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2025 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
GRAND BOULEVARD FARMERS’ MARKET
Every Saturday in Grand Park from 9am–1pm
30A SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL
January 16–20
Benefiting The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County
UNDER THE BIG TOP CVHN BENEFIT CONCERT
February 7 from 5:30pm–8:30pm
Family-friendly festivities and dance party
benefiting Children’s Volunteer Health Network
SHOPABOUT: SPRING FLING
February 8 from 12pm–5pm
Shopping fun for the whole family along the Boulevard
SPRING LAWN GAMES
Fridays & Saturdays in Grand Park
March–April from 5pm–8:30pm
ARTSQUEST FINE ARTS FESTIVAL
May 3–4
An official South Walton Art Week event benefiting The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County
LA LUNA’S 3RD ANNUAL SPRING FASHION SHOW
April 12 from 3pm–5pm
Benefiting Caring & Sharing of South Walton
DOGGIE EGGSTRAVAGANZA
April 18 from 5:30pm–7:30pm
Benefiting Dog-Harmony
SOUTH WALTON BEACHES WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL
April 24–27
Benefiting Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation
UNDERWATER MUSEUM OF ART
DINE + DIVE
April 30 from 6pm–9pm
Cultural Arts Alliance’s fundraising event
benefiting the Underwater Museum of Art
SUMMER LAWN GAMES
Every day in Grand Park
May 23–August 9 from 5pm–8:30pm
SOUNDS OF THE SUMMER! LIVE!
Every Thursday Night in Grand Park
May 29–August 7 at 7:30pm
Presented by Emerald Coast Theatre Company
SHOPABOUT: FALL FLING
August 9 from 12pm–5pm
Shopping fun for the whole family along the Boulevard
FALL LAWN GAMES
Fridays & Saturdays in Grand Park
August 15–October 25 from 5pm–8:30pm
BEST OF THE EMERALD COAST WINNER’S SOIRÉE
FESTIVAL OF TREES
December 2 | National Day of Giving from 4pm–6:30pm 18 local non-profits competing in a festive tree decorating contest, with the trees remaining on display throughout the holiday season
October 9 from 6pm–9pm
Benefiting the Reader’s Choice Charity 2025
BARKTOBERFEST
October 30 from 4:30pm–6:30pm
Benefiting Dog-Harmony
HALLOWEEN ON THE BOOLEVARD
October 31 from 4pm–6pm
Stroll the Boulevard for complimentary treats from stores and restaurants!
30A BBQ FESTIVAL
November 7 from 5pm–8pm
Benefiting The Sonder Project
HOMETOWN HOLIDAY PARADE
November 21 at 5pm
A holiday kick-off celebration on the Boulevard
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE & SHOPABOUT
December 6 from 12pm–5pm Shopping fun for the whole family along the Boulevard
COASTAL WHITE CHRISTMAS IN GRAND PARK
December 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 22, & 23 from 5pm–8pm
Complimentary photos with Santa Claus, Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides, and a Holiday Musical Revue by Emerald Coast Theatre Company
These events are presented as part of the Coastal Culture Calendar of Events made possible by the Grand Boulevard Arts & Entertainment Program. For a full listing of events and additional details, please scan the QR code or visit GRANDBOULEVARD.COM/EVENTS
FEATURES
60 WIDENED PERSPECTIVE
All anxiety fades the moment Romona Robbins Reynolds dives into the saltwater with her camera gear in tow. Surrounded by a world of coral reefs and schools of fish, the quiet beauty enables her to leave her life on land behind. Focusing on her Zen space, Reynolds finds she shoots some of her best work underwater, despite its challenges. A sense of place radiates from many of her images, as her signature style widens the frame to give viewers perspective of environment and landscape.
by MIKE FENDER
68
TATTOOING: TRADITION VS. CHANGE
Pensacola’s tattoo scene has long fostered success for shop proprietors and tattoo artists thanks to a demographic mix of military, local creatives, and tourists. But shifts in culture and technology have left an industry at odds. Some artists stand steadfast in the old ways, and others welcome change. Advancements in tools and techniques offer enhanced artistry, and an evolution of culture works toward healthy work environments for all. Still, there’s some traditions worth holding on to.
by PAIGE AIGRET
THE WAVE
23 PERSONALITY
After the day’s final bell, Freeport High School teacher Terry Baker transitions into his role as resident artist. The blank walls of hallways and classrooms are his canvases.
28 FESTIVALS Pirate lore takes center stage at Fort Walton Beach’s annual Billy Bowlegs Festival. The 175-member Krewe of Bowlegs keeps the legacy of piracy alive for cosplayers of all ages.
PANACHE
42 WHAT’S IN STORE Spring is a time to focus on rejuvenation. Spa services and products offer a self-care reset, and beachwear brands beckon for a closet refresh.
GASTRO & GUSTO
47 DINING OUT Bright murals cover the walls, a monster car inhabits the dining space, and old televisions and found treasure populate the walls at this taco shop meets art exhibit in Panama City.
52 LIBATIONS Craft beerhouse Last Stop Brew Vault, a culmination of three couples’ desire to start a family business, taps into DeFuniak Springs’ local history as a railroad town.
IN EVERY ISSUE
ABODE
77 INTERIORS Home galleries can elevate living spaces to experiential, conversational venues. Curated collections make a space uniquely yours and foster creativity in the home.
82 EXTERIORS
88 GREEN SCENE Native sparkleberry shrubs bring dependable spring blooms and produce edible berries favored by area birds. Meanwhile, slugs and stink bugs set their sights on spring vegetation.
EXPRESSION
Aquatic elements transform outdoor spaces into tranquil oases. Backyard ponds become thriving ecosystems, and fountain features enhance garden experiences through movement and sound.
FASHION Balletcore styles channel poise and power in sleek yet whimsical silhouettes. Elegance meets comfort as cotton legwarmers pair with dramatic layered tulle skirts.
95 MUSIC Years of success have taken violinist Jessica Murphy on tours across the country and a stint in the Music City. At home, she finds joy in routinely performing alongside fellow local musicians. 100
ON THE COVER:
Photographer Romona Robbins Reynolds shoots underwater environments in exotic locales near and far including Mexico, the Maldives, Honduras, and at home along the Emerald Coast. Pictured here, Reynolds captures model Isabella Tudela swimming parallel to giant lily pads at Cenote Aktun Ha in
90 APR/MAY 2025
44 PROTECT YOUR SKIN May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. The educated staff at Dermatology Specialists are here to help with preventative care.
↑ CHURCHILL OAKS Offered from Compass Real Estate and built by Coastal Custom Builders, this 40-acre bayside community fosters harmony across indoor spaces and outdoor oases.
32 ↑ FLOWERS FOR CHANGE
Fisher’s Flowers grew organically from arranging bouquets in their home kitchen to designing some of the county’s biggest celebrations. Through it all, community comes first.
40 ↓ BEAUTY INSIDE AND OUT
JA 30A Salon’s Jennifer Albert transforms clients’ looks and perspectives with a holistic approach to beauty and wellness-minded services.
92 ↑ FOCUSED ON FAUNA Wildlife photographer Wayne Simpson offers safari retreats for those looking to hone their skills while experiencing some rare encounters.
106 COASTAL HAPPENINGS
Spring welcomes a season of festivals, events, live music, and celebrations of the warmer weather we know and love on the Emerald Coast.
112 EXPLORING THE FORGOTTEN COAST Nearby Franklin County towns and parks offer a change of pace with outdoor exploration, historical destinations, waterfront oases, local libations, and more.
102 ← BEST OF THE EMERALD COAST BALLOT
Voting is open! Support your favorite local businesses, vendors, and service providers by voting for them in our annual Best of the Emerald Coast readers’ choice poll.
EDITORIAL
EDITOR Paige Aigret
SENIOR STAFF EDITOR Rebecca Padgett Frett
SENIOR COPY EDITOR Melinda Lanigan
CUSTOM CONTENT EDITOR Zandra Wolfgram
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Hannah Burke, Mike Fender, Susan Gunn, Les Harrison, Carrie Honaker, Laurie Koszuta, Liesel Schmidt, Evgeniya Stetsenko
CREATIVE
PRODUCTION MANAGER Daniel Vitter
DESIGN DIRECTOR Jennifer Ekrut
ART DIRECTOR Sarah Burger
SENIOR STAFF ART DIRECTOR Saige Roberts
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Paige Aigret, Blacksuit FM Photography, Boo Media, Jim Clark, Lynn Crow Photography, Jack Gardner, Susan Gunn Photography, Les Harrison, Brenna Kneiss, Rebecca Lake, Rick Limpert, Max Impact Photography, Sean Murphy, Bob O’Lary, Romona Robbins Reynolds, Nathan Saczynski/NASCO Photo, Savvibelle Photography, Kiana Tate Photo, Kiara Watson
SALES, MARKETING, AND EVENTS
SALES MANAGER Lori Magee Yeaton
DIRECTOR OF NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, EASTERN DIVISION Daniel Parisi
An epic catalog of Greco-Roman mythology inspires a creative outlook
While studying creative writing at Columbus State University, I took a class in my senior year that led me to realize art is as repetitive as the history it is de ned by.
The course was an intensive review of two in uential Roman poets from the Augustan era, Virgil and Ovid. I initially had little interest in rehashing age-old mythologies and stories of the Trojan War. My preconceived notions told me I had little to relate to in tales written by men 2,000 years ago. And yet, I was surprised to nd a creative connection to Ovid’s works, despite time and contention.
In Ovid, I found a rebellious and passionate storyteller intent on expressing his mind regardless of consequence—exile included. In Metamorphoses, Ovid’s epic poem cataloging stories of transformation from Greco-Roman mythology, I found a 2,000-year-old example of history repeated in art. I found an author inspired by stories passed on from others. I found originality in referential poetry.
The style of epic writing received a makeover by Ovid in an example of his unique takes and rebellious nature. Metamorphoses meets epic requirements in meter and form but evades the single storyline and heroic protagonist known to epics like
Virgil’s Aeneid. Instead, Ovid strung together a series of independent mythologies, uniting them through his theme of transformation.
For the class’s nal project, I took a note from Ovid’s book and wrote a retelling of one of the stories from Metamorphoses, the story of Io. My version gave insight into Io’s experience, retelling the story from her perspective. My story was wholly derivative and simultaneously nothing like Ovid’s.
In creating and recreating, I found inspiration from Ovid. I found that you can take what resonates and leave the rest. There are no rules in art. You can create something new from something old. You can nd new ways to say old things. You can nd new things to replace old ways.
Self-expression is such an essential aspect of the human experience. It is what makes us both so instinctively individual and inherently referential. It is what allows us to create art in all its forms.
While not everyone identi es as an artist or a creative, I’ve found that, to everyone, the arts and creativity remain essential to self-expression, regardless of skill.
I return to my Ovid-in uenced realization often and carry it with me in my writing and other artforms. I carry it with me in my baking as I take
long-revered recipes from the experts and make them my own. I carry it with me during craft nights when I allow my desire to create overcome my mediocre painting skills as I scour the internet for inspiration. I carry it with me as I contemplate projects for my 1960s beach cottage that always seems to need an upgrade.
Creativity is the best way we know to express ourselves—from our choice in clothing and decor to our interest in speci c music and literary genres. Creating will mean di erent things for di erent people. All that matters is that we maintain our self-expression in all artforms.
Amidst a season celebrating the arts, lessons in individuality and creativity offer benefits to all
I am a lover of the arts. One of my favorite things about the Emerald Coast is how much the area supports and attracts local artists.
Alongside the natural beauty of Northwest Florida’s Gulf coast, our arts scene is part of our area’s distinct character, which creates such a special experience for those living at and visiting the Emerald Coast.
We have a temperate climate and abundant and diverse wildlife and landscapes that attract visitors and transplants from across the United States and beyond. But those aspects also serve as inspiration for the creatives that call the Emerald Coast home.
From longleaf pine forests to beachside palm trees, sand dunes, and dune lakes, there are a vast number of neighboring natural habitats that foster wildlife including black bears, deer, coyotes, and more. This alone creates an artist’s dreamscape.
Too, our landscapes elicit a calming e ect, from the soothing ocean breeze to the quartz-composed white sands that picturesquely juxtapose with our emerald green waters. The primarily quartz sands were formed long ago from grains that owed from the southern Appalachian Mountains by way of the Apalachicola River system. Walking barefoot on the quartz-rich sand is said to produce grounding e ects, helping to clear the mind and alleviate stress and anxiety.
As our environment naturally attracts the arts, so too do our communities.
Spring on the Emerald Coast welcomes a season celebrating the arts and artists. The April/May issue of Emerald Coast Magazine is our annual arts-themed issue, and May has been branded by the Cultural Arts Alliance as “Art Month” for Walton County, one of my favorite times of year.
I recently attended the AlltogetHER event—a gathering of local female
professionals—in Pensacola, presented by the Greater Pensacola Chamber and hosted by Carol Carlan. The event created an opportunity for women to connect and share inspiring stories of resilience with an overall theme of hope.
Keynote speaker Polly Payne o ered insight on adopting an artist’s mindset. She expressed that we are all artists and creators in our own forms, that “your life is your canvas.” Payne encouraged us to make sure we are prioritizing time for the greatest piece of art we will ever create—our lives.
As I re ect on my own journey, it’s interesting how my life turned out nothing like I thought it would. Maybe that is the point—to release expectations of what you think things should look like. Instead, focus on how it feels. I have experienced some messy realities and hard truths, realizing that I am not perfect. None of us are. The most we can hope for is that, when we have made mistakes, we can learn from them and expand our capacity for understanding and sympathy.
Just as art can inspire and connect others, so too can our experiences and our story. In sharing experiences and lessons, we can become a pillar of strength and hope for the next person going through a similar situation.
Jennifer Albert, a beauty and wellness entrepreneur in Santa Rosa Beach, has shared with me and others a beautiful perspective of art. She challenges us to view humans as works of art and to view our di erences and uniquities as something of beauty not aw.
I’m reminded of a quote from one yoga guru, writer, and psychologist, the late Ram Dass—
“When you go out into the woods and you look at trees, you see all the di erent trees. And some of them are bent. You sort of understand that it didn’t get enough light, and so it turned that way. And you don’t get all emotional about it. You just allow it. The minute you get near humans, you lose all that. And you are constantly saying, ‘You are too this,’ or, ‘I’m too this.’ That judgment mind comes in. And so, I practice turning people into trees. Which means appreciating them just the way they are.”
During this season of spring and summer, I hope you can view yourself and others with this perspective as you blossom into the next season of life and take the time to work on your own masterpiece—your life, for we only have one.
In January, Florida Panhandle communities experienced record snowfall accumulation ranging from 2 to 9 inches.
Read more at EmeraldCoastMagazine.com/ enzo-coats-the-emerald-coast.
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BAKER’S BRUSH PAINTS LEGACY
Local teacher makes lasting impact across Freeport High School walls and halls →
by
LAURIE EINSTEIN KOSZUTA
Terry
dabbled in visual art during his college days. But he soon found himself drawn to the dramatic arts, too. Today, he teaches government, economics, and theater while flexing his painting skills after hours.
FESTIVALS Billy Bowlegs
Baker
COMPENDIUM OF COASTAL STUFF
“I’m not a fan of blank walls,”
says artist and teacher Terry Baker. Thanks to him, you won’t find many empty walls throughout Freeport High School.
He’s painted the school’s bulldog mascot, which hangs in the main hallway, and several of his large and vibrant murals are prominently displayed in the school’s media center. Some of his murals feature wellknown figures in math, science, art, and music. Another showcases symbols and scenery unique to Freeport.
“I like to bring color to otherwise sterile spaces,” Baker says. “I do whatever I can to make Freeport High School better because the students and faculty here are the best.”
While Baker is popular among students who take his government, economics, and theater classes, he doesn’t teach art, and he doesn’t tout his talent despite his hallway displays. Some students at the school, he presumes, aren’t even aware he’s the artist behind the displays.
↖ Baker brings life to the sterile nature of school halls with designs that elicit school spirit and encourage education.
“At school, it’s not about me,” explains Baker, who supplied the materials needed and dedicated his personal time to complete the projects. “It’s about creating an environment that adds warmth to student spaces.”
Baker’s lifelong love of art began in childhood when he would copy pictures from the Little Golden Books children’s series. With no formal training beyond a few college art classes, he describes himself as a commercial artist with a focus on creating practical works rather than gallery pieces.
A pivotal moment in college steered Baker into other artistic avenues. While attending Abilene Christian University in Texas, Baker planned to enroll in a sculpture class. Realizing the class was already full, he opted for theater instead.
“I loved that class,” he recalls. “I gained experience constructing sets and backdrops, ensuring everything looked realistic. I also learned skills like
working with glazes, creating textures, and mastering faux painting techniques. Years later, I used those skills to collaborate with home builders and designers in Dallas to earn extra income while teaching.”
After college, Baker worked fulltime in ministry in Scotland, India, California, and Rhode Island. However, he stepped away from the ministry and into education after discovering that one of his sons was on the autism spectrum.
“I wanted to understand and support my son,” he says.
He achieved his teaching credentials and began teaching in northern California in a self-contained classroom for students expelled from public education due to behavioral challenges. Some time later, he moved to New Mexico to be with his parents and returned to the high school he’d attended in the 1970s, this time as a faculty member.
“I lived in the same bedroom where I grew up,” Baker says. “I was caring
figures
science, art, music, and other fields
←↓ Baker aims to inspire students at Freeport High School with his large-scale works. Paintings can be found throughout classrooms and work spaces featuring accomplished historical
of math,
of study.
for my aging parents, which I can liken to The Twilight Zone meets Back to the Future.”
After his parents passed, Baker decided to move to Northwest Florida to be closer to one of his sons and grandchildren. While at church, a friend mentioned a teaching opportunity at Freeport High School. After an interview, Baker was hired the same day.
Without a home studio, Baker transforms his classroom into an after-hours workspace.
“Depending on the project,” he says, “I use acrylics, oils, pintura, and even house paint as my preferred mediums. I use brushes, foam sponges, or fingers to achieve the desired effect.”
Beyond school murals, Baker has often been commissioned to paint lively designs for children’s rooms and businesses. In 2022, he lent his expertise to help design sets for a Mattie Kelly Arts Center summer production.
Baker plans to continue improving spaces at Freeport High School with more muraled walls. Future project ideas include portraits of historical figures such as Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther King.
“When I leave, I want to leave behind something that inspires or blesses someone,” he says.
As Baker’s brush paints his legacy, Freeport High School’s blank hallways and classrooms transform into creative spaces. EC
↑ At the school day’s end, Baker’s classroom becomes his studio space.
↑ Freeport High School’s bulldog mascot appears in another of Baker’s paintings, posed against the picturesque backdrop of the town’s Four-Mile Creek covered bridge.
Wood Rot | Water Damage | Exterior Envelope Experts
FESTIVALS
IN PRESERVATION OF PIRACY
Billy Bowlegs Festival keeps local lore alive, brings Florida pirate culture to Panhandle shores
by PAIGE AIGRET
Like many locals who grew up in and around Fort Walton Beach, the Billy Bowlegs festival is ingrained in my childhood memories. I can recall the awe I experienced as pirates stormed The Landing, the excitement of hunting for treasure, the pure joy of being the one to help solve the clues that led to my very own gold coin, and the shock when the mayor was finally taken over by Bowlegs and his Krewe.
Season 69’s Captain Billy Bowlegs, Michael Castleberry, says those experiences are what keep Bowlegs alive.
“If we weren’t around, think about the kids going forward that would never have what you have,” he says. “We’re the only ones doing it. And we’re only doing it for people like you to have memories.”
The 2025 Billy Bowlegs Festival will take place from May 16-19, marking 70 years—the season being off by one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic—of Fort Walton Beach’s signature event.
Historically, Bowlegs has been organized by the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Krewe of Bowlegs. Today, that responsibility falls solely to the Krewe.
“We bring in all the vendors, all the booths, all the musicians—we now are in charge of the entire festival,” Castleberry says. “There’s a historic part of this event, and we don’t want to see it die.”
Under the Krewe’s leadership in 2024, Castleberry says the vendor enlistment was the largest they’ve ever had.
“If you’re going to leave it up to us, we’re going to make it a party, and we’re going to make it a great event,” Castleberry says.
“We just care about it so much,” says Season 69’s queen Zabrina Horne.
The Krewe is made up of about 175 active members. The season’s main Krewe is made up of the Top Six—the captain and his lackey (or significant other), the queen and her lackey, first mate, and first mistress. The Honor Guard—made up of 10 couples—appear as the second line of defense during the skirmish skits.
The Top Six and Honor Guard members are selected during the previous season and kept secret until their reign begins. A season’s reign starts with coronation in June each year and ends with the festival weekend in May.
“Everything has to be a complete secret,” Castleberry says.
The 2026 season 70 royal court is currently in secret and will be revealed at the June coronation ceremony following the close out of season 69 in May.
“Basically, we’re big fat liars for eight months when we can’t say anything to anybody,” jokes Horne. “That’s the fun of it I think, the mystery of it. Everyone’s
trying to figure out who the new queen is and who the new captain is.”
After coronation, the Top Six and Honor Guard begin their season of community outreach, event appearances, and planning and preparation for their season. Too, the Krewe travels to and attends 13 parades throughout the year in communities across the state.
“We dress up in our costumes, and we go to their ball representing Bowlegs at their festivity,” Castleberry says. “And then they come to town for our weekend, and they participate in our festivities and Bowlegs event.”
HUNTING FOR TREASUR
At home, formal balls help raise funds for nonprofits and charitable organizations, and the Krewe works with the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce and makes time for school visits to interact with local kids.
“Every year, the queen gets to choose a charity,” says current queen Horne, who selected One Hopeful Place as a Season 69 beneficiary.
During the festival, cosplay is part of the culture for all ages, with attendees dressed in everything from traditional pirate attire to steampunk-inspired gear to renaissance-style costumes.
E A Billy Bowlegs Festival staple, the treasure hunt takes place from mid-April through mid-May, culminating at the start of the festival. “On that day, we all spread out as pirates through the community,” says season 69 queen Zabrina Horne, “so people will see pirates everywhere.” Captain 69 Michael Castleberry says he’s ordered 150 coins for this year’s hunt. “They’re really unique coins; they’re one-of-a-kind coins,” he says. “The whole thing behind a pirate is booty, finding booty, which is treasure.” You get to keep the coins you find, and your name gets added to a pool for drawing for a grand prize at the Saturday festival. Horne says people enjoy the competitive nature of who can find the coins first. New clues are crafted each year by the Krewe of Bowlegs members. Castleberry says participants get stumped occasionally, but often they are quick to the punch. “Being local helps a lot,” he says. “It is amazing how fast people are—I mean, within minutes.” For more information on participation and access to clues, visit BowlegsTreasureHunt.com.
↖ Michael Castleberry and Zabrina Horne were sworn in as Season 69’s Captain and Queen at the coronation in June 2024.
↑→ The Billy Bowlegs festival will celebrate 70 years in 2025. But the event started in 1953 as a water ski festival held during Labor Day weekend as a sendoff to the summer season. Historical figure William Augustus Bowles was chosen as inspiration for the event’s mascot, Billy Bowlegs.
“The kids are dressed, the adults are dressed, and they go to the nines with their pirate costumes,” Horne says. “It is really cool to see people really get into it. That brings everybody together.”
“Who doesn’t love a pirate?” says Castleberry. “That’s your future by creating that folklore.”
“And it’s fun to dress up,” adds Horne.
The Krewe’s own cosplay helps bring the festival’s folklore to life, starting with the Friday night Storming of the City. The Top Six and Honor Guard perform a skirmish, battling against Fort Walton Beach in attempts to overtake the city. The mayor and volunteer military members act out the opposing side.
“The mayor and his militia take us over—they will actually put me in a police car—and they win,” says Castleberry. “Then, Billy Bowlegs says, ‘I will be back.’”
Come Saturday, Bowlegs keeps his promise, returning with the full 175-member Krewe to capture the mayor and celebrate with the full-day festival at The Landing.
“We want to keep it alive, keep it going the same way,” says Castleberry. “It’s the commitment to the city and the kids. When you show up and we’re dressed as pirates and queens, and the kids are going crazy, that’s really cool stuff.”
All efforts remain a testament to the Krewe’s preservation of piracy. EC
JUAN C. ZARATE, MD, FACC, FSCAI Interventional Cardiologist
ANTHONY S. AL-DEHNEH, DO, FACC, FSCAI Interventional Cardiologist
GEORGE A. YOUSSEF, MD, FACC, FSCAI Interventional Cardiologist
Fisher’s Flowers brings beauty to community causes
While vacationing in Italy, Grove Fisher became enchanted with the striking, romantic flower carts populating the piazzas of Rome.
Her fiance at the time, now husband Adam, turned to her with an idea to recreate such a business model along the picturesque beaches of their home in Walton County.
The Fishers who worked at Cafe Rendezvous, a restaurant in Seaside, began honing their skills by creating floral arrangements for their bars and dining areas. The passion flourished, and soon they began providing the same service for other eateries and hotels along Santa Rosa Beach.
“We grew organically,” says Fisher who started Fisher’s Flowers almost 18 years ago. “We were literally ordering flowers and making these arrangements out of our kitchen. Then, we floated back to our dream of a beachside flower cart.”
Because Walton County had a policy that, at the time, didn’t allow for businesses with non-permanent buildings, the couple turned to brickand-mortar in the form of a little cabin in Grayton Beach. Though not what they had envisioned, a beautiful journey took root.
Fisher’s Flowers became a recommended vendor for most of the communities along 30A that host weddings and events year-round. They soon excelled by working closely with their clients to create the floral aesthetics for the weddings of their dreams.
About eight years ago, Fisher says, their focus began to shift. “Both my husband, Adam and I have a real commitment and desire to contribute to the community,“ she says. “We started devoting our energy to many of the nonprofit organizations we felt best benefited our area. We began working with these
organizations to design their festivals and events in order to maximize their fundraising opportunities.”
Together, the Fishers became the design and event planning team behind some of the county’s biggest celebrations benefiting causes such as Alys Beach Foundation’s Digital Graffiti, 30A Wine Festival, Cultural Arts Alliance’s 30A Songwriters Festival, and the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation’s annual auction and patron dinners.
Fisher is honored to be on the Board of Directors for the Point Washington Medical Clinic and is very proud of the work the clinic is doing to serve the under and uninsured citizens of Walton County.
Working about 10 of these a year, the Fishers have honed their craft of one-on-one collaboration, nurturing
design befitting of these themes and brands, and fostering strong community relationships. Now, they are ready to expand their footprint.
“We are proud to be working this year with the Sacred Heart Foundation of Pensacola in bringing to life their first wine festival this March benefiting the children’s hospital,” Fisher says. “Growing something from the ground up is tough, but utilizing our 18 years of experience and being a part of an area whose people continue to show up for one another to help sponsor and volunteer for these special causes is what makes our job rewarding.”
“We are excited to continue growing by helping others meet their goals and we look forward to seeing the benefits of these events come to fruition for the betterment of our communities.”
A new home designed around you, with a backyard for parties and fun. Plus, a new amenity center ready to enjoy life without leaving the neighborhood. The Gathering Place clubhouse features a resort-style pool and sundeck, state-of-the-art fitness center, tennis courts and event lawn. Our gated community is just a short bike ride or drive to the activities and adventure awaiting you at 30A and the Emerald Coast. NatureWalk by Kolter Homes is outside the ordinary, and open daily for you to explore.
MODELS OPEN DAILY | Tour designer-decorated models in-person or online New Homes from the $500s to $1M | NatureWalkWatersound.com
APR/MAY 2025
dramatic layered tulle skirt pairs with a soft pastel shrug or wrap. ELEMENTS OF STYLE RANGING FROM THE SUBLIME TO THE MORE SUBLIME
Balletcore fashion emulates the elegance of onstage ballerinas and the comfort of practice wear.
REBECCA PADGETT FRETT
panache
There comes a time in many little girl’s lives where they dream of becoming a ballerina. While only few will make it to big city ballet companies, one can still emulate the ballerina style.
Ballerinas represent grace, poise, power, and femininity both in dance and style. Studio dancewear emphasizes the long, lean, and clean lines of a dancer’s body, while performance wear illuminates an air of whimsy and beauty.
Ballet has been around for centuries, but society’s surest fascination with its fashion began with ballerina Marie Taglioni who introduced the romantic tutu, a multilayered skirt reaching to midcalf, in 1832.
In the 1870s, for Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, the tutu skirt was dramatically shortened to better accommodate leaps and showcase the strength of the dancer’s legs. Additionally, in the 1870s, ballerinas became the muse of famed French impressionist artist Edgar Degas who featured them as subjects in over 1,500 works.
↖ While Marie Taglioni is credited with creating the tutu, Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake expanded on the style with dramatically shortened skirts.
← Influential 20th century choreographer George Balanchine (left) popularized rehearsal wear and ballerina street style.
↘ Leg warmers and Mary Janes add casual comfort to Anthropologie’s Moon River Sleeveless Tulle Twofer Midi Dress.
“The balletcore trend is fun because it merges the elegance of classical ballet with the playfulness of modern fashion.”
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In the 1880s, French acrobat Jules Leotard created the leotard, which would later become the standard for American ballet, worn with tights to provide a streamlined look while also aiding in blood circulation and muscle fatigue.
George Balanchine, one of the most influential choreographers of the twentieth century was
pivotal in popularizing practice wear and ballerina street style. In 2025, high and low ballet fashion are blending to form a new ballerina-inspired look. Today’s balletcore trend styles the comforts of cotton legwarmers with the drama of a layered tulle skirt.
“The balletcore trend is fun because it merges the elegance
↖↑ Balletcore taps into feminine energy with tulle skirts, silk shift dresses, puff sleeves, and bubble hemlines. The traditional ballet color palette consists of monochromatic blacks, beiges, and pinks. Pastels add whimsy to the look; breathable and moveable fabrics such as jersey knit, cotton, silk, satin, and cashmere keep fits cozy; and ballet flats can be dressed up or down.
Danni Donofro Eubanks, community and culture manager of Cabana by The Seaside Style
of classical ballet with the playfulness of modern fashion,” says Danni Donofro Eubanks, community and culture manager of Cabana by The Seaside Style. “It allows for a whimsical and romantic expression through soft textures and graceful silhouettes, all while being comfortable and wearable in everyday settings.”
Dancers love to make an entrance and wow with their costumes. But ballerina or not, you can make a statement with investment pieces like drop-waist silhouettes, tulle skirts, silk shift dresses, puff sleeves, bubble hemlines, and costume wear speckled in sequins, rhinestones, and pearls. The stage may be for catching and holding the eye, but studiowear is all about transitional pieces and sleek style. Think breathable and moveable fabrics such as jersey knit, cotton, silk, satin, and cashmere. For men or women, a pair of jersey or cotton joggers offer a loose fit while accentuating the ankle and foot. Drape a
cashmere cardigan around your neck or tie a crewneck sweatshirt around your waist. In the cooler months, throw on a pair of tights or leg warmers.
One of the most iconic elements of balletcore are ballet flats, which can be dressed up or down.
“The trend invites creativity by encouraging layering, experimenting with light, and incorporating dainty accessories,” Donofro says. “It emphasizes a soft feminine look through neutral and pastel tones.”
Ballet is all about the details as is its fashion—think bows and intricate lace. The traditional ballet color palette consists of monochromatic blacks, beiges, and pinks. There’s also the subtly sweet incorporation of pastels or the dramatic flair of bright red or deep purple.
When carefully curated and expertly choreographed, the balletcore look would receive a standing ovation from the likes of Anna Pavlova to Misty Copeland. EC
↓→ Cabana by The Seaside Style curates balletcore styles with simple dropwaist dresses and bubble hemline skirts. Pair the look with rhinestonespeckled ballet flats and pearl and bow accessories. Drape a cashmere or cotton sweater over the shoulders to finish the look.
Available at Cabana by The Seaside Style
Art The of Transformation B
Jennifer Albert fosters change through beauty
oasting over 20 years in luxury hair care and nearly a decade leading her JA Lifestyle brand, Jennifer Albert is far more than a hairstylist—she is a pioneer in conscious beauty and transformation. Her work is a fusion of artistry, wellness, and self-discovery, designed to empower her clients from the inside out.
Her passion for holistic beauty deepened through her own journey—facing significant health challenges only strengthened her commitment to wellness. This led to the creation of JA Essence Beauty, a sensory-driven product line designed to elevate self-care into a ritual. More than haircare, JA Essence Beauty integrates essential oils, touch therapy, and aromatherapy to create a transformational experience that clients can continue at home.
“Beauty is not just about looking a certain way,” Albert said. “Beauty is about being seen, understood, and elevated. And, when beauty aligns with wellness, it creates a natural confidence that doesn’t just transform a look, it transforms a life.”
When a client steps into JA 30A Salon, Albert doesn’t just see hair— she sees a living canvas, a transformation waiting to unfold. Through precision cutting, expert balayage, and her signature keratin extensions, she crafts more than a look—she sculpts confidence, presence, and power. Watching the shift happen, not just in the mirror but in the way her clients carry themselves, is where her artistry comes to life.
“How we feel on the outside directly affects how we feel internally,” Albert said. “When we recognize our own
beauty, we show up stronger, and that conviction ripples outward, shaping our energy, interactions, and ability to inspire others.”
Albert believes we should view ourselves the way we admire great works of art—as unique, irreplaceable, and worthy of appreciation.
Art, she said, is admired for its splendor— the brushstrokes, the story behind it. We place value on paintings, sculptures, and creations recognizing they are idiosyncratic and exceptional.
“What if we celebrated individuality the way we do art?” she asked. “Not as something to ‘fix’ but as something to honor, admire, and cherish.”
Recently, Albert extended this belief beyond her chair by gifting Karah Young a full
makeover. As president of the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, Young has raised millions for children in need. Albert, who was adopted as a child, deeply resonated with Young’s commitment to giving back.
“Karah deserves to be honored the way she honors so many others,” Albert said.
Albert believes art doesn’t exist in isolation; it is meant to be shared, seen, and felt.
“Just as I transform a woman’s beauty, the talented artists I collaborate with capture the essence of transformation, preserving moments of confidence, identity, and selfexpression through imagery,” Albert said. “These snapshots are not just about aesthetics. They are about impact and illustrating what is possible.”
To capture Karah’s moment, she collaborated with the renowned photographer Tim Jackson, whose work, like hers, is driven by a passion for storytelling and uplifting others.
This is Albert’s purpose. “True artistry isn’t just about creation,” she said. “It’s about how we can wield our tools—be they paintbrushes or tint brushes—to inspire and enrich others.”
“Everything I do—through conscious hair services, holistic beauty, and creative collaborations—is about transformation,” Albert said. “When we see ourselves as exceptional, we create a more beautiful and connected world.”
BEAUTY IS NOT JUST ABOUT LOOKING A CERTAIN WAY,” ALBERT SAYS. “BEAUTY IS ABOUT BEING SEEN, UNDERSTOOD, AND ELEVATED. AND, WHEN BEAUTY ALIGNS WITH WELLNESS, IT CREATES A NATURAL CONFIDENCE THAT DOESN’T JUST TRANSFORM A LOOK, IT TRANSFORMS A LIFE.”
What’s In Store?
A roundup of retail happenings throughout the Emerald Coast
by PAIGE AIGRET
Ophelia Swimwear’s signature line, Ophelia Love, has partnered with artist and designer Rebekah Steen of Gold sh Kiss to create an Emerald Coast-inspired 30A Suit. The black and white design highlights all things 30A, from palm trees and beach waves to bicycles and a vintage Bronco. The new bikini line comes in the Tori Triangle Top, the Kristen Side Tie Bottom, the Fern Bandeau Top, and the Paris Hipster Bottom.
➸ A new service at HOTEL EFFIE’S SPA LILLIANA, the customizable HYDRAFACIAL MD can target everything from fine lines and rosacea to acne and dull, tired skin. Experience a deep cleanse, exfoliation, and painless extractions, followed by blue and red LED light therapy, a cooling gel mask, correction serums, and lymphatic drainage to reduce puffiness.
Ophelia Swimwear
➸ When you shop Ophelia, you get the best of both worlds with exclusive access to local designs like the 30A Suit as well as trending sets from top swimwear brands. The ISLA FLORAL print by MONTCE brings the tropical vibes in the JACELYN RUFFLE ONE PIECE or BIKINI SET. Bring class to your next snorkeling adventure in SEAFOLLY’S BEACH BOUND CAP-SLEEVE ZIP-FRONT ONE PIECE
➸ New BIOLOGIQUE RECHERCHE products
offer CUSTOM FACIALS for all skin types. The luxurious experience, curated by this worldrenowned French skin care line, is a must for healthy skin. Biologique Recherche facials can dramatically tone, tighten, and reduce uneven skin tones while targeting fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation.
➸ Transition seamlessly from beach beauty to coastal casual with these Ophelia favorites. The KAITLYN SET IN ROYAL PALM from SAYLOR sets the scene for serene waterfront dining or strolling through shopping districts. Say hello to effortless style with the RATTAN HAND CROCHET MINI DRESS by CLEONIE, perfect as a bikini coverup or out-to-dinner outfit.
➸ Indulge in the MIRIAM QUEVEDO HAIR AND SCALP RITUAL spa enhancement, offering a sensory experience that incorporates Japanese scalp massage techniques paired with anti-aging products infused with bioactive 24-karat gold.
Tori Triangle Top and Kristen Side Tie Bottom in 30A Print
SPA LILLIANA AT HOTEL EFFIE SANDESTIN
Kaitlyn Set in Royal Palm
Rattan HandCrochet Mini Dress
Jacelyn Ruffle Bikini Set in Isla Floral
Sun Safety:
Prevent Skin Cancer with Sunscreen and Monthly Self-Checks
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and the team at Dermatology Specialists is committed to helping you learn more about the harmful effects of sun exposure. The educated staff knows prevention and early detection are key, and they’re dedicated to informing patients of the steps they can take to protect their skin. To serve the community, Dermatology Specialists will provide free skin cancer screenings throughout the month of May. The screenings are part of their mission to stress the importance of early detection.
“Our skin is the barrier between us and the outside world,” says Dr. Kaisa van der Kooi, a board-certified dermatologist with Dermatology Specialists. “Everyone needs to be paying attention to their skin.”
Dr. van der Kooi encourages her patients to know their personal risk of developing skin cancer. The greatest risk factors are having already been diagnosed with skin cancer and having a family history of skin cancer.
Living in Northwest Florida also presents as a risk factor. The area has a beautiful and temperate climate year-round making
skin vulnerable to daily sun exposure. Dr. van der Kooi recommends people of all skin types apply sunscreen to exposed skin every morning—even if you don’t plan to go outdoors. “You can do a lot of damage in just a couple of minutes in Florida - even just walking to your mailbox or driving to the grocery store,” she says.
When it comes to protection, van der Kooi says the best sunscreen is the one you will consistently use.
“Use what you like because if you don’t like it, you’re not going to use it,” she says. “And it will do you no good sitting in a tube on your shelf.”
Kaisa van der Kooi, MD, FAAD, FASDP, Board-Certified Dermatologist, Board-Certified and Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon, Board-Certified Dermatopathologist
She recommends monthly self-checks to areas of the body that are regularly exposed to the sun and areas where skin cancers commonly appear such as the head, neck and back of the hands. The most common skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma and often presents as a pink blemish, much like a pimple.
“But unlike a pimple that would be gone in two to three weeks, skin cancer just sits there and typically doubles in size every three to six months,” van der Kooi says. “Then the next most common form is squamous cell skin cancer which feels rough to the touch, and can hurt.”
Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is highly treatable when detected early. To screen for melanoma, look for the ABCDEs — spots with asymmetry, irregular borders, color, diameter the size of a pencil eraser, and those evolving in size, shape, or color.
“Ideally, you want to have a worrisome lesion evaluated within a month,” van der Kooi says. “Go get screened, and get a baseline established. Even if it ends up being a false alarm, we’d rather you come in than present with an advanced skin cancer.”
MEMBER BENEFITS
mattie kelly arts foundation
10 CONCERTS
Under the Stars
THURSDAY NIGHTS | APRIL 10 - JUNE 12 | 7 PM
Annual Thursday evening concert live music series featuring family-friendly premier musicians and bands performing everything from classic rock, reggae and disco to modern pop.
April 10
April 17
April 24
May 1
May 8
May 15
May 22
May 29
June 5
June 12
| The Fabulous Thunderbirds
| Journeyman: An Eric Clapton Tribute
| Yacht Rock Revue
| Black Jacket Symphony: Journey’s Escape
| Dear Amy: Amy Winehouse Tribute
| Kickstand Jenny
| Molly Ringwalds
| Petty Hearts
| A1A: Jimmy Buffet Tribute
| Adrenalize: Music of Def Leppard
Proceeds will fund the MKAF’s community outreach mission to provide cultural outreach programs serving K-12 students, adults and children with special needs, at-risk youth, and active/veteran military suffering from visible and invisible injuries in our community.
Receive one season pass to Concerts in the Village.
Enjoy early admission access to Concerts in the Village.
Receive discounts on Festival of the Arts merchandise.
Receive membership rates on select MKAF events.
HOME IS WHERE THE Weird IS
CARRIE HONAKER
gastro&gusto
APR/MAY 2025
gastro & gusto
Afever dream of bright murals welcomes guests. A car covered in bold lines and color segments, reminiscent of Keith Haring’s pop art, is parked in the dining space. Old televisions, lunch boxes, and found treasure populate the walls.
It is the largest art installation in Bay County. But it’s not a museum. It’s El Weirdo.
“El Weirdo does not fit in,” says co-owner Allan Branch. “There is no other place in town like it.”
The taco bar and craft beverage emporium on Oak Avenue in downtown Panama City celebrates area artists and all things weird.
“People move away to practice art; we have to help them create industry to keep them here,” says Branch. “Weird is good. This place honors the high school bands, drama programs, and the vibrancy of our human fabric. It is a spot for people to be inundated with art.”
Branch and partners Tim Whalen and Dan Magner, also co-owners of the nearby History Class Brewing Company, knew the $125,000 design investment didn’t make the best financial sense. But according to Branch, creativity outweighed cost.
“Small towns celebrate the ordinary too often,” Branch says. “Our goal was to celebrate the misfits and outcasts.”
Eleven creatives lent their brushes to the psychedelic warehouse restaurant-meets-gallery space. Christon Anderson created the brew area background of “Giraffstronauts” flying
→
El Weirdo co-owner
Allan Branch says anything can be a taco, with options ranging from the classic beef taco (top) to a Brussels sprouts and mushroom loaded taco (bottom). Toppings include black beans, cotija cheese, pickled veggies, and more.
↖↑ Morgan Elyce Summers is one of 11 artists commissioned by El Weirdo to bring bold life to the restaurant space. Summers painted the “We are the weirdos” motto as well as the full-scale, wraparound mural on the outside of the building. Other art installations include youth artist Alfredo Leon’s buildout depicting El Weirdo’s one-eyed creature logo crafted from 1 million Lego blocks.
on sneaker shuttles headed to the moon, surrounded by a polka dot galaxy. Beau Bradbury pieced together a multimedia art explosion inside the back hallway with found objects, graffiti, magazine clippings, and more. Anastasia Dengerud hid goats, fish, cats, and self-portraits amid the plants. Sara Griffith decorated the brew space with eyeballs and the air duct with Venus flytraps and voodoo dolls.
←→
On the Not Tacos menu are options ranging from nachos and quesadillas to the Wizard Fries, loaded with chorizo, cotija cheese, veggies, and more. Seasonal sour ales and inventive margarita takes round out the libations menu.
JD Justice designed the creature-scape on the arcade wall while Anna Kaye staged a robot taco battle in the bathroom. Terry Knight took on the other bathroom with sacred geometry and trippy shapes.
Alfredo Leon, a Lego builder from age 6, constructed the logo above the bar from a million blocks. Shiloh Murrell created the doodled dudes gracing all the bars and the iconic “Shlump” artwork on the merchandise. Morgan Elyce Summers is responsible for the “we are the weirdos” motto near the bar as well as the building’s wraparound mural. Junknado, Blue Moon, and Phurbhurt the Scrap Goblin sculptures came straight from Aaron Waldrep’s imagination. And all those cool tables and bars? Waldrep built those, too.
From the moment you pull up to the moment you leave, El Weirdo delivers an immersive art experience. And that doesn’t even touch on their imaginative food and drink offerings.
Most nights, you’ll see an imposing figure manning the food window. That’s Seth Carpenter, operations manager and taco-maker extraordinaire. As Branch says, anything can be a taco, and Carpenter takes that to heart with his tortillas stuffed with crispy Brussels sprouts, pickled cabbage, chimichurri-bathed steak, and more.
Then there are the “Not Tacos” options like queso dip you’ll want to drink—it’s that good—and Street Korn Dip that will transport you right to those stands
in Mexico where roasted ears of corn slathered with crema and lime juice are rolled in cotija cheese, chili powder, and cilantro. Save room for the churros served with their housemade strawberry sauce— they are the stuff of donut dreams.
Beverages also get the “Weird” treatment. A steady mix of house-brewed beers rotates with options like Gringo Suave Mexican Lager, their version of a Mexican especial, and the Star Daddy Hazy IPA, named after Star Trek actor Charles “Tripp” Tucker III, who was born in Panama City. Seasonal sours, hoppy IPAs, nitro stouts, amber ales, and fruitfilled concoctions share space on the taps.
The cocktail menu proves equally inventive with plays on margaritas incorporating housemade sea salt foam and a bevy of fruit and botanical-forward libations, including Branch’s go-to—a Ranch Water made to order with your choice of tequila flavored with blood orange or passionfruit.
For Branch, Whalen, and Magner, it has always been about more than food and beverages.
“There are great tacos here,” says Branch. “But we are relentlessly good to our customers, respect our employees, and honor the artists who inspire us.”
They grew up in this community and want their businesses to represent everything about their hometown, weird included. EC
↑ You can never go wrong with chips and dip. Queso, salsa, and bean dip keep most diners pleased. Or get a little weird and go for the elote-style Street Korn Dip.
Kevin W. Wells, OD, FAAO
Natalie Pelly, OD Bret L. Fisher, MD
LIBATIONS
THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE TRACKS
Second only to the perfectly circular Lake DeFuniak, Last Stop Brew Vault positions itself as area’s next best watering hole
by LIESEL SCHMIDT
It’s incredible what a little vision and a lot of passion can accomplish when people come together to build their dream.
Add to that a healthy dose of entrepreneurial drive, and you have a refined recipe for good business—and, in the case of Last Stop Brew Vault in DeFuniak Springs, a refreshing, ice-cold beer.
Last Stop Brew Vault opened in March 2024. The new craft beerhouse was the culmination of three couples’ desire to start a family business. The group of six landed on the idea of a taproom, but it wasn’t until they found the historic property at 630 Baldwin Avenue in DeFuniak Springs that the dream solidified into a plan.
↖ Danny Barreto is one of six family members at the helm of Last Stop Brew Vault in DeFuniak Springs. Danny and wife Sonja work as the bar’s treasurer and horticulturist.
photography by JACK GARDNER
“The location really lent itself beautifully to what we would want to create in a taproom and the family gathering spot we wanted to provide for the community,” says Jessica Cooper, whose brother and mother are also part of the team, along with all three respective spouses.
“We all enjoy good drinks,” she says. “And we were comfortable opening a taproom because of my husband’s prior experience in the craft beer industry and taproom ownership.”
As a West Coaster, Galen Cooper grew up in the cradle of the craft beer boom—a fact that naturally instilled in him a love for the industry. After joining the military, he ended up on the East Coast where he realized a noticeable lack of local craft breweries, especially in the Southeast. In 2015, Galen began brewing craft beer in his backyard.
Jessica recalls her husband “roping in anyone that would join in the experiments.”
In 2020, he became one of the original founders of Bayou Brewing Co. in
Niceville. Now, Galen spends his days as the full-time general manager of Last Stop Brew Vault, overlooking inventory, handling licensing, and managing employees.
While the other five owners may not have his background in craft brewing, they all bring their respective talents, skillsets, and perspectives to the team.
“Professionally speaking, we run the gamut,” says Jessica, who acts as one of the taproom’s treasurers. “Four of the six owners are active or veteran military, and all are—or were—in aviation-related fields. Then you have a former real estate
agent, social media content creator, horse farm owner, loan officer, police officer, mechanic, and everything in between.” Whether working at the taproom full-time or juggling co-ownership alongside a day job, everyone has their roles. Danny and Sonja Barreto—or Pappy and Grandma, as they are more affectionately known—serve as treasurer and horticulturist, respectively. Jake and Alexa Peters handle merchandise design and ordering. Alexa is also the bar’s full-time social media manager, event coordinator, food truck scheduler, and interior decorator.
↑ From left to right: Jake and Alexa Peters, Galen and Jessica Cooper, Sonja and Danny Barreto. Galen started brewing craft beer in his backyard in 2015. By 2020, he was entering entrepreneurship as a founder of Niceville-based Bayou Brewing Co. Today, he runs Last Stop Brew Vault alongside his wife and family in-law.
Despite a difference in backgrounds, Last Stop Brew Vault’s owners combine to create a welcoming company culture and dynamic that has made the brewhouse a locals’ favorite watering hole.
“Last Stop Brew Vault, as many customers have told us, is unique in our creation of a family-friendly gathering and event location with an equal emphasis on providing quality brews,” says Jessica. “We don’t brew our own beer, but we showcase craft beer, wine, ciders and seltzers, with the main focus being local breweries and wineries.”
Located at the heart of downtown, right beside the train tracks and overlooking Lake DeFuniak, Last Stop Brew Vault seemed a natural choice in name.
“We definitely wanted to capture a bit of DeFuniak Springs’ history and its founding as a product of the railroad,” says Jessica. “The ‘Vault’ part of our name comes from the iconic early 1900s vault that can be found in our establishment, housing our Founders Club member mugs.”
The taproom features 16 taps that offer a variety of craft beers, ciders, and seltzers from local breweries, including one nitro as well as everything from light lagers to stouts.
“We try to keep something for everyone on tap,” says Jessica.
They also try to keep something for everyone when it comes to food, hosting a selection of food trucks on-site each day.
Whether you’re in search of a cold beer, good food, or great atmosphere, locals need not look further than DeFuniak’s Last Stop. EC
LAST STOP BREW VAULT
Located at 630 Baldwin Avenue in DeFuniak Springs. Open Monday-Thursday, 3-9 p.m.; Friday, 3-10 p.m.; Saturday, noon-10 p.m.; and Sunday, noon-9 p.m. For more information, call (850) 520-4453 or visit laststopbrewvault.com
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Last Stop Brew Vault offers 16 taps in a variety of local and regional craft beers, ciders, lagers, and more. A food truck schedule offers guests rotating dining options.
↓ An original 1900s vault adds to the historical theme of the taproom. Today, vaulted valuables include Founders Club member mugs and Last Stop Brew Vault merchandise.
photography by JACK GARDNER
Fat Clemenza’s — An Authentic Taste of Italy
Glasses are filled with garnet wine from Tuscany. Steaming plates of clam linguine and wood-fired pizzas heaped with gourmet toppings are passed around the table. The ambiance is warm and inviting, like visiting a friend or family member’s home.
Invited into their home is exactly how the owners and staff want diners to feel at Fat Clemenza’s. In 2007, while feeling homesick for Italy, the original owners set out to open a restaurant that brought an authentic taste of their homeland to Miramar Beach.
There’s an element of surprise to Fat Clemenza’s — the exterior is that of a pizza parlor, but when guests enter, they quickly realize they will be experiencing the area’s most authentic Italian cuisine.
Dining at Fat Clemenza’s is like being transported to the Old World with its ambient lighting, a golden glow from the brick oven, black-and-
white family photos on the walls and a space that’s cozy with just 16 tables.
In many ways, Fat Clemenza’s is modeled after restaurants in Italian neighborhoods in New York and Chicago, with a blackboard outside that displays the day’s specials.
Where the specials change daily, Fat Clemenza’s takes pride in offering menu staples that are tried and true recipes passed down for generations.
When asked for recommendations, the staff will likely lead you toward the eggplant parmigiana, made from grandma’s recipe. They’re likely to also recommend the clam linguine, veal and a wood-fired pizza. If you dine on a Friday, they may recommend the fresh fish special, caught locally and prepared with whatever touches chef Clovis fancies that day.
The seafood is always sourced locally, and the olive oils, pasta, tomatoes, flour and seasonings are imported from Italy. Twice a week, a shipment of sausage arrives from Chicago.
The red and white wine selections are extensive with the majority imported from Italy — Tuscany, in particular. Gathered around a table and sharing a meal is when some of life’s most cherished moments occur. Fat Clemenza’s provides all the ingredients for wonderful memories to be made.
Restaurant Spotlight
Capt. Dave’s on the Gulf — A long-standing history of amazing food and views
For as long as she can remember, Jill Marler has known the importance of gathering around the dinner table. Her career and livelihood revolves around keeping families coming back to the tables of Destin’s longest running restaurant.
In 1968, her parents, Dave and Jane, opened their restaurant alongside only two other restaurants in the area.
Throughout 56 years, the restaurant has become one of the region’s most loved seafood spots.
“This restaurant has always been a part of my life, since I was a baby running around with a bottle in my hands,” said Jill Marler. “The area has grown so much and changed over the years, but we’ve built a reputation that holds on to customers and keeps them coming back.”
With her husband and son assisting in managing the restaurant, it has become a second- and third-generation run business. Many of the employees have
been with the restaurant for over 30 years. Their deep-rooted knowledge of its inner workings keeps service consistent and puts an emphasis on quality control regarding menu offerings.
Even when products may be limited, Marler prioritizes only the freshest local seafood in the kitchen.
“We’ve never skimped on quality, which has always paid off,” said Marler.
The menu reflects classic American cuisine with a Gulf Coast twist. This can be tasted in the most popular dishes such as Stuffed Shrimp Parmesan and Mahi Parmesan. Both dishes, which were the creations of Jane Marler, are topped with a homemade Italian Parmesan cream sauce.
While Marler describes Capt. Dave’s as casual family dining, the floor-toceiling windows providing scenic views of the Gulf make it feel like an elevated experience. Plus, each table has a dedicated server who handles every
aspect of the experience, promising a meal that arrives with ease and is sure to please.
“We are a no-pressure, familyoriented restaurant that’s guaranteed to serve you great food for the value of your dollar,” said Marler. “Plus, you can’t beat the views.”
Restaurant Spotlight
PHOTOGRAPHER ROMONA ROBBINS REYNOLDS WIDENS VIEWS ON WILDLIFE WITH UNDERWATER IMAGERY
story by MIKE FENDER photography
ZEN.
That is how freelance photographer Romona Robbins Reynolds describes the feeling she gets when she dons her goggles and takes to the saltwater with her camera. Above sea level, Reynolds juggles a small business, a home, a husband, a daughter, two dogs, a cat, and a fish.
“I have a lot of anxiety,” she says, noting that she’s prone to stress.
But all of that slips away when she enters the water, surrounded by a world where coral reefs and schools of fish trump worries of the anxious brain. It is the quiet beauty enabling her to leave her normal world behind.
Underwater, she finds herself living in the moment. Underwater, it is just Zen.
That tranquility is evident in her photography.
↖
Reynolds doesn’t just show you an animal, she shows you an environment. Images give viewers a glimpse into the world of a manta ray, whale, or sea turtle. A sense of place radiates from many of her images shot in clear waters around the world, from the Gulf of Mexico to the coasts of the Maldives and beyond.
Reynolds married adventure video producer Shane Reynolds in 2008. The pair have traveled far from home to capture the world’s natural beauty
by ROMONA ROBBINS REYNOLDS
During a dive at the Revillagigedo Islands of Mexico, photographer Romona Robbins Reynolds captures a diver’s magical encounter with a giant Pacific manta ray, an animal whose wingspan can reach up to 26 feet. ↗ Reynolds snaps an underwater selfie during a safety stop at the Grand Cayman Islands.
above and below water. But Destin is where they call home. There, she operates as Romona Robbins Photography, shooting commercial, portrait, and editorial work.
Her mother from Taiwan and her father a major in the U.S. Air Force, Reynolds spent her childhood traveling to and living in coastal destinations, including Hawaii and the Philippines, before her family settled in Destin. She later earned a biology degree before spending three years in Taiwan learning her mother’s native language. It was there she developed a love for painting and photography.
“But I sucked at painting,” she says with a laugh.
After her father passed away, she returned to Destin where she met now-husband Shane, whom she credits for instilling the confidence she needed to take her photography from hobby to career.
“He inspired me,” she says. “I would have never dreamt of becoming a freelance
photographer. But he was like, ‘Oh my god, your work is really good.’”
Reynolds started doing weddings, then branched out to magazine publication, travel work, and other avenues.
“I shoot an array of subjects, and every one is challenging and different,” she added.
But the saltwater subjects are those which call to her.
Reynolds started shooting underwater images as soon as she earned her diving certification in 2005. She admits it took years to become comfortable juggling her camera housing and lighting equipment with ease.
“But I am always learning,” she says. “It is always a new experience.”
Free diving was the next step. Less equipment means less bubbles and disruptions in the water, attracting marine life subjects to come closer for more detailed shots. But that closeness comes
→ As many as 10,000 cenotes can be found in Mexico. The underwater caverns are formed by a process called speleogenesis, in which limestone bedrock is dissolved by acidified rainwater and seawater until it collapses in on itself, creating a system of caves and sinkholes. Pictured right is the Dream Gate Cenote located in the surrounding area of Tulum, Mexico.
↑ A playful sea lion cuts through a shoal of fish in the Sea of Cortez off the coast of Mexico.
at a cost. Free divers have to hold their breath at great depths, limiting diving time.
Years of diving experience have enabled Reynolds to fine-tune her distinct style. Her individuality comes from her quest to incorporate landscape into her imagery.
Although, she’s not one to withhold any industry secrets.
Reynolds shares her knowledge by leading workshops in exotic destinations. She recently held one in Cuba where she worked with several photographers in the Gardens of the Queen, widely known as one of the most pristine reefs in the world.
But when Reynolds made her first dive, she was brought to tears.
“All the coral was bleached,” she recalls.
Coral bleaching has increased at an alarming rate in recent years as ocean temperatures continue to rise. Records show that water temperatures reached an all-time
↗ A free diver glides alongside false orcas, an oceanic dolphin species, in the remote open Pacific Ocean near the Revillagigedo Islands of Mexico. ↖ A nurse shark (top) approaches Reynolds at a reef in Roatan, Honduras. A pregnant tiger shark (bottom) swims overhead in the clear, inviting waters of The Bahamas.
↑ A graceful diver explores the massive crevice at Mary’s Place dive site in Roatan, Honduras. ↗ At Cenote Aktun Ha in Tulum, Mexico, giant lily pads create a stunning backdrop for free diving model, Isabella Tudela.
high in 2023 with a 1 in 3 chance of 2024 outranking the previous year’s statistic.
“It was just sad ... really, really sad,” she says. “I had all these great expectations for the reefs, only to see them suffering.”
Leading another trip to Roatan, she recalls acting as protector of the still surviving, fragile reefs, preaching care to divers with clumsy fins and a curious nature. Damaged reefs can take years to mend.
“Only 1 percent of the ocean is made up of coral reefs, so there is not much left,” she says. “But the reefs are so important to all marine life.”
She remains haunted by her firsthand accounts of ocean detriments. With her biology background, Reynolds knows how impactful her work can be. Her images carry with them a hope to enact change.
But the ocean can be an unpredictable place to work. The unknown beckons her despite its dangers. After a number of encounters with bull and tiger sharks, among other creatures, she’s found comfort in experiencing the exhilarating beauty of great depths.
“It’s a world worth protecting,” she says.
In her Zen space, Reynolds finds more than peace; she finds purpose. EC
To see more of artist Ramona Robbins Reynolds’ work, visit her website at RomonaRobbins.com, or her Instagram page, @Romonarobbinsreynolds. For more information about attending a workshop retreat with Reynolds, go to BlueWaterDiveTravel.com/trip-leader-romona-robbins
↑ Life under the Destin Bridge is abundant. Curious fish swim by Reynolds’ lens for a closer inspection.
A NEW TATTOOING ERA
PENSACOLA TATTOO ARTISTS EXPERIENCE
INDUSTRY SHIFTS AS TECHNOLOGY
ADVANCES AND CULTURE EVOLVES
STORY BY PAIGE AIGRET
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SEAN MURPHY
THE TATTOO INDUSTRY HAS LONG THRIVED IN PENSACOLA WHERE A PERFECT COMBINATION OF MILITARY MEMBERS, LOCALS, AND TOURISTS HAVE KEPT BOOKS FULL AT SHOPS THROUGHOUT TOWN FOR DECADES.
“I think it’s just a really good, supportive community,” says Carrie Daniels, Fortune Tattoo shop owner. “Not only for tattooers, but just artists in general.”
But the industry has seen much change since the days when sounds of coil machines drowned out drunken walk-in requests and Sailor Jerry and Ed Hardy designs ooded the walls of every shop in town.
“The days are gone of picking something o the wall,” says Gabe Smith, better known in Pensacola as Famous Gabe, owner of Electric Robot tattoo shop.
“Tattooing had this family tree,” he says. “And then the internet came out and now the industry is diluted. People don’t know their lineage anymore; they don’t respect that lineage.”
← Fortune Tattoo owner Carrie Daniels has little intention of leaving tradition behind. In creating unique art, she honors old-school techniques while implementing her own bold style.
Smith has been tattooing in Pensacola for 30 years. His long gray beard, shaved head, and fully inked arms tell the story of an oldschool tattoo artist. But even he has learned to accept and adapt.
“You have to embrace the technology,” he says. “You can do that and still adhere to tradition.”
Too, he says, the internet has provided a more level playing field as trends, innovations, and technological advancements are shared instantly via online articles and social media platforms.
“It used to be you had to look at a magazine for something, and that’s your reference,” says Carrie Daniels, owner of Fortune Tattoo. “Now, you can just pull it up on your phone and automatically find whatever you want.”
New tattoo pen technology has taken over for many tattooers. At Fortune, Daniels says she’s the last artist yet to make the switch. Like Smith, she holds onto aspects of simpler tattooing times.
“You still have people who stay tried and true to original equipment,” she says. “And that’s pretty cool.”
Still, Daniels notes, there are plenty of industry norms worth leaving in the past.
“When I apprenticed, it seemed like no one wanted to give me any information,” she recalls of her time as a young mentee in Jacksonville.
“You had to figure it out on your own. But you had to put in all the physical work just to be there.”
“TATTOOING HAD THIS FAMILY TREE. AND THEN THE INTERNET CAME OUT, AND NOW THE INDUSTRY IS DILUTED. PEOPLE DON’T KNOW THEIR LINEAGE ANYMORE; THEY DON’T RESPECT THAT LINEAGE. YOU HAVE TO EMBRACE THE TECHNOLOGY. YOU CAN DO THAT AND STILL ADHERE TO TRADITION.”
—GABE SMITH, OWNER OF ELECTRIC ROBOT TATTOO SHOP
↖ In traditional style, Smith (top left) honors tattooing pioneers like Sailor Jerry and Pensacola’s William Crenshaw of the early 1900s. “They knew what was up,” he says. “I take their lessons. I put a bold, black outline, I color it in solid, and I hold up to that because those are the images that will hold up over time.” ↘ Daniels doesn’t stray too far from tradition, but her penchant for pigment makes her designs stand out in a crowd. “I like very bold tattoos, very colorful,” she says. “I want it where you’re walking by someone, and you know what the image is.”
KNOW WHAT TO ASK FOR
➸ FLASH MEANS REPEATABLE—the design has been and will be repeated on other clients.
➸ A ONE-OFF DESIGN is something the artist has pre-drawn and is offering as a onetime design for a client to claim. This design will not be repeated on other clients.
➸ A CUSTOM DESIGN is one that is designed based on a consultation where the client explains what they want and offers examples. The artist will create a completely new design exclusively for the client. The design will not be repeated on other clients.
↗ Ham started tattooing in Pensacola in 2020. “I was a COVID tattoo baby, one of the rush of people that entered the industry during that time,” he says. An illustrator first, he found his way to tattooing through art. Ham achieved a master’s degree in fine arts and was teaching at a local university before shifting into tattooing as a career. During his apprenticeship, he taught online classes in the mornings and evenings to make ends meet.
A woman entering the industry in the early 2000s and working in all male shops, Daniels ran into challenges.
← From left to right: Reagan Mauldin, Ali Roudabush, Dave Ham, and Victoria Higgins. The Western Rose shop runs as a cooperative on the basis of equality. The shop’s four artists split costs evenly based on occupied square footage. The creative space was once home to the original Joe Patti’s Seafood storefront and was most recently used as a recording studio before The Western Rose entered the scene. However, the team of four is currently looking for a new space to call home, with plans to stay close to their current location and the downtown area.
“At the time, it was not welcoming for women, it was very hard to get into,” she says. “You definitely had to find your place. You put your head down and grind.”
Today she owns a shop with a majority women tattoo artists.
“I just wanted a comfortable and fun place for artists and clientele,” she says of opening Fortune Tattoo. “Because I think, a lot of times, people are intimidated and scared to come into a tattoo shop.”
The Western Rose tattoo shop entered the scene in 2021 with similar intentions of breaking cycles.
“We avoid a lot of the negative side, the toxic side of tattooing because of this space that we’ve built together,” says Victoria Higgins, one of four Western Rose artists.
The shop is run as a cooperative, made up of Higgins, Ali Roudabush, Reagan Mauldin, and Dave Ham.
The four artists split costs evenly based on occupied square footage.
“As opposed to someone else being in charge of everyone else’s artwork and making a profit off of other artists, no artist is profiting off of another one here,” Ham explains.
A growing industry shift, the cooperative approach helps prevent an imbalance in power structures and overhead expenses.
↑ Ham specializes in black and gray realism portraits of people and animals. He began transitioning to larger scale full-sleeve portraits but still does smaller ones as well.
“WHEN I FIRST STARTED, IT WAS VERY MALE DOMINATED, VERY TOXIC MALE EGOS, AND YOU WERE JUST KIND OF TOLD WHAT TO DO. YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO BE SEEN AND NOT HEARD, AND YOU WORK YOUR A-- OFF FOR A PERCENTAGE THAT YOU DESERVED MORE OF. AND NOW, I WORK IN A CO-OP WITH MY BEST FRIENDS, WHERE THEY RESPECT ME AND THEY LISTEN TO ME, AND WITH CLIENTS THAT ARE THE SAME.” —REAGAN MAULDIN, THE WESTERN ROSE
“I think the toxicity of tattoo culture is changing, which is awesome,” Mauldin says.
Mauldin, Higgins, Ham, and Roudabush found each other at a time when they were all ready for change within the industry after working at other shops and in other career fields that proved unhealthy environments.
“When I first started, it was very male dominated, very toxic male egos, and you were just kind of told what to do,” says Mauldin, who’s been tattooing for over seven years. “You were supposed to be seen and
not heard, and you work your a-- off for a percentage that you deserved more of. And now, I work in a coop with my best friends, where they respect me and they listen to me, and with clients that are the same.”
The Western Rose team has curated a safe, welcoming environment for clients.
“It’s completely shifted into the healthiest work environment I’ve ever been in,” Mauldin says.
The unassuming cottage on South De Villiers Street greets patrons with its plant-filled porch and
← Roudabush first opened The Western Rose as a creative co-op, housing tattoo artists and a nail technician. When previous tenants went separate ways, paths aligned to bring together a team who cares like family. After a cancer diagnosis in 2023, The Western Rose team came together to coordinate a vendor market and tattooing convention in efforts to raise funds for Roudabush.
inclusive signage welcomes with phrases like “The future is queer.” Inside, beyond the equipment, tools, and safety features, there’s nothing medical or transactional about the space. The air is calm, the music is chill, the greenery is abundant, and the walls and shelves are adorned with eclectic decor.
Despite negative past experiences, the group says Pensacola has given them a space they belong in as creatives.
“The creative scene here is very community based,” Higgins says.
“Pensacola is a good place to be a tattooer just because of the military base and the downtown crowd is very ‘locals support locals,’” Ham says.
The local market scene thrives in Pensacola where creatives of all walks come out in droves. In August 2024, Western Rose hosted a vendor market and tattooing convention called Mystic Rodeo.
The event was organized as a fundraiser for Roudabush who was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2023. With 20 vendors and 10 tattoo artists, the market welcomed the community to enjoy a day of art, live music, and flash tattooing in an effort to support Roudabush on her treatment journey.
“It was just a really good example of Pensacola showing up for a local person,” says Ham. “Also, the art there was really incredible.”
Mystic Rodeo raised $11,000 for Roudabush. The group hopes to make Mystic Rodeo an annual fundraiser event to benefit area organizations and nonprofits.
While many are shifting industry culture to focus on community, decades of bad habits still linger for some. And apprenticeships, as Daniels and Mauldin noted, can prove difficult for new tattooers entering the scene.
“Because there is no curriculum or system, you can get abused real quick, and you can be taken advantage of,” says Mauldin. “And I think that happens more often than not until the mentor decides, ‘Okay
you’re worth your salt, now I’ll give you real information.’”
“There’s a responsibility for someone who wants to get in the tattoo industry to find the mentor who they think is going to teach them correctly and not abuse their time or them,” says Ham. “It’s really important to have a good relationship with your mentor.”
“And nobody should ever pay for their apprenticeship,” Higgins adds.
The group at Western Rose hopes to instill a new era of tattoo culture in the community.
“We all came from kind of messed up situations,” Mauldin says, “and now we’re in this environment that is healthy, and we’re open to learning, growing, and communicating.” EC
↑↓ Monikered “bubblegum traditional” by Mauldin, Higgins’ tattoo style puts a feminine touch on American traditional. “So still like eagles, wolves, and grim reapers, but also bright, girly florals and lots of pink,” Higgins says. ← Returning the moniker favor, Higgins calls Mauldin’s style “witchy cottagecore.”
“I do things full of whimsy,” Mauldin says. “It’s very illustrative, very coloring book like.”
APR/MAY 2025
TRENDS FROM FLOOR TO CEILING, FRONT TO BACK
↖ Home galleries should reflect individuality and call upon nostalgic experiences from collection sourcing. Too, galleries should be curated to evoke the desired emotion or state for the room it inhabits.
THE CURATED HOME
by SUSAN GUNN →
can be spread throughout a space or centralized. Drywall is your design canvas. Don’t be scared to incorporate naturaltoned and textured backgrounds.
More than wall decor, curated art collections can elevate any room from a beige blank slate to your personalized creative space.
Artist Doug Foltz, owner of SaltCrust Studios in Santa Rosa Beach, recommends considering sentiment when curating a collection for the home.
“Most art is created to evoke an emotion or to stir a thought,” he says. “Do you want to feel calm and peaceful or
excited and energized when you’re there? Does it contribute—in subject matter, style, and tone—to the experience you’re hoping to create in that space?”
Collected artworks are often tied to experiences, memories, and interests.
“When curating a space, art is an investment that should mean something to you, share a story, and spark a conversation that embraces a timeless legacy,” notes Christy Milliken, local art
collector and executive director of the Seaside Institute.
Your array of artwork can be spread throughout the home or room, or you can centralize the pieces to create a gallery wall. What matters is what feels right to you.
“I’ve never thought that placing a piece of art—of any kind, in a space or a home—should be about what looks good,” says Foltz. “It’s more about the
Artwork
way the piece, in that particular place, makes you feel.”
Trends can offer some guidelines and inspiration, but the true guide to help curate your collection lies within.
“Trends end—it is the timeless piece or memory that eventually gets passed on to the next generation,” says Milliken.
Still, some trends prove timeless in nature. Biophilic design, for example, brings the outdoors inside, creating a green space-inspired
atmosphere. You can incorporate a theme of natural scenery with your art selections.
“There is a harmonious bond between the natural world and the human experience,” says Julia Starr Sanford, owner of Starr Sanford Design and Starr Sanford Collection.
“Art embodies emotion. It can soothe, it can sadden, it can spark intrigue and stimulate.”
An accent wall can serve well as a gallery wall backdrop and offer an opportunity to incorporate natural tones. Shades ranging
“When curating a space, art is an investment that should mean something to you, share a story, and spark a conversation that embraces a timeless legacy.”
— Christy Milliken, Executive Director, Seaside Institute
from bold, such as burnt sienna and beet red, to muted, such as bark browns and grays, can all be found in nature.
When selecting colors, be mindful of what might clash with chosen artworks and frames. Sanford recommends keeping it neutral and letting the art do the work.
“Neutral tones create the backdrop allowing for colors to radiate and invigorate,” she says.
Apart from color, textures such as Venetian plaster and wood-paneling can help mimic natural character while remaining neutral.
When selecting placement, Foltz recommends deciding whether you want a specific piece as a focal point of the room or to blend into the space.
Bring the outdoors in by incorporating biophilic design as inspiration for your curated selections. Pictured above is an oil painting titled
“Start with what you want to feel in that space and find something that evokes that same feeling when you stand in front of it,” he says. “Keep in mind, every time you walk by that piece you should notice it, connect with how you felt when you first experienced it.”
When sourcing pieces for your collection, Milliken recommends shopping locally and avoiding big-box stores.
“Supporting artists in this way supports the investment of time, expertise, and the expense of the tools needed to create the work,” she says. “You are creating a culture in your community that thrives in uniqueness, that cannot be copied for the masses, when you support local artists and original works of art.”
Originality is king in making a space feel truly yours.
Happy curating! EC
DO’S & DON’TS
MUCH ADO ABOUT CURATING
DO CONSIDER SOMETHING DIFFERENT. You might want to add a sculpture or a bespoke light fixture where you had first considered a wall piece.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO MIX YOUR MEDIA.
Art comes in many forms— photography, textiles, living walls like moss and lichen, and found items.
DO FEEL CONFIDENT. Enjoy the freedom to express yourself as you select pieces for your collection. Try your hand at painting or drawing yourself. Consider gallery mounting a family heirloom, artwork, or framed letter for a sentimental uniquity.
DON’T RUSH. Sit with your thoughts and feelings about art before rushing into decisions. If you’re not comfortable with your general knowledge of art, do some research or consult a professional.
DO SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISTS. Try to attend art and gallery nights. They are enjoyable and enriching, and you’ll find some unique pieces for your collection.
Cloister by local artist Doug Foltz.
↙ If incorporating plants, native aquatic ornamentals, such as water lilies, pond lilies, and the water lotus, will add an impressive appeal to your pool.
EXTERIORS
A FLOWING OASIS
Invite harmony to your outdoor space with peaceful ponds and serene fountains
by EVGENIYA STETSENKO
From the gentle flow of a fountain to the serene stillness of a pond, an aquatic addition can transform any outdoor space into a tranquil oasis.
PONDS: NATURAL HAVENS FOR BIODIVERSITY
Beyond the decorative element, backyard ponds quickly become thriving ecosystems. Ponds will attract a variety of wildlife from frogs and dragonflies to birds and other beneficial insects. There are several types of ponds to consider. Wildlife ponds emphasize nature intended to attract and support native plants, animals, and insects. Koi ponds create a home for pet koi fish and should be maintained to suit and benefit the fish’s needs. Koi ponds often incorporate rock features as well as some plant life. Reflection pools focus on the still serenity of the water, free from disrupting fountain jets and wildlife. When deciding where to place your pond, it’s important to consider more than preference.
“Pick a spot with a balance of sun and shade to keep plants thriving and water temperatures stable,” recommends James Hogan of Panhandle Ponds. “Avoid lowlying areas that could flood or spots near large trees that drop debris.”
FOUNTAINS: ADDING MOVEMENT AND SOUND
Fountain features bring a dynamic element to outdoor spaces through movement and sound. A variety of options offer a style for every landscape.
Wall fountains are space-saving and elegant. Beneficial in hot Florida environments, wall fountains can reduce water usage as the cooler, often shaded, wall space results in less evaporation.
Freestanding fountains offer more room for stylistic creativity and come in a range of sizes, from tabletop
↑ For small backyards, try incorporating a vertical freestanding fountain or even a mini pond.
Maintenance and Care
FROM SEASONAL CLEANING and pump maintenance to managing algae growth and monitoring water levels, regular maintenance is crucial in keeping your water feature healthy and attractive.
TO MAXIMIZE THE ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS of your water feature, choose native aquatic plants that provide food and shelter for local wildlife. Avoid using chemicals that could harm the delicate ecosystem.
↑ When integrating a water feature, consider the overall style and feel of your outdoor space. A centerpiece fountain works great for patios while wildlife ponds work well as corner oases.
fountains to pond size or larger. You can choose designs ranging from a classic concrete garden fountain to a cascading rock waterfall. Depending on the size, you may want to make the fountain the focal point or incorporate surrounding elements.
“By building up around the area where the fountain will sit, it will provide a more dramatic scene in your garden or patio and enhance your property,” recommends designer Laura Bommarito from Home at Ease Interiors & Landscape Design.
Featuring a series of waterfalls, pondless fountains ow into a rock bed and recirculate the owing water without the need for a reservoir.
DIY WATER FEATURE PROJECTS
For those interested in a DIY water feature, Bommarito recommends an all-inone pond or fountain kit.
When tackling DIY water features, remember to properly seal all connections, use appropriate pumps, and perform regular maintenance to prevent issues like algae growth or pump failure.
Hogan recommends recognizing when to call in an expert.
“While DIY can be rewarding, more complex water features often require professional expertise to ensure proper installation, water ow, and longevity,” he says.
↑ Sounds of nature, such as flowing water, are said to ease fight or flight instincts, resulting in a calm and peaceful physical and mental state.
Don’t hesitate to call in an expert later in the game, too.
“Consider purchasing an all-in-one fountain kit from an online retailer, and have your landscaper build and nish the platform it will sit on,” says Bommarito. “For example, these can be tiered fountain bowls or freestanding courtyard center fountains. The platform can be sized based on the space you have.”
Bommarito also recommends mounting your power switch on the wall or having it wired through a remote control for easy access and operation.
WORKING WITH CONTRACTORS
For larger or more complex water features, hiring a professional might be the best route from the start. Look for experienced contractors who specialize in water features, use high-quality materials, and provide support when repairs are needed. To ensure you’ve found the right t, always check references and examples of past work and discuss design ideas, costs, and timelines upfront.
Typical costs can range from a few hundred dollars for a small fountain to several thousand for a large, custom-designed pond. Timelines can vary from a day or two for simple installations to several weeks for more elaborate projects. Discussing your current style and the goals for the project are very important when undertaking the outdoor project transformation.
Whether you choose a serene pond or a bubbling fountain, the addition of water can transform your garden into a living sanctuary. So, take the plunge. Your garden—and local wildlife—will thank you. EC
Beach Craft, Berlin Gardens, Brown Jordan, Castelle, EC Woods
Jensen Leisure, Lane Venture, Lloyd Flanders, Sunset West, Polywood, Ratana, Seaside Casual, Summer Classics, Telescope, Tommy Bahama, Tropitone, and Winston AOG, Big Green Egg, Broilmaster, DCS, Delta Heat, Fire Magic, Memphis Grills, MHP Products, TEC Grills, Twin Eagles, and Wilmington Grill
Blooms Berries
Native shrubs sparkle and shine with attractive spring flowers and edible fruit
by
Vaccinium is a low-maintenance native plant genus with dependable spring blooms. The plant also produces edible berries that are a favorite of birds.
Sparkleberry (Vaccinium arboretum) is the only North American member of the Vaccinium genus capable of reaching the size comparable to a small tree. Mature specimens can reach up to 30 feet in height and will take full sun or partial shade.
Their blooms emerge in clusters measuring 2 to 3 inches long. The fragrant white flowers are bell-shaped in appearance, as are most blooms in this genus.
This species flourishes in Northwest Florida’s quick draining acidic soils and produces a bountiful crop of berries that turn blue-black at maturity. The common name, sparkleberry, comes from the glossy appearance and texture of its fruit.
to 3 inches long and have a bell-shaped appearance.
Some Bugs Cause a Stink
Finding gold nuggets in the home landscape, even small ones, is usually good. However, if the nuggets are stink bug eggs, immediate action is required to minimize the potential for horticultural damage.
Stink bugs, which are members of the Pentatomidae family of insects, have a well-deserved reputation for bad behavior and an offensive odor. This bug’s common name comes from an internal chemical protection system used to deliver a foul-smelling substance when it is threatened. This anti-predator mechanism is located in the stink bug’s thorax pores and is hard to overlook when it is used.
The shiny, black ¼-inch berries contain eight to 10 seeds. Berries ripen in the fall and remain attached to the plant throughout the winter, serving as a consistent food source for birds and mammals. Their bark is thin, flaky, and brownish red, and commonly has lichen growing on the surfaces that shed as it grows. The trunk can be a single or multi-stemmed tree with branches creating wildly twisting shapes that offer a distinct contrast to straight trunked trees in a landscape.
Other Northwest Florida native Vaccinium species include the scrub blueberry (Vaccinium darowii), which is known for its heat tolerance and low requirement for chill hours, or times when winter temperatures fall below 45 degrees.
The shiny blueberry (Vaccinium myrsinites) is found in Northwest Florida, too. It will form thickets by utilizing subterranean runners in addition to producing berries almost a ½-inch in diameter and containing several seeds.
Slugs, terrestrial snails without shells, are currently in search of meals and mates. Only a few months old, they deposit hundreds of eggs in moist spots away from direct sunlight. Sometimes the deposits are left slightly below the soil’s surface. The eggs incubate for three weeks, with juveniles emerging ready to roam and eat. Initially less than ¼-inch and earth toned, the nascent creatures can quickly grow to several inches in length. Snails and slugs both propel themselves on a muscular foot, which extends the length of its body. Its eyes are simple and located at the end of tentacles, which constantly move. Unable to recognize shapes, it searches for the lowest light, usually signaling a hospitable environment. Dining preferences are tender vegetation and decaying organic matter. A voracious consumer, its mouth has a conveyer belt-like structure covered with tiny teeth for shredding and digesting its meals. Mealtime for slugs depends on where the sustenance is located and its exposure to sunlight. Nights are a time of high activity for slugs. The cooler temperatures and higher moisture of Northwest Florida’s spring evenings combine with emerging foliage to form an ideal dining experience. Slugs are easy to catch, but heavy infestations may require a commercial treatment to achieve control.
These insects use their rigid proboscis or straw-like beak to suck out the juices from the stems, buds, and fruit. Tender vegetation and immature vegetables are particularly attractive.
The wound opening in a plant’s surface also exposes it to a variety of fungal diseases.
As spring warms to summer, an abundant quantity of this family’s malodorous members will be feeding on ornamental plants and vegetables. They will also leave tiny, metallicappearing eggs on leaf tops.
Gardeners can collect any eggs found and destroy them. Once hatched, juvenile and mature stinkbugs are usually controlled with insecticides. Capturing stinkbugs is difficult. They are good flyers and are agile and alert.
Les Harrison is a retired University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Wakulla County extension director.
SLUG SEASON IN FULL SWING
↗ Slugs are in search of meals and mates during this time of year.
↙ Sparkleberry blooms emerge in clusters measuring 2
LES HARRISON, UF/IFAS EXTENSION AGENT EMERITUS
GREEN SCENE
ONE WITH NATURE
Coastal Custom Builders create scenic sanctuaries in Churchill Oaks
Churchill Oaks was founded on the mission to not just establish a new residential neighborhood, but to create a lifestyle celebrating the natural beauty of South Walton. Settled on 40 acres along the Choctawhatchee bay, Hogtown Bayou and Churchill Bayou, its residents come out in droves.
“There’s always something going on,” says Compass Real Estate Advisor Josh Jimenez. “Whether it’s people fishing from its beautiful ponds stocked with fish, a gathering for a celebration at the clubhouse or boating from Churchill Oaks’ private, deep-water marina, there truly is a sense of community united by a love for the land.”
Fostering harmony between indoor and outdoor living goes into every custom home design, Jimenez says. With over 80 established residences constructed with carefully curated design and high-quality craftsmanship by Coastal Custom Builders, more projects within the neighborhood are set to unveil.
“I am especially excited about a new, four-bedroom, French Provincial-style home that differs from the usual coastal
motifs you find in this area with all the stark whites, nickel board, and shiplap siding,” Jimenez says. “This home is an extension of its rich, earthy surroundings, blending in with dark wood, deep blues and greys, and evoking a very New Orleans-style aesthetic, which complements the Spanish Moss surrounding it.”
Custom touches for this site include gold-finished appliances, elegant chandeliers
and unique features, such as a walk-in butler’s pantry and a master bedroom boasting a full stone wall.
Another project, referred to as Lot 77, is all about open-air enjoyment, Jimenez says. With a large pool that feeds into a spacious outdoor kitchen bar and a huge drop-down fireplace overlooking Churchill Bayou, it’s an ideal space to gather and enjoy the nicest parts of the season.
“Again, with this project, we are marrying the unparalleled views of nature with interior design,” Jimenez describes. “With walls of sweeping, panoramic windows in the front and back that bring in heaps of natural lighting, natural wood patterns, and scenic walkways wrapping around the home, it’s very feng shui.”
Offering easy access to attractions along the 30A corridor and Sandestin, a proximity to the beach and golf courses, and vast, pristine green spaces preserved within its walls, Churchill Oaks supplies boundless options and amenities for its close-knit community.
“The best part is you can enjoy all of this in a private, serene, beautiful place,” Jimenez says.
Life Through the Lens
Photographer Wayne Simpson prefers life on the wild side
To Wayne Simpson, life is a delicate balance of preserving a moment forever and living in the moment. When behind the lens, he is attuned to what will make for a quality photo while reminding himself to stop and take in what’s right in front of him. Many times, that’s an exotic animal.
When Simpson was handed his first camera at the age of 12, it changed the way he viewed the world. A passion developed into a career, which over six decades evolved from weddings and portraiture to travel and nature photography.
Simpson calls Northwest Florida home, but he’d rather live out of a suitcase than a closet. He’s traveled the world but has a particular affection for Africa and Tanzania, specifically. Simpson has long been interested in conservation and is keenly aware that wildlife photography not only transports viewers, but it also can educate them.
“When they see my photography, I hope people gain a greater appreciation of wildlife and the world’s natural beauty,” Simpson said. “There’s a great need to preserve our wildlife and ecology, and in my way I hope to be part of that.”
For years, Simpson has sold his wildlife photography on his website, where patrons can use the augmented reality feature to see just how a photo of a majestic lion might look in their living room or whether zebra stripes would work in their office. From there, a variety of print materials and framing options are available.
Recently, Simpson has decided to help others capture their own wildlife art by hosting safaris in partnership with Vianney’s Untamed Expeditions in Tanzania. Vianney, an experienced wildlife guide, and Simpson have been friends for years and are devoted to providing people with extraordinary animal viewing experiences.
The safaris are primarily geared toward photographers but are open to anyone who wants to see wildlife up close. Safaris include transportation once in the country, lodging, meals and photography advice. Air travel is not included.
“It gives me a great sense of accomplishment being able to introduce people to animals in their natural settings, where they should be,” said Simpson. “I will never tire of seeing people’s faces when they see an elephant
or a giraffe for the first time. Then, as the safari progresses and they observe, they begin to understand the animal’s body language and their presence in nature.”
THE GOOD LIFE WON’T WAIT
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Violinist Jessica Murphy is electric on Northwest
At just 8 years old, Jessica Murphy saw something on television that would ignite a lifelong passion.
“There was a child on TV, I want to say Oprah, who performed violin for the audience,” Murphy recalls. “I remember wanting to be them, looking over toward my mother and saying, ‘Mom, I want to do that.’”
Murphy didn’t think her mother took her seriously, but she was signed up for violin lessons the very next day.
Today, 28 years later, she’s evolved from a young girl growing up in Michigan with a dream to a successful musician living and working along the idyllic Emerald Coast. Murphy has toured the states with her fiddle and finds joy in routinely performing alongside popular musicians from the area.
Music, she says, has always been a family affair.
“My mother plays all sorts of instruments, and my younger brother is a violinist in a local band here in Florida,” she says. “When we all get together, we inevitably assemble the family band for a performance.”
Her professional career began in 2009 when she moved south and began taking on students and playing for beach weddings. It was at one of these ceremonies she met vocalist Anthony O’Shae and discovered their musical chemistry, sparking a collaboration that would lead to the formation of the band Continuum, in which Murphy utilized an electronic violin to help define their genre-bending indie, retro, electropop, and soul sound combination.
Starting out playing gigs along the Panhandle, the group quickly gained local fame, specializing in twisting cover songs to suit their unique style, and eventually going on to record an original EP, Cover Up.
“We started touring a couple years in, where we did a lot of performances
photography by SEAN MURPHY
in South Florida but also made our way through Texas, Colorado, and Portland,” Murphy says. “It was amazing. A future goal of mine is definitely to be in a band and go on tour again.”
Continuum ended up relocating to the stages of Nashville, Tennessee and rebranded as I’MAGENE. However, the group disbanded around the time the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020.
Murphy found herself back in Florida, where she rededicated her art to local collaborations. Today, she is a regular at popular locales such as McGuire’s Irish Pub of Destin, where she plays Irish music as one half of a duo with native Irish guitarist Neve Cunnane.
“I also play a lot with Jessie Ritter, a country artist who mostly plays in Pensacola,” Murphy says. “When Reed Waddle—who is based out of Atlanta—comes to town, I like to perform with him. He has more of a folk sound. And Neve reminds me of Sheryl Crow with a pop-country vibe. … She plays a lot of Taylor Swift! I like playing all different genres, but I do find myself playing a lot more country in this area.”
Murphy says she was surprised by how much country music has snuck into her life, citing artists among her top Spotify Wrapped like Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves. However, she aspires to get back into electric violin. With a future band, she sees herself exploring more of a folk-pop genre.
“I’d rather be collaborating than a soloist,” she says. “I do feel I still am trying to find my music
“You realize there’s this reality that you think you’re doing something that feels so natural to you and is a part of you, but then people come up to you and say how your music has impacted them and the feelings it’s created for them. Being able to share those feelings with others is most rewarding.”
identity—what I really want to perform and who the people are I want to do that with.”
In April 2024, Murphy hosted a 10-year reunion house concert with Continuum at her Fort Walton Beach home compound. The event sold out, and for Murphy, it was like “stepping back in time.”
“It was amazing not only seeing the band, but all the people who used to come to every single one of our shows to support us,” she says.
The night brought closure for a band collectively saddened by their split.
→ Jessica Murphy and her Continuum bandmates went separate ways in 2020, but a reunion felt inevitable. In April 2024, the four-member band returned to the Bojamz Festival stage where they had performed annually in the decade-old festival’s early years. Murphy also hosted a private reunion concert in Fort Walton Beach ahead of their festival comeback.
→ Ahead of their 2024 Bojamz reunion, Continuum members (left to right) Caleb Schossow, Murphy, Hope Given, and Anthony O’Shae posed for a shoot by Murphy’s husband and local photographer Sean Murphy.
expression
Saturday, April 4 | 7:30 PM
Destin High School
TICKETS: $35 PER PERSON feat. Howard Levy, harmonica + piano
Howard Levy has released 20 albums under his own name, capturing his versatility and innovation as a musician and composer. His solo album Alone and Together (Balkan Samba Records) and his trio album Tonight and Tomorrow (Chicago Sessions) both received four-star reviews in DownBeat Magazine. Levy also released a classical CD featuring his Concerto for Diatonic Harmonica and Orchestra — the first true concerto composed for the instrument, which Sinfonia Gulf Coast premiered (U.S. Southeast) in 2009.
Saturday, May 17 | 7:30 PM
Destin-FWB Convention Center
TICKETS: FROM $40 PER PERSON
Prepare to be captivated by the groundbreaking fusion of Tchaikovsky and Drake in a thrilling performance that blends classical and contemporary hip-hop. Conceived by Steven Hackman, this unique concert reimagines symphonic music with 22 of Drake's hits, creating an unforgettable musical experience.
“When we came together again, it was like we were all in the right place in our lives right then,” Murphy continues. “Some of us are still in music, some of us are doing other things, but then, it felt right and was a nice moment to have.”
For Murphy, performing grants her the ability to pass parts of herself to others via music.
“It grants a feeling of connection,” she says. “You realize there’s this reality that you think you’re doing something that feels so natural to you and is a part of you, but then people come up to you and say how your music has impacted them and the feelings it’s created for them. Being able to share those feelings with others is most rewarding.” EC
You can enjoy snippets of violinist Jessica Murphy’s performances and approach her for musical inquiries at her Instagram, @hijessmurphy.
↑ Murphy plays her best when collaborating and frequently performs locally alongside area musicians and vocalists. In 2022, she and Colm Kelly performed for a crowd of some 10,000 racers at the annual McGuire’s 5k race in Pensacola.
MAKING OF A MURAL
Local artists come together to create a cohesive art experience for 2024 Best of the Emerald Coast event
by PAIGE AIGRET
One resin artist, two mixed media sculptors, and three painters teamed up in fall 2024 to bring Emerald Coast Magazine’s Love EC signature hashtag to life.
The result—a one-of-a-kind mural fit for the best night of the year.
“The colorful, vibrant Love EC art mural added energy and excitement, incited curiosity, and was, if nothing else, a head-turning conversation starter,” says Zandra Wolfgram, marketing director for Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF).
Wolfgram says it’s not only important to incorporate art into community events, its crucial to the experience.
“Art allows us to elevate our sensibilities and transcend our differences,” Wolfgram says. “Art makes everything better ... and it makes us better.”
The Love EC mural, designed and donated by six local artists, was displayed at
the 2024 Best of the Emerald Coast event as a centerpiece and photo backdrop. The mural was part of the event’s effort to benefit MKAF’s arts initiatives.
Wolfgram helped coordinate the mural alongside Emerald Coast Magazine publisher McKenzie Burleigh and Santa Rosa Beach artist and Mattie Kelly board member Maxine Orange.
“I was part of the mural last year,” says Orange. “So, I knew how that process worked for us previously, and I wanted it to be a little bit different.”
For the 2024 mural, Orange enlisted five fellow artists: Bradley Copeland, Brendan Parker, Wes Hinds, and husband-and-wife duo Vivian and Tony Zack. A five-panel structure was crafted and donated by sponsor Luke & Blue’s. Each artist was given a materials stipend and paint, donated by sponsor Sherwin Williams.
ART
“We thought everybody needed to at least have a dedicated panel,” Orange says. “And then we would overflow into each other’s a little bit where we could.”
The group began their work in September, a month ahead of the event, out of Parker’s Sandestin studio. There, Parker established the main background across the five panels. Tony joined in the backdrop pouring, assisting, and collaborating.
“It’s fun when you’re working with somebody else because your styles are so different,” Tony says. “Just having that atmosphere and working together like that, it was fantastic.”
Parker set the color scheme, and Orange created a complementing palette. From there, the other five artists added their individual styles.
“A lot of us worked in shifts,” says Copeland. “We would come and there was just something else. Like it was different every time we came, and we worked with it. So that was fun.”
Orange and Copeland often worked simultaneously, expanding collaboration whenever possible.
“Ours just flowed really nicely together,” Orange says. “I kind of was leading the way with my disco ball girl.”
“I was using Brendan’s and Tony’s marks from the pour,” Copeland says. “There were marbled textures and shapes. I was just following the lines and coloring in spots in the patterns.”
Those free-flowing patterns became meandering mushroom swirls that flowed into Orange’s panel, becoming part of her disco dress.
“There are some cool little things that happened by accident that worked really well,” says Copeland.
Tony and Vivian came prepared.
“The metal work and a lot of the woodwork is done in our studio or our shops,” Tony says. “Then we could take it there. It’s almost like an assembly at that point.”
After installation, the Zacks could incorporate paint and color with their mixed media style.
“The best part is when you walk in there and you see that somebody else had added something,” Tony says. “You’re like, ‘Woah, that’s new, that’s cool!’”
Copeland says the Zacks’ unique style threw her a design curveball.
“It’s so cool on the mural, but it was just out of my wheelhouse,” Copeland says. “Trying to find ways to make my art work with it was a challenge.”
Vivian says Copeland’s talent ensured the styles flowed seamlessly. But, she notes, Parker’s style was most aligned with the Zacks unique take.
“We try to do 3D things or even metal work, too,” Vivian says. “I thought having Brendan’s background made it easy for us to just put it on there and see how it flowed. It looked like it was flying to me.”
Parker’s flying background flow inspired the Zacks’ wings installation. Too, the couple incorporated a guitar, music notes, hearts, and other aspects.
“Do what you know,” Vivian said. “Musician, art, that’s what we do, so I just incorporated the music with it.”
Following the Best of the Emerald Coast event, the mural panels went up for sale through MKAF’s online auction fundraiser. The mural was also reinstalled on-site at the Henderson Beach Resort for the organization’s Arty Kickoff Party and at the Dugas Pavilion in Destin for the annual Festival of the Arts. EC
There are four Love EC mural panels still available for purchase. Proceeds benefit MKAF arts initiatives. For inquiries, contact auction chair Annalise Dedicke at adedicke@mkaf.org.
From left to right: Bradley Copeland, Wes Hinds, Maxine Orange, Brendan Parker, and Tony and Vivian Zack
←
The Love EC mural channeled a flow between artists and across panels to showcase the unique character of the Emerald Coast.
Voting period
Online Ballots: April 1–30, 2025
The Emerald Coast region merges the allure of tourism, the bustle of developing businesses, and the comfort of familyoriented communities. These cities provide our homes, our workplaces, and our sources of enjoyment. We look forward to the opportunity to again experience all of the many businesses that enhance the quality of an Emerald Coast lifestyle with their outstanding service, products, professionalism and personalities. SPONSORED BY
SCAN THE QR CODE FOR THE Emerald Coast Ballot Voting, Rules and Regulations and any additional information about this years Readers’ Choice Polls
Emerald Coast Magazine will recognize the results of the winners for every category in the October/ November 2025 issue. Rules apply for winners.
SCAN THE QR CODE OR VISIT THE LINK TO VOTE
2025 OFFICIAL BEST OF THE EMERALD COAST CATEGORIES
FOOD & BEVERAGE
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For more events in the EC, visit EmeraldCoastMagazine.com and 850tix.com compiled by PAIGE AIGRET and TRACY MULLIGAN
APRIL 10-JUNE 12
ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival
As a juried fine arts show, ArtsQuest features more than 125 artists across multiple categories, including ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, oils and acrylics, original digital art, photography, sculpture, wood, and works on paper (watercolor, printmaking, pastels, pencils, ink). The festival awards $10,000 in cash prizes to participating artists and welcomes attendees rain or shine. A $5 admission donation is encouraged to support the arts.
For more information and tickets, visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com or call (850) 622-5970.
CONCERTS IN THE VILLAG E
→ Thursday evenings in the spring, Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation presents a 10-concert live music series featuring premier musicians and bands performing everything from modern pop to classic rock and ’80s dance party hits. The Fabulous Thunderbirds kick things off on April 10. Gather with family, friends, and colleagues at the Dugas Pavilion stage in Destin for this must-not-miss family-friendly fun.
Visit MKAF.org for information on ticketing and more.
APRIL 4
Sinfonia Gulf Coast presents
CLASSICAL CONNECTIONS
→ Prepare to be awed by the talents of Howard Levy, a two-time Grammy award-winning pianist, diatonic harmonica player, and composer. By developing new techniques on the harmonica, Levy has transformed the usage of the instrument across all genres of music. The Sinfonia Gulf Coast Classical Connections concert will be held at Destin High School. For ticketing and more information, go to SinfoniaGulfCoast.org.
Tallahassee Tennis Challenger
→ The Association of Tennis Professionals Challenger Tour stops in Tallahassee for the annual Tennis Challenger event featuring players from over 20 countries. The United States Tennis Association Pro Circuit event welcomes players ranked among the top 200 singles and doubles players in the world.
Proceeds from the tournament continue to benefit the Vogter Neuro-ICU at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. For more information, visit TallahasseeChallenger.com.
ANJELAH JOHNSON-REYES: THE FAMILY REUNION TOUR
APRIL 4
Anjelah Johnson-Reyes’ comedy tour, The Family Reunion Tour, will stop in Pensacola, bringing big belly laughs to the Panhandle. Johnson-Reyes has six comedy specials under her belt as well as acting appearances in hit TV and streaming shows including Life & Beth, Superstore, The Shield, Ugly Betty, and Curb Your Enthusiasm pensacolasaenger.com
REPTICON
APRIL 5-6
The Repticon reptile and exotic animal expo stops in Fort Walton Beach. See live animals from around the world, purchase pets and pet products direct from the experts at amazing prices you won’t find anywhere else, and learn more about reptiles and exotic animals. repticon.com
THE FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS
APRIL 10
ODE TO JOY
APRIL 12
The Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra concludes its season featuring the NFSO Chorale and world-class soloists as they perform Beethoven’s final and complete work, Symphony No. 9. Based on Friedrich Schiller’s Ode to Joy, the performance marks the pinnacle of Western music. mattiekellyartscenter.org
DOG MAN THE MUSICAL
APRIL 16
Based on the worldwide bestselling hit series by Dav Pilkey, Dog Man: The Musical is a hilarious and heartwarming production following the chronicles of Dog Man. With the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, Dog Man both loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. But while trying his best to be a good boy, can he save the city from evil forces including Flippy, the cyborg fish, and Petey, the world’s most evil cat? pensacolasaenger.com
JOURNEYMAN: AN ERIC CLAPTON TRIBUTE
APRIL 17
APRIL 18
DOGGIE EGGSTRAVAGANZA
→ Dog-Harmony presents the 10th annual Doggie EGGstravaganza, a canine-only Easter egg hunt and social to be held at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. Each participant will receive a souvenir bag to collect eggs. Prizes and puppy treats will be hidden in colorful holiday eggs and scattered throughout the lawn. A $15 donation is encouraged for the pups wanting to participate in the canine egg hunt and receive professional photographs.
For more information, visit GrandBoulevard.com/ doggie-eggstravaganza or call (850) 376-4190.
The Fabulous Thunderbirds kick off the 2025 Concerts in the Village with their iconic blend of blues and rock. Known for hits like “Tuff Enuff” and “Wrap It Up,” this band delivers an electrifying mustnot-miss performance. mkaf.org
SANDESTIN WINE FESTIVAL
APRIL 10-13
Sip and savor for four days at the annual Sandestin Wine Festival, featuring tastings from hundreds of wines, exclusive wine dinners with celebrity chefs, live music, culinary tents, and discounted bottled-wine rates. Festival proceeds benefit the Fisher House and Sandestin Foundation for Kids. sandestinwinefestival.com
Celebrate the music of guitar legend Eric Clapton with Journeyman. This ultimate tribute band brings Clapton’s timeless hits, like “Layla” and “Wonderful Tonight,” to life with stunning authenticity. mkaf.org
MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL 2: CRUISING THROUGH THE CHANGE
APRIL 17
All aboard, sisters! The hysterical sequel to the smash-hit Menopause The Musical is finally here! Five years after their chance encounter in a department store, we set sail with our beloved ladies for more high jinks on the high seas. Menopause The Musical 2: Cruising Through
APRIL 20
EASTER BRUNCH AT OVIDE
→ Gather your loved ones and indulge in a sensational Easter Sunday brunch at Ovide, where Southern charm meets Frenchinspired elegance. On Sunday, April 20, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., experience a delightful buffet feast crafted by Ovide’s award-winning culinary team. Savor seasonal favorites, decadent brunch classics, and chef-curated specialties, all designed to make your holiday unforgettable. Whether it’s buttery pastries, savory delights, or sweet indulgences, there’s something for everyone—including the little ones! For reservations, book through Open Table or call (850) 351-3030.
CHAIN OF PARKS ART FESTIVAL
→ Expect a fun-filled outdoor cultural experience at the 25th annual Chain of Parks Art Festival in downtown Tallahassee. Visitors will enjoy a weekend filled with unique works of fine art from over 150 national juried artists, 3D street art, live entertainment, children’s art activities, local heritage, delicious food, craft beer, and more. In partnership with Leon County and Scott Carswell, the festival welcomes musical guests Wilco and Waxahatchee to Tallahassee on April 26 at the Adderley Amphitheater in Cascades Park.
Visit ChainofParks.org for more informaton. Festival times are Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, April 26 special ticketed concert starting at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, April 27 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
MAY 2-18
Legally Blonde: The Musical
→ Follow along for Elle Woods’ transformative pursuit of her dreams as she tackles stereotypes and scandal. Very few people have faith in the super blonde, pink-wearing sorority girl, but she manages to surprise them as she defies expectations while staying true to herself. For showtimes and ticketing information, visit EmeraldCoastTheatre.org.
APRIL 24–27
“The Change” is a hilarious and heartfelt look at the joys of menopause and friendship—plus hot flashes, mood swings, and memory lapses! pensacolasaenger.com
FLEETWOOD MACH
APRIL 19
Tribute band Fleetwood Mach recreates the magic and mystique of Fleetwood Mac in an unforgettable performance of all the greatest hits, including “Dreams,” “You Make Lovin’ Fun,” “Gypsy,” and “Rhiannon” as well as Stevie Nicks songs including “Landslide,” “Edge of 17,” and many more. Experience the uncanny sound and look of Fleetwood Mac, restyled with dedication and attention to detail while capturing the emotion and feel of the music in a show not to be missed. pensacolasaenger.com
SEABREEZE JAZZ FESTIVAL
APRIL 23-27
The Seabreeze Jazz Festival brings together top smooth jazz artists with a full weekend of fun, sun, good times, and great tunes. Performers will include Michael Lington, Chris Standring, Lindsey Webster, Eric Darius, Boney James, and others. seabreezejazzfestival.com
HENRY CHO: THE EMPTY NEST TOUR
APRIL 24
Comedian and Tennessee native Henry Cho was recently inducted as the 229th member of The Grand Ole Opry, a prestigious honor that has not been extended to a comedian since 1973. Cho is known for his hit Comedy Central special, What’s That Clickin’ Noise, and as host of NBC’s Friday Night Videos, among other TV appearances. pensacolasaenger.com
YACHT ROCK REVUE
APRIL 24
This talented group sets out on a smooth-sailing journey through the nostalgic hits of the late ’70s and early ’80s, where soft rock and smooth grooves rule the waves. mkaf.org
BLACKBERRY SMOKE: RATTLE, RAMBLE AND ROLL TOUR 2025
APRIL 25
When Charlie Starr began writing lyrics for Blackberry Smoke’s new album, Be Right Here, he started with “Dig a Hole,” the album’s lead track. The swampy psychedelicrock song, with a powerful statement about choosing your path in life, sets the tone for another expansive Southern rock, blues,
SOUTH WALTON BEACHES WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL
→ Enjoy more than 600 wines and spirits available to taste at the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival. An expanded Culinary Village will offer exclusive Napa Valley vintners and featured wines to delight the senses. Experience a showcased Willamette Valley Wineries Grand Tasting tent, fun and informative tasting seminars, and celebrity winemakers from around the world to celebrate the best in wine and food at the beach, plus a Friday night Craft Cocktail Competition and more! Visit SoWalWine.com for more information and to purchase tickets.
DINE + DIVE
→ A fine food, wine, and art event benefiting the Underwater Museum of Art, Dine + Dive offers an evening discovery at Grand Boulevard Town Center. The Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) and South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA) are pleased to expand the former Under the Sea event to feature more than a dozen restaurant tasting stations, scores of incredible wines to sample, and continuous live music. For more information and tickets, visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com or call (850) 622-5970.
and classic rock set from Georgia-based band Blackberry Smoke. pensacolasaenger.com
PENSACOLA CRAWFISH FESTIVAL
APRIL 25-27
Peel and eat at the Fiesta of Five Flags Crawfish Festival in Seville Square and Fountain Park in Pensacola. Thousands of pounds of this Cajun favorite will be served along with po’boys, gumbo, jambalaya, boudin, etouffee, and more. Activities include crawfish-eating contests, live Cajun music, and kids activities. fiestapensacola.org/crawfish-festival
ENTER TO WIN
Ultimate
THUNDER BEACH SPRING MOTORCYCLE RALLY
APRIL 30-MAY 4
Rev your engines for the annual spring rally on Panama City Beach. Motorcycle enthusiasts will find vendors, rides, demonstrations, contests, live music, food, and beverages. thunderbeachproductions.com
BLACK JACKET
SYMPHONY:
JOURNEY’S ESCAPE
MAY 1
Experience Journey’s classic album Escape performed in its entirety by Black Jacket Symphony. Featuring hits like “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Open
Arms,” this concert is a must for Journey fans. mkaf.org
PENSACOLA
SYMPHONY
ORCHESTRA: SEASON FINALE
MAY 3
The Pensacola Symphony Orchestra’s season concludes with a thrilling finale, featuring Antonín Dvořák’s lyrical and fiery Sixth Symphony and Hector Berlioz’s Le Corsaire Overture, inspired by the thieving pirates of Lord Byron’s poetry. Soloist Maxim Lando joins the orchestra for a breakneck cascade of notes in Camille Saint-Saëns’ Second Piano Concerto. pensacolasymphony.com
Getaway at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
The lucky winner of the Ultimate Hilton Sandestin Beach Resort Getaway prize package will enjoy:
• A three-day/two-night stay at Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
• Daily breakfast for two at Sandcastles Restaurant
• A $150 credit for Serenity by the sea Spa
• Dinner for two
• An experience/activity for two
Enter for a chance to win a fabulous stay at a full-service luxury resort in Miramar Beach, Florida! This amazing Ultimate Hilton Sandestin Beach Resort Getaway (valued at $3,000) is the escape you’ve been longing for.
DEAR AMY: AMY WINEHOUSE TRIBUTE
MAY 8
Pay tribute to the soulful music of Amy Winehouse with Dear Amy. This captivating performance celebrates Winehouse’s legacy with hits like “Rehab” and “Back to Black.” mkaf.org
JEEP BEACH JAM
MAY 12-17
Jam in your Jeep for five days of fun with thousands of Jeep owners while enjoying a parade, contests, vendors, and a variety of Jeep obstacle courses at Frank Brown Park in Panama City Beach. jeepbeachjam.com
KICKSTAND JENNY
MAY 15
Get ready to rock with Kickstand Jenny, bringing high-energy performances and a dynamic setlist of rock ’n’ roll favorites. This band knows how to keep the party going! mkaf.org
DIGITAL GRAFFITI
MAY 16-17
The white walls of Alys Beach will serve as canvases for highly talented national and international digital projection artists. Thousands of dollars in prizes will be awarded to digital artists, filmmakers, musicians, designers, photographers, and producers. digitalgraffiti.com
BRIT FLOYD: WISH YOU WERE HERE
MAY 21
Brit Floyd’s state-of-the-art production reverently emulates
the stunning soundscapes and visuals of Pink Floyd’s iconic catalog. Brit Floyd is a celebration of authenticity, featuring musicians handpicked by Damian Darlington and occasionally including guest musicians from Pink Floyd’s studio and road lineups. pensacolasaenger.com
THE MOLLY RINGWALDS
MAY 22
The Molly Ringwalds band is back and ready to take you on a nostalgic journey through the ’80s with an ultimate tribute to the decade’s greatest hits. mkaf.org
PETTY HEARTS
MAY 29
Celebrate the music of Tom Petty with one of the nation’s top tribute bands, Petty Hearts. Sing along to classics like “Free Fallin’” and “American Girl.” mkaf.org
EMERALD COAST BLUE MARLIN CLASSIC
→ Set against the backdrop of one of the most prolific fishing grounds in the United States, the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic offers a premier sportfishing tournament. Strategically timed to coincide with the peak of the Gulf Coast’s blue marlin season and hosted at the top-rated Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, this annual event has become the standard for worldclass competitions. Entries received by May 31 are eligible for the early bird drawing and a chance to win $1,000.
For more information, contact Jonathan Boone at jonathanboone@sandestin.com or (850) 267-6365.
TAKE A STEP BACK IN TIME TO THE RANEY HOUSE MUSEUM
Located in downtown Apalachicola, the Raney House Museum is an example of architecture and the interpretation of life in Pre-Civil War Florida. Apalachicola was one of the ports along the Gulf which shipped cotton, grown upriver, along with Mobile and New Orleans when “Cotton was King.” The Raney House Museum is operated by the Apalachicola Area Historical Society, and admission is free, but door donations are accepted.
LET’S CAMP AT THE BEACH!
Many visitors think of the Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park as just a secluded beach perfect for a quiet weekend stroll. However, this 1,962-acre park offers a full facility family campground featuring 60 campsites, a playground, electricity, water hookups, and dump station nearby. Two buildings provide hot showers and restrooms. Two primitive campsites can be accessed by a 2.5-mile trail or by canoe or kayak. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance. For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.
VISIT THE LOCAL BREWERIES FOR LOCALLY INSPIRED BREWS
Enjoy excellent craft beers brewed on-site from two local breweries, Apalachicola’s Watercraft Brewing Company and the Eastpoint Brewery. Watercraft Brewing is located in the heart of Apalachicola’s historic downtown district. And in Eastpoint, the Eastpoint Brewery sits perched overlooking St. George Sound where you can watch the commercial fishing boats slide by on their way to the dock.
RALPH G. KENDRICK DWARF CYPRESS BOARDWALK
If you’re looking for a unique outdoor adventure, the Ralph G. Kendrick Dwarf Cypress Boardwalk in the Tate’s Hell State Forest is worth the trouble to find to experience one of Florida’s most unusual natural wonders: a dwarf cypress swamp featuring 150-year-old ancient cypress trees no taller than 15 feet. The boardwalk to the cypress swamp is located less than 10 miles from several of Franklin County’s commercial RV and campgrounds as well as close to state and federal camping areas within the state and nearby federal forest lands.
TATE’S HELL IS HEAVEN
Tate’s Hell State Forest offers a variety of recreation activities for the outdoor enthusiast. There are 35 miles of rivers, streams, and creeks available for canoeing, boating, and fishing. A concrete boat launch is located at Cash Creek, with additional launch sites available at locations throughout the forest. Fishing requires a valid license and is regulated under the direction of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Picnicking at one of the many day-use areas is a popular activity on the forest.
Visit floridasforgottencoast.com/EC25 for more outdoor spring adventures.
Apalachicola . Carrabelle . Eastpoint . St. George Island . Alligator Point
Florida’s Forgotten Coast Embrace
the Pace this Spring
APRIL
Carrabelle Riverfront Festival
Apalachicola Boat & Car Show
Bi-monthly Farmersʼ Markets
MAY
Estuaries Day
Full Moon Lighthouse Climbs
Bi-monthly Farmersʼ Markets
Plan a weekend trip to Franklin County this spring and embrace the pace along the Forgotten Coast. Come hike a wooded trail, stroll a deserted beach, book a spring fishing trip or enjoy a hometown festival. Make plans now for a weekend getaway to Apalachicola, Carrabelle and our other coastal communities to enjoy quiet, pet-friendly beaches, local events, historic landmarks and fresh local seafood. Complete event list online at www.Floridasforgottencoast.com/EC25
SOCIAL STUDIES
Galentine’s Day Fundraiser
FEB. 1 Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) hosted the fourth annual Galentine’s Day Fundraiser at the home of Candis Wilson on Saturday, Feb. 1, raising a record-breaking $106,000. The event brought influential women in the community together to support one another while raising money for programs designed to empower young girls through the Foundation’s 17 partner children’s charities. The event was led by dynamic keynote speaker and comedian Stacy Pederson.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIARA
WATSON
1 DCWAF board members and trustees Joan Carter, Lane Redding, Jeanne Dailey, Tiffany Edwards, and Candis Wilson
2 Megan Harrison, Lane Redding, and Kathryn Youngblood
3 Stacy Pederson, Christine Tarpey, Saylar Green, Karah Fridley-Young, and Lasheeda Perry
4 Tracy Louthain, Megan Harrison, and Stacey Brady
5 Tiffany Edwards, Karah Fridley-Young, and Lane Redding
6 DCWAF team Karah Fridley-Young, Jessica Roberts, Liia Konovalova, Mattie Simpson, Kate MacMillan, and Melissa Eager
SOCIAL STUDIES
Paint the Town Red
FEB. 8 In honor of Ascension Sacred Heart Bay’s 75th anniversary, the Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation hosted its inaugural Paint the Town Red gala, presented by The Chapman Family Foundation, on Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Boardwalk Beach Hotel & Convention Center. Guests enjoyed a seated dinner, live music by the Atlanta Showstoppers, a live auction, raffles, photo booths, dancing, cocktails, and more. All proceeds benefited the hospital’s cardiovascular services.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BOO MEDIA AND JIM CLARK
1 Allan Crockett, Robin Godwin, Libby Fuqua Dr. Jani, and Susan Holder
2 Mr. and Mrs. Kristian Chapman
3 Mr. and Mrs. Carmichael Caldwell
4 Dr. and Mrs. Patel with Dr. and Mrs. Malik
5 The event’s auctioneer works from the stage
6 Mr. and Mrs. Larry Perry
dining guide
AMERICAN
BUFFALO JACK’S LEGENDARY WINGS & PIZZA ★
Catch the game and enjoy legendary wings, pizza, burgers, and Italian dishes with a New Orleans air. Miramar Beach, (850) 424-6288, bu alojackslegendarywings.com $$ L D
THE BODACIOUS BREW
This co ee house and eatery specializes in handcrafted espresso, lattes, and cappuccinos. For breakfast, try their omelets and acai bowls; for lunch, salads, wraps, and atbread pizzas are on the menu. Pensacola, (850) 434-6300, bodaciousshops.com/cafe $ B L
THE CRAFT BAR ★
Craft brews on tap along with artisan cocktails and elevated bar fare. Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, Destin*, Miramar Beach, Grayton Beach, (850) 460-7907*, thecraftbar .com $$ L D
EAGLE’S NEST AT BLACKWATER ★
Casual dining featuring American fare, live music, game-day showings, and themed events. Crestview, (850) 331-3594, eaglesnestatblackwater.com $$ L D
FIREFLY
Fresh Gulf seafood, steak, sushi, and signature cocktails. Panama City Beach, (850) 249-3359, re ypcb.com $$$ D
FUDPUCKER’S BEACHSIDE BAR & GRILL ★
Seafood dishes and American fare in a fun, casual atmosphere with entertainment including a live gator attraction and deck games. Destin, (850) 654-4200, fudpucker.com $$ L D
GALLION’S
Elevated small plates, chef-inspired dishes, and specialty craft cocktails in a sophisticated, relaxed setting. Rosemary Beach, (850) 399-4909, gallions30a.com $$$ L D
GEORGE BISTRO + BAR
Husband and wife owners are driven by a passion to create exceptionally humble, ingredient-driven food, co ees, and cocktails while treating guests like family. Pensacola, (850) 912-4655, georgebistroandbar.com
$$$ L D
LOUISIANA LAGNIAPPE ★
A taste of New Orleans hits the coast through Louisiana-style favorites like shrimp and grits and Cajun seafood gumbo. Destin, (850) 837-0881, thelouisianalagniappe.com
$$ D
LULU’S
Lucy Bu ett’s funky hangout features cocktails, burgers, and seafood, plus allergyfriendly menus. Destin, (850) 710-5858, lulusfunfoodmusic.com $$ L D
MAGNOLIA GRILL
Steak, seafood, pasta, soups, salads, and
desserts. Fort Walton Beach, (850) 302-0266, themagnoliagrillfwb.com $$ L D
MARINA BAR & GRILL ★
Seafood, po’ boys, burgers, and salads. Miramar Beach, (850) 267-7778, sandestin.com/ dine/marina-bar-grill $ B L D
MARINA CAFE ★
Gourmet pizzas, Creole, and American cuisine. Destin, (850) 837-7960, marinacafe.com $$$ D
NICK’S BOATHOUSE
Serving a wide variety of seafood, steaks, and atbreads by the waterfront. Pensacola, (850) 912-8775, nicksboathouse.com
$$ L D
NORTH BEACH SOCIAL ★
Favorites include chef Jim Shirley’s famous Grits a Ya Ya, the NB Social Burger, fresh raw oysters, and tuna poke bowls. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 622-8110, northbeach.social
$$ L D
OVIDE ★
Located inside the new Hotel E e, acclaimed chef Hugh Acheson brings together classic Gulf Coast avors and impeccable classic French technique. Miramar Beach, (850) 351-3030, hotele e.com/ dining/ovide $$$ D
THE RED BAR ★
Locally renowned landmark location serving classic meals in a casual, eclectic environment. Grayton Beach, (850) 231-1008, theredbar.com $$ L D
RESTAURANT IRON
Buzzy, stylish locale serving gourmet, reimagined takes on Southern cuisine, plus clever cocktails. Pensacola, (850) 912-4655, restaurantiron.com $$ D
RESTAURANT PARADIS
Restaurant and lounge o ers rich coastal avors in its innovative dishes. Rosemary Beach, (850) 534-0400, restaurantparadis.com $$$ D
SHADES BAR & GRILL
A 30A mainstay for over 20 years, Shades features 17 high-def TVs plus a menu of salsas, steaks, sandwiches, and sh tacos. Inlet Beach, (850) 231-9410, shades30a.com $$ L D
SUNQUEST CRUISES
SOLARIS YACHT
Enjoy a fusion of ambiance, food, and live music aboard the SOLARIS yacht o ering three decks of indoor and outdoor spaces. Miramar Beach, (850) 650-2519, sunquestcruises.com $$$ D
VUE ON 30A ★
Fine New American dining in a modern, cream and beige waterfront spot with bar, lounge, and views. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 267-2305, vueon30a.net $$ L D
THE WINE BAR ★
A gathering spot for lunch or dinner, plus daily happy hour specials. Destin* and Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 269-2902*, thewinebar .com $$ L D
ASIAN
DOMO CAFÉ ★
This Asian kitchen o ers dozens of sushi options, including vegetarian, signature, fried, and baked rolls. Fort Walton Beach, (850) 226-6412, Facebook: Domo Cafe $$ L D
LIN’S ASIAN CUISINE ★
Authentic Asian cuisine at a convenient and casual location o ering dine-in or takeout. Miramar Beach, (850) 424-5888, linsasian .com $ L D
OSAKA JAPANESE HIBACHI STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR ★
Known for its sushi, Osaka also serves a variety of veggie, chicken, steak, and seafood dishes. Destin, (850) 650-4688, theosakasteakhouse.com $$ L D
P.F. CHANG’S
A Chinese restaurant serving Mongolian, Thai, Korean, and other Pan-Asian dishes. Miramar Beach, (850) 269-1806, pfchangs.com $$ L D
THAI DELIGHTS RESTAURANT ★
Thai soups, curries, and rice and noodle dishes in a variety of meat, seafood, and veggie options for dine in or takeout. Destin, (850) 650-3945, Facebook: Thai Delights Restaurant $ L D
BARBECUE
3 SONS BAR-B-Q ★
Barbecue classics smoked on-site daily alongside Southern sides and desserts. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 278-6082, 3sonsbarbq.com $ L D
98 BAR-B-QUE
Award-winning barbecue, gumbo, sandwiches, and salads in a casual atmosphere. Dine in, take-out, and catering. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 622-0679, 98bbq.com $ L D
BREAKFAST/ BRUNCH/BAKERY
BISTROLOGY ★
Fully loaded brunch spot featuring oversized omelets, French toast with sweet toppings, stu ed croissants, specialty co ee and beverages, and more. Miramar Beach, (850) 757-7374, bistrology.restaurant $$ B L D
BLACK BEAR BREAD CO. ★
Contemporary cafe for craft co ee, house-baked breads, pastries, sandwiches and all-day breakfast. Miramar Beach, Grayton Beach*, Seaside, (850) 213-4528*, blackbearbreadco.com $ B L
MAMA CLEMENZA’S EUROPEAN BREAKFAST
A range of European-inspired breakfast dishes, cappuccinos, and pastries. Miramar Beach, (850) 424-3157, Facebook: Mama Clemenzas $$ B
RUBY SLIPPER CAFE ★
A New Orleans-inspired brunch spot o ering classic takes, signature Southern specialties, and eye-opening cocktails. Pensacola, Destin*, Miramar Beach, (850) 660-7100*, rubybrunch.com $$ B L
SUNSET BAY CAFE
Casual and outdoor dining overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay, featuring locally sourced ingredients and sustainable seafood. Miramar Beach, (850) 267-7108, sunsetbaycafesandestin.com $$ B L D
DESSERT
30A COOKIES & CREAM
Treats from Great American Cookies and Marble Slab Creamery make for an irresistible combination. Seagrove*, Inlet Beach, (850) 231-2552*, 30acookiesandicecream.com $
BLUE MOUNTAIN BEACH CREAMERY
Homemade ice cream, yogurt, and sorbet at The Creamery and milkshakes, co ee, and donuts at the Shake Shop. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 2786849, bluemountainbeachcreamery.com $
BEACHSIDE BUBBLE WAFFLE ★
Food truck serving bubble wa es lled with ice cream, tasty toppings, and sauces. Navarre, Instagram: Beachside Bubble Wa e $
THAT’S JAMES ICE CREAM ★
Ice cream truck serving frozen classics including popsicles, shaved ice, and ice cream bars. Rotating locations, (404) 797-5235, Facebook: That’s James Ice Cream Truck $
FRENCH
BAY CAFE FRENCH
RESTAURANT
Step out on the bay for authentic European cuisine, featuring fresh local seafood, and decadent cream sauces. Fort Walton Beach, (850) 244-3550, Instagram: Bay Cafe French Restaurant $$ L D
KENNY D’S ★
Cajun beach bar and eatery in a casual, comfortable atmosphere with a New Orleans vibe. Miramar Beach, (850) 650-0755, kennyds.net $$ L D
GREEK
AEGEAN RESTAURANT ★
Authentic Greek restaurant serving salads, wraps, pastas, and more. Mary Esther, Shalimar, Miramar Beach*, (850) 460-2728*, aegean .com $$ B L D
IRISH
JOHNNY MCTIGHE’S IRISH PUB
Easygoing pub providing Irish and American eats, a game room for kids, and deck seating. Blue Mountain Beach, (850) 267-0101, johnnymctighes.com $$ L D
MCGUIRE’S IRISH PUB ★
Burgers, pub grub, and the famous 18-cent Senate Bean Soup. Pensacola, Destin*, (850) 650-0000*, mcguiresirishpub.com $$ L D
ITALIAN/PIZZA
AMICI 30A ITALIAN KITCHEN
O ering authentic Italian cuisine with a air for celebration. Inlet Beach, (850) 909-0555, amici30a.com $$$ L D
ANGELENA’S ITALIANO
In the heart of downtown, nationally renowned Chef James Briscione’s menu serves up rustic yet elegant plates with an Italian, coastal vibe. Pensacola, (850) 542-8398, angelenaspensacola.com $$ D
CLEMENZA’S UPTOWN
Classic Italian dishes including pastas, woodred pizza, salads, and desserts. Fort Walton Beach, (850) 243-0707, clemenzasatuptownstation.com $$ L D
Serving the emerald CoaStforover
50 yearS
FARM & FIRE SOUTHERN PIZZERIA
Featuring a clean-burning coal oven to impart a unique, full avor to their pizzas, whole sh, steaks, and roasted chicken. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 622-3871, farmand resouthwalton.com $$ D
FAT CLEMENZA’S
Brick oven pizzeria serving wood- red pies, specialty desserts, and more. Miramar Beach, (850) 650-5980, fatclemenzas.com $$ L D
GRIMALDI’S PIZZERIA
Pizzas and calzones baked to perfection in their signature coal-burning oven, delivering an experience not possible from conventional ovens. Miramar Beach, (850) 837-3095, grimaldispizzeria. com/location/grand-boulevard $$ L D
MERLINS PIZZA ★
Locally owned pizzeria serving specialty and customized pies made with fresh ingredients. Destin, (850) 650-3000, merlinspizza.com $ L D
MIMMO’S RISTORANTE
ITALIANO ★
Authentic Italian dishes bursting with avor and color. Destin*, Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 460-7353*, mimmos.com $$ L D
PAZZO ITALIANO
Destin’s newest Italian restaurant o ers authentic Italian cuisine such as wood- red pizzas, pasta, calzones, salads, chef specialties, and nightly specials. Destin, (850) 974-5484, pazzodestin.com $$ L D
THE PIZZA BAR AT BUD & ALLEY’S
Artisan cheese, fresh salads, antipasto dishes, homemade soups, seasonal vegetables, hearty pastas, and homemade wood- red Neapolitan pizza. Seaside, (850) 231-3113, budandalleys.com/ pizza-bar $$ L D
TRATTORIA BORAGO
Enjoy classic Italian cuisine and favorites like pork tenderloin or pan-seared grouper from the open kitchen. Grayton Beach, (850) 231-9167, Facebook: Borago Restaurant $$ D
MEXICAN
BURRITO DEL SOL
This Mexican restaurant serves fresh Bajastyle Mexican food, including tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more. Fort Walton Beach*, Destin, (850) 226-8016*, burritodelsol.com $ L D
CANTINA LAREDO
A gourmet twist on Mexican favorites. Miramar Beach, (850) 654-5649, cantinalaredo.com/location/ sandestin- orida $$ L D
PEPITO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT ★
Serving award-winning authentic Mexican food with the nest ingredients available since 2000. Niceville, Fort Walton Beach, Destin*, Miramar Beach, (850) 650-7734*, mypepitos.com $$ L D
PEPPER’S MEXICAN GRILL & CANTINA
Casual eatery with familiar Mexican dishes, including seafood and vegetarian options, plus a full bar. Crestview, Niceville, Shalimar*, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, (850) 613-6970*, peppersmexicancantina.com $ L D
RED FISH TACO
Featuring fresh takes on classic fare, such as street tacos, burritos, taco salads, and quesadillas. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 994-7443, red shtaco.com $$ L D
TACO 30A ★
Food truck and catering service dishing up
authentic street tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more. Weekly rotating location schedule, eattaco30a.com $ L D
THE TACO BAR AT BUD & ALLEY’S
Baja sh tacos, homemade guacamole, burritos, and top-shelf margaritas. Seaside, (850) 231-4781, budandalleys.com/taco-bar $$ L D
SEAFOOD
AJ’S SEAFOOD & OYSTER BAR ★
Known for waterfront views, raw oysters, and live music, AJ’s serves up fresh local seafood, cold beverages, and good times. Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island, Destin*, Grayton Beach, (850) 837-1913*, ajsdestin.com $$ L D
THE BAY SOUTH WALTON
Waterfront restaurant overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay, o ering Gulf Coast cuisine, sushi, a 12-draft beer system, plus wine and crafted cocktails. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 622-2291, baysouthwalton.com $$ L D
BOSHAMPS SEAFOOD & OYSTER HOUSE
Gulf-to-table Southern cuisine with harbor views. Destin, (850) 424-7406, boshamps.com $$$ L D
BROTULA’S SEAFOOD HOUSE & STEAMER
Fresh steamed and boiled seafood dishes. Destin, brotulas.com (850) 460-8900. $$ L D
Since 1967, o ering traditional seafood items, avorful salads, and soups with a view of the marina. Panama City Beach, (850) 234-2225, captandersons.com $$$ D
THE CRAB TRAP
Beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico and fresh local seafood processed in the restaurant’s own facility. Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, Destin*, (850) 654-2722*, crabtrap orida.com $$
DEWEY DESTIN’S
Award-winning seafood in a quaint house. Destin at Crab Island, Destin Harbor*, Navarre, (850) 837-7525*, destinseafood.com $$ L D
FOOW RESTAURANT
Southern coastal cuisine with an Asian air at the picturesque WaterColor Inn. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 534-5050, dine sh30a.com/food $$ L D
GRAYTON SEAFOOD COMPANY ★
A casual beach-neighborhood gathering spot and seafood restaurant on Scenic 30A. Grayton Beach, (850) 714-2155, graytonseafood.com $$ D
HARBOR DOCKS ★
A surf-and-turf restaurant also o ering highquality great sushi. Destin, (850) 837-2506, harbordocks.com $$ L D
JACKACUDA’S SEAFOOD & SUSHI ★
Asian and Southern-inspired dishes including seafood, sushi, salad, and sandwiches. Destin, (850) 460-2909, jackacudas.com $$ L D
OLD BAY STEAMER ★
Fresh-caught seafood and steamers served in a casual and eclectic atmosphere. Fort Walton Beach, (850) 664-2795, oldbaysteamerfwb.com $$$ D
TALLAHASSEE
PESCADO SEAFOOD GRILL & ROOFTOP BAR
Dining room, inside bar, and outside rooftop bar overlooking the Gulf of Mexico; extraordinary service and cuisine by Chef Brendan Wakeham. Rosemary Beach, (850) 213-4600, rooftop30a.com $$$ L D
RUNAWAY ISLAND
Crab, oysters, and grouper sandwiches in a casual, beach-bar setting, just steps away from the sand. Panama City Beach, (850) 634-4884, runawayislandpcb.com $$ L D
SHUNK GULLEY OYSTER BAR ★
This seafood and casual fare restaurant features classic coastal cuisine and genuine Southern hospitality plus live music daily inside the panoramic bar. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 622-2733, shunkgulley.com $$ L D
STINKY’S FISH CAMP ★
This seafood and wine mainstay promises Gulf-fresh fare. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 267-3053, stinkys shcamp.com $$ L D
STEAK & SEAFOOD
AUSTONS ON 98 OYSTER BAR AND GRILL ★
Home of the 102-foot bar, specialties include littleneck clams, raw oysters, clam chowder, and jumbo shrimp cocktail. Miramar Beach, (850) 842-3200, austonson98.com $$ L D
BEACH WALK CAFE
Located at the Henderson Park Inn, this award-winning establishment features grouper Vince, pepper-crusted yellow n tuna, and seafood pasta Rockefeller. Destin, (850) 650-7100, hendersonparkinn.com/dine/beachwalk-cafe $$$ D
BIJOUX ★
Fine dining coastal cuisine with a New Orleans air, Gulf seafood, prime steaks. Miramar Beach, (850) 622-0760, bijouxdestin.com $$$ D
CAPTAIN DAVE’S ON THE GULF
Inspired by traditional waterfront dining, Captain Dave’s features American seafood cuisine infused with a contemporary Gulf Coast twist. Destin, (850) 837-2627, captdavesonthegulf.com $$$ D
THE EDGE SEAFOOD & SKYBAR ★
Located at the Destin Harbor, fresh catches soon land on plates at The Edge. Head up to the adults-only Skybar for great views and live music. Destin, (850) 659-3549, edgeseafood.com $$ L D
FLEMING’S PRIME
STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR ★
Enjoy ne dining with family and friends, o ering prime steak, lobster, wine, and more. Miramar Beach, (850) 269-0830, emingssteakhouse.com/Locations/FL/ Sandestin $$$ D
THE GULF ON OKALOOSA ISLAND
Locally inspired food and beverages in a beautiful waterfront setting, alongside a curated vinyl record collection. Fort Walton Beach, (850) 387-1300, thegulf.com/locations/fortwalton-beach $ L D
M&P BY FARRINGTON FOODS ★
An immersive luxury dining experience hosted by chef William Farrington. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 739-2950, farringtonfoods.com/m&p30a $$$ D
THE OCEAN CLUB
Storied restaurant serves fresh Gulf seafood and the nest steaks. Enjoy live music, great
service, and a full bar. Miramar Beach, (850) 267-3666, theoceanclubdestin.com $$$ D
OLD FLORIDA FISH HOUSE
Nestled beside Eastern Lake, nd your retreat for oysters, fresh seafood fare, sushi, and other classics. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 534-3045, old orida shhouse.com $$$ L D
RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE
Steak and seafood. New Orleans-inspired. Destin, (850) 337-5108, ruthschris.com/locations/ / destin/destin/7396 $$$ D
SALTWATER GRILL ★
Fresh Gulf seafood, choice steaks, and craft martinis are anchored by this dining room’s 25,000-gallon saltwater aquarium centerpiece. Panama City Beach, (850) 230-2739, saltwatergrillpcb.com $$$ D
SEAGAR’S PRIME STEAKS & SEAFOOD ★
Premium steak, fresh seafood, and caviar. Miramar Beach, (850) 622-1500, seagars.com $$$ D
SLICK LIPS SEAFOOD & OYSTER HOUSE
Family-friendly seafood and oyster bar featuring locally caught fare and nestled in picturesque Baytowne Wharf. Miramar Beach, (850) 347-5060, slicklipsseafood.com $$ L D
TAKE OUT
DESTIN ICE SEAFOOD MARKET & DELI ★
Fresh sh and seafood items, pastas, salads, side dishes, Buckhead meats, decadent desserts, wines, cheeses, spices, and more. Destin, (850) 837-8333, destinice.com $$ L D
EMERALD COAST CATERING & GOURMET TO GO
O ering full-service catering and prepared gourmet meals to go. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 585-5979, cater1.com $$ L D
JC’S GOURMET ★
Freshly prepared seafood and specialty dips sold at local partner restaurants and grocers throughout the Southeast region. Sold at various locations, (850) 687-2810, jcsgourmet.com $
MARROW PRIVATE CHEFS ★
Marrow takes the hassle of planning out of ne dining, o ering private chef, meal delivery, and catering services to South Walton and 30A areas. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 280-4319, marrowprivatechefs.com $$$
REEL ’EM IN FRESH SEAFOOD AND GOURMET ★
Delivering fresh Gulf seafood— sh, shrimp, crab, and more—from Miramar Beach to Panama City. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 420-2240, reeleminfreshseafood.com $$
TOWNSEND CATERING COMPANY ★
Professional service, meticulous menu planning, and delectable cuisine provided for weddings and special events. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 622-0663, townsendcatering.com $$$
VEGAN
THE RICAN VEGAN ★
Vegan food truck o ering plant-based takes on authentic Latin-American dishes, plus fresh wellness juices. Rotating locations, (414) 840-1220, plantbasedwellnessconsaborllc.com $ L D
Visit our comprehensive, searchable dining guide online at EmeraldCoastMagazine.com/Restaurants.
SNOWKISSED
“Sun-kissed” is a phrase often used here in our beach paradise. Our winters are brief and mild, and on sunnier days, we can even bask on the shore in swimwear during the colder months. However, on January 21 and 22 of this year, we were forced to layer up with mittens, toboggans, and down jackets.
In an unprecedented Florida weather event, Emerald Coast locals found themselves in a true winter wonderland. From Pensacola to Mexico Beach, heavy snow showers blanketed homes, forest reserves, and beaches with abundant inches of powdery snow. As the snowfall began on that Tuesday, I, like many others, bundled up in winter gear and rushed to the beach to capture photos and videos of what meteorologists referred to as a once-in-a-lifetime event.
The experience felt magical. Everywhere I looked, people were in awe, filled with childlike wonder and joy. For a brief and frosty moment, in a town where the sun almost always shines, we found ourselves “snowkissed.” The sight of snow-covered sand and the ethereal landscape it created is a memory that those fortunate enough to have witnessed it will not soon forget. – Susan Gunn
To see more, visit her Instagram page, @susangunnphotography.
Photographer Susan Gunn captures landscape, weather, and skyline imagery along the Emerald Coast.
