VIE - People + Places / Fall 2011

NORTHWEST FLORIDA – COLA 2 COLA®

FALL 2011

HOME & GARDEN issuE Cultural arts assoCiation show house showstopper

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Pier Park 850.236.3196

Panama City Mall 850.784.8042

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Alys Beach Properties, LLC., Licensed Real Estate Broker participation welcome. This is not an offer or solicitation in CA, NY, NJ or any state where prohibited by law. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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In this issue:

61

18 116 73

People + Places Digital Graffiti 2011 130 Shantell 130 Shane Untamed Premiere Party 133 Dancing With Desire 134 Home & Garden Feature A Show House Showstopper 61 “Good Bones” – Custom Renovations 18 VIE’s Favorite Things 38 Quintessential Quaintness 43 An English Garden 53 Gregory D Jazayeri Design 58 For the Love of Food Cooking with Viking 28 The Written Word Making Friends with Candy 82

28 124

53 Sense of Place Hibiscus Coffee and Guesthouse 73 Paddling Through Paradise 124 Perspectives Business Roundup Q&A 92 A Community College Builds Opportunity 100 Signs of the Times 138 Pure and Couture Is Haute 150 A Sea Change Is Coming 152 Local Hero Award 153 LUV Is In The Air 157 Get Healthy To Sleep ... Perchance to Dream 108 The Art of Life Rush: Caught in the Camera Eye 116 Hangout Music Fest 143

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2011

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Arthur_ Rutenberg Homes

Looking for design ideas?

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Visit the professionally-decorated model home by Arthur Rutenberg in the beautiful WaterSound community.

You might discover that buying a brand new home is easier and more affordable than remodeling your existing one!

HOMES STARTING AT $385,000

Open House Hours: Wed-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm Directions: Look for the Red Bridge located on US Highway 98 at North WaterSound Parkway, which is 11 miles east of US Highway 331 and 2.5 miles west of the Phillips Inlet Bridge.

TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,648 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, Den, Great Room Outdoor Kitchen and Fireplace WaterSoundRorida.com

漏 2011 The St.Joe Company.路 JOE; "$t. Joe", "WaterSound", the "WaterSound" lo@),andthe'TakingFlighfdesignsareservicemal1G:ofTheSl.JoeCompany.The matenals and features and amenities described and depicted herein are based upon current d(."o.{!lopment plans, l'Itlich are stJbject to change without notice. WaterSound Beach Club, Camp Creek Golf Club, and Shark's Tooth Golf Club are private clubs for SL.Joe designated communities wtlich require purchase of separate membelStlips subject to application and acceptance and may be subject to payment of fees, membership requirements, rules or other limitations wtlich are subject to change. This does not constitute an offer to sell real property in any jurisdiction ...mere price registration or other advance qualifications of real property is required. Void ...mere prohibrted by law. Equal Housing Opportunity. Beach Properties of Florida, UC and Arthur Rutenberg Homes, Inc., are independently owned and operated and are not affiliates of The StJoe Company.The StJoe Company does not guaranty the obligations of unaffiliated builders...mo build homes irl WaterSound. Obtain the Property Report required by federal Law and read it before signing anything. No federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any of this property.

m ~

On the Cover:

VIE Creative Team: Lisa Burwell Publisher lisa@viezine.com

Gerald Burwell Editor-in-Chief gerald@viezine.com

Bob Brown VP of Creative Services bob@viezine.com

Mary Jane Kirby Account Executive maryjane@viezine.com

Ainsley Rogers Public Relations Director ainsley@viezine.com

James Ryan Account Executive jim@viezine.com

Tracey Thomas Graphic Designer tracey@viezine.com Troy Ruprecht Graphic Designer troy@viezine.com Overlooking the azure waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the forest green trees of The Retreat in Blue Mountain Beach, Florida, the CAA Designer Showhouse for the Arts living room, designed by Paige Schnell of Tracery Interiors, not only exuded the essence of this beautiful area, but had us all longing to sink down into the plush furniture for a bit of relaxation and camaraderie.

Schnell, who was also the Chair of the 2011 CAA Designer Showhouse for the Arts, is renowned for her unique interior design skills that fuse clean lines with vintage and antique pieces, making the show house living room the perfect cover for VIE’s first home and garden issue. More of Schnell’s work can be seen at www.traceryinteriors.com.

A special thanks to the Cultural Arts Association for allowing us to tour and photograph this dream home.

Published by:

Bill Weckel Web/Project Manager bill@viezine.com Lisa Ferrick Social Correspondent

Tim Dutrow Video Producer tim@viezine.com Phil Cowart Graphic Design Intern Jordan Staggs Public Relations Intern Margaret Stevenson Copy Editor Shannon Quinlan Distribution Coordinator

lisa.ferrick@viezine.com

VIE Contributors: Contributing Writers: Brandan Babineaux Sallie W. Boyles Steve Cann Jim Clark Brian Haugen Carolyn Hutcheson Clark Peters Darrell Russell Anne Schultz David Waddle

Contributing Photographers:

(850) 231-3087

114 Logan Lane, Suite 4 | Grayton Beach, FL 32459 www.theideaboutique.com

Contact us at info@theideaboutique.com

John Arrowsmith Matt Chambliss Lindsey Clark Jack Gardner Sheila Goode Michael Granberry Carolyn Hutcheson Scott McDonald Josh Rhinehart

Romona Robbins Dave Vann

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2011

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Home Publisher’s Note:

Is WhErE thE hEArt Is

spectacular the homes are. This area just might be one of the country’s meccas for outstanding design; if you’re an architect, an interior designer, or an artist here, you are living in the place of your dreams. For more than a quarter century, New Urbanism communities like seaside, WaterColor, Watersound, rosemary Beach, and Alys Beach have been putting our area on the national stage. here the well-heeled have found a unique setting for their secondary homes and given them all the attention to detail normally lavished on primary residences. The region continues to be discovered for so many different reasons that it is on the verge of becoming a household name.

Our cover feature celebrates a home located in The retreat, a secluded and private community on scenic highway 30A in Blue Mountain Beach, Florida. The spectacular home with views of the Gulf of Mexico was the venue for this year’s annual Cultural Arts Association Designer showhouse for the Arts and it did not disappoint. Interior designers and artists from across the southeast each designed a room, showing off their talents and enhancing the beauty of the home.

They did this with a common goal—to raise money to support the arts in Walton County under the auspices of the Cultural Arts Association. to say this is a dream home may actually be an understatement! Check out the article “A show house showstopper” by VIE’s staff writer Ainsley rogers.

We’re in a nesting state of mind for the fall! It’s the time of year when our thoughts turn to cooking, entertaining, redecorating, touring museums and show houses, and meandering through gardens.

One of the best ways to understand a community and get a sense of its style is to sneak a peek at how people live in their homes. Long known as a community of secondary residences, more and more people are now calling Northwest Florida home year-round. National exposure was garnered recently when ABC’s Good Morning America listed Destin, Florida, as one of the ten most beautiful places in the country and GMA contributor Emeril Lagasse touted its virtues— proof that others feel the same way we do about our area. This, our first home and garden issue, is a nice change of pace for us as we explore magnificent homes and gardens in the area.

In addition to showcasing homes in the area, we feature one of our favorite places, Bastide home and Garden, also located on hwy. 30A. “Quintessential Quaintness” will give you a sense of how this charming shop is equal parts spa, meditative, and retail therapies.

We hope you enjoy this issue and will be inspired with ideas for your home! to Life!

We all know that our piece of paradise from COLA 2 COLA (Apalachicola to Pensacola) has some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, but what many may not know is how 12

FALL 2011 VIEZINE.COM

—Lisa Burwell

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Untreated, varicose and spider veins can lead to serious health risks like blood clots, phlebitis, cellulitis, and leg ulcers. Expert treatment of varicose veins dramatically improves symptoms such as aching, swelling, leg discomfort, cramping, fatigue, and restless legs syndrome. During the initial consultation, Dr. Moskowitz will perform a diagnostic ultrasound of the leg veins to accurately assess the severity of vein disease and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

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Dr. Moskowitz has been performing and training other physicians to perform EVLT (Endovenous Laser Treatment) since its FDA approval in 2002.

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“ Good Bone s” for C u s to m H o m e re n ovat i o n s By darrell russell, aia, asid One of the challenges with buying an existing residence is that the home usually displays the tastes of the previous owner and not necessarily those of the buyer. If the buyer is lucky, the remedy can be as simple as changing the wall colors and placing his or her own furniture and other personal items in the space. However, in many cases, new owners may have purchased a house they like, but want to create something they love. Design professionals can help new owners do this by turning their house into a custom home.

I look at design projects as problem-solving exercises. Clients should have what they want and the things they love in their homes. I have always believed my role in working with clients is to accomplish this, all while considering physical parameters, budget, and schedule. Taking a design that belonged to different owners and changing it to adapt to the needs and preferences of a new client is often an enjoyable challenge for me as a design professional.

Over the years, I have worked with clients to design many renovations, from the very small to the extremely large. These renovations have included projects where the existing house was ultimately fully demolished, others where large parts of the house were demolished and then rebuilt, and still others where the owners proceeded without performing any major work at all.

Years ago, I had to find a way to expand a house so that each of the family’s three daughters could have equally sized bedrooms with en suite baths. Two of those three bedrooms and baths were attained by taking spaces that had originally been designated as a small media room and a nursery. With help from Anderson Engineering of Santa Rosa Beach, we designed temporary structural support for the second-floor masonry structure in order to completely remove the first-floor exterior walls. Through competent 18

FALL 2011 VIEZINE.COM

structural engineering, many architectural changes that appear impossible can be accomplished with realistic solutions.

On another project, the main living floor did not have a bathroom and did not take advantage of the Gulf views. I had to enclose existing porches on three floors, add more porches, knock out walls, add windows, move the kitchen, create a guest bathroom, rearrange the master bath and install all new finishes, lighting, and mechanical systems. The renovation was of such a magnitude that it almost justified complete demolition.

Perhaps my favorite renovation project was one I did many years ago with clients so detail oriented that their preference to use folded toilet tissue rather than the common rolled variety had to be taken into consideration. I designed custom Lexan tissue holders and conveniently recessed a black granite shelf in each bathroom to accommodate this idiosyncrasy. Among other items designed for these clients were bedside tables that had hidden locations for everything from alarm clocks to a security panic control. They are still clients and remain among my favorites.

Location is probably the primary factor in a person’s decision to purchase a home that will require renovation. If a great property with a less-than-desirable home can be purchased and then renovated at an acceptable cost, the outcome can be both a great investment and a great living experience.

Second, the structure of the house should be considered. From the foundation to the roof, there is nothing more important than the structure of a house. In our region, hurricane design codes are important and ever evolving. Many houses are older and may have been constructed under different design and building code standards.

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All rights reserved Scott McDonald/Hedrich Blessing & Looney Ricks Kiss Architects, Inc. VIEZINE.COM FALL 2011

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“takinG a desiGn tHat BelonGed to different owners and CHanGinG it to adapt to tHe needs and preferenCes of a new Client is often an enjoyaBle CHallenGe for me as a desiGn professional.”

After

Lastly, the house should have “good bones.” Is the exterior architecture generally appealing? Is there wasted space? Are the existing rooms located where you want them? Are they the right size?

I am currently working with a client on the renovation of a fourteen-year-old house. It is a fine house, and I remember when it was under construction—but what a difference fourteen years make. The doors and windows are not hurricanerated or impact resistant, the roof needs additional structural clips to withstand hurricane wind loads, the interiors are too dark and cramped, and the countertops, fixtures, walls, and floor finishes are outdated. On the other hand, the house has great bones, a magnificent site, and handsome architecture. We are updating the house to address the current owner’s needs and preferences and to give the interior a more progressive style.

Major interior design issues in renovation projects often include: outdated or nonfunctional kitchens; outdated bathrooms: inadequate (or nonexistent) closets or storage space; “chopped-up” and inefficient floor plans; lack of light; and outdated finishes. Additionally, popular trends such as summer kitchens, mudrooms, outdoor fireplaces, walk-in closets, and elevators may not have been considered when the house was originally designed.

While almost anything is possible with creativity and an unlimited budget, few of us have the luxury of the latter. When considering a renovation, bear in mind the cost of upgrades; kitchens, baths, and new doors and windows are usually the most expensive parts.

Before

After Photo: All rights reserved Jack Gardner Photography & Darrell Russell, AIA, ASID 20

FALL 2011 VIEZINE.COM

Purchasing doors and windows can have a major effect on a renovation budget.

If the house is old and the doors and windows are in disrepair, or if the glazing does not take advantage of significant views from a property, they may need to be replaced, enlarged, or even relocated. Investing in appropriate quality doors and windows is very important, but also potentially very expensive. Replacing more than 25 percent of the existing doors and windows in a house could result in one of two things: all existing doors and windows will need to be replaced to meet current hurricane wind load requirements, or, at a minimum, a means of hurricane protection will need to be installed for all doors and windows—both new and existing. Hurricane protection can be accomplished with hurricane-rated shutters, fabric covers, or trade out existing doors and windows with impactrated replacements. The range of quality in impact-rated doors and windows is extreme: some lines or manufacturers can cost five times more than others. In a renovation project it is important to choose a quality of doors and windows that is appropriate to the existing home’s quality of construction. There is no reason to use doors and windows that have a higher structural integrity than that of the home in which they are to be used.

It is also important to understand the budget required to create what you desire in your renovated kitchen and bathrooms. These areas will probably represent your largest interior cost expenditures. Plumbing fixtures and fittings vary greatly

After

Before

After Photo: All rights reserved Jack Gardner Photography & Darrell Russell, AIA, ASID

in quality and price; toilet brands and models can range from $150 to over $5,000.

Kitchen stoves can vary from $1,000 to $10,000. Likewise, the costs of kitchen cabinets are big variables.

I have designed renovation projects with budgets as little as $30,000 to as much as $2,000,000. No matter the budget, the common goal in all of these projects was to fulfill the needs of the current owner. Bringing a professional early into the decision-making process (even as soon as the purchase decision) can help determine, within the existing parameters, what is feasible, the anticipated budget, and the expected time frame—and it can help turn a previous owner’s home into your dream home.

Darrell Russell is AIA and ASID certified and is principal architect and owner of A BOHEME Design located at 31 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Rosemary Beach, FL 32461. He can be contacted at 850.238.2648 or darrellrussell@abohemedesign.com.

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All rights reserved 2011 Jack Gardner Photography & A BOHEME Design, LLC 22

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Before buying an existing house with the intent to renovate, the below items (not necessarily listed in order of importance) should be on your checklist of considerations and evaluations: » How old is the house? The age of the building components and systems can be a huge factor in your renovation costs. » The floor plan should be, with minimal change, generally workable. It is never out of the question, though, to use the house footprint as a clean slate and rebuild the interior rooms in a totally different configuration. » The kitchen arrangement should be functional. » If the existing cabinets are salvageable, even if they need new doors or just new paint and hardware, it helps with the budget. » Ideally, the kitchen should include all the appliances you desire; you should determine if any of them require replacement; additional appliances can be usually be added. » Determine the condition of existing countertops and backsplashes—some or all may need to be replaced, especially if their materials are outdated. » The lighting should be attractive and functional in all rooms, but particularly in the bathrooms and kitchen. » Functional arrangement of the bathrooms, especially the master bath, is critical. » It is very important to be aware of how the bathrooms will be used: Are there tubs or showers? How large are the showers? » If a tub exists, it should be functional and not look old. » The master bathroom should feel open and luxurious. » The bathroom finishes and fixtures should not look outdated— if they are, increase your budget. » Having enough storage is key.

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photo by Sheila Goode

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Cooking with

VIKING A Chicago-Style Steak House Feast in the Making

By Ainsley Rogers Photography by Carolyn Hutcheson and Troy Ruprecht

Not much comes out of Greenwood, Mississippi. A place where people know their neighbors and even their neighbors’ kin, the small Mississippi Delta town is home to only 18,000 residents and, although rich in cotton, catfish, and culture, hardly holds a place in the international business sphere. Or didn’t, that is, until native Fred Carl went to work in 1981. Now, Greenwood is home to a major player in the culinary manufacturing business: the Viking Range Corporation.

Carl dreamt up the first Viking range in the midst

In 1989, the initial production of Viking ranges

of building a new home in the 1980s. His wife,

came out of the first Viking Range Corporation

Margaret, desired the heavy-duty performance

manufacturing plant in Greenwood. Now, even

and classic look of her mother’s Chambers stove

though Viking products ship around the world,

that the company had long since stopped producing. So Carl took matters into his own hands and designed a hybrid stove, suitable for in-home use, that combined the cooking prowess and features of a professional range with a fashionable design.

Seeking to bring his design to market, and after

the company continues to come back to its roots.

Inside Fred Carl’s rapidly growing corporation, the friendly Greenwood community attitude is the cornerstone of the company that boasts it is a place where goals are shared, ideas are encouraged,

being shown the door at countless commercial

problems are solved, and successes are celebrated—

range manufacturers, a small company in southern

together. This prevailing ethos has contributed to

California finally invested in his dream. The Viking

making Viking one of the most celebrated culinary

Range Corporation was born.

brands in the world.

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2011

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Viking continues to expand its reach from the Mississippi Delta and has recently opened a new Viking Store to provide a one-of-a-kind culinary experience for residents of Destin and the surrounding area. The Viking Store offers customers the total “Viking Experience� with an in-house Viking-only major appliance showroom, culinary retail, and hands-on demonstration-style themed cooking classes. Here, potential customers can not only browse the appliances, cutlery, and kitchen appliances that make the Viking brand so reputable, but they can also get actual hands-on experience with the very products they are considering buying.

The company’s marketing tactic is yet another unique aspect of the innovative brand: why not give customers the opportunity to test the Viking brand for themselves? Positive that satisfaction will be borne out with the use of their products, Viking gives customers the opportunity to personally test their products before committing to a purchase.

The Viking Cooking School offers unique cooking classes taught by expert instructors and popular local, regional, and national guest chefs. In a demonstration-style atmosphere, guests are invited to participate in a hands-on cooking class geared to all

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skill levels with the use of Viking kitchen appliances, countertop appliances, cutlery, and cookware.

All things considered, the creative team at VIE was so curious about this reputable brand that a trip to the Viking Store located in Miramar Beach was essential. Upon entering the store, we knew we had reached the mecca of kitchenware. Every appliance, cutlery, or cookware need could be met at the Viking Store, and the proof was displayed across the numerous racks of quality utensils and state-ofthe-art countertop and major kitchen appliances showcased for customer inspection. From its bold, high-performance professional features to its clean lines and contours, Viking’s Designer Series equips customers with the necessary components to turn any cook into a chef.

Inside the Viking Cooking School kitchen, everything we needed to create a gourmet meal was ready for us. The theme for our first Viking experience was Chicago Steakhouse, and although this dining experience doesn’t take place in a dimly lit, smoke-filled room of a gentlemen’s club, this Chicago-style steak house dinner was just as good. The menu boasted Bacon-Wrapped Sea Scallops with Apricot Sauce; Chopped Salad with Avocados, Bacon, Blue Cheese, and Dijon Vinaigrette; Chicago-Style Bone-In Rib Eyes; Horseradish Cream Sauce; Sautéed Spinach and Mushrooms; Hash Brown Potatoes; and Windy City’s Banana Cream Tarts for dessert. What a feast!

As we finished our class, full and impressed, we knew this unique venue celebrates the Viking brand in all its glory.

The entire dinner was fabulous, but we thought we’d share our favorite recipes with our readers: BaconWrapped Sea Scallops with Apricot Sauce and Chopped Salad with Avocados, Bacon, Blue Cheese, and Dijon Vinaigrette (just in case you want to try this at home). We suggest going to the next class at Viking, though, for a fun night out on the town and to experience the innovative Viking brand.

“Upon entering the store, we knew we had reached the mecca of kitchenware.”

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Left: Kitchen featuring Viking Appliances. All rights reserved 2011 Jack Gardner Photography & A BOHEME Design, LLC Upper Right: Outdoor kitchen featuring Viking appliances.

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850.534.0700 | w w w.BeauHomeI nter iors.com | Margie Perry, Owner

Chopped Salad with Avocados, Bacon, Blue Cheese and Dijon Vinaigrette Serves: 4

To crisp greens: Soak the salad greens briefly in a large basin of water. Lift the greens out of the water, shake off the excess water and dry in a salad spinner (do this in batches, if necessary).

To crisp, wrap in linen or paper towels, place in a plastic zip-top bag and store in the vegetable bin of your refrigerator. If the greens are to be torn or cut into smaller pieces, it is best done just before the salad is dressed and served. Greens will stay crisp this way for up to two days.

Ingredients for Vinaigrette: 3

tablespoons red wine vinegar

1

tablespoon Dijon mustard

2

teaspoons honey

1

green onion, green tops only, very thinly sliced

6

tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Vinaigrette: Combine vinegar, mustard, honey and green onions in a small mixing bowl; whisk to combine thoroughly. Add the oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking constantly and vigorously, until the vinaigrette is creamy and emulsified. Taste, and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt and pepper; set aside until needed.

Salad:

1

ripe avocado, pitted, peeled, and finely diced

2

large hard boiled eggs

Toss the avocado with some of the vinaigrette to prevent browning; cover with plastic wrap, and set aside until needed. Separate the egg whites from the egg yolks. Finely mince the whites and yolks separately (or pass through a coarse sieve to finely grate); cover with plastic wrap, and set aside until needed.

½

head romaine lettuce, crisped and cut into ½-inch squares

To Serve:

Ingredients for Salad:

Salt and freshly ground black pepper 2

ounces bleu cheese, crumbled

1

medium ripe red tomato, seeded and finely diced

4

slices bacon, cooked

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FALL 2011 VIEZINE.COM

Place the chopped lettuce in a salad bowl; add just enough of the vinaigrette to lightly coat the lettuc. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Evenly divide the salad between 4, small chilled salad bowls. Arrange one-fourth of each topping on the salad in strips; start on one end and present in the following order: avocados, blue cheese, egg yolks, tomatoes, egg whites and bacon. Serve immediately.

Bacon-Wrapped Sea Scallops with Apricot Sauce Serves: 4 as an appetizer Special Equipment: 4 (6-inch) bamboo skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes

Make It Ahead! Make the Apricot Sauce up to 3 days in advance. Store, tightly covered with plastic wrap, in the refrigerator until about 30 minutes before serving.

Ingredients: 3

tablespoons prepared horseradish

½

cup apricot preserves

2

teaspoons dry mustard power

¼

teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste

1½

tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (about ½ a lemon)

8

Slices thin-cut bacon (about 1 lb.)

8

jumbo sea scallops (U10), side tendons removed

4

tablespoons unsalted butter, melted Salt and freshly ground black pepper Micro-greens, for garnish (optional) Lemon wedges, for garnish

Apricot Sauce: 1. Wrap the horseradish in a square of cheesecloth that has been folded double and dampened; squeeze to remove all of the liquid.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the preserves, drained horseradish, dry mustard, red pepper flakes and lemon juice. Allow to set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes prior to serving.

(Note: This will allow the flavors to develop.)

Scallops: 1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Arrange the strips of bacon side by side on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cook until the fat has partially rendered and the bacon appears to be about threefourths cook through, about 15 minutes. (Note: Do not brown; the bacon must be pliable for wrapping around the scallops.) Transfer to a paper towel-lined platter, and set aside until needed.

2. Increase the oven temperatures to 450 degrees. Wrap a slice of par-cooked bacon evenly around the circumference of each scallop.

Thread 2 scallops onto each skewer, passing the skewer through the bacon to hold it firmly on the scallops. (Note: Leave a small amount of space between the scallops to ensure even cooking.)

3. Pour the butter into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish; place the skewers in the dish, and turn to coat with the butter. Season with a sprinkling of salt and a good bit of black pepper. Place in the over, and roast until the bacon is crisp and the scallops are opaque, about 8 minutes, Remove from the oven.

4.

Spoon 2 small pounds of Apricot Sauce (about 2 teaspoons each) onto warmed salad plates; place 1 of the scallops on top of each mound of sauce. Serve garnished with micro-greens and/or lemon wedges.

Recipes Courtesy of the Viking Cooking School VIEZINE.COM FALL 2011

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Create Balance

CUSTOM CONSTRUCTION ~ RENOVATION ~ CABINETRY

interior design ~ project management Melissa Quinn Bartlett

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1

Unique tabletop accents A delicate tray crafted from recycled Italian glass features a recycled glass globe with a natural sea fan and decorative magnolia, making a simple surface instantly chic and stylish.

Beau Interiors Grayton Beach, Fla. 850.534.0700

2

A birdhouse as a beacon of hope This one-of-a-kind birdhouse, shaped from recycled rubbish found after Hurricane Katrina, is an inspirational piece for any garden.

3

Fragrances that make it feel like home For us, the Seaside line captures the essence of our Gulf-side abode perfectly. Featured here: Seaside Body Lotion, Seaside Home Fragrance, and Seaside Aloe Vera.

Exclusive to Pizitz Home and Cottage Seaside, Fla. 850.231.2240

Pickets Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. 850.231.2036

4

Coffee-table books that radiate style Our favorite is the new 30A Style, written by Eleanor Lynn Nesmith and photographed by Jean Allsopp. It captures the heart of 30A through interior design.

Sundog Books Seaside, Fla. www.sundogbooks.com

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FALL 2011 VIEZINE.COM

VIE’S

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Dallas Shaw artwork Dallas Shaw’s illustrations and art have been featured in exclusive collaboration with many major fashionindustry players, including DKNY, ShopStyle, Kate Spade, and Nine West. The artist’s modern, custom canvases and trendsetting fashion illustrations, such as Red Skirt featured here, are inspired by the fashion industry and add a stylish touch to any wall space.

Work can be commissioned at dallasshaw.com.

With our eye on Home and Garden this month, VIE loves the idea of vintage, recycled, and colorful accent pieces to create a one-of-a-kind statement—anything to reflect the personal style that makes your dwelling distinctively yours.

Dallas Shaw Wllmington, Wilmington, Del. www.dallasshaw.com

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Retro accent trunks

Colorful accent planters A yellow porcelain planter is the perfect pop of color in any home or garden. Display it empty or as a unique vessel to showcase your favorite longstemmed greenery or plants.

These medium and large vintage-style trunks are the perfect addition to any room, porch, or patio.

Use them anywhere as decorative storage pieces or stack them next to a chair for an instant side table.

Bastide Home and Garden Beach, Fla. Santa Rosa Beach. bastidehomeandgarden.com

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EJG Interiors EJ G Interiors Grayton Beach.

Beach, Fla. Fla. Grayton 850.231.6806 850.231.6806

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2011

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EL YOUR CULINARY PASSION The Viking Store is something you just have to see. This one-stop culinary destination offers cooking classes for cooks of all ages and skill levels; a gourmet toy store full of the finest culinary tools available; and a Viking-only major appliance showroom and dealership. It's also the perfect place for your upcoming social or corporate event , with a special events program and facility rental for private events of any kind .

NOW OPEN IN DESTIN Sign-up for classes today at www.vikingcookingschool.com .

GM Appliance Cooking School • Appliances ' Kitchen Tools

10859 Emerald Coast Parkway West (across from Silver Sands Factory Stores) 850.650.9092 I Destin , FL

I

Grand Bay

Construction

"We (CRI) were impressed with Grand Bay Construction & their commitment to exceptional quality & communication.

Their aggressive schedule management allowed the project to be delivered a month ahead of our original target date."

- Steve Riggs

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D e sign Studio & Shop R osem ary B each (850) 231-6755 Moun tain B ro ok (205) 414-6026 www.trac er yinteriors .c om

Quaintness Quintessential

By ainsley RogeRs | photogRaphy By Romona RoBBins

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2011

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A

quiet calmness seems to envelop you as you spy a beautiful garden through a wrought iron gate. You catch a glimpse of a charming cottage in the foreground, beckoning you to enter the front door. Inside is an oasis that seems to define the new term being bandied about during this recession—retail therapy. In fact, shopping here is more like getting a massage than, well, going shopping. If that is what you’re looking for, you’ve found it, and much more, at Bastide.

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FALL 2011 VIEZINE.COM

The best part of Bastide has nothing to do with the items for sale or the creative garden design services on hand. It’s the nostalgic, romantic feeling you get upon entering. When visiting Bastide, time stops. It’s as if the hands of the clock magically turn back, transporting you to a quintessential 19th-century English cottage.

Lavender, mixed with the sweet scent of in-season blooms, lingers in the air around you. The lights are dim, the hardwood floors creak ever so slightly beneath your feet, and before you is a treasure trove of unique and stylish items that exude a vintage feel.

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Specializing in garden design, Bastide is home to many unique gifts and small luxuries. It offers a wonderful variety of antiques, home accessories and beautiful garden items, boasting “everything for the well-dressed home.� Pottery, linens, fragrances, and decor can all be found in Bastide, as can an extensive variety of boxwoods and unusual plants to complete any garden or interior space.

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FALL 2011 VIEZINE.COM

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Nestled among the trees of 30A, Bastide sits behind a white picket fence. Its simplicity and quaintness had us enamored with the home and garden shop from the very beginning. Today, it is refreshing to find a place like Bastide, where beauty and simplicity are celebrated. Often, the fast pace of modern life can rush us past noticing these things. But at Bastide, simple beauty is on exhibit for visitors to stop, notice, and enjoy. It is the charm of the store that draws customers back time and time again. It is quintessential quaintness at its finest.

Bastide home and garden Hwy. 30A & 17 Tanglewood Drive Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. 32459 850.622.9550 www.bastidehomeandgarden.com

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FALL 2011 VIEZINE.COM

,

www.SoWal.com

Contact us lor advertising opportunities - inlo@SoWal.com, 850-231-0102

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Flooring

ttMERIC~ “Quality You Can Stand On” We specialize in all types of flooring and installation.

Destin Flooring America DestinFlooringAmericaDestin.com 12889 Emerald Coast Parkway Destin, Florida 850.650.8511 Miramar Plaza Next To Tuesday Morning

FIV TURE / 'CHftNGE We are the leaders in the industry providing the most provocative options for your home.

TheFixtureExchange.com 36246 Emerald Coast Pkwy Destin, FL 32541 850.654.8883 Showroom Hours: Mon –Fri 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturday 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

AwArd-winning interior design Firm

Fine Furnishings & Accessories Showroom Full Service | New Construction | Remodeling Condo Packages

SugarBeachInteriors.com 11974 US Highway 98 West Miramar Beach, FL 32550 850.837.5157 LIC#26000633 K

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A Design Coalition

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KITCHENS AND BATHS

Custom Cabinetry – Value Prices Celebrating our 3Oth yr Award Winning Design Team Kitchen Remodeling Experts We make it EASY! LinnsKitchens.com Next door to Gold’s Gym Hwy 98 *3 Showroom Locations Destin – 850.837.9669 Pensacola – 850.438.1421 FWB – 850.862.6822

OasisRugAndHome.com 50 So. Holiday Rd (next to CVS) Miramar Beach, Fl 32550 850.650.9292 Showroom Hours: Mon -Fri 9:00 to 5:00

GR AN Ne D O w L PE oca NI tio NG n

Featured products: Coppola Keratin Complex Big Sexy Hair Rusk Woody’s Grooming Moroccan Oil Kenra Pureology L’Oréal Expert Series Cut & Color Specialists • Weddings Keratin Straightening System Boutique • FX Microdermabrasion

Dan Findley Salon 35 Kelly Avenue Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548 Tuesday - Saturday & by appointment (850) 244-4440 The Grove Salon & Boutique 50 Uptown Grayton Cir., Ste #2 Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459 P: (850) 267-8444 | F: (850) 267-8422 TheGroveSRB@gmail.com

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Mon-Fri 8 am – 5 pm | Sat 8 am – 3 pm

Mon-Fri 8 am – 5 pm | Sat 9 am – 3 pm

aquapoolandpatio.com

English an

garden

landscape architect: todd goulding of goulding design group

story and photography by carolyn hutcheson

wonderful surprise— a splendid english garden re-created through the inspiration of dr. clark hidden behind his macon home, dr. edward clark has a

and the expertise of his landscape architect, todd goulding.

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2011

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Originally constructed in 1926, the limestone home is surrounded by winding brick pathways. The garden consists of several hundred American, dwarf English and Wintergreen boxwoods, along with Knock Out roses, Oakleaf hydrangeas, camellias, iris, verbena, prostrate Japanese plum yew, and many other perennials and annuals throughout. The four quadrants of the garden contain urns and pedestals imported from England. The wrought iron gate is handcrafted.

Three years ago, Dr. Clark and his landscape architect extended the original stone wall that enclosed only a part of the property at the rear of the home. They went to great lengths to match the quality and design of the original limestone wall to make it appear as if it had been there from the start. The resulting beauty is the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, love, and devotion put toward the restoration and gardening.

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2011

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one stop . all your home finishing

&

furnishing needs .

12870 US Highway 98 West, Miramar Beach, Florida 32550 | 850.837.5563 | www.DestinDesignCenter.com Like Us on Facebook!

Follow Us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/LovelaceHome

Poppy’s Restaurants

It Just Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This!

Fine Wine, Steaks & Seafood Waterfront Dining

Fresh Mexican Cuisine Over 140 Tequilas Harbor Dining

850.351.1996 www.poppysseafoodfactory.com

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Fried Seafood Dockside Dining Live Music 850.351.1997 www.hammerheadsbarandgrille.com

Steamed Seafood Buckets Harbor Dining Live Music 850.424.6744 www.thecrazylobster.com

SPORTS BAR & GRILL SPORTS BAR & GRILL

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Award-Winning Pizza Delivery in Sandestin Resort

House Smoked Meats 40 Flat Screen TV’s Live Music

850.351.1998 www.robertositalianpizzeria.com

850.424.7172 www.timeoutsportsbarandgrill.com

Gregory D Jazayeri

T

imeless, classic, understated modern elegance. There are no frills, no trendy architectural details and no unnecessary design features—nothing that will be out of vogue in a decade or two. Leave that for the accessories. A home designed

by Gregory Jazayeri will remain an elegant sanctuary today and for decades to come.

Greg begins each new endeavor with an unrelenting focus on creating exceptional residential designs. Each residence provides comfortable living spaces responsive to the clients’ needs while creating a unique visual statement. From the start, each project is guided by two extremely important principles: the lifestyle of the future residents and the natural, existing landscape of the homesite. These elements must work

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FALL 2011 VIEZINE.COM

together to create a balance between the aesthetic and the practical. Greg strives to design a structure that protects the beautiful natural landscape of the Emerald Coast and showcases nature by framing a perfect view.

Greg established his practice in 2009 after spending his formative professional years working for larger architecture firms in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, and before that, in Fort Lauderdale. “I took away the best experiences possible from my prior positions.

I learned to work with a plethora of design styles and materials in South Florida. But I really found my calling upon returning to Santa Rosa Beach in 2005. I love this region of Florida; the coastal lifestyle and predominance of Florida vernacular architecture suits my style.”

Greg’s portfolio illustrates a stylistic evolution from earlier designs featuring art deco residences and large Mediterranean villas emblematic of South Florida to his more recent work. Recent projects are primarily represented by Florida-style cottages noted for their low-slung appearance, flared columns, and roof overhang; homes with a style reminiscent of the double-gallery house (as built in New Orleans during the first half of the nineteenth century), featuring multistoried, wide-open porches, cantilevered roof overhangs, and asymmetrical arrangement of supporting columns; and those grand affairs infused with touches of exotic elements—breezeways supported by Spanishstyle columns, rooflines evoking a French chateau, and courtyards that make you feel as if you reside in an Italian villa.

Design

A passion for international travel has added to Greg’s repertoire of techniques. “I love to travel and study the lifestyles of the places I visit. Travel opens your mind to different ways of living. It can be like an artistic revival.

I return home with inspiration and ideas on how to improve in my work.”

Travel may be well and good for brief excursions, but Greg calls the Emerald Coast home and as a longtime resident he knows every nook and cranny. Originally from Illinois, Greg’s family began traveling to Florida when he was five years old to visit his grandmother. The family had an instant love affair with the beaches, but a move to Florida would elude them. In 1994, the pieces finally fell into place and the family of five moved south and settled in Blue Mountain Beach.

“I remember 30A when Seaside was still in its infancy and much of the area was undeveloped. My brother and I used to explore the undisturbed land around Draper Lake; we built bonfires at the lake’s shore and spent countless hours outdoors.”

The fascination with the 30A corridor has not wavered. Greg has vowed to keep a lifelong presence in Santa Rosa Beach. The area is simply too important for him to leave it behind. “This region of Florida is blessed with very unique and beautiful natural features.

I have developed a keen appreciation for preserving its natural aura, which translates into my work. I draw in the natural elements of the land to enhance the aesthetic and living experiences of the clients. I enjoy so much about this area, and I strive to provide

my clients with a design experience and home that will give them the same wonderful memories.”

Gregory D Jazayeri Design Offices in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, and Athens, Georgia

850-217-3286 gdjdesigns.com VIEZINE.COM FALL 2011

59

W~ fJU'M ClJnpded eJWup tIJ ~ fJlIlt JtoM OIJII... fJu've flt the florJA,f 501 NORTtl9

AVENUE, PENSACOLA, fLORIDA' 850-439.0640 • WWW.DUtlPENSACOLA .COM Ttl

A Show House Showstopper

A Glimpse

into Retreat Living

By Ainsley Rogers Photogr aphy by Troy Ruprecht

T Photo by Gerald Burwell

owering over Draper Lake, 230 West Bermuda Drive stands at the end of a cobblestone path. Inside, sunlight shines uninterrupted through large picture windows that welcome sweeping views of the crystal blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico and white sugar sand beaches winding along the shore. The peaceful, scenic atmosphere gives a dreamlike quality to the home. And that is partly the truth. Because for most, the 2011 Cultural Arts Association Designer Showhouse for the Arts is just that: a dream home. Now, VIE would like to offer its readers the exclusive opportunity

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2011

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home - garden - gifts Only ½ mile east of Seaside at the corner of 30A & 395 next to V Seagrove.

Fall hours: Thurs– Sat 10– 5 850.231.2036

Photo courtesy of A BOHEME Design LLC & Jack Gardner Photography

GCS is committed to surpassing your expectations. Look no further for a quality provider of hurricane shutters, windows & doors, garage doors, architectural shutters, commercial doors, andG retractable B UIL DIN G SOL UTION S B U ILD IN SOLUscreens!

TIONS

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2011

65

to experience the 2011 Cultural Arts Association Designer Showhouse for the Arts between our pages well after its viewing has been closed.

The peaceful, scenic atmosphere gives a dreamlike quality to the home.

Located in one of the area’s most private neighborhoods, The Retreat of Blue Mountain Beach, the show house boasts both luxury and exclusivity. The gated community shields its inhabitants from the hustle of 30A while offering breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. Designed by architect Dawn Thurber of Thurber Architecture and constructed by Onno Horn of Domicile Luxury Homes, the fourbedroom, three-story home “had all the elements to make a great show house,” as executive director for the Cultural Arts Association Jennifer Steele puts it. With surrounding views of the Gulf of Mexico and Draper Lake, multiple floors with an interesting layout, and a location in one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in South Walton, it’s no surprise that the show house is currently listed for sale with Destin Real Estate Company for $5.5 million.

The house itself, home of Dr. & Mrs. Merrill N. Bradley, was impeccably decorated by some of the region’s most talented and renowned interior designers and design firms: Bohlert Massey; Design Services of Florida; Holly Shipman; Jennifer Hunter; Libby Baker; Lizzy Rose; Luanne Kelly; Musso Design Group; Pizitz Home and Cottage; Tamara Bickley; Tamera Massey and Todd Reeves; and Tracery Interiors. The designers were assigned their individual rooms to decorate six weeks before the opening and given five days to install their decor.

The home is beautifully decorated, fusing natural elements with unique details, and is a reflection of serenity done in light colors, a mix of modern and vintage decor, and with a minimalist approach. The view of the Gulf of Mexico, seen from all the rooms on the second and third floors, and the architecture itself were the most influential factors for the designers to consider when decorating the home.

Susan Byrd, designer of the dining room by Pizitz Home and Cottage, sought to impart a “timeless, refreshing, calm feeling” through her use of natural elements and soft colors. A teak table, white slipcovers on the chairs, and touches of blue and green reflected the views of the Gulf seen through the surrounding picture windows.

“The architecture of the house is amazing. I loved the wood floors mixed with the stone,” Byrd related.

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“The large windows draw your eye to the outside with all the amazing views of the Gulf. All these natural and beautiful elements in the home made me want to keep the dining room clean and simple.”

Similarly, Holly Shipman was inspired by the surrounding views in her design of the second-floor bedroom. “I didn’t want to detract from the beauty outside, so I used similar colors inside,” Shipman said. Shipman made sure the architecture of the house spoke for the room, adding French touches that subtly complemented the architectural aspects.

The result was a room that exuded a serene, comfortable vintage feel.

“I loved the juxtaposition of the rough-hewn architectural finishes and the elegant curves of the French furniture,” Shipman stated. “That, added with the mix of original art, gave the room soul—as if someone used cherished pieces passed down from their grandparents to furnish their beach house.”

Paige Schnell of Tracery Interiors also sought to evoke a feeling of intimacy in the show house living room. Tracery Interiors specializes in the fusion of new and antique or vintage items in their design schemes; by pairing these with clean lines, Schnell accomplished a beautiful yet comfortable and balanced look for the living room, which is nestled next to the dining room for intimate occasions.

“We were inspired to create a room in which to gather,” Schnell said. “We created a space where you can have great conversations and a glass of wine after dinner.”

The result of the designers’ meticulous work was a chic, modern home that exuded a warm, comfortable, serene atmosphere for visitors. Visitors were overwhelmed upon entering the home. “They were impressed with the finishes and the designers’ attention to detail,” Steele explained. “They left the house excited and inspired, saying they could tour it two or three more times and still see something they had missed the first time.”

Steele estimated the home hosted nearly a thousand guests throughout the course of the six-week showcase, doubling the attendance of 2010. By the end of the showcase, the Showhouse for the Arts had raised $16,000 for the Cultural Arts Association’s mission to support the arts through leadership, advocacy, funding, programs, and education.

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TASSELS INC. - Since 2000 -

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Commercial & Residential Remodeling Design Consultation

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VIEZINE.COM FALL 2011

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Home Sweet Second Home.

GREAT RATES ON MORTGAGES

Where You Come First.

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Member FDIC

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Hug In, Hug Out Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse

By Jordan StaggS | PhotograPhy By romona roBBinS

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The word souvenir is a French verb meaning “To remember.” in True american Fashion, we seem To have puT our own spin on iT, Taking iT To mean a reminder oF an evenT or a vacaTion we’ve Taken. some oF The mosT common Forms oF souvenirs are coFFee mugs, T-shirTs, Figurines, or picTure Frames proudly emblazoned wiTh The name oF The place where They were purchased: “yellowsTone” or “las vegas” or The ever-presenT and seemingly all-inclusive “Florida.” iT seems like no grandparenT’s house is compleTe wiThouT a Fridge covered in magneTs collecTed From vacaTions or received as giFTs over The years.

Souvenirs come in all shapes and sizes. Some of the rarest and most unexpected souvenirs are the places themselves—places so special they seem to transport the visitor back in time. And, to experience a slice of Old Florida hospitality, there is no better place than Hibiscus Coffee and Guesthouse. You can find the bed-and-breakfast nestled beneath the Spanish moss in historic Grayton Beach, a friendly little Northwest Florida community that lies between the sands of the Gulf and Scenic Highway 30-A. It all started as a fun project for Kurt and Barbara Tape, Louisiana natives who had always loved the area. They opened the original Hibiscus in 1994 as a café and single guest room, which their son occupied for some time before the property underwent the latest transformation into a twelve-room bed-and-breakfast, complete with a café and an outdoor music venue that are also open to the public.

“From day one our whole attitude was about a couple of things,” said owner Kurt Tape. “One, we wanted to grow organically, by word of mouth, instead of doing all the marketing most places do; and two, God is love. That’s the highest order of things. We’re not trying to preach to anybody, we’re just doing our own thing— and that’s what is great about this place.”

The inn, which is within walking distance to sugar-white beaches, is also near several shops and restaurants, and it’s the perfect spot to grab a bike (free for hotel guests) and take a lazy cruise down 30-A to popular activity spots in nearby Seaside, WaterColor, or Blue Mountain Beach. Be sure to say hello to Hef, Amos, and Scaredy-Cat, the feral felines who have made their home at Hibiscus and can usually be seen hanging around.

So what exactly is Old Florida, anyway? Take a look inside any of the nine guest rooms at Hibiscus and see for yourself. Each is decorated differently and has its own unique theme and matching name, such as the New Orleans-inspired “Big Easy,” the “Art Deco,” or the “Funky Bird,” which features flamingoes, cranes, and other fowl in everything from the paintings to the bathroom mirror. They all share styles echoed from the 1950s and ‘60s and are as cozy as your favorite room at grandma’s.

“My wife, Barbara, is the collector,” Tape said. “She spent twenty years collecting all the Florida stuff. We tried to make everything fit, but we’re also eccentric, and we’ve got to be who we are.”

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“One day Brianna said to me, ‘Cheri, this is the only job I’ll ever have where I just hug in and hug out.’ ”

—Cheri Peebles

In addition to the guest rooms are the Hibiscus flats: three one-bedroom units with full kitchens, spacious bathrooms and living areas, and flat-screen TVs. While the flats are more modern than the rooms found within Hibiscus House, they are not lacking in the quirky décor and homey feeling that is embodied in the whole establishment.

Much of that homey feeling is thanks to innkeeper Cheri Peebles, whose warm smiles and even warmer hugs are the standard greeting and goodbye for everyone at Hibiscus.

“When Cheri came, our message of hospitality became epitomized,” Tape said.

Peebles began working at the bed-and-breakfast thirteen years ago and has been innkeeper for the last ten, but she is the real heart of Hibiscus, treating each and every guest, local or vacationer, like family. Even Cheri’s real family—her husband, Bob, and son, Donald—work on site at the inn with Grayton Beach Catering and Beach to Bay Realty, the inhouse rental company.

Peebles’s mother, Mattie Anderson, said she remembers bringing her husband’s family to go fishing in Grayton Beach years ago, before any commercial property even existed in the area.

“I’m just amazed at the difference now,” she said. Anderson visits Hibiscus often and said her favorite part is hearing all the compliments people give her about her daughter. “This place is just such a blessing. There’s an atmosphere around here you don’t find anywhere else, and I’m happy if I can ever be any small part of it.”

Anderson said moving Bert’s Barn was one of the best things to happen to Hibiscus. The large red building was one of the original structures in Grayton Beach; it was set to be torn down but was bought and relocated as one of what are now four buildings making up the inn.

The shed that sits between the café and Bert’s Barn had really humble beginnings as a garden closet before undergoing many transformations over the years. According to Tape, it has been a puppet theatre, a bookshop, a floristry, and more before coming to its current use as 30-A Studio, a combination photography studio and jewelry gallery. Guests are welcome to stop in to browse and shop after breakfast or before outdoor concerts.

The Backyard, which Hibiscus boasts as the “most unique listening experience on 30-A,” has a story all its own.

“Our desire was for it to be a listening venue for singer-songwriters,” Peebles said, stressing the term “listening venue” because it is very different from a bar or restaurant where you might find bands playing for the locals. In the Backyard, it’s all about the music, and everyone can just relax, listen, and enjoy good food and good company in a beautiful setting. Country singer-songwriter Greg Barnhill replaced a word in a line of his blockbuster song House of Love while performing VIEZINE.COM FALL 2011

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there. making it "Backyard of Love," and the rest is h istory. The: name stuck. and it has be:come: Hibiscus's proudest amen ity. Lights crisscross from (rce to trec above several picnic tables and chairs in from o f the small stage, which comes alive every Sunday,

every second and fourr h Tucsday of rhe mOl1ch, and so metimes in between, when local and visiting artists share their sounds with the guests. The Backyard celebrated its first ann iversary this past june. "\'<'hen it rains, we juSt move everyone into the cafe and

call it the 'Backroom ofLove;" Peebles 5.1.id with a laugh.

Beneath the Bad.:yard o f l ove sign is a smaller one stating "H ug in, H ug Out." lllis is the mantra at the in n, co in ed by Bri:m na , a young local woman who grew up coming to H ibiscus widl her parelHsj she also worked in its cale. Tragically, she was killed in a car accident se:veral years ago, and the: sign was erected in her memory.

"One day Brianna said [Q me, 'Cheri, this is the only job

I'll ever have where I just hug in and hug Out;" Peebles said. "That's what we do here. There are no time clocks, juSt hug in, hug Out. That sign is Brianna. It has a lot of meaning to everyone here, but it's hers. 1l10se are the kinds of things God does in th is coffee shop."

Anocher sign th:1.[ has become a staple of H ibiscus is the "Be" board, which hangs in the front of the property SO

passersby can sec it. Every day the sign span s a Il C'o""

word , sllch as "Be grateful," "Be wise," or "Be relaxed."

Tiff Hehe tHhee Oh foUh daYA aweek at leaAt IjUAt e~oy tHe people tHat cOlffe in tHat Iget to vwt witH. IfAtHe people 1ff0he tHan tHe place tHat Iffakru tHiA Apec/al .....

-9tyOlf Kelflfedy

"\'(Ie have our loca ls who come in almost evt:ry day who practica lly have thei r own blltton on rhe register," Peebles said. "\V'e want it to be an escape for th em th at's relaxed an d JUSt a nice pbce

to

enjoy

rhe morni ng."

One of those locals is Bryan Kennedy, a si ngersongwriter from Nashville who has relocated to 30-A and who perfo rm ed the very first concert in "The ' Be' board became kind of synonymous with [he fru ies of th e spirit here,n

the BacJ...')'ard of Love.

Tape said. TIle board even has its own blog on Hibiscus's websi te, www.h ibis路 cusAorida.com, which is always updatt:d with the "Sen word of the day and tht: deeper message behi nd each one.

"I'm here three or fOur days a week at least,n Kennedy said, raking a Sip of cofice from his H ibiscus mug. "1just enjoy the people that come in that I get co visit with. It's

And while we're ta lking about fruits of the spirit- the culinary port ion of th is

the people more than the place that makes this special,

bed路 and路 breakfasr is just as impo rranr as the rest, and (he H ib iscus cafl: has be路

and the place is beautiful, so that gives yotl an idea. It's

come a favo ri te lIlorni ng Spot for many 30-A residents.

just relaxed and the people that work here all havt: a really good attinlde. They aren't JUSt interested in sell ing

\Vi rh its eclectic mix of rerro tin-clad dining tables, m ismatched chai rs, and even

you food-dley care about you.'"

more O ld J=lorid a paraphernalia embellishing the walls and centerpieces, the cafe is remin iscent of a mi x between grandma's kitchen and your favorite neighbor-

Kenn edy, who has performed in the Backyard of

hood diner. Every meal is made with love ( it says so right on the menu ) with vegan

Love regularly and stayed in almost every guest

options available. Though tht: breakfast specials change daily, the hOllse specialty

roo m at the inn , acknowledged that tht:rt: is JUSt

dish is the \V"ffie \'{fonderfu l; a multigrain waffle pi led high with crunchy peanut

someth ing magical ahoU( H ibiscus. Severa l people

butter and fresh fruit, nutS, honey, and coconut. Seating options are plentiful

have described it as "comi ng home," bur Kennedy

on sunny days. when

said the cliches don't really live lip to the place itself.

YOli

can enjoy the so ft sound s of The Beach Boys over the

radio inside the cafe or picnic in rhe Backyard of Love. H otel guests an d locals are

It is a {rue souvenir of a Si mpler, happier rime; ev-

weico llle daily from 7:30 to II :30 a. m. for breakfast and for Sunday brunch from

eryone is family, and the term "laid back" isn't quite

10;00 a. m. to 1;001'.111.

stro ng enough to describe it.

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2011

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… the house specialty dish is the Waffle Wonderful: a multigrain waffle piled high with crunchy peanut butter and fresh fruit, nuts, honey, and coconut.

“It’s a pretty slow pace down here on 30-A, but when you come to Hibiscus, it gets just a little bit slower,” Kennedy said. “How do you describe this place?” he asked as he turned to look for a response from Peebles.

She just grinned and said, “Love.”

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Designed

Manufactured

Installed

Cherished

Friends making

with

candy

Photo by Lindsey Clark

I By

Jim Clark

know the title of this article may bring different connotations to mind. Some of the connotations may even seem creepy, but I’m not referring to enticing someone into something through the use of sweets as a lure. But let’s break the statement down. To make friends with means “to establish a friendship or friendly relations with,” and that’s simple enough. My dictionary defines a friend as “a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection, typically exclusive of sexual or family relations.” Growing up, most of us had friends, and now with modern technology, we can make friends all over the world and communicate with them at breakneck speed—many of these people we may never actually meet in person. Lastly, Candy is a person’s nickname—or even her real name.

Put all of these things together and you have it—the title of my first book, Making Friends with Candy. In it, I write my memoirs of making friends with a girl named Candy and her journal of life and love. This is my personal story of an online connection made through Facebook, the social network. Okay, that can sound scary, or even creepy. Meeting people, making friends, and having relationships online can be good or bad. Mostly, I’ve heard of bad experiences from people looking for companionship through dating sites. Those people said all was good until they found out that the picture of the person they were talking with had been taken twenty-five years earlier. Strange? Yes, it is! There are dating sites advertised for people who have been looking for love in all the wrong places. Those “wrong places” usually involve drinking or they’re someone else’s idea of the “best” places to meet someone. I’m not afraid to tell you that I have even checked out some dating sites myself. I was curious and wanted to see if it was a good thing for a friend of mine to be doing.

Sure, you’re thinking I’m the “friend,” but in this case it was not I who was actually looking—really! I am still one of the singles out there, even though my friends think I am crazy.

Well, my story is a bit different. Without telling you the whole story, I’ll give you a taste of it. First, let’s start with this guy—me, Jim Clark. Who is he and why is he telling me about this? If you have lived in the Destin area for the past thirty or more years, you have most likely met me or at least seen me around town. I have been involved with the Emerald Coast Advertising Federation, the Chamber of Commerce, and many other organizations. I have lived through the ups and downs of living in a tourist town: hurricanes, oil spills, and, currently, a bad economy. I have struggled through personal, family, and business issues, and I am still trying to work

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2011

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wonderful

“Without a the

beginningmeans nothing. ending,

Wonderful

Thank you for all things

xo”

my way back to where I want to be. My parents live in Northwest Florida, and other family members are sprinkled all over. I’m not sure how to describe myself, but a friend of mine once wrote this about me: “Identified as a dreamer, a romantic, and a creative genius by many, Jim holds a passion for technology and for helping others any way he can. He’s also been called ‘crazy,’ ‘weird,’ and even ‘strange’ by those who haven’t had the pleasure of meeting him. If you get the chance, get to know him and make up your own mind.

I’m sure you’ll find out you have a friend for life …”

Okay, back to the story. I was on Facebook again. I’ve been told that you can reach me faster online than by calling me on the phone. A year ago, I noticed a photo of a cute girl with a hat who was commenting on the status of one of my friends. I hit the “Add Friend” button to give myself the chance of meeting someone new. Her name was Candy. I continued working online while talking to other friends through the chat area.

A couple of weeks went by and I forgot about the friend request. Then, out of nowhere, I noticed a post on my Facebook Wall (the area where your status is posted). It was a comment from Candy concerning going to another round of chemo treatments. I hadn’t even said “Hi” to this girl and I already wanted to find a way to help her in her time of need. I decided to

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send a message asking her to let me know if I could help her with anything. In the back of my mind, I knew I didn’t have the resources available to help very much, but I still wanted to try. She said, “Thank you.”

Now that we had made a connection, I was curious and wanted to know more about my new Facebook friend, Candy. The next day, I sent her a message and asked how she was doing. We began talking and finding out more about each other. I learned very quickly that we had similar interests: music, food, and nature; and that both of us were sarcastic and playful—in other words, we were both smart alecks. I discovered she was a Southern girl, and my dad’s family is from Alabama—yup, that’s the South, ya’ll. We talked about family and the stuff in our daily lives, and, just like that, we became friends. In one of our conversations, Candy opened up to me about her insane times before being diagnosed with cancer.

The book is filled with my photos, our Facebook posts, and some of our e-mails, and the last chapter includes Candy’s journal, which she sent to me a week prior to losing her battle with cancer. The journal inspired me even more to write and share this story with others.

I’m sure you are asking yourself why I wrote the book. Well, it’s like this: I wrote it to keep her in my life a little bit longer even though she had left this earth. It may have been my way of having closure after losing a friend to whom I had become very close. We talked to each other almost every day, and now that part of my day was missing. I had never written a book before; but I told her that I would do it, so I was committed. Also, shortly after Candy passed, business was still very slow, and now one of my motivators was not there to help keep me going. I started doing research on writing and self-publishing. I followed this with gathering all my e-mails, Facebook messages, and thoughts together while still fresh in my head. It was a lot of stuff for just a three-and-a-half-month time period.

You may think this stuff is too personal. Yes, it is very personal, but when you have something you really like, you should share it with others. We all tell our friends about the good times we have had on vacation, a great concert or art show we attended, and even times spent hanging out with family. We talk about our family members who have passed on to keep them in our thoughts; at least, I do, and you probably do too. My grandfather on my mom’s side played a mean accordion, and my grandmother on my dad’s side cooked up some great Southern food when I was younger—I’ll never forget them. Take a second and think about your family and a smile should come to your face.

in the journal, candy writes:

I will remain in the sands on the beach.

I will be in the tide that runs to the shore and tickle the toes of my friends.

I will be in the soft gentle rain that kisses the cheeks of those I love and there, with them, I will dance and laugh.

I will be the butterfly who shows up unannounced to bring a smile on fluttering wings.

I will be in the seashells by the shore to be held and adored.

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2011

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an excerpt from journal entries published in the last chapter of making friends with candy:

I will kiss the face of Jesus then bow at His feet. I will thank my Heavenly Father for His love, His love, His mercy, His grace.

No more will I be lonely or sad.

No more will I be in pain.

My heart will be finally free to dance among the stars.

My soul for once can rejoice and be at peace. I’m letting go of my yesterday and all of their misery. I’m holding on to my eternity and it’s joy.

I have been loved. I have been cherished. I will go on in the hearts of those who love me.

People ask me: “Did Candy know you were going to write the book?” Yes, she did. We talked about it and she asked, “Why would anyone want to read about a broken-up girl like me?” I said that it wasn’t just about her—that it was about us.

She laughed, and I said that her life would make a crazy movie. She said, “It’s not like I am going to be able to stop you when I am gone.” I laughed and told her to save me a seat next to her in heaven, and she replied, “You got it!”

Why did I get involved with her? This is what I wrote in the book: “My commitment to do what that voice in my head, as well as my heart, said was the right thing to do.” That “voice” has to be my conscience, my “heart” is the love for another being, and “the right thing” would be how I would want to be treated if I was in the same situation. Sure, it is hard to make a friend and become close when the person is going through tough times. But this situation was beyond just tough times. I guess I’m stubborn like that—thanks, Dad. Candy knew she wasn’t going to be living much longer. She needed a friend. No, she needed many friends at this time. I was just lucky to be one of a few close friends she told.

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Now I’m sure you’re wondering what I got from the relationship. I was not really looking for anything other than to get to know her. I didn’t have any expectations. When you find someone who has similar interests to yours, it feels a little like you are looking at yourself in the mirror. I spent many hours trying to figure out how to do something to help. I am not a doctor—I didn’t have a cure for her illness. All I had at that time was the ability to talk, to joke around, to spend all day and night with her online. I would go take pictures of the beach for her while she was at the doctor’s office having treatments and then post them online for her to see. It was my way of giving her something she loved but couldn’t have because of the side effects of the drugs. One of Candy’s friends told me to keep doing whatever I was doing because it was working. She also said that Candy’s mood was better when she was talking to me and that she wanted to keep fighting to see another day. As for me, Candy helped my days go by when business was slow and I was looking for new work. She was one of my best friends during my “blah” time.

Would I do it again? Sure, I would! Everyone can use a few more friends, even if they are only friends for a short time. Don’t be afraid to meet someone new. I am a shy guy, but when I decided to start living for myself and stop worrying about what people think about me, things changed. I still make mistakes, but today I am saying, “I’m broke ’n’ happy,” and that sure beats just being broke any day. Plus, all of us need help at different times in our lives, even the stubborn ones who don’t want to ask for it. People tell me that it’s a sad story. To that I say, “I wouldn’t trade my experience for anything in the world.” If you are ever blessed like I was, I know you will understand what I felt as well. Plus, if you want another friend on Facebook, just add me: www.facebook.com/Ad3.org and introduce yourself.

So the next time you hear the saying “Making friends with candy,” I hope you think of the strong-willed, independent, beautiful, “broken-up girl” that I had the pleasure of knowing. And, I hope, too, that thinking about her persuades you to use your head and your heart to do the right thing for someone—anyone— that needs your help. The little things you do may end up being the last thing someone remembers. You could bring that person love and happiness.

I would not wish the last year of Candy’s life on anyone. She lived through “hell on earth”: the death of her unborn child and being diagnosed with cancer.

But then she discovered more about herself, her “real” friends, and the family she never knew she had.

Order book online at www.makingfriendswithcandy.com

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2011

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The Resort Collection is a Panama City Beach–based resort management company that boasts nine hundred full-service Gulf-front suites and golf villas, 90,000 square feet of combined indoor and outdoor meeting space, ten Plexicushion tennis courts, multiple upscale retail shops, boutiques, eateries and coffee shops, state-of-the-art fitness rooms, an outdoor basketball court, shuffle board, twenty-three luxurious pools, a nine-hole executive golf course, and twenty-seven holes of championship golf at the Hombre Golf Club on Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast. For anything from a family-friendly experience to a romantic couple’s getaway, the Resort Collection of Panama City Beach has a property suited to guests at all stages in life.

The following interview was conducted in the boardroom of The Resort Collection’s Grand Panama Resort— the most recent addition to the Resort Collection—with Mike Stange, chief operating officer.

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guests with a fun, relaxing, and quality experience—no matter what’s happening on the outside. It has not been easy and we’ve all had to work very hard to make it look seamless, but it’s paying off.

Vie: What’s the secret to The Resort Collection’s success? How do you stay ahead?

Mike: We pay attention to industry trends and make changes accordingly— if those changes will benefit our customers. And, we’re proud to say that we are consistently exceeding the expectations of our guests. We enjoy offering our visitors perks just as much as they enjoy receiving them. In the end, they come back time and time again; they also spread the word to their friends.

Vie: And what is the best thing that you offer visitors to your resorts?

A Q & A with VeterAn resort hotelier Vie: As a veteran in the resort and hotel industry, what business strategies have you implemented to combat the recession?

Mike: To survive, we obviously had to manage operational expenses closely.

But we maintained a core group of seasoned professionals to ride out the economic storm; we truly value our team members. We also transitioned to a new reservation system that enables us to capture consumer data and be ready for an increase in occupancy in the future. We listen to our customers and are constantly striving to provide them with better value and a better experience for their money. You cannot go wrong with this mantra.

We also aligned with business partners like Southwest Airlines and the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau and really worked on growing our group meetings market, as we have the best and largest facility in the area to handle large and small meetings.

Mike: We also looked ahead. We tried to forecast what was going to happen to us and our industry, and we prepared for that in every way we could.

That turned to our advantage when we had to implement a crisis management marketing plan during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Using the web and our social marketing platforms, we were able to inform our guests that our beaches were fine.

Vie: What keeps things moving so smoothly during tough economic times?

Mike: Having a staff that believes in your business is what sets you apart from others in the field. At The Resort Collection, everyone believes in providing

Mike: The best thing we have to offer is the greatest experience on Panama City Beach. Every hotel is selling the same beach; but it’s our accommodations and amenities, our people and their willingness to go the extra mile— the whole Resort Collection experience—that makes us better than the competition. The Resort Collection offers a lot of variety; we really do have something for everyone. Edgewater Golf and Beach Resort often appeals to families because of all the exciting things that happen there on a regular basis.

Majestic Beach Resort is an intimate place for couples; En Soleil caters to those looking for a little bit of luxury; and Hombre Golf Club is there to service visitors to the area as well as the locals of Panama City Beach. Our newest addition, Grand Panama Resort, is our state-of-the art vacation destination; it offers a great experience for a great value.

All six of our properties really cater to different experiences, but they are all commonly grounded in having attentive and hardworking staff that make sure visitors enjoy themselves as much as possible. People come here to relax and visit some of the world’s prettiest beaches, but they also need to have great customer service, competitive amenities, and a good value with their accommodations. Offering the best value has been one of our strongest marketing virtues.

For more information about The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach and the properties that they manage, please visit their website at www.resortspcbeach.com or call 866.203.1164.

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A Community College Builds

OppOrt

By Sallie Wolper Boyles

When it comes to economic development, coastal communities can no longer get by on their good looks alone.

Like a pretty face, beautiful scenery attracts lookers to the Florida Panhandle, but before making any kind of long-term commitment, todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s investors require an infrastructure that embraces technology. For that reason, whether using or inventing the latest products and processes, both public and private sectors need an educational body that inspires innovation while offering targeted fields of study that produce a ready workforce.

u nit y aking on that ambitious role, Gulf Coast State College (GCSC) is expanding with a $35-million state-of-the-art Advanced Technology Center (ATC) to open in fall of 2013 on the school’s main campus in Panama City. As college and community leaders profess, the ATC, a project attracting national attention, lies at the heart of Northwest Florida’s economic future.

Does a community college, in fact, have the power to fuel a region’s economy?

According to Drs. Jim Kerley, president of GCSC, and Stephen Dunnivant, interim dean of the ATC, no one should underestimate what the institution brings to the table. Demonstrated by its varied group of stakeholders (corporate executives, entrepreneurs, financiers, top military personnel and contractors, local government officials, and civic leaders), the school’s sphere of influence is notable.

Every facet of the ATC’s blueprint, in fact, represents a collaborative effort. “At its inception in 2004, we brought in design consultants,” says Kerley,

making it clear that the building itself represents an enormous undertaking. “Educational facilities don’t typically consult with anyone.”

Consequently, whether deemed a trade school, a stepping-stone to a four-year or professional degree, a mechanism of continuing education and job training, or a technology think tank, the ATC is being positioned as the region’s most promising gateway to a better quality of life for those who pursue the opportunities it offers. To move ahead with that purpose, the college’s administration and partners have assumed a future-forward perspective that, in some aspects, seems vague because of the inevitable changes that come with technology.

Their current focus or “anchor,” according to Dr. Kerley, is a five-year (2008–2013) strategic plan that cements the school’s commitment to its students and, correspondingly, to the communities within Bay, Franklin, and Gulf counties. “While addressing the interests of local businesses, municipalities, military bases, and the like, we have a missionary zeal for developing a global workforce,” says Kerley. “Our region

has historically depended on construction, tourism, and the military, but diversity will be the key to our future prosperity.” On countless levels, the ATC is the critical component of that bold resolution.

GCSC’s administrators and faculty, therefore, wear many hats. Although its directors are too humble to refer to the ATC as a “think tank,” GCSC, nevertheless, facilitates conferences that promote idea generation and meetings of the mind. As service providers, they collaborate with citizens and experts to ensure that initiatives are on target and deliver what is promised. As leaders, they work alongside other influencers to promote economic development in Northwest Florida. Already a committed partner of area chambers of commerce and economic development offices, the school’s administration, eagerly combining forces to recruit new industry to the area, recently participated in a commission to entice a solar energy company to the region.

“In the final phase, our area was one of three finalists nationwide under consideration because of the ATC,” says Kerley, revealing that the workforce issue was a

VIEZINE.COM FALL 2011

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“Leaders in education, business and government must work as a team to win new opportunities, and many expect to be involved.”

formal classroom settings. Referring to the United States’ traditional modes of teaching and narrow educational tracks, Dunnivant says, “We’ve been too focused on the academic elite.”

A global initiative of GCSC, and certainly one of the ATC, is to deliver educational opportunities that evoke passions and creativity among those who think in different ways. The concept of learning by doing comes up frequently. All along, to inspire students, schools are encouraged to introduce a broader range of career options sooner rather than later. Dr. Kerley refers to an endeavor that builds alliances with teachers and career counselors from kindergarten through high school. Primarily, students who exhibit potential are identified and shown career paths as soon as possible. Additionally, rather than postponing their ambitions, young people have greater leeway to pursue their interests before graduating high school. deciding factor. “If the ATC had been completed, I

rates, way of life, quality of schools, and the job force.

have no doubt we would have been chosen.”

“Leaders in education, business, and government must work as a team to win new opportunities, and many

“Dr. Kerley has given us the vision to lead by

expect to be involved.” The days when one or a few

concentrating our resources,” injects Dunnivant.

power brokers sealed the deal are over.

“With our Advanced Technology Center under way, we are in an unprecedented environment for

Along with new industries and business expansions,

fostering growth as a regional educational hub.” To

entrepreneurs and creative thinkers are critical to a

lure big industry and serious venture capitalists, he

thriving economy. Fortunately, the aesthetic quali-

adds, the concerted effort must stretch beyond any

ties of the Gulf Coast have been a magnet to people

one group or city.

who are uniquely gifted and inspired. “The intellectual property here is enormous,” says Dunnivant.

“Our region has reached a tipping point,” Kerley con-

“Our role is to tap into it.”

tinues, meaning that the economy, which is dependent upon growth, could go either way. “The competition

To do just that, Drs. Dunnivant and Kerley cham-

we face is tough.” Indeed, the complex decision to

pion educational avenues that nurture talented indi-

locate a business in an area entails many factors—tax

viduals, including those who would not flourish in

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FALL 2011 VIEZINE.COM

“In Northwest Florida, we have the highest penetration of kids in high school taking college courses than anywhere else in the state,” says Kerley. “By intertwining our efforts as proponents of education, we’re creating career academies that flow to college.”

“Florida also has one of the best matriculation systems in the country,” adds Dunnivant. “In an even flow from high school to a technical school to a university, students can earn any degree.” Anyone can cross the threshold to higher learning by entering a community college.

Highlighting that the community college’s purpose is to grant access, Dr. Kerley recalls a GCSC student who struggled at first to meet university requirements, but his accomplishments took him on to medical school. Equally impressive to Kerley is the

story of a woman who lived in her car while attending GCSC, and today is a respected influencer in the local community. Kerley says he would never have guessed her background if she hadn’t told him.

Perhaps most notable is the woman who could barely write when she entered GCSC. Throughout her life, her mother said that she wasn’t smart enough for college. From her personal commitment and her teachers’ unyielding dedication, she graduated with a degree and, more importantly, earned her self-respect as a role model for her children. An inclusive learning institution, Dr. Kerley concludes, profoundly changes lives.

Today, accessibility is also a function of time and place, so a growing number of e-learning options accommodate busy schedules. GCSC, in fact, has experienced a 94 percent increase in online class enrollment over the past three years. The trend poses an array of possibilities for hybrid classrooms as the ATC and its next-generation technologies emerge.

Whatever falls under the massive ATC umbrella, GCSC promotes hands-on, applied learning techniques and experiential classrooms. “Employers need people who can solve problems,” says Dunnivant, who is an advocate for classes that introduce subjects by posing problems to solve. The purpose is to stimulate critical thinking rather than presenting facts that students must memorize and regurgitate. “Students are not empty vessels that must be filled,” he says.

“Dr. Kerley has given us the vision to lead by concentrating our resources, with our Advanced Technology Center under way, we are in an unprecedented environment for fostering growth as a regional educational hub.”

The physical structure of the ATC—an 80,000-square-foot facility that is seeking a Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system—is also intended to stimulate critical thought and open discussions. Rather than using walls and halls to create barriers that isolate different departments and separate students from teachers, interiors will feature shared spaces and inviting corridors, where people are encouraged to engage one another. Traditional campuses erect educational silos in which different areas of study function independently from one another; in the ATC, disciplines will merge for the benefit of all.

While conducting a search on his laptop, an advanced IT student might interact with a high school student in a dual enrollment program, an instructor from another department, and a business owner seeking help on a private project. Conducive to gathering and sharing ideas, the ATC’s cutting-edge blueprint could very well remain a work in progress, accommodating changing needs, over the life of the building. Planners, however, are counting on one given element: the conference room with fabulous floor-to-ceiling water views!

The curriculum—which will be updated and revised as trends dictate—promises an expanded

selection of bachelor of applied sciences courses in areas like technology security, sustainable design, and mechatronics (a mix of engineering specialties and manufacturing applications). “Previously, the workforce would tell us which courses we needed to teach,” says Kerley. “We’re now looking to drivers of innovation to guide us.” Interestingly, GCSC, considered neutral territory where stakeholders can gather, has positioned the ATC to breed ideas as well as to help them take root.

If this vision for the ATC appears grand, it is far from elitist. The ultimate purpose is to create opportunity for the people of Northwest Florida—all to elevate their standard of living and enhance their quality of life. Coming from humble backgrounds, Dr. Kerley, who was raised in a poor, rural area of Tennessee, and Dr. Dunnivant, who grew up on welfare and lived in New York housing projects, can appreciate firsthand the value of an open door.

Kerley saw his parents struggle because they did not have the benefit of education. “My dad’s childhood home was so remote that to go to high school, he would have had to enroll in boarding 104

FALL 2011 VIEZINE.COM

school,” Kerley explains. “As a little girl, my mom had to stay home to care for her younger siblings.

That’s why I have a heart for students who need that extra help.” His first class while pursuing his MA in Teaching at The Citadel in Charleston covered community college administration. “I set an early goal to be a community college president,” says Kerley, who knew that his calling was to make a difference through education.

and

Supervision

ATC appears grand, it is far from elitist. The ultimate purpose is to create opportunity for the people of

He went on to earn his PhD in Educational Administration

“If this vision for the

of

Northwest Florida.”

Higher

Education from Florida State University. From teaching he migrated to administration, and with

Dr. Dunnivant concurs. “Some of the most talented

a depth of experience presiding over community

people from business and industry are committed to

colleges in Kentucky, Dr. Kerley took over as the

our school.”

fifth president of GCSC in 2007. Downplaying his personal contributions, including his proven capac-

Through solid leadership and dedication to GCSC,

ity to lead ATC initiatives, Dr. Kerley applauds the

a regional institution, the ATC, a project believed to

devotion of his faculty and staff. “I see a real caring

have national significance, has emerged. What, then,

and love for our students,” he says. “They will bend

does the future hold for the school and the people

over backwards.” When weighing any decision,

of Northwest Florida? While the details will take

Kerley insists that one question prevails: Is it good

shape over time, the architects are quite optimistic

for the students?

about the foundation they’re building today.

Advanced Technology Center Highlights • $35-million facility on the Panama City campus • Opening Fall 2013 • Offering bachelor’s degrees in technical fields and applied sciences in partnership with area universities • Fostering instructional innovation for K–20 educators through teaching and learning centers • Driving and accelerating regional economic growth • Serving Bay, Franklin, and Gulf counties Architectural rendering provided

by Florida Architects, Inc.

Panama City Campus 5230 West Highway 98, Panama City, FL 32401 Phone: 850.769.1551 Gulf/Franklin Center 3800 Garrison Avenue, Port St. Joe, FL 32456 Phone: 850.227.9670 North Bay Center 637 Highway 2300, Southport, FL 32409 Phone: 850.872.3878 Tyndall Education Center Tyndall Air Force Base, FL 32404 Phone: 850.283.4332 Website www.gulfcoast.edu

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Sleep may be one of the most necessary and least understood of nature’s functions. Indeed, as one renowned sleep researcher, Allan Rechtschaffen, put it, “If sleep doesn’t serve an absolutely vital function, it is the greatest mistake evolution ever made.” He is referring, of course, to the lost hours (approximately one-third of human lives), and the fact that all species either sleep (mammals and birds) or find repose in another way (fish, reptiles, and insects). In recent history, we humans, at the top of the food chain, haven’t had to worry about predators, but every other species must—and they lie completely vulnerable to predation while asleep or at rest.

There is little doubt that the vital functions of sleep do exist, even if we haven’t been able to discover them scientifically. Empirically, you know that after a near-sleepless or restless night, you wander through the next day tired, unfocused, needing energy boosts (insomnia leads to weight gain), and generally in a bad mood (insomnia also leads to depression—and vice versa). Well, a bad night followed by a crummy day is one thing. Being unable to sleep at all is lethal!

Forty families globally carry a gene for a very rare disease, fatal familial insomnia (FFI). The disease progresses from trouble napping to trouble sleeping to the complete inability to fall asleep, which, as the name implies, leads to death in a relatively short time. The fact that zero sleep kills was confirmed by Rechtschaffen in his experiments on rats. He forced them to stay awake by suspending them over water on a cone-shaped disc, which would tumble the rats into the water if they slept, immediately waking them. After two weeks of this, all the rats were dead.

So, complete lack of sleep is lethal and, logically, it follows that insufficient sleep negatively impacts our health. The surprising thing about FFI is that autopsies/ necropsies on the deceased showed no apparent cause of death. All organs, cells, and tissues were intact and apparently healthy. Scientists concluded that death was caused by exhaustion. While scientifically unsatisfying, this conclusion squares with

the empirical evidence of feeling wretched after a sleepless night.

Clearly, then, sleep serves a restorative purpose at least. The research suggests several other things may be going on as well. Using an electroencephalographic (EEG) machine to measure the brain wave patterns of sleeping subjects suggests that sleep has many phases ranging from near sleep—just after you close your eyes—to ever-deepening stages that are periodically interrupted by rapid eye movement (REM) episodes, indicating dreaming. Tracking a full night’s sleep is fairly complex, but it is clear that a good night must include the deep stages and several REM episodes. It is thought that the deepest stage is truly restorative, allowing cell repair and immune system enhancement. REM seems to be a reliving of past events, although the dream itself rarely mirrors actuality. The theory is that the brain is sifting through information and committing important items to long-term memory and erasing those it deems unimportant. This provides both memory and personality functions since your persona is a combination of what you think and remember. So, sleep helps us remember what’s important by letting go of what is not. It’s sort of like “cleaning up” your computer by “trashing” unused icons to enhance its performance. Again, as in most of what we “know” about sleep, this is the current theory.

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THE INSOMNIA EPIDEMIC Unfortunately, we don’t always get sleepy or stay asleep when we need to. Insomnia is at epidemic levels throughout the developed world. About 25 percent of people have serious insomnia issues and very few of the remainder are solid sleepers every night. Insufficient sleep builds what is called “sleep debt” and the larger an individual’s sleep debt becomes, the more serious the consequences: to name but one, it is estimated that fully 20 percent of serious motor accidents are due to driver sleepiness.

Clearly, sleep debt would also have a negative effect on: – Job productivity/job retention; – Relationships/divorce rates; – Joie de vivre, which is our ability to enjoy all that life offers, … and so on.

Well, for one industry, Big Pharma, the problem results in a windfall. Sleep prescriptions numbered fifty-six million in 2008, up 50 percent from 2004, and are worth billions of dollars. Those stats do not include over-thecounter sleep aids. The country is clearly sleep deprived and trying to solve the problem chemically.

Some ninety different types of insomnia have been characterized by sleep scientists. At either end of the spectrum are: True insomnia—for unidentifiable reasons

The cause of true insomnia (and the various other names given to this condition) is clearly a complex problem; it may be a psychophysiological combination. This will be small consolation to sufferers, but about the best one can do currently is called cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT is a combination of knowledge and belief that the problem is manageable (and some require counseling for this) coupled with good sleep hygiene.

THE HYGIENE “RULES” ARE AS FOLLOWS (as usual in discussing sleep, these help most, but not all, sufferers): – Your sleep area should be dark, cool, and quiet – Do not exercise late in the day – Go to bed when you start to feel sleepy —the alternative is a “second wind” – Reset your circadian clock; our ancestors went to bed at dusk and rose at sunrise. Electricity, the light bulb, TV, and computers have messed with these instincts. Therefore, – Go to bed earlier (whatever earlier is for you) – No TV/computers after 9:00 p.m.

– Dim the lights after 9:00 p.m.

– Try to establish a set sleep and wake time – Naps are okay if brief, about ninety minutes max during afternoon energy “dip”

Sleep apnea—actually a physiological problem

– Nasal strips are actually beneficial

Apnea has a cure. It is characterized by heavy snoring interrupted by lack of breathing followed by a heavy snort as the brain, starved for oxygen,

– Snacks should be modest and no later than midevening; no stimulants after supper (caffeine, colas, chocolate, candy, etc.)

wakes the sufferer. Apnea is caused by soft tissues in the throat relax-

– Bedrooms are for sleep and sex only—no TVs, computers, work, etc.

ing with sleep and constricting the windpipe. Since the wake-up snort restores oxygen, the body quickly relaxes into sleep again causing the same asphyxiating results and the wake-up cycle to be repeated. The apnea sufferer, then, basically gets hundreds of “micronaps” but can never get to deep sleep stages or attain REM episodes. If you believe you may be an apnea sufferer, spend a night in a sleep center—they will observe you all night and can certainly recognize deep sleep, REM, apnea, and other sleep disturbances. The night is painless and very informative. If apnea is diagnosed, the solution is a device worn every night (called a CPAP machine), which holds the airways open. Problem solved, although your sex appeal is considerably diminished in this contraption. Of course, apnea isn’t attractive to your bedmate either, since your problem becomes his or hers as well.

For the other insomnia types, the answers are less clear. Pills (both prescription and over the counter) can certainly knock you out, but most people find that this artificially induced sleep, while better than none, is never as satisfying as natural sleep. Pills also tend to be addictive and users complain of hangovers or a groggy feeling. Pills can, as well, make insomnia worse—this is called rebound insomnia.

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Most of this is common sense. On the following page are other suggestions, which again, some have found helpful. Most of these can be found in health food stores:

AROMATHERAPY Many folks find a dab of lavender or chamomile oil behind the ears soothing. Lemon balm and others that you find comforting can also serve.

Any fresher, you’d have to catch it yourself.

SUPPLEMENTATION Melatonin is a hormone produced by the body to promote and enhance sleep. Supplements are available in pill form in 1, 3, 5, and 10 mg.

Start with 1 or 2 mg and add until desired effect. Some use 20 mg/night. Experiment.

VALERIAN ROOT (EXTRACT) This one has been around for generations.

Available as a tea or in pill form, it normally takes a few days to kick in.

GABA Gamma-aminobutyric acid is one of the amino acids produced by your body. This one is good for those who lie there, mind whirring, solving problems. It seems to have a distinct calming effect.

OTHERS Acupuncture, hypnosis, sleep CDs, etc., may also be worth exploring.

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It is as frustrating to me to write an article like this as it is for those of you struggling with sleep problems to read. I would prefer to offer some solid answers that are guaranteed to help with the issue. Unfortunately, decades of research on the subject of sleep leave us with only helpful suggestions. Clearly, we have “miles to go before we sleep.”

Clark Peters has spent much of his time since his retirement in 1997 researching health and longevity. His purpose in writing these columns is to share his findings with readers in plain English and assist them in making accurate and informed lifestyle choices. The columns are based on the premise that we all want to live a long, vigorous life and are striving to make healthy choices.

While Mr. Peters believes these recommendations will result in better health and longevity for almost everyone, the reader is advised to consult with his or her physician before making any major lifestyle changes. You may e-mail Mr. Peters at: hlthnut@earthlink.net.

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RU SH Caught in the Camera Eye

By Brandan BaBineaux | PHOTOGraPHy By JOHn arrOwsmiTH

F

or over thirty years, the Canadian power trio Rush has been churning out some of the most intense and complex music in the progressive rock genre. Since releasing their self-titled debut album in 1974, Rush has gathered an assembly of dedicated fans and they continue to record and perform live. Rush is: Geddy Lee—bass guitarist, vocalist, and keyboardist; Alex Lifeson—guitarist; and Neil Peart (pronounced Peert)—drummer, percussionist, and chief lyricist.

Except for their debut album, the band has maintained its current lineup of members. The original drummer, John Rutsey, was replaced by Neil Peart during the recording of their second album, Fly by Night, which was released in 1975—all subsequent recordings and tours have seen Lee, Lifeson, and Peart as Rush. With nineteen studio albums, six live recordings, and several greatest hits compilation albums to their credit, the group shares an impressive musical résumé. In 2004, Rush celebrated their thirtieth anniversary with a tour and DVD entitled R30.

For some, Rush may be hard to define and categorize, but it’s safe to say that Rush fits comfortably, but uniquely, into the progressive rock (prog rock) category. Prog rock bands emerged in the late ’60s and early ’70s in an attempt to elevate mainly British rock to a more creative and artistic level of acceptance. Prog rock bands have certain characteristics that define their style; they skillfully navigated away from the standard verse-chorus-bridge song structure and many times incorporate complicated time signatures different from the more common 4/4 tempo of most rock music. Normally, you won’t find prog rock playing as background music in restaurants or shopping malls. It demands complete attention of the auditory sense and usually doesn’t compete well with distractions to the listener.

Another important component of the prog rock genre is album structure. Many times an album will be an epic tale with an underlying theme with each song, placed in sequence, telling a specific part of the story—much like a novel is made up of chapters. These themes usually include complex fantasy, philosophy, or science fiction with technical instrumentals interspersed throughout. Bands such as Rush, Yes, Pink Floyd, Genesis, the Moody Blues, and others, all explored this concept of album structure with success. Though Rush has explored the themed album structure, the trio has been on a musical evolutionary arc that has allowed them to

develop from their raw debut album sound to their deep conceptual musical tomes such as 2112 and Hemispheres. On one of their most successful records, 2112, side one of the album is a futuristic tale, loosely based on the writings of fiction novelist Ayn Rand, set in a dystopian society in the year 2112. Released in 1976, 2112 became the group’s first record to reach gold status, selling over 500,000 copies in the U.S. and over 50,000 in Canada.

As Lee stated so accurately in their Rush in Rio DVD, “Rush has always been about musicianship first.” They are known for their technical and complex mastery of music. Peart is widely known as one of the best rock drummers in the world and is responsible for the cerebral lyrics behind the music. These lyrics emanate from Peart’s voracious appetite for literature, and I’ve often put Rush into a new category—one that I’ve dubbed “scientific rock.” Geddy Lee has an unmistakable high range in vocals and his bass playing is more like continuous complex lead guitar solos. Lifeson fills in the gaps with power chords and snake charmer–like solos, completing the signature sound of Rush. The typical Rush fan is loyal to the band, and according to Lee, “A number of fans look at Rush as their little secret.” Rush has explored raw guitar-oriented sounds, the heavy synth-laden new wave sound of the ’80s, and then back again, all the while remaining loyal to the unique, identifiable sound that is Rush. Not many rock bands can enjoy that much creative latitude and still be a force within the rock world, but Rush has done it—and with class.

Rush has consistently written music, not to satisfy a record company’s idea of a hit record, but to remain loyal to the core of what Rush is: a band determined to stay true to themselves while relying on their core fan base to partake in the musical journey with them. But all of this success was not without its setbacks and challenges. During a ten-month period of time in 1997, Peart lost his nineteen-yearVIEZINE.COM FALL 2011

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“A NumbeR of fANS Look At RuSh AS theiR LittLe SeCRet.” –GeDDY Lee

old daughter to a car accident and his wife to cancer. According to the back cover of his book Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road (2002), these tragedies left him “... a ghost, physically a man, but with nothing.” Peart mentions in the book that he told his bandmates they “should consider him retired.” The devastating events and his decision to leave the band affected Peart in a profound way, prompting him to embark on a fourteen-month 55,000-mile motorcycle journey. Ghost Rider, the culmination of Peart’s five-year hiatus from the band, is essentially a journal of his experiences as he searched for a reason to live and tried to recover his life. The band ultimately regrouped and began to record and tour again. Returning to the studio, the group recorded Vapor Trails, a frenetic album heavy on the angst but an explosion that said to the fans: We are back!

In 1981, Rush saw the release of Moving Pictures, probably one of the most well known and well received records of their career, which gave us the ever popular “Tom Sawyer” and “Limelight,” which is an essay on what it’s like to be a musician in the spotlight. Written from the perspective of having the desire to avoid the limelight and meeting an overambitious fan, one verse says it so well:

“LiviNG iN A fiSheYe LeNS CAuGht iN the CAmeRA eYe. i hAve No heARt to Lie, i CAN’t PReteND A StRANGeR iS A LoNG-AwAiteD fRieND.”

The Moving Pictures album is being revisited on this latest Time Machine tour and marks the first time in Rush history that the entire album is performed during a show. A typical Rush show is a great value for a live performance as the band works hard during the nearly three-hour show. Before wrapping up their Time Machine tour, Rush was captured live in New Orleans on June 10 of this year by John Arrowsmith. Arrowsmith is Rush’s personal tour photographer and accompanies the band at every show, shooting live shots of the band during their intense workout. Highlights of the set list from the New Orleans Arena performance included a comedic video intro, “Rash: The Real History of Rush – Part 1,” before the opening classic “The Spirit of Radio.” Other favorites, “Freewill,” “Marathon,” and “Subdivisions,” were included before the intermission.

The second set opened with the classic and explosive “Tom Sawyer,” and the remainder of the Moving Pictures album unfolded in order of the record. In this tour, Peart’s customary drum solo appeared towards the end of the second set prior to the band disappearing before the much-anticipated encore. As if the two preceding face-melting sets were not enough stimulation for the average fan, the group emerged to start the three-song encore with my all-time personal favorite, VIEZINE.COM FALL 2011

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“La Villa Strangiato,” a complicated twelve-part instrumental piece from their conceptual Hemispheres album of 1978.

After some much-needed time off from touring, Rush will be working on their next album, Clockwork Angels, this fall. Two tracks from the album, “Caravan” and “BU2B” (“Brought up to Believe”) were included in the Time Machine set list. With Rush returning to the studio to complete their newest album, fans are given hope that the two most important questions will be answered: When does the next album come out? And, when does the tour start?

Not soon enough.

Special thanks to John Arrowsmith for images provided of the New Orleans Arena show. Please visit his work at http://arrowsmith-images.ca.

If you are interested in the mystery of Rush, here is a link to a snippet from their new documentary, Beyond the Lighted Stage; http://youtu.be/sk8hbSxY0sE.

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Paddling through Paradise northwest Florida ecotourism leads the way

By Anne Schultz | Photography By Michael Granberry

“look! is that an alligator!” i cry out, Pointing downstream at a dark triangle trailing a black line across the water’s mirrorstill surFace. we watch it cruise by at a steady cliP across the narrow creek to a white sandy bank studded with cyPress knees.

My husband, Bill, and I are paddling the lower reaches of Seven Runs on kayaks, guided by Karl Renelt, owner of Into the Wild … Eco Diversions, and his partner, Tom Wright. The mild climate here makes ecotourism good year-round, but Karl considers the fall to spring months ideal for exploring the forests and upland waterways of Northwest Florida because cooler temperatures lower the humidity and zap the insects. The water, reflecting the morning sunlight, gleams like a satin ribbon as it winds between centuries-old cypress trees tinged autumn bronze and copper, their flared roots exposed by low water levels. The four of us are content and comfortable in yellow sit-on-top kayaks, gliding along in a reflective silence, lost in our own reverie—until I spot the moving shape.

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“That’s a gator. Did you hear about the thirteen-footer brought to the Destin Rodeo last year? They pulled him out of here. That’s why Tom and I are going up ahead to be on the lookout for gators and snakes dangling from trees. You need to be careful out here. This is a really wild place.” I’d been thinking Bill and I could hitch up our kayaks to the SUV and drive up here on our own. Images of dangling snakes and alligators thirteen feet long give me second thoughts. That’s the beauty of having an experienced local guide, and one of the reasons I signed up for our first ecotourism trip in Walton County, Florida.

Bill and I are into what’s called eco- or sustainable travel. We believe that it’s the least intrusive, most intimate and respectful way to explore the wilds.

It means coming in quietly in some nonmotorized way, like hiking or in a kayak, as if we were guests in someone’s home, rather than barging in loudly and obnoxiously, acting like we own the place. For twenty years, we’ve cast out in all directions for the best ecodestinations. We flew a grueling twenty-two hours to paddle icy waters at Abel Tasman National Park in New Zealand and on the same trip jumped in over our heads to kayak Milford Sound with a group of international Ironman participants in their twenties! Off the coast of Zanzibar, we stayed at Chumbe Island’s ecoresort where we hiked and snorkeled in the Indian Ocean. Now that Walton County offers a list of adventure excursions led by outfitters certified as Florida Master Naturalists, we can do the same in our own backyard without passports, jet lag, or leaving a huge carbon footprint.

Crystal clear water and stunning white sand attract millions to Northwest Florida beaches. Yet how many venture beyond a beach chair at water’s edge to discover that there is even more to this paradise? Few vacationers (or locals, for that matter) realize they are sitting on a “biological hotspot”; this region is ranked sixth in America for its biodiversity. You glimpse some of it along Highway 30-A—the scenic corridor linking South Walton County’s fifteen beach communities—while the rest is scattered in North Walton County off dusty back roads.

Coastal dune lakes are rare worldwide, and yet there are fifteen of them in our area. The 15,000-acre Point Washington State Forest is home to more than ten miles of hiking trails. And an upland network of remote springs, rivers, and the Choctawhatchee Bay make this an ideal place for ecotourism to thrive.

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“that’s a gator. did you hear about the thirteenFooter brought to the destin rodeo last year? they Pulled him out oF here ... you need to be careFul out here. this is a really wild Place.”

A rich layering of forest habitats interspersed with bodies of water also attract an abundance of native birds and wildlife along with migratory ones that visit with the regularity of snowbirds driving down from Canada. The forest is home to such creatures as deer, bobcats, turkeys, and black bears. Both native and migratory birds flock to the forests, wetlands, and seashore. Monarch butterflies drift over dunes in clouds of fluttering wings as they pass by during their fall migration. Sea turtles lumber ashore in summer to lay eggs. Many species of colorful migratory birds add new songs to the area in both fall and spring. Expert guides like Karl and Tom help the average person freely enjoy these natural wonders by handling all the details. I’m also more inclined to stretch myself, explore more remote places, and take greater risks—except for swimming with that gator!—when I know a guide is handy.

“I guarantee I’ll take you someplace you’ll see in a completely new way,” Karl says as we drive along Highway 20, a two-lane road running north and parallel to beaches. I’m skeptical. Bill and I had already driven down Highway 20 umpteen times discovering trails, hidden springs, and rivers since we moved here fifteen years ago. Off-season beach time has always meant on-season kayak and hiking time for us. The minute the winged sumac leaves turn crimson in the fall, some inner yearning makes me long for secluded forests and lonely rivers. I’m like the native black bears, foraging for food, storing up for hibernation. I want to go back into the reflective quiet of forest and stream to feast on their wild beauty and drink in their silence. So when we turn off the highway onto Dead River Road, the dirt road leading to Seven Runs, I’m amazed. How had we missed this turnoff when we had hiked the Florida Trail less than five minutes away?

I recognize another advantage of a local guide: he knows the terrain far better than we do. Karl and friend Lori Ceier, founder of www.waltonoutdoors.com, have combed the area searching for the best and most beautiful natural features around. And they’ve found a winner here. We drive through a meadow ablaze with wildflowers blooming in fiery reds, yellows, and pinks until we reach the landing and look upon Seven Runs. We gaze at the clear yet tannin-stained water,

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“PeoPle associate the odors oF decay in a swamP with Pollution. the smells are the by-Products oF untold numbers oF living organisms Feeding on organic material. in reality, it’s the aroma oF liFe.” coffee color at its depths and a lighter amber tone in the shallows where we put in.

There’s not another soul around.

After the alligator passes, we paddle farther downstream. Steering with our paddles, we let the swift current carry us into the haunting beauty of a cypress swamp.

We stretch out, leaning back in our boats to soak up this mystical, otherworldly place where huge trees rise up from the water. Unhooked from the digital world back home, our senses are open to nature. We listen to its melodic sounds: a symphony of twittering, trilling birdsong, water lapping against the kayaks, and a woodpecker tapping in sync. This is not what I expected a swamp to look, feel, or even smell like.

Old Hollywood movies like Creature from the Black Lagoon have shaped our perception of swamps as foul-smelling, spooky, dank places where slimy creatures lurk. Actually, now that we are here, it feels like anything but that. This swamp feels safe and even friendly, a sanctuary of peace and beauty where massive trees tower overhead like protective guardians. Eye level to the flared trunks, we see how the elements have hewn, chiseled, and sculpted them into water-polished works of art. And the water is so clean and clear, it’s like looking through amber-colored glass at the smooth, sandy bottom.

And as for the yeasty aroma, Karl explains that.

“People associate the odors of decay in a swamp with pollution. The smells are the by-products of untold numbers of living organisms feeding on organic material. In reality, it’s the aroma of life,” he said. Tom added that Native Americans depended on swamps for sustenance and then pointed out a huge trunk hollowed into a black cavity of space where they hid as sentries and kept a lookout on things. Besides the alligator we saw and the kingfisher and barred owl we heard, Tom tells us he sees ibis, green and blue herons, and a variety of woodpeckers on a regular basis. He says this area is of particular interest to people looking for the ivory-billed woodpecker, a species formerly considered extinct until sightings were verified several years ago.

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No wonder ecotourism is a fast-growing segment of the travel industry. It’s good for us. The peace and serenity here quiet the mind and soothe the soul.

Ecotourism takes us into pockets of paradise where nature still flourishes as God intended. There we commune with nature and reconnect with its wonder, beauty, and healing energy. And with a guide, we learn with ease. How relaxing to float down a river with the sun warming our faces, inhaling fresh organic scents, as Tom and Karl relate fascinating facts about nature laced with history and culture.

Karl made good his promise that he would take us someplace we’d “see in a completely new way.” He taught us a whole lot more about the place we’ve lived in all these years, and with this newfound knowledge and understanding, we see it as if for the first time. Whether a visitor, a newcomer to the area, or a longtime resident like myself, going on an ecoadventure guarantees that you too will see the wonderland of Walton County like you’ve never seen it before. It helps you truly understand and appreciate this incredible place where paradise encompasses the beaches and beyond.

Karl Renelt has led folks into the wilds for twenty years by kayak, hiking, biking, or sailboat. His qualifications include Florida Master Naturalist, Walton County Nature Based Certified Outfitter, and American Canoe Association-certified kayak instructor. For more information, visit www.ITWEcodiversions.com and EcoDiversions@earthlink.net.

With over 40 percent of protected land available for exploration, the Walton County Tourist Development Council promotes ecotourism using local outfitters certified as Florida Master Naturalists by a University of Florida program.

For a complete listing of nature-based outfitters and trip descriptions, visit beachesofsouthwalton.com.

To learn more about Walton County nature, visit www. waltonoutdoors.com.

PEOPLE + PLACES Digital Graffiti 2011 Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach is the first outdoor festival specifically organized to showcase the unique talents of digital projection artists. The festival celebrated its fourth annual event on June 11, 2011, with artists from around the world coming together to create a viewing experience like no other for the

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attendees and residents of 30-A. Artists “virtually”

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painted the town; the iconic white walls and Mediterranean-style architecture of Alys Beach came alive with splashes of color, animations, and photographs, many of which were set to music.

Photography by Sheila Goode Shantell Martin and Mateo M

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Laura Granberry and Jennifer Steele

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Jason Eppink, DG Judge; Brett Phares, DG

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Curator; Kelli Arnold; Max Watman, DG Judge Sheila Goode, Lynn Nesmith, and Paula Lovelace

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Bryan Cooke, Virginia Maguire, and Genna

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Keller Delmonte Stoney Barton and Colleen Duffley

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Shantell Artist Shantell Martin traveled all the way from New York City to 30-A to take part in Alys Beach’s Digital Graffiti Festival—and to hold a private art exhibit. The gallery show, Message on a Bottle, ran from June 19 to June 30 at World Six Boutique in Rosemary Beach.

The show featured over a hundred hand-painted bottles, as well as sketches, live digital projections,

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and collaborations with other artists.

Photography by Lisa Ferrick Michelle Perez and Leilani Morgan Lopez

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C. D. Harris and Jenifer Kuntz

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Laura and Michael Granberry

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PEOPLE + PLACES Shane Untamed Premiere Party Shane Untamed, a new show on National Geographic

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Wild, celebrated its June 11 launch with an exciting

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premiere party at Angler’s Beachside on Okaloosa Island. The show follows adventurer and Fort Walton Beach native Shane Reynolds as he explores the globe for the last truly wild places on Earth. Attendees of the premiere party enjoyed two back-to-back episodes of Shane Untamed about the Florida Everglades and Madagascar. Other episodes have featured remote places in Guyana, Djibouti, and Alaska.

“This is quite a step up from the days of doing my lo-

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cal show, Destination Soundcheck, but that old spirit

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is still alive and well in this series,” says host/producer/editor Shane Reynolds (a.k.a. Shane O). “This is the show I always wanted to make!” With the help of his wife, photographer Romona Robbins Reynolds, Shane has formed the television production company Color Earth, which has previously created video content for the Travel Channel and local clients like Northwest Florida State College and Beach Properties of Florida.

Photography by Lisa Ferrick

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Romona and Shane Reynolds

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Gary Thomas, Christoph Landsberger, and Nathan Abbott

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Jacob Meyer, Gerald Burwell, and Philip McDonald

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Tsai Chin Robbins, Clyde Howard, and Achu Prichard

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Romona Reynolds, Lisa Ferrick, Stefanie Meyer, Madra McDonald, Lisa Burwell, and Meredith Snow

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Douglas Bachman, Lisa Burwell, and Shane and Romona Reynolds

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Dancing With Desire Niceville, Florida, got a little taste of the stars on June 16 as the Fred Astaire Dance Studio presented its annual Dancing with Desire benefit event at Northwest Florida State College. The fund-raiser featured professional dancers from the hit television series Dancing with the Stars, including DWTS Season 12 winner Kym Johnson. VIE representatives Lisa Ferrick and Jordan Staggs attended the show, which was a riot of laughter, emotion, and ferocious

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dancing from start to finish. Hosted by crowd favorite Maksim Chmerkovskiy, the show included numbers varying from ballroom to African tribal dancing, all done beautifully by the professionals from Fred Astaire and the DWTS cast. After the show, VIP ticket holders were treated to a meet and greet with the DWTS crew, who signed autographs and took photos with fans. Proceeds from the evening went to benefit Children in Crisis of Ft. Walton Beach.

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Photography by Lisa Ferrick

Jordan Staggs and Lacey Schwimmer

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Kym Johnson and Maksim Chmerkovskiy

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Anna Trebunskaya, Lisa Ferrick, and Jonathan Roberts

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Jonathan Roberts and Anna Trebunskaya

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Daria Chesnakova and Valentin Chmerkovskiy

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Signs of the Times

by DaviD WaDDle, brian Haugen, anD Steve Cann As the summer 2011 tourist season draws to an end, it seems our beloved Emerald Coast has slowly risen from the ashes of 2010’s unfortunate events. While the national economy continues to muddle through fits and starts, we’ve seen clear indications that our local tourism economy has gained much more traction. Our present view is founded upon limited statistics and some admittedly nonscientific observations, which we’ll share in this article. While these indicators are somewhat subjective, they do provide interesting (and somewhat humorous) insights into the progress of life and our economy along the coast.

For instance, from our fifth floor office overlooking Destin Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico, we enjoy a unique bird’s-eye view of this summer’s daily waterways routines: The fishing fleet kicks off each day with the early morning cavalcade to the Gulf. Soon after, rented Jet Skis motor out to Crab Island. Next in line are the dolphin cruises—brimming with passengers this year!

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filling the sky along the beach. It’s these parasails that provide our first “economic indicator” of sorts.

You see, in the previous two summers, we have not observed more than seven parachutes in the sky simultaneously. But this year for the first time, on June 30, 2011, we counted nine chutes flying high over Destin’s beach! That was our first harbinger of a strong 2011 summer season.

In turn, the ensuing Fourth of July weekend was wildly successful as our summer visitors returned in droves.

To confirm our “parasails indicator,” we sought other unique local signs of economic progress, and we found plenty! We’ll share some of them with you below. We hope you enjoy these amusing perspectives from local business and community leaders:

“Last year, there was no traffic to complain about; this year folks are coming up to me and saying, ‘It took me 10 minutes longer than usual to get home because of traffic—wow, isn’t that great!’ I believe our community has now determined that perhaps crowded roads for a couple weeks are well worth the slight delay in their personal travel—it means an increase in our tourism business.”

Ted Corcoran President/CEO Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce

“For all of us who live in or around Sandestin, we know it’s busy when the grocery store shelves are stripped bare of cereal, milk, and peanut butter.”

“I think the economy has turned around; recently the Mid-Bay Bridge had three lines of vehicles backed up—most all were out-of-state tags.”

“For me, restaurants are always good indicators that things are picking up. I haven’t been to one lately where I didn’t have to wait. In fact, just this past weekend, one had a two-hour wait.”

John Russell President Sandestin Investments, LLC

Randall Wise Mayor City of Niceville

Carol Roberts President/CEO Bay County Chamber of Commerce

“I always ask my spring semester undergraduate economics class how their summer job search is going. If everybody has a position lined up

by April 15th, either lifeguarding, bartending, or working in a shop for that summer, then I know that our tourism will be up over the previous year. I’m happy to report that summer 2011 will break records in the Pensacola market!”

“In Gulf County, tourism is currently great—the ‘Lights Are On’! We may only have three traffic lights in the county, but all of the lights are on at the grocery store checkout lines and our sleepy lighthouse wants to be climbed by all. Lighthouse director Beverly Mount-Douds recently called in to report she once hoped for a hundred climbers per week—she now has approximately a hundred per day!”

“My true indicator is when the traffic stays backed up on Hwy. 98 in front of our office and it’s not raining! Then I know business is good for everyone!”

Rick Harper, Ph.D. Executive Director Haas Center for Business Research and Economic Development University of West Florida

Tim Kerigan Director Gulf County Tourist Development Council

Jeanne Dailey President/Broker Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, Inc.

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We appreciate the thoughtful insights from these business and community leaders, and we hope all of this adds up to clear evidence of a new beginning for the Emerald Coast. In the meantime—from our office balcony we just counted a record number of boats anchored in the Destin Harbor. Perhaps that equates to a productive and profitable autumn economy?!

The organizations listed above are all independent and are not affiliated with Raymond James and Associates.

“Every time I hear people complain about the traffic, I think of the days we could have lain down in the road and now how great it is to see all these ‘fresh credit cards being driven around by smiling people.’”

“I judge how the economy is doing by the number of out-of-state tags I see. If I drive in a parking lot and there are more out-of-state tags than Florida tags, then I think things must be going well.”

Peter Bos President/CEO Legendary, Inc.

Dr. Judy Bense UWF President

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In just its second year, the festival has gained national and international acclaim as one of the largest weekend festivals in the United States. An estimated 35,000 plus fans poured into the area for the concerts, selling out tickets and booking over 10,000 condo units and hotel rooms in the area surrounding Gulf Shores.

“We are thrilled by the response from music fans around the country,” said Hangout founder Shaul Zislin. “We sold tickets in all fifty U.S. states, including Hawaii and Alaska, and even abroad.”

With performances from over seventy bands including Paul Simon, Foo Fighters, Widespread Panic, the Black Keys, My Morning Jacket, the Flaming Lips, and Cee Lo Green, it’s no wonder the Hangout has gotten so much buzz from the press and music lovers around the world.

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VIE representatives Lisa Ferrick and Matt Chambliss were psyched to attend the three-day festival and even got up close and personal with some of the bands in the media tent, including Easy Star All-Stars, My Morning Jacket, Michael Franti and Spearhead, and A Thousand Horses.

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Also making an appearance at the festival was the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus, a nonprofit state-ofthe-art mobile audio and high-definition video recording and production facility. The Lennon Bus has been rolling to schools, conferences, and concerts for fourteen years with the purpose of providing free songwriting and multimedia production workshops, studio tours, and all-around fun times to young people across the country. Imagineâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;an apartment, recording and production studio, lounge, and performance space all on wheels!

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7. Micheal Franti and the Spearheads

The Change Salon is committed to quality, excellence, and cutting-edge hair care. Pamper yourself with a relaxing manicure and pedicure.

8. Amos Lee on the jumbo screen 9. My Morning Jacket’s Jim James 10. Paul Simon (Photo by Josh Rhinehart) 11. Widespread Panic’s John Bell (Photo by Dave Vann) 12. Matisyahu 13. The Crowd on the Beach at the Hangout Music Fest 14. Bassnectar

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Saaed Heart Children's Hospital, in partnership with Nemours Children's Clinic, Pediatrix Medical Group, FSU College of Medicine and other spec:ialty physician groups, provides expert care from highly trained physicians in more that 20 specialized fields of pediatrics, including:

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When it comes to your cbild's health, one size doesn't fit all.

Sacred Heart Children's Hospital is the first choice in our region for the treatment of premature and critically ill newborns and cbildren with serious illnesses or injuries.

Our team of physicians, nurses and staff includes hundreds of cacing, compassionate professionals with decades of training and experience in all

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When cbildcen need us most, Sacred Heart is there to provide a level of care no other hospital can provide.

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Pure&Couture is

Haute

One step inside Pure and Couture and it is readily apparent that the salon has a distinctive style. Crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling above each workstation and faux animal-hide rugs adorn the floor.

Stylish staff members work quickly and efficiently along a row of white salon chairs situated in front of full-length mirrors. Owners Adrianne Brackett and Wendy Griffin worked hard to create this luxurious atmosphere, but luxury won’t be the only thing you happen upon during a visit to Pure and Couture. You’re sure to experience a little Southern hospitality as well.

“We wanted to create a metropolitan feel with Southern charm,” Griffin relates of the year-anda-half-old salon. “A place where you feel pretty— a place that makes you feel good about yourself.”

Brackett and Griffin have long been in agreement on their vision of opening a luxury salon that caters to client satisfaction in an intimate yet glamorous environment. The duo, best friends for years and “sisters at heart,” grew up in Georgia and trained professionally under cutting-edge stylists in Atlanta. After living parallel lives for years, the two stylists’ paths finally crossed when they were employed at the same salon. The two quickly became inseparable and discovered that they had similar passions and a vision for a luxury-driven salon in the greater Destin area.

They embarked together to pursue their dream.

The vision for Griffin and Brackett’s salon centered on the idea of a luxe experience––that is, a salon that would be chic, professional, and progressive. Pure and Couture is a Paul Mitchell Signature Salon, boasting an array of the most current and effective products and techniques in the industry. Pureology and MoroccanOil hair care products are two of the salon’s best-selling brands, and the salon staff know which products will work best for each individual client and his or her needs. Platinum Seamless hair extensions and a full hair color bar are just part of the many professional services offered by the staff at

“We Wanted to create a metropolitan feel WitH SoutHern cHarm. a place WHere you feel pretty—a place tHat makeS you feel good about yourSelf.”

Pure and Couture. The salon also offers the relaxing Wash House Experience, which features a scalp massage, cleansing shampoo, deep conditioning treatment, and scalp and facial pressure point massage. Combine this with the refreshing scents of aromatherapy and soothing lighting and music for a serene, spa-style pampering session and you have proof that a little luxury can go a long way.

Unlike the high-end salons one might find along Rodeo Drive or Fifth Avenue, Pure and Couture fuses a luxurious atmosphere with Southern hospitality to create an intimate, caring experience. Customers do not just arrive at Pure and Couture for the standard cut-and-color routine. Instead, they are greeted by their first names and offered coffee and often a homemade cookie. And, whether guests are trying something new or are there for the consistently expert service, Pure and Couture’s first goal is to ensure that clients simply enjoy themselves.

Such importance placed on customer satisfaction is not surprising, considering the service ethic Brackett and Griffin have worked diligently to incorporate into their business. Passionate about how a bit of pampering can help nurture self-esteem, the duo has previously donated stylist services to Lighthouse Ministries for women struggling through hard times. The salon also offers a program where customers who donate hair tools receive 15 percent off their new tool purchase. Money raised through this program was recently donated to the tornado victims of Alabama and many battered women’s shelters.

Pure and Couture has implemented a community service initiative from the very beginning. Shortly after opening the salon’s doors in January of 2010, Griffin and Brackett encouraged their stylists to collect discarded hair after haircuts. Little did they know, a mere four months later they would be donating this hair to help save nearby waters after the Gulf of Mexico oil disaster. The salon has also taken part in Pink Hair for Hope, a national campaign that encourages salons to offer pink hair extensions and donate the money raised to help fight breast cancer.

By offering cutting-edge beauty and stylist services in a caring, relaxing, and chic environment and actively participating in the betterment of their community, the staff at Pure and Couture has already created a unique salon experience. But there is more to come.

This fall, the salon plans to add Xtreme Lashes eyelash extension services and MITCH by Paul Mitchell, a men’s line, to their products and services list.

“We see a lot of men starting to come in,” Brackett says of becoming a men’s luxury product provider.

“We’ve noticed they want to be catered to as well, and we want to be able to offer them that the best.”

Brackett and Griffin also hope one day to break into the fashion industry and open a wedding and formal gown boutique to go along with their beauty and stylist services.

“I feel like this is just the beginning for us,” Griffin predicts.

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THE

BUSINESS CORNER W h at ' s n e W i n bu s i n es s f r o m c o l a 2 c o l a

A SEA ChAngE IS CoMIng Destin Real Estate Is Becoming a Seller’s Market

Newman-Dailey Resort Properties has recently uncovered positive news for Okaloosa and Walton Counties. The company’s real estate agents have compared notes and agreed: as evidenced by a decline in real estate listings, the local market is shifting into a seller’s market, thanks to the rising economy. The Destin area is growing strong in population and businesses, seeing new additions such as the new South Walton Walmart, Rooms To Go, and Lowe’s in Destin, and Vision Airlines’ new Ft. Walton Beach hub, with flights to twenty-four destinations including Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, Atlanta, Asheville, St. Louis, Las Vegas, and Houston.

PoPulAtIon

in the area has gone up significantly in the past few years as well and is expected to see an increase of 23 percent in Miramar Beach and 6.5 percent in Destin by 2014, according to demographic information from CLRSearch.com. Such a rise would produce an increase in job growth of 34 percent in Miramar Beach and 24 percent in Destin.

“It seems that we are doing far better here in Okaloosa and Walton Counties than many other areas of Florida and the nation in terms of both growth and real estate sales” says Newman-Dailey president Jeanne Dailey.

“We all feel that, due to the low levels of inventory, sellers sticking to their prices, a strong and growing local economy, and the influx of our traditional buyers, we have hit the bottom of the market—given no unforeseen disasters.”

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There is no question that potential real estate buyers in the area still want to find good deals, but that is becoming increasingly difficult with the declining inventory and price demands. If buyers want to invest in a second home or vacation property at the low rates they’ve seen in the past years, they will need to do so quickly.

“The Destin market consists of two inventories—property that is priced to sell and property that will have to reduce to sell. To determine attractive pricing, our job is to factor in price per square foot and days on the market with price reduction history,” says six-

year veteran agent and top sales producer for 2010 Kerry McNulty.

I can’t afford to wait another month to possibly save another 5 percent!”

Mark DeSalvo, who has been a broker associate with Newman-Dailey Resort Properties for ten years, says his buyers are becoming more anxious about finding a property quickly. “I’ve heard things like ‘If I don’t buy something in the next five or six months, I’m going to miss the deals!’”

DeSalvo says.

Other agents within the company have heard similar remarks and are experiencing the same issues when it comes to shrinking market inventory and rising prices. “I’m seeing the market in a settling process,” says Jerry Bielawski, who has worked with Newman-Dailey for nine years and was named top sales associate in 2008 and 2009, “with more traditional buyers purchasing second homes or affordable family retreats to enjoy the quality of life that the Destin area has to offer.”

Similarly, two-year Newman-Dailey sales associate Colin Kirkwood has gotten comments from buyers such as “If we’re not at the bottom,

“loCAl hERo AwARD” RECIPIEnt DAvE RAuSChkolB RECEIvES kEy to thE CIty AnD MoRE The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) Northwest Florida Chapter took a moment to honor one of the area’s own restaurateurs on Thursday, July 14, 2011, as Dave Rauschkolb, owner of Bud and Alley’s, was presented with the FRLA’s first-ever “Local

Hero Award.” Dave and Bud and Alley’s are hospitality industry icons known by visitors to Seaside and Northwest Florida from all over the U.S. Dave is celebrating Bud and Alley’s 25th Anniversary this year in Seaside, Florida.

According to the FRLA, the purpose of the “Local Hero Award” is to identify and recognize a local hospitality or tourism industry individual, group of individuals, or organization that has performed acts or accomplishments deserving of community recognition. Rauschkolb is a supporter of community causes and local charities and has tirelessly stood up for the protection of our state’s precious natural resources.

From left to right: Debbie Crawl, Bruce Crawl, Ashley Heotaky, Kendra Moore, Honoree Dave Rauschkolb, Carol Murphy Rauschkolb, Carol Dover, Walt Dover, and Ray Greene (Photo by Lisa Ferrick)

In 2009, Rauschkolb founded “Hands Across the Sand” (www.handsacrossthesand.org) in Seaside, Florida. Its goal is to bring attention to the need for protecting our environment from the expansion of oil drilling into Florida’s waters and to compel our state leaders to adopt clean energy policies. In 2010 and 2011, tens of thousands participated in Hands Across the Sand on beaches around the world. The very first Hands Across the Sands event, organized by Dave, was held in Florida just two months before the Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico.

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a ladies shoe and gift boutique

Photo by Lisa Ferrick

“Having taken part in three Hands Across the Sand events in two years, I am awed and inspired by the tens of thousands of people all over the world who joined hands regardless of borders, politics, religion, and other differences,” Rauschkolb said in his speech at the FRLA event. “Every photo and every video I see of all these people joining hands is a testament that there is a powerful, pervasive, and collective will to come together and work to end our dependence on dirty fuels.”

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Rauschkolb is passionate about keeping the Northwest Florida beaches natural, pristine, and clean, as offshore drilling has ruined what used to be beautiful beaches in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. But for Rauschkolb, this cannot happen to Florida. “Not on my watch, and not on yours,” he says.

Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres were served before the ceremony at Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village, where the presentation was held. During the ceremony, Rauschkolb received many tokens of appreciation from area businesses, including two round-trip tickets to any destination provided by Vision Airlines, as well as a key to the city of Destin. Congratulations to Dave Rauschkolb!

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• 20% discount to new passengers!

• Cold Non-Alcoholic Drinks Available

• We Cater to all Local Resorts

• Non Smoking

• Clean Comfortable Vans

• Friendly Drivers

• DVD Player

• Locally Family Owned Service

• Quick Response to all Calls

The Arthritis & Infusion Center presents

Something old, Something new, Something BeatleS & Something Blue!

Mel Brooks’ Young frankenstein Monday October 31, 2011 7:30pm

rain, a Tribute To The Beatles Thursday December 8, 2011 7:30pm

rock of ages

Monday January 2, 2012 7:30pm

The official Blues Brothers revue Thursday February 16, 2012 7:30pm

Single and SerieS TickeTS, pleaSe call 850.763.4696 www.MarinaCivicCenter.com All shows, times, and dates are subject to change.

don’t Forget to enter in the “trippin’ on Broadway” raFFle! The winner will reCeive: round Trip air fare for 2 To new York, hoTel aCCoMModaTions for 4 nighTs in ManhaTTan and 2 pair of TiCkeTs To CurrenT BroadwaY perforManCes! The drawing will be held on February 16th at the performance of the Blues Brothers Revue.

for more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.MarinaCivicCenter.com or call 850.763.4696.

~CULTURE

~:' 'f. BUILDS

.~ ~

[~

Arthritis & Inlusioo C J;.N"l ~R

It’s New. It’s You. A Room with a VUE! A Revitalized Dining Establishment.

A VUE of the Gulf of Mexico.

Now Open to the Public LUnch AnD DinnER

850-267-2305

LUV is in the A ir

The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach and Spirit Magazine Team Up to Give the Vacation of a Lifetime

By Jordan Staggs

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W

hen Kyle Himmerick, a

computer

programmer

from Colorado, entered

the “LUV Is In The Air” romantic get-

away haiku contest sponsored by The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach and Southwest Airlines Spirit

The stipulations were to write a haiku (five syllables in the first line, seven in the second, and five in the third) about love, which has always been the overarching theme for Southwest Airlines—after all, Love Field near Dallas, Texas, is Southwest’s national hub. Spirit Magazine adopted the “love” theme for its February 2011 issue and featured the contest that it cosponsored with The Resort Collection within its pages. Across the nation, press releases and ads sprang up in magazines and newspapers for the “LUV giveaway.” It was advertised on Southwest Airlines’ Facebook page, on TV and radio, and even on the iconic billboards of Times Square.

Haikus poured in for months. After much deliberation, the final decision was made.

Magazine, he never really thought

“We were thrilled with the number of entries and the enthusiasm for the promotion,” said Michelle Lacewell, director of marketing for The Resort Collection.

“The haikus people submitted were so much fun to read! But in the end, we could only pick one winner.”

he would win. Little did he know

Kyle’s winning haiku reads:

that out of over 25,000 entries, his three-line, seventeen-syllable minipoem would be chosen.

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Spring and we arise As lovers take to the skies Adventuring on…

“You see these things a lot of times and you think, ‘oh nobody ever really wins.’

But I guess they do!”

Photo by Lisa Ferrick

Who knew seventeen syllables could win a $30,000 prize package vacation to Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast?

“You see these things a lot of times and you think, ‘Oh, nobody ever really wins,’” said Kyle, who wrote the haiku in hopes of winning the romantic getaway for himself and Stacy, his wife of seven years. “But I guess they do!”

The Himmericks landed in Panama City Beach, Florida, on May 24, the same weekend Southwest Airlines celebrated its one-year anniversary of service to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. The couple was treated to round-trip air-

fare courtesy of Southwest, and they disembarked the plane to enjoy their free seven-night stay at The Resort Collection’s newest property, Grand Panama Beach Resort.

“The meal was fantastic,” Kyle said. “Chef Philippe did such a great job.” Kyle enjoyed steak and lobster, while Stacy, a vegetarian, was served seasonal fresh veggies from local growers.

Anticipation was high as they awaited a ride to the resort, compliments of Sunshine Shuttle, and prepared for their exciting and romantic week at the beach. Their first few days in Panama City Beach were highlighted by dinner at Firefly restaurant (on their anniversary, coincidentally), spending a $1,000 shopping certificate at Pier Park, treatments at Fusion Spa and Salon, and a private dinner prepared by The Resort Collection’s executive chef, Philippe Robles.

But the prize package was far from exhausted by a little fine dining and some retail therapy. Kyle and Stacy’s grand getaway week and prizes also included a dolphin encounter at Gulf World Marine Park, an original painting by local artist Justin Gaffrey, and a $10,000 jewelry shopping spree at McCaskill and Company in Destin, Florida.

Walking into McCaskill, the winners were greeted by owner Bill Campbell, who assisted Stacy as she browsed the store’s huge and stunning array of gemstones, pearls, silver, and gold.

“Stacy and Kyle were a delightful couple—perfect winners!” Campbell said. “I could tell from the moment I met them that they were going to have a great time here. Stacy prefers gold and was drawn to Marco Bicego and Gurhan’s 24-karat pieces.”

Photo by Lisa Ferrick

After drifting from case to case and trying on numerous pieces of magnificent jewelry, Stacy selected two Marco Bicego necklaces, one solid gold and the other with colored gemstones, each with a matching pair of earrings.

Kyle, who watched with bright eyes and offered his input during Stacy’s selections, was not completely left out; he chose a tungsten wedding band from Benchmark. After the shopping spree at McCaskill, the couple ventured into the adjoining store, Sarah Carolyn, and chose several pieces of jewelry for family members.

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“It is because flowers are that which we behold most beautiful, and so beautiful is this transcendent place, that this is the interpretation that springs forth. Hence the power of symbols.”

“We hope they enjoyed their time in paradise and will choose to vacation here again,” said Bill’s wife and store co-owner Elizabeth Campbell. “And, of course, we hope they’ll stop by to say hello!”

away in paradise. When asked, they couldn’t pick a favorite part of the vacation.

It seemed as if the day could not get any better as Stacy and Kyle left McCaskill and Sarah Carolyn with a bundle of fabulous jewelry—but it was not over yet. Sunshine Shuttle took the pair on a drive down Scenic Highway 30-A, a favorite local area reminiscent of the very best of Old Florida, where they stopped by Blue Mountain Beach and were greeted by artist Justin Gaffrey at his studio gallery.

And though the Emerald Coast was sad to see them go, seeing a wonderful young couple enjoy themselves was reward enough. The Resort Collection has continued to work closely with Southwest Airlines and Spirit Magazine since the LUV giveaway, providing prizes for Southwest’s “40 Days of Prizes” anniversary event. The Resort Collection also held the “Show Us Your Happiness” Facebook photo contest this summer, providing lucky winners with a four-night stay at Majestic Beach Resort, eighteen holes of golf at Hombre Golf Club, and dinner at Firefly restaurant in Panama City Beach.

Gaffrey’s work can be seen all over the Emerald Coast, gracing the walls of such places as Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, Seaside, and V Seagrove restaurant. Kyle and Stacy spent time admiring Gaffrey’s work before finally agreeing on a painting of sunflowers surrounded by the lyrics to “You Are My Sunshine.” Stacy said they had the perfect spot for it in their Colorado home, allowing them to always have a bit of Florida sunshine around.

“Just all of it,” Kyle said.

“I am often asked why I paint flowers, particularly sunflowers,” Gaffrey has said. “I surmise that it is because flowers are that which we behold most beautiful, and so beautiful is this transcendent place, that this is the interpretation that springs forth. Hence the power of symbols.”

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end and Sunshine Shuttle took the couple back to the airport. Kyle and Stacy Himmerick boarded Southwest Airlines to return to “the real world”—but not without wonderful memories and treasured keepsakes of their romantic get160

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Photo by Lisa Ferrick

“We were very happy for Kyle and Stacy,” Lacewell said. “I believe they had the best Panama City Beach experience possible during their stay. It’s always a joy to see people having fun and sharing memories at our resorts and knowing that we were a part of it.”

“I can’t believe we were so lucky,” Stacy said. “I know it sounds corny to say, but it really was the vacation of a lifetime.”

“I can’t believe we were so lucky. I know it sounds cheesy to say, but it really was the vacation of a lifetime.”

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MATTIE KELLY Northwest Florida State College

2011-12 Broadway & Artist Series

National Touring Shows Oct. 8 Nov. 29 Jan. 18 Jan. 28 Feb. 4 Feb. 15 Feb. 24 March 10 May 10

Break! The Urban Funk Spectacular – $30 / $25 My Fair Lady – $45 BLAST! – $30 / $25 Damn Yankees – $45 Simply Sinatra, starring Steve Lippia – $30 Brigadoon – $45 Monty Python’s Spamalot – $45 Andy Gross – $25 / $20 Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein – $45

My Fair

Lady

! t s a l B

Mattie Kelly Arts Center Box Office 100 College Blvd., Niceville, Florida

(850) 729-6000 or www.mattiekellyartscenter.org

In-person Monday to Friday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to show time.

Break!

The Urban Funk Spectacular An Equal Access / Equal Opportunity Institution

C U S T O M

H O M E S

Nature has a way of protecting her beaches.

Dune Construction has a way of protecting your investment.

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the retreat