Emerald Coast Magazine- August/September 2017

CANINE THERAPY

PUPS RECHARGE IN THE POOL

BLACKBERRY & BLOOD-ORANGE SANGRIA

HIGHER LEARNING

UWF’S FUTURE IS BRILLIANT

PIER REVIEWS

LIKE WALKING ON WATER

$3.95

AUG-SEP 2017

Raise Your Glass to Summer

Reward yourself when the days are long and the livin’ is easy

www.emeraldcoastmagazine.com A product of Rowland Publishing, Inc.

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EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

August–September 2017

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August–September 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

August–September 2017

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LOVELACE expect the unexpected.

W W W.LOVE LACE I NTE R IOR S.C OM 850.837.5563 / 12870 U.S. HIGHWAY 98 WEST / MIRAMAR BEACH, FL 32550

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August–September 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

Contents

AUG/SEPT 2017

↙

Koda Bear, 15, exercises with less arthritic pain by swimming at a pool built for dogs.

FEATURES

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30A SWIM DOGS DIG THE POOL

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HIGHER ED RAISES THE BAR

Therapies for pet energy, health

Capital campaign, new leadership

by ZANDRA WOLFGRAM

by KARI C. BARLOW and MATT ALGARIN

photography by TODD DOUGLAS PHOTOGRAPHY

EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

August–September 2017

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Contents

AUG/SEPT 2017

54 THE WAVE

21 GREAT OUTDOORS

The view from piers is as great as the fishing.

24 WARRIOR POET

Immigrant Samuel Lombardo tells his tales of love, war and liberty in verse.

26 CHAMPIONS Network of helpers is making Santa Rosa SAFER.

PANACHE

29 CITIZEN OF STYLE

Lauren Keen’s take on vintage fashion starts with garments she inherited.

32 BARELY THERE

Tan feet are the right complement to strappy sandals.

34 WHAT’S IN STORE

The retail world is pairing hot fashion with cocktails and chocolates.

8

EXPRESSION

39 YO’ MAJESTY

For the Jam Kings, real’s the deal.

42 POSTING IT Legends

of Florida still enchant in vintage postcards.

44 SO DRAMATIC Empty space becomes theater space at Grand Boulevard.

46 YOUR STORY Gulf

Breeze author invites readers to complete her book.

GASTRO & GUSTO 49 LA SANGRÍA Wine

bejewelled with berries and sliced fruit is a summer classic.

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Fresh, mid-summer sandals

August–September 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

14 PUBLISHER’S LETTER 16 DIRECTOR’S COLUMN 103 SOCIAL STUDIES 141 DINING GUIDE 146 I T’S NOT ROCKET

21 52 SHORT RIBS, QUICK Comeback cooker takes the pressure off when family craves ribs.

54 CONSENZIS’ PARADIS

Couple pairs four-star restaurant with new barbecue joint.

A BODES 57 ON THE SURFACE

Countertops make a statement right up front.

SURGERY

66 TREEHOUSE Lofty

perches are every kid’s dream space.

68 IN THE GARDEN

The right mulch works miracles.

70 YOU CAN DO THIS

Build a window box to place blooms in view from any room.

DESTINATIONS 85 PITIGLIANO

In the hill towns of Italy, time is as fluid as wine.

CANINE THERAPY

BLACKBERRY & BLOOD-ORANGE SANGRIA

PUPS RECHARGE IN THE POOL

HIGHER LEARNING

UWF’S FUTURE IS BRILLIANT

PIER REVIEWS

LIKE WALKING ON WATER

Raise Your Glass to Summer

Reward yourself when the days are long and the livin’ is easy

ON THE COVER: We toast the height of the summer season with an intoxicatingly attractive glass of sangria where the fruit of the vine mixes things up with members of the citrus family. In this edition of Emerald Coast, we also share a recipe for short ribs, cooked under pressure, and visit the Restaurant Paradis, where snapper and grouper meet great steaks and chops.

PHOTO BY SAIGE ROBERTS

PHOTOS BY CHASE YAKABOSKI (24), J.D. ANDREWS / VISIT FLORIDA (21), SAIGE ROBERTS (32) AND COURTESY OF RESTAURANT PARADIS / TOMMY CROW STUDIOS (54)

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IN EVERY ISSUE

The Cosmetic Vein & Laser Center

SKIN VEINS FACE BODY

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W W W . S K I N A N D V E I N S . C O M EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

August–September 2017

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Contents

AUG/SEPT 2017

SPECIAL SECTIONS AND PROMOTIONS

60 INSPIRED

Tradition ↑TUSKERS HOME STORE

Good design brings out the character of a home and imbues it with the homeowner’s vision. Tuskers uses woods, metals, natural fibers, color palettes, patterns and accessories to materialize those visions for interiors and outdoors.

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HOT WHEELS

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GONE TO CAROLINA A stylish

Lee Nissan presents six hot models of 2017 SUVs and crossovers, designed for active lifestyles that depend on versatility.

Voted “Best Golf Facility” by Visit South Walton voters, Santa Rosa is the area’s only equity owned club. The club provides members and their guests access to ocean view golf (open to the public), private pool and beach access, and more. Golf and beach club memberships are now available.

CALL TO LEARN MORE. 850.267.2229 334 Golf Club Drive | Santa Rosa Beach, FL SARAH BRAZWELL Membership & Marketing Director Sarah@santarosaclub.com santarosaclub.com | vueon30a.com

blend of luxury, mountain vistas and a premium golf course make Laurel Ridge Country Club a retreat of choice, with stay-andplay golf packages and splendid Smoky Mountain settings for weddings and events.

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August–September 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

CALENDAR

Events, exhibits and live performances crowd the docket of inviting things to do up and down the Emerald Coast.

SACRED HEART FOUNDATION The “Stories from the

Heart” section features heartwarming and inspiring stories from those who impact and have been impacted by The Sacred Heart Foundation. These stories revolve around people helping people.

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PROFESSIONAL PROFILES Physicians, realtors, attorneys, communicators and merchants are among the engaged professionals profiled in this special section.

Next Issue We annouce the results of this year’s Best of the Emerald Coast balloting.

SPECIAL PROMOTION

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DEAL ESTATE

A Seaside castle at Water’s Edge finds its royal family, while a Sandestin penthouse beckons with panoramic views of beach and bay.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TUSKERS HOME STORE

INSPIRED EXPERIENCES AT SANTA ROSA GOLF & BEACH CLUB

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P R I M E

S T E A K S

&

S E A F O O D

SAVOR THE CLASSIC & SOPHISTICATED One of the finest dining destinations along Florida’s Gulf Coast, Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood features an award-winning 600-label wine list, hand selected prime steaks and Gulf-to-table seafood dishes. With fresh, seasonally inspired ingredients, Seagar’s prides itself on providing the most decadent and indulgent meals.

The Emerald Coast’s only AAA Four-Diamond Steakhouse RESERVATIONS 850-622-1500 | 4000 Sandestin Blvd. South, Miramar Beach, FL 32550 | SEAGARS.com Since 2000 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

August–September 2017

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EMERALD COAST MAGAZINE

VOL. 18, NO. 4

AUGUST–SEPTEMBER 2017

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER BRIAN E. ROWLAND

EDITORIAL

rb ...on the ha

BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT 2010-2016 BEST GUMBO 2014 BEST GROUPER SANDWICH 2013, 2015, 2016 BEST LOCALLY OWNED RESTAURANT 2016

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Open at 11AM • Closing hours vary by season 202 Harbor Blvd., Destin • 837-7525

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DIRECTOR OF EDITORIAL SERVICES/EDITOR Steve Bornhoft MANAGING EDITOR Laura Cassels ASSISTANT TO DIRECTOR OF EDITORIAL SERVICES Kim Harris Thacker STAFF WRITER Hannah Burke CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Matt Algarin, Kari C. Barlow, Marina Brown, Elizabeth B. Goldsmith, Thomas J. Monigan, Rebecca Padgett, Audrey Post, Kirstin Redfield, Liesel Schmidt, Zandra Wolfgram, Gary Yordon EDITORIAL INTERN Sara Santora

CREATIVE CHIEF CONTENT OFFICER Lawrence Davidson DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION AND TECHNOLOGY Daniel Vitter SENIOR ART DIRECTOR Saige Roberts DESIGN DIRECTOR Jennifer Ekrut PUBLICATION DESIGNERS Charles Bakofsky, Shruti Shah GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Meredith Brooks, Sarah Mitchell CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Matt Algarin, Alyssa Aryn Photography, J.D. Andrews, Lorena Torres Angelini, Michael Booini, Jim Clark, Cortlandt Roces, Stefano Costantini, Dina Critch, Todd Douglas, Hello Miss Lovely, Mary Jo Gustave, Lorraine Heath, Scott Holstein, Jacqueline Ward, Chelsea Moore, Rhonda Murray, Angela Powell, Saige Roberts, Tommy Crow Studios, Chris Visual, Stephanie Lynn Warga, Chase Yakaboski

SALES, MARKETING AND EVENTS VICE PRESIDENT/CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT McKenzie Burleigh Lohbeck DIRECTOR OF NEW BUSINESS Daniel Parisi ADVERTISING SERVICES COORDINATORS Tracy Mulligan, Lisa Sostre ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Julie Dorr, Darla Harrison, Rhonda Lynn Murray, Dan Parker, Linda Powell, Sarah Scott, Lori Magee Yeaton EVENTS AND SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR Mandy Chapman INTEGRATED MARKETING COORDINATOR Bria Blossom SALES AND EVENTS ASSOCIATE Mackenzie Ligas

OPERATIONS ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES/HUMAN RESOURCE COORDINATOR Marah Rhone CORPORATE CLIENT LIAISON Sara Goldfarb CLIENT SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE/PRODUCTION SPECIALIST Melinda Lanigan STAFF ACCOUNTANT Jackie Burns ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT Daphne Laurie ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Lisa Snell RECEPTIONIST Alyssa Cunningham EMERALD COAST MAGAZINE emeraldcoastmagazine.com facebook.com/emeraldcoast twitter.com/emeraldcoastmag instagram.com/emeraldcoastmag pinterest.com/emeraldcoastmag youtube.com/user/emeraldcoastmag ROWLAND PUBLISHING rowlandpublishing.com

EDITORIAL OFFICE 1932 Miccosukee Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308. (850) 878-0554

Open 7 days a week • 11AM -‘Til 9 Calhoun Ave., Destin • 837-7575 BOATERS WELCOME! 12

August–September 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

SUBSCRIPTIONS One year (6 issues) is $30. Call (850) 878-0554 or go online to emeraldcoastmagazine. com. Single copies are $3.95. Purchase at Barnes and Noble in Destin and Pensacola and Books-A-Million in Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola and Panama City Beach.

CUSTOMER SERVICE & SUBMISSIONS Emerald Coast Magazine and Rowland Publishing, Inc. are not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photography or artwork. Editorial contributions are welcomed and encouraged but will not be returned. Emerald Coast Magazine reserves the right to publish any letters to the editor.

Copyright August 2017 Emerald Coast Magazine Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

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August–September 2017

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from the publisher

A PURPOSE-DRIVEN EVENT

In June, I had the privilege of attending the culminating event in the series of activities that made up the 2017 edition of the Emerald Coast Top Salon competition.

About 60 people gathered at Brotula’s Seafood House, a Top Salon sponsor, to witness and celebrate the presentation of checks to 14 local charities. This was the first year in which the competition made fundraising and giving back to the community an emphasis, and I am proud to say that more than $33,000 was distributed to a diverse group of deserving organizations.

Top Salon has evolved significantly in the seven years it has been conducted in the Emerald Coast market. Now, the salons and their models, event sponsors and the hundreds of people who attend thoroughly enjoy what can be a rambunctious evening. But in earlier years, the salons were guarded, almost somber, and very serious in their quest to be No. 1.

The competition has been overtaken by a spirit of camaraderie and mutual respect among the participants. The experience is one of team building, fun and, yes, a desire to win, but winning is not the only thing — far from it.

We have observed and learned, too, that the models, who undergo remarkable transformations in their outward appearance, also gain in confidence and self-esteem when they step out of their comfort zones, take to the runway and allow an inner transformation to occur. Truly, many of the models report that they emerge from the Top Salon competition as changed women.

The new charitable aspect of the event was heartily embraced by the salons who agreed to raise funds for the charities of their choosing. I am confident that, going beyond the competition, salon personnel will collect small donations from their customers throughout the year on behalf of highly appreciative organizations. In such a way, the $33,000 distributed at Brotula’s is likely to become $66,000.

For me, it is especially rewarding to serve as a catalyst for an event that betters both the people who are immediately involved in it and the community at large.

I offer my congratulations to this year’s Emerald Coast top salon and fundraising leader, Avantgarde Salon Spa, whose team members, under the leadership of fabulous community stewards Joseph and Deke, raised more than $27,000 for their charity, Others of Destin, Inc. And I encourage everyone to make a contribution to people in need the next time you get a color or trim at your top salon.

Best,

BRIAN ROWLAND browland@rowlandpublishing.com

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August–September 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

SCOTT HOLSTEIN

TOP SALON COMPETITION TRANSFORMS MODELS, BENEFITS COMMUNITY

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OME S H R

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Lifestyle Living Indoors and Out

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August–September 2017

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director’s letter

A PRESCIENT FEW

THEY SEE THE WORLD FOR WHAT IT MIGHT BE after interviewing Dana Matthews, the founding partner of the Matthews & Jones law firm headquartered in Destin, and Tom Becnel, the owner of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.

Turns out, the latter is a client of the former.

Matthews did trial work for a little over two years in Tallahassee after graduating law school at Florida State, then returned to the Northwest Florida coast. Destin beckoned somehow, and Matthews had the confidence in the early 1980s that it would grow in a big way.

He launched his practice by working the docks, falling in with Destin’s old guard — its charter fishermen — and trading services for seafood when cash was short in months removed from the 100-day tourist season.

Over time, Matthews would make real estate law his specialty and would help developers navigate regulatory waters in taking projects from concept to completion. Today, Matthews & Jones is a full-service, regional law firm with clients in Florida, Georgia and Alabama.

Becnel got his start as a commercial lender in Texas and at some point decided that he wanted to be on the borrowing side of the equation. He started a construction business whose first project was a 14-unit apartment complex in Louisiana, where Becnel, who strayed from the Midwest, went to college (LSU).

As a developer, Becnel would change Destin’s skyline.

When he acquired Sandestin, Becnel foresaw a shortage of developable land in coastal Walton and Okaloosa counties and recognized that Sandestin had room to grow.

They are 1-percenters, Chapman and Matthews and Becnel, in this regard: The world is given to people, 99 percent of whom help convert visions to reality and 1 percent, given perhaps to fine Punch cigars, cowboy boots or Levis 501 jeans, who see them in the first place.

Go in peace, SAIGE ROBERTS

Every Monday morning at 7:30, line-ofbusiness managers and executive management team members gathered round a fabulously expensive, custom-made mahogany table in a conference room that overlooked 23rd Street in Panama City, then to await the arrival of the bank’s founder and chairman, who might arrive at 7:35 or 7:55 or 8:05, you never knew.

The chairman would roll through the kitchen that adjoined the conference room and grab a cup of coffee on his way to the head of the table.

(It fell, I’m not sure why, to the manager of the credit card portfolio to brew the joe.) All would try to read the chairman’s Monday morning mood. If he opened with, “So, did everyone have a good weekend?” that was a good sign. If he skipped any such pleasantry, it was time to gird your loins.

Predictably, at least one manager would be lambasted every Monday. The residential lending manager, who was relatively soft, was a frequent target. As the marketing/communication guy, I reported last, so if no one had been creamed by the time the session got around to me, I was doomed to be pilloried by a man who used fear as one of his chief motivators.

Over a very short time, I came to become a master at deflection, distraction, deceit.

Joseph Fleming Chapman III died last December, just a few years after his bank died. He was many things, and it was easy to lose sight of his better nature when he turned up the heat. As a developer and banker, he created hundreds of jobs in and beyond the Florida Panhandle. He was a philanthropist who was a sustaining contributor to organizations including the Boys and Girls Clubs of Bay County, Early Education and Care, Inc., the Bay County Council on Aging and the Bay Education Foundation.

He was not born on third base, far from it. He was the son of a schoolteacher and a man who sold insurance door to door. He was the product of ambition and drive and, oftentimes, charm; you had to admire him for that. His tools were a telephone, a legal pad, a pencil and the good people he surrounded himself with. He changed the world by providing opportunities for young people and respecting elders. If he were still around, today’s health care debate would make him sick.

He had an uncanny ability to see possibilities where others could or did not. I reflected on Mr. Chapman recently

STEVE BORNHOFT sbornhoft@rowlandpublishing.com

Are you passionate about Northwest Florida coastal living? Share your story by using #inspiredEC.

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August–September 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

One smooth wave up,

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August–September 2017

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Where Healthy, Beautiful Skin Awaits

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August–September 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

wave

THE

→ Okaloosa Island Pier is one of five piers on the Emerald Coast that extends up to 1,500 feet into the Gulf of Mexico with elevations of up to 35 feet.

AUG/SEPT 2017

A CONSCIOUS, COOL COMPENDIUM OF COASTAL STUFF

GREAT OUTDOORS

WALK ON WATER

Fishing piers surround visitors with shore, sky and sea So you want to experience some first-person contact with the Gulf of Mexico, but you don’t want to do it by boat? Fishing piers are the answer, and the Emerald Coast features an ideal assortment of them, located from Pensacola to Panama City.

Each pier has at least one facility nearby where you can rent equipment and buy bait, so all you have to do is show up. What you catch often depends on the season. Piers also attract all sorts of people in addition to those who fish. Just catching sight of various ocean creatures or celebrating the rosy glow of dawn or sunset can be the highlight of any day.



SCOTT HOLSTEIN / ROWLAND PUBLISHING FILE PHOTO

by THOMAS J. MONIGAN

CHARACTERS Patriot Poet || CHAMPIONS A Good Defense EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

August–September 2017

21

THE

wave PENSACOLA BEACH GULF PIER

Located at 41 Fort Pickens Road, Pensacola



➺ January–May, August–December: open 6 a.m.–10 p.m.; June–July: open 24 hours ➺ Annual passes available; daily spectator fee: $1.25; daily admission plus fishing license: children under 6 are free, youth are $4.50, adults are $7.50, military and seniors are $6.50 ➺ Pier measures 1,471 feet long and 22 feet high ➺ Water depth at end estimated at 20–23 feet Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier owner Mike Pinzone said the most exotic catch he’s seen on the pier involved a jellynose fish, which usually swims in water 5,000 feet deep. It wound up in a museum at the University of Florida. Pinzone added that he has received permission to build several artificial reefs near the pier.

The pier’s Casino Beach location means nearby access to Gulfside Pavilion as well as Casino Beach Boardwalk, which boasts restaurants, bait and tackle supply shops and surfing gear retailers.

Located at 16201 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach ➺

Open 24 hours daily all year

➺

Daily spectator fee: $3; daily admission plus fishing license: $6

➺

Pier measures 1,500 feet long and 30 feet high

➺

Water depth at end estimated at 25–28 feet

Aquatic superintendent Will Spivey said large sharks, giant sea turtles and Goliath grouper have all visited this pier. Spivey enjoyed hosting country music star Luke Bryan at the pier and supervised his “pier jump,” which is part of Spivey’s local lifeguard training.

There is a restaurant and a bait-and-tackle shop at the base of the pier, which is across the street from the large Pier Park retail and dining development.

PANAMA CITY BEACH M.B. MILLER COUNTY PIER

OKALOOSA ISLAND PIER Located at 1450 Miracle Strip Parkway, Fort Walton Beach

Located at 12213 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach

➺ April–October: open 24 hours; November–March: open 5 a.m.–9 p.m.

➺ Open 24 hours daily all year

➺ Daily spectator fee: $2; daily admission plus fishing license: children 5 and under are free, children 6–12 are $5, adults are $8, seniors are $7.50

➺ Daily spectator fee: $3; daily admission plus fishing license: $6 ➺ Pier measures 1,500 feet long and 30 feet high

➺ Pier measures 1,288 feet long and 35 feet high

➺W ater depth at end estimated at 25–28 feet

➺ Water depth at end estimated at 10–15 feet

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

Pier manager Steve Blouin said that sailfish are caught there once in a while, but ribbonfish are the most exotic catch.

There is a restaurant attached to the pier, which is adjacent to both the Gulfarium and The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island. The Boardwalk also features restaurants, a bait-and-tackle supply shop and surfing gear retailers.

To learn more about Gulf Coast piers, check out “Florida Piers” at thepierlife.com.

August–September 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

Pier attendant Ted Myron recalled a kayaker’s meeting with an 18-foot basking shark weighing about 1,200 pounds that led to a Good Morning America interview and a YouTube video — a “one in a million” experience.

There is a bait-and-tackle shop adjacent to the pier.

NAVARRE BEACH PIER

Located between Pensacola and Destin at 8649 Gulf Blvd., Pensacola ➺ March–April: open 5 a.m.– 8 p.m.; May–October: open 5 a.m.–10 p.m.; November–February: open sunrise to sunset ➺ Annual passes available; daily spectator fee: children under 5 are free, 6–adult are $1; daily admission plus fishing license: children 5 and under are free, youth 6–15 are $4, adults are $7, seniors are $6 ➺ Pier measures 1,545 feet long and 30 feet high ➺ Water depth at end estimated at 32 feet Pier manager Stephanie Maddox pointed out that this pier has its own bait-and-tackle shop and an attached restaurant.

Species caught from the pier vary seasonally. Mackerel are present throughout the warm water months. Anglers target sheepshead in the winter and tackle cobia and pompano in the spring.

Occasional catches may include big game.

PHOTOS BY J.D. ANDREWS / VISIT FLORIDA (PENSACOLA BEACH GULF PIER) AND COURTESY OF PANAMA CITY BEACH CVB (RUSSELL-FIELDS CITY PIER)

PANAMA CITY BEACH RUSSELL-FIELDS CITY PIER

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EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

August–September 2017

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THE

wave

 Retired Lt.

Col. Samuel Lombardo recalls his sense of awe at first seeing the Statue of Liberty.

CHARACTERS

PATRIOT POET

by MATT ALGARIN

S

urrounded by medals, awards, newspaper clippings and other military memorabilia, retired Lt. Col. Samuel Lombardo of Destin can still recall the amazement he felt in 1929 when, perched high on a ship’s intake valve, he first laid eyes on the Statue of Liberty.

“We were on the ship for seven or eight days (coming to Ellis Island from Calabria, Italy),” says Lombardo, who was born in 1919. “I remember, I wanted to be the first to see the Statue of Liberty, so I left my stateroom quietly at about five in the morning and went upstairs to the bow.

There were already 10 to 15 teenagers up there, waiting, in the fog, as we approached New York Harbor. Finally, the fog cleared out, and I saw it. I saw the Statue of Liberty. I knew we were free, then.”

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

Italian immigrant fought for his new homeland at Battle of the Bulge, now leads with words

MY AMERICA As a child, Lombardo and his family were stifled by oppression in Italy, which was under the rule of fascist leader Benito Mussolini. Although he was only 10 years old when he and his family left Italy, Lombardo clearly remembers his life there, particularly how frightening it was.

He recalls a time when, during a parade, he stood next to an older gentleman in poor health who was unable to raise his arm to salute the fascists as they marched by. The old man was noticed and was immediately removed from the crowd — taken, everyone knew, to jail.

Lombardo’s father, who had traveled to the United States as a teenager before returning to Italy, worked two jobs just to fund his family’s journey to America — and ultimately, to their new home in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

August–September 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

BY SAMUEL LOMBARDO

I arrived in America In nineteen hundred and twenty-nine I saw first, the Statue of Liberty And knew that Freedom was mine I lived through the Great Depression And fought in World War II I could not have loved America more Because all I heard was true Our forefathers were dreamers And thought of trying something new So America became the greatest nation That the world ever knew I now felt an obligation Because of all the freedom we have To dedicate my life And defend our country to my grave If all Americans carry out their duties And follow our forefathers’ way Our freedoms will be protected And America will be here to stay

photography by CHASE YAKABOSKI

ND G O L F AE S E N T S N F I T S E W H A R E S A N DH R E S O R T P R N W A Y T O BEAC A L B 1 0 T H T H E

“My dad would remind us, ‘America is now your home, so be sure to be a good citizen and obey the laws,’” Lombardo said. At the age of 19, he joined the National Guard with a friend, and then he attended Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he graduated as a second lieutenant. Lombardo’s military career took him to Europe, where he served as a rifle platoon leader with the 99th Infantry Division from the beginning of the Battle of the Bulge to the end of World War II. It was during the Battle of the Bulge that Lombardo and his men found themselves positioned on a snowy hill near the Belgian and German border. This was to be their last operation before they would advance toward the Cologne Plains and the Rhine River.

“The lines were cut,” Lombardo recalls. “We had to go and repair the cables so we could re-establish communications.”

“The lines were The problem was, the soldiers had to cross a mine field that cut. We had to had already done damage to two go and repair men. With calmness in his voice, the cables so we Lombardo, after saying a prayer to God, led the men across the could re-establish field without incident. He knows communications.” he was lucky that day.

— Retired Lt. Col. Nowadays, Lombardo, who Samuel Lombardo is already planning for his 100th birthday (in two years), reflects on his life and uses his stories to inspire those around him. He is known to attend speaking engagements along the Emerald Coast, where he shares war stories, life lessons and his love of America. His passion for country and life can be found on the pages of “Poems for the Young at Heart: Love, Infatuation, Patriotism, Inspiration and Friendship,” a collection of poetry Lombardo penned over the years and published in 2014.

For Lombardo, poetry offers a platform to express himself and his views, all while keeping his mind sharp. Recently, he penned a piece and sent it to President Donald Trump.

“It’s about making America great again,” the 98-year-old says.

And if anyone understands the great opportunities America provides, it’s Lombardo. From Italy, to Ellis Island, to Pennsylvania, to the battlefields of World War II, the 20-plus-year military veteran says he wouldn’t change a thing about the life he’s lived. It was the American Dream, he’ll tell you.

“I’ve been blessed,” he said. “I’ve lived a great, long life so far.” EC

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August–September 2017

25

THE

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CHAMPIONS

A GOOD DEFENSE SAFER Santa Rosa stands ready for action

A

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management plans chief for Santa Rosa County and the facilitator for SAFER. “We just share information. We don’t try to duplicate services.”

With more than 200 members, SAFER connects individuals and groups in need with other individuals and groups that can help them.

Those members represent all facets of the county, including health care, retail, public education, banking, manufacturing and tourism.

“It’s so much easier to get through those seasons when you have a community that’s already working together,” Nall said. “It’s nice for the outside to come in (and help after a disaster), and it’s appreciated; but it’s so much deeper when it comes from within.”

SAFER has also earned Santa Rosa County national recognition.

In 2014, the county received the National Safety Council’s Safe Communities America designation, which is given to communities that have displayed leadership in promoting safety, reducing injuries and preparing their citizens for natural and manmade disasters.

“We’ve now got a longterm, healthy partnership across all sectors of society in the county,” Nall said.

August–September 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

To maximize those partnerships year-round — particularly in the absence of major hurricanes in the past several years — SAFER has begun to expand its definition of disasters.

“We’re always growing and learning,” SAFER Board Member Sandra Park-O’Hara said. “It keeps morphing. We started with looking at the things we need to do after a hurricane, and now we’re looking at poverty issues.”

In the fall of 2016, SAFER members joined forces to help a local family who had been evicted and was living in a tent with two small children, one of whom was a newborn.

“That was a disaster for that family,” said Park-O’Hara, who is also an administrator for the Department of Health

in Santa Rosa County. “They didn’t have the money to travel. Their car had a bad tire, and we were able to get them a tire and some gift cards to get them to Orlando.”

SAFER has provided furniture for people who lost homes to flooding and helped elderly homeowners make repairs.

“We’re kind of looking at disasters on a more local level,” Park-O’Hara said, adding that she would like to see more local businesses join SAFER. “We’re a community that wants to be responsive.

We appreciate fresh ideas.” EC



s the 2017 hurricane season nears its peak, Northwest Florida communities keep a wary eye on the tropics. It’s the time of year when locals brush up on evacuation routes and restock emergency kits with fresh water and batteries. One coastal county, thanks to the collaboration of business owners, churches, public officials and community groups, has established a powerful line of defense in the form of SAFER Santa Rosa.

“So often, we can be reactive in life and ministry and in business,” said SAFER Board Member Brian Nall, who also serves as pastor at Ferris Hill Baptist Church in Milton. “But it’s not if storms — and even the storms of life — will come but when they will come. And we need to be ready for them.”

SAFER, which stands for Support Alliance For Emergency Readiness, is the successor to Santa Rosa County’s long-term recovery organization, which formed in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan in 2004. The nonprofit functions much like a clearinghouse.

“We aren’t out to compete with anybody,” said Daniel Hahn, emergency

WANT TO JOIN?

Learn more about SAFER Santa Rosa at safersantarosa.org.

PHOTO BY STACIESTAUFFSMITH PHOTOS / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

by KARI C. BARLOW

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August–September 2017

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ELEMENTS OF STYLE RANGING FROM THE SUBLIME TO THE MORE SUBLIME

CITIZEN OF STYLE

Vintage Modern Timeless style with a splash of hipster

by LIESEL SCHMIDT

While vintage-inspired glam might be all the rage at the moment, 28-year-old Pensacola resident Lauren Keen doesn’t rely on the offerings of modern retail’s reimaginings of yesterday’s treasures to satisfy her passion for fashion; instead, she gets them straight from the source, setting off her style with authentically antique pieces that have been passed down through family generations.  FOR HER photography by CHRIS VISUAL

Breezy and Strappy

|| WHAT’S IN STORE Retail Roundup EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

August–September 2017

29

“I’ve inherited so many beautiful pieces from both sides of my family,” says Keen. “My mom grew up in a low-income area in the outskirts of Chicago, and we found out that her family was actually in the Polish mafia!

Interestingly enough, it resulted in a collection of some amazing 1950’s costume jewelry, which I now have and wear as often as I can. From my dad’s side of the family, things are a little more simple; but I really think all of the items I’ve inherited are beautiful and timeless.”

“Timeless” is really a word that speaks to Keen’s overall aesthetic, though she does appreciate mixing up the classics with some of-the-moment pieces.

“It matters more to me that it’s flattering and makes me feel good and confident in myself than if it’s considered to be on-trend,” she says. “So I generally like to wear basics and add a pop of something colorful or unique.”

Working in what one might imagine to be somewhat of a staid environment at a civil engineering firm — Keen’s a marketing manager for the Mott MacDonald Group — it would be easy to assume that her vivid personality is hidden away; but she artfully manages

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to blend self-expression and business dress in a way that shows a firm grasp of her own identity, both as an intelligent, skilled professional and as a confident, outgoing woman.

“Fashion speaks volumes about a person, and it’s something very important to conveying what, exactly, sets you apart as a person and makes you unique.”

Judging both by the contents of her jewelry box as well as her closet, Keen is certainly unique. “I think people wouldn’t expect me to be someone who owns a pair of Converse sneakers,” she says. “I have to dress up for work, so most people are surprised to see that my casual side has somewhat of a hipster flair. I also have authentic lederhosen that I’m absolutely dying to wear! My lifelong best friend Elizabeth has always had a flair for fashion, and she taught me to ‘do you.’ That means wearing what makes your soul feel good, however unexpected or different those things might be,” Keen explains.

Her style is, indeed, a flash of something different — and that’s the kind of vintage worth keeping around. EC

Lauren Keen’s closet ‘must-haves’ ➺ Great jeans, ideally, a pair that “makes your booty look good.”

Start your search at Indigeaux Denim Bar. ➺ A trendy pair of casual sneakers. Cordova Mall presents a wide variety of choices. ➺ A statement necklace, like the ones found at The Market and Mainly Shoes. ➺ A little black dress. Find excellent options at Scout. ➺ A colorful clutch.

Between Boutique has a fine selection of accessories. photography by CHRIS VISUAL

PHOTOS BY BERGAMONT (JEANS), TARZHANOVA (DRESS), JEDSADABODIN (CLUTCH), TEIN79 (SHOES) AND ROLLEIFLEXTLR (NECKLACE) / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS

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August–September 2017

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BREEZY AND STRAPPY Update your summer slides with color, shimmer and sass

by KIRSTIN REDFIELD

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ummertime sandals and bright toenail polish are on full display, so if you’re still in last summer’s flip-flops, treat yourself to an update: breezy sandals in → shimmering metallic or with embellishSlip on these ments from jewels to lace to pom-poms. metallic “Trends include everything from brightly stunners, then lace them colored sandals to high-heeled mules and up your leg, embellished slides … along with platform tying together sandals and flat gladiators,” said Elyse summer’s hottest trends.

Waite, Envie Boutique & Salty Beach Outfitters store manager.

Lace-up gladiator sandals have been the top sellers at The Florida House in Panama City Beach.

“We sell out of those over and over again,” said store manager Danielle Crowson. “They have been the bestsellers of the year by far.”

Another footwear blast from the past that is making a comeback is the comfortable espadrille. Dating to 13th century Spain, espadrilles are summery shoes made of cotton fabric with a rope sole. Traditional espadrilles cover the toes, while contemporary variations are strappier. Espadrilles are light but sturdy, just right for casual summer wear in colors and patterns that are all about summer fun.

If you’re feeling bold, slip on neutral-colored sandals with eyecatching extras such as vividly colored pom-poms, sassy tassels or fringes at the toes or ankles. With a breezy sundress or a simple top with cut-off jean shorts, the boldness of this type of sandal will add just the right amount of “pop” to your outfit.

NAIL

THE LOOK 32

And don’t count out flip-flops, which have staying power that dates to 1500 B.C. Egypt.

“Our summer footwear styles consist of vibrant flip-flops,” said Jennifer Lister, store manager at Vineyard Vines in Miramar Beach. Keep yours up to date with bright colors, cute patterns and a variety of soles that keep your feet comfy.

The keys to sandal success, say Lister and Waite, are to choose varieties that best help you feel great and enjoy your summertime.

“Have fun with all of the different sandal options,” says Waite.

From breathable footwear featuring laces and cutouts to strappy, ankle-tie styles, there are sandals for everyone this summer. EC

With eye-catching sandals on your feet, it’s imperative that your pedicure is on point. With each season come new polish colors to ogle. This summer sizzles with a palette of electric blue (Essie: Butler Please), red coral (OPI: Living on the Bula-Vard!), peachy pink (Chanel Les Vernis: Tulle) and muted metallic (Sally Hansen: Glow with the Flow). The cheery nature of summer makes for the ideal time to experiment with nail art, such as a playful pineapple or a smiling sunshine.

August–September 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

photography by SAIGE ROBERTS

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Turning a year old this August, IS THAT 4 ME BOUTIQUE is a fashionforward venue located in the Shoppes of Paradise Isle of Destin.

This fall, peruse the hottest coastal styles with a drink in your hand during Wine and Cheese Wednesdays — a refreshing twist on the conventional shopping experience.

GRUB AND GROOVES

One of the most beloved restaurants of Destin has opened a new location on Grayton Beach. Complete with an updated menu and a rockin’ lineup of live musical talents, AJ’S continues to function as the place to be. Sushi enthusiasts will also delight in AJ’s massive, 75-seat sushi bar.

 WHAT’S IN STORE? A roundup of retail happenings throughout the Emerald Coast

by ZANDRA WOLFGRAM

On September 24, The Village of Baytowne Wharf is hosting a one-of-a-kind retail event that you won’t want to miss: PASSPORT TO FASHION: BRUNCH AND BUBBLY. Participants will receive passports and will gather stamps on them at shops like Barefoot Princess, Island Clothiers, Coconut Kidz and Sandestin Clothing Company — all while stopping at cocktail and brunch stations along the way. Filling up a passport earns you an entry to win the Grand Prize. This event benefits the Sandestin Foundation for Kids.

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August–September 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

SWEET STYLE

New to the Market Shops of Destin is CHAPEAU & CHOCOLAT. The name says it all, serving as your one-stop shop for designer hats and gourmet, European chocolates. As a part of the Pop and Shop Concert Series this August, enjoy live music around the Market Shops and stop

by Chapeau & Chocolat for a tasty treat.

PHOTOS BY CHELSEA MOORE (MINGLE) AND COURTESY OF SANDESTIN GOLF AND BEACH RESORT / HELLO MISS LOVELY (ISLAND CLOTHIERS) AND CHAPEAU & CHOCOLAT / ANGELA POWELL

One of the latest shops to open in 30 Avenue is MINGLE, a contemporary, coast-influenced home goods store. While you’ll find plenty of uniquely crafted permanent furnishings for your home, Mingle really specializes in event decoration. To ensure that all fall celebrations are stylish and smart, head to Mingle.

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August–September 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

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AUG/SEPT 2017

CREATIVE WORKS LAND ON PAGES, CANVASES AND STAGES

←

Keyboardist John Russo, drummer Joey Kirkland and bass player Johnnie Burrows — the Jam Kings — stick to a time-honored list of rock, pop, country and piano bar standards that get people to their feet.

MUSIC

LUNCH COUNTER ROYALTY The Jam Kings are committed to keeping it real

by STEVE BORNHOFT

ART photography by MICHAEL BOOINI

Postcards from Paradise

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Women’s Wisdom

EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

August–September 2017

39

expression I ask the Kings to describe their target audience.

“Middle age, appreciate music, like to dance,” Kirkland offers.

“We’ve played places where the manager tells us they had never seen people get up and dance before. But they get up for us.”

The Kings’ playlist includes rock, pop, country and piano-bar standards. “Rocky Top” and “Wagon Wheel” are about as close as they come to bluegrass, but Russo can coax a banjo out of his piano so effectively that ← audience members, Not exactly Abbey especially after Road: The Jam a few, have Kings hit their stride and shake out some jams along a been known paved walkway at Under to look the Oaks Park in Panama around, trying City. Despite varying political views, music to find a picker. unites them.

All three Kings sing, and Kirkland has been known to affect female voices when necessary.

“If there’s a song I can’t sing, I’ll sing at it,” Kirkland confesses.

(Be sure to request “Girl Crush” or Johnnie Burrows, it had been a fine morning.

by Little Big Town the next time He was feeling flush after selling a guitar for a you catch the Kings.) good price to the ex-husband of an ex-girlfriend “Johnnie’s the crooner,” Russo — and nobody knows better than Johnnie that allows. “Interacting with the audithere is a country song in there somewhere. ence is a big part of what we do, but Burrows has been around guitars since he was a kid Johnnie connects with the ladies in growing up in Kansas about 30 miles east of Joplin, Misways that Joey and I wouldn’t dare.” souri. His brother won a six-string as a prize from the (Russo and Kirkland are married, Arthur Godfrey radio show, but couldn’t figure out how to and their wives never miss a show finger it. But Johnnie, then 14, did, and it wasn’t but a few — or a beat.) years later that he caught on with a band called The Ra“In the course of a night,” Rusvens, put together by Steve Raines, aka Okie Crawdaddy, so continues, “Johnnie will have who went on to play for Lynyrd Skynyrd. Such was Burfour, five women each convinced rows’s brush with fame. that she is with him. Those ladies These days, Burrows, 71, is the guitarist for a three-piece, might sit together for a time, but old-school variety band, the Jam Kings, which plays in and they wind up leaving separately.” around Panama City. I meet him at Coram’s Steak and Egg Collectively, the Kings emphaon 23rd Street. Leaning on his black, extended-cab Chevy size that their music is real. No pickup, we chat for a time while waiting on the band’s other canned stuff. What you hear from members to arrive. Burrows has a voice that reflects a lifethe Kings at the VFW Hall is no time of smoking, and he’s mastered the art of false modesty. different than the sound they proI couldn’t much hear him, but I nodded along. duce in a recording studio. In laying Presently, John Russo (keyboards/bass), 66, and Joey Kirkdown their CD, in fact, they nailed land (drums), 61, roll up on us. We all slide into a booth and nine tracks out of 12 in one take. each order today’s special: meatloaf with mashed potatoes “We haul a lot of equipment. and gravy; macaroni and cheese; yellow-green, school-lunchWe’re too cheap for computers,” program style peas and cake for dessert. Five ninety-nine.

Russo chimes in. A purist such as

F

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Neil Young would applaud their devotion to authenticity.

The group came together three years ago when Russo and Kirkland, who both graduated from Bay High School in Panama City once upon a time, knew there were gigs to be had, but they lacked a guitar player. They approached Burrows, who briefly demurred, but Russo and Kirkland, who are convinced that Burrows could play just about anything, knew better.

They’ve been jammin’ ever since.

From time to time, the Kings are joined by bass player Mitch Rexrode, another local product, whose middle-of-his-back-length, white-blond mane Mary Travers would have envied.

“We should have had Mitch join us,” Kirkland muses aloud.

“I can promise you he would be the funniest guy here,” Russo adds.

Not that the Kings are humorless — far from it. At the mention of the gag he em“We’ve played ploys involving places where outsized women’s the manager undergarments, Burrows chortles. tells us they He’s been quihad never seen et, having taken people get a methodical approach to his up and dance meal, ciphering before. But they on which parts get up for us.” of it he should leave alone. He’s —Joey Kirkland, The dieting, you see, Jam Kings (drummer) and has amazed his doctor by losing weight and kicking his tobacco habit at the same time.

Burrows stares down his cake for a time, and then it is gone, as suddenly as a frog ingests a fly.

As the party breaks up, Burrows tosses a double sawbuck and a 10spot on the table — proceeds from the guitar sale. But, at that, the waitress relays to him a message from the owner of the restaurant.

“Your money’s no good in here,” she says.

It’s good to be Kings. EC photography by MICHAEL BOOINI

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41

expression ART

Postcards from Paradise Iconic images sent around the world

by KIM HARRIS THACKER

→

Postcards have been in use almost as long as maildelivery systems, with the first postcard making its appearance in England in 1840. In 1861, John P. Charlton copyrighted the first American-made postcard.

The first postcard in the United States that was printed for souvenir purposes advertised the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.

“Linen” postcards, not actually made from linen, were popular in the U.S. during the 1920s, and they remained popular until about 1940. Linen postcards are easily recognizable due to their super-bright colors and embossed, linen-like paper. The “chrome” postcard, which looks like a glossy photograph, has been in use since 1939, and it remains the most popular postcard style today.

Deltiology is the study and the collection of postcards but you don’t need to be a deltiologist to appreciate the vibrant colors and funky fonts on these vintage beauties.

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➸ In the

1960s, a beautiful young woman named Melody May Keene (1948-2015) became one of Panama City Beach’s first “beach models.” She was featured on numerous “Miracle Strip” postcards, brochures and ads, all of which promoted tourism along the Gulf Coast. Keene is best known for posing for what has become the iconic Miracle Strip postcard. While Keene’s beachwear would be in fashion today, the Top o’ the Strip Observation Tower, which appears in the background of the photo, was demolished in 1995.

IMAGES COURTESY OF STATE ARCHIVES OF FLORIDA, FLORIDA MEMORY (MELODY MAY KEENE, GIDEON THOMAS, GOOFY GOLF AND PALAFOX STREET), ABANDONEDFL.COM (MIRACLE STRIP AMUSEMENT PARK), DIGITALCOMMONWEALTH.ORG (FLORIDA AND “MISS TEK-NI-COLOR”)

➸ The “Miss Tek-Ni-Color”

was a 65-foot fishing vessel that operated out of Destin and was captained

by Tim Boone. In 1955, during the Destin DeepSea Rodeo, Frank Brown Jr. of Atlanta generated a lot of dock talk after landing a 32-pound red snapper while on board the large party boat.

The boat changed hands over the years and was moved to St. Michael’s, Maryland, where it was operated as a cruise vessel, and then to Columbia, South Carolina, where it served as a tour boat known as the “Southern Patriot” until just a couple of years ago.

➸ From 1963 to 2003,

Miracle Strip Amusement Park in Panama City Beach attracted visitors from across the country. It was home to The Starliner — the first roller coaster in the state of Florida. In 1983, Shipwreck Island Waterpark was added across the street. While only overgrown sidewalks and structural foundations remain at the original Miracle Strip Amusement Park site, some of the park’s rides are now found in Miracle Strip at Pier Park.

Shipwreck Island Waterpark is still in operation.

➸ Gideon Thomas was

known as the first developer of Panama City Beach. In the 1930s, he owned 104 acres of beachfront property, part of which boasted a 1,000-foot-long wooden pier that extended into the Gulf. While visitors to Panama City Beach can no longer walk the length of this particular pier — the remains of which can be seen at Pineapple Willy’s Restaurant — two even longer piers are now located in Panama City Beach. (See page 22.)

➸ Take a close look at the

right side of this postcard, which depicts Pensacola’s Palafox Street as it existed in the 1940s, and you will see a building labeled “Rex.” For the first 15 or so years of its existence, this building was known as the Rhoades Futch Collins Furniture Store. In 1937, however, it became The Rex Theatre, where many a blackand-white Humphrey Bogart movie was enjoyed. Motorists driving down Palafox Street today still pause at the site of this gorgeous, art decostyle building.

Coastal Northwest Florida is rich with history. Throughout the years, many colorful characters have lived in the area. Evidence of their contributions can still be seen, not just in postcards from bygone days but in a leisurely drive down Scenic Highway 30A.

➸ Head down Front Beach

Road in Panama City and you can’t miss Goofy Golf.

Developed by Lee Koplin in 1958, Goofy Golf was just one of Koplin’s miniature Gulf Coast golf parks (called “Tom Thumb” parks in the ’20s and ’30s); he also developed parks in Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach. The three parks were filled with cement statues of all shapes and sizes, the odder, the better! But Koplin’s design skills expanded beyond the concrete structures at Goofy Golf: In the 1960s, perhaps due to the popularity of Wild West TV shows, Koplin built a kitschy ghost town called Tombstone Territory, which visitors could reach via the Iron Horse — an open-air steam locomotive.

EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

August–September 2017

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expression

STAGE

Grand Boulevard is So Dramatic The Town Center repurposes empty retail space to provide a home for Emerald Coast Theatre Company ZANDRA WOLFGRAM by

 44

To find out how you can help support ECTC and to learn what it will be staging next at 560 Grand Boulevard, visit emeraldcoasttheatre.org and sign up for e-news.

August–September 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

S

ome people are perplexed when faced with a blank slate; some are terrified. When Stacey Brady and members of the South Walton Fashion Week event team and the Cultural Arts Alliance gathered to look at 17,800 square feet of undeveloped office space on the second floor of 560 Grand Boulevard in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, everyone was silent.

“I think we all saw it and nearly cried,” said Brady, who serves as the director of marketing and communications for an annual event series, Coastal Culture at Grand Boulevard. But Brady’s welling tears were tears of joy.

“The space was so cool,” she said. “Very much a blank canvas, and that is ideal when you have a creative team, as we do.”

After about a month, some investment in basic comforts and a lot of elbow grease, the “industrial-inspired, urban” space was ready to open to the public.

It was purposely kept bare and spare: an open ceiling, concrete floors and empty walls. The restrooms are virtually the only amenity.

After its successful debut hosting South Walton Fashion Week in October 2016, Brady, a theater devotee and board member for Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC), ushered in a second act: plans to utilize the “dark” office space as a creative space for select events and fundraisers and for a nontraditional performance space for ECTC. The versatile theater troop had already successfully presented quality programming for Theatre Thursdays in Grand Park for two summers as part of the Coastal Culture series, and Brady was confident they could bring life to the space.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EMERALD COAST THEATRE COMPANY

← “Bakersfield Mist,” a comedy-drama by Stephen Sachs, stars local actors Bruce Collier and Teance Blackburn. ↑ “Constellations,” a relationship drama by Nick Payne that was popularized on Broadway by Jake Gyllenhaal, locally features actors Kristin Devin and Kevin Dejesus Jones.

The management and owners of Grand Boulevard were all for it. “We are fortunate to have such a forward-thinking team that supports the arts,” Brady said.

Volunteers and board members teamed up to help ECTC configure and define the space by draping fabric and stacking objects for walls, building a stage, stringing up lights, installing works of 25 local artists into a retail art gallery exhibit in the “front of house” and readying the “back of house” for performances.

Locals Nathanael and Anna Fisher formed the ECTC as a professional theater company in 2012, but staging three mainstage plays, a young-audience production and a fall fundraiser all in the same physical location was a first for this non-profit.

“It’s amazing,” says Nathanael Fisher, who is the ECTC producing artistic director. “There has always been excitement around our shows, but having a theater space that could hold sets, lighting and a stage has made a real difference.

From day one, I could see and feel how it affected our actors in their performance.”

Having a physical address has enabled ECTC to build its following and expand its offerings within the new space.

Some of the plans for the 2017 season include adding a musical production to the main-stage season, developing a theater program for young audiences and launching the inaugural Northwest Florida Theater Festival in mid-May in partnership with the Cultural Arts Alliance and as part of Art Week South Walton.

“This space at Grand Boulevard provides us with more opportunities and more ways to live our mission to entertain and enrich through theater,” Fisher says. “Having a place for the community to gather to see thought-provoking stories and relate to one another and experience theater in a space dedicated to it is a true gift.”

And it’s a gift that is certainly deserving of a bow. Bravo! EC

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45

expression

BOOKS

WOMEN’S WISDOM

↖ This Gulf Breeze author penned a book that becomes complete only when the reader interacts with it.

Joy and sorrow offer life lessons

T

he experience of reading Kathleen Vestal Logan’s latest book, “Women’s Wisdom: Pass it On!,” is akin to that of sitting in quiet conversation with a friend.

According to etiquette expert Emily Post, the best conversations are “a matter of equal give and take.” One would, therefore, expect a selfproclaimed book of wisdom to simply give. How, then, does “Women’s Wisdom” create in the reader a sense of having contributed in a meaningful way to a conversation?

It might have something to do with the format.

“Women’s Wisdom” is an interactive book. Readers who make notes in the book and rank themselves on charts and fill in blanks contribute to the book’s very structure.

“Women’s Wisdom” doesn’t reach its full potential, nor is it meant to, until the reader interacts with it. At times, this means putting the book aside in order to write in a journal or do a bit of pondering. And rare is the author who has the confidence to ask her reader to put down the book she has so lovingly crafted. But it’s a risk Logan is willing to take.

“I want women to think,” Logan said in an interview. “I don’t want the reading to be a static experience. I want to stimulate their thinking. I want them to think, to write and to do. That’s better that just reading.”

In “Women’s Wisdom,” Logan invites readers to keep a gratitude journal and to take a moment each night to write down a few things she was grateful for that day. But Logan

is not one to dole out advice without heeding it herself.

When asked what she wrote most recently in her own gratitude journal, she said, “Having my family near me is a great blessing. The other big blessings are that I’m healthy, I have a wonderful husband who loves me, and my husband and I are very engaged in our community.”

The reader is also invited to identify her top three core values, which for Logan are integrity, honesty and fairness.

“Inclusiveness is another big one for me — to reach out and include people,” Logan said.

“Another is respect for other people. We all deserve respect.”

Logan’s willingness to share deeply personal experiences in “Women’s Wisdom” displays her belief in reaching out with honesty to other people, and

her expectation that the reader will respect her as she respects the reader. One such personal experience is the death of Logan’s infant son, Robert.

“It’s hard to share something so personal, but I think it’s necessary,” Logan said. “I think we need to share that devastating things happen, and we might think we’ll never make it, but we can. We will. We do. We do have the strength, if we reach deep, to go on, even when we think we can’t.”

Sorrow is something that all humans experience at one point or another; and while there is no doubt that women are the target audience for “Women’s Wisdom,” the book is a great read for anyone — male or female, young or old.

We all have a little wisdom to pass along and much to learn. EC

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A successful, award-winning writer and motivational speaker, Kathleen Vestal Logan lives in Gulf Breeze. “Women’s Wisdom: Pass It On!” (2015) is Logan’s second book. Her first book, “Second Blooming for Women: Growing a Life that Matters after Fifty” (2010), was co-written with Betsy Smith, Ph.D. Both books have received numerous accolades, including bronze medals in the National Mature Media Awards, a competition that honors “the best marketing, communications, educational materials, and programs for older adults.” “Women’s Wisdom” was also a finalist in the 2016 International Book Awards. To learn more about Kathleen Vestal Logan and her books, visit her website, womenswisdompassiton.com.

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August–September 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

photography by SAIGE ROBERTS

PHOTO COURTESY OF KATHLEEN VESTAL LOGAN (HEADSHOT)

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gastro&gusto AUG/SEPT 2017

DINING, IMBIBING AND LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST

LIBATIONS

SWEET SANGRIA Traditional wine-based libation makes the perfect punch for summer

by JASON DEHART

DINING IN photography by SAIGE ROBERTS

Under Pressure

|| DINING OUT

Paradise Cuisine

|| DINING GUIDE

See Page 141

EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

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49

gastro & gusto

↙

A variation on a classic — blackberry and blood orange sangria. Start with the basics and add your favorite seasonal fruit.

↑ Classic Spanish Sangria INGREDIENTS ➸ 1 lemon ➸ 1 lime ➸ 1 orange ➸ 1 1/2 cups rum ➸ 1/2 cup white

sugar

➸ 1 (750 milliliter)

bottle dry red wine ➸ 1 cup orange juice

T

here’s nothing like the refreshing, sweet flavor of a fruity sangria on a hot summer evening. The great thing about it is you don’t need to go to bartender school to enjoy it. You can either buy Spanish sangria off the shelf any place where wine is sold, or you can simply buy a red wine (or white) and create your own from scratch.

There are undoubtedly many different recipes for sangria, but I like to keep things simple. It’s easy enough to snatch up a bottle of your favorite sangria at Publix while shopping for supper.

50

Even though it may be good as-is, you’ll probably want to swing by the produce department for some oranges, tangerines, lemons and limes to add to the mix.

Slice the fruit into wedges or rounds, pour the wine, and mix. Let it soak in the fridge for a little while, long enough to chill and for the fruit to soak. Soaking overnight is better, but who wants to wait that long? Either way, you have a relaxing beverage bursting with fruit flavors. When the wine is gone, you can gobble the “drunk” fruit for dessert. You can kick your sangria up a notch with the

August–September 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

addition of brandy or, in the case of the recipe above, rum.

I like to mix this libation up in a quartsized ceramic Columbia Restaurant sangria pitcher bought during a visit to St. Augustine. Of course, you could just use some non-descript glass carafe for this purpose, but the colorful, handmade Columbia pitcher is iconic and full of spirit (no pun intended). It’s also appropriate considering it was made in Spain, where the beverage itself originated hundreds of years ago. You can order them online at columbiarestaurant.com. EC photography by SAIGE ROBERTS

PHOTO BY ARINA P HABICH / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM (CUT CITRUS)

Chill the fruit, rum, wine and orange juice. Slice the lemon, lime and orange into thin rounds and place in a large glass pitcher. Add the rum and sugar. Chill in refrigerator for two hours to develop the flavors. When ready to serve, crush the fruit lightly with a wooden spoon and stir in the wine and orange juice. Adjust sweetness to taste. (allrecipes.com)

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gastro & gusto ← Short Ribs Recipe Beef short ribs are a go-to pressure cooker dinner in our house.

Here’s our recipe: INGREDIENTS ➸8 beef short ribs

(can substitute oxtail)

DINING IN

UNDER PRESSURE

The secret weapon in my kitchen

by MATT ALGARIN

I

t’s 2017, and we are all busy. Whether it’s with our careers, families, dating, exercising or figuring out this thing called life, there are just not enough hours in the day to accomplish everything on our to-do lists. For some people, preparing a home-cooked meal after a long day at the office is the last thing they want to think about, especially when it’s just as easy to zip through the drive-thru at their favorite fast food joint. Heck, it’s even easier to belly-up to the bar at a favorite watering hole and grab a cold beer and a bite to eat.

If the thought of setting foot in the kitchen scares you — we’ve all seen an episode of “Worst Cooks in America” and know a few folks who could star on the show — the microwave or crockpot may be your go-to cooking technique. But did you know that you have another option?

Enter the friendly, yet somewhat intimidating,

52

pressure cooker. Sure, it looks like a contraption that’s ready to rupture, especially if you remember versions from 20 years ago. It howls, whistles and makes sounds eerily similar to diving equipment or a boiler room. But don’t hesitate to try one out; today’s pressure cookers are completely safe and will transform the way you cook, not to mention save you time.

Dating back to the 1600s, pressure cookers have long been the perfect tool to tame the toughest cuts of meat or to reduce the overall cooking time of your favorite proteins, beans, etc. Dry beans, which are a staple in my wife’s diet, and beef ribs are two of my favorite foods for pressure cooking. And did you know you can also use a pressure cooker to can vegetables and all sorts of goodies?

The science behind the pressure cooker is pretty simple. Pressure is created inside the vessel by boiling liquid — typically broth, stock or water — with the lid on. As the cooker heats up, the trapped steam increases the internal pressure, which raises the temperature inside the pot and speeds up the cooking process.

Large roasts, which tend to be tough and often need to cook for hours upon hours in a traditional oven, can be cooked in almost half the time in a pressure cooker.

As a society constantly on the go, we can all appreciate a little extra time — which is why the pressure cooker is my secret-weapon tool. For less than $100, you can have a high quality pressure cooker delivered to your door.

Just remind yourself, you’ve got this under control, even if you’re under pressure. EC

August–September 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

chopped

➸ 1 cup red wine

(optional)

Season short ribs with Sazon seasoning and garlic salt. Heat pressure cooker to mediumhigh. Add vegetable oil to pressure cooker.

Add seasoned short ribs to pressure cooker and sear on all sides (approximately 1 minute per side). Remove ribs from pressure cooker. Add diced onion and garlic to pressure cooker and sauté until fragrant, stirring frequently. Add red wine to onion mixture to deglaze pressure cooker; let sauce reduce to cook out alcohol. Add short ribs and beef stock to pressure cooker. Place lid on pot and lock in place. Turn heat up to high and allow pressure to rise.* When cooker is at pressure, reduce heat to mediumhigh. Cook for 45 minutes, then remove from heat.

Do not attempt to remove lid until pressure has dropped. Serve short ribs with white or brown rice, or your favorite side dish.

Garnish with cilantro.

Makes 2 servings. * NOTE: Pressure cookers come in several varieties. Yours may have a steam spout in its lid, which you will need to cap with a petcock (a weighted gauge) when the cooker comes to pressure. Alternately, your pressure cooker may have a pressure dial on the lid or be entirely devoid of a pressure indicator. Just read your pressure cooker’s instruction manual so you can raise and lower pressure in your cooker safely.

PHOTO BY ROHIT SETH / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Beef short ribs cook to perfection in less than an hour in a pressure cooker. This comeback appliance is a time-tested time-saver.

➸ 2 tbsp. vegetable oil ➸ 3 –4 cups of beef stock ➸½ yellow onion, diced ➸4 cloves of garlic ➸ s alt and pepper, to taste ➸ 1 tsp. Sazon seasoning ➸½ tsp. garlic salt ➸¼ cup fresh cilantro,

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53

gastro & gusto

↙

Cast-iron filet seared in duck fat and served with lobster tail tempura

DINING IN

PARADISE CUISINE

Surf and turf in Rosemary Beach

I

f you frequent Rosemary Beach, you’re likely well aware of Restaurant Paradis, the premier fine dining venue that has been a local favorite since 2009. Co-owned by husband and wife team Danny and Monica Cosenzi, Paradis serves surf-and-turf like you’ve never had it before.

The couple, originally from “up north,” was drawn by the allure of coastal culture and cuisine and vacationed in the area for some 16 years. Danny Cosenzi, who has run restaurants for over 30 years, says the establishment of Paradis was as simple as taking a chance on an opportunity that presented itself. That opportunity led the Cosenzis to establish permanent residency on the Emerald Coast so they could run a four-star restaurant.

It’s not difficult to see how Paradis earned its esteemed rating in overall quality. Cosenzi explains that Chef Mark Eichin gives 110 percent when it comes to the restaurant’s menu, which fluctuates seasonally. Eichin’s talents are also featured at Cosenzi’s newest restaurant in Panama City Beach, Back Beach Barbecue. Eichin has been with

54

the Cosenzis since the advent of Paradis, where, along with Sous Chef William Weihl and Chef de Cuisine Simon Sullivan, he constructs gourmet dishes in accordance with the freshest catches and produce.

“We try to use local farmers as much as possible,” Cosenzi says. “We’re using all the coastal seafood that comes in, like snapper and grouper. And we’ve got great steaks and chops.”

Among those “great steaks and chops” is the cast iron filet, a delectable cut of meat seared in duck fat that customers refuse to let Paradis take off the menu.

August–September 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

Other favorites tend to be the bone marrow encrusted ribeye and the tomahawk pork chop.

As far as atmosphere goes, Paradis offers a variety of options to suit your fancy. Customers are free to take advantage of the restaurant’s full patio seating — a place to enjoy the night air while maintaining a secluded, private dining experience. Just inside is the dining room, embellished with chandeliers and art. Alternatively, there’s the Paradis Lounge, featuring cozy cubbies and bar seating. Cosenzi likes to think of it as a more “family style” ambience for the usual patrons.

“Our bartenders know everybody who walks through the door. We definitely have a

cast of regulars who are with us year round, even beyond busy season, which is just amazing,” he says.

New patrons can ask the talented bartenders for recommendations, perhaps one of Paradis’ signature martinis.

Cosenzi stresses that they are a staff-driven restaurant. “We owe it to our manager, Sara Reese, and the rest,” he says. “The pride they take in their work and what they’ve done to allow my wife and I to have this opportunity … All I can say is, we’re truly blessed to have them.”

That passion and dedication translates into the flavor of each dish, where one bite is a transportation to paradise. EC

← Restaurant Paradis

Bandita Fashioned INGREDIENTS ➸ kosher salt ➸ chili powder ➸ 2 oz. Milagro Reposado tequila ➸ ½ oz. agave nectar syrup ➸ 4–5 dashes Angostura bitters ➸ 1 sprig of rosemary

Mix kosher salt and chili powder together, then wet the rim of a rocks glass with water and press into the mixture. In a mixing glass, add ice and the Milagro Reposado tequila, agave nectar syrup and dashes of Angostura bitters. Stir until incorporated and strain into rimmed rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RESTAURANT PARADIS / TOMMY CROW STUDIOS (FILET) AND COURTESY OF RESTAURANT PARADIS (BANDITA FASHIONED)

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55

Mount ain Ret reat 30A’S FAVORITE

Dr. Scott Ewing DH/BB

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August–September 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

Abodes

AUG/SEPT 2017

TRENDS FROM FLOOR TO CEILING, FRONT TO BACK



PHOTO COURTESY OF CAMBRIA, CAMBRIAUSA.COM, 866-CAMBRIA

Torquay from Cambria presents a marble-like appearance that is both posh and continental, delivered in soft, creamy tones.

INTERIORS

COUNTERTOPS DAZZLING LOOKS, COOL CHOICES

by ELIZABETH B. GOLDSMITH

EXTERIORS

Tree Houses

|| DIY

A Cottage-Style Window Box

|| GARDENING

Mulch Helps Plants

EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

August–September 2017

57

I

magine the perfect kitchen, bathroom and wet bar. They all have one thing in common: great countertops.

Countertops are the mostused surfaces in the house, and because they are generally thought of as permanent, there is a certain amount of pressure to get them right.

First, get inspired by looking at countertops on Pinterest, in model homes, in store displays, in magazines, on HGTV, at home shows and in your friends’ homes. Notice main colors and accents, patterns (subtle or bold) and edges, from waterfall to bullnose.

Next, choose your material.

Typical choices include quartz, granite, marble, solid surface, laminate, recycled, wood and metals. Quartz has consistent color and never needs to be sealed. Manufactured quartz countertops use up to 94 percent

58

quartz, and famous brand names include Cambria, Silestone and Viatera. White marble can become scratched and stained.

Cambria offers a quartz countertop that looks like marble but lacks its issues. Granite has natural beauty and is highly durable. Solid surface, like Corian, is durable, seamless and can be cut to any shape. Laminate is the most affordable option, with fair durability and stain resistance. Recycled countertops, such as Curava Recycled Glass Countertops, are easy to clean and use limited resources from post-consumer and postindustrial products. Wood is a classic — think butcher block, although there are other forms — but it needs periodic resealing. Stainless steel or copper are metal choices inspired by the industrial look of largescale restaurant kitchens.

Once you’ve settled on a type

August–September 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

talk islands. Islands can blend with the rest of the kitchen or stand out. You can choose one countertop for your kitchen cupboards and another, completely different countertop for your island.

Just make sure your ↖ choices work toAvailable from Cambria in high gloss gether and and matte, Clareanne’s with the elegant, flowing design rest of features a soft-gray background with the kitchen. end-to-end linear Wood — warm white threads. and natural — can be used to provide contrast to an all-white or black-and-white kitchen.

It’s naturally antibacterial, and, when properly treated, it repels stains and moisture. Stainless steel is another eye-catching choice for an island countertop.

Once your countertop purchases are finalized, a fabricator will make an appointment to of material, think about manucome to your house for measurfacturers. There will be many ing and to discuss placement to choose from, so look for of seams. Granite, quartz, and quality, value, design, craftslaminate countertops have vismanship and brands you can ible seams. Small pieces used trust. When you’ve settled on in bathrooms and wet bars may a manufacturer, you can begin avoid seams. your selection of color and patNow that you’re ready to tern. Pick up samples to check install, keep in mind that inhow various colors, which range stallers should have passed from sea salt to deep black, look background checks, should be in your home. If you’re drawn insured or licensed and their to white countertops, don’t work should be guaranteed. forget that there are cool and Product warranties depend on warm whites. You may find that the manufacturer and type of your color choice is influenced countertop. by how much sunlight your On installation day, your part kitchen gets. A darker kitchen is to clear and clean everything begs for a brighter, lighter and to keep children and pets countertop, while a kitchen out of the work area for their that gets a lot of sunshine can safety. Keep in mind, too, that handle a darker countertop or plumbing, gas and/or electricone with a bold or characterisity may be disconnected. But tic pattern. Patterns range from it will all be worth it, when the solid colors all the way to heavy countertops are finally in place swirls and pebble effects. and you can stand back and enLet’s pause for a minute and joy the view. EC

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAMBRIA, CAMBRIAUSA.COM, 866-CAMBRIA

abodes

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

RELAX AND REFLECT Tuskers allows your home to express its style

BY REBECCA PADGETT

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August–September 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

COURTESY OF TUSKERS HOME STORE

A

home is not simply four walls, a roof and a floor. Your home is more substantial than just a place to escape the elements or lay your head to rest. Whether your home is newly constructed and awaiting memories of years to come or has been lovingly lived in for decades, Tuskers Home Store makes it their mission to create a custom interior design that is both stunning and uniquely yours.

With a plethora of accessories, patterns, color palettes and gadgets to choose from, furnishing your home can become overwhelming, especially in an ever-changing industry.

Tuskers will help you visualize your home as a personal escape, whether that includes light and airy color schemes or rich and vibrant patterns.

By assessing your wants and needs for your home, it becomes easy to select an overall theme. From there, Tuskers often encourages picking a few eclectic accent pieces that will be eye-catchers and conversation starters. This may take you out of your comfort zone but will result in a stunning focal point. An ornate area rug, abstract artwork or the mixing of leathers and print fabrics may do just the trick.

With over 1,000 fabrics and leathers to choose from, it is guaranteed you will find a style for your home, if not multiple. A range of options also allows you to select the price point that best matches your budget.

Furnishing your home should be an enjoyable and collaborative experience that aids in furthering the adoration of the space where you spend the majority of your time. The design team focuses on maintaining the overall vision you have in mind based off of your home construction, layout and location.

From the rustic charm of Rosemary Beach to the innovative and bold style of Seaside to the alluring Tuscan-inspired homes of Sandestin, each home is unique yet fitting of its surroundings.

They say that home is where the heart is. Tuskers believes that to be whole-heartedly true.

Your memories and moments are made here, and the furnishings should reflect that.

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Eclectic and warm mixes of reclaimed woods, soft metals and natural fibers compose the design foundation of many homes in the area. These pieces bring forth comfort and quality, which are primary, driving forces in Tuskers’ design jobs. The sustainability of these products will serve families for many years of sunsoaked Emerald Coast fun. Subtle greys, whites and browns make for a pleasing color palate in almost any home and allow for key pieces to take the forefront.

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August–September 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

COURTESY OF TUSKERS HOME STORE

SPECIAL PROMOTION

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Each home has a life it was meant to live — whether that be coastal casual with cool blues and island touches or something a tad more vivid or even traditional. Investing time into your home will allow it to reveal its character. You can then design a plan that brings about true potential.

Modern, beachy, artsy, contemporary, classic or a mix of many styles, Tuskers can accommodate.

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Outdoor living spaces can quickly become one of the most important areas in the design process. From summer barbecues to winter bonfires, outdoor spaces often hold as many memories as indoor spaces. In order to make the most of the great outdoors, investment in outdoor furnishings should be considered. The outdoor elements need to be a continuation of the inside of the home in both design and quality. Achieving maximum comfort and superior style is essential. No plastic patio furniture allowed.

The harsh salt air, humidity and heat are also of paramount consideration when selecting outdoor products. Selections must be made of substantial materials if you plan to have them last through a single Florida season.

With top-of-the-line brands such as Tommy Bahama and Summer Classics, homeowners can truly create their own personal backyard resort.

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August–September 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

COURTESY OF TUSKERS HOME STORE

SPECIAL PROMOTION

SPECIAL PROMOTION

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abodes EXTERIORS

TREE HOUSES Up, up, and away

by ELIZABETH B. GOLDSMITH

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PHOTO BY MONKEY BUSINESS IMAGES / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

I

f you’ve ever thought about building a tree house for your kids but have held off because you had no idea where to begin, know that you’re not alone.

Know, too, that Emerald Coast Magazine has you covered with these helpful design and construction tips.

The first step you’ll need to take is to find out whether you need a special building permit. Does your neighborhood have certain covenants or codes when it comes to tree houses? Once you’ve got that figured out, you can move on to actually designing the tree house. If the idea of designing a tree house from scratch is too daunting, you can always purchase a freestanding, pre-fabricated play-set with a tree house tower. These kits are available from Home Depot, Lowe’s or Wayfair. Assembling a pre-fabricated tree house is much easier than building one, but the result is never as unique as a hand-built, elevated platform set among the trees.

If you’re willing to go the made-fromscratch route, consider your kids’ ages.

Age will determine the size of the tree house, its height from the ground and the type of ladder or steps you — or someone else, depending on whether or ↖ not you have carpentry skills — Not far from the Gulf shore, sturdy will build to access it. oaks and magnolias Select the tree house’s provide perfect foundations location. Most tree houses get for treehouses, unleashing childhood their interior light from the imaginations for sun, so choose a nice, sunny many generations. spot. Depending on the size of the tree house and the complexity of its architecture, you may need to bring in a tree specialist to determine if the tree you’ve selected is sturdy enough to support your kids’ special hideaway.

Think about the tree house’s design. Would you like it to blend in with the woods, or would you rather it match your home? And what about a special theme? Maybe you’re willing to let your kids’ imaginations run wild with a pirate or lookout theme; maybe your kids want to be able to change the theme of the tree house from time to time. Get the conversation going by drawing some sketches with the kids.

Once you’ve decided on the design and theme, create a blueprint for the tree house and think about the supplies you’ll need.

If you’re not confident in your carpentry skills, now may be the right time to bring in a builder. Generally, deck builders have the right materials and are willing to take on a tree house project.

As you discuss your tree house plans with the builder, make sure you talk about safety. Prevent falls with handrails, which should be at the right height for the size of your children. Find out how many kids the tree house will safely hold.

Another question to ask yourself and to discuss with your builder is whether you want your kids’ tree house to be a “forever structure” or a short-term one. If you’d love to see your grandkids play in the tree house someday, consider building with ipe, also known as Brazilian walnut. Ipe is a hardwood that Mark Worley, of Your Favorite Builder, uses on decks as a less expensive (although still somewhat pricey) alternative to teak. It

is harvested from managed farms and delivered to the job site.

You might also consider using pressure-treated lumber, which is less expensive than ipe. Home supply stores can help with lumber selection. Worley suggests having the lumber stained and treated before installation.

Rick Watson, Director of Product Information and Technical Services for Sherwin-Williams, says, “Stains often are self-priming and are applied directly to the wood, making it easier to recoat. After priming the surface, follow manufacturers’ directions on re-coating. Some types of exotic woods, like mahogany, teak, ipe, meranti and ironwood, need special treatment.” For the tree house’s ladder, Watson recommends using a penetrating stain so the stain will soak into the wood and not leave a heavy film on top. One of his favorites is SuperDeck Log Home & Deck Stain.

The interior of your kids’ tree house is as important as the exterior. Where some children will want cupboards, shelves, a table and chairs and window curtains inside their tree house, others will want nothing more than a built-in seat or waterproof box for prized possessions. Again, think about the theme of the tree house and the activities your kids will engage in while in their special hideaway.

A tree house is a magical place; so whatever you build or have built for your kids, keep that magic — that escape — in mind. EC

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www.tadlockroofing.com EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

August–September 2017

67

abodes Your Monthly Garden Chores

MULCH OPTIONS

GARDENING

MULCH IS A GREAT

asset for your garden and planting beds.

It holds in moisture, keeps plant roots cool, suppresses weeds, prevents soil erosion and, depending on the kind of mulch you use, it might break down and improve the texture of your soil. BY AUDREY POST, MS. GROW-IT-ALL®

Regardless of what kind of mulch you use, don’t apply it right up to the plant’s stem or tree trunk, and don’t mound.

and annuals to encourage a fall flush of blooms.

Pine bark and wood chips come coarsely ground or finely ground; pine straw comes in bales, or in bags at the curb in residential neighborhoods.

Newspapers and cardboard are great as a bottom layer, especially if you don’t want to remove sod.

Rubber mulch lasts much longer than organic mulch, is less likely to blow or float away and is recycled from old tires. It is also expensive.

Pumice rock mulch doesn’t absorb as much heat, but it is porous, so water flows through it, not around it like other rocks.

NOT RECOMMENDED

➸ Remove vegetable plants that are no longer producing and add compost to the soil.

Cover the bed with mulch if you’re not going to replant right away. ➸ Make sure your container plants — particularly hanging baskets — are getting enough water. Some need watering twice a day.

Pebbles, gravel and rock won’t decompose and amend the soil as organic mulch will, but they absorb heat from the sun and reflect it back during the night.

They’re also better at preventing erosion.

Hay and wheat straw don’t block weeds from germinating very well, and often, they have seeds in them. Plus, they provide a nice, comfy home for small rodents.

Cypress mulch is not sustainable.

Several cities in Florida no longer permit its use. Given its high capacity for holding water, it sometimes prevents water from seeping through to the soil below.

Colored mulch can be tracked onto other surfaces, and it fades much faster than natural mulch.



The citrus leafminer (Phyllocnistis citrella) attacks all types of citrus trees anywhere in PESKY Florida. The adult is a small moth that lays eggs on the PESTS undersides of young, tender leaves. The eggs hatch and the larvae burrow into the leaf, creating meandering, silvery lines and causing the leaves to distort. They’re encased inside the leaf; thus, they are hard to kill. Eventually, the larvae will roll a sliver of the edge of the leaf around itself and pupate into the moth.

CITRUS A new generation is produced every three weeks. Citrus leafminer LEAFMINER affects growth only on young trees; so many people consider the problem cosmetic on mature trees and ignore the lines on the leaves. If you find the pupating larvae under the leaf curl, you can scrape it out with your fingernail and smash it. Homeowners who want to treat the problem can prune shoots that are heavily infested, reduce the level of nitrogen in fertilizer (because nitrogen encourages new growth) and spray with horticultural oil every 10–14 days until the leaves “harden off” and are no longer tender. The oil makes the leaf less inviting to the moth. Make sure you spray in the early morning, before the air temperature reaches 80 degrees. Follow the label instructions.

August–September 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

SEPTEMBER

➸ Divide and transplant clumping perennials, such as Lily of the Nile (agapanthus), swamp lilies (crinum lilies) and daylilies (hemerocallis). ➸ Sow seeds of coolweather vegetables, such as lettuce, spinach, mustard and radishes.

Transplant collards, cabbage and broccoli.

Leafy Larvae

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➸ Give your citrus trees a final application of fertilizer for the year.

Use a formula developed specifically for citrus and follow the instructions on the bag.

➸ Make sure your winged friends have access to water. Change water in birdbaths daily. Fill a flowerpot saucer with sand and moisten it for the butterflies. Place a small stone in the saucer to serve as a perch.

©2017 PostScript Publishing LLC, all rights reserved. Audrey Post is a certified Advanced Master Gardener volunteer with the University of Florida/ IFAS Extension in Leon County. Email her at Questions@MsGrowItAll. com or visit her website at msgrowitall.com.

Ms. Grow-It-All® is a registered trademark of PostScript Publishing.

ILLUSTRATION BY SAIGE ROBERTS (CITRUS LEAFMINER) AND PHOTOS BY TIM UR (CITRUS), KELVIN WONG (LILY OF THE NILE), HAIKOVSKIY IGOR (HAY), ZANOZARU (COLORED MULCH), JOHN PANELLA (CYPRESS), GUITAR75 (PINE STRAW), UNTASHABLE (RUBBER MULCH), GOLFX (GRAVEL), IAMSORN (PUMICE) AND BY GRAHAM CORNEY (NEWSPAPER) / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

MULCH HELPS PLANTS

AUGUST

➸ Trim back perennials

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abodes DIY

A COTTAGE-STYLE WINDOW BOX

Dress up your home with vibrant blooms

by KIM HARRIS THACKER

↖

Our arrangement includes salvia, Dusty Miller and verbena

BUILD A WINDOW BOX

Step 1: Screw the top edge of the BACK piece into one of the long edges of the SHELF LIP piece, forming an upside-down-andbackwards L-shape.

Step 2: Screw the BRACE into the center of the BASE piece, so it’s perpendicular to the BASE. The BRACE should hang over one side of the BASE by 1/4” on one end and should be flush with the BASE on the other end.

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Step 3: Screw the BACK piece into the BASE, first ensuring that the BASE is BRACE-side up (facing the interior of the window box), and that the overhanging portion of the BRACE is situated in the front of the window box.

and then screw the bottom of the SIDES into the BASE.

Step 4: Move the SIDES into place inside either end of the box, with the shortest side of each SIDE piece facing the bottom of the box. The angled side should touch the BACK of the box. The sides will appear a tiny bit too large for the box on the front edge, but that’s for drainage purposes. Screw the BACK into the SIDES,

Step 7: Fill the bottom of the box with seashells, placing the largest shells over the crack that is between the base of the box and the front. This will allow water to drain out of the box while also keeping the soil in the box.

Step 5: Screw the FRONT piece to the SIDES and the BRACE. Step 6: Sand and paint the window box and seal the box all over with waterproofing spray.

Step 8: Fill the window box with potting soil and plant your flowers!

August–September 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

→

MARK AND CUT THE PLYWOOD (SEE ILLUSTRATION FOR DIMENSIONS), THEN ASSEMBLE AND ADD THE FINISHING TOUCHES TO THE WINDOW BOX:

SUPPLIES

➸ Power tools: table

saw, miter saw, drill with 3/32” bit and Philips driver bit, electric sander ➸ Quarter-inch plywood, half-sheet (2’ x 4’) ➸ ¾” wood screws (#6-style), two dozen ➸ Measuring tape ➸ Exterior paint, any color ➸ Paintbrush with angled tip ➸ Clear-coat waterproofing spray ➸ Clean seashells (about 6 cups, all sizes) ➸ Potting soil ➸ Flowers or herbs

photography by SAIGE ROBERTS

ILLUSTRATION BY CHARLES BAKOFSKY

HOW TO

This do-it-yourself window box is easy to make and is the perfect container to fill with herbs or flowers, then hang from a deep windowsill or porch ledge.

For a truly eye-catching sight, paint the box a color that complements the color of your home, then fill the box with blooms of a vibrant, contrasting color. Just make sure you pay attention to how much sunlight will fall on the window box and select your flowers accordingly. For full sun, try geraniums. For partial sun, go with begonias. Impatiens do well in the shade.

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Melanie Barrett, founder and owner of 30A Animal Wellness, turned a lifelong love of animals into a practice that uses swimming and other therapies to treat health conditions in dogs from arthritis to anxiety and provides behavioral training.

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August–September 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

her

healing touch

Melanie

Barrett

devotes her energy

to animal wellness

story by ZANDRA WOLFGRAM photos by TODD DOUGLAS PHOTOGRAPHY

A LIFELONG ANIMAL LOVER, Melanie Barrett, of Santa

Rosa Beach, was born in Orlando and grew up in Jacksonville. When she was 14, she moved to the small town of Bonifay, where life was slow-paced and she had plenty of time to play with pets and bring home “anything that was lost or fell out of a tree.”

Unable to fathom “cutting into animals,” this Bulldog abandoned the idea of being a vet and graduated from the University of Georgia as a journalist, using her keen observation skills to convey compassionate stories about the people and world around her.

In 1993, Barrett was a divorced, single mom with a young son living in Dothan, Alabama. But after visiting a friend living on the Emerald Coast, she immediately connected to the area. “I loved it and knew it was where I wanted to be, so I moved down quickly,” she said.

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“My eyes were opened to the various conditions the animals were coming in with: dogs with anxiety (that were) prescribed Prozac …

I thought, ‘There has got to be something better than a doggie downer. There’s got to be something that can be done,’” she said.

Using her reporting chops, she dug into the Internet and discovered a place in Orlando that taught canine hydrotherapy. After training 50 hours in a pool with 60 dogs, she became the only certified Canine Aqua-therapist Instructor on the Emerald Coast. She also is certified in Animal Aromatherapy, Pet CPR, First Aid and Healing Touch for Animals — a brand-name for holistic “energy work.”

Barrett came back with a new certificate, but it was so much more for this doe-eyed brunette. “My dream came in 2014,” she stated matter-of-factly of establishing 30A Animal Wellness — the umbrella business that now

August–September 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

includes 30A Swim Dog, 30A Animal Aromatherapy and Healing Touch for Animals.

Last year, she again amped up her professional pet training, this time in Fort Lauderdale, by taking a course given by “The Dog Whisperer” himself, TV celebrity and New York Times best-selling dog behaviorist Cesar Millan.

“He’s all about the energy and how the dog can feel human energy,” Barrett said. “When Cesar was up on stage, he had two chairs: One said Leader, and one said Follower. He pointed to the Leader chair and said, ‘If you don’t take this chair, the dog will.’ Things are so simple, but humans tend to make it difficult.”

Barrett learned exactly how to take the lead when it comes to dog walking. “On the walk with Cesar, the walk isn’t just about a walk — it’s about bonding and showing the pet parents how easy it is to turn around pulling

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE LYNN WARGA

Once settled in the area, Barrett parlayed her photojournalism background into a photography business — mainly shooting beach portraits for visitors. Since 2005, she has been married to Craig Barrett, whom she calls, “the world’s most supportive husband,” and together they have four grown children. She continued to raise pets of all kinds — horses, dogs, cats, gerbils and even mice — and began exploring holistic approaches to healing, such as essential oils and aromatherapy for animals.

After a routine visit to the vet in the fall of 2013, everything changed for this gooddeed-doer.

“I was at my vet’s office. They were short staffed, and it was just chaotic. Phones were ringing off the hook. So I volunteered to help man the phones,” she explains.

Soon Barrett began to realize that it was, in fact, destiny that was calling.

30A Animal

Wellness Pricing $75 Introductory training consultation fee, 1 hour $60/hour Training $45 30-minute energy work session $40 30-minute swim $150 5-swim package

Chakras Healing Touch is based on the belief that both humans and animals have seven main chakras in the body.

When they are in balanced, working order, they help generate good health and well-being.

ROOT Life force, being grounded

Barrett traveled to Fort Lauderdale to study with acclaimed trainer Cesar Millan, “The Dog Whisperer.” She said Millan, at left, is “all about the energy and how the dog can feel human energy.”

Koda Bear, 15 years old, with severe arthritis, gets strength-restoring exercise with less pain by swimming. Barrett’s clinic has a pool, treadmill and treatment room to promote energy and health.

— even dog aggression — and have a peaceful time. Using his technique, I have gone from walking three dogs that would pull to walking them barely holding the lead, and it’s so nice.”

In addition to credentials, Barrett stacked up “bricks and mortar” to make her dream come true. She dedicated a portion of her relaxed, rustic, two-story home to her business.

Nestled at the end of Woodland Drive off Scenic Highway 30A, it is just steps from the Longleaf Pine Trailhead. Clients use a convenient first-floor entrance that flows into a sunny treatment room equipped with a treadmill designed especially for four-legged clients.

Filled to less than four feet deep with filtered, non-chlorinated water, even the 12-foot by 28foot swimming pool, which is surrounded by lush, green grass, was especially designed with pets in mind.

Tools of Barrett’s trade dot the treatment room: a large pitcher filled with bright yellow tennis balls, a collection of leashes and inflatable collars. Soothing music streams to the pool area, and an aromatherapy diffuser gently mists healing fragrances from dozens of different essential oils. Lemon increases energy, whereas lavender relaxes. Because it

promotes cellular health, frankincense is this therapist’s “go to” to combat cancer. Barrett recommends its use for Labradors, who are prone to cancer. But since you can’t be too careful, she uses it daily inside her own home, because, as she says, “Why not?”

A large dry-erase board records each swimmer’s name and how many visits they’ve had to the pool. With at least a dozen tick marks, dogs Haley and Bennett sure know their way around a pool; but if he wasn’t retired, Michael Phelps surely would keep his eye on a pooch named Dewey. This 13-year-old American bulldog mix was one of Barrett’s first furry clients. Her owner, Henry Patterson, of Miramar Beach, brought her to Barrett hoping to ease Dewey’s arthritis.

Patterson learned of 30A Animal Wellness from Dr. Tonia Schatzel (“Dr. T”) at 30A Vet. Dewey was lethargic from pain killer medication. “She was not herself when she was doped up,” Patterson said.

“When Dewey came in 2015, Henry had to carry her or pull her in a wagon, and I would have to help her out of the pool,” Barrett said.

“Today, we toss a toy into the pool, and she jumps in and swims for an hour, and then we do energy work.”

SACRAL Relationship to animals, humans, nature, instinct, self SOLAR PLEXUS Ego-strength, self-esteem HEART Unconditional love, compassion THROAT Expression, communication BROW Mind, instinct, intuition CROWN Spiritual connection

Healing Touch for Animals

assists with: ➾ Well-being ➾ Health issues ➾ Healing ➾ Pain control ➾ Disease prevention ➾ Trauma ➾ Anxiety and stress reduction ➾ Separation issues ➾ Grief ➾ Behavior modification ➾ Competition performance ➾ Training focus ➾ Deepening animal/ human bonds ➾ Support during euthanasia ➾ Easing the dying process

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A therapeutic swim is usually followed by other treatments in Barrett’s clinic to promote energy and health.

Dewey relishes her wellness regimen so much that after her swim, she heads straight to the treatment room and automatically lies down, waiting for her twice-weekly therapy session. “She just expects it now,” Barrett says with a grin.

“It’s done wonders for her mobility and her attitude,” Patterson said of Dewey. “It’s been at least a year-and-a-half. She still has arthritis, but she’s off the medication, (and) she swims like a champ and just loves it — that’s the main thing.”

Dewey is just one of 300 dogs who have been treated with aqua therapy through 30A Swim Dog. Barrett’s current roster of 50 clients can’t speak for themselves — at least not in English, anyway — but their “moms” and “dads” surely can. Her Facebook page is filled with testimonials of happy human clients, many of which follow her on Instagram. Barrett knows the names and ailments of all her furry friends and keeps photos of them on her iPhone.

There’s Frankie, a 17-year-old male pug who had problems breathing. His owners called Barrett from the vet’s office, and she thought they wanted to help ease putting him down; but she prescribed swimming, instead. “It changed his life,” Barrett said. “Last I heard, the owners were building their own pool.”

Roxie is a 12-year-old female Doberman.

She was “going down on her hind end, due to an FCE”— a fibrocartilaginous embolism, which is a blockage in a blood vessel in the spinal cord due to an injury that was caused by jumping or landing awkwardly.

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After a couple of months of swimming, Roxie was walking again.

There’s also Breakspear, a 126-pound, threelegged Bernese Mountain dog with two torn ACLs, who is rebounding from bone cancer surgery.

And the list goes on …

Barrett receives referrals from a few local vets, and she also works with animal rescue groups, including Alaqua Animal Rescue, in Freeport. Director of Operations Taylor Hood asked her to work with Eenie Meenie,

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a terrier/hound mix who vacillated between being aggressive and being standoffish — neither were good personality traits for a dog who was up for adoption.

“I brought her home, and we did energy work, swimming to build her confidence and some Cesar’s Way training, because they said she wasn’t good on a lead.”

Within a week, Eenie Meenie attracted a prospective family, and by the end of the second week, she went home with them … and now, her name is Madison.

Barrett is proud of her “track record” — from a tiny Chihuahua with a broken leg to a massive Great Dane seeking the confidence to enjoy a Gulf swim — and cannot recall a dog she could not help in some way. Also, she is totally OK with being considered a last resort.

“When the vet says, ‘There’s nothing else we can do,’ they give it a shot with me.”

She recognizes that 30A Animal Wellness is not for everyone. “Some people don’t believe in it, or it’s not for them. That’s fine. I do, because it works and it’s not invasive,” she said.

She likens her Healing Touch energy work — which she begins by suspending a stone pendulum above different parts of the animal’s body — to praying. “It is spiritualbased. It’s all about intention,” she says. “My intention is that the animal is filled with peace or is healed.”

Though she continues to hone her holistic wellness techniques, she is content with her business exactly as it is. “I can’t think of anything else I would add,” she says. “This is my life now: helping one animal at a time.” EC

Dogs, owners and therapists gather at the pool. From left: Summer Austin brings her dog Gracie for therapy. Here, she pets Barrett’s dog, Marley, while Barrett tends to tiny Ema, who swims to build confidence, and Allie, whose degenerative disease makes walking difficult. Bennett, an English cream retriever, is a cancer survivor. Dewey, with owner Henry Patterson, was incapacitated by arthritis but now jumps into the pool and swims for an hour. Beside Dewey is Barrett’s husband, Craig, and Ari. At right are Koda Bear and owner Boomer McFall.

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making the

GRADE Higher education in Northwest Florida is on a steep upward trajectory

UWF and NWFSC have new leaders and lofty goals. In its 50th year, UWF is shaping history with its capital campaign to raise $50 million to establish more centers of excellence. NWFSC is launching programs tailored to align with opportunities in the local economy.

Students and the community have their eyes on the horizon.

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Martha D. Saunders, installed as president at UWF in April, engages students, faculty and alumni to pursue the next level of excellence.

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA

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Dr. Usha Kundu and her husband, Mahadeb Kundu, donated $5 million in the spring to UWF’s College of Health.

University on the move

Trailblazing Saunders takes helm as capital campaign at UWF takes hold by KARI C. BARLOW

I

f you plan to hang with University of West Florida President Martha D. Saunders, be prepared to blaze a few trails, show some creativity and have some fun.

“We have been moving in double time since January,” says Saunders, who was officially installed on April 21 as UWF’s sixth president. “We are awake and we are energized.”

Another thing to know about Saunders is that she’s having a blast. “This is a labor of love for me — I got my start at West Florida,” she says. “I tell people, you really can’t have a bad day at a university campus. You can have a hard day, but you can’t have a bad day, because you’re surrounded by hope. You have all these young people with big plans for their lives, and it’s infectious. … If you have a bad day, shame on ya!”

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Saunders has taken over UWF’s top post at a pivotal moment in the life of a university that is actively expanding its reach across the state and the Southeast. Not only is UWF celebrating its 50th anniversary this year — having held its first classes in 1967 — it’s in the middle of a $50 million capital campaign, the largest fundraising effort in the school’s history. According to the most recent state data, UWF has generated roughly $1.4 billion in sales across the state, conferred a total of 93,803 degrees and has 82,152 alumni, more than half of whom remain in Florida.

In the spring, Saunders’ first semester as president, the school was awarded several high-profile financial gifts aimed at enhancing the university’s academic offerings. Among the most notable was the more than $5 million donated by Dr. Usha Kundu and her husband, Mahadeb Kundu, to the UWF College of Health, which has since been renamed as UWF Usha Kundu, MD College of Health.

Other recent bequests include $550,000 from local attorney Fred Levin to establish the Reubin O’D. Askew Institute for Multidisciplinary Studies and $1 million from long-time marketing and economics professor Bob Kimball to establish an undergraduate scholarship fund.

“People are stepping up,” Saunders says. “It’s very gratifying to have the support we’ve been getting.”

Across campus, growth is visible, from the number of students enrolled — just under 13,000 in the fall of 2016 — to jam-packed parking lots, to new buildings going up.

“The campus is united, and everyone is inspired by what might be,” Saunders says. “I think our grass is pretty green.”

The Fall 2017 term, which begins on Aug. 28, ushers in the Argonauts’ second football season, and adjacent

to Pen Air Field, where the team practices, the new $6.8 million University Park Center is nearing completion.

That facility, which spans 37,500 square feet, will house a state-of-the-art weight room for all UWF athletes; the football locker room, equipment room and laundry room; as well as meeting rooms and office space for the College of Health and the Florida State University College of Medicine.

“So now we’re going to have medical students on our campus in our little ‘athletic village,’ if you will, where we have an exercise science program and an athletic training program,” Saunders says. “The opportunities for synergy are greatly enhanced, and it wouldn’t be happening if we weren’t able to build the building.”

PHOTOS BY JOHN BLACKIE/UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA (DR. USHA AND MAHADEB KUNDU) AND COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA

Top of the heap At the same time, UWF is facing the considerable challenge of pursuing “emergent preeminent” status as a top research institution with state and national recognition.

That means adhering to the state university system’s rigorous new Performance-Based Funding (PBF) metrics. In 2016, the first year of the new model, UWF failed to meet any of the new benchmarks, ranking among the bottom three of 11 state universities and missing out on millions in state funding. The poor showing sparked criticism as well as debate over whether a small regional university should even pursue preeminent status. But Saunders voiced confidence in UWF and vowed to make major improvements.

“We have organized ourselves around the PBF model and drilled down much more effectively with our data,” she says. “The team meets weekly to discuss best strategies and tactics. We plan on increased enrollment, but that is not a top priority. More importantly, we are focusing on recruiting students who will be successful at UWF.”

The campus is united, and everyone is inspired by what might be. I think our grass is pretty green.

MARTHA D. SAUNDERS, UWF PRESIDENT

In late June, UWF surged upward in Florida rankings, rising from the bottom three to the top three among public state universities on the performancebased model. The reversal nets UWF more than $20 million in additional state funding for the upcoming 2017-2018 academic year.

“This is great news for UWF and a testimony to the hard work of the entire campus over the past few years,” Saunders says. “The additional funding will go a long way toward supporting the success of our students.”

Based on data from the 2015-2016 academic year, UWF claimed third place while the University of South Florida took second and the University of Florida came in first. The three schools garnered the highest scores on the 10 metrics, which include freshman retention rates, academic progress, six-year graduation rates, percentage of students earning bachelor’s degrees without excess hours, the median wages of graduates employed full-time one year after graduation, and tuition costs.

UWF made its greatest gains in the percentage of bachelor’s graduates enrolled in a postgraduate program or employed and earning an annual salary of $25,000 or more — which increased by 6.6 percent, to 67.6 percent.

In addition, the university’s academic progress rate increased by 5.2 percent, reaching an overall 70.1 percent, while the percentage of students earning bachelor’s degrees without excess hours jumped by 4.7 percent, to 80.5 percent. Saunders said UWF’s success is thanks to a campus-wide effort to invest in long-term strategies that not only improve performance on the state metrics but enhance the overall quality of the education UWF offers.

The reality of transitioning UWF from a regional comprehensive university — with smaller student-toinstructor ratios — to one with preeminent status remains daunting, but Saunders is confident she and her team are up to the task.

“I think everyone understands the importance of meeting these metrics,” she says. “I haven’t had to persuade the faculty. They have been UWF Head great assets in moving us forward.”

Football Coach Pete Shinnick explains key features of the University Park Center, soon to house athletics and offices of the College of Health and the FSU College of Medicine.

‘A no-brainer’

Saunders’ optimism is bolstered by her long history with UWF and the wide-ranging skills she has honed over the years. In 1984, she started her career as an assistant professor in the UWF Department of Communication Arts, where she coordinated the public relations program.

From 1999 to 2002, she directed the university’s honors program and served as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

“I had some wonderful opportunities at West Florida, and then I went off 15 years ago on a grand professional adventure that took me to places I never thought I would be,” she says. “I learned about fundraising at my EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

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next institution. I learned an awful lot about academic programming at the one after that. Everywhere you go is different and there are lots of lessons to learn.”

Away from UWF, Saunders served as the vice president of academic affairs at Columbus State University and as the first female chancellor of the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater. From 2007 to 2012, she led the University of Southern Mississippi as its first female president. The next year, in 2013, she returned to UWF to serve as provost.

Saunders and her husband, Joe, always loved the Emerald Coast, and heading back was an easy decision.

“We always kept our house here,” she says. “I thought I would be back as a retiree and not as president; but when we got the chance to come back and for me to work at UWF, it was a no-brainer!”

Bringing people together Saunders’ efforts in the past eight months have drawn praise from students and faculty alike.

“One of her great strengths is that she listens to people,” says Theodore Fox, associate professor of plant biology and outgoing president of the UWF Faculty Senate. “It doesn’t mean she does what they want all the time, but she hears you out. You know that she’s considering your views.”

Fox, whose two-year term on the UWF Board of Trustees expires in late August, supported Saunders in the vote for president.

“I think the transition has been going very well,” says Fox, who has taught at UWF for 15 years. “Instead of setting up unneeded competition between people, she brings people together. I think she’s figured out how to do that really well.”

Student Body President Kishane Patel agrees, noting that Saunders’ “hands-on approach” with students has scored lots of points. “She was personally sitting with students in the cafeteria and asking them about issues,” he says. “She’s taken an active approach on social media, retweeting and stuff — and students love that.”

In the coming months, Saunders and her team will begin investing the additional $20 million in UWF students.

“We will continue a strong focus on helping our undergraduate students finish in four years,” she says. “We’ll increase programming in areas of strategic emphasis in STEM and health fields. In addition, we’ll continue to find ways to help our graduates get top jobs.”

As she looks to the future, Saunders is keenly aware of the need for UWF to carve out its own exceptional niche — whether it’s cyber security, health care or hospitality.

“That is the question,” she says. “I would certainly hold our academic program and our faculty up against any anywhere for quality. They’re that good. But we’re not readily known for any one program, and I think that’s where the next big initiative will come along.

“I’m not going to force it. … It will emerge.” EC

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Immersed in the Mission

Stephenson builds team, programs at NWFSC

by MATT ALGARIN

I

t’s been less than eight months since Dr. Devin Stephenson began his day-to-day duties as the president of Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC), but his infectious personality and desire to achieve greatness at the state institution are taking hold.

“Why say ‘the sky is the limit’ when there are footprints on the moon?” he says. “What I’m seeing is people rallying to what we are saying and believing in the cause.”

An Alabama native, Stephenson became employed by NWFSC on Nov. 5, 2016, and officially joined the institution on Jan. 3, 2017. With an extensive background in executive administration at the community college level, his career has taken him from Alabama, where he served as Vice President of External Affairs and Dean of Students at Bevill State Community College, CEO of Snead State Community College and Dean of Students at Walker State Technical College, to Kentucky, where he served as President/CEO of Big Sandy Community/Technical College, to Missouri, where he held the same positions at Three Rivers College.

No matter the institution, Stephenson has seen success throughout his career. Back when he was a young college student himself, however, he was unsure of where his professional career would take him. He didn’t always

PHOTOS COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA (FOOTBALL) AND NORTHWEST FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE

plan to become a college president. Early on, he had an opportunity to set up a college-based aid program, which was an “adventurous step” at the time, but which also helped to establish the foundation of his future.

He would ultimately move on to become director of admissions and public relations before dipping his toes into athletics and coordinating federal programs.

Football Gains Ground at UWF UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA PRESIDENT Martha Saunders always figured the university’s new football program was a hit on campus.

But she’s been blown away by the interest in Argonauts football shown by the community.

“I run into people at the grocery store who say, ‘How about that football team?’” she says.

“It just gives us all a common connection. And we are the hometown team. I mean, you might be a fan of Auburn or Alabama or Florida State or Florida, but we’re the hometown team!”

With scores of tailgaters celebrating throughout the inaugural 2016 season, UWF sold out their first football games at Blue Wahoos Stadium in downtown Pensacola, drawing more than 31,000 fans to the venue over five home dates — an average attendance of 6,300. UWF Athletic Director Dave Scott says that kind of growing popularity serves as a powerful marketing tool.

“Football has just created a greater awareness of our brand,” he says. “One of the things they

His various experiences allowed him to “peel back the layers” and gain valuable experience into not only how an institute operates, but also how he can make the necessary changes to achieve a desired result.

“It had gotten to the point where I became the fixer,” he says from his NWFCS office, which is filled with books, various autographed sports pictures and other memorabilia that lend his office a homey feel. “I really got to see how the inner side of a campus worked and how different departments came together.”

Now that his feet are firmly planted in Northwest Florida, Stephenson, who has two adult children, Jon and JulieAnne, lives, breathes and sleeps all things NWFSC. He wears his presidential badge with honor and tremendous pride.

“A lot of people think these are jobs of glamour, and they are certainly financially rewarding; but they are extremely hard work,” he says. “They are 24-7, 365-daya-year commitments. I am always thinking about what we can do to improve or how we can fix something.”

And he says this sense of commitment is not limited to the presidency itself.

“This is not a job for me, nor is it for my wife, Judy,” he says. “Whoever is the spouse of a college president, I can assure you, is immersed in the life of the institution — if they are (continued on page 138)

say about athletics is that it’s the front porch of the school — just a way that people get to know the institution.”

That means the program has the potential to increase enrollment across the board.

“When you’re recruiting another hundred student athletes to come to your campus … typically, there’s another three or four students connected to those student athletes who could potentially come, too,” Scott says. “I took my family to Disney World this year, and every time I turned the corner, I’d see a UWF shirt. I don’t know if I would have seen that five years ago.”

Saunders says the new football program has added a “wonderful zest” to UWF’s campus life, offering that social experience so many students seek during their college years.

“We’ve got a wonderful coach,” she says.

“I’ve met a lot of the players. I’m proud to have them as students, and I’m proud to have them as athletes.”

Although the Argos lost their final three games of the inaugural 2016 season, the team placed sixth in the Gulf South Conference (GSC) after a pre-season coaches’ poll had put them at eighth place.

Why say ‘the sky is the limit’ when there are footprints on the moon?

What I’m seeing is people rallying to what we are saying and believing in the cause.”

DR. DEVIN STEPHENSON, PRESIDENT OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE

“They came to play,” Head Football Coach Pete Shinnick says. “They gave everything they had.”

By all accounts, fans can expect that same effort and commitment in the 2017 season, which opens Sept. 2 in Rolla, Missouri, when UWF takes on the Missouri University of Science and Technology.

This fall, fans can also look forward to more home games, afternoon and evening start times and a roster of players eager to apply some hard-won lessons. In fact, Shinnick says the Argos will take the field as a wiser team with greater knowledge of their opponents.

“I think our team learned how difficult the GSC was,” he says. “It’s tremendously competitive every time you go out there.”

Since last season, Shinnick has hired a new defensive coordinator, Darian Dulin, and added former quarterback Kaleb Nobles as an assistant coach.

“It’s been a big help,” Shinnick said. “(Nobles) really knows the team.”

Shinnick also praised the skills of his latest recruits. “I feel very good about the class we signed,” he says. “We’re looking forward to season two, and we’re looking forward to improving.”

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VISITING NOTEWORTHY PLACES NEAR AND FAR

↘ Perched atop craggy hillsides is the idyllic, medieval town of Pitigliano.

PHOTO BY MARTIN FROYDA / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

GETAWAY

PITIGLIANO AND THE HILL TOWNS OF ITALY A long-ago history, yet not far away

by MARINA BROWN

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↑ Pitigliano is a small, quaint town in the region of Tuscany and province of Grosseto. It is known for its winding roads and impressive elevation, standing over 1,000 feet above sea level.

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T

ime blurs and yesterday slides back and forth in Italy’s enigmatic hill towns, where what is lost isn’t easily found.

I hear myself sigh as I glance at the Italian words I’ve written while waxing poetic in my intermediate Italian.

Mozzafiato … radiante … affascinante: breathtaking … glowing … spellbinding. Italy has a way of making even halting speakers of this lilting tongue wish to write poems and sonnets, comment on clouds that float in impossibly blue skies or rhapsodize about the sienna-roofed villages that, like Cubist paintings, seem to tumble along each of Toscana’s colline or hills.

Despite the tragic earthquakes that have shaken Central Italy along a fault that divides the Umbrian region to the east from Tuscany to the west, the hilltop villages of Toscana … Tuscany … still conjure the romance that Byron and Shelley found so intoxicating.

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Here, layers of civilization, from the enigmatic Etruscans to the Romans and their progeny, seem only a few generations removed. Yet in this part of what often still feels like medieval Italy, the particular drama, the passionate point of view, the life that in the past violently or enthusiastically erupted from young and old alike seems in flux. There remains, of course, an Italian optimism that still pulsates from the big cities of Florence and Milan; but from these perched villages’ elderly inhabitants, it is mostly nostalgia that flows. Even from the ancient stones and iron gratings, the Gothic arches and faded frescoes, and the hundreds of empty churches that stand like hollow grottoes populated only by muscular saints in their drapings of red and blue, a new story seems to be emerging.

Over the years, I have begun to “accumulate” these hill towns, visiting one or two with each trip to Italy. Orvieto — actually in lower Umbria — Montepulciano, Arezzo, Montalcino, Volterra, San Gimignano, Cortona, Sorano,

PHOTOS BY FESUS ROBERT (TOWN), VALERIOMEI (WALL) AND FPWING (STATUE)/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Pitigliano … all of them lie in a kind of crescent to the south and southwest of Florence and about halfway to Rome. Here, rolling hills are populated by sheep whose oddly human “baaa’s” sound like baritones and tenors rudely interrupted by their own clanging bells. This is the region where each ridgeline silhouettes a medieval walled city of spires and towers that, even as the parapets protect it, today seems vulnerable. In our century, these hill towns have slowly become underpopulated outposts of nervous dwellers clinging to their precipices, worrying now not so much about a siege from Siena or Firenze (Florence) as the economic blight that, as surely as a 13th century plague, is casting a pall over these bastions of fairy-tale beauty.

“If you are young, you do not stay in Arezzo,” says Lorenzo Sobrini. “There are better jobs in Milano or Firenze. To make a living, you must leave.” Sobrini and four other older men laugh, ruefully. But they aren’t among the ones leaving. The crew is in the midst of hoisting and positioning an Etruscan urn weighing nearly 600 pounds onto a flat space in Arezzo’s sprawling, mostly empty, central piazza. Sobrini and his team haul ancient pieces of sculpture and pottery all over Tuscany, visiting antiques fairs and shops where he hopes international buyers will pay prices he can’t obtain here. “Etruscan art never goes out of style,” he says hopefully.

Nearby, antiques seller Giovanni Romano says, “It makes me sad to see that this kind of work is dying here in Italy.” He points to an immense table that glistens with bouquets and butterflies — a “picture” made from a mosaic of inset stones called pietre dure. “Have you been to the Pitti Palazzo in Firenze? Go there! Go there, please … It is the only place the work of geniuses, artisans making masterpieces of stones, can be found now.”

And it seems true that the past’s departure has quickened in the last 20 years. Elegant, painted pottery, exquisite Murano glass, handmade hats and gloves are now replaced with acres of cheap, wooden Pinocchios

and fans made in China. Yet there are enclaves — places infrequently visited — where you can believe the caves carved by Etruscans from the soft tufa rock or the chisel marks on the stone in your living room were made only yesterday. Places where the past refuses to be silent.

One such holdout is Pitigliano, a towering walled town with everything in it: ancient history, recent history and, although aging, a population of cobblers, butchers, painters and poets that makes you want to stay.

And Pitigliano has a unique backstory. Known from the 16th century as La Piccola Gerusalemme, “Little Jerusalem,” Pitigliano once was nearly 30 percent Jewish — a grand departure from the other medieval cities in which Jews were either restricted to ghettos or banned altogether. The noble Orsini family, whose palace sits just inside the city’s main gate, had decided that Jewish tradesmen and bankers could revitalize their hilltop town where the majority of people were unschooled farmers and laborers who tended the surrounding fields. Jews were welcomed.

A synagogue was built. Using a warren of Etruscan caves within the city’s foundations, Jewish bakers cooked matzah in a kosher bakery, dispatched animals in a kosher butchery and created a mikveh, a women’s ritual bath, from the soft volcanic stone. Catholicism and Judaism melded well. But one hundred years later, the new ruling Medici dynasty decided they didn’t like that idea. Ghetto gates went up even as the Medici built a spectacular aqueduct whose arching wall still brings water to Pitigliano’s faucets today.

But the pendulum for and against Jewish inclusion didn’t stop swinging. In 1773, with an enlightened ruler and a new mentality in place, the ghetto’s walls were torn down and Jews and Christians were allowed, once more, to marry one another and to celebrate each others’ holidays, proving that differing beliefs could be respected. Until, that is, the Racial Laws enacted by the Fascists under Mussolini. Italy’s unification in 1861 caused many Jews to move, gradually, to bigger cities; but by 1938, the ones left in Pitigliano were hunted. Twenty citizens were rounded up and taken to concentration camps; others fled to the surrounding countryside where Italian farmers hid and protected them. The last survivor of that time, 89-year-old Elena Servi, says that she and her family hid in caves for months while the newly arrived EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

← The bronzed sculpture of Villano and his Donkey depicts appreciation for hard-working farmers. ↓ This city is also referred to as “The Little Jerusalem.”

Pitigliano is active in preserving its Jewish history.

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↑ Sorano is Pitigliano’s neighbor, with the same hilly terrain, but also with stunning views of the Lente River.

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Germans searched for fugitive Jews. “The farmer would pretend to come to check his sheep … on a white horse if there was no danger or a black horse if there were. That is how he shielded us.”

Today, although it is used only for special occasions, the synagogue is fully restored. Yet the Second World War still seems very recent, as it does in many European countries. Frederico Bronzini, one of the elderly men who makes his evening passeggiata through the tiny vicoli walkways of Pitigliano is eager to point out the corner of the central piazza, “where the American bombs were dropped. Right here. This whole square and part of the Orsini palace were destroyed. They had to do it, though,” he says. “The Nazis had a headquarters in the palazzo!”

I wander to the parapet walls, nearly 1,000 feet above the valley, where chestnuts and jutting cedar trees are dark smudges in the evening’s afterglow — a hazy pastel in pinks and grays. I think of Florence with its shoulder-toshoulder Chinese tourists and of Milan where gentlemen are never seen without their briefcases and suits. Near Pitigliano’s communal fountain, once used for washing

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clothes or watering a weary donkey, old folks in blacks and grays are quietly laughing together, sharing funny stories, reminding each other of a friend who is no longer here, perhaps remembering a good harvest or the war, yet communing in a way that seems so alien today.

And I wonder if today’s true loss is not a job, an antique urn or the art of an inlaid table; rather, we’ve lost what’s still so apparent in this community: this neighborly way of looking into a friend’s rheumy eyes and seeing one another — seeing a shared history.

And then I am approached by a boy of about 12. He has a cell phone in one hand and a pastry in the other. He is excited enough that he wants to tell a stranger what he’s found.

It seems the boy and his family have just come from nearby Sorano, where he had walked along the Vie Cave — famous subterranean roads carved into stone by the long-forgotten Etruscans. He’s found their history online and wants to show someone. Then I notice what he’s eating. It’s a sfratto dei Goym — one of the long, baton-shaped Jewish pastries that are still sold here — a pastry that is a symbolic and sweet representation of the sticks that were used to pound on the ghetto’s gates when a Jew was to be arrested. Something bitter to something sweet. And the boy was holding it all in his hands — 2,700 years of history.

The bitterness of losses — of a civilization, of a tortured generation, of jobs, of a way of life — I wonder if this bitterness could be turned into the sweetness of knowledge, and then into a changing of the tides — a turning toward empathy and the sharing of feelings and the telling of stories that connect one person to another.

This is what the old folks did around the fountain; it’s what this child did with me, now … on an autumn evening … before a long winter, that, if we are not careful, may come to stay. EC

PHOTOS BY LORENA TORRES ANGELINI (GHIOTTORNIA), STEFANO COSTANTINI, CC BY-SA 2.0 (SFRATTI), TATIANA POPOVA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM (SORANO)

← Markets such as Ghiottornia are found throughout the city, specializing in the best things in life: wine, cheese and bread. ↑ Sfratti are tasty Italian treats composed of nuts and honey.

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A Ridge Above the Rest Laurel Ridge enlivens the senses and heightens recreation

By Rebecca Padgett

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

Selected as one of America’s Best Courses, the Bob Cuppdesigned championship course challenges advanced players while also providing forgiveness and playability for beginners. Laurel Ridge offers an unforgettable golf experience in a sophisticated, yet secluded, mountain hideaway.

PHOTO BY WHITE FOX STUDIO

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Members and guests enjoy extraordinary dining in the rustic chic clubhouse overlooking holes No. 9 and No. 18. After golf, relax in the oversized rocking chairs with a glass of wine on the expansive deck.

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

C

ool breezes and the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains are found at Laurel Ridge Country Club, a place where you can experience Southern hospitality, championship golf and first-class amenities. The club has become a retreat from the warm Gulf Coast summers.

Laurel Ridge is located in historic Waynesville, home to a lively cultural arts scene with fine dining and nationally acclaimed craft beer breweries. The club is easily accessible from Asheville Regional Airport and is just 25 miles from downtown Asheville.

The centerpiece of Laurel Ridge is an incredible and rustic 19,000-square-foot post-and-beam clubhouse overlooking the golf course. The clubhouse, which bustles with activity throughout all seasons, offers both casual and fine dining. A dynamic events calendar for members features a variety of themed dining events and parties. The club is also a North Carolina mountain wedding venue, with incomparable indoor and outdoor event spaces, catering and service.

The Bob Cupp-designed championship golf course delivers the premier golf experience in the region.

Highlighted by sweeping mountain vistas and premium course conditions, the course is expertly designed to challenge advanced players, while also providing forgiveness and playability for beginners.

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Golf stay-and-play packages, which include fantastic onproperty accommodations, are available. The new guest rooms are conveniently located at the first tee, near the clubhouse.

Guests are encouraged to take advantage of all of the club’s firstclass amenities, including a heated outdoor swimming pool, four Har-Tru clay tennis courts with active tennis programs and a 24-hour fitness facility with state-of-the-art equipment and personal training services.

The amenities and activities abound, but the best part of Laurel Ridge is the irreplaceable beauty of the mountains. Crisp air, nature’s sounds and an expanse of rolling peaks lie before you.

The mountains are calling.

FOX & OWL STUDIO

TRACY WALDROP PHOTOGRAPHY

laurelridgeexperience.com • 828.452.0545 49 Cupp Lane, Waynesville, North Carolina

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

Laurel Ridge Country Club and Event Center is a one-of-a-kind mountain wedding and event venue offering incredible indoor and outdoor spaces, outstanding catering and impeccable service.

PHOTO BY LA DOLCE VITA STUDIO

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SPONSORED REPORT

DEAL ESTATE

JUST LISTED

A Penthouse at the Pinnacle

This luxury listing features sunset views from every room

by REBECCA PADGETT

Perched high above the beachscape in Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is the Sunset Penthouse, a property that awaits new owners who are ready to take in its impressive views. Ascend to the 20th floor of Beachside II after a long day of swimming and golfing and enjoy a spectacular sunset from every room; or, wake up in the morning and step out on one of the penthouse’s three balconies to watch the sun rise. Inside and out, this condo is the epitome of luxury.

LIST PRICE: $2,495,000 ADDRESS: 4376 Beachside II Drive, Miramar Beach SQUARE FEET: 2,820 BEDROOMS: 3 BATHROOMS: 3 YEAR BUILT: 1984

APPEAL: “The ‘Sunset Penthouse,’ is an exclusive and one-of-a-kind beachfront resort condo, located on the 20th floor of the Beachside II in Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. It has spectacular panoramic views of the Emerald Coast beach and bay and a grand, French-door entrance to a comfortable sitting area with a fireplace.”

CONTACT: Gary Bowman, Realtor, Sandestin Real Estate, (850) 217-8382, GBowman@ SandestinRealEstate.com

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF SANDESTIN REAL ESTATE

FEATURES: Panoramic views; water feature in building’s foyer; electric fireplaces on each level; spiral, wooden staircases; three beachfront balconies; summer kitchen; outdoor shower; wet bar; dual sinks; garden tubs; security system with cameras; exclusive elevator key and access to private beach, pool and fitness center

MEET MARTY MARTY JUST FOUND HIS DREAM HOME USING LUXURY ESTATES REALTY GROUP’S USER FRIENDLY WEBSITE: WWW.LERGRP.COM.

BE LIKE MARTY AND START SEARCHING TODAY!

LUXURY ESTATES REALTY GROUP

850.460.8877

EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM 4507 Furling Lane, Suite 113 • Destin, FL 32541

LERGRP.com August–September 2017

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SPONSORED REPORT

DEAL ESTATE

JUST SOLD

Kiwi Kastle

Seaside castle finds its royal family

by SARA SANTORA

While castle — or in this case, “kastle” — may typically be a difficult title to live up to, this waterfront home doesn’t disappoint. Ideally located at Water’s Edge, the secluded and coveted eastern end of Scenic Highway 30A, this beautiful home has a private pool, room to roam and a spectacular ocean view.

It’s the perfect home for a king or queen.

LIST PRICE: $3,495,000 SOLD PRICE: $3,275,000 ADDRESS: 132 Geoff Wilder Lane, Inlet Beach SQUARE FEET: 3,495 BEDROOMS: 6 BATHROOMS: 5 FEATURES: Gulf-front, private pool; three stories; multiple outdoor balconies; covered patio; large windows; crown molding; Gulffacing master bedroom with French doors that open onto the covered poolside patio; large kitchen, living and dining areas on second floor; two of the five baths are “deluxe master”; tile throughout first and second floors REALTOR: “Water’s Edge is a small (28 homes) gated community located ideally between Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach and all the fun of Scenic Highway 30A. The community is very secluded, with a private beach and lush landscaping.”

CONTACT: Anne Williams, Realtor, The Premier Property Group, (850) 543-0277, AnneAtTheBeach@hotmail.com

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE PREMIER PROPERTY GROUP

YEAR BUILT: 2004

Making Your Dream Home a Reality

Celebrating 10 Years of Excellence

Celebrating 10 Years of Excellence A DECADE OF DISTINCTION A DECADE OF DISTINCTION

FEATURED LUXURY LISTINGS

F E AT U R E D L U X U R Y L I S T I N G S F UL

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New Construction

New Construction

The Brownstones #D-2 KELLY PLANTATION

Miller’s Landing on Lake Powell #B109 3 Bd | 2.5 Ba | 1,580 Sq Ft | $309,000 243 Matties Way KELLY PLANTATION

3 Bd | 2/1 Ba | 2,384 Sq Ft | $585,000 139 Gulf Dunes Lane SANTA ROSA BEACH 6 Bd | 7/5 Ba | 12,167 Sq Ft | $13,000,000 Offered by Grady Elder c: 850.259.9236 | grady@theppg.net Offered by The Holloway Group

4 Bd | 4 Ba | 3,863 Sq Ft | $2,395,000 Offered by Dan Johnson c:Offered 850.624.5055 | dan@theppg.net

by The Maurer Team c: 850.428.2217 | jake@theppg.net

c: 850.830.3943 | jimbo@jbhproperties.com

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34 W Blue Coral Drrive BLUE MOUNTAIN BEACH 4 Bd | 4/1 Ba | 3,850 Sq Ft | $1,250,000 79 Adair SANTA ROSA BEACH 3 Bd | 3 Ba | 3,274 Sq Ft | $1,300,000 Offered by Keith Flippo c: 850.543.5187 | keith@theppg.net Offered by The Holloway Group c: 850.830.3943 | jimbo@jbhproperties.com

New Construction

53 Caliza Lane ALYS BEACH THE BROWNSTONES AT KELLY PLANTATION 4 Bd | 4/1 Ba | 2,922 Sq Ft | $3,100,000

Unit C-2 | 4 Bd | 3/1 Ba | 3,071 Sq Ft | $699,000

Offered

by Keith Flippo Offered

by Carrie Plasier c: 850.543.5187 | keith@theppg.net c: 850.699.4333 | carrie@theppg.net

Thirty-One Unit 105 SEAGROVE BEACH 125 CRYSTAL BEACH DRIVE | DESTIN 3 Bd | 3/1 Ba | 2,458 Sq Ft | $2,150,000

Unit E128 | 3 Bd | 2/1 Ba | 1,555 Sq Ft | $329,000

Offered

by Tracy Oliver Robbins Sweetland Offered by c: oliver@theppg.net c: 850.533.9161 850.687.0399 | |tracy@tracysweetland.com

The Crossings #B422 WATERSOUND BEACH THIRTY-ONE | SEAGROVE BEACH 3 Bd | 3/1 Ba | 2,164 Sq Ft | $2,025,000

Unit 301 | 3 Bd | 3/1 Ba | 3,285 Sq Ft | $2,850,000

Offered

by Dale Stackable Robbins Offered

by Oliver c: 850.699.1885 | dale@dalestackable.com c: 850.533.9161 | oliver@theppg.net

Destin & South Walton’s Premier Real Estate Brokerage

SEACREST BEACH | WATERCOLOR | GRAND BOULEVARD | KELLY PLANTATION

ThePremierPropertyGroup.com

This advertisement is not an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy, to residents of any state or province in which registration and other legal requirements have not been fulfilled. This advertisement is not intended to solicit properties currently listed by other real estate brokerages. All advertised square footages should be verified by the buyer. Obtain the Property Report required by Federal law and read it before signing anything. No federal agency has judged the merits of value, if any, of these properties.

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

Electronic “soulk” band Continuum performs at the 2016 Best of the Emerald Coast expo, having been named Best Band by EC readers. Members are: Jessica Heit, Anthony O’Shae, Caleb Schossow and Robby Walton.

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AUG/SEPT 2017 For more events in the EC, visit EmeraldCoastMagazine.com compiled by REBECCA PADGETT,

KIM HARRIS THACKER and SARA SANTORA

OCTOBER 21

PHOTOS BY JIM CLARK AND MATT ALGARIN (BEST OF), JACQUELINE WARD IMAGES (DEWEY DESTIN - DESTIN SEAFOOD FESTIVAL) AND COURTESY OF SANDESTIN GOLF AND BEACH RESORT (TRIATHLON)

Best of the Emerald Coast The 2017 winners of the Best of the Emerald Coast will be on display at Grand Boulevard, showcasing why our community awarded them with the “Best of” accolades.

The public is invited to an evening of food, fun, fashion and entertainment, all to benefit the Junior League of the Emerald Coast. Join us at our 18th annual event as we sample the offerings of the area’s best restaurants and businesses.

The fun starts at 6 p.m. and lasts until 9. Tickets: $40 in advance, $50 the week of the event. VIP passes: $75 in advance, $85 the week of the event.

To purchase tickets or for more information, visit emeraldcoastmagazine.com/bestofec.

SEPTEMBER 23

SWIM. BIKE. RUN. 31ST ANNUAL SANDESTIN TRIATHLON

→ The 31st Annual Sandestin Triathlon will lure more than 700 participants for a half-mile Gulf of Mexico swim, a 20-mile bike along the coast and a four-mile run through Sandestin’s beach and bayside community. Proceeds will benefit the Sandestin Foundation For Kids.

Registrations are $140 for individuals and $200 for relay teams if you register between May 1 and Sept. 15; $155/$225 if you register between Sept. 15 and 21. The event kicks off at 6 a.m. For details, visit SandestinTriathlon. com, email sandestintri@sandestin.com or call (877) 276-8860.

OCTOBER 6–8

DESTIN SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

→ The 39th annual Destin Seafood Festival is a family-friendly event on the Destin Harbor. Adults will love the seafood and the live music; children will love the pony rides, petting zoo, inflatables, games, kid-sized hamster balls, rock-climbing wall, zip-line and, of course, the ever-popular Mingo Toss, where young ‘uns throw Mingo snapper for prizes.

A shuttle will run to the festival sites from nearby businesses. Visit the Destin Seafood Festival Facebook page for schedules. VIP tickets, on sale now, provide access to the private seating area that overlooks the Destin City Stage and unlimited, complimentary food and refreshments, including: a variety of seafood, gumbos and catered treats; soft drinks and bottled water; and beer, wine and cocktails for 21+ with ID. There is no general-admission fee.

Festival times are: Oct. 6, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Oct. 7, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Oct. 8, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit destinseafoodfestival.com.

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850 BUSINESS MAGAZINE’S 2017

PINNACLE AWARDS HONORING THE OUTSTANDING WOMEN BUSINESS LEADERS OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA

AUGUST 15, 2017

4TH ANNUAL PINNACLE AWARD LUNCHEON Florida State University Panama City Beach in the St. Joe Foundation Ballroom of the Holley Academic Center

PINNACLE AWARDS HONORING THE OUTSTANDING WOMEN BUSINESS LEADERS OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA

SEPTEMBER 30

‘EGGS ON THE BEACH’ EGGFEST GRILLING COMPETITION

→ Bay Breeze Patio invites cooks, tasters and fanatics of the dual griller/smoker known as The Big Green Egg to celebrate a day of food, fun and heated competition.

Proceeds will go to Food for Thought and The Fisher House of the Emerald Coast non-profit organizations. Winners of taster votes receive cash donations to a charity of their choice. Taster tickets are $32, and it costs $50 to register a six-person cook team.

This event will be held from 10 a.m.– 1:30 p.m. at Seascape Resort, 112 Seascape Dr., Miramar Beach. For more information, visit eggsonthebeach.com.

MEET THE 2017 PINNACLE AWARD HONOREES

PATRICIA B. MCCRAY

SUSAN DAVIS

CEO/Founder, Butterfly Life Journeys, Inc.

CEO/President, Sacred Heart Health System

JENNIFER CONOLEY

KRISTINE RUSHING

Sr. Economic Development Representative, Gulf Power Company

COO, Beck Partners Holdings

SUE STRAUGHN

CEO/Founder, Moore Communications Group

News Anchor/Senior Editor, WEAR T.V.

JEANNE DAILEY CEO/Founder, Newman-Dailey Resort Properties

MYRA WILLIAMS VP Marketing, Howard Group

KAREN MOORE VIRGINIA GLASS Realtor, Coldwell Banker Hartung and Noblin, Inc.

ALISA KINSAUL Director of Communication, Applied Research Associates (Posthumous)

Table of 8: $550 | Individual Ticket: $75 To purchase tickets or for more information visit 850businessmagazine.com/Pinnacle-awards For additional sponsorship opportunities contact Mandy Chapman at mchapman@rowlandpublishing.com SPONSORED BY

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REGIONAL

OCTOBER 28

St. Marks Stone Crab Festival → With 20 years of history in Wakulla County, the annual St. Marks Stone Crab Festival brings thousands of crab-lovers from far and wide to the tiny fishing village of St. Marks to enjoy a parade, live music, children’s activities, the handcrafted offerings of local vendors and, of course plenty of stone crab. The festival, which was founded by the owners of St. Marks’ Riverside Cafe in 1997, signals the opening of Wakulla County's stone crab season, which ends in May. The festival will be held near City Hall in St. Marks, 788 Port Leon Drive.

For more information, please visit stmarksstonecrabfest.com or send an email to info@stmarksstonecrabfest.com.

PHOTOS BY ALEXCRAB / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS AND COURTESY OF BIG GREEN EGG

Thank you for your nominations in our search to recognize women in our region who have demonstrated outstanding leadership skills in their businesses and communities. These honorees will be profiled in the 2017 October/November issue of 850 Business Magazine.

SPECIAL PROMOTION

SOCIAL STUDIES Sandestin Wine Festival APR. 12–15 Wine aficionados and novices alike sipped and swilled at the 32nd annual Sandestin Wine Festival at Baytowne Wharf.

The four-day event allowed attendees to dine with celebrity chefs, participate in tastings, attend seminars on wine trends and even take home their favorite bottles at discounted rates.

Throughout, live music and culinary tents were enjoyed, all with glasses of vino in hand.

PHOTOS BY RHONDA MURRAY

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1 Jennifer Miller with Michael and Julie Blech 2 Shannon and Ashley Johnson with Angela and Mike Ragsdale 3 Kurt Echols, Matt and Laura Thompson and Lori Echols 4 Sherri Marsteller and Jennifer Galati

Covenant Hospice Mask & Masterpiece Gala APR. 29 The 15th annual Covenant Hospice Gala, “Night in Old Havana,” held at Edgewater Beach Resort on Front Beach Road in Panama City Beach, was a night to remember. Not only did guests enjoy cocktails, dinner and dancing, they raised more money through the evening’s live and silent auctions than ever before: $134,000. These funds will allow Covenant Hospice to provide financial help for local patients and families in need of medical care, bereavement counseling, children’s support and other services.

PHOTOS BY LORRAINE HEATH

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1 Steve and Jenn Sims 2 Dave Tate and Betty Gardner 3 Brandon and Jennifer Burg 4 David Powell, Misty Ward, Jon Ward and Jon Smiley 5 Gala Volunteers

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SOCIAL STUDIES Junior League of Panama City – Mystique MAY 6 The lovely ladies of the Junior League of Panama City donned their most festive hats for the 7th annual Mystique, which was celebrated with a Kentucky Derby theme. Guests participated in a hat contest, Derby-style games, live music and delicious food, all at the Hombre Golf Course. All proceeds from the event benefitted the community impact programs of the Junior League.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF JUNIOR LEAGUE OF PANAMA CITY

1 Lindsey Matthews, Katy Grammer, Angie Hall, Marsha Howell and Grace Wiltgen 2 Sara Register 3 Allie Wall, Kasen Hicks and Kasey Killebrew

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Sacred Heart Spring Bash MAY 7 A party with a purpose! Sacred Heart Foundation’s Spring Bash didn’t disappoint, with a Derby theme that included live music, plentiful hors d’oeuvres and live and silent auctions. The proceeds of the event supported Emergency Department expansion at Sacred Heart Hospital in Destin.

PHOTOS BY MARY JO GUSTAVE/ SHHS MARKETING AND CORTLANDT ROCES

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1 Back row (L to R): Bill Lavery, Bryan Whitehead, Gary Bowman, Michele Auter and Joe Dunn Front row (L to R): Lynn Wesson, Sara Hill, Wenda Bacon, Marie McKenna and Roger Hall 2 Guests dancing to the Bay Kings Band 3 Robbie Carroll and Sara Hill 4 Jamey and Bryan Whitehead

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BANDS ON THE BEACH AUG. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; SEPT. 5, 12, 19, 26 The Gulfside Pavilion at Pensacola Beach is the place to be every Tuesday evening throughout the summer and early fall — especially if you’re a music lover! The Bands on the Beach weekly concert series features an eclectic variety of regional musicians playing music that is sure to inspire lots of dancing.

Bring your lawn chair and get ready for some good times!

20 Casino Beach Boardwalk, Pensacola Beach. 7 pm.

PEPSI GULF COAST JAM: COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL SEPT. 1–3 Jam out on the coast with Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan and Little Big Town. Occurring on Labor Day weekend, this three-day country music festival is one for the books.

Bring your best lawn chair or your best dancing shoes, and get down with the tunes. $40–$999. Frank Brown Park, 16200 Panama City Beach Parkway. Each day: 2 pm–12 am.

(850) 233-5045, gulfcoastjam.com

ADSO ‘FIRST IMPRESSIONS’ AND ‘RUINS’ ART SHOWS

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALYS BEACH 5K/1 MILE FUN RUN AND PEPSI GULF COAST JAM

AUG. 1–SEPT. 23 Come to the Art Center throughout the months of August and September to view original pieces of art. For both shows, artists will be allowed to work in any medium; however, for August’s “First Impressions” show, artists’ pieces must be inspired by the Impressionists, and for September’s “Ruins” show, artists’ pieces must be their interpretation of ruins. Artist submissions for the “First Impressions” show must be turned in on July 29 from 1–4 pm or on July 31 from 9 am–noon. A “First Impressions” special reception will be held on August 4 from 6–8 pm. Artist submissions for the “Ruins” show must be turned in on September 5 from 1–4 pm or on September 6 from 9 am–noon. A “Ruins” special reception will be held on

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

September 15 from 6–8 pm.

Admission to the gallery and the reception are FREE. Art Center, 17 First St. S.E., Fort Walton Beach. Gallery hours: Tues–Fri, 12–4 pm; Sat, 1–4 pm. (850) 244-1271 artsdesignsociety.org

ADSO ONGOING WINDOW DISPLAYS AUG. 1–SEPT. 30 During the month of August, the Arts and Design Society of Fort Walton will present the works of multi-talented artist Anne Johnston at the Art Center in Fort Walton Beach. In September, creative genius Helen Blair’s artwork will be on view. Drive by or stop by the Art Center, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to see these artists’ works on display in the building’s windows. FREE. Art Center, 17 First St. S.E., Fort Walton Beach. (850) 244-1271 artsdesignsociety.org

visitpensacolabeach.com/whatshappening-bands-on-beach

THEATRE THURSDAYS Every Thursday during the summer, the Emerald Coast Theatre Company will present Theatre Thursdays in Grand Park. Families will be entertained by a fun, comedic adaptation of Shakespeare's famous play, “The Taming of the Shrew.” Pre-show children’s activities will be provided by Abrakadoodle. FREE. Grand Park, 495 Grand Blvd., Miramar Beach. Pre-show children’s activities: 7 pm; show time: 8 pm.

(850) 837-3099 grandboulevard.com

30AVENUE THURSDAY NIGHT CONCERT SERIES AUG. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Fill your August with musical talent at 30Avenue’s Music on the Green. High and low notes fill the air on Thursday nights as different artists perform for locals and tourists alike. Whether you want to jam out in the audience or use the tunes to shop along to, 30A awaits you. FREE. 30Avenue, 12805 U.S. Hwy. 98 E. 6–9 pm.

(850) 231-1127

Details of listings can change at the last minute. Please call ahead of time to confirm.

AUG. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Two words: free music.

Come join other music lovers at Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheatre every Thursday for a free concert.

Unfold your lawn chair, take a sip of your drink of choice and enjoy the music breezing through the summer air. FREE. Aaron Bessant Park, 600 Pier Park Dr., Panama City Beach.

7 pm. (850) 233-5045 visitpanamacitybeach.com

FIRST FRIDAY ARTWALK IN SEASIDE AUG. 4, SEPT. 1

AUG. 3

thirtyavenue.com

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

From Rolland’s Beauty Bar to Anne Hunter Galleries, First Friday Artwalk in Seaside will appease everyone strolling around Central Square. Sip on a cocktail as you enjoy art, jewelry and fashion exhibits from local vendors.

FREE. Seaside Merchants, 63 Center Ave., Seaside.

5–7 pm. (850) 231-5424 sowal.com

30A FARMERS MARKET AUG. 6, 13, 20, 17; SEPT. 3, 10, 17, 24 The 30A Farmers’ Markets in Rosemary Beach and Grand Boulevard at Sandestin feature local farmers’, bakers’ and artists’ goods.

Fill your basket with fresh, high-quality produce and delicious prepared foods and shop for specialty items that can only be found along the Emerald Coast. Two locations: Rosemary Beach Town Center: 28 S. Barrett Sq., Rosemary Beach.; Grand Boulevard at Sandestin: 600 Grand Park, Miramar Beach. 9 am–1 pm.

Walkabout. Check in at 5 pm with the Artists of Gulf Place to receive your complimentary glass and a merchant map. $20. Gulf Place, Town Center Loop, Santa Rosa Beach.

5–7 pm. (850) 267-8458 gulfplacefl.com

6TH ANNUAL PADDLE AT THE PORCH AUG. 19 Head over to The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster Bar on August 19th for the 6th annual Paddle at the Porch.

Whether you want to race along the clear waters, or watch from the shore, this event is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Destin. $12–$65.

The Back Porch, 1740 Scenic Hwy. 98. 9 am–11 am.

(850) 837-2022 destinchamber.com

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER DOGGIE SOCIAL AT GRAND BOULEVARD AUG. 24 Dog Days of Summer Doggie Social brings together humans and their beloved canines. South Walton’s non-profit Dog Harmony pairs up with the Grand Boulevard to celebrate summer, puppies and people. FREE. Grand Boulevard, 495 Grand Blvd., Miramar Beach. 6 pm–8 pm.

(850) 837-3099 sowal.com

30afarmersmarket.com

GULF PLACE THIRD THURSDAY WINE WALKABOUT AUG. 17, SEPT. 21 Join us at Gulf Place for the Third Thursday Wine

↑ ALYS BEACH 5K & 1 MILE FUN RUN SEPT. 3 The 4th annual Alys Beach 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run route takes participants past some of 30A’s most scenic views.

HAVE AN EVENT YOU’D LIKE US TO CONSIDER? Send an email to ec-calendar@rowlandpublishing.com.

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SOCIAL STUDIES Digital Graffiti MAY 19–21 Colorful projections cascaded along the iconic white walls of Alys Beach during the annual digital art festival, Digital Graffiti. The latest in design, projection and animation lit up the streets, showcasing the works of artists throughout the world. The weekend event concluded with the exciting announcement of the year’s most talented artists, revealed in front of an anticipatory crowd.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF DIGITAL GRAFFITI FESTIVAL

1 Kameron Neal, Gabe Barcia-Colombo, Mark Regester, Evan Narcisse, Brett Phares, Krystal Schultheiss, Lucia Fishburne, James Pricer, Helen Marshall, David Bennett and Luzena Adams 2 Andy and Christy Sheets

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3 Jenna Eckland, Erica Eckland, Zach Pelham and Elaina Eckland 4 Jean and Charles Li with Cam and Tom Brown 5 Geoffrey Platt and Jinku Kim

Fort Walton Beach Little Black Dress Party MAY 20 No closet staple is more cherished than a black dress. The White-Wilson Foundation realized this and, eight years ago, set out to begin The Little Black Dress Party.

The proceeds of the event increase access to health services for women in need. This year’s event featured the vibrance and lively spirit of Havana. Guests spun on the dance floor, dined on delectable food, participated in live and silent auctions and enjoyed live entertainment.

PHOTOS BY DINA CRITCH

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1 Mrs. and Dr. Douglas Rigby 2 Dr. Jack Azzaretto and Alan Gieseman 3 Chris Camp and Vicki Stokes 4 Paul Wojdac, Robin Wright, Eichelle Bordelon, Rich Viveen, Lisa Turpin and Henry Huff

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The proceeds from this event will be given back to the community through The Alys Foundation. $15–$35. Alys Beach, 9581 E. County Hwy. 30A. 7–9:30 am.

(850) 213-5500

love to drench your lobster tail in butter, you’ll be sure to enjoy yourself. Schooners, 5121 Gulf Dr., Panama City. (850) 235-3555

alysbeach.com

GOLDEN PAINT WORKSHOPS WITH KEVIN TOBIN

MAKE ME SMILE, HERITAGE, LUKE LANGFORD & DEJA VU SEPT. 3, 14, 21, 28 Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation celebrates Labor Day weekend with a Concerts in the Village show featuring Make Me Smile, a 10-piece ensemble performing a tribute to the legendary band, Chicago. On Sept. 14, MKAF will host reggae rock group and local favorite, Heritage. Country band sensation Luke Langford & 331 South will play on Sept.

21. Eclectic party band Deja Vu will play on Sept. 28. Bring a lawn chair, picnic and wine or purchase soft drinks and dinner prepared by a featured restaurant or food trucks on site.

All proceeds benefit MKAF and its education outreach programs.

Purchase tickets at the gate.

General admission to Make Me Smile: $25; MKAF members: $20; children (12 and under): FREE. All other concerts, general admission: $10; MKAF members: $5; children (12 and under): FREE. A limited number of VIP Tables are available to MKAF members for the concert season. Cultural Arts Village, 4323 Commons Dr. W., Destin. Gate opens at 6 pm.

Show 7–9 pm. (850) 650-2226 mattiekellyartsfoundation.org/ destinfloridasummerconcerts.html

schooners.com

SEPT. 23–30 This is a two-part workshop. The first part is a lecture and demo of printing with Golden products. Free samples will also be given. The second part covers printmaking utilizing Gelli Plates, Plexiglass plates, Dura-Lar® plates and artist-made Collographic plates.

Students will print with QoR watercolors and OPEN acrylic paints to pull their prints. Lecture/ Demo: FREE; two-day workshops: $130 members, $145 nonmembers. Registration must be in advance for both workshops. All Golden materials will be supplied.

Students should check the office or the ADSO website for an additional supplies list. Art Center, 17 First St. S.E., Fort Walton Beach. Thurs, 6–8 pm; Fri, 10 am–3 pm; Sat, 9 am– noon. (850) 244-1271.

P R E S E N T T H E 2 0 1 7 L A B O R D AY CONCERT IN THE VILLAGE BENEFIT

MAKE ME SMILE AN AUTHENTIC TRIBUTE TO VINTAGE CHICAGO

SUNDAY

SEPTEMBER 3 7 - 9 PM

(DOORS OPEN AT 6 PM)

artsdesignsociety.org/

ADSO LUNCHEON SEPT. 27 The speaker for this luncheon will be announced on the Arts Design Society website. Reservations are required. $12, or $15 for reservations made after Sept. 25.

Art Center, 17 First St. S.E., Fort Walton Beach. 11:30 am. Please send reservations requests to adsorsvp@gmail.com or call Risa at (850) 376-3901.

THURSDAYS

SEPT 14 - OCT 5 7 - 9 PM

(DOORS OPEN AT 6 PM)

Artsdesignsociety.org

40TH ANNUAL PENSACOLA SEAFOOD FESTIVAL PHOTOS COURTESY OF SCHOONERS, PANAMA CITY BEACH

SEPT. 29–OCT. 1

LOBSTER FESTIVAL SEPT. 11–17 Dubbed the largest seven-day lobster festival in the Southeast, Schooners hosts their 28th annual Lobster Festival and Tournament. Whether you dive for lobsters in your free time or

Head to Seville Square, Fountain Park and Bartram Park in Historic Downtown Pensacola for this unforgettable three-day festival, featuring live music, a poster contest, the Don McCloskey 5K Walk/Run and plenty of seafood!

Seville Square: 311 E Government St.; Fountain Park: 300 E. Zaragoza St.; Bartram Park: 211 Bayfront Pkwy. Pensacola. fiestaoffiveflags.org/pensacolaseafood-festival

Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village 4323 Commons Drive West, Destin

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

SOCIAL STUDIES Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic JUN. 21–25 The Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin has set the standard for world-class sportfishing tournaments. The angling teams set out upon the blue-green waters of the Gulf to catch blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, tuna, dolphin, wahoo and spearfish. Those onshore participated in a variety of recreational activities and watched the nightly weigh-ins.

1

3

PHOTOS BY 8 FIFTY PRODUCTIONS AND ALLISON YII

1 Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at sunset 2 553-pound blue marlin that claimed first place for Don’t Blink 3 Wiley Parks, first mate Sid Little, captain Skip McAllister, second mate Brandon Forristall, Mike Hickey, Bill Horn, owner Jason Benton

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SP O NSO R ED R E P O RT

Stories from the

Heart I NSPI R ING STOR IES OF PEOPL E H EL PING PEOPL E The life-changing care Sacred Heart Health System provides has touched the hearts of many who strive to ensure that this incredible mission of care continues for future generations. Sacred Heart Foundation is proud to be a partner in this endeavor. Please enjoy these “Stories from the Heart.”

PR ESENTE D BY

AUGUST 2017

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Stories

Heart from the

SPONSORED REPORT

Ashton and Emilie Howard with their son Hagan.

Pensacola Artist’s Greatest Masterpiece Arrives at The Children’s Hospital I

n the summer of 2015, Pensacola artist Ashton Howard painted two sea-life murals inside the lobby of The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart. The lobby had recently been renovated, and when Ashton’s murals debuted, he was excited to share his work, knowing that children and families would enjoy the paintings for years to come.

He had no idea that one of those children would be his own.

Ashton and his wife Emilie — who were both born at Sacred Heart — were eagerly anticipating the birth of their own son when, on Saturday, Feb. 11, Emilie’s water broke. The couple arrived at Sacred Heart, and Hagan Howard greeted the world at 6:50 p.m., measuring 21¼ inches long and weighing 7 lbs., 9 oz.

Soon after delivery, doctors and nurses detected fluid in Hagan’s lungs. He was rushed into the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at The Children’s Hospital.

“This is an amazing place with an incredible team of doctors and nurses!” said Ashton. “Of course, having a child in the NICU is scary, but we are so thankful

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Stories

Heart from the

SPONSORED REPORT

A message from Carol Carlan

for all the work the team does here. We have truly loved our experience. Dr. Medlock, who delivered Hagan, did a fantastic job. He was so calm and professional. He spent about 45 minutes talking with us in the NICU, making sure we were at ease and that all of our questions were answered. All of the nurses have been so knowledgeable and patient. Hagan was in great hands. The few times we’ve left the hospital to sleep or run errands, we knew he was loved and well cared for.”

Baby Hagan spent a week in the NICU before being discharged home. On their way out of the hospital, passing through The Children’s Hospital lobby, the new parents stopped by the mural to share Ashton’s work with their little miracle.

Ashton’s first mural adorns the hallway connecting The Children’s Hospital with the rest of Sacred Heart’s Pensacola campus and includes paintings of dolphins, turtles, fish, shells and a pelican soaring above the waves. The second mural lies above the entryway and is visible only from The Children’s Hospital’s second and third floors, where patients and visitors can look down into the lobby for an aerial view of a pod of dolphins swimming among ocean colors.

Ashton has painted professionally for 12 years, typically on canvas, and his paintings sell in galleries throughout the United States, from Honolulu to Key West. He creates several murals a year. Most recently, he painted the Jefferson Street mural in downtown Pensacola, which was the largest public art project in the city’s history. Ashton’s other Pensacola murals can be found in the downtown YMCA and at Paradise Bar and Grill on Pensacola Beach, as well as in private residences.

“Ashton put so much care and attention into painting his murals in our Children’s Hospital lobby,”

said Melissa Ramirez, patient care manager of the NICU at The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart. “Now, every day, when our staff comes into work, we will see the mural and remember how blessed we were to care for Baby Hagan — Ashton and Emilie’s greatest masterpiece.”

The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart is a 117-bed facility that serves as the only children’s hospital in Northwest Florida. The Children’s Hospital offers a wide range of services to meet all of a child’s medical needs, from a pediatric emergency room and neonatal intensive care unit to pediatric intensive care, cancer care, rehabilitation and a medical staff of more than 120 boardcertified physicians across 29 pediatric specialties.

The Children’s Hospital provides quality, compassionate care to children, regardless of their parents’ ability to pay.

It is a special time for the children in our region.

Just like the children and families we serve, we are growing. In early March, we began site work on a new four-story Children’s Hospital to care for more children. Our new Children’s Hospital will allow us to expand our Level II and Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Units — where baby Hagan was treated. We are also expanding our Pediatric Oncology Unit, relocating our Pediatric Emergency Department and Trauma Center to the Children’s Hospital, adding six new Pediatric Operating Rooms, and expanding our Child Life Playrooms.

The Children’s Hospital is expected to open in January 2019!

Make a gift to help care for our smallest patients at The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart. Visit SupportSacredHeart.org or call (850) 416-4660 today!

A community of inspired hearts.

This is Sacred Heart Foundation.

It is a partnership of individuals who share a common passion - to leave their community better than they found it. We see this transformational passion every day in our donors and volunteers who give of their resources, time and talent.

In this issue, we share the stories of a few such individuals. You will read about Ashton Howard, a local artist whose giftedness created beauty in our Children’s Hospital only to discover that he and he wife would become recipients of that beauty; about Judith Ring, a former teacher who believes we will always find ways to educate, to sing and dance, but knows it takes extraordinary skill, knowledge and equipment to save a child; and about Jimmy Neilson, who simply is devoted to making his community a better place.

There’s also a story about our friends at the D.W. McMillan Trust and Foundation, which has generously supported the healthcare needs of all persons throughout our community for more than 30 years. Likewise, other organizations have invested substantially in these needs, such as our Children’s Miracle Network Hospital partner, Walmart, and Sam’s Club.

It has been said that the best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart. We invite others to be a part of our community of inspired hearts. Together, our commitment will ensure that Sacred Heart’s compassionate mission will continue on, serving the future generations who will be tomorrow’s community.

Carol Carlan President, Sacred Heart Foundation

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Stories

Heart from the

SPON SORED REPORT

Dan McMillan

A Trustee of the Past, Present and Future

D

an McMillan carries a great burden of responsibility as managing trustee of the D.W. McMillan Trust and its Foundation in Brewton, Alabama. His work calls for celebrating the family’s past, supporting certain needs of the present and looking to the community’s future.

While his family’s roots in Brewton date back to prior the turn of the century, the legacy Dan manages was born in 1929 when his great grandfather, Ed Leigh McMillan, Esq., drew up a trust for Dr. Dan McMillan’s considerable assets. Dr. Dan asked Ed Leigh to act as managing trustee. Part of that document stipulated that “charitable money would go to the poor and needy of the two Escambia counties (Alabama and Florida) without regard to color, race or creed, whether they were worthy or unworthy.”

Today, the D.W. McMillan Foundation contributes in excess of one million dollars annually to more than 80 different health and welfare organizations, including Sacred Heart. “We have been able to grow and provide more and more benefits, grants and contributions to the betterment of communities such as Pensacola, Atmore, Brewton and beyond,” Dan says.

During the Depression, Ed Leigh and Dr. Dan made loans to people because money from banks was scarce. One of the companies they helped was TR Loveless Lumber, which repaid the loan with a 32,000 acre tract of timberland. As a result, timber harvest would become the trust’s main source of income over the years.

Dr. Dan often traveled to Rhodesia, Africa, where he had a medical office and saw patients

when he wasn’t big-game hunting. He also worked at the old Sacred Heart Hospital on Twelfth Avenue, where he treated patients regardless of their ability to pay, in keeping with the Daughters of Charity’s mission. He wanted that charitable work to continue.

“A lot of our giving,” Dan says, “Goes to organizations that provide medical services, but a lot of it also goes to long-term things — like investing in The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart.”

“A lot of our giving goes to organizations that provide medical services, but a lot of it also goes to long term things — like investing in The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart.”

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Stories

Heart from the

SPONSORED REPORT

Judith Ring

Children Are Our Future “We will always find ways to educate, to sing and dance and be a ‘community,’ but we can’t find ways to save the child with brain trauma without extraordinary skill, knowledge and equipment — and that takes money.”

– JUDITH RING

A

s a member of the Sacred Heart Foundation board, Judith Ring brings to the table a keen understanding of the far-reaching value of the new Children’s Hospital. It is an understanding shaped by her deep-seated local roots, a career centered on educating and guiding the young, and a loving upbringing by parents dedicated to their family.

As a fourth generation Pensacolian and one of seven children, Judith was born at the old Sacred Heart Hospital on Twelfth Avenue.

She attended Escambia High School, Pensacola State College and the University of West Florida. A teacher and guidance counselor, she enjoyed a 38-year career in the local public education system. Her marriage took place here, and she currently has a business in the downtown area, Polonza Bistro restaurant.

“How much more Pensacola can you get?”

Judith asks.

Her parents met during WWII when her father, John Webb, a young Army solder, was stationed in Miami as a member of the coastal artillery. He came back to Pensacola to practice as a veterinarian and raise his family.

He became a man of influence, serving more than three decades as president of the Pensacola Interstate Fair board, working with the 4-H and the Boy Scouts, and being active on his church administrative board.

Growing up, Judith recalls how money was scarce, yet somehow her parents always found ways to help others. They were married for 70 years — longevity that Judith attributes to their happiness. “Both my parents lived lives full of joy. They were happy with each other, they were happy with us. And they lived life transparently, “ she says. “Whatever I saw them doing or saying in public was who they were in our home. There were no conflicting messages.

“Our daddy told us all the time that he was

the luckiest, richest man in the world because we were his children. He valued us.”

Judith believes that funding The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart — helping to make it a reality — is vital. “Children are our future. We have to make a difference in our children’s lives. If we are going to say that we believe in the worth of all humanity, then we have to put our money where it makes that difference.

“We will always find ways to educate, to sing and dance and be a ‘community,’ but we can’t find ways to save the child with brain trauma without extraordinary skill, knowledge and equipment — and that takes money.

“Not everyone can find a way to save a premature baby, not everybody can save the child who has cancer, not everybody can save the critically injured kids of the world — that comes from Sacred Heart, that comes from the value of having The Children’s Hospital.”

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Stories

Heart from the

SPON SORED REPORT

Jimmy Neilson

Committed to the Community

T

he community of Destin would hardly be the same today without Jimmy Neilson’s commitment to its betterment. Consider, for example, the multitude of civic/professional organizations he has chaired or directed over the years: Jaycees, Kiwanis, Destin Chamber of Commerce, Mid-Bay Bridge Authority, Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs, the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, and the list goes on and on.

But there is one particular community asset Jimmy’s leadership contributed to that has significantly impacted the Destin area in a way no other organization could: Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast (SHHEC). “At the time, I could see that there was a serious need for a hospital in our area and I was driven to do something about it,” he says.

His passionate commitment to making SHHEC a reality was reflected in extensive fundraising for the new facility. “I knew it was going to be an excellent hospital giving superior healthcare for all.” And, yes, he was there for its groundbreaking ceremony in 2001, shovel in hand.

Over the years, Jimmy feels he has been blessed to be able to support SHHEC in a variety of ways. “Sacred Heart has been the greatest success story of our time on the Emerald Coast,” he says. “I have met many people who chose to live in this beautiful area mainly because of our hospital.

Look at the patient satisfaction survey — it is in the 98th, 99th percentile.”

Jimmy’s successful community and professional leadership has always revolved around his work ethic. “In all of the activities and everything I have ever done, I always had the best interest of the organization in mind, and I never, ever had a personal agenda. I always looked for the positive in all situations.” His father taught him, “Any project is possible when approached with honesty, integrity and character.”

Destin gave him the pastime of scuba diving, which he has pursued avidly with some 300 dives. Another hobby is woodturning. But perhaps Jimmy’s greatest source of personal satisfaction is his support system of friends. “My motto is: You can take my money but not my friends. All my life, I have been blessed with people who understand community is important.

We have always had fun trying to make things better.”

As chair of the SHHEC Advisory Council and the Foundation Development Board, he supports capital fundraising efforts that will facilitate the hospital’s mission to continually grow, expand and improve healthcare for all. “My legacy is simple — I would like to leave my community better than I found it.”

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“Sacred Heart has been the greatest success story of our time on the Emerald Coast. I have met many people who chose to live in this beautiful area mainly because of our hospital.” – JIMMY NEILSON

SPONSORED REPORT

Stories

Heart from the

Walmart and Sam’s Club have supported The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart, your local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, for 30 years to help sick and injured kids live better!

Together with customers and members, Walmart and Sam’s Club from Atmore, AL to Marianna, FL helped raise more than $395,000 last year for the more than 7,000 children treated at The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart! Donations will help care for the children of tomorrow with a new four-story Children’s Hospital built specifically with their needs in mind.

The Walmart and Sam’s Club campaign will be held from August 28–October 1. Help bring life-saving care and miracles to children in our communities by making a donation at the register!

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Stories

Heart from the

SP O NSO R ED R E P O RT

Radiothon

Difference Makers

Our 19th Annual Radiothon was a great success, raising more than $49,000 to benefit The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart, your local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. We owe the success to our partners Cumulus Broadcasting, Wind Creek Atmore, Gulf Winds Credit Union, our patients’ families, Cox Phone Bank volunteers, our Jail ‘N Bail fundraisers, and our generous individual and corporate donors. Thank you for caring for kids along the Gulf Coast!

Doug Gibson, Bill Ellis, Ron Doolittle and Bobby Rogers of the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) are difference makers for kids! These amazing employees have hosted the ECUA Employees Golf Tournament for 19 years, raising more than $175,000 for the kids! Thank you for positively impacting the lives of the children in our care.

Partners in Care for 22 Years!

The Florida Forestry Association and Florida Logger’s Council has been a valued partner in the care of children for 22 years! The organization hosted its annual LogA-Load For Kids Golf Tournament at Sunny Hills Golf Course, in Chipley, Florida, to benefit The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart, your local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. Thank you for keeping children in the forefront of our community!

A BOU T TH E SACR ED H E A RT FOU NDATION Since 1915, Sacred Heart Health System has been at the heart of healing for Northwest Florida and South Alabama. Like our founders, the Daughters of Charity, Sacred Heart is dedicated to providing quality, compassionate healthcare to the citizens of our regions, regardless of their ability to pay. This steadfast commitment to our community could not have been achieved without the support and generosity of the thousands of individuals, businesses and organizations that have donated to Sacred Heart Foundation.

Through this charitable giving, Sacred Heart Foundation has been able to provide millions of dollars of free and low-cost healthcare to the poor, uninsured, under-insured and low-income families. With the help of generous donors, we are proud to partner in Sacred Heart’s mission of care along the Gulf Coast.

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MARK J. KATZENSTEIN, MD, FACC, FSCAI Interventional Cardiologist JOSEPH A. PEDONE, MD, FACC, FACP, FSCAI, CDDR Interventional Cardiologist MICHAEL L. YANDEL, MD, FACC, FSCAI Interventional Cardiologist JUAN C. ZARATE, MD, FACC, FSCAI Interventional Cardiologist ANTHONY S. AL-DEHNEH, DO, FACC, FSCAI Interventional Cardiologist AJIT H. JANARDHAN, MD, PhD, FACC, FHRS Cardiac Electrophysiologist MARCELLO A. BORZATTA, MD, FACS Endovascular Surgeon

Best Cardiologist Providing current, comprehensive health care in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of heart problems, since 1991, Okaloosa Heart & Vascular Center offers a full range of integrated cardiac services, from patient education through inpatient care, including: Clinical Cardiology and Consultation, Echocardiography, Vascular Ultrasound, Exercise Testing, Holter and Event Monitoring, Nuclear Cardiac Imaging, Cardiac Catheterization, Coronary Angioplasty, Intra-Coronary Stenting, Endovascular Surgery and Limb Salvage. With 5 interventional cardiologists, 1 endovascular surgeon and 5 local offices to serve you, the staff is committed to exploring new technologies and techniques that provide better ways to care for their patients, and to treating each patient like a person rather than a diagnosis.

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Niceville 552 Twin Cities Boulevard Suite A Niceville, FL 32578 850-279-4426

Fort Walton Beach 1032 Mar Walt Dr. Suite 110 Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547 850-862-1753

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Crestview 129 E. Redstone Ave. Suite A Crestview, FL 32539 850-682-7212

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Professional Profiles Physicians, realtors, attorneys, communicators and merchants are among the engaged professionals profiled in this special section of Emerald Coast Magazine. We invite you to read about the goods and services they provide, what motivates them, and what these professionals believe are vital to delivering excellent patient care and customer service.

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TURN THE PAGE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TOP PROFESSIONALS

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August–September 2017

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PROFESSIONAL PROFILES

FORT WALTON BEACH MEDICAL CENTER Exceptional People. Exceptional Care.

F

ort Walton Beach Medical Center (FWBMC) is a 257bed hospital with over 200 of the most highly respected and qualified physicians in the area. It is ranked nationally for patient safety and infection prevention and was named Top General Hospital by The Leapfrog Group in 2016. It is the only acute care hospital in the tri-county area qualified to perform open heart surgery and has the only Advanced Primary Stroke Center and Accredited Chest Pain Center, making Fort Walton Beach Medical Center the best hospital in the area to care for your heart.

Fort Walton Beach Medical Center also provides advanced care for critically ill patients. This care includes cardiovascular and trauma injury care units, emergency services and a rehab facility, Rehabilitation Institute of Northwest Florida in Destin, that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

For expecting mothers, Women and Children’s Services at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center is proud to be initiating the pathway to becoming a designated Baby Friendly Hospital. Their highly

skilled team of OB/GYNs and nurses provide compassionate care, while private labor, delivery and recovery suites offer a safe, supportive and homelike environment. Our unique Couplet Care system provides one-on-one nursing care to help mother and baby off to a happy, healthy start. To provide additional peace of mind, should a delivery become high risk, Fort Walton Beach Medical Center has the only Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with neonatologists available 24/7.

1000 MAR WALT DRIVE | FORT WALTON BEACH | (850) 862-1111 | FWBMC.COM

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

ERIC L. SANDWITH, M.D. Northwest Florida Heart Institute

1

WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE? I am a cardiothoracic surgeon. I mostly perform surgery in the chest: coronary artery bypass, aortic valve replacement, atrial fibrillation surgery, pacemakers, defibrillators, minimally invasive lung resection, biopsies and much more.

2

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS? I started practice in 2004 in South Florida, but I have been with the Northwest Florida Heart Institute and Fort Walton Beach Medical Center since 2007 working to develop state-of-the-art cardiovascular services.

3

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR LOCATION? I had a wonderful opportunity to move to this beautiful location from South Florida. After I arrived, I soon realized there was a definite need in this area for a local cardiac surgeon who could provide excellent cardiovascular surgical care. I knew that I would be able to provide this, which would allow the local population to stay and obtain their medical care here, close to home.

I have strong, healthy relationships with local cardiologists and hospitals.

4

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS THAT YOU HAVE MADE WITH YOUR PRACTICE? I have been able to provide local, state-of-the-art care for heart disease and heart valve pathology. I have a great team of physician’s assistants and nursing staff that specialize in the care of heart patients. I have performed over 1,000 openheart surgeries since I have been here. I am also the only surgeon in the area qualified to perform open-heart surgery. I was the first in the area to utilize robotic surgery for lung cancer. Most importantly, my complication rates for heart surgery are below the average rate according to The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.

“

I really enjoy getting to know my patients and their families and learning what makes them tick. I enjoy the process of watching them improve over time. I treat my patients like family. Of course, the technical part of my job is fascinating, challenging and demanding all at the same time.

”

5

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR YOUR PRACTICE? Locally, I plan to continue what I am doing to make the community aware of the remarkable level of success we have been able to achieve. We actually have better results than the surrounding centers. Globally, as cardiac surgery rapidly evolves over the next few years, I hope to adapt our techniques accordingly to meet the expectations of our patients.

(850) 862-3194 | NFLHEARTINSTITUTE.COM 1032 MAR WALT DRIVE, SUITE 230, FORT WALTON BEACH | 115 BEECH AVE. W., CRESTVIEW

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PROFESSIONAL PROFILES

NOAH CONVERSE, D.O. Florida Institute of Neuroscience

1

WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE? Treatment for narrowing of the lumbar spine, impingement of the spinal cord and spinal tumors, as well as neck and back pain with pain radiating into the arm/shoulder or hip/leg. I specialize in trauma of the brain and spine, including brain hemorrhage. I treat both benign and malignant brain tumors. I also offer cervical disc replacement and spinal cord stimulator placement for patients with chronic back or leg pain that is poorly responsive to medical therapy.

2

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS THAT YOU HAVE MADE IN YOUR SPECIALTY? My greatest accomplishments will always be based on the success of my individual patients. Seeing a patient walk into the office who was previously paralyzed is very gratifying, and I am honored to be able to contribute in whatever way I can.

3

WHAT IS THE FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? Likewise, the best part of my job is seeing patients thrive postoperatively and be able to get back to doing the things they like to do.

4

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR NEUROSCIENCE AND YOUR PRACTICE? The future of neurosurgery is very exciting. Evidence-based medicine is streamlining the best practices for physicians across the board. Following these best practices allows physicians to give each of our patients the best possible chance of having a favorable outcome when intervention becomes necessary.

New advancements in technology provide the basis for continually improving our best practices.

“

My greatest accomplishments will always be based on the success of my individual patients. Seeing a patient walk into the office who was previously paralyzed is very gratifying, and I am honored to be able to contribute in whatever way I can.

”

(850) 863-FINE (3463) | FINEINSTITUTE.COM 965 MAR WALT DRIVE, FORT WALTON BEACH | 115 BEECH AVE. W., CRESTVIEW | 870 MACK BAYOU ROAD, SANTA ROSA BEACH

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

ROBERT FELDMAN, M.D. Florida Institute of Neuroscience

1

WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE? Treatment of brain, spine and peripheral nerve disorders, particularly those that cause back, neck, arm and leg pain, numbness, tingling and weakness.

2

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS THAT YOU HAVE MADE WITH YOUR PRACTICE? I believe that keeping up with the newest advances in my specialty is important.

Another important accomplishment is maintaining a personal and individualized approach to my patients. Patients are not rushed; we do not overbook and we spend a lot of time with our patients. Discussions are in layman’s terms, every question is answered, responses from the office are prompt and most importantly, we will not offer surgery if the patient does not need it or we do not think it will help.

3

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? Seeing a patient that came into my office crying in pain, unable to work or play with their children, then come in to my office after surgery smiling.

4

“

Operating on the brain and spine is a privilege. It requires demanding attention to detail and requires constant performance at 100%. This mentality permeates my practice, and our patients can tell that they are getting the care and results that would be hard to find elsewhere. The F.I.N.E. Institute team is looking forward to making a difference in the lives of people in this community for another 15 years.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR YOUR PRACTICE? Because of our results and how we take care of patients, our volume is significantly expanding. We have a very capable and experienced physician assistant, Ken Ellison, to ensure that patients do not have to wait too long to be seen.

On January 1, 2017, Dr. Noah Converse joined the FINE Institute as our second neurosurgeon to accommodate the increase in patient volume. The future is very bright for the FINE Institute and our patients.

”

(850) 863-FINE (3463) | FINEINSTITUTE.COM 965 MAR WALT DRIVE, FORT WALTON BEACH | 115 BEECH AVE. W., CRESTVIEW | 870 MACK BAYOU ROAD, SANTA ROSA BEACH

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satisfaction of “The hearing our clients

HARRIS INSURANCE

thank us by referring friends and family is probably the most rewarding.”

W

e are a local, family owned, independent insurance firm celebrating 52 years in business. Our agency is unique in that we developed our own technology which has enabled us to actively write and compare rates with hundreds of different insurance companies. Harris Insurance shops these available markets to compare price and coverage and then offers an individually tailored proposal to our clients based on their needs. We protect our clients from potential financial loss while providing the best value from the insurance marketplace. Simply put, we provide the best value and the best protection at the best price.

1

WHAT DOES YOUR COMPANY GUARANTEE? We provide rock solid coverage through A+ rated insurance companies, licensed to do business in Florida. We take the responsibility of protecting our clients very seriously. You could better describe our role as a consumer advocate for our client with the insurance company.

2

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF WORKING FOR YOUR COMPANY? It is never boring.

There is a constant ebb and flow of rate adjustments, underwriting rule changes and insurance companies moving in and out of Florida, which keeps us on our toes. The satisfaction of hearing our clients thank us by referring friends and family is probably the most rewarding.

3

WHAT IMPACT DOES YOUR BUSINESS MAKE IN THE COMMUNITY? In addition to our regular donations, we also conduct “give back” promotions where we prepare a list of charities and designate a portion of every sale to be donated. What’s fun is we let our clients choose which charity to fund and then calculate the proceeds at the end of the promotion. In our last promotion we distributed more than $12,000 to charities including the Salvation Army, Wounded Warriors, American Diabetes Association and the American Red Cross.

4

CHASE YAKABOSKI

WHAT DO YOU HOPE CUSTOMERS GAIN FROM INTERACTING WITH YOUR COMPANY? Our objective is simple in that we want each client to know how much we look out for them. Not just at the time of our initial sale, but also throughout the year, at renewal and anytime should a claim or need arise. Their satisfaction is our No. 1 priority.

5

WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE? We are the “one call” agency providing all forms of insurance including auto, home, business and life.

C. Whit Harris, CIC

123 SE MIRACLE STRIP PARKWAY | FORT WALTON BEACH | (850) 586-7540 | HARRISINSURANCE.COM

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TADLOCK ROOFING

Dale Tadlock, Owner and President of Tadlock Roofing

A stable home is “important, and it all begins with the roof.

”

Dale Tadlock puts roofs over heads in a variety of ways. Dale is the owner of Tadlock Roofing, a family-owned-and-operated business that has specialized in re-roofing, repairs and maintenance for residential and commercial properties for over 35 years.

Under his own roof, he nurtures three biological children and four adopted children. Providing safety, compassion, integrity and trust are cornerstones of his business and personal life.

At the age of 8, Dale knew he would forever call Tallahassee his home. Not long after high school, he was given the opportunity to work with the production side of a roofing company and knew he had found his niche.

In 1980, he opened his own company, and he has been serving the community that shaped him ever since.

Tadlock Roofing does business throughout North and Central Florida, with the goal of consistently maintaining its level of integrity in the roofing industry by hiring qualified and experienced employees, adhering to best safety practices and providing educational resources to its customers.

Dale is as much a family man as he is a businessman, and he provides customers with the same care that he extends to his own family. A stable home is important, and it all begins with the roof.

Dale Tadlock

2609 W. 23RD ST. | PANAMA CITY | (850) 785-7777 185 W. AIRPORT BLVD., SUITE C | PENSACOLA | (850) 542-3747 | TADLOCKROOFING.COM | LIC. CCC1328417

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RESORTQUEST BY WYNDHAM VACATION RENTALS Dawn Moliterno, Regional Director of Operations

A

vacation is something to be enjoyed. With the countless hours spent researching, planning and making sure you select the perfect place to spend your hard-earned time and money, it’s a breath of fresh air to know that your vacation rental company cherishes your vacation just as much as you do. Dawn Moliterno, regional director of operations for ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals, has a passion for people and service. “The tourism and hospitality industry provides no greater reward than watching people enjoy their vacation with us,” she says.

goal is to give “The people the greatest

experience and vacation of their lives, and if we do that, everything else takes care of itself. ”

Moliterno’s career has been one focused on hospitality, from the start. Having made Santa Rosa Beach her home in 2005, she quickly made a big impact on the community when she navigated the area through the oil spill of 2010 as the executive director of the South Walton Tourist Development Council.

Moliterno facilitated negotiations with BP and the governor’s office for nearly $40 million in marketing grants. Her passion for the community is unparalleled.

“The quality of life and diversity of this area is second to none. I have always felt a great connection to the area and the sweet-tea hospitality. God spent a little more time here,” she says.

Continuing to grow in the tourism industry, Moliterno made her mark on several other business entities before joining the ResortQuest team in 2016. She describes the culture as one that “embraces the family environment, professionally and personally.” Her diverse skill set in leadership and training has been instrumental within ResortQuest, creating clear and streamlined processes that touch everyone.

“I like being part of something bigger than just the role. It’s about people serving people, whether a guest, homeowner or peer.”

Dawn Moliterno

(844) 510-8592 | WYNDHAMVACATIONRENTALS.COM

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CUVÉE KITCHEN + WINE BAR Tyler Jarvis and Christopher Ruyan

“

The grass is greenest where you water it.

Whatever you stay committed to, you’re going to bear fruit.

Invest in yourself and you will never lose … it can never be taken from you, it can never get taxed, you can always keep growing.

”

T

yler Jarvis and Christopher Ruyan have called Florida’s Emerald Coast home for over a combined 40 years. Jarvis, the son of Back Down 2’s Captain Gary Jarvis was born and raised in Destin, Florida. Ruyan, born in Columbus, Ohio, was raised outside of Los Angeles, California, until the 7th grade when his family relocated. Once in the same area, the two became instant friends while competing on the same baseball teams. Following many years of planning and fostering relationships in the community, Jarvis and Ruyan opened Jackacudas Seafood & Sushi in 2014 and Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer in 2015. Most recently the duo has unveiled Cuvée Kitchen + Wine Bar, formerly Cuvée Destin owned by renowned Chef Tim Creehan. Along with the assistance of their impeccable management teams, Bald & The Beard Restaurant group have stayed on the forefront of the restaurant scene in Destin, incorporating atmospheres that they enjoy with superior local, fresh ingredients.

1

NAME THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE YOU. Adaptable, passionate, reliable.

2

WHAT IS YOUR MISSION? To create friendly, casual and exciting dining experiences while incorporating fresh and sustainable ingredients into the culture, art and diversity of the cuisine.

3

YOU REALLY SURPRISED YOURSELVES THE TIME YOU ... Raised thousands for two local charities: Food For Thought Outreach and Boys and Girls Club of the Emerald Coast, during our May 25 grand opening of Cuvée Kitchen + Wine Bar.

4

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT? Our families. We are blessed with strong women in our lives that keep us centered and support us through everything!

5 CHRISTINA GRIFFIN OF PROFFITT PR

WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE? Our team. Hands down we have the best team on the Emerald Coast and we are honored to have each and every person working alongside us.

Christopher Ruyan and Tyler Jarvis

6

OUR HAPPIEST PROFESSIONAL MOMENT Happens each day when we see people in our restaurants enjoying their own company over flavorful food and amazing drinks.

7

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD? It is in God’s hands.

36120 EMERALD COAST PARKWAY | DESTIN | (850) 460-2909 | CUVEEKITCHEN.COM

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THE PREMIER PROPERTY GROUP Keith Flippo, Realtor and Founding Partner

T

en years ago Keith Flippo could have simply ordered a sandwich and stuck to discussing future development projects. Instead, he stepped away from that lunch appointment with Bob and Marie Parks with a business plan in mind. By 11 a.m. the very next morning The Premier Property Group was formed. In January of 2015, Tommy Brigham and Garrett McNeil officially joined the team rounding out the four partners they have today.

Since 2007, they have grown exponentially from a lunch table discussion scribbled on napkins to becoming one of the top locally owned and independent real estate firms in Northwest Florida, with over 390 million in luxury real estate sales in 2016.

“

The Premier Property Group is a full-service brokerage firm, where premier agents provide premier services to premier customers.

”

The PPG has four offices ideally situated for customer convenience and over 100 years of combined experience ensuring the highest quality of service and knowledge. As consistent leaders in area sales, the agency has ranked in the top 10% of luxury sales from the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors since their conception. The company’s relationship with the Premier Development Group allows customers exclusive previews of new developments and has resulted in more than $2.5 billion in development activity.

Keith Flippo has been essential to the company’s success with over 300 million worth of sales in his 10 years. From the beginning, Keith has been passionate about recruiting new agents by seeking out talented members to add to the overall success.

Keith is outgoing, kind and success-minded all of which have benefited him in creating a company of like-minded individuals to reach his goal of consistently providing great customer service and building relationships with his clients.

What began as a leap of faith has emerged as one of the leading brokerages in the region and has developed into irreplaceable friendships amongst not only the partners, but also their agents and clients.

For many more years to come, The Premier Property Group will continue to be a full-service brokerage firm where premier agents provide premier services to premier customers.

For more information on how The Premier Property Group can assist you with all of your real estate needs, please visit ThePremierPropertyGroup.com.

Keith Flippo

(850) 543-5187 | KEITH@THEPPG.NET | THEPREMIERPROPERTYGROUP.COM

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THE MERCHANTS OF SEASIDE

“

Seaside continues its pursuit of providing simple, unique, precious experiences for its guests. The shape of its downtown and the size of its buildings might change over time, but its spirit and its drive to stand apart never will.

”

S

easide is built on 80 acres along Florida’s Gulf Coast and is acclaimed worldwide as an iconic community offering a thriving town center with shopping and dining all within walking distance to homes, cottages and offices. Consisting of more than 475 cottages, many of them vacation rentals, the community also offers nearly 20 restaurants, bars and eateries, and more than 40 shops, galleries and services.

Seaside has been recognized by numerous publications and television programs such as Trip Advisor, the Travel Channel, Travel + Leisure and USA Today for its beautiful beaches, bountiful vacation rentals, signature events and specialty retail merchants.

1

OUR HISTORY IN BRIEF: Founded in 1981, Seaside is touted as the first New Urbanist community. From inception, it has focused on incubating some of the most original businesses in Northwest Florida. It boasts a collection of highly beloved, award-winning mom-and-pop stores, eateries and specialty shops that strive for originality, exceptional service and quality products.

2

WHAT WE ABSOLUTELY CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT: The families who come to visit us year after year. The parents who, having spent their time in our town during their youth, now yearn to introduce their children to one of their favorite places.

3

WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE: None of our merchants or businesses are chains; each is one of a kind, and most of our business owners live in the area. The spirit of camaraderie, friendliness and philanthropy is genuine. That just might be one reason why Seaside merchants collectively won Grand Champion for “Best Retail Collective” in the “2017 Perfect in South Walton” awards, hosted by Visit South Walton TDC.

4 JACQUELINE WARD IMAGES

MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW THIS, BUT ... It is estimated that close to a million people pass through our town annually to visit the shops and restaurants or to attend an event. This number includes the more than 270,000 tourists that stay in Seaside annually.

5

OUR HAPPIEST PROFESSIONAL MOMENT: Going to the premiere of “The Truman Show” as a community. Seeing Seaside depicted on the big screen in one of the greatest films of all time was a true honor and a joyous experience.

The Merchants of Seaside

P.O. BOX 4730 | SEASIDE | (850) 231-6111 | SEASIDEFL.COM

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MATTHEWS & JONES, LLP

clients can “ Our expect an honest

assessment of their legal situation without empty promises.”

D

ana Matthews started the Destin firm in 1983. Michael Jones had his own firm and since 1984 served our region with diligence, compassion and integrity in the areas of personal injury, probate and estate planning. “Mike and I have been best friends since age 12 and decided to spend the rest of our careers working side by side,” says Dana Matthews.

1

WHAT KIND OF LAW DO YOU SPECIALIZE IN? Matthews & Jones, one of the larger firms in Northwest Florida, transaction and litigation teams encompass a full spectrum of real estate representation, estate planning, corporate reorganization and complex work-out transactions, bankruptcy, civil, criminal, family law, personal injury, bankruptcy and adoption. The firm has attorneys licensed in federal and state courts in Florida, Mississippi, Texas, District of Columbia, Alaska, Alabama and Georgia and has offices in Destin, Niceville and Crestview.

2

WHAT IS YOUR BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY? We truly believe hard work and our free enterprise system in a democratic society make it possible to turn dreams into reality. When you incorporate that concept into the desire to provide unparalleled service to clients in need, success and client satisfaction will result.

3

SCOTT HOLSTEIN

WHAT IS THE “SECRET” TO YOUR SUCCESS? Client service is key to our law practice. Our clients can expect an honest assessment of their legal situation without empty promises. We strive to develop relationships with each and every client so that our attorneys and staff have a clear understanding of each individual client’s personal and business needs.

Michael Jones and Dana Matthews

4475 LEGENDARY DRIVE, DESTIN | (850) 837-3662 323 E. JOHN SIMS PARKWAY | NICEVILLE | (850) 729-7440 596 N. FERDON BLVD | CRESTVIEW | (850) 682-6211 DESTINLAW.COM

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4

TELL US ABOUT YOUR RECENT EXPANSION OF STAFF AND SERVICES. This year, we hired two new attorneys to handle our growing transactional and litigation practice. We are expanding our market by opening our fourth office in Blue Mountain Beach this fall.

5

YOU MADE A BOLD CHOICE TO USE A PANTHER TO SYMBOLIZE YOUR FIRM IN YOUR MARKETING CAMPAIGN. WHY? The Florida panther’s strength, agility and tenacity are the qualities our clients expect and deserve.

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good, and the rest “Do will fall into place. If

PROFFITT PR

your business is built around the intent to provide a good service or experience that betters the lives of those it comes in contact with, then you will be successful.”

Chelsea Blaich, Marketing Manager

C

helsea Blaich joined Proffitt PR in 2014 as the Digital Media and Public Relations Coordinator and has since proven to be an integral part of the team. Now operating as Marketing Manager, Chelsea handles everything from crafting and distributing press releases to serving as a liaison to the media, monitoring market trends, creating and promoting social media initiatives, and assisting in all areas of event planning. Chelsea takes pride in ensuring that Proffitt PR continues to deliver the creativity, innovation and service offerings that its clients have come to expect.

1

WHAT DO YOU DO, OR WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE? Proffitt PR is a savvy, boutique consulting firm specializing in making you and your brand look good.

2

WHAT’S YOUR AREA OF SPECIALTY? We use every tool in our toolbox to strengthen your brand, including public relations, strategic marketing, social media management, advertising, community relations, branding and identity, digital marketing and sponsorships.

3

WHO ARE YOUR CLIENTS ? Over the past six years, we’ve helped more than 100 local, national and international brands that have come through our doors, including shopping centers, real estate, restaurants, health care and government.

We do it all!

4

BUSINESS AND EDUCATION BACKGROUND I graduated from Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama, with a degree in business administration.

5

WHAT IS THE “SECRET” OF YOUR BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS? Down-time.

In our profession, we are constantly on the go. It’s important for all of us to maintain that work-life balance to ensure that we continue to do the best work for our clients and our business.

ALYSSA ARYN PHOTOGRAPHY

6

HAS YOUR BUSINESS EXPANDED RECENTLY? IN WHAT WAY? In May 2016, we moved into our new office at The Market Shops. It’s absolutely beautiful and spacious! More recently, we expanded with the hire of two new team members!

7

HOW DO YOU MEASURE SUCCESS IN YOUR BUSINESS OR PROFESSION? Advocates! If someone in the room sings our praises, then it means we did something right.

Chelsea Blaich

9375 EMERALD COAST PARKWAY, UNIT 24 IN THE MARKET SHOPS, MIRAMAR BEACH | (850) 460-7777 | PROFFITTPR.COM

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pride myself on “Igoing above and

DESTIN CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS

beyond what is expected, and I truly try to make a difference.”

Lindsey Lynch, VP of Sales and Marketing

1

WHAT I ABSOLUTELY CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT: Quality products and established relationships. Since its inception, Destin Custom Home Builders has set out to make our name synonymous with the quality of homes we produce.

To date, we have assisted with the design, layout and overall construction of a number of homes in Destin’s most prominent communities, including Destin Pointe, the Regatta Bay Yacht & Golf Club neighborhood and Regatta Bay Preserve.

We aim to not only build a home, but a lifestyle for the family that lives in it.

D

estin Custom Home Builders is the residential construction company for Legendary, LLC, a leading developer of property in Northwest Florida for more than 35 years. The company prides itself on using the most current technology, relevant to each project, and on keeping quality and attention to detail its highest priority. Through their connections with area vendors and award-winning partners, Destin Custom Home Builders continues to deliver top-quality homes of great and lasting value.

2

THE BEST ADVICE I HAVE TO OFFER IS: Purchase the lifestyle, not just the home. We are blessed to live along Florida’s Emerald Coast, and each neighborhood brings a variety of perks.

Look for the neighborhood that offers you and your family the most out of life. The words we live by? “Live, shop, dine, play — never leave Regatta Bay.”

3

WHAT I LOVE MOST ABOUT WHAT I DO: As VP of Sales and Marketing, I am fully integrated with all that goes on at Destin Custom Home Builders, from creation to completion. I love everything, from working with the architect and designer to finally handing over the keys to a happy new homeowner. The sales side of my position allows me to negotiate and really get the best offer for my clients.

ALISSA ARYN PHOTOGRAPHY

4

MY GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT IS ...

Most recently, I was recognized for selling the most inventory at recordbreaking prices in Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club for the second year in a row.

5

MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW THIS, BUT WE … Bring a homemade, hot apple pie to every new homeowner in the Regatta Bay neighborhood.

Lindsey Lynch

DESTIN | (850) 974-7070 | DESTINCUSTOMHOMEBUILDERS.COM

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measure my “Isuccess OKALOOSA by how much I have my HEART & VASCULAR improved patient’s quality of life.”

CENTER

Ajit H. Janardhan, M.D., Ph.D., FACC, FHRS

1

S

ince 1991, Okaloosa Heart and Vascular Center has been providing current, comprehensive health care in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of heart problems.

Okaloosa Heart and Vascular Center offers a full range of integrated cardiac services, from patient education through inpatient care, including clinical cardiology and consultation, echocardiography, Doppler ultrasound, exercise testing, Holter monitoring, nuclear cardiac imaging, cardiac catheterization, coronary angioplasty, intracoronary stenting, structural heart disease treatment and now, complete cardiac electrophysiology services. With six physicians and five local offices to serve you, the staff is committed to exploring new technologies and techniques that provide better ways to care for their patients, and to treating each patient like a person rather than a diagnosis.

WHAT IS YOUR SPECIALTY, AND WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE? My specialty is cardiac electrophysiology.

I provide services for all issues involving electrical problems of the heart, including atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter (irregular heartbeat), ventricular tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), palpitations (feeling a heartbeat), syncope (passing out), catheter ablation of abnormal heartbeats, and implantation of pacemakers, defibrillators and the Watchman device.

2

TELL US ABOUT NOTABLE AWARDS, HONORS AND RECOGNITIONS YOU HAVE RECEIVED. Fellow of the Heart Rhythm Society, Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, board certified in clinical cardiac electrophysiology, board certified in cardiovascular diseases (cardiology), board certified in internal medicine

3

HOW, WHEN AND WHY DID YOU GET INTO THIS PROFESSION? I have been working in my field since 2009. By training, I am a biomedical engineer. While in medical school, after taking a course on electrocardiograms (EKGs), I was hooked.

4

DESCRIBE YOUR PRACTICE PHILOSOPHY OR STRATEGY. Present the disease in a simple manner that every patient understands, personalize the treatment to that patient’s situation and always provide the highest standard of care in a compassionate manner.

5

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE NORTHWEST FLORIDA AS A PLACE TO WORK? I was asked to take a look at the area by a good friend and fellow physician ... and fell in love with the region and the people. Recently, I have joined Okaloosa Heart and Vascular Center, a group of cardiologists whom I am very excited to work and grow with.

Ajit H. Janardhan

LOCATIONS IN CRESTVIEW, DESTIN, FORT WALTON BEACH, NICEVILLE AND DEFUNIAK SPRINGS | OKALOOSAHEART.COM

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DR. SCOTT EWING, DC Emerald Coast Weight Loss

The truth is “that what you’re

putting into your body matters just as much as how much of it you are consuming.”

“Too often, people see weight loss as a simple formula of calories in versus calories out, so they simply focus on how much they’re eating and expect results,” says Dr. Ewing. “The truth is that what you’re putting into your body matters just as much as how much of it you are consuming.”

Dr. Ewing is committed to helping you improve your health and sharing his knowledge and experience with others.

He is committed to serving by educating the Emerald Coast community about true health and delivering quality care so you too can experience the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

Emerald Coast Weight Loss gives clients a customized list of the foods best fit for their body and those to avoid or eat infrequently. People not being armed with the knowledge of what works best for their individual body is a definite detriment to their chances of achieving their weight loss goals.

Dr. Scott Ewing, DC

705 JOHN SIMS PARKWAY W. | NICEVILLE | (850) 678-5154 | EMERALDCOASTWEIGHTLOSS.COM

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GARY BOWMAN REALTOR

1

AREA OF SPECIALTY? Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. I live, work and play there!

®

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING IN YOUR PROFESSION? I’m enjoying my 10-year anniversary at Sandestin Real Estate.

T

hanks to all my loyal clients, 2016 was my best year yet! Your sustained loyalty with referrals and repeat business generates the majority of my success, so I couldn’t have done it without you. My expert knowledge of the Emerald Coast from Destin to Rosemary Beach and from South of the Bay to the Gulf helps me to prepare, educate, find and fulfill the specific needs of my clients. Earning the prestigious honor of 2016 SRE-Sandestin Real Estate REALTOR® of the year award is something I’m very proud of. I work with a group of outstanding, top producing agents, so being #1 is truly an accomplishment. Whether you’re looking to purchase your dream home, have a property to sell or have a referral, please give me a call!”

3

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE BUSINESS IN THE EMERALD COAST? I’ve been a licensed REALTOR® in our area since 2004.

4

WHAT IS THE “SECRET” OF YOUR BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS? I always listen and learn to better understand my client’s lifestyle and what’s most important for their home. My consistent attainment of repeat business means I’m doing something right.

I’m a customer-for-life REALTOR®.

Gary Bowman

9300 EMERALD COAST PARKWAY W., MIRAMAR BEACH | (850) 217-8382 | GARYBOWMAN@SANDESTIN.COM | GARYSELLSSANDESTIN.COM

MACK BAYOU COMPOUNDING PHARMACY Amy Frazier, PharmD, Owner

1

3

2

4

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE Compounding is the art and science of preparing personalized medications in precision strengths and dosage forms. This allows us to customize medications to meet patients’ specific needs. We address bioidentical hormone replacement, anti-aging, dental, dermatology, infertility, pain management, pediatric, podiatry, orthopedic and veterinary medicine.

WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE Our individualized approach supports the kind of pharmacistpatient-practitioner relationship that consistently results in higher quality outcomes through communication, education and adherence. In addition, our pharmacist has a nutrition degree, so our expertise goes beyond medication to include diet and supplements, as well.

OUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT Becoming one of only 3% of pharmacies in the country to be PCAB (Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board) Accredited. The American Medical and Veterinary Medical Associations recommend PCAB pharmacies for compounds. We are the exclusive PCAB pharmacy between Pensacola and Jacksonville.

THE BEST ADVICE WE HAVE TO OFFER Don’t settle for one-sizefits-all medication when you have a condition that could be better treated with a customized compound designed specifically for you. You are unique ... your medication can be too.

DANA SLAVEN

“

2

L-R: Amy Fraizer, PharmD; Jenna Rhoades, PharmD

82 MACK BAYOU LOOP, SUITE B, SANTA ROSA BEACH | (850) 622-0730 | INFO@MBCPHARMACY.COM

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S

impleHR understands just how complicated owning a business can be. There are over 2,000 laws and regulations for employee management alone. Keeping track of these constantly changing rules can be a full-time job. SimpleHR specializes in employee management, so you can focus on your business.

For almost 15 years, SimpleHR has provided comprehensive human resource solutions and administrative relief for our

JACQUELINE WARD IMAGES

SIMPLE HR

clients, always keeping in mind our mission to maintain the highest standards in all that we do. Our services include human resources, benefits, payroll administration, workers’ compensation, safety consultation, payroll taxes and corporate filings for our clients.

SimpleHR is dedicated, at all levels of our operations, to providing quality services that meet the initial and ongoing needs and expectations of our clients and employees. SimpleHR takes away our clients’ stress and risk, in turn, giving back their time and peace of mind.

36474 EMERALD COAST PARKWAY, BUILDING B | DESTIN | (850) 650-9935 | SIMPLEHR.COM

1

WHAT WE ABSOLUTELY CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT: Our incredible staff. The work they put in makes our restaurant what it is, and they continue to do that daily.

BRYCE JARVIS

2

WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE: Sunset Bay Cafe is known for putting twists on traditional breakfast items. For our Hillbilly Benedict, we top a base of fried Gouda cheese grit cakes with fried chicken, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce. For our chicken and waffles, we serve a Belgian waffle topped with molasses bacon butter, fried chicken, white pepper gravy, bacon bits, maple syrup and chives. These dishes go great with our 25-ounce bacon bloody mary.

Sunset Bay Cafe

S

ALISSA ARYN PHOTOGRAPHY

unset Bay Cafe has been in operation for 2 1/2 years. In the restaurant business since high school, owner Bryce Jarvis fell in love with taking care of people and living a life where no two days were the same. Jarvis’ mission is to strive to take care of every person who walks through his restaurant’s doors, making them feel like part of the family, rather than just the next person in line.

3

MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW THIS, BUT WE… Serve as a venue for private parties in the evening.

4

WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR US: We’re here to stay. Plans for expansion and new locations are in the works!

Bryce Jarvis, owner

158 SANDESTIN BLVD. N., MIRAMAR BEACH | (850) 267-7108 | SUNSETBAYCAFESANDESTIN.COM

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See it.

Taste it. Sip it.

O N E T I C K E T, O N E N I G H T, A L L T H E B E S T.

OCTOBER 21

Grand Boulevard at Sandestin® 6:00 PM TO

9:00 PM

BENEFITING

Come sample the wares of premier businesses that readers named Best of the Emerald Coast for 2017. Winners will show off their products and services in this 18th annual extravaganza featuring the Emerald Coast’s best food, fashion, boats, gear and live entertainment and more.

TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE: ADVANCE: $40 GENERAL / $75 VIP WEEK OF: $50 GENERAL / $85 VIP

EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM/BESTOFEC #BESTOFEC P RE SE N T ED BY

S PO NS O RE D BY

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making the

GRADE Higher education in Northwest Florida is on a steep upward trajectory

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Students and the community have their eyes on the horizon.

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Martha D. Saunders, installed as president at UWF in April, engages students, faculty and alumni to pursue the next level of excellence.

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA

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serving as they should serve. Judy has to be an important piece of that.”

Part of Stephenson’s plan at NWFSC is to see continual growth within the institution, not only from the success of his students, but from the growth and development of his entire staff, whether they are members of the faculty, administrators or the custodial staff. He has implemented four “Ts” within his staff: train, trust, turn them loose, and thank them.

He also laid the groundwork for his presidency by using the letters NWFSC to form a set of action words, which essentially serve as a roadmap for how he will lead the college: N: Nurture relationships with internal and external constituents, effectively collaborating to ensure that the college is an active leader in workforce, economic and community development.

W: Work to expand the capacity of the college through an aggressive resource development initiative — seeking funding from local, state, regional and federal sources.

F: Focus on developing/maintaining quality educational programs that are relevant and lead to a sustainable family wage.

S: Solidify our efforts around student success/ development and the completion agenda.

C: Create a culture of excellence demonstrated by all personnel and characterized by continuous improvement and collaboration among all functional areas of the college.

As a relative newcomer to Northwest Florida, Stephenson, who is in his 10th year as a college president, can’t wait to put his own stamp on NWFSC. The foundation is there and the building blocks are in place. But what is success, for Stephenson?

“I think, for me, it’s effectively leading people and processes toward achieving the mission and vision that have been established for our institution,” he says. “That means, on a day-to-day basis, keeping our vision out front and preaching the gospel of state colleges, our mission and our role. We can never lose sight of that.” EC

We d d i n g F u n c t i o n s co n F e r e n c e Me e t i n g s sp e c i a l ev e n t s EmeraldCoastAV.com

PHOTO BY CROSSSTUDIO / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS

Hospitality and Culinary Arts AS PART OF STEPHENSON’S GROWTH PLAN for NWFSC, the institution will implement new hospitality and culinary arts programs. Stephenson says that any successful college aims to maintain and onboard successful programs that are relevant to the community and that lead to good paying jobs. He notes a recent Gallup poll, which showed that 67 percent of adults in America defined success as a good paying job, not just a college degree. As Stephenson looked along the Emerald Coast and spoke with business owners, he quickly realized that there was an opportunity to create hospitality and culinary arts programs that would directly supply the area with skilled employees.

He explains that he then asked himself, “Why not have the center of excellence right here? There is a desperate demand. What better place to onboard a culinary arts and hospitality program than the heart of mega tourism?”

There are currently more than 800 businesses operating under the culinary arts and hospitality sector locally, Stephenson says. His goal is for the new programs to become “robust” with a diverse student body, yet have a special something that makes them standout from others, whether that is by being a student-run restaurant or a bakery that supplies local eateries with fresh bread.

The hospitality program is slated to launch in Fall 2017, while the culinary arts program has its sights set on Fall 2018. The college is currently evaluating sites to house the programs.

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August–September 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

dining guide AMERICAN

MAGNOLIA GRILL

45 CENTRAL

Big wines and small plates in an intimate atmosphere. Open daily 11 am–midnight.

45 Central Square, Seaside. (850) 231-4545. $$ L D

THE BEACH HOUSE

Casual, beach-front dining. Open daily 11 am–10 pm. 4009 S. Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach. (850) 267-4800. $$ L D

BUFFALO’S REEF ★

Hot wings and cold beer. Tues–Sat open at 10:30 am, Sun open at noon.

116 Eglin Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach.

(850) 243-9463. $ L D

CALLAHAN’S RESTAURANT & DELI

Great sandwiches, seafood specials and prime rib. Mon–Sat 10 am–10 pm.

791 Harbor Blvd., Destin. (850) 837-6328. $L D

THE CRAFT BAR ★

Craft brews on tap along with artisan cocktails and elevated bar fare. Open daily 11 am–midnight. 4424 Commons Dr., Destin.

Also in Grayton Beach and Pensacola.

(850) 460-7907. $$ L D

CUVEE DESTIN & CUVEE 30A ★

Classic Italian, French and Asian-inspired dishes. Open daily 5:30–10 pm. 36120 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W., Destin. (Also at 30Avenue, 12805 Hwy. 98 in Inlet Beach) (850) 650-8900. $$$ D

GEORGE’S AT ALYS BEACH

Seafood, burgers and sandwiches. Open daily 11 am–3 pm and 5–9 pm. 30 Castle Harbour Dr., Alys Beach. (850) 641-0017. $$ L D

JACO’S BAYFRONT BAR & GRILLE Waterfront restaurant serving burgers, salads, seafood and brunch daily. Open Mon–Wed 11 am–9 pm, Thurs–Sat 11 am– 10 pm and Sun 10 am–9 pm. 997 S. Palafox St., Pensacola. (850) 432-5226. $$ L D

JOHNNY O’QUIGLEY’S

Steak, seafood and barbecue. Mon–Thurs 11 am–midnight, Fri–Sun 11 am–1 am.

34940 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin.

(850) 837-1015. $ L D

JOHN WEHNER’S VILLAGE DOOR BAYFRONT RESTAURANT & NIGHTCLUB ★

Dinner and dancing, serving barbeque and seafood. Open daily 5–9 pm. The Village of Baytowne Wharf, 126 Fisherman’s Cove, Miramar Beach. (850) 502-4590. $$ D

LOUISIANA LAGNIAPPE ★

A taste of New Orleans hits the coast through Louisiana-style favorites like

THE KEY ★ Best of the

Emerald Coast 2016 Winner

shrimp and grits and Cajun seafood gumbo. Open daily from 4 pm. 775 Gulf Shore Dr., Destin. (850) 837-0881. $$ D

TaSTe The modern Side of mexican cuiSine

Steak, seafood, pasta, soups, salads and desserts. Lunch Mon-Fri 11 am–2 pm, dinner Mon–Sat from 5 pm. Closed Sun. 157 SE Brooks St., Fort Walton Beach.

(850) 302-0266. $$ L D

MARIE’S BISTRO & BAR ★

Seafood, steak, pasta and sushi. Lunch Tues– Fri 11 am–2 pm, dinner Tues–Sun from 5 pm.

2260 W. County Hwy. 30A, Blue Mountain Beach. (850) 278-6856. $$ L D

MARINA BAR AND GRILL

Seafood, po’ boys, burgers and salads.

Open daily 11 am–7 pm, breakfast Sat–Sun 8–11 am, kitchen closed Mon–Tues. Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W., Miramar Beach. (850) 267-7778.

$B L D

MARINA CAFÉ

Gourmet pizzas, Creole and American cuisine. Open daily 5–10 pm. 404 E. Hwy. 98, Destin. (850) 837-7960. $$$ D

NICK’S BOATHOUSE

Serving a wide variety of seafood, steaks and flatbreads by the waterfront.

Open daily for lunch and dinner from 11 am–9 pm. 455 W. Main St., Pensacola.

(850) 912-8775. $$ L D

THE RED BAR ★

Live music and a menu of varied options including pastas, seafood, salads and cocktails. Lunch and dinner daily 11 am– 10 pm. 70 Hotz Ave., Grayton Beach.

(850) 231-1008. $ L D

SUNSET BAY CAFÉ ★

Chef-inspired twists on classic dishes.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner or cocktail.

Open daily 7 am–2 pm. Tiki Bar open noon to sunset. Linkside Conference Center, 158 Sandestin Blvd. N., Miramar Beach.

(850) 267-7108. $ B L

VIN’TIJ WINE BOUTIQUE & BISTRO Seafood, salad, chef specials. Open daily 11 am–midnight. 10859 W. Emerald Coast Pkwy., #103, Miramar Beach.

(850) 650-9820. $$ L D

ASIAN BASMATI’S ASIAN CUISINE & SUSHI

Asian dishes and full sushi bar. Open daily from 4 pm. 3295 W. Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 267-3028. $$ D

JASMINE THAI ★

Traditional dishes in a contemporary atmosphere. Lunch Tues–Sun 11 am–3 pm, dinner Tues–Sun 5–9 pm. 4463 Common Drive W., #108, Destin. (850) 460-7780. $$ L D

The restaurants that appear in this guide are included as a service to readers and not as recommendations of the Emerald Coast Magazine editorial department, except where noted.

B L D

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Outdoor Dining Live Music $ Inexpensive

$$ Moderately

Expensive

$$$ Expensive

Sip the finest margarita Savor fresh seafood, enchiladas and more with sauces made from scratch Join us for drinks, dinner, lunch or Sunday brunch

Grand Boulevard

Sandestin 850.654.5649 cantinalaredo.com

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SPONSORED REPORT

Restaurant Spotlight

Indulge at Seagar’s THE RESTAURANT IS OPEN TO HOTEL GUESTS, VISITORS AND LOCALS ALIKE. Diners enjoy captain service, elegant private dining areas, sommelier service and tableside preparation of dishes that include the restaurant’s famous Caesar Salad for Two and its signature Bananas Foster.

Seagar’s specializes in the finest aged Prime USDA steaks and fresh seafood dishes including Dover Sole, Broiled Rock Lobster, Seared Snapper, Grilled Gulf Shrimp and more.

At the helm, Executive Chef Laurie Graupner combines a passion for locally sourced ingredients and partnering with local purveyors.

Beyond the kitchen, the restaurant’s impressive 600-label wine list provides a perfect complement to any meal. Full of the finest Burgundy, Bordeaux and more, the list has repeatedly garnered Wine Spectator’s “Best of Award of Excellence,” cementing its place as one of the finest restaurants

on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Other accolades include the Distinguished Restaurants of America Award of Excellence, Open Table Diner’s Choice Award, Best of the Emerald Coast and more.

An evening at Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood is a salute to the good life. Treat yourself to a delicious meal all while surrounded by luxurious, rich wood furnishings, a cozy fireplace and live piano entertainment.

HILTON SANDESTIN BEACH GOLF RESORT & SPA 4000 SANDESTIN BLVD. S, MIRAMAR BEACH | (850) 622-1500 | SEAGARS.COM

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF HILTON SANDESTIN BEACH GOLF RESORT & SPA

Prime Steaks & Seafood by visiting the area’s only AAA Four-Diamond steakhouse for a private event, family dinner or romantic evening for two. Located within Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, this renowned New York-style steakhouse provides traditional elegance and a fine-dining experience.

OSAKA ★

Known for its sushi but serves a variety of dishes, including chicken, steak and seafood.

Lunch 11 am–2:30 pm, dinner 5–10:30 pm.

34845 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin.

(850) 650-4688 or (850) 650-4689. $$ L D

THAI DELIGHT

Traditional dishes in a casual atmosphere.

Open daily 11 am–9 pm. 821 Harbor Blvd., Destin. (850) 650-3945. $$ L D

DESSERT BRUSTERS ★

Ice cream selections made fresh on-site, daily. Noon–7 pm. 4655 Gulfstar Dr., Destin.

(850) 269-2920. $

IRISH

BBQ 98 BAR-B-QUE

Award-winning barbecue, gumbo, sandwiches and salads in a casual atmosphere. Dine in, take out, catering.

Mon–Sat 11 am–8 pm. 5008 Hwy. 98, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 622-0679. $ L D

BUCK’S SMOKEHOUSE ★

Brisket, ribs and pulled pork sandwiches and plates in a casual, rustic atmosphere.

Open daily 11 am–8 pm. 303 Harbor Blvd., Destin. (850) 837-3600. $ L D

JIM ’N NICK’S BAR-B-Q ★

Smokehouse barbecue, beer and wine.

Open daily 11 am. 14073 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin. (850) 351-1991. $ L D

BREAKFAST/ BRUNCH/BAKERY ANOTHER BROKEN EGG CAFÉ ★

Breakfast all day, plus sandwiches, patty melts, specials, soups, salads and desserts.

Open daily 7 am–2 pm, closed Mondays.

979 E. Hwy. 98, #F, Destin (Also in Miramar Beach, Panama City, Pensacola, Sandestin and Grayton Beach). (850) 650-0499. $ B

BON APPETIT FRENCH BAKERY & CAFÉ

French pastries, croissants, crusty breads, soup, salads and sandwiches. Mon–Fri 7:30 am–5:30 pm, Sat 7:30 am–2 pm, Closed Sun. 420 Mary Esther Cutoff, Fort Walton Beach. (850) 244-2848. $ B L

DONUT HOLE BAKERY CAFE ★

Eat breakfast all day with fresh-baked donuts and hearty comfort food. Open daily 6 am–10 pm. 635 Harbor Blvd., Destin.

(850) 837-8824. $ B

MAMA CLEMENZA’S EUROPEAN BREAKFAST ★

Award-winning breakfast. Old World family recipes. Brunch Wed–Sun 8 am–1 pm, seasonal hours Memorial Day to Labor Day Mon–Sun 8 am–1 pm. Holiday Plaza, 12273 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W, Destin.

(850) 424-3157. $$ B

GREEK AEGEAN RESTAURANT ★

Authentic Greek restaurant. Breakfast 8– 11 am, lunch 11 am–4 pm, dinner 4–9 pm.

11225 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Miramar Beach (and Shalimar). (850) 460-2728. $$ B L D

ALA BABA GRILL CAFÉ

Casual spot for familiar Turkish and Greek recipes offered à la carte and at a buffet, plus beer and wine. 10 am–9 pm. 550 Mary Esther Cutoff, Fort Walton Beach. (850) 986-5555. $L D

YIOTA’S GREEK DELI

Traditional Greek food made from family recipes. Order at counter. 10 am–5 pm.

130 E. Miracle Strip Pkwy., Mary Esther.

(850) 302-0691. $ L

JOHNNNY MCTIGHE’S IRISH PUB

Easygoing pub providing Irish and American eats, a game room for kids and deck seating. 11 am–2 am. 2298 Scenic Hwy. 30A, Blue Mountain Beach. (850) 267-0101. $$ L D

MCGUIRE’S IRISH PUB ★

Burgers and pub grub and the famous 18-cent Senate Bean Soup. Open daily 11 am–2 am. 33 Hwy. 98, Destin (Also in Pensacola). (850) 650-0000. $$ L D

ITALIAN/PIZZA ANGELINA’S PIZZA & PASTA

Authentic homemade pizza pie and Italian dishes in a casual atmosphere.

Lunch and dinner daily 11 am–9:30 pm.

4005 E. Hwy. 30A, Seagrove Beach.

(850) 231-2500. $ B L D

CLEMENZA’S UPTOWN ★

Classic Italian. Wood-fired pizza, private dining, cooking school. Multiple award winner. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner Mon– Sat. 75 Eglin Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach.

(850) 243-0707. $$ B L D

FAT CLEMENZA’S ★

Classic Italian. Wood-fired pizza, specialty desserts, fish Fridays. Multiple award winner. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner Mon–Sat 5–9 pm. Holiday Plaza, Hwy. 98, Miramar Beach. (850) 650-5980 $$ L D

GRAFFITI

Traditional, Italian house specialties, such as seafood pizza. Mon–Thurs 5–9 pm, Fri–Sat 5–10 pm. 707 E. Hwy. 98, Destin.

(850) 654-2764. $$ D

HELEN BACK

Pizza and cold beer in a sports bar atmosphere. Open daily 11 am–4 am.

Locations in Pensacola, Navarre, Crestview, Valparaiso and Fort Walton Beach.

(850) 796-1451. $ L D

MIMMO’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO ★ Italian dishes. Open Mon–Fri 11 am–10 pm, Sat–Sun 5–10 pm. 979 Hwy. 98, #5, Destin.

(850) 460-7353. $$ L D

THE PIZZA BAR AT BUD & ALLEY’S Artisan cheese, fresh salads, antipasto dishes, homemade soups, seasonal vegetables, hearty pastas and homemade wood-fired Neapolitan pizza. Open daily from 11 am. 2236 E. County Rd. 30A, Seaside.

(850) 231-3113. $$ L D

TRADEWINDS

A cozy favorite among locals, serving heaping portions from old family recipes.

Enjoy a number of pasta variations as well as seafood, chicken, veal, steak and thincrust pizza. Expansive wine and beer list.

Reservations required. Open Tues–Sat from 5 pm. 205 Government St., Valparaiso.

(850) 678-8299. $$ D

TRATTORIA BORAGO

Pork tenderloin or pan-seared grouper from the open kitchen. Open daily from 6 pm. 80 E. Hwy. 30A, Grayton Beach. (850) 231-9167. $$ D EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

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SPONSORED REPORT

Restaurant Spotlight

When you choose to dine out, SINCE 1995, OWNER OF CAFÉ THIRTY-A HARRIET CROMMELIN has ensured that each patron is attended to with the highest quality of care, is served a delicious meal and is treated with the same comfort they would experience in their own home.

Crommelin is the ideal host, taking into account every detail that would make her guests feel welcome, from the charming exterior to the perfectly paired plates. Great consideration was taken in designing a restaurant that mirrored a Florida beach house, with influences from some of the locations that most

inspired Crommelin: Miami, Coconut Grove, California and New York, but with a Gulf Coast nod.

The interior is open and airy, made even more so by the plethora of windows that overlook Seagrove Beach and allow sunrays to seep in onto the “coastal fog” walls. Green and blue accents alongside vibrant paintings add dashes of color in a refined way. Beautifully presented dishes make the white tablecloths colorful.

The menu is eclectic, with a refreshing twist on classic recipes.

Most commonly ordered — for good reason — are the Maine Lobster in

Paradise, Grilled Quail and Grits, Grilled Filet Mignon, Fried Oyster and Spinach Salad and the SesameCrusted Rare Yellowfin Tuna. Cap off the meal with banana beignets and a selection from their impressive wine or cocktail list.

“The food and the atmosphere are totally in sync,” said Crommelin.

“Fine dining that is in an upscale atmosphere, but with the familiarity of home. My staff is responsible for the great experiences that are had here. When someone dines here, they are guests in my home; therefore, I treat them the way I would want to be treated.”

CAFÉ THIRTY-A 3899 E. SCENIC HIGHWAY 30A, SEAGROVE BEACH | (850) 231-2166 | CAFETHIRTYA.COM

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF CAFÉ THIRTY-A

you are making the conscious decision to enjoy yourself and let the establishment take care of the details. If you select Café Thirty-A for your dining experience, you will be greeted by a restaurant modeled after an old Florida house; but once you cross the threshold, you will have entered a home in which you have become the guest, your every need to be fulfilled.

TUSCANY ITALIAN BISTRO

Northern Italian cuisine: meats, fresh seafood and garden vegetables. Tues–Sun 4 pm–close. 36178 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin. (850) 650-2451. $$ D

MEXICAN CANTINA LAREDO ★

A gourmet twist on Mexican favorites.

Sun–Thurs 11 am–10 pm, Fri–Sat 11 am– 11 pm. 585 Grand Blvd., Miramar Beach.

(850) 654-5649. $$ B L D

CRAB ISLAND CANTINA

Latin-inspired Mexican cuisine. Mon– Thurs 11 am–10 pm, Fri–Sat 11 am–11 pm, Sun 11 am–9 pm. 2 Harbor Blvd., Destin.

(850) 424-7417. $$ L D

PEPITO’S ★

Authentic Mexican cuisine, delicious margaritas and weekly specials. Open daily 11 am–10 pm. 11225 Hwy. 98, Destin (Also in Niceville and Miramar Beach).

(850) 269-7788. $$ L D

THE TACO BAR AT BUD & ALLEY’S

Baja fish tacos, homemade guacamole, burritos and top-shelf margaritas. Open daily from 11 am (in season). 2236 E. Country Rd. 30A, Seaside. (850) 231-4781. $$ L D

SEAFOOD BOATHOUSE OYSTER BAR ★

Ice cold beer, raw oysters, award-winning gumbo. Open daily 11 am–2 am. 288 B Harbor Blvd., Destin. (850) 837-3645. L D

BOSHAMPS SEAFOOD & OYSTER HOUSE ★

Gulf-to-table Southern cuisine.

Open daily from 11 am. 414 Harbor Blvd., Destin. (850) 424-7406. $$ L D

BROTULA’S SEAFOOD HOUSE & STEAMER ★

Fresh steamed and boiled seafood dishes. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Sunday brunch. Destin Harbor, Destin.

(850) 460-8900. $$$ B

BUD & ALLEY’S WATERFRONT RESTAURANT

Sea-to-table dining, serving fresh seafood, steak and vegetarian dishes. Open Mon– Fri 11:30 am. Roof bar open in summer 11:30 pm–2 am. 2236 E. Hwy. 30A, Seaside.

(850) 231-5900. $$$ L D

DEWEY DESTIN’S HARBORSIDE ★ Award-winning seafood in a quaint house.

Open daily 11 am–8 pm. 202 Harbor Blvd., Destin. (850) 837-7525. $$$ L D

DEWEY DESTIN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT & MARKET ★

Outdoor setting, fresh seafood. Open 11 am–8 pm. 9 Calhoun Ave., Destin.

(850) 837-7575. $$ B L D

THE FISH HOUSE ★

Fresh seafood cuisine and Southern specialties in a setting overlooking Pensacola Bay and the Seville Harbor. Open daily from 11 am. 600 S. Barracks St., Pensacola.

(850) 470-0003. $$ L D

FISH OUT OF WATER RESTAURANT Southern coastal cuisine with an Asian flair. Open daily 5:30–10 pm. Located in the WaterColor Inn, Santa Rosa Beach.

(850) 534-5050. $$$ D

HARBOR DOCKS ★

A surf-and-turf restaurant. Breakfast,

lunch and dinner and the best sushi on the Emerald Coast. Open daily 5 am–11 pm.

538 E. Hwy. 98, Destin. (850) 837-2506. $$ B L D

HARRY T’S ★

Enjoy seafood and American food in a roomy waterfront space stuffed with circus memorabilia. Mon–Thurs 11 am–10 pm, Fri– Sat 11 am–11 pm, Sun 10 am–10 pm. 46 Harbor Blvd., Destin. (850) 654-4800. $$ B L D

HIGH TIDE RESTAURANT & OYSTER BAR ★

Casual eatery featuring an oyster bar. Open daily 11 am–9:30 pm. 1203 Miracle Strip Pkwy.

S.E., Fort Walton Beach. (850) 244-2124. $$ L D

JACKACUDA’S SEAFOOD & SUSHI

Seafood, sushi, salad and sandwiches.

Open daily from 11 am. Sunday brunch at 10 am. 56 Harbor Blvd., HarborWalk Village, Destin. (850) 424-3507. $$ L D

The Tradition Continues

POPPY’S SEAFOOD FACTORY

Fresh seafood, steak and poultry dishes.

Open daily 11 am–9 pm. The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Miramar Beach.

(850) 351-1996. $$$ L D

TAKE OUT DESTIN ICE SEAFOOD MARKET & DELI ★

Fresh fish and seafood items, pastas, salads and side dishes, Buckhead meats, decadent desserts, wines, cheeses, spices and more. Open daily 8 am–7 pm.

663 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin.

(850) 837-8333. $$ L D

Best Italian 2013, 2014, 2015 Best Restaurant Okaloosa County 2013, 2014, 2016 Best Service, Food & Beverage 2015

Best Brunch 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015

Mama Clemenzas | 12273 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Miramar Beach 850.424.3157 | mamaclemenzas.com Clemenzas At Uptown | 75 Eglin Pkwy, Fort Walton Beach 850.243.0707 | clemenzasatuptown.com

SARAH K’S GOURMET ★

Ready-to-heat cuisine. Jumbo lump crab cakes and fresh chicken salad.

Open from 11 am. 34940 Hwy. 98, Destin.

(850) 269-0044. $ L D

WENDY’S KITCHEN

Homemade meals from Wendy’s kitchen to your table. Comfort food, casseroles.

Mon–Fri 11 am–6 pm. 14091 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin. (850) 837-8837. L D

STEAK & SEAFOOD BIJOUX RESTAURANT & SPIRITS ★ Fine dining coastal cuisine with a New Orleans flair, Gulf seafood, prime steaks.

Open daily 4–10 pm. The Market Shops, 9375 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W., #22, Miramar Beach. (850) 622-0760. $$$ D

JACKSON’S STEAKHOUSE

High-end steakhouse cuisine with fine wines. Local seafood is hand-selected and artistically prepared to perfection.

Lunch Tues–Fri 11 am–2 pm, dinner Tues– Sat 5:30 pm–10:30 pm. 400 S. Palafox St., Pensacola. (850) 469-9898. $$$ D

MARLIN GRILL ★

Seafood, steaks, salads and appetizers.

Open nightly from 5 pm. The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Miramar Beach.

(850) 351-1990. $$$ D

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE ★

Steak and seafood. New Orleans-inspired.

Mon–Sat 5:30–10 pm, Sun 5:30–9 pm. Silver Shells Resort, 1500 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin. (850) 337-5108. $$$ D

SEAGAR’S PRIME STEAKS AND SEAFOOD ★

Premium steak, fresh seafood and caviar. Open daily from 6 pm. Hilton Sandestin, 4000 S. Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach. (850) 622-1500. $$$ D

Magnolia Grill fort walton beach

tom & peggy rice, proprietors

(850) 302-0266

www.magnoliagrillfwb.com bridal luncheons • wedding rehearsals unique receptions EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

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postscript

IT’S NOT ROCKET SURGERY

Midlife Diet As metabolism changes, you just have to face fats

by GARY YORDON

interesting. After 10 days of eating meat, you start evolving as a predator. My night vision improved, and I started developing pads on my hands and feet. A friend suggested the mecca of meat eating: Fogo de Chão, a Brazilian restaurant/flesh factory. It was like eating on the Serengeti: skewer after skewer of everything dead. You didn’t talk to your waiter — you growled. I surmised the heart doctors must have owned the place. I lost a little weight with Atkins, but gained 30 pounds of bad karma, so I moved on.

I considered some of the plans where you spend your month digging into a big box of prepared meals sent to your door by Chef FedEx. “Hey, honey, how about a packet of lasagna tonight with a side of corn-on-the-carton?!” I simply couldn’t reduce the joy of cooking to peeling off cellophane and punching in three minutes on the microwave.

Dr. Michael Mosley’s Fast Diet was interesting. Two days a week, you eat 600 calories, and the other five days you eat pretty much what you want. The diet had potential until you realized that 600 calories was basically a plum, a chicken wing, and a whiff of your neighbor’s grill. Being happy for five days and surly for two didn’t work for me.

I’ve decided that the best plan is to reason with my fat and treat it like it was my Uncle Larry. I’m going to tell my fat that it needs to find somewhere else to live, that it needs to pack up its extra baggage and sublet someone else’s midsection. If that doesn’t work, I can always drop a quick 10 pounds by selling the cat. EC

Gary Yordon is president of the Zachary Group in Tallahassee, hosts a political television show, The Usual Suspects, and contributes columns to the city’s daily newspaper, the Tallahassee Democrat. He may be reached at gary@zgroup.com.

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August–September 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

PHOTO COURTESY OF GARY YORDON AND ILLUSTRATION BY JESADAPHORN / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS

I

t’s the oldest story in the book. Man falls asleep on couch. Man wakes up groggy and must have a bite of something sweet. Man has a forkful of pecan pie. Man heads to bed. Man stubs toe on grandson’s toy fire truck. Man is now awake and must have a huge slice of pecan pie with ice cream to distract himself from throbbing toe. Man gains a pound.

We have all been there.

A few years ago, I had an issue with my back and had to take steroids. Anyone who’s taken steroids will tell you that they can cause serious weight gain. I packed on 40 pounds. I’ve gotten rid of most of it, but the last 10 pounds have been a grind.

I’ve decided that metabolism is unjust. In my 20s, I could wolf down half a carrot cake for breakfast, skip lunch and lose two pounds. I could get a chicken-fat IV and not gain weight. We didn’t even think about it. Hit a drive-thru and get the giant cow burger with extra mayo, a puck of cheese and a bucket of fries. It really didn’t matter what it was — pounds slipped off like we were made of Teflon.

Today, if I drive by a Wendy’s, I gain a pound. Yesterday, I thought about cheesecake and had to loosen my belt. This whole metabolism thing seems grossly unfair. You carefully monitor your intake — doing your best to knock out dairy, sugar, fried foods, calories — and you consider eating kale chips.

Seriously, kale chips? Thank you, but I’ll have a bag of wallpaper instead.

So you spend all week giving up everything you really enjoy, and you lose three ounces. Then on Saturday you’re out with friends, and you eat a buttered dinner roll and gain three pounds. You may as well tell the waiter to bring you the “Make My Butt Lumpy” appetizer and, for the main course, a bowl of “I’ll Hate Myself in the Morning.” I’ve tried a bunch of different diets with varying results. Atkins, an all protein approach, was

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