTEMBER 28 | OCTOBER 5 | NOVEMBER 9
FLORIDA CHAPTER AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION | REGIONAL HEART WALKS
→ The Florida chapter of the American Heart Association will host three Heart Walks this fall, each with a focus on improving cardiovascular health. The Okaloosa Walton Heart Walk will take place Sept. 28 at Northwest Florida State College for Okaloosa and Walton counties. The Northwest Florida Heart Walk will be Oct. 5 at Seville Square for Pensacola and the surrounding areas. The Bay County Heart Walk is scheduled for Nov. 9 at St. Andrews State Park. Registration for the Okaloosa Walton, Northwest Florida and Bay County Heart Walks may be made at owheartwalk.org, nwflheartwalk.org and bayheartwalk.org, respectively.
SEPTEMBER 28
EGGS ON THE BEACH
→ The sixth annual Big Green Egg Cooking Competition will be held at Seascape Resort in Miramar Beach, as competitors serve up “eggstraordinary” fare prepared on Big Green Egg smokers/grills. Cook teams will be smoking and grilling their favorite dishes while tasters vote for their favorites. Attendees can taste samples from 30 cook teams, enjoy live music and the ENCO Sports Zone, take part in the Knob Creek craft cocktail tasting seminar, enter a charity drawing and more. Proceeds benefit the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast and Food for Thought.
AUGUST 21
Pinnacle Awards 2019
→ 850 Business Magazine’s sixth annual Pinnacle Awards luncheon will honor 11 community-minded professional women from throughout an 18-county region of Northwest Florida. Join us at the Holley Academic Center at Florida State University Panama City as we salute the 2019 class of honorees. Karen Moore, a past honoree and founder/CEO of Moore Inc., a leading communications agency, will address the luncheon as keynote speaker. For more information, visit 850businessmagazine.com/pinnacle-awards.
Karen Moore
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calendar SAVE THE DATE
AUG/SEPT 2019
OCTOBER 26–27
Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation → Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation’s Festival of the Arts, one of the Southeast’s premier festivals, showcases over 100 artists from across the U.S. The festival is a celebration of art, music, food, family fun and features live music, a food bistro, wine and beer garden, art activities for kids, merchandise and more. The festival will be held at the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village. For more information visit MattieKellyArtsFoundation.org.
SAVE THE DATE
OCTOBER 4-6
DESTIN SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
We are proud to partner with L’Oreal Professional specializing in the French Balayage Technique.
→ Join us for three days of delicious food, unique arts and crafts vendors plus live music and kids activities along the boardwalk at the 41st annual Destin Seafood Festival. This event is free to the public. Find more information, including parking and shuttle services, at DestinSeafoodFestival.com.
REGIONAL
SUMMER 2019
Wakulla County Tourism Development Council Tropical Trader Shrimp Company
Beautiful guest of Pure & Couture with a Balayage/Style by stylist Ariana
36150 Emerald Coast Parkway | Destin | City Market Beachside (850) 424-3935 | PureAndCouture.com
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→ Located near the foot of the Ochlockonee Bay Bridge, Tropical Trader Shrimp Company is the only Wakulla County seafood market that also features a restaurant that will prepare your seafood purchase on-site. The seafood market, which has its own fleet of boats and catches most of its seafood locally, specializes in fresh shrimp, tuna, flounder, blue crabs, crawfish and oysters by the bushel, half-bushel, pint or dozen.
PCB SUMMER CONCERT SERIES AUG. 1, 8, 15, 22 The lazy, hazy days of summer are made for music, and the Summer Concert Series has become a beloved activity in Panama City Beach. Enjoy a free concert in the park every Thursday at Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater — bring your lawn chairs and blankets. visitpanamacitybeach.com/ events/concerts
MAMA MIA! AUG. 2-18 Pensacola Little Theatre presents this hit musical featuring the music of ABBA. Donna, an independent hotelier in the Greek Islands, is preparing for her daughter’s wedding with the help of two old friends. Meanwhile Sophie, the bride, has secretly invited three men from her mother’s past in hopes of meeting her real father and having him escort her down the aisle.
PHOTOS BY DBVIRAGO / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS (SHRIMP) AND COURTESY OF MKAF, DESTIN SEAFOOD FESTIVAL AND PEPSI GULF COAST JAM
pensacolalittletheatre.com
BANDS ON THE BEACH AUG. 6, 13, 20, 27 SEP. 3, 10, 17, 24 Pensacola Beach’s popular outdoor summer concert series, Bands on the Beach, features a lineup of performers sure to satisfy every musical taste. Make plans to visit the beautiful Gulfside Pavilion overlooking the Gulf of Mexico for hot music, smooth grooves and good times. visitpensacolabeach.com/whatshappening-bands-on-beach
Destin and features a Kids' Fun Paddle, 1-Mile Beginner Ride, 3-Mile Recreational Race and 6-Mile Elite Race. Awards will follow the races. paddleguru.com/races/8thAnn ualPaddleatthePorchSponsored byDestinER
BAYTOWNE WHARF ART WALK AUG. 30-SEPT. 1 The Village of Baytowne Wharf supplied a weekend good for the art and soul. Exceptional artists featured, whose work hangs in leading galleries across the Southeast, will gather at the Village Events Plaza for this three-day festival featuring the best of the best in the world of art. sandestin.com/events/detail/ baytowne-wharf-art-walk-2
LABOR DAY CONCERT CELEBRATION AUG. 31 Want to spend your Labor Day weekend listening to some great live music and watching fireworks? If yes, then attend the Labor Day Concert Celebration at HarborWalk Village. emeraldgrande.com/ harborwalk-village
GULF COAST SUMMER FEST JAZZ EDITION AUG. 31–SEPT. 1 An impressive lineup of jazz musicians will headline the fourth annual Gulf Coast Summerfest Jazz Edition at Pensacola’s Maritime Park. Bring your beach chairs, umbrellas and coolers, and enjoy a variety of live jazz performances at this beautiful venue on Pensacola Bay.
PADDLE AT THE PORCH
gulfcoastsummerfestjazzedition.com
AUG. 17
SANDESTIN TRIATHLON
PPaddle at the Porch, a stand-up paddle board race event, takes place behind the Back Porch Seafood & Oyster Bar in
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
SEPT. 7 The annual Sandestin Triathlon is expected to attract more than
700 participants who will compete in an endurance test involving a half-mile Gulf of Mexico swim, a 20-mile bike along the coast and a 4-mile run through Sandestin’s beach and bayside community. sandestin.com/registration
TOAST OF THE COAST: HISTORIC FOODS OF PENSACOLA SEPT. 19 The 7th Annual Toast of the Coast events at The Fish House will highlight “Southern Traditions.” Each event in the series will feature a hands-on demonstration from a pro or a local with cool stories to share, along with fantastic food and beverage pairings. greatsouthernrestaurants.com/ catering-events/
FIVE WOMEN WEARING THE SAME DRESS
PEPSI GULF COAST JAM AUG. 30-SEPT. 1 Watch chart-topping country music stars such as Tim McGraw, Jason Aldean and Kid Rock while enjoying the sea breeze at Frank Brown Park. Country takes over the coast during this three-day festival featuring some of the genre’s biggest acts. gulfcoastjam.com International and The Children’s Neighborhood.
touch with your artistic side at a crafting booth.
SEPT. 20-29
emeraldcoasthomeshow.com
pensacolaseafoodfestival.com
Pensacola Little Theatre presents Alan Ball’s hilarious comedy. Five very different bridesmaids find themselves hiding together in an upstairs bedroom, hoping to escape the wedding reception of a bride that they soon realize none of them really likes. They laugh, cry, argue, console one another and slowly become friends.
2019 VETTES AT THE BEACH
ST. ROSE OF LIMA INTERNATIONAL FALL FESTIVAL
pensacolalittletheatre.com
EMERALD COAST HOME AND BOAT SHOW SEPT. 21-22 Attend the biggest and best home and boat show in the region featuring 120 indoor vendors and 30,000 square feet of outdoor space. There will be over $20,000 in giveaways and door prizes. All proceeds will benefit Homes for Heroes, Special Olympics Florida, Kiwanis
Details of listings can change at the last minute. Please call ahead of time to confirm.
SEPT. 27-28 View over 300 sleek Corvettes from all over the country at a weekend of car fanatic fun presented by the Miracle Strip Corvette Club. Thirty-one trophies will be awarded in various categories, and many vendors will be on hand at the Casino Beach parking lot in Pensacola. miraclestripcorvette.com
PENSACOLA SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
SEPT. 27-29 Enjoy a fall festival with activities galore, especially where international foods are involved. Sample Polish, Italian, Filipino and Cajun cuisine, barbecue and more. Other experiences include a 5K run/walk, live entertainment, raffles, games, vendors, indoor bingo, farmers market and arts and crafts. It all takes place at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Milton. srolparish.org
SEPT. 27-29
DANE COOK
Taste, touch, listen and see all the offerings of Pensacola from fresh seafood to live music to arts and crafts for all. Sample scrumptious bites from a variety of vendors, listen to music from talented acts and get in
SEPT. 28 Actor and comedian Dane Cook returns to the Pensacola Saenger Theatre stage with the “Tell It Like It Is Tour,” his first full-scale stand-up tour since 2013. pensacolasaenger.com
HAVE AN EVENT YOU’D LIKE US TO CONSIDER? Send an email to ec-calendar@rowlandpublishing.com.
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PROMOTION
SOCIAL STUDIES Emerald Coast Art Issue Pop-Up Party MAY 16 Jewelers, photographers and artists alike celebrated Art Month South Walton at the Emerald Coast Magazine Art Issue Pop-Up Party. Three magnificent yachts, provided by Galati Yacht Sales and docked at the Sandestin Marina, each hosted a different art experience for patrons to enjoy while they sipped on libations and tasted bites from a variety of local vendors. Live music, readings, sculptures and Digital Graffiti projections were scattered throughout the party and immersed the venue in expressions.
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PHOTOS BY RHONDA MURRAY AND ALISSA ARYN GREER COMMERICAL PHOTOGRAPHY
1 Myra and Mike Williams 2 Dan and Rileigh Parker 3 Tim Krueger and Jill Cadenhead 4 Levin and Jessica Bracken with Susan Shaw and Vic Prawdzik 5 Drew Hill, Maria Galati Hill with Jennifer and and Joe Galati
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6 David Hester, McKenzie Burleigh, Levin and Jessica Bracken with Rhonda and James Murray 7 Stanley Simeon and Dennis Caruso 8 Jennifer Ekrut, McKenzie Burleigh, Rhonda Murray, Tracy Mulligan, Daniel Vitter, Darla Harrison and Mac Little
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PROMOTION
SOCIAL STUDIES Sandestin Wine Festival
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APR. 11–14 The 33rd Sandestin Wine Festival, known as the “Kentucky Derby of Wine Festivals,” welcomed over 1,500 guests to Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort to enjoy this four-day event, complete with wine dinners, grand wine tastings showcasing hundreds of domestic and international wines, delicious food pairings, live music and a special Sunday Brunch. The 34th Sandestin Wine Festival is scheduled for April 16-19, 2020.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF LINDSAY STONER
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1 Festival attendees showed up early and were eager to begin sampling the wines at the 2019 Sandestin Wine Festival. 2 Proud vintners display and provide samples of their Eagle Eye Cabernet Franc. 3 Visitors to the 33rd Sandestin Wine Festival were treated to many wine samples from both domestic and international vineyards, including Ferrari Carano Vineyards & Winery from Healdsburg, California. 4 Jon Michael Arnold, Ceara Plant with Heather and Kaleb Morain 5 Wine enthusiasts go all out at the Sandestin Wine Festival, sometimes dressing in themed T-shirts or costumes like the “Wine Drinking Team.”
ArtsQuest MAY 11–12 Held each Mother’s Day weekend and celebrating its 31st year, the ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival — produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County — provided an opportunity to view and purchase original works from over 150 artists from around the country. Guests also experienced live musical entertainment, ImagiNation (where kids rule), student exhibits and great food and beverage options in the Town Center of Grand Boulevard at Sandestin.
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PHOTOS BY SHELLY SWANGER PHOTOGRAPHY AND JIM CLARK
1 Jenna Varney, 2019 South Walton Artist of the Year 2 Donald and Cortney Reeder, Cheri and Bob Peebles with Gracyn and Avery Reeder 3 Kim Polakoff, Jennifer Jones with Elliott and Meredith Knight 4 Krista Vind and Robin Wiesneth
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SOCIAL STUDIES Digital Graffiti MAY 17–18 After wrapping up the 12th annual international projection festival at Alys Beach, Digital Graffiti announced its winners — including “Best of Show,” “Curators Choice” and three commendatory “Special Recognition” awards. The festival, sponsored by Christie, welcomed 30 local, national and international artists to the Scenic Highway 30A in South Walton County to showcase original digital artwork on the iconic white walls of the Alys Beach community. Winning the highest honor “Best of Show” was Ian Gouldstone of London with his piece with his piece “Wanton Boys.”
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PHOTOS BY KURT LISCHKA
1 “Emoji and pixel” by Kazuki Ozon, Daichi Saito, Chihiro Noguchi and Kai Naito 2 The Caliza Pool deck with VR by SCAD and DJ Dave 3 “Right + Left” at Lake Marilyn, a piece by residency artist and 2018 Best in Show winner Jes Van Zee with AOA 4 “Reaction” by Ruxandra Mitache, located on the Pedestrian path at Alys Beach
Sacred Heart Foundation Emerald Ball
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MAY 18 The Sacred Heart Foundation rolled out the green carpet for the inaugural Emerald Ball at Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. More than 300 guests attended the blacktie gala, which was presented by the St. Joe Community Foundation, the Howard Group and the Alys Foundation. The event benefited the expansion of the Comprehensive Spine Program at Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAND, AIR, AND SEA PRODUCTIONS
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1 Dr. Gary Pablo and Cindy Pablo with BJ and Michael Fontaine 2 Leyna Muskovin, Melissa Saporitto, Tiffany Lynch, Skye Johnston, Alyssa Johnston, Haylie Scarpitto, Cindy Price, Haley Becnel, Katie Robinson and Dr. Aaron Creek 3 Emily Ioakim, Trisha Wiscombe, Christy Rizza, Janet Piepul, Lisa Wainwright, Adrienne Maygarden, Jennifer Saba, Amber Lewis, Krista Allen and Kathi Wray 4 Daniel and Jamie Grant
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Performance & Recovery TAKEFLIGHT The Emerald Coast Igloo - Safe and Nitrogen-Free Cryotherapy WITH NORTHWEST FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE
Fall Semester begins August 19.
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(850) 678 - 5111 | WWW.NWFSC.EDU Located in City Market Bayside NORTHWEST FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE IS ACCREDITED BY THE SOUTHERN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS4495 COMMISSION ON COLLEGES. WWW.SACSCOC.ORG Furling Lane l Suite 10ORl404.679.4500. Destin NORTHWEST FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE IS COMMITTED TO EQUAL ACCESS/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IN ITS PROGRAMS, ACTIVITIES, FORmemberships ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.NWFSC.EDU. A AND la EMPLOYMENT. carte and available FOR INFORMATION REGARDING GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT, PLEASE VISIT WWW.NWFSC.EDU/ACADEMICS/GAINFUL-EMPLOYMENT. 850-279-4145 l cryo850.com MATERIALES DE LA UNIVERSIDAD SON DISPONIBLES EN ESPAÑOLA LLAMANDO A LA OFICINA DE ADMISIONES DE NORTHWEST FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE AL 850-678-5111.
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Staying
Pharmaceuticals Built
for
Engaged
You
DR. JEFF LIVINGSTON PUSHES AND PULLS FOR PARKINSON’S SUFFERERS
because you are unique ...
story by STEVE BORNHOFT photography by MICHAEL BOOINI
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Regina Jaquess, PharmD 10 time World Water Ski Champion
Pharmaceutical compounding allows for your medical provider to offer specialized treatment. We can formulate your prescriptions to meet your individual needs. Anti-Aging Bio-Identical Hormones Replacement Therapy Thyroid Replacement Therapy Dental
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2016 - 2018
PHARMACY
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ONE MIGHT EXPECT THAT A PHYSICIAN, UPON RECEIVING A
serious diagnosis, would immediately set about studying his affliction, treatments, sources of relief from symptoms, the status of research seeking a cure. Nineteen years ago, Dr. Jeff Livingston was troubled by a tremor in his right hand. He consulted a neurologist and, at age 35, learned that he had Parkinson’s Disease, unusual in a person that young. The diagnosis was devastating and, in response, Livingston, for a time, counter to what you might think, did … nothing. “About all I knew was that life expectancy following diagnosis was typically 10 years,” Livingston said in the course of an interview conducted at his Panama City Beach home. “I was not a good patient. I didn’t do any reading. I accepted the diagnosis. And, I ignored it. I hoped it would go away.” Eventually, however, that inactivity would be replaced by an old friend: exercise.
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After the 2018 event, CrossFit flew Jeff, Lisa and their oldest son, Jack, to California, and Jeff received his Level I coaching certificate. CrossFit founder Glassman treated the Livingstons to dinner at his house in Watsonville, near San Jose. Livingston was pleased to hear this year from an English woman with Parkinson’s who said she was inspired to visit a CrossFit box after watching a FoxWOD video. “That made me feel very good,” he said. He hesitated not one second when asked what advice he would give people newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s. “Become engaged,” he said. “Ask a lot of questions. Research what you’re up against. Don’t isolate. We are all social animals, and we don’t do well on our own.” All three of Lisa and Jeff Livingston’s children were born after he received his diagnosis. Jack is a jazz musician and also does CrossFit. Nick is an accomplished gymnast and kid sister Mattie Lou, 12 at this writing, loves hip-hop and ballroom dancing. “Parkinson’s has always been a part of their lives,” Livingston said. “They have seen the progression. It’s not a shock. They are understanding and supportive.” The family adheres as a group to a healthy diet: meats and vegetables, nuts and seeds, some fruit, a little starch, no sugar. Well, maybe the occasional doughnut. It may be illuminating about Jeff Livingston to know that he once received two live chickens as a Christmas gift at a party he threw for his office staff. The gift, surely, was a presumptuous one and Livingston was given initially to a “Who does that?” reaction. But Livingston did not re-gift the chickens. He decided instead to give chicken husbandry a try. Today, the family eats a lot of eggs. On the day of the interview, the Livingstons had eight chickens roaming their backyard — and occasionally dodging owls and hawks — and seven chicks that were beginning to escape a makeshift pen inside their home. Nineteen years ago, Jeff Livingston received terrible news. He was given initially to a “Why me?” reaction. But he got past that. Today, he is not retreating, but continuing to advance, to try new things, to set personal records in the CrossFit box. His prescription might work well for all. Stay engaged. Throw some weight around. When times are troubled, raise a bird and carry on. EC
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Restaurant Spotlight
Seagar’s Steaks & Seafood Unveils Summer Menu
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or a private event, family dinner or romantic evening for two, visit Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood — the area’s only AAA Four-Diamond steakhouse. Located within Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, this renowned New York-style steakhouse brings traditional elegance back to the fine-dining experience. Indulge in a delicious meal, and surround yourself with the luxurious wood furnishings, cozy fireplace and live piano entertainment. The restaurant is open to hotel guests, visitors and locals alike. Diners enjoy captain service, private dining areas, sommelier service and tableside preparation of items — including the restaurant’s famous Caesar Salad for Two. Seagar’s was voted “Best Fine Dining Restaurant” and “Best Romantic Restaurant” by Emerald Coast Magazine readers, and we couldn’t agree more. Other accolades include the Distinguished Restaurants of America Award of Excellence and Open Table Diner’s Choice Award. This summer, experience a taste of the good life at
Seagar’s. The menu features classic steak dishes and an array of delicious local entrees, such as Seared Diver Scallops and grilled Gulf shrimp. New seasonal desserts include Flavors of Summer, topped with mango sorbet, and the Chocolate Bomb, accompanied by hazelnut shortbread and raspberries. But Seagar’s is more than just what’s on your plate. Fill your glass with a selection from the restaurant’s awardwinning wine list. Full of the finest Burgundies, Bordeaux and more, the list has repeatedly garnered Wine Spectator’s “Best of Award of Excellence,” cementing the restaurant’s place as one of the finest on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The professionally curated wine list perfectly complements your meal — from the Anderson Valley Champagne to the Domaine Matrot Pinot Noir. You and your guests will be able to sample wines from around the world without ever leaving your table. Seagar’s offers an elegant, one-of-a-kind fine dining opportunity. Treat yourself to a taste of Seagar’s this summer.
SEAGAR’S PRIME STEAKS & SEAFOOD 4000 S. SANDESTIN BLVD, MIRAMAR BEACH | 850.622.1500 | SEAGARS.COM
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Restaurant Spotlight
Marlin Grill Side items are served family style, giving guests the opportunity to share and try a variety of dishes. All sauces, dressings and side items are made in-house, as is the ever-changing daily dessert menu. The perfect spot for an intimate meal or a night shared among friends, Marlin Grill offers a fine dining experience, as well as a more casual experience in the bar and lounge area. Located in the epicenter of The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Marlin
Grill’s expansive veranda overlooks the event green and concert stage for a perfect dining experience while enjoying the sights and sounds of the exciting Village activity. Locals and visitors alike flock to Marlin Grill for their crisp martinis and local seafood. A special local’s secret is to ask your server about the “Marlin Grill Medley,” featuring a four-ounce portion of Pepper-Crusted Seared Tuna, Grilled Mahi-Mahi and Pan Sautéed Grouper
topped with Lump Crabmeat and Shrimp. This item is not on the menu and only available at certain times of year. Marlin Grill is open nightly at 5 p.m. for dinner and is the ideal spot for large parties, special occasions and Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday dinners. The upstairs of Marlin Grill is available for private events and can seat approximately 50 guests. Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling (850) 351-1990.
MARLIN GRILL 9100 BAYTOWNE WHARF BLVD, MIRAMAR BEACH (850) 351-1990 | MARLINGRILL.COM
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PHOTOS BY PROFITT PR
Locally owned and operated, Marlin Grill has long been noted for their culinary talents and award-winning wine list, not to mention being recognized as the Best Place for a Date, Best Martini and Best Romantic/Special Occasion Restaurant by the readers of Emerald Coast Magazine. Marlin Grill proudly serves Gulf-fresh seafood, brought in daily to the restaurant from local seafood market Destin Ice. Their 28-day, dry-aged steaks are cooked over a wood-burning grill, giving the steaks a unique smoky flavor compared to other local restaurants.
SEE IT. TASTE IT. SIP IT. ONE TICKET, ONE NIGHT, ALL THE BEST.
CELEBRATING
20 YEARS
OCTOBER 19
Grand Boulevard at Sandestin® 6:00 PM TO
9:00 PM
Come sample the wares of premier businesses that readers named Best of the Emerald Coast for 2019. Winners will show off their products and services in this 20th annual extravaganza featuring the Emerald Coast’s best food, fashion, boats, gear, live entertainment and more.
TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE: ADVANCE: $40 GENERAL / $100 VIP WEEK OF: $50 GENERAL / $115 VIP
EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM/BESTOFEC #BESTOFEC B E N E F I TTI N G
S P ON S OR E D BY
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PHOTO BY KURT LISCHKA, MOON CREEK STUDIOS
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Restaurant Spotlight
Airstream Row Frost Bites was the first of its kind, serving happy customers since 1994. Offering a variety of fun creations like the Piggly Wiggly, a stuffed shave ice with custard on the bottom and cream on the top, Frost Bites also sells sugarfree flavors in addition to scrumptious add-on toppings. “Wild Bill’s Beach Dogs are dogs gone good,” says owner Heavenly Dawson of the Airstream aptly named after her husband, Bill. Everything made is natural-ingredient driven, including her family recipe for the chili that is topping her Let’s Be Frank brand chilidog. The newest addition to Airstream Row is Crêpes du Soleil, specializing in sweet and savory crepes, which opened
in August 2018. The menu features traditional crepes, including Crepes Suzette, a French dessert crepe served with a sauce of caramelized sugar, butter, orange zest, brandy and Grand Marnier. Jay Eichelberger, co-owner of Crêpes du Soleil, has spent his summers coming to Seaside. His family bought a cottage on Tupelo Street called Limoncello, which served as home base for the carefree and fun summer days of his youth. “I fell in love with Airstream Row, seeing new Airstreams added over the years, and thought one day I’d like to be a part of that,” Jay says. Airstream Row is especially magical at night. As the stringed lights turn
SEASIDEFL.COM
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PHOTO BY MANNY CHAVEZ, SOWAL.COM
in Seaside is famous for its “street theater” as folks line up to enjoy quality barbecue, hot dogs, grilled cheeses, donuts, snow cones and crêpes — all prepared from custom retrofitted Airstreams.
on — illuminating a bustling mix of pedestrians and pets — it feels like you walked onto a movie setting straight off the Gulf of Mexico.
PROMOTION
850 TIX
FALL EVENTS
F rom festivals and tours to sports and the arts, the event and entertainment choices are endless. For more events in the 850 area, visit 850Tix.com.
PHOTOS BY LAWRENCE DAVIDSON (PINNACLE AWARDS) AND COURTESY OF THE HIVE CREATIVE CONSULTING (CONTRACTORS CONNECT), HEARTOFBLUEGRASS.ORG AND BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF THE EMERALD COAST
2018 RECIPIENTS
21
PANAMA CITY
Pinnacle Awards
The Pinnacle Awards spotlight leading women in business who hold themselves to high standards and contribute to the betterment of the community.Ten outstanding women from an 18-county region of Northwest Florida are selected from nominations and honored at the annual Pinnacle Awards, presented by 850: The Business Magazine of Northwest Florida.
AUG
14
TALLAHASSEE
Heart of Bluegrass
Join fellow music fans at the Heart of Bluegrass festival, featuring nationally renowned bluegrass performers Kenny and Amanda Smith and The Clay Hess Band. The remainder of the lineup will consist of some of the finest local talent from North Florida and South Georgia. All proceeds go to benefit the Alzheimer's Project music therapy program. Tickets are $20.
SEPT
29 AUG
MIRAMAR BEACH
6th Annual Stake and Burger Dinner with Derrick Brooks
Join the Boys and Girls Club of the Emerald Coast for the 6th Annual Stake & Burger Dinner to benefit the organization from 6–9 p.m. at the Hilton Sandestin Beach. Keynote speaker will be NFL Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks.
03 OCT
DESTIN
Contractors Connect | October Meet Up at AJ's Destin
Make connections with other contractors, subcontractors and specialists in the Emerald Coast construction industry. Each $10 ticket includes first draft beer and light appetizers. All registered guests will be entered to win in multiple giveaways at the event.
LOCAL TICKETS. ONE PLACE. Get tickets to these events now at 850Tix.com. EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
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Restaurant Spotlight
Slick Lips
Seafood & Oyster
FATHER AND SON, GARY AND BRYCE JARVIS, have taken their love of fresh seafood from boat to table in their latest restaurant venture, Slick Lips Seafood & Oyster Bar. As a testament to their 40 years of fishing the local waters, Slick Lips stands at the heart of Baytowne Wharf and welcomes guests to
experience the freshest of nearby flavors. The restaurant, approaching a year since its opening, still has the gleam and glint of something new while brimming with the spirit and soul of old Florida. Its central location invites vacationers and locals alike to enjoy a weeknight meal, spend the weekend at the oyster bar or reserve private dining for a special occasion. The menu will delight sea and land dwellers alike with a plethora of options. Popular menu items include applewood smoked bacon-wrapped amberjack, key lime snapper, the award-winning seafood gumbo and raw or chargrilled oysters. “We specialize in the simplicity of quality products with unique ingredients combined on a plate in a way that every guest will enjoy and appreciate,” said co-owner Bryce Jarvis. “We purchase the freshest local seafood because we want to showcase its quality while giving back to the community.” Slick Lips encourages you to pull up a seat overlooking the bustle of Baytowne. Stop in and savor the seafood that makes this restaurant a sought-after scene.
THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST HIBACHI
HIBACHI
HIBACHI | SUSHI
HIBACHI
18 Hibachi tables | Sushi bar Private dining | Large parties welcome Open daily for lunch and dinner
DESTIN | 34745 Emerald Coast Parkway | 850.650.4688 TALLAHASSEE | 1690 Raymond Diehl Road | 850.531.0222 PANAMA CITY BEACH | 15533 Panama City Beach Parkway | 850.588.8403 OSAKAHIBACHIANDSUSHI.COM
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dining guide 4607 Legendary Marina Drive, Destin. (850) 710-5858. $$ L D
AMERICAN
MAGNOLIA GRILL
THE BEACH HOUSE
Casual, beach-front dining. Open daily 11 am–10 pm. 4009 S. Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach. (850) 267-4800. $$ L D
Steak, seafood, pasta, soups, salads and desserts. Lunch Mon-Fri 11 am–2 pm, dinner Mon–Sat from 5 pm. Closed Sun. 157 SE Brooks St., Fort Walton Beach. (850) 302-0266. $$ L D
BUFFALO’S REEF ★
MARINA BAR AND GRILL ★
Seafood, po’ boys, burgers and salads. Open Sun.–Thur. 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Fri. 11 a.m.– 10 p.m., SAT. 8 a.m.–10 p.m. Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W., Miramar Beach. (850) 267-7778. $ B L D
Hot wings and cold beer. Tues–Sat open at 10:30 am, Sun open at noon. 116 Eglin Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach. (850) 243-9463. $ L D
THE CRAFT BAR ★
Craft brews on tap along with artisan cocktails and elevated bar fare. Open daily 11 am–midnight. 4424 Commons Dr., Destin. Also in Grayton Beach and Pensacola. (850) 460-7907. $$ L D
CUVÉE KITCHEN + WINE BAR ★
MARINA CAFÉ
Gourmet pizzas, Creole and American cuisine. Open daily 5–10 pm. 404 E. Hwy. 98, Destin. (850) 837-7960. $$$ D
NICK’S BOATHOUSE
Classic Italian, French and Asian-inspired dishes. Open daily 5:30–10 pm. 36120 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W., Destin. (850) 460-2909. $$$ D
Serving a wide variety of seafood, steaks and flatbreads by the waterfront. Open daily for lunch and dinner from 11 am–9 pm. 455 W. Main St., Pensacola. (850) 912-8775. $$ L D
DHARMA BLUE
Atmosphere and service match expansive menu including everything from sushi to pork tenderloin. Lunch Sat–Sun 10 am–1 pm. Dinner daily from 5. 300 S Alcaniz St., Pensacola. (850) 433-1275. $$ L D
EVERKRISP ★
Farm-to-table salads, rice bowls and other healthfocused American bites in modern, brick-lined digs. Open daily 10:30 am–9 pm. 4463 Commons Dr. W. #10a, Destin. (850) 460-8881. $$ L D
FIREFLY ★
Fresh Gulf seafood, steak, sushi and signature cocktails. Open daily at 5 p.m. 535 Richard Jackson Blvd., Panama City Beach. (850) 249-3359. $$$ D
PAULA DEEN’S FAMILY KITCHEN
Enjoy classic Southern specialties and comfort food in a relaxed family-centric setting. Open 11 a.m.–10 p.m., 4237 Legendary Drive, Destin, (850) 312-5353. Open 4 p.m.– 10 p.m., 601 Pier Park Drive, Suite 103, Panama City Beach, (850) 312-5354. $$ L D
RESTAURANT PARADIS ★
Seafood, salad, chef specials. Open daily 11 am–midnight. 10859 W. Emerald Coast Pkwy., #103, Miramar Beach. (850) 650-9820. $$ L D
TAILFINS SEAFOOD HOUSE & OYSTER BAR ★
Dinner and dancing, serving barbeque and seafood. Open daily 5–9 pm. The Village of Baytowne Wharf, 136 Fisherman’s Cove, Miramar Beach. (850) 502-4590. $$ D
Best IC
E CREA
M
Fine Chinese cuisine available for dine in, takeout or delivery. Open Mon–Thur 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Fri–Sat 11 am–10:30 pm. 2078 U.S. Highway 98 W., No. 104, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 622-5558. $ L D
OSAKA ★
Known for its sushi but serves a variety of dishes, including chicken, steak and seafood. Lunch 11 am–2:30 pm, dinner 5–10:30 pm. 34845 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin. 850) 650-4688 or (850) 650-4689. $$ L D
LOUISIANA LAGNIAPPE ★
A taste of New Orleans hits the coast through Louisiana-style favorites like shrimp and grits and Cajun seafood gumbo. Open daily from 4 pm. 775 Gulf Shore Dr., Destin. (850) 837-0881. $$ D
SERVING
REAL THAI FUSION RESTAURANT ★
Lucy Buffett’s funky hangout features cocktails, burgers and seafood, plus allergy-friendly menus. Open Sun–Thur 11 am–9 pm, Fri–Sat 11 am–10 pm.
Authentic family-owned restaurant featuring traditional Thai fare and curry. Open Mon–Fri 11 am–3 pm, Sat Noon–9 pm. 12889 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Suite 105-B, Miramar Beach. (850) 837-5344. $$ L D
The restaurants that appear in this guide are included as a service to readers and not as recommendations of the Emerald Coast Magazine editorial department, except where noted.
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
’
JIN JIN 1 ★
JOHN WEHNER’S VILLAGE DOOR BAYFRONT RESTAURANT & NIGHTCLUB ★
B L D
E D AM RICA
ASIAN
Steak, seafood and barbecue. Wed–Fri 11 am– close, Sat–Sun 10 am–close. 172 Harbor Blvd, Destin. (850) 650-1200. $ L D
Emerald Coast 2018 Winner
VO
VIN’TIJ WINE BOUTIQUE & BISTRO ★
Waterfront restaurant serving burgers, salads, seafood and brunch daily. Open Mon–Wed 11 am–9 pm, Thurs–Sat 11 am–10 pm and Sun 10 am–9 pm. 997 S. Palafox St., Pensacola. (850) 432-5226. $$ L D
TE
S
JACO’S BAYFRONT BAR & GRILLE
★ Best of the
850.460.7353 EatMimmos.com
Restaurant and lounge offers rich coastal flavors in its innovative dishes. Open Sun– Thur 5–9 pm, Fri–Sat 5–10 pm. 82 S. Barrett Square, Rosemary Beach. (850) 534-0400. $$$ D Chef-inspired twists on classic dishes. Breakfast, lunch, dinner or cocktail. Open daily 7 am–2 pm. Tiki Bar open noon to sunset. Linkside Conference Center, 158 Sandestin Blvd. N., Miramar Beach. (850) 267-7108. $ B L
Seafood, burgers and sandwiches. Open daily 11 am–3 pm and 5–9 pm. 30 Castle Harbour Dr., Alys Beach. (850) 641-0017. $$ L D
THE KEY
979 US HWY 98 E | Destin (in the 98 Palms Shopping Plaza)
SUNSET BAY CAFÉ ★
GEORGE’S AT ALYS BEACH
LULU’S ★
Mimmo invites you to enjoy and experience traditional authentic Italian cuisine from his hometown of Sicily.
Outdoor Dining Live Music
$ Inexpensive
$$ Moderately
Expensive
$$$ Expensive
Bruster’s of Destin
4655 Gulfstarr Drive EARN POINTS, GET REWARDS!
850-269-2920
Sign up at BrustersSweetRewards.com
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Restaurant Spotlight
Bodacious
Live the Bodacious lifestyle and start and end your day the Bodacious way. Have your morning cup of coffee with friends in our café, enjoy a glass of wine after work on one of our patios, or join us for cooking classes in our instructional culinary kitchen for your next date night. It’s all a part of the Bodacious experience!
Feel inspired as you walk through rows of sweet and savory infused olive oils and vinegars at Bodacious. Awaken your senses, and your inner chef, as you sample each flavor with our fresh-made bread. Did you know we host more than just weekly cooking classes upstairs of the Bodacious Brew? The kitchen, coupled with our picturesque patios, transforms into the most perfectly customized venue you can dream of. Shop the kitchenry for all your gifting needs. From birthday parties to bridal showers, our shop is loaded with unique finds that are perfect to gift or add to any registry. If you consider yourself a true coffee connoisseur, journey over to our new Bodacious Roasting Lab. Breathe in all
the aromas of our fresh gourmet coffee as our resident roaster hand-selects beans. Watch the roasting process while sampling different blends of coffee and espresso. We celebrate the little things in life that make the biggest difference, and for us, that means being able to pair your favorite Bodacious Brews with the magic of a good book. We are elated to announce the addition of the Bodacious Bookstore & Café at Southtowne on East Romana Street. Enjoy all your favorite coffees, teas, and bites from Bodacious, while perusing for the perfect read. “Bodacious is about celebrating life and taking note of little things done in a big way,” says owner Rishy Studer. “We want to inspire and enrich our community with
opportunities to appreciate what makes our lives better—a place to enjoy good food, the joys of cooking, family, and friends. We are all Bodacious.”
BODACIOUS SHOPS 407 S. PALAFOX ST., PENSACOLA | (850) 433-6506 | BODACIOUSOLIVE.COM
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SUSHIMOTO ★
Casual eatery with a sushi bar offering up creative rolls, plus other Japanese and Asian fusion fare. Lunch Mon–Fri 11 am–2 pm, Dinner Mon–Sat 5 pm–Close. 11394 U.S. Highway 98 W., Miramar Beach. (850) 424-5977. $$ L D
THAI DELIGHTS
Traditional dishes in a casual atmosphere. Open daily 11 am–9 pm. 821 Harbor Blvd., Destin. (850) 650-3945. $$ L D
7 am–2 pm, closed Mondays. 979 E. Hwy. 98, #F, Destin (Also in Miramar Beach, Panama City, Pensacola, Sandestin and Grayton Beach). (850) 650-0499. $ B
AEGEAN RESTAURANT ★
Authentic Greek restaurant. Breakfast 8–11 am, lunch 11 am–4 pm, dinner 4–9 pm. 11225 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Miramar Beach (and Shalimar). (850) 460-2728. $$ B L D
ANGELINA’S PIZZA & PASTA
BON APPETIT FRENCH BAKERY & CAFÉ ★
ALA BABA GRILL CAFÉ
CLEMENZA’S UPTOWN ★
BBQ Award-winning barbecue, gumbo, sandwiches and salads in a casual atmosphere. Dine in, take out, catering. Mon–Sat 11 am–8 pm. 5008 Hwy. 98, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 622-0679. $ L D
Coffee shop located at the entrance of The Village of Baytowne Wharf, serving fresh coffee, cappuccino, specialty drinks and breakfast. Open 6 am–1 pm. 9107 Baytowne Wharf Blvd., Suite B-4, Miramar Beach. (850) 267-4488. B
JIM ’N NICK’S COMMUNITY BAR-B-Q ★
DONUT HOLE BAKERY CAFE
Laid-back chain features slow-cooked bbq, burgers and classic sides. Open Sun–Thur 11 am–9 pm, Fri– Sat 11 am–11 pm. 14073 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin. (850) 424-5895. $$ L D
BREAKFAST/ BRUNCH/BAKERY ANDY’S FLOUR POWER CAFE & BAKERY Lively brunch/lunch destination known for its French toast, rolled omelets and cheery ambiance. Open Tues–Sat 7 am–2 pm, Sun 8 am–2 pm. 2629 Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach. (850) 230-0014. $$ L D
ANOTHER BROKEN EGG CAFÉ
Breakfast all day, plus sandwiches, patty melts, specials, soups, salads and desserts. Open daily
for celebration. Open daily 11 am–11 pm. 12805 U.S. Hwy. 98 E., Suite R101, Inlet Beach. (850) 909-0555. $$$ L D
Neighborhood bakery, coffee shop and café. Open Mon–Sat 7 am–3 pm, Sun 8 am–3 pm. 26 Logan Lane, Unit G, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 213-4528. $ B L
BLACK BEAR BREAD CO. ★
French pastries, croissants, crusty breads, soup, salads and sandwiches. Mon–Fri 7:30 am–5:30 pm, Sat 7:30 am–2 pm, Closed Sun. 420 Mary Esther Cutoff, Fort Walton Beach. (850) 244-2848. $ B L
98 BAR-B-QUE
GREEK
Casual spot for familiar Turkish and Greek recipes offered à la carte and at a buffet, plus beer and wine. 10 am–9 pm. 550 Mary Esther Cutoff, Fort Walton Beach. (850) 986-5555. L D
CAFÉ SIENA ★
YIOTA’S GREEK DELI
Traditional Greek food made from family recipes. Order at counter. 10 am–5 pm. 130 E. Miracle Strip Pkwy., Mary Esther. (850) 302-0691. $ L
IRISH
Eat breakfast all day with fresh-baked donuts and hearty comfort food. Open daily 6 am– 10 pm. 635 Harbor Blvd., Destin (also in Inlet Beach and Santa Rosa Beach). (850) 837-8824. $ B
JOHNNY MCTIGHE’S IRISH PUB
Easygoing pub providing Irish and American eats, a game room for kids and deck seating. 11 am–2 am. 2298 Scenic Hwy. 30A, Blue Mountain Beach. (850) 267-0101. $$ L D
MAMA CLEMENZA’S EUROPEAN BREAKFAST ★
Old World family recipes. Multiple award winner. Brunch Wed–Sun 8 am–1 pm. 12273 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W, Miramar Beach. (850) 424-3157 and 8 am–1 pm on Sundays at 75 Eglin Pkwy, Fort Walton Beach. (850) 243-0707. $$ B
MCGUIRE’S IRISH PUB ★
Burgers and pub grub and the famous 18-cent Senate Bean Soup. Open daily 11 am–2 am. 33 Hwy. 98, Destin (Also in Pensacola). (850) 650-0000. $$ L D
DESSERT
ITALIAN/PIZZA
MOO LA LA ICE CREAM & DESSERTS ★
Indulge in 24 ice cream flavors as well as handcrafted pastries and desserts. Open 3–9 pm. 101 Cannery Lane, Miramar Beach. (850) 654-3333.
AMICI 30A
Offering authentic Italian cuisine with a flair
Capt.on Dave’s the
Authentic homemade pizza pie and Italian dishes in a casual atmosphere. Lunch and dinner daily 11 am–9:30 pm. 4005 E. Hwy. 30A, Seagrove Beach. (850) 231-2500. $ B L D Classic Italian. Wood-fired pizza, private dining, cooking school. Multiple award winner. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner Mon–Sat. 75 Eglin Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach. (850) 243-0707. $$ B L D
FAT CLEMENZA’S ★
Classic Italian. Wood-fired pizza, specialty desserts, fish Fridays. Multiple award winner. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner Mon–Sat 5–9 pm. Holiday Plaza, Hwy. 98, Miramar Beach. (850) 650-5980. $$ L D
MIMMO’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO
Italian dishes. Open Mon–Fri 11 am–10 pm, Sat–Sun 5–10 pm. 979 Hwy. 98, #5, Destin. (850) 460-7353. $$ L D
PAZZO ITALIANO
Destin’s newest Italian restaurant offers authentic Italian cuisine such as wood-fired pizzas, pasta, calzones, salads, chef specialties and nightly specials. Mon–Thur 11 am–9 pm, Fri 11 am–10 pm, Sat 4 pm–10 pm, Sun 4 pm– 9 pm. 34904 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Suite 114, Destin. (850) 974-5484. $$ L D
THE PIZZA BAR AT BUD & ALLEY’S
Artisan cheese, fresh salads, antipasto dishes, homemade soups, seasonal vegetables, hearty pastas and homemade wood-fired Neapolitan pizza. Open daily from 11 am. 2236 E. County Rd. 30A, Seaside. (850) 231-3113. $$ L D
SERVING LOCAL FLORIDA SEAFOOD AND STEAKS Dinner 4pm UNTIL … For more information visit captdavesonthegulf.com Enjoy cocktails on the deck for sunset Happy Hour: 4–6pm
Gulf Cel
e b r at i n
g
Open 6 days a week (closed Tuesdays) Live Music
Years 0 5
Casual Gulf Front Dining. The locals’ favorite since 1968! 3796 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin | 850.837.2627 | captdavesonthegulf.com EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
August–September 2019
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chefyi
Tyler McMahan Chef, Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar
What made you want to become a chef ? In my youth, I began as an artist — drawing and painting — but I loved all mediums. When I was a sophomore in high school, I started working as a dishwasher in a French restaurant called The Bay Cafe in Fort Walton Beach. I quickly picked up that what we were serving was artwork on a plate. The plate was a canvas, and the food you put on it was artwork — artwork that you served directly to people. I was having trouble selling my own artwork, so I thought, well people will always eat, so I’ll cook and create that kind of art. I still dabble in art, but I would rather go fishing and cook now. What influences your cooking? It’s very French with Gulf Coast flavors. I’m also very influenced by Asian flavors. I lived in Japan for 10 years when my dad was in the military. I also find that I have old country influences stemming from my Southern upbringing.
What sets Shunk Gulley apart? The culture. We all come together to be a family-oriented restaurant. There is no separation between the front of house and back. I say happy staff, happy food, happy guests. It’s just contagious. At the end of the day, it’s a team effort, and I try to give my team all of the credit. I’ll drive the boat, but I have to
have my crew to help steer it. Also we are one of the few restaurants that still cuts our own fish, makes our own sauces and doesn’t use products from cans. I think that sets us apart and is one of the reasons that, out of hundreds of restaurants, we are the first to fill up. What do you want guests to experience? We want to leave a good taste in your mouth so you keep coming back! What ingredients must be in your kitchen? Bacon and butter. Just those two. I want to dip my bacon in my butter. What do you love about your job? The opportunity to meet people and give them something to eat that they haven’t had before. We get a lot of guests from the middle of the United States that have never had a piece of grouper caught right here in these waters and served to them the next day. I enjoy when people experience something special each time they visit.
SHUNK GULLEY OYSTER BAR 1875 S. Co. Hwy. 393, Santa Rosa Beach | (850) 622-2733 | ShunkGulley.com
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PHOTO BY JEFF PROVINSE - EPIC PHOTO CO
What are some of Shunk Gulley’s most popular menu items? The crab claws appetizer served three different ways — sautéed with Meyer lemon and garlic butter, blackened with red pepper butter and traditional fried with a remoulade sauce. The smoked tuna dip is great. We smoke the yellowfin tuna ourselves. The summer snapper is a popular entree served with local squash, zucchini and onion with a piece of Gulf red snapper on top covered with butter sauce. It’s nice and light with a broth. People always love the fried shrimp and the fish sandwich. Dessert, beignet fries with a homemade caramel dipping sauce and loaded in powdered sugar.
TRATTORIA BORAGO
Pork tenderloin or pan-seared grouper from the open kitchen. Open daily from 6 pm. 80 E. Hwy. 30A, Grayton Beach. (850) 231-9167. $$ D
MEXICAN CANTINA LAREDO ★
A gourmet twist on Mexican favorites. Sun–Thurs 11 am–10 pm, Fri–Sat 11 am–11 pm. 585 Grand Blvd., Miramar Beach. (850) 654-5649. $$ B L D
CRAB ISLAND CANTINA
Latin-inspired Mexican cuisine. Mon–Thurs 11 am–10 pm, Fri–Sat 11 am–11 pm, Sun 1 am–9 pm. 2 Harbor Blvd., Destin. (850) 424-7417. $$ L D
THE TACO BAR AT BUD & ALLEY’S
Baja fish tacos, homemade guacamole, burritos and top-shelf margaritas. Open daily from 11 am (in season). 2236 E. Country Rd. 30A, Seaside. (850) 231-4781. $$ L D
SEAFOOD BONEFISH ★
Contemporary grill chain offering a seafoodcentric menu, plus steaks & cocktails. Open Mon– Thur 4–10 pm, Fri 4–11 pm, Sat 11 am–11 pm, Sun 10 am–9 pm. Destin, Panama City, Pensacola. $$ L D
BOSHAMPS SEAFOOD & OYSTER HOUSE ★
Gulf-to-table Southern cuisine. Open daily from 11 am. 414 Harbor Blvd., Destin. (850) 424-7406. $$ L D
BROTULA’S SEAFOOD HOUSE & STEAMER ★
Fresh steamed and boiled seafood dishes. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Sunday brunch. Destin Harbor, Destin. (850) 460-8900. $$$ B
BUD & ALLEY’S WATERFRONT RESTAURANT ★
Sea-to-table dining, serving fresh seafood, steak and vegetarian dishes. Open Mon–Fri 11:30 am. Roof bar open in summer 11:30 pm–2 am. 2236 E. Hwy. 30A, Seaside. (850) 231-5900. $$$ L D
CAPT. ANDERSON’S RESTAURANT
Since 1967, offering traditional seafood items, flavorful salads and soups with a view of the marina. Open Mon–Fri at 4:30 pm, Sat–Sun at 4 pm. 5551 N. Lagoon Drive, Panama City Beach. (850) 234-2225. $$$ D
DEWEY DESTIN’S HARBORSIDE ★ Award-winning seafood in a quaint house. Open daily 11 am–8 pm. 202 Harbor Blvd., Destin. (850) 837-7525. $$$ L D
DEWEY DESTIN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT & MARKET ★
Outdoor setting, fresh seafood. Open 1 am–8 pm. 9 Calhoun Ave., Destin. (850) 837-7575. $$ B L D
THE FISH HOUSE
Fresh seafood cuisine and Southern specialties in a setting overlooking Pensacola Bay and the Seville Harbor. Open daily from 11 am. 600 S. Barracks St., Pensacola. (850) 470-0003. $$ L D
FOOW RESTAURANT
Southern coastal cuisine with an Asian flair. Open daily 5:30–10 pm. Located in the WaterColor Inn, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 534-5050. $$$ D
THE GRAND MARLIN ★
Featuring fresh Gulf seafood, an oyster bar, steak and signature cocktails, plus a view of Pensacola Bay. Open Mon–Thur 11 am–10 pm, Fri–Sat 11 am–11 pm, Sun 9 am–10 pm. 400 Pensacola Beach Blvd., Pensacola Beach. (850) 677-9153. $$$ L D
HALF SHELL OYSTER HOUSE
Upscale-casual Southern seafood restaurant and bar serving oysters and po’ boys, plus steak and cocktails. Open Sun–Thur 11 am–10 pm, Fri–Sat
11 am–11 pm. 34761 Emerald Coast Pkwy. #104, Destin. (850) 842-4788. $$ L D
HARBOR DOCKS
A surf-and-turf restaurant. Breakfast, lunch and dinner and great sushi. Open daily 5 am–11 pm. 538 E. Hwy. 98, Destin. (850) 837-2506. $$ B L D
JACKACUDA’S SEAFOOD & SUSHI
Seafood, sushi, salad and sandwiches. Open daily from 11 am. Sunday brunch at 10 am. 56 Harbor Blvd., HarborWalk Village, Destin. (850) 424-3507. $$ L D
OLD FLORIDA FISH HOUSE ★
Airy eatery is a family-friendly destination for seafood, with a sushi bar and frequent live music. Open Sun–Thurs 11 am–10 pm, Fri–Sat 11 am– midnight. 5235 E. County Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 534-3045. $$ L D
RUNAWAY ISLAND
Crab, oysters and grouper sandwiches in a casual beach bar and grill with steps onto the sand. Open daily at 11 am. 14521 Front Beach Rd., Panama City Beach. (850) 634-4884. $$ L D
STEAK & SEAFOOD
2008 - Best Italian 2009 - Best Pizza 2010 - Best Pizza & Best Chef 2011 - Best Pizza, Best Italian & Best Chef 2012 - Best Italian 2013 - Best Pizza & Best Walton Restaurant 2014 - Best Pizza, Best Walton Restaurant & Best Chef 2015 - Best Pizza 2016 - Best Pizza 2017 - Best Pizza & Best Chef 2018 - Best Pizza
The original, award-winning wood-fired pizza and classical Italian cuisine
BIJOUX RESTAURANT & SPIRITS ★
Fine dining coastal cuisine with a New Orleans flair, Gulf seafood, prime steaks. Open daily 4–10 pm. The Market Shops, 9375 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W., #22, Miramar Beach. (850) 622-0760. $$$ D
CAFE THIRTY-A
Offering the best in steaks and Gulf fare, Café Thirty-A is also available for weddings and special gatherings. Open daily 5–9:30 pm. 3899 E. Scenic Hwy. 30A, Seagrove Beach. (850) 231-2166. $$$ D
CAPTAIN DAVE’S ON THE GULF
Lunch M–F 11–2 · Dinner M–Sat 5–9 · 850.650.5980 12273 US Hwy 98, Miramar Beach · fatclemenzas.com
Inspired by traditional waterfront dining, Captain Dave’s features American seafood cuisine infused with a contemporary Gulf Coast twist. Wed–Mon 4 pm–close. 3796 Scenic Hwy. 98, Destin. (850) 837-2627. $$$ D
2019 2020
JACKSON’S STEAKHOUSE
High-end steakhouse cuisine with fine wines. Local seafood is hand-selected and artistically prepared to perfection. Lunch Mon–Fri 1 am–2 pm, bruch Sat–Sun 11 am–2 pm, dinner Mon–Sun 5:30 pm–10 pm. 400 S. Palafox St., Pensacola. (850) 469-9898. $$$ D
MARLIN GRILL ★
Seafood, steaks, salads and appetizers. Open nightly from 5 pm. The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Miramar Beach. (850) 351-1990. $$$ D
RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE ★
Steak and seafood. New Orleans-inspired. Mon–Sat 5:30–10 pm, Sun 5:30–9 pm. Silver Shells Resort, 1500 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin. (850) 337-5108. $$$ D
SEAGAR’S PRIME STEAKS AND SEAFOOD ★
Premium steak, fresh seafood and caviar. Open daily from 6 pm. Hilton Sandestin, 4000 S. Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach. (850) 622-1500. $$$ D
SLICK LIPS SEAFOOD & OYSTER HOUSE ★
Family-friendly seafood spot located in The Village of Baytowne Wharf — with the freshest local Gulf-caught seafood and 1855 certified Angus steaks. Sun–Thur 11 am–9 pm; Fri–Sat 11 am–10 pm. 140 Fisherman’s Cove, Miramar Beach. (850) 347-5060. $$ L D
TAKE OUT DESTIN ICE SEAFOOD MARKET & DELI ★ Fresh fish and seafood items, pastas, salads and side dishes, Buckhead meats, decadent desserts, wines, cheeses, spices and more. Open daily 8 am–7 pm. 663 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin. (850) 837-8333. $$ L D
S E AS O N C A L E N DA R
9/19/2019 9/28/2019 10/12/2019 10/18/2019 10/21/2019 10/24/2019 12/2/2019 12/13/2019 1/4/2020 1/14/2020 1/24/2020 2/9/2020 2/21/2020 3/7/2020 3/9/2020 3/26/2020 4/18/2020 5/8/2020
Preacher Lawson – Comedian Take Flight Love & Marriage Winston Scott – Astronaut Dog Man Beginnings – Tribute to Chicago Mystery Science Theater 3000 Holiday Pops Pink Floyd Laser Experience Greatest Love – Whitney Houston Wild World of Animals Bandstand the Musical Jersey Boys
Dance - Music of Beethoven & Bernstein Pete the Cat Choir of Man Stars of Tomorrow / Evening at the Opera Sponge Bob the Musical
Artist NFSO NFSO Speaker Series Family Artist Artist NFSO Artist NFSO Artist Broadway Broadway NFSO Family Artist NFSO Broadway
Season package sales start 8/12/2019. Single show sales 8/19/2019. All performance dates subject to change, check website for updates.
MattieKellyArtsCenter.org MATTIE KELLY 100 College Boulevard East Niceville, FL 32578
EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
Northwest Florida State College
August–September 2019
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postscript
IT’S NOT ROCKET SURGERY
&jh729++;53*gy? NOPE, THAT’S NOT IT Plagued by a phalanx of passwords by GARY YORDON
T
his column will be password protected. Passwords must contain a combination of the following: between eight and 53 letters/numbers/symbols including one uppercase letter, one numeral, one “special” character, a forest shrub, the first ingredient from a traditional kosher recipe and the proper name of a saltwater fish. utterbutt1954$&#Huckleberry1/4cupchick B en-schmaltzBluespottedboxfish Sorry, that password already has been taken. Today, we need passwords to recover our passwords, and every website has different criteria. Having one all-purpose password won’t fly. We are forced to try to remember multiple combinations of silliness. There are sites where you can store all of your passwords, but they require a password. And that’s the tip of the security iceberg. Next come the security questions. What was the nickname you gave your first car? What city should you live in if you like quiche? On which side of your neck did
you get your first hickey? It’s all too much. My dad was sent to a rehab facility for a few weeks. He is a newshound and a sports nut, so disconnect him from the internet for a few hours and he gets pretty stir crazy. So we wanted to set him up with his computer. We fired up the laptop and up popped the password prompt. We entered his password, and it failed. Again and again. Dad was sure he had it right — it’s the number of his favorite baseball player reversed, he said — but after going through every player on his favorite team’s roster and reversing their numbers, we had failed to break through. Reluctantly, we called the folks who made his computer. After 34 layers of voice prompts, I found myself explaining our problem to a very nice woman 8,000 miles away with a heavy East Indian accent. Repeatedly, she told me, “Hoshifate very fast.” Over and over we worked to clear our language barrier. I was banging my head on the keyboard like I was trying to tenderize
meat. After 30 dysfunctional minutes, I finally got it: Hold shift and hit the 8 key very fast. That’s it? With all the technology on the planet, the trick is to getting into this computer is to hold one key and hit another really fast? After convincing myself that this wasn’t some elaborate prank, I started doing it. It was a two-handed job, so I put my phone on speaker and started banging the 8 key until my hand started to cramp. I could feel a blister forming on my fingertip. All of a sudden, I was overcome by a warm glow. Something was happening on the screen. I hugged a nurse like I had just gotten favorable colonoscopy results. The little hourglass on the screen was flipping over. I looked up, anticipating the release of confetti. Wait for it … here it comes. It was all going to be OK. And then, four words appear on the screen under a little empty box. Please Enter Your Password. EC
Gary Yordon is president of the Zachary Group in Tallahassee, hosts a political television show, “The Usual Suspects,” and contributes columns to the city’s daily newspaper, the Tallahassee Democrat. He may be reached at gary@zgroup.com.
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illustration by LINDSEY MASTERSON
JOSEPH A. PEDONE, MD, FACC, FACP, FSCAI, CDDR Interventional Cardiologist MICHAEL L. YANDEL, MD, FACC, FSCAI Interventional Cardiologist JUAN C. ZARATE, MD, FACC, FSCAI Interventional Cardiologist ANTHONY S. AL-DEHNEH, DO, FACC, FSCAI Interventional Cardiologist ANGEL D. MORROBEL, MD, FACC Invasive Cardiologist AJIT H. JANARDHAN, MD, PhD, FACC, FHRS Cardiac Electrophysiologist MARCELLO A. BORZATTA, MD, FACS, FSCAI Endovascular Surgeon
Best Cardiologist
Providing current, comprehensive health care in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of heart problems, since 1991, Okaloosa Heart & Vascular Center offers a full range of integrated cardiac services, from patient education through inpatient care, including: Clinical Cardiology and Consultation, Echocardiography, Vascular Ultrasound, Exercise Testing, Holter and Event Monitoring, Nuclear Cardiac Imaging, Cardiac Catheterization, Coronary Angioplasty, Intra-Coronary Stenting, Endovascular Surgery, Limb Salvage and Cardiac Electrophysiology. With 4 interventional cardiologists, 1 endovascular surgeon, 1 cardiac electrophysiologist, 1 invasive cardiologist and 6 local offices to serve you, the staff is committed to exploring new technologies and techniques that provide better ways to care for their patients, and to treating each patient like a person rather than a diagnosis. Destin Niceville 36468 Emerald Coast Parkway 552 Twin Cities Boulevard Suite 1101 Suite A Destin, FL 32541 Niceville, FL 32578 850-424-5638 850-279-4426
Niceville 2600 Partin Drive Suite 110 Niceville, FL 32578 850-279-4426
Fort Walton Beach Crestview Defuniak Springs 1032 Mar Walt Drive 129 Redstone Ave. 1045 US Highway 331 S. Suite 110 Suite A Defuniak Springs, FL 32435 Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547 Crestview, FL 32539 850-682-7212 850-862-1753 850-682-7212
www.OkaloosaHeart.com
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PENSACOLA
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