Emerald Coast Magazine • April/May 2024

World in View

Local photographer travels the globe, brings home perspective

SOUL AND FOLK STAND TEST OF TIME ARTIST POURS HEART INTO RESIN

COLORFUL VEGGIES ENLIVEN PLATES

PRIVATE RESIDENCE | ALYS BEACH, FL

ARCHITECT: DOMIN BOCK ARCHITECTS

BUILDER: ALYS BEACH CONSTRUCTION

PHOTO BY JACK GARDNER

HOOKS, LINES AND SINGERS

For 15 years, the 30A Songwriters Festival has hosted local and national musicians at venues both intimate and expansive along the famed Scenic Highway. This year, tenured festival performer and Grammy nominee Donnie Sundal returned to the scene; Peter Yarrow, of the 1960s folk group Peter, Paul and Mary, recalled genre classics with covers of Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie; and old soul folk-fusion artist Amanda Donald performed storytelling tracks from her recent album, 100 Roots by STEVE BORNHOFT

SHOOT YOUR SHOT

Photographer Chandler Williams believes art is the ultimate hustle. Throughout his career, he’s resisted the temptation to follow a marketable path common to savvy creatives. Instead, he lets his artistic lens lead the way. Individuality has brought him success. Regularly, his work aligns with that of nonprofits and takes him on travels to international destinations including Iceland and Tanzania. At home, he frequently shoots at Western Lake and 30A beaches and enjoys the challenge of working underwater. by

PAIGE AIGRET

THE WAVE

21 CHAMPION

For 30 years, Pensacola’s Artel Gallery has given local artwork a space to call home. The gallery’s halls, where judge rulings once echoed, now pulse with the life of unique exhibitions.

24 PERSONALITY

Apalachee

Audubon Society’s Julie Wraithmell prefers roads less traveled by foot. There, birds reveal connections amongst ecosystems. Her feathered friends help spotlight unpopular environmental issues.

PANACHE

31 CITIZEN OF STYLE

Emerald Coast influencer Kristen Webb believes there’s nothing worse than regret. After taking a chance on a big move, she found a nontraditional career that granted her freedom.

38 WHAT’S IN STORE

Mini dresses and midi skirts take the summer stage. Quality bracelet selections complement coastal fits. And highfashion Fido finds keep your pup in style, too.

GASTRO & GUSTO

43 DINING IN Consider more than lunch meat for midday meals. Enliven your plate with a colorful spectrum of fresh fruit and vegetables.

31

EXPRESSION

59 ART Brendan Parker is a go-with-the-flow kind of guy in life and in work. As a resin artist, the flow state allows him to surrender to subconscious creativity.

64 BOOKS After discovering photographs of a grandmother she never knew, Sage Stevens develops an interest in genealogy. Her research leads to dangerous revelations. Sharon Sterling’s latest novel is a Perfect marriage of mystery, suspense and romance.

DINING OUT A popular market in Rosemary Beach shuttered its doors to much disappointment. But Wild Olives was just getting started. A new 30A location welcomes guests to a spacious restaurant and bar.

ABODES

87 INTERIORS More than a trend, kitchen islands have become a fixture in homes as essential as bathrooms and serve as focal points that are both attractive and practical.

92 GREEN

SCENE

Spiders and Spanish moss have killer reputations. But dollarweeds are far more likely to cause distress, costing gardeners time, effort and money.

DESTINATIONS

95 GETAWAYS An African expedition takes associate publisher McKenzie Burleigh to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro before setting off on a safari across Tanzanian national parks and protected lands.

IN EVERY ISSUE

ON THE COVER:

In January, Endeavor Expeditions led a group of American adventurers up Africa’s Mount Kilimanjaro. Photographer Chandler Williams joined to document the landscape and journey. On the cover, Williams pauses at a lookout some 15,000 feet above sea level. After several cloudy, rainy days, the expansive evening view opened to a sunny

36

→ HAIR AND HEART

JA 30A Salon owner and JA Essence founder

Jennifer Albert channels her creativity through styling hair and exercises her empathy as a beauty and wellness mentor.

40  SUN CARE In recognition of Skin Cancer Awareness Month in May, Dermatology Specialists of Florida provides self-assessment and prevention tips and officeled skin exams.

66  PRESERVING WILD A Northwest Florida resident, photographer Wayne Simpson feels just as at home traveling the world to capture nature and wildlife through his camera lens.

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← BEST OF THE EMERALD COAST BALLOT

Simply the best!

Support the businesses and service providers that you most admire and rely upon by voting for them in our annual readers’ choice poll.

Medical Profiles introduce readers to top health care providers in the region.

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← GOLF AND GRILLE

For those seeking a good game and a hearty meal, Lost Key Golf Club in Pensacola offers dining at the recently renovated Grille 625 restaurant and in the new Arnold Palmer dining room and conference rooms.

104

CALENDAR Spring blooms with events that span the coast. Festival season is here, offering plenty to eat, drink and indulge in. Plus, arts and charity components, too.

112 ↑ HARVEST FESTIVAL RECAP

The 2023 Harvest Wine & Food Festival united attendees through bites and sips in support of Northwest Florida nonprofits focused on the youth community.

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EMERALD COAST MAGAZINE

VOL. 25, NO. 2

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER

BRIAN E. ROWLAND

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER MCKENZIE BURLEIGH

EDITORIAL

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Steve Bornhoft

EDITOR, EMERALD COAST MAGAZINE Paige Aigret

EDITOR, TALLAHASSEE MAGAZINE Sara Santora

SENIOR CONTENT EDITOR Laci Swann

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Hannah Burke, McKenzie Burleigh, Rebecca Padgett Frett, Les Harrison, Lis King, Wynn Parks, Liesel Schmidt, Emma Witmer

CREATIVE

VICE PRESIDENT / PRODUCTION AND TECHNOLOGY Daniel Vitter

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jennifer Ekrut

SENIOR ART DIRECTOR, TALLAHASSEE MAGAZINE Saige Roberts

ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR, EMERALD COAST MAGAZINE Sarah Burger

ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR, 850 BUSINESS MAGAZINE Shruti Shah

SENIOR PUBLICATION DESIGNER Scott Schiller

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sierra Thomas

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Paige Aigret, Dave Barfield, Boo Media, McKenzie Burleigh, Emily Ellis, Micha Everett, Mike Fender, Steven Gray, Jean Hall, Brenna Kneiss, Bryan Lasky, Godwin Magembe, Lynn Crow Photography, Wendy Meehan, Sean Murphy, Rhonda Murray, Nathan Saczynski, Holley Short, Shelly Swanger Photography, Chandler Williams / Modus Photography, Chase Yakaboski

SALES, MARKETING AND EVENTS

SALES MANAGER, WESTERN DIVISION Rhonda Lynn Murray

SALES MANAGER, EASTERN DIVISION Lori Magee Yeaton

DIRECTOR OF NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, WESTERN DIVISION Dan Parker

DIRECTOR OF NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, EASTERN DIVISION Daniel Parisi

ADVERTISING SERVICES MANAGER Tracy Mulligan

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Julie Dorr

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Darla Harrison, Erica Wilson

MARKETING MANAGER Javis Ogden

SALES AND MARKETING WRITER Rebecca Padgett Frett

MARKETING FULFILLMENT COORDINATOR Katie Grenfell

SALES AND EVENTS COORDINATOR Renee Johnson

OPERATIONS

CUSTOM PUBLISHING MANAGER Sara Goldfarb

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE/AD SERVICE COORDINATOR Sarah Coven

PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION SPECIALIST Melinda Lanigan

STAFF BOOKKEEPER Amber Ridgeway

DIGITAL SERVICES

DIGITAL EDITOR/MARKETING SPECIALIST Alix Black

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

TO LIVE IS TO LIVE CREATIVELY

Sources of inspiration are all about us

I made a life-changing trip to Africa in January and brought along with me a book by Rick Rubin, The Creative Act: A Way of Being.

Many times, I had heard people speak highly of the book. Before leaving for Africa, I attended a yoga class taught by Shannon Kramolis at Studio Thirty A, and she read excerpts from The Creative Act. I was convinced it was time I bought a copy.

Rubin has a message for all of us: “Art isn’t in the tools, material or equipment you use. It’s in the way you see the world.” He writes that everyone is a creator and that creativity is a fundamental aspect of being human.

In climbing Africa’s Mount Kilimanjaro, I woke up on the morning of the third day of a nineday trek with feelings of worry and fear. We still had over 5,000 more feet of elevation to go. I was experiencing the onset of acute altitude sickness, others were battling a stomach virus and we were all freezing cold.

I opened Rubin’s book to a chapter titled “Look for Clues,” which is about paying attention to subtle signs provided by the universe. There is no such thing as a coincidence, he writes.

The chapter concludes: “When clues present themselves, it can sometimes feel like the delicate

mechanism of a clock at work. As if the universe is nudging you with little reminders that it’s on your side and wants to provide everything you need to complete your mission.”

It was no coincidence, then, that these words reached me and provided me with a perfectly timed reminder that my doubt and fear were creations of my own mind. I felt reassured that the universe would provide me everything I needed. Rubin’s creative act had changed my way of thinking for the better. I was inspired and encouraged to complete the climb.

I hope you enjoy this special arts edition of Emerald Coast Magazine I applaud all the artists and creators we covered for this issue who exercise their talents and share their work with us. Art is a universal language that reminds us that we are more alike than we are di erent.

I encourage you to check out local arts events happening this spring, including the Destin Charity Wine Auction, Emerald Coast Theatre Company productions, Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation performances, Chandler Williams’ upcoming gallery night bene ting the Kids of Kilimanjaro organization, Sinfonia Gulf Coast events, South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival, events from the Cultural Arts Alliance of South Walton, the Sandestin Wine

Festival, performances from the Northwest Florida Ballet and others. Together, these creative events, many with charitable aims, enrich our community.

May we all appreciate and experience the artistic life. And, as Rubin suggests, we do well to pay attention to the clues and the subtle signs that surround us. You never know — they just may inspire you to do something extraordinary.

Much love,

MCKENZIE BURLEIGH, ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER mburleigh@rowlandpublishing.com

PHOTO

On Day 3 of a nine-day journey to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, Emerald Coast Magazine associate publisher McKenzie Burleigh practices a king dancer pose with the mountainscape as her backdrop.

A TRILLION HERE, A TRILLION THERE

Expanding bureaucracy exacts a high price

I had just read a column written by the distinguished David Brooks, a member of the seemingly shrinking tribe of moderate conservatives, when it dawned on me that it was garbage day.

I wheeled my can to the street and noticed upon returning to the house that someone had left a letter on my stoop.

Brooks’ column, titled Death by a Thousand Paper Cuts, addressed the growing bureaucratization of American life. Growth always brings associated costs, but in this case, the total is staggering, Brooks nds.

He cites an article from the Harvard Business Review, written by two management consultants, Gary Hamel and Michele Zanini, who have calculated that expanding bureaucracy costs the U.S. economy more than $3 trillion annually.

Over a third of health care costs in the U.S. goes to administration, notes Brooks. The same trend has overtaken institutions of higher learning where admin employees are being added at rates that far exceed those for faculty hirings.

“It’s not only that growing bureaucracies cost a lot of money,” Brooks writes. “They also enervate American society. They redistribute power from workers to rule makers and in so doing, sap initiative, discretion, creativity and drive.”

We’ve all been up against people who are governed by rules rather than reason. Upon completing requirements for a master’s degree in corporate and public communication at a top-tier university, I looked forward to receiving my diploma.

Trouble was, half of my credits had been recorded by a registrar at the school’s main campus and the other half by her counterpart at the branch campus I attended. I made no progress toward assembling a complete transcript until I got my campus dean involved.

My problem revolved around people who had enough power to make my life di cult but were without the discretion needed to clear up a simple snafu.

Problems develop, too, when rules or laws are promulgated without regard for enforcement. I recall a meeting of the Panama City Beach City Council held at a time when thong bathing suits were popular among women. City o cials drafted an ordinance in exacting detail, prescribing the minimum number of square inches of fabric that the backside of a bikini bottom must have.

After the measure passed, I asked the city’s police chief about enforcement. Would he be issuing rulers and calculators to his patrol personnel?

The letter on my stoop had been misdelivered and then placed at my front door by the unintended recipient. It was from the management company that enforces homeowner’s association rules where I live, including Article V, Section 5.1, pertaining to Maintenance of Lots.

I had been cited regarding a tree planted by my subdivision’s developer in a grass strip that fronts my house. An oak tree, mind you, that as it grows will produce roots capable of buckling concrete and asphalt and demand removal. I, meanwhile, was required to trim the tree because some of its branches were seen to “hang over the road or sidewalk” — by a matter of a few inches.

What would a town like Rosemary Beach or a city like Tallahassee be like if such a rule were in place in those communities? Will my street oak come to resemble a giant arborvitae in years to come?

Pity the dedicated employee whose job it is to ride around looking for unruly trees — or yard gnomes. (Yup, we have a rule against them, too. Giant plastic tortoise, good; gnome, no good.) Surely, that man or woman on code patrol would be far happier doing something that brings joy to people or makes their lives better.

Go carefully,

STEVE BORNHOFT, EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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WOMEN WE LOVE

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The nonprofit Artel Gallery in Pensacola hosts juried art shows every six weeks. Pictured here, sculptures by James Amerson titled Hendrick and Helen, the Utopians won first place in a January show.

Molding hotdogs, surreal cityscapes and historical reimaginings, dubbed Fabulous Forgeries, occupy the echoing, tiled halls of Artel Gallery.

It is an odd space that puzzles and delights in ways that only a modern art gallery can. Rooms that once served as judge’s chambers are now adorned with the works of local artists. Tall window frames may serve as makeshift easels. High ceilings echo with melodies both symphonic and spontaneous.

Beyond physical art, Artel often hosts performances from the Pensacola Symphony, and “open jams” take place on Wednesday and Saturday nights. The gallery is a fully volunteer-run, nonprofit enterprise — the only such gallery in Northwest Florida.

“When people start trying to drag money into it, they don’t last long,” said gallery president Steve Claus. “I think it would lose some of its magic. The people who work at Artel do so because they want to, not because they want a check.”

Artel was founded in 1993, more than 15 years before it came to occupy the old courthouse. Throughout its 30-year history, Artel has positioned itself as a bastion of “art in its purest form without concern for marketability.”

In an era where fine art and content creation often butt heads, institutions like Artel keep to a middle ground. The gallery welcomes artists of various levels of notoriety and offers opportunities for up-andcomers to professionally exhibit their work.

↑ Artel is home to the permanent Cinco Banderas collection, which grows each year through a juried exhibition, plus four other galleries of rotating works.

↘ Originally built in 1887, the historic Old Escambia County Courthouse has been home to Artel Gallery since 2009. The downtown location corners Palafox and Government streets in Pensacola.

Merkaba by David Morris, mixed media

→GETTING INVOLVED

“We have local talent, and I enjoy that,” Claus said. “I don’t need to spend a lot of money to see the old masters when there’re plenty of pictures running around of them.”

Exhibitions director Hope Mastroianni determines exhibit themes and handles collection curation. Fabulous Forgeries, which was on display this past fall, encouraged artists to recontextualize famous works of art through the use of new media, subject matter and/or style.

The juried exhibition featured works such as Diane Collins’ American Goth, a modern interpretation of Grant Wood’s American Gothic, which received the award for “most experimental.” Collins’ work, which sold for $700, draws parallels between the stoic, homesteading subjects of Wood’s work and the solemn, metalheads pictured in her own.

Among the Artel’s permanent exhibits is a collection that predates the gallery itself: Cinco Banderas.

“It’s almost 40 years old,” Claus said. “There was a local builder named Kobacker who built a lot of homes in the area. He had this vision of having art available to the public without them having to pay.”

photography by STEVEN GRAY

The Cinco Banderas collection comprises local art spanning several decades. Each year, the collection grows as new works are submitted to an annual juried exhibition. Artel purchases the winning pieces through either its own funding or through funding from the Kobacker Foundation and puts them up for public display in the gallery and in other public spaces around town. Together, the more than 100 pieces form a rich archive of Pensacola art through the years.

“A lot of the folks that have their work in the Cinco Banderas collection are still making art,” Claus said. “So, when they come here, it’s kind of like a homecoming for them.”

As the collection grows, Claus and his team vacate offices and clear walls to create new display spaces.

“During my first month in office, we had a big load of art from the public library,” Claus said. “They had run out of room where the art was formerly stored, and we made room for it. One of the places we found room was this massive cavernous office of mine. I guess some people might like the idea of a grandiose office, but I think it suits the art much better.” EC

Longtime Artel volunteer Dorssie Melvin hosts a weekly drawing group at the gallery. Live models, who are often artists themselves, come together with a group of prescreened students to practice and create in a safe space. And, the gallery is always looking to expand its educational opportunities. If you are interested in volunteering with Artel, visit ArtelGallery.org/ volunteer-info. If you would like to learn more about Melvin’s weekly drawing group, contact Jimmy Rhea at education@artelgallery.org.

↑ In Artel’s Anything Goes exhibition, the first of 2024, participating artists were challenged to create works which pushed them out of their comfort zones with no rules applied.

PERSONALITY

I↙ Florida Audubon Society director Julie Wraithmell spends a lot of time looking up, scanning forest canopies for birds. Birds, she says, provide a lens through which Florida Audubon focuses on its water, wildlife, habitat and climate priorities.

the kind of initiative that community chapter members often produce, given their familiarity with local issues and the diversity within their ranks.

“This was a guy who had made his living doing arthroscopic surgery,”

Wraithmell said of the chick-a-boom inventor. “He was wired that way. The chapters have people who were doctors and air-conditioning techs and teachers and lawyers and everything in between. Those skills make us stronger.”

Each of the 44 Audubon chapters in the state is a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Four of them are located in Northwest Florida: the Francis M. Weston Audubon Society in Pensacola; the Choctawhatchee Audubon Society in Niceville; the Bay County Audubon Society in Panama City; and the Apalachee Audubon Society in Tallahassee.

“At Audubon Florida, we aren’t the boss of them, and they aren’t the boss of us,” Wraithmell said. “But we recognize that if we work together, we’ll go further.”

Chick-a-boom

Audubon links habitat to economic health

by STEVE BORNHOFT

n Florida, the growing scarcity of undisturbed beaches means that least terns, which lay their eggs on the sand, have fewer naturally occurring places to nest.

In response, the birds have gotten creative, finding that flat, gravel rooftops can serve as a workable alternative. But it’s a perilous one. Chicks sometimes fall off buildings or may get washed down gutters.

Enter concerned members of community Audubon Society chapters, who have worked to give the birds a leg up. First, noted Julie Wraithmell, the Tallahassee-based director of Audubon Florida, members determined that fallen chicks would survive and eventually fledge when returned to rooftops. Next came the chick-a-boom.

Gaining access to attics was often a problem, so an enterprising retired orthopedic surgeon came up with a device for returning chicks to nests without entering buildings. What has come to be known as a chick-a-boom consists of a telescoping pool-tool handle; an electrical box; and a cardboard flap.

A rescuer drops a chick into the box, closes the flap, extends the pole and delivers the bird to the roof.

Chapter members have also screened downspouts and retrofitted rooftops with low fencing to contain flightless chicks.

Wraithmell concedes that the chick-aboom is not something that a staff biologist working for Audubon Florida would have been likely to come up with. Rather, it is

Audubon Florida is a state office of the National Audubon Society and the largest such office in the country. It employs just shy of 100 staffers: researchers, resource managers, educators and policy wonks.

The state office’s priorities, said Wraithmell, are water, wildlife, habitat and climate.

“Every year, our staff work with the chapters by region,” she explained. “They meet quarterly and develop regional conservation agendas. Additionally, we develop action agendas for each of our priority policy areas. All of those documents are ratified at our Audubon Assembly, which is our state conference held every October.

“It is kind of a messy structure and process, but it is an important one that gives people a voice, whether they are in the Keys or in Pensacola.”

Wraithmell joined Audubon in 2005 and has successfully led statewide conservation and wildlife policy initiatives, built Audubon Florida’s coastal conservation program, coordinated Audubon’s response to the Deepwater Horizon disaster, and helped secure millions in funding for protecting Florida’s land and water resources.

In 2015, she was recognized with the National Audubon Society’s highest staff honor, the Charles H. Callison Award.

Wraithmell holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Duke University and a master’s degree in geography from Florida State. Prior to joining Audubon in 2005, she worked for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and, as a biological scientist, created the Great Florida Birding Trail, a statewide economic development/ecotourism amenity.

Talk to Wraithmell and she impresses you as a walking Florida gazetteer, as someone who would never get lost. Her experience blazing the birding trail may account for that. To this day, she loves Delorme topographic maps and will “nerd out” on a big atlas.

“I traveled to hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of birding spots around the state, and this was prior to GIS,” Wraithmell said. “I have crawled over most of the back 40s in Florida.”

Rely on Google Maps, and you miss out on stuff.

There was the time that Wraithmell needed to get from western Flagler County north to western St. John’s County.

“I didn’t want to drive back east to take 95 north and then go all the way back west. I looked on the DeLorme, and there was

←↓

Given the growing shortage of undisturbed beaches in Florida, least terns have taken to using flat, gravel roofs as nesting sites. An Audubon Society chapter member has designed a device, dubbed a chick-a-boom, which is used to return chicks that fall to the ground to building tops.

this little dotted line indicating an unpaved road,” Wraithmell said.

She took it.

“For starters, it was a healthy dirt road flanked by beautiful sand hills, but then the hills started creeping in on either side and I ended up in deep sugar sand,” Wraithmell recalled. “Then there were gigantic holes in the middle of the road. I realized there was a brick road underneath the sand, and I’m in this little rental car about the size of a skateboard, and I’m terrified that I’m going to rip the undercarriage out.

“I could not figure out what had happened. Were they bombing? Finally, when I got to the end of the road, there was a piece of cardboard tacked to a pine tree. Scribbled on it in Sharpie was STOP MINING THE BRICK OUT OF THE ROAD, A-HOLES. Google Maps never would have taken me there.”

AN AVIAN LENS

People hear “Audubon” and invariably think about birds. Wraithmell thinks of them as the lens through which Audubon Florida works on its water, wildlife, habitat and climate priorities.

“We do very much care about birds,” she said. “They can help put a face on issues that are really technical and a yawn fest. Talk about Everglades restoration in terms of hydrology and water structures and acre feet of water, and most people’s eyes glaze over. But if you say that we lose roseate spoonbills if not enough fresh water gets to Florida Bay, suddenly people get it. We focus on ecosystems, and birds are an emblem of them.”

Wraithmell noted that Audubon, which turns 123 years old this year, was born in Florida out of the fight against the plume trade when hunters slaughtered wading birds nearly to extinction.

“That was a very grassroots effort, and much of it was led by women before they even had the right to vote,” Wraithmell said. “We’ve always been a ground-based organization, and that enables us to see where issues are emerging and where there are patterns. One chapter says, ‘Oh my gosh, I’ve seen this strange thing happening.’ Another one somewhere else reports seeing the same thing. Suddenly, we’re in a position to start connecting the dots.

“Local chapters serve as incubators and test sites where we can try solutions, and if they work, we scale them up.”

↑ Daisy Girl Scouts in Northwest Florida have devoted proceeds from cookie sales to a campaign aimed at protecting four shore-nesting species found at area beaches: black skimmers, least terns, snowy plovers and American oystercatchers. Florida Audubon Society director Julie Wraithmell holds an oystercatcher sign like those created by Troop 101 for posting on St. George Island. The oystercatcher is easily recognized, given its striking black and white plumage and red-orange bill.

ECONOMIC BEDROCK

Wraithmell stresses that in Florida, quality of life and prosperity are intimately tied to the environment.

“In Florida, our environment is our economy,” she said. “That doesn’t just mean tourism. It means property values, too. In 2017, people were reneging on sales options on multimillion-dollar homes in Southwest Florida due to the harmful algal blooms the area was experiencing. People had properties as major assets, and they couldn’t sell them.”

Audubon, Wraithmell said, has always believed that science and public involvement should drive good, common-sense public policy.

“We don’t follow ideology. We follow science, and that’s really important because it makes us able to work with people at all points along the political spectrum,” she said. “The lucky thing about Florida is that conservation has been important to both parties for a long time. Governors Graham and Chiles did great things, and so did governors Martinez and Bush. That’s because Florida depends on our environment; that truth helps people cut through the noise and focus on what matters.”

Wraithmell applauds Florida’s decadeslong record of habitat protection.

“We’ve had land-buying programs since the 1980s, and they have been transparent and accountable as well as being rigorous and strategic,” she said.

In addition, the state and local jurisdictions have made effective use of easements.

“Instead of buying an entire property and having it publicly owned, you may pay a landowner to cede development rights while continuing to live on it and maybe farm it subject to limits and conditions,”

Wraithmell said. “We don’t have to own and manage everything. There are ways that we can use easements to help buffer the most ecologically sensitive lands.

“Easements are another tool we can use in thinking strategically about how we want Florida to look. Northwest Florida fortunately has not had the same pressure historically that the peninsula has. But it’s coming — now.”

← Flamingos scattered by Hurricane Idalia came to rest at Treasure Island, off St. Petersburg, where the bird is rarely seen.

Wraithmell drew a distinction between environmental restoration and regulation.

“When we restore ecosystems, we need to also address the causes of environmental degradation,” she said. “If a pipe ruptures beneath your kitchen sink, you absolutely want to start mopping, because you’ve got to get the water off your floor. That’s restoration. But you also want to turn the valve off at the wall. That is regulatory.

“Our stormwater rules in Florida date to the 1980s when there were only 10 million people in the state. Now we have 21 million. The rules need to be updated in ways that recognize that we have more people, less space and better science. We have learned a few things about water and wetlands in the last 40 years. Our regulatory structure should reflect that.”

↑

CHAPTERS IN NW FLORIDA

Where the environment is concerned, second chances can be hard to come by, but maybe, just maybe, flamingos will give us one. Maybe flamingos displaced by hurricanes will set up shop in new places and the birds, for the first time since the early 20th century, will breed in Florida again.

FRANCIS M. WESTON

AUDUBON SOCIETY

President: Jim Brady

Membership information: fmwaudubon.org

CHOCTAWHATCHEE

AUDUBON SOCIETY

President: Dave Clausen

Membership information: choctawhatcheeaudubon.org

BAY COUNTY

AUDUBON SOCIETY

Presidents: Teri Floore, Brian Dusseault

Membership information: baycountyaudubon.org

APALACHEE

AUDUBON SOCIETY

President: Kathleen Carr

Membership information: apalachee.org

“There has been a flamingo at St. Mark’s National Wildlife Refuge that was blown there by Hurricane Michael. We are seeing an increasing number of flamingos in the Everglades. There is a flock of 30 or 40 that strayed from the Yucatan or Cuba. Part of me is hoping that the birds that got swept up in Hurricane Idalia and are checking out our shores will say, ‘Let’s make a go of it. They didn’t do right by us the first time, but let’s give them a second bite at the apple.’” EC

Lost Key Golf Club Renovates and Reimagines Grille 625

When planning a business lunch, you want a venue that hits all the marks — a palate-pleasing menu, hospitable staff and a scenic atmosphere. Thanks to the grand reopening of Grille 625 at Lost Key Golf Club in Pensacola, your next company outing will exceed expectations.

The remodel, which was completed in February of 2024, included renovations to Grille 625, the lobby and the addition of the new Arnold Palmer dining room and conference rooms.

Grille 625, which has had many iterations throughout the years, has been updated to a more modern, sophisticated style.

White tablecloths make a fine dining statement in the comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. To help reduce noise, artistically designed acoustic panels don the restaurant’s walls, making meetings all the more enjoyable. Window views overlook the 18th hole and the pristine event lawn. On those ideal, temperate Northwest Florida

days, dining on the porch is always a lovely option.

Where aesthetics have received a facelift, new menus equally enhance the experience. Grille 625 is now open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Burgers and sandwiches are still available in addition to new options including seafood, steak and pasta dishes. The lunch menu has daily specials, and there’s always room for homemade desserts.

The conference room contains a printer, fax machine, conference calling capabilities and screens for projecting.

“With our new improvements and additions, we hope to host many more corporate events from business meetings to team building to company luncheons,” said Amy Adams, general manager and marketing coordinator of Lost Key Golf Club.

Adams envisions a space where business associates can enjoy a quiet lunch with delicious food. Where companies play a team-building round of golf then head indoors to the conference room to host quarterly planning sessions. In the

evenings, charity benefits or banquets can be held.

There are plans in place to host their own events such as Croquet on the Key and other engaging community endeavors. While the golf club and Grille 625 are located within a gated community, guests can simply indicate to the attendant where they are headed.

“From the servers to the pro shop staff, guests will experience great care and Southern hospitality,” said Adams.

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→ Inspired by her fertility journey, Kristen Webb found a passion for blogging some 15 years ago. Today, a mom of four, she shares her story with nearly 69,000 followers.

panache

IN STORE Retail Round-up

ELEMENTS OF STYLE RANGING FROM THE SUBLIME TO THE MORE SUBLIME

BURKE

CITIZEN OF STYLE

Go to school, and earn good grades. Land a job, work hard and don’t rest until retirement.

Kristen Webb subscribed to that societal prescription until one day, she asked herself, “Why sacrifice something as fleeting and precious as life doing what you think you should do, and not what you desire?”

Good question.

By way of answering it, Webb and her husband, Travis, departed their lives as restaurateurs in Tennessee and fled to Destin, where they began “rewriting their story,” she said.

Originally from Boston, Webb considered Destin to be a paradise, a place where her family could play baseball and go to the beach for sunset picnics year-round.

“My dad passed away from cancer a few months before he turned 65,” said Webb,

a work-at-home mother of four. “He had a traditional corporate job, worked 7 to 7 and died a few months before he was going to retire. That has always been at the back of my mind, and one day we realized we didn’t have to have a traditional life.”

For Webb, priorities include spending quality time with her children and creating enriching experiences and great memories for them. She said her husband now works from home as a business broker, while she works from her phone promoting products and collaborating via social media partnerships. Together, they are present for every pancake breakfast, trip to the bus stop and walk home.

It’s a wholesome family life that Webb wasn’t sure she would be able to have. Multiple doctors told her she was infertile. But Webb became pregnant with her eldest

son six months into her relationship with Travis, and two years later, the couple was ready to try for another.

Webb began blogging about her fertility journey, something she said “wasn’t talked about enough” 15 years ago. It was cathartic, and Webb began connecting with other women who were struggling to become pregnant. She discusses options other than in vitro fertilization, sharing with her audience her success with yoga and fertility massages — a deep tissue shiatsu for the abdomen intended to enhance the chances of conception.

“I think my following really took off after I got into yoga and became an instructor,” Webb said. “I made an Instagram page when the app first kicked off, and over time, my page sort of morphed into a sort of lifestyle blog.”

At work on her blog, Webb dons beaded quartz bracelets from Canyon Leaf and minimalistic gold jewelry from James Michelle. She keeps it simple with a breezy linen top from Free People and American Eagle jeans while her Triple Pink Nike sneakers create a pop of color.

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

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

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

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

JOHN B. DUDLEY, MD, MPH, Interventional Cardiologist

ANGEL D. MORROBEL, MD, FACC Invasive Cardiologist

PROVIDING EXPERTISE AND PATIENT TAILORED THERAPY IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY

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

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

STRUCTURAL

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

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

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

PERIPHERAL & ENDOVASCULAR

Carotid angiogram and stents | Peripheral stents in leg vasculature Aneurysm repair | Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysm

Posting on MyBeachyTribe.com and @mybeachytribe on Instagram, Webb shares with nearly 69,000 followers glimpses of her home life, travel experiences and style tips.

Her style reflects her surroundings, what Webb calls “casual, beachy and bohemian.”

She keeps it simple, loving a classic white tee, trendy jeans and high-top sneakers. “Minimalistic, dainty gold pieces are my jam,” she said.

Webb’s big thing is her bleach-blonde locks. Postpartum hair loss and COVID-19 left her tresses stagnant and frail, and she resorted to trying to hide her thinning hair with extensions. Wanting a more natural remedy, Webb began experimenting with new shampoos, scalp oil and hair masks, which she promotes on her pages.

“I never want to be a blogger where every post is an ad,” Webb said. “I wanted to stay genuine and tell people what I like. I’ve been picky and choosy. It seems like everything is promoted for a paycheck nowadays, and it’s like, are you really taking those vitamins? Didn’t you just swear by another brand three days ago?”

Webb said while social media can be a happy place, it can get dark very quickly.

“People go online for entertainment, education or to make themselves laugh,” she said. “I think I wanted to be a place people can go to smile and be especially relatable to other moms. I’m happy to show the places we go and the things we do but also the reality of

“Even if you fail, in my opinion, you’d have rather taken the chance because there’s nothing worse than regret.” — Kristen Webb

motherhood — like paint just spilled and toys are everywhere, and it’s not always perfect.”

Webb knows she could be making more money but does not regret dropping out of the “rat race.”

“When I think about my life now, I hope my dad is proud of me,” she said. “I’m getting to spend so much more time with my family, and I know my kids are going to

grow up so fast. In a blink, they’ll be off to start their own lives.

“I want to be an example for them. You never have to feel stuck. There are options and so much to explore that you’ll never know about if you don’t just do it. Even if you fail, in my opinion, you’d have rather taken the chance because there’s nothing worse than regret.” EC

↑ Webb and husband Travis enjoy working from home so they can prioritize their children, Brayden (17), Braxten (8), Kali (5) and Brantley (7), and make time for an active lifestyle.

photography by NATHAN SACZYNSKI

↙

A longtime yogi, Webb gravitates toward a casual, bohemian style. Here, she sports a yoga tank paired with Moon Dance leggings from Teeki Boutique.

It’s easy when everything you want and need is all right here. A beautiful new residence. Brag-worthy amenities. Gourmet dining, an on-site spa and salon, fitness classes, art classes, adventurous excursions.

You can have all that (plus more!) at Watersound FountainsSM

The lifestyle you’ve been longing for is here. Best of all? It’s walking distance to all your favorite stores.

watersoundfountains.com 850-601-3174

65 Origins Parkway, Inlet Beach, FL 32461

Artist’s Way in 30A the

JA 30A Salon

owner Jennifer Albert shares her journey from stylist to beauty and wellness mentor

Acareer as a hairstylist appealed to Jennifer Albert after first witnessing the positive impacts of transformation.

Since childhood, creative empath Albert has been drawn to what she can mold tangibly by hand and metaphorically with her heart.

As the owner of JA 30A Salon and creator of JA Essence Beauty, Albert expresses her visionary spirit by guiding clients along their beauty and wellness journeys.

While her childhood was happy, her creativity was not fully encouraged until

she began attending college at Illinois State University. She was studying nutrition, but what made her happiest was when her friends asked her to do their hair, something she was talented at.

Hairstyling proved more than a passing interest, so she enrolled in hair school and moved to Chicago where she worked for corporate and boutique salons. Eventually, she was recruited by Frederic Fekkai’s flagship salon on Fifth Avenue in New York City.

For nine years, she enjoyed the experience of working for such a notable brand as a colorist, texture specialist and extension specialist, but her soul was drained by the lack of meaningful connections fueled by a fast-paced environment.

Tapping into her entrepreneurial spirit, she founded JA Studios NYC, where she began mentoring and consulting stylists to support them in becoming independent business owners. This led to being recruited as project manager for two salon buildouts in New York City, an accomplishment Forbes recognized her for.

During this time, Jennifer took her first trip to Santa Rosa Beach, a place she instantly recognized as a haven for small business owners, true connection and serenity summoned by nature.

In 2015, Albert decided to move to Santa Rosa Beach where she could operate her

salon JA 30A Salon and have a traveling concierge beauty business to service her longtime clients in Chicago, New York City and Atlanta. Since 2020, Albert has transitioned to devoting her energies to her 30A salon.

“The reason this community became so important to me and why JA 30A Salon exists is because of the many collaborations I have with small-business owners and the way the community in turn supports them,” said Albert. “The common denominator is that we benefit the clients we serve through enriching, supportive and healthy environments.”

Having her own studio space, Albert is able to dedicate uninterrupted time to each client, learning about their desires

A HOLISTIC WELLNESS OASIS FOR PERFECT BALAYAGE

Step into JA30A Salon, and you’ll find more than just a place for hairstyling — it’s a sanctuary for a holistic wellness experience. From the serene atmosphere to the sustainable, natural products used, JA30A Salon offers a journey that extends beyond beautiful hair.

The moment you enter, the zen-like ambiance envelopes you, creating a tranquil escape from the outside world. It’s evident that JA30A Salon is not just about hairstyling; it’s about creating an environment that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit.

The calming atmosphere alone sets the stage for a truly rejuvenating experience.

Jennifer is a master of her craft and flawlessly executes the balayage technique, leaving you with the perfect blonde that complements your unique style.

The attention to detail and personalized approach ensure that your balayage is not just a service, but a work of art tailored to enhance your natural beauty. — MALLORY FIELDS, JA 30A SALON CLIENT

for beauty and wellness outcomes to cultivate personalized skin and hair regimens. This could range from achieving flowing, healthy hair with keratin extensions to initiating a daily self-care routine with Albert’s all-natural beauty product line.

Albert offers styling, coloring, hair extensions, beauty wellness consultations and hair repair. She leans into her experience as a certified yoga instructor to include elements of serenity through breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, aromatherapy and private yoga lessons.

“My purpose is to offer services, products and knowledge to assist my clients on a journey to find their ideal version of peace, love, happiness and health,” said Albert.

JA 30A SALON

52 Georgie St., Santa Rosa Beach (646) 359-9849 | ja30asalon.com

WHAT’S IN STORE?

A roundup of retail happenings throughout the Emerald Coast

by REBECCA PADGETT FRETT

O ered at McCaskill & Company in Destin, Marco Bicego’s 18-karat gold “Paradise” collection shimmers and glimmers like vibrant sea glass. Inspired by the hues and beauty of paradise, in many ways, this collection is a celebration of the Emerald Coast.

McCaskill & Company

➸ Stack and style stretch bracelets by HULCHI BELLUNI are the ideal arm candy. Mix and mingle the 18K gold or white gold options in a variety of styles and gemstone selections. Crafted in Italy, quality and craftsmanship are guaranteed.

Alys Beach Shoppe

➸ Zimmermann dresses are spring wardrobe staples. The ZIMMERMANN-MATCHMAKER STRUCTURED MINI DRESS and the ZIMMERMANN MATCHMAKER KEYHOLE MINI DRESS feature paisley prints, pastel color palettes and intricate details such as keyhole necklines, bell sleeves and bows. Accessorize with KREWE-SOPHIA FRAMES that feature an octagon shape and whimsical print options and a BENE HANDBAGS ISABEL PURSE with a signature envelope style and gold hardware.

➸ Make a statement with big bold rings. For rings that get asked about and admired, McCaskill & Company recommends exotic gemstones by ERICA COURTNEY and OMI PRIVE all set in 18-karat gold with diamonds.

➸ Denim is forever in style, especially when reimagined in exciting ways like this matching top and skirt set. The ALEXIS-IRIE TOP is a cropped vest and the TOMMA SKIRT is fitted at the top and flared at the bottom creating a unique silhouette. Pair the fit with KREWEELIZABETH FRAMES featuring bold, beveled acetate and JONATHAN SIMKHAI-JENA HEELED SANDALS that jazz up any outfit with braided straps and crystal accents.

GIGI’S BOUTIQUE & EATS

What would Dolly do? She would definitely strut the streets in gold cowgirl boots. SODA BRAND MID-CALF BOOTS are showstoppers in style, adding pizzazz to any outfit be it jeans or a sundress. Kick it up a notch, and channel the country queen with the DOLLY SEQUIN GRAPHIC TEE. A trip to Nashville is calling your name in this outfit. // Fido can be fashionable, too. Treat your pets to a wide selection of clothing, toys, bowls and accessories. For those sporting brand names, pups can match their owners with a CHEWLULEMON SQUEAK DOG TOY, DOGIOR SQUEAK DOG BONE or CHEWY VUITON DOG BOWL from HAUTE DIGGITY DOG // With spring cleaning in full swing, the TYLER CANDLE COMPANY will have your house feeling so fresh and clean. Keep your clothes in pristine condition with the luxury detergent, GLAMOROUS WASH. Each clean refreshes your garments and infuses them with scents of patchouli, vanilla and musk. GLAMOROUS HAND LUXURY HAND LOTION presents a moment of indulgence leaving users with silky soft hands and the lingering scents of chocolate and amber. Pump the Diva scent throughout your home with the CHAMBRE ROOM PARFUM SPRAY and 11-OUNCE CANDLE IN DIVA

Bealls Outlet • Dick’s Sporting Goods

Bealls Outlet • Dick’s Sporting Goods

Ross • The Fresh Market

Ross • The Fresh Market

EATERIES

EATERIES

Chili’s • Wayback Burgers • Craft Bar: a Florida Gastropub

Chili’s • Wayback Burgers • Craft Bar: a Florida Gastropub

Texas Roadhouse • IHOP • Jersey Mike’s Subs • CAVA Grill

Sweet Frog Frozen Yogurt • Island Fin Poke

Texas Roadhouse • IHOP • Jersey Mike’s Subs • Zoë’s Kitchen

Sweet Frog Frozen Yogurt

SPECIALTY STORES

SPECIALTY STORES

PetSmart • Kirkland’s • Verizon • Bed, Bath and Beyond

Michael’s • Chan’s Wine World • World Market

Shoe Carnival and more!

PetSmart • Kirkland’s • Verizon • Michael’s Chan’s Wine World • World Market • Shoe Carnival uBreakiFix • Dixielectricar and more!

Raising Awareness

Dermatology Specialists of Florida emphasizes the importance of Skin Cancer Awareness Month in May

Living in Florida, the presence of the sun is something we are aware of year-round. Although, the impact the sun has on your skin may not be top of mind.

In May, Skin Cancer Awareness Month serves as a reminder for both prevention and acknowledgement of the disease. Skin cancer remains the most common cancer in America with 1 in 5 Americans developing the disease in their lifetime.

These statistics are not intended to scare but to encourage people to be vigilant about their skin health through self-exams, dermatologist-led skin exams and preventative measures.

Double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Dr. Michael Stickler of Dermatology Specialists of Florida states that half of skin cancer cases are first detected by patients. These patients are self-assessing their moles, spots or skin lesions for what Dr. Stickler calls the ABCDEs.

“A” is for asymmetry, checking any mole or spot to determine if it’s symmetrical or has differing halves. “B” is for borders, identifying any mole with scalloped or bumpy borders. “C” is for color, which could include variations of brown, black, red, blue or white. “D” represents diameter, anything larger than a pencil eraser raises concern. “E” stands for evolve, taking note of any mole that changes in size, shape, texture or color.

Dr. Stickler advises doing self-exams once a month. Should you notice any irregularities or concerns, you

should schedule an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist.

Regardless of cause for concern, Dr. Stickler advises adults 18 years and older to have annual skin exams. For those with a history of skin cancer or other forms of cancer, he suggests at least twice a year.

Each May, Dermatology Specialists of Florida offers free skin exams in support of Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Individuals 18 years or older who have not had a professional skin exam in the last 12-months are eligible, regardless of insurance. During the exam, patients are asked to undress to their level of comfort where they are then examined from head to toe by a dermatology professional. Skin cancer is defined by two categories. Non-melanoma includes basal and squamous cell carcinomas.

Melanoma skin cancer is less common but more aggressive.

Should an abnormality be detected, there are various treatment options depending on the severity, including liquid nitrogen freezing (cryosurgery), superficial radiation therapy, surgical removal or Mohs micrographic surgery.

Between skin examinations, Dr. Stickler encourages patients to wear sun protective clothing, use sunscreen that is 30 SPF or higher, reapply sunscreen regularly and discontinue use of tanning beds.

“A skin exam that takes just a few minutes can be what saves your life,” said Dr. Stickler. “If you even think you might have symptoms, don’t hesitate in seeing a dermatologist. Skin cancer can be cured when detected early.”

Dermatology Specialists of Florida have offices conveniently located across the Emerald Coast.

We don’t take movement for granted. That’s why our focus for fifty years has been improving the activities everyday that make life worth living. Under our careful watch, pain is minimized and mobility restored for those who have injury or are feeling the affects of aging. It’s how a yoga instructor like Katie Buettner is able to keep on skating the day away. We celebrate these moments by recruiting the most experienced physicians, advancing treatment options and expanding our services.

gastro&gusto

Ditch the crockpot, forget the oven and cover the stovetop with butcher block. Hit up your local produce section, get all your veggies out of the fridge or straight from the garden and get to chopping.

This season, raw and fresh is in.

Deanna Howard, dietitian, certified intuitive eating counselor and owner of Emerald Coast Diabetes and Nutrition Center, encourages a full-spectrum approach. She said to consider how a meal can be enhanced when preparing it; ask yourself what you can add to the dish to make it more well-rounded.

“Think about color,” Howard said. “How can you add more color into things?”

To those of us who shy away from veggies we’ve long written off as a textural ick or just not for us, Howard says every vegetable deserves a second chance.

“As kids, we have a lot more taste buds,” she explained. “Vegetables are something that taste very bitter to kids. So a lot of times, people are basing that taste on something they’ve had as a kid but have not tried again.”

We often overlook things outside of our usual comfort zone. Howard suggests spending time in the produce section to really look at what’s available. And don’t be intimidated by exorbitant organic prices — Howard confirmed that conventional produce offers the same nutritional value. Instead, she said to focus on what’s in season. Your produce will be fresher, last longer and cost less.

For salads, select a mix of lettuces and greens to optimize nutrition. Every lettuce has its place on the plate and its benefits, too. Iceberg gets a bad rap as a worthless vegetable, but Howard disagrees. Offering vitamins A, K and others, iceberg lettuce can add value and crunch to your cobb salad, burger or taco. It’s also cost-efficient.

Kale — once known only as an aesthetic garnish but popularized in recent years — is a great cruciferous green to boost your salad. Shredded or shaved Brussels sprouts add a satisfying crunch and unique twist to your lettuce base.

Carbs, protein and fats — such as cheese, boiled eggs, beans, chickpeas, nuts, seeds, rice, quinoa, meat and tofu — make worthwhile salad additions and offer daily essentials your body craves.

↑ For optimum flavor and nutrition, salads should include a variety of vegetables, protein, fats and carbs. Achieve the spectrum with your favorite greens, beans, grains, cheeses and meats.

A TRICK FOR KALE

“A well-rounded salad would take all of those things into consideration,” Howard said. So, don’t shy away from your favorite toppings. Tomato, cucumber and onion are all classic salad toppings, but chopped broccoli, shredded carrots and alfalfa sprouts are deliciously salad-worthy, too.

Not a fan of kale’s sometimes bitter taste and rough texture? Try this method before your next kale salad. Wash with water thoroughly, then pat dry. Remove the leaves and discard the stems. Slice into shreds or, with your hands, tear into small bits. In a bowl, separate from any other ingredients, drizzle with olive oil and massage with your hands until all leaves are coated and slightly softened. Add to your favorite salad, serve and enjoy!

Spinach

Red Onion

Black Olives Broccoli Chickpeas

Green Bell Pepper

Red Bell Pepper

Grilled Zucchini

gastro &

FRUIT AND CHEESE → Watermelon with romaine lettuce, mixed tomatoes, red onion and feta cheese.

← BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Kale and shaved Brussels sprouts topped with dried cranberries, grated Parmesan cheese and walnuts.

← WALNUTS Green salad bowl with arugula, walnuts, goat cheese, red onion and grapes.

FRESH SUMMER ROLLS ↑

INGREDIENTS

FOR ROLLS:

➸ 8 rice paper sheets

➸ 1 medium to large carrot, julienned

➸ ½ cucumber, halved and julienned or thinly sliced

➸ 1 cup shredded spring mix or ½ cup purple cabbage

➸ ½ cup rice vermicelli noodles, cut into shortened lengths

➸ ½ cup diced protein of choice, e.g. tofu or cooked shrimp (optional)

➸ Sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning (optional)

FOR SAUCE:

➸ ½ cup peanut butter

➸ ¼ cup water

➸ ½ lemon, juiced

➸ 1 teaspoon tamari or soy sauce

➸ ½ tablespoon ginger, minced

➸ 1 clove garlic, minced

INSTRUCTIONS

Fruits can also make a name for themselves in the salad game. But be mindful to complement the fruit choice with your salad toppings. For example, some cheeses pair better with certain fruits than others. Try strawberries or watermelon with feta or mozzarella, blueberries with goat cheese, and pomegranate arils with grated Parmesan or manchego cheese. Chopped pecans or walnuts work well on salads topped with fruit and cheese pairings. For a last-minute healthy throw-together, try crudités. You can use whatever you’ve got in the fridge — carrots, celery, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, mini sweet peppers — and pair it with dressing or hummus for dipping. Enhance your hummus with a

drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkling of spices. Everything bagel seasoning is a hummus game-changer. Add in fruits, nuts and cheeses to your preference.

If you love the dip-and-bite style lunch and have a little more prep time to spare, try your hand at a batch of summer rolls packed with fresh raw veggies and wrapped in rice paper. A peanut-ginger dipping sauce takes this simple meal over the top.

At the end of the day, Howard recommends eating what and when you’re craving.

“I don’t think that it’s necessary to calculate, track or worry about that stuff so much as to listen to your body,” explained Howard.

Food cravings can be an indicator that your body requires certain nutrients. But you should consider the energy the craving will supply if you eat it — will you feel sluggish or energized? If you know that type of food makes you feel poorly after eating, choose an alternative that will be more fulfilling overall. EC

Cut and prepare all roll ingredients. Add warm water to a large bowl or a deep plate. As you go, dip each wrapper in the water, removing quickly and setting aside on a dry plate or tray to soften. Do not leave wrappers in the water dish. Once softened, add a bit of each ingredient to fill the center space of your wrapper. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning. Be careful not to overfill, as wrapping will be more difficult and susceptible to tearing. Fold the sides in, then fold the bottom and roll upward.

Combine all sauce ingredients in a medium-sized bowl and whisk together. For a smoother consistency, mix in a blender or food processor. Transfer to a small bowl for dipping.

Serve and enjoy! For leftovers, place a small piece of parchment paper between each roll and store in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Kevin W. Wells, OD, FAAO

Natalie Pelly, OD Bret L. Fisher, MD

EXPANDED MENU, BIGGER PLACE

Chris Trovas lives his restaurant dream

by STEVE BORNHOFT

Chef Chris Trovas beamed as he reflected on the private, Italian wine tasting dinner he had served the night before.

He values such occasions as opportunities to push himself and truly shine.

“We had big boards with picanha steak on them,” Trovas described the fare. “Brussels sprouts. Parsnip puree. We had pork osso bucco for the main course and paired it with a Barbaresco and a Barolo, side by side.”

Both wines are made from nebbiolo grapes, Trovas explained, but Barbaresco is a traditional, young, fermented wine, whereas a Barolo spends three years in the barrel and two years in the bottle before it is sold.

“The response was amazing when the diners discovered the difference between the two wines,” the chef said. “It was an eye-opening part of the dinner.”

Trovas thrives on delivering enjoyable, memorable and sometimes unexpected experiences to diners. He had thought about retiring before committing to his latest project, Wild Olives 30A, located in a new Ricky Ruckus development on South Walton’s renowned scenic highway.

“Building it was a big ordeal, but after being in the business for basically my whole life, I wanted to have my dream restaurant,” Trovas said. “Everything I ever wanted in a restaurant and never had, I tried to put in this one. Ninetynine percent of it came out exactly like I wanted it.”

Trovas said he wanted his building to have a South Beach VIP vibe and feel. To achieve that goal, he retained designer Walt Chancey, who has been active lately in creating spectacular homes at Alys Beach.

DINING OUT

↙

Chef Chris Trovas’ latest restaurant venture, Wild Olives 30A, is a reimagining of the original Rosemary Beach location. For his new vision, Trovas went no-holds-barred on space, design and offerings.

Greek Style Catch with Shrimp

photography by DAVE BARFIELD

AN EARLY FASCINATION

Trovas has been intrigued by food preparation since he was a small boy growing up in Texas. His mother used to place a bar stool in front of the kitchen sink so that young Chris could help out by washing the dishes. He always wanted to be in the kitchen.

At the University of Houston, Trovas majored in hotel and restaurant management and played middle linebacker and long snapper on the football team. Before he had his first restaurant, he worked for Weston Hotels.

Yielding to wanderlust, Trovas departed Texas in the early 2000s, headed, he thought, for Key West. He never made it.

“I came through this area, fell in love with it and decided to stay,” Trovas said.

In 2005, he opened a restaurant in Rosemary Beach that he would operate for 15 years. It emphasized Mediterranean cuisine, just like Wild Olives 30A, but was less than a third of the size of his new place.

“Rosemary Beach was a classic little Norman Rockwell town,” Trovas said in recalling his early days in South Walton. “It’s been amazing to watch the evolution of 30A. I used to joke that if you had a blowout and wound up at the side of the road, you would be alligator food because no one would find you. Now if you have a blowout, you’ll immediately run into someone on a bicycle or a golf cart, and you’ll be right in front of a house.”

At 7,000 square feet, Wild Olives 30A seats 141 and offers something that the Rosemary Beach location did not: a full bar.

Nick Robison is the bar manager, and Trovas raves about him.

“He’s like a chef,” he said. “The staff sampled his cocktails before we opened. He’d make a margarita, and we all agreed it was a good drink, and then he’d add a drop of rose water or orange extract and it was over the top. Watching him prepare his cocktails is exciting for me because it’s very similar to what I do.”

WINE CONNOISSEUR

While the bar is a welcome new complement, Trovas is a chef with a passion for wine.

“We named it The Wine List,” Trovas said of the wine shop that adjoins Wild Olives 30A. “You can pick any bottle of wine you want, bring it back to the restaurant and we will give you full wine service. And there is no corkage fee.”

Slayde Martin, a Texas native like Trovas, is the front-of-house manager and is easily recognized with his shaved head and trophy beard.

“He does it all,” his boss said. “I just boil water.”

Martin’s wife, Alicia, is the personal assistant to Trovas and the management team. Jeff Simpson is Trovas’ right-hand man in the kitchen and worked with him in Rosemary Beach. Prospective employees complete a five-day tryout period after which the chef decides if they are keepers.

“I am very, very fortunate,” Trovas said. “I have the best staff on 30A. At the restaurant, we are all part of a family, and people can sense that.”

With the larger restaurant has come more expansive menus. Trovas has added several vegan options. He endeavors to source his produce locally and obtains never-frozen fish from seafood dealers in Destin, Panama City and Apalachicola.

←↑ An expansion from the original Wild Olives location, the new dining room features seating for 141 and a full bar. Front-of-house manager Slayde Martin (left) oversees it all while crafting signature cocktails and curating wine pairings.

Barrel-aged Old Fashioned

gastro & gusto

On Trovas’s dinner menu, the seafood entrees are all listed as “catch” versus specific fish species.

“Every day is different,” Trovas said. “I don’t know what the boats are gonna catch. In the last few days, we’ve had golden tilefish and cobia. One day, they brought me yellowfin tuna.”

Trovas gets grass-fed, freerange beef from Joyce Farms in North Carolina.

“It’s a spectacular product, the best,” he said. “It makes me look like a really good chef.”

RAJAS RELISH

“A wonderful relish that goes really well on grilled seafood and meats.”

↑ While the tuna poke and paprika chicken are new menu mainstays, dishes like the Greek-style catch will rotate the featured fish daily based on Gulf-fresh deliveries. INGREDIENTS

Trovas, 60, shares a home on Choctawhatchee Bay with his black lab, Bear. Privacy affords him uninterrupted periods in which to think about menus and dream up dishes with which to freshen his menus, something he does quarterly.

“Life outside of the restaurant doesn’t exist,” Trovas said. “I treat this place as if it were my own home. It’s long hours, but I get the enjoyment of watching people thoroughly enjoy fine food. When somebody turns to me and says, ‘Oh, you paired the prawns with this flavor profile with this vermentino that we were drinking, and it was perfect,’ I get tremendous satisfaction from that.” EC

— Chef Chris Trovas

Servings: 12 Yield: 1 quart

2 red bell peppers, roasted and sliced

2 green bell peppers, roasted and sliced

INSTRUCTIONS

Place all ingredients in a nonreactive saucepan and simmer until reduced by half.

Fat Clemenza’s — An Authentic Taste of Italy

Glasses are filled with garnet wine from Tuscany. Steaming plates of clam linguine and wood-fired pizzas heaped with gourmet toppings are passed around the table. The ambiance is warm and inviting, like visiting a friend or family member’s home.

Invited into their home is exactly how the owners and staff want diners to feel at Fat Clemenza’s. In 2007, while feeling homesick for Italy, the original owners set out to open a restaurant that brought an authentic taste of their homeland to Miramar Beach.

There’s an element of surprise to Fat Clemenza’s — the exterior is that of a pizza parlor, but when guests enter, they quickly realize they will be experiencing the area’s most authentic Italian cuisine.

Dining at Fat Clemenza’s is like being transported to the Old World with its ambient lighting, a golden glow from the brick ovens, black-and-

white family photos on the walls and a space that’s cozy with just 16 tables.

In many ways, Fat Clemenza’s is modeled after restaurants in Italian neighborhoods in New York and Chicago, with a blackboard outside that displays the day’s specials.

Where the specials change daily, Fat Clemenza’s takes pride in offering menu staples that are tried and true recipes passed down for generations.

When asked for recommendations, the staff will likely lead you toward the eggplant parmigiana, made from grandma’s recipe. They’re likely to also recommend the clam linguine, veal and a wood-fired pizza. If you dine on a Friday, they may recommend the fresh fish special, caught locally and prepared with whatever touches chef Clovis fancies that day.

The seafood is always sourced locally, and the olive oils, pasta, tomatoes, flour and seasonings are imported from Italy. Twice a week, a shipment of sausage arrives from Chicago.

The red and white wine selections are extensive with the majority imported from Italy — Tuscany, in particular.

Gathered around a table and sharing a meal is when some of life’s most cherished moments occur. Fat Clemenza’s provides all the ingredients for wonderful memories to be made.

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Dave’s on the Gulf — A long-standing history of amazing food and views

For as long as she can remember, Jill Marler has known the importance of gathering around the dinner table. Her career and livelihood revolves around keeping families coming back to the tables of Destin’s longest running restaurant.

In 1968, her parents, Dave and Jane, opened their restaurant alongside only two other restaurants in the area.

Throughout 56 years, the restaurant has become one of the region’s most loved seafood spots.

“This restaurant has always been a part of my life, since I was a baby running around with a bottle in my hands,” said Jill Marler. “The area has grown so much and changed over the years, but we’ve built a reputation that holds on to customers and keeps them coming back.”

With her husband and son assisting in managing the restaurant, it has become a second- and third-generation run business. Many of the employees have

been with the restaurant for over 30 years. Their deep-rooted knowledge of its inner workings keeps service consistent and puts an emphasis on quality control regarding menu offerings.

Even when products may be limited, Marler prioritizes only the freshest local seafood in the kitchen.

“We’ve never skimped on quality, which has always paid off,” said Marler.

The menu reflects classic American cuisine with a Gulf Coast twist. This can be tasted in the most popular dishes such as Stuffed Shrimp Parmesan and Mahi Parmesan. Both dishes, which were the creations of Jane Marler, are topped with a homemade Italian Parmesan cream sauce.

While Marler describes Captain Dave’s as casual family dining, the floor-to-ceiling windows providing scenic views of the Gulf make it feel like an elevated experience. Plus, each table has a dedicated server who

handles every aspect of the experience, promising a meal that arrives with ease and is sure to please.

“We are a no-pressure, familyoriented restaurant that’s guaranteed to serve you great food for the value of your dollar,” said Marler. “Plus, you can’t beat the views.”

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With a name like the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic, there’s really no questioning the ultimate catch Blue Marlin are the top billfish prize in the Gulf, and teams bet on boating the heaviest one to earn the largest payout. The three game fish categories tuna, dolphin and wahoo are typically bycatch in the pursuit of blues Boats that focus on the alternates can earn hefty five-figure payouts! The event and all of the fun, including a golf tournament, daily weigh-ins, vendor village and more, happen within the gates of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort®! As we set sail towards the 2024 Best of the Emerald Coast awards, we invite you to cast your vote and support the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic in securing best event on the Emerald Coast.

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TAPPING INTO FLOW

Miramar Beach resin artist finds signature style in letting go ↓

by LIESEL SCHMIDT

APR/MAY 2024

CREATIVE WORKS LAND ON PAGES, CANVASES AND STAGES

BOOKS Perfect by Sharon Sterling

ART ↖

Resin artist Brendan Parker first found a creative outlet in playing guitar. But a sobering 21st birthday led him to discover a passion for painting. photography

At 47, Brendan Parker is most at peace when he has his hands in paint, when his fingers are covered in pigment and he’s tapped into his flow. With each session, the colors move and settle, reacting with the epoxy resin that gives him the ability to create more depth and more dimension in his pieces.

“It’s like nature’s painting it because all of the materials I use create a chemical reaction with each other and with the resin,” Parker said. “They all have their little effects.”

Parker enjoys working with resin because its translucence allows for visually effective layering. But the medium can be tricky. Its reluctance to

comply frustrated him early on. Still, it held his interest.

“The more you try to force it, the more it will laugh at you and work against you,” he said. “You have to learn to let go, so it’s a teacher in a way. … By the time you walk into the studio the next day, it’s typically different from how you remember it. Once you start adding heat by torching it, it becomes even more volatile.”

As much as resin wishes to will its own fate, Parker seems to have mastered the medium. His pieces are artfully unpredictable, graceful in their movement and mesmerizing in the way that each possesses energy, life and emotion.

↑ The Miramar Beach artist says his best work is created when he’s able to submit to the flow state, to feel and create freely.

← →

Left: Parker’s Nebula piece creates an immersive experience for viewers, a visualization inspired by imagined vibrant galaxies.

Right: Nebula keeps Parker company as he works in his studio.

“I don’t usually have a design in mind when I start — nothing really beyond size and color palette,” explained the Miramar Beach-based artist. “In the case of custom pieces, I’ll go in and measure the space, get a feel for the vibe that already exists there and work with that. But nothing inspires me like a blank wall.”

As a young man, Parker’s creative outlet was music. On his guitar, he played songs by ear with ease and created his own. But that energy was refocused on his 21st birthday after a severe grease burn on his hand prevented him from playing and the subsequent painkillers kept him from going out and celebrating. Instead,

photography by SEAN MURPHY

he pulled out some gel mediums he’d bought months before and let loose.

After 17 years of painting, Parker has learned how to “drop in” to a creative flow state where emotion and inspiration are free to run their course.

“Sometimes it happens quickly; sometimes it doesn’t happen at all,” he admits. “That’s art. There’s tremendous therapeutic value in just being able to let go and feel,” he said. “I just turn my mind off, put my hands in paint, start moving it around and finger paint as I try to find the flow. I’m not thinking, just feeling and having fun. I let the composition take over because it has a certain way it likes to move, and I just give it the freedom and space to do what it’s going to do.”

↑ Resin pouring can be difficult to control and becomes more volatile when incorporating heat. While Parker has mastered the art, he sometimes prefers to give in to the medium’s flow.

“Sometimes it happens quickly; sometimes it doesn’t happen at all. That’s art. There’s tremendous therapeutic value in just being able to let go and feel.” — Brendan Parker

Parker’s cathartic approach becomes a technique, translating emotion to his canvas and expressing moods and energies through color palettes and movement. The fluidity of resin enhances the translation, mirroring intensity or calm with its results.

Much o� his work has found a home in luxury hotels and real estate. Parker regularly works with interior design firms in the area. For Sandestin’s Hotel Effie, he was commissioned to supply more than 250 unique pieces ahead of its grand opening in early 2021. His custom works

can be found in the lobby, conference center and the presidential suite. And each room features a print design created exclusively for Hotel Effie.

His industry experience has taught him the value in creating art for more than the sake of art, for the sake of making a living. Recently, he’s created a course through his YouTube channel offering advice to artists on how to sell, pick up vendors and make a career of their passion.

A Georgia native, Parker has scratched the itch to wander outside the Southeast before, but he was always pulled back

to the Emerald Coast. The free-flowing style o� his work speaks to the coastal lifestyle. Whether his pieces grace the walls of a 30A beach home or a commercial coastal property, the calming designs inspire observers to find the beauty in letting go. EC

photography by SEAN MURPHY

A 2024 Brendan Parker original, Singularity’s blue and white hues draw viewers into a soothing vortex.

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THE PAST IS PRESENT

In a sterling novel, a heroine strives for perfect

by WYNN PARKS

Sharon Sterling’s most recent novel, Perfect, set on Florida’s Emerald Coast, is an engaging confabulation of Southern Gothic, with a dash of The Handmaid’s Tale, and seems a natural successor in the world of novelist Ira Levin of Rosemary’s Baby Perfect’s prologue is set in 1978: Flight attendant Holly Wallace returns from a run to South America. Steps briskly through the Tallahassee airport. Drives home to Oak Bayou, top down, wind in her hair, eagerly anticipating her reunion with daughter Laura. Almost forgotten now is the oppressive gold pendant with the single word “Perfect” dangling between her breasts.

Perhaps somewhere deep down, she senses this homecoming will be her last, but she could not know that the mystery o� her sudden death would gradually obsess and forever change her granddaughter’s understanding of the human heart.

Two generations later, granddaughter Sage Stevens’ father dies before she turns 5. Her mother Laura has joined the military to survive. Sage is living with Bertha, a puritanical aunt full of dire admonitions, including sour reflections on the opposite sex, leading Sage to make her way through life with a perennial chip on her shoulder. Her study of

taekwondo and application to a police academy reflect Sage’s grim commitment to becoming a “strong woman.”

As the curtains part, Sage is moving out o� her childhood home. Her mom is hospitalized after falling off a cliff, and that morning, Wayne, Sage’s wannabe boyfriend, has appeared before she’s out from under the covers and is importuning her to let him get into bed with her.

“We’re as acquainted as we’re going to get!” Sage snaps. “You came to help me move furniture, remember? A simple job for you. A favor for me. Not a lovers’ retreat!”

Later, Sage is in the attic sorting through memorabilia and discovers a picture of grandmother Holly at 20, wearing the “Perfect” gold necklace. The picture calls out to Sage, and she falls into a fugue state wherein she sees herself as Holly and hears a man’s voice describing her as nubile and “ready for reproduction.”

While visiting her mother in the hospital, Sage asks about the necklace in the picture and learns that a violent car crash had thrown Holly out o� her convertible and the pendant was never found.

Sage develops a sudden interest in genealogy and is oblivious to the possibilities of revealing her genome to the world. She has her DNA analyzed, afterward telling her mother with pride, “It

said I’m one in a thousand! Longevity and no markers for the majority of deadly diseases!”

Thus, Sage Stevens naively reveals to the world the nearly perfect facets o� her physiology.

Meanwhile, perhaps to make a point about her independence from Wayne, Sage immerses herself, on one hand, in a hook-up with Taylor, a member o� her taekwondo class, and on the other, a creepy platonic dalliance with Otto Warner, a German-Argentinian businessman whom she thinks she has met purely by chance. He sends her pink roses and takes her to dinner.

Sage’s burgeoning suspicion that her grandmother was murdered leads her and those around her into a world o� human trafficking: murder, dark, subterranean baby farms where kidnapped women are kept pregnant; and human chop-shops where organs are harvested until the “donor” withers away.

Perfect seems to pick up where The Boys from Brazil leaves off. Two generations later, the descendants o� Nazi fugitives cling to master-race theory and additionally have been corrupted by the forces of entrepreneurialism.

But for Sage Stevens and the persistent, stalwart Wayne, the book unfolds like the archetypal stories in which the result of the heroine’s spiritual seeking is a return to where she started and at long last, self-discovery. EC

Life Through the Lens

Photographer Wayne Simpson prefers life on the wild side

To Wayne Simpson, life is a delicate balance of preserving a moment forever and living in the moment. When behind the lens, he is attuned to what will make for a quality photo while reminding himself to stop and take in what’s right in front of him. Many times, that’s an exotic animal.

When Simpson was handed his first camera at the age of 12, it changed the way he viewed the world. A passion developed into a career, which over six decades evolved from weddings and portraiture to travel and nature photography.

Simpson calls Northwest Florida home, but he’d rather live out of a suitcase than a closet. He’s traveled the world but has a particular affection for Africa and Tanzania, specifically. Simpson has long been interested in conservation and is keenly aware that wildlife photography not only transports viewers, but it also can educate them.

“When they see my photography, I hope people gain a greater appreciation of wildlife and the world’s natural beauty,” Simpson said. “There’s a great need to preserve our wildlife and ecology, and in my way I hope to be part of that.”

For years, Simpson has sold his wildlife photography on his website, where patrons can use the augmented reality feature to see just how a photo of a majestic lion might look in their living room or whether zebra stripes would work in their office. From there, a variety of print materials and framing options are available.

Recently, Simpson has decided to help others capture their own wildlife art by hosting safaris in partnership with Vianney’s Untamed Expeditions in Tanzania. Vianney, an experienced wildlife guide, and Simpson have been friends for years and are devoted to providing people with extraordinary animal viewing experiences.

The safaris are primarily geared toward photographers but are open to anyone who wants to see wildlife up close. Safaris include transportation once in the country, lodging, meals and photography advice. Air travel is not included.

“It gives me a great sense of accomplishment being able to introduce people to animals in their natural settings, where they should be,” said Simpson. “I will never tire of seeing people’s faces when they see an elephant

or a giraffe for the first time. Then, as the safari progresses and they observe, they begin to understand the animal’s body language and their presence in nature.”

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They pulled people in, hooks, lines and singers

Sam Bush, a member of the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and the creator of the musical genre, “new grass,” had an album in mind.

He turned to Donnie Sundal, with whom he has a history of trading favors, and asked his buddy if he would be willing to record a demo album for him. Sundal, of Miramar Beach, was only too happy to help out.

Bush, whose New Grass Revival band once backed the late, great Leon Russell, would play several different instruments in recording the demo, which he intended to give to members of his band so that they could learn the songs and be prepared to lay them down for real.

The demo demolished those plans.

story by STEVE BORNHOFT // photos by SHELLY SWANGER PHOTOGRAPHY

← A regular on the lineup, career musician and Miramar Beach local Donnie

has performed at all 15 annual 30A Songwriters Festival events.

on the previous page,

Sundal

Pictured

Sundal’s longtime friend and renowned bluegrass artist Sam Bush flexes his fiddle skills on stage.

↗ On stage at the January 2024 festival, Sundal matched vocals with New Orleans native Joy Clark. Responding through lyrics, the performers, he soulful and eclectic, she soft and introspective, complemented each other’s style.

“Neither of us knew we were making a record,” Sundal said. “But somewhere along the line, someone told Sam that he would be a fool to re-record the demo, and months later, I found out we were going to actually use the stuff.”

And to good effect.

Their acoustic album, Radio John: Songs of John Hartford, received a 2024 Grammy Awards nomination for Best Bluegrass Album of the Year. In addition to serving as recording engineer on the album, Sundal sings background vocals on the song, In Tall Buildings

“When you are not trying to do something, that’s when it happens,” Sundal said.

Sundal first met Bush via his association with the local band Dread Clampitt, which had added players in assembling an electric version of itself. Sundal joined Electric Dread on keyboards and co-produced a record with the group.

Dread’s guitar player, Kyle Ogle, aware that Bush was in town on vacation from

Nashville, screwed up the nerve to deliver him some oysters and invite him to the band’s CD release party.

“Whatever Kyle did worked, and Sam came and played with us,” Sundal said. Bush has done so at various times since then, always with a caveat — “I may not be able to stay to the end” — and never leaving early.

Sundal was among the scores of performers who participated in the annual 30A Songwriters Festival, held in January and billed, “15 Years of Hooks, Lines and Singers.” He has the distinction of having played all 15.

On a Sunday evening at the Rosemary Beach Town Hall, he alternated songs with Joy Clark of New Orleans, seeking to complement, rather than overwhelm her soft, introspective songs of hope, desire and childhood memories. He answered Clark’s Tell it to the Wind — “Tell it everything I hope for, everything I desire” — with Stay Broke in which a forlorn soul laments, “I work my fingers to the bone and I can’t get no rest / Everything I try to do always turns out second best / It costs a whole lotta money / Just to stay broke.”

Here, then, was a restrained Sundal, but as if unable to help himself, he would turn up the dial with a driving song, Back to New Orleans, and the ribald Jump Back (In Your Pants). Sundal comes in various (musical) forms, and he may be at his best when he lets his bangs cascade over his eyes and wails.

Originally intended as a demo, a first recording became the official Radio John: Songs of John Hartford album. The project earned Bush and recording engineer Sundal a 2024 Grammy nomination.

He is a singer first — he discovered his musical ability in a high school choir class in Rockford, Illinois — and learned keyboards owing to a desire to be able to accompany himself. He “fell into” sound engineering, he said, and stuck with it to supplement his income as a performer and ensure that he wouldn’t have to get a regular job.

With New Orleans native and guitar player Derwin “Big D” Perkins, Sundal makes up the nucleus of Boukou Groove, a funkand-soul band capable, as Sundal has written, of “taking you low to highs you never know.”

↑ Derwin “Big D” Perkins (left) and Sundal (center) make up the soul-funk band Boukou Groove. Local musician Traylin Gastone (right) moonlights as the band's drummer.

Early in their relationship, Sundal listened as Perkins played a song he had been unable to finish. It married up in Donnie’s mind with a song he had started and abandoned.

“The vocals and words were right, but the music was not,” Sundal said. He put them on top of Perkins’ false start, and it all worked.

“When you play with some people, there is a certain communication,” Sundal said. “It’s not about how good you are together technically. You can play with the best musician in the world, and if he’s just playing over the top of you, it’s nothing. When two guys get it the same way, that’s chemistry.”

Such chemistry is contagious, and that’s what the universal language of music and 30A Songwriters are all about.

At 85, Peter Yarrow can still bring the chemistry, the connection and thoughtful communion. He, too, played at the Town Hall, where for a couple of songs, he was joined by James Taylor’s brother, Livingston, and succeeded even in causing a polite, listening-room audience to sing along with him.

The 30A Songwriters Festival encourages performers to share stories that relate to their songs. Perhaps no one was better equipped to do so than Yarrow, of Peter, Paul and Mary fame, a man noted for his activism during the Vietnam War era and for his efforts to combat the proliferation of nuclear power plants. He once wrote a song encouraging people to get colonoscopies. He was inclusive before inclusivity was a thing.

Yarrow doffed his roadster cap, shuffled toward a chair on the stage and settled in. His hands shook badly with an expressive tremor, and he was unable to reach and turn the tuning knobs on his guitar. A pick wasn’t working for him, and he asked if anyone in the crowd had a business card. A man came forward with one. Yarrow folded it in half and was ready to play.

“How many of you feel that there is a need in your heart and in your life for

PHOTOS BY BRYAN LASKY

↖↗

some understanding, for some compassion?” Yarrow asked. “That there’s some healing to do. How many of you feel that way?”

The audience applauded, and Yarrow proceeded to tell a story. He needed blinds for his apartment in New York. A young man arrived to take measurements and after doing so, asked Yarrow to write a song for his mother, who, he explained, was suffering with cancer. A big ask.

Something about the blinds man led Yarrow to agree to the request. He asked the man to supply him with a letter describing his mother and, on the basis of it, wrote With Your Face to the Wind (Harriet’s Song).

With your face to the wind, I see you smilin’ again Spirit’s movin’ within, I know that you’re gonna win.

Harriet succumbed to cancer, but, said Yarrow, “she had the feeling when she heard this song that every moment was precious and belonged to her, and that’s how this song got made.”

Yarrow, joined by Taylor, proceeded to sing Bob Dylan’s existential questions …

How many roads must a man walk down

Before you call him a man?

How many seas must a white dove sail

Before she sleeps in the sand?

Yes, and how many times must the cannonballs fly

Before they’re forever banned?

… before they closed with Woody Guthrie’s This Land is Your Land and all were reminded how vast and grand and small and delicate our country is.

“How many of you feel that there is a need in your heart and in your life for some understanding, for some compassion?”

Peter Yarrow asked his audience before performing at the 2024 Songwriters Festival. Of 1960s folk fame, the 85-year-old musician and activist performed music new and old and was accompanied by Livingston Taylor for a Bob Dylan cover.

It’s a darn shame that Amanda Donald was unable to take in the Yarrow moment, but she was a few miles removed from the scene playing music of her own at Red Fish Taco.

Like Yarrow, Donald, of Mobile, Alabama, is a balladeer for whom folk musicians are a big musical influence. She is a huge fan of Peter, Paul and Mary and her favorites are Simon & Garfunkel. Her No. 1 record is the duo’s Live from New York album from 1967.

Donald is an accomplished musician — mandolin, guitar, fiddle — who often plays with her upright-bass-playing sister, Katrina Kolb. She sings with an entrancing lilt that favors Alison Krauss, by design. Her voice can turn slightly haunting as it does in the title song from her first album, 100 Roots, about a man, Charles Boyington, wrongfully convicted of murder, hanged and buried in an unmarked grave where 100 roots “grow ’neath the shadow of an oak.” Boyington was buried in 1835. Famous as trees go, the Boyington Oak still stands in Mobile.

↖→ A master of string instruments including the mandolin, fiddle and guitar, folk-fusion musician Amanda Donald draws inspiration from ’60s genre trailblazers Simon & Garfunkel and Peter, Paul and Mary.

Donald is an old soul possessed of a lively inner child. When a writer suggested that she was channeling or harboring past lives, her eyes widened.

“Lately, I’ve been nerding out on ancestry.com and digging into my family tree,” Donald said during a conversation following a festival performance on Saturday at the Camp Creek Inn. “There is a lot of Irish on my dad’s side, and I am super connected to them. I love Irish music. Have you ever heard of DNA memory?”

In ’Til the End of Time, Donald sings about her paternal grandparents who married young, had too many kids and struggled to support their household. When Peepaw started a worm farm as a side hustle, Meemee gladly suffered the indignity of delivering inventory to gas stations and bait shops. She dies first.

Her mind ain’t working like it used to, She calls her sister by her daughter’s name, But he stays right there with her, Keeps her safe ’til her last day.

MUSIC SALE

“My music is from my heart, and I am glad when I learn that people can see that,” Donald said. Her songs are rich, deep, genuine and of her backyard.

She is a believer in love like that of her grandparents but recognizes that there are different kinds of love, some of them dangerous.

“I’m still denyin’ the rip tide is pulling me away from the shore / Back to your arms once more,” she sings in Red Flags

Donald, too, is a believer in songs and hopes that an appetite for storytellers

survives an era of diminished attention spans, superficiality and conformity to trends. In What If the Music Was Enough? she sings …

As long as you look pretty, They don’t care if you can sing, They just wanna look, They don’t wanna listen, But what if the music was enough?

Sometimes, it is enough, Amanda. Enough to turn tides, enough to pull people up and together. Sometimes, like love, it’s what there’s just too little of. EC

MUSIC SALE

Mario and Jort Koopman, owners of a vinyl record store in the Netherlands, are fans of Donnie Sundal and Derwin “Big D” Perkins, mainstays in the New Orleans-style funk band, Boukou Groove. The Koopmans reached out to the duo seeking permission to press a record made up of selected songs from Boukou’s previous releases and to market it across Europe. “They created a label called Juicy Records and they picked the songs, and we sent them photos,” Sundal said. The Koopmans are accepting orders for the album, called Groovin’, on their website.

SUNDAL AND PERKINS PLAN TO MAKE IT AVAILABLE AT BOUKOUGROOVE.COM.

SLOW YOUR

EMERALD COAST PHOTOGRAPHER ENJOYS THE CHALLENGE IN SEEKING THE PERFECT SHOT

story by PAIGE AIGRET

photography by CHANDLER WILLIAMS /

Having over 20 years behind the lens has taught him that art is the ultimate hustle. But, about four years ago, when he picked up a Phase One medium format camera, he learned there were new challenges to meet. He’s hardly put it down since.

In experienced hands, the medium format enhances image detail down to the finest wrinkles of one’s face or the intricate webbing of a leaf’s veins. For Williams, there’s no better way to shoot. The challenge of slower autofocus and burst rate may just be his favorite aspect. It forces him to anchor in the moment.

“It allowed me to think differently after the many years of having a camera in my hand,” Williams said. “If I’m able to think differently, then I can create more freely.”

Sitting in Williams’ Modus Gallery lounge in Santa Rosa Beach, the photographer looked at a favorite print of his, a rare shot using 1990s medium format underwater film. There was no on-screen review between shots.

“Probably the hardest shoot I’ve ever done in my life; that’s raw, that’s untouched,” Williams said, nodding to the image from his Sirens & Silver series, in which a nude model ascends from water depths.

Today, he finds himself addicted to that mindful focus and often shoots at 30A’s Western Lake when he needs centering.

“It’s absolutely beautiful,” he said. “The light’s always changing, so that’s an attractive lure to me. It’s simple — I can always pull up to it. Kind of like an old friend.”

Still, he’s always seeking a new and exciting challenge. For years, he’s traveled the world, shooting sometimes for himself but more often for nonprofit organizations.

“The travel element has always been very fundamental,” Williams said. “I’m able to have these intimate experiences just by enjoying the culture and being part of it. It’s grounding in so many ways; it’s human connection. For me to create that is pretty cool, to bring that back and share that experience for nonprofits.”

Visiting Iceland, Chandler Williams sought unique nature shots. Here, Williams is pictured beneath the hidden Gljúfrabúi waterfall. Its name is Icelandic for “canyon dweller,” the cavernous Gljúfrabúi often falls forgotten to its big sister, Seljalandsfoss falls. Despite its shy nature, Gljúfrabúi offers a special treat for those willing to journey below.

Williams’ elevated style has attracted big brands such as Leinenkugel’s beer (left) and Hyatt Grand Boulevard (right). Today, he’s focused on giving back through art, often partnering with nonprofits.

Specializing in landscape photography, Williams enjoys the challenge of underwater and astronomy shots (right) and finds comfort and ease shooting favorite locations including

But the hustle has kept him busy, too. He’s shot weddings and portraits, contracted commercial work for national brands like Lululemon, Audi USA, Leinenkugel’s beer and sometimes shoots using elevated architectural photography for high-end resort names, including Hilton and Hyatt.

“As long as I’m learning, as long as it’s challenging me, then I can keep interest in it.”

His adaptive nature allowed him to gain unique industry experience. His specialties and interests range from landscape and travel photography to underwater and astronomy shots.

“I would like to think that I have my own style; I don’t have a style from another location or from another photographer that I’ve seen travel,” Williams said. “That’s why I’m not on the Instagram echo chamber. I want my own stuff.”

Individuality has driven him to always shoot for himself first.

“It’s always been for myself, and the money’s been secondary,” Williams said.

Creating his own path in an oversaturated industry proved difficult for some years, but Williams always enjoyed the challenge.

“I was working 60–70 hours a week in property management,” he said. “But my photography is what kept me sane.”

His best advice to up-and-coming creatives: Identify your passion, and seek out the challenge in it. And don’t quit your day job.

“Find a primary occupation, and grow your creative outlet,” Williams advised. “It will allow you to be more creative because you don’t have to worry about the finances. At some point, on a successful level, you’ll be able to be as creative as you want.” EC

30A’s Western Lake (left).

Voting period Online Ballots:

Emerald Coast Magazine will recognize the results of the winners for every category in the October/November 2024 issue. Rules apply for winners.

The Emerald Coast region merges the allure of tourism, the bustle of developing businesses and the comfort of family-oriented communities. These cities provide our homes, our workplaces and our sources of enjoyment. We look forward to the opportunity to again experience all of the many businesses that enhance the quality of an Emerald Coast lifestyle with their outstanding service, products, professionalism and personalities.

2024 OFFICIAL BEST OF THE EMERALD COAST RULES & REGULATIONS

RULES To preserve the integrity of the voting process, the following contest rules must be observed in order to cast a ballot and ensure it is included in the voting tabulation process:

➺ Voting for 2024 Best of Emerald Coast honors will take place online starting April 1, 2024.

➺ All votes must be for locally owned Emerald Coast area businesses. Locally owned and operated companies are defined as the owner or managing partner living in the Emerald Coast area or within a 30-mile radius of the Emerald Coast.

➺ No incentives, prizes, goods or services may be offered in exchange for votes.

➺ Ballots must be submitted by April 30, 2024, at 11:59 P.M. CT.

➺ Each vote must be submitted by one verified email address. (The spirit of voting is one vote per person.)

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➺ Obvious attempts at ballot stuffing or cheating will be disqualified.

➺ A business can win the “Best” award in no more than two categories. If a business is the leading vote-getter in more than two categories, that business will win only the “Best” award for the two categories in which it received the most votes.

➺ Any winning business must be in good standing with Rowland Publishing, Inc. and still in operation by the date of the results printed in the magazine to be promoted as a “Best of” winner.

Once ballots are counted, all tabulations are final.

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A new home designed around you, with a backyard for parties and fun. Plus, a new amenity center ready to enjoy life without leaving the neighborhood. The Gathering Place clubhouse features a resort-style pool and sundeck, state-of-the-art fitness center, tennis courts and event lawn. Our gated community is just a short bike ride or drive to the activities and adventure awaiting you at 30A and the Emerald Coast. NatureWalk by Kolter Homes is outside the ordinary, and open daily for you to explore.

TRENDS FROM FLOOR TO CEILING, FRONT TO BACK APR/MAY 2024

by LIS KING

GREEN SCENE Spanish Moss

abodes

Akitchen island is a must-have for the modern home. That isn’t likely to change anytime soon. Designers say that the island is simply too valuable an upgrade to give up. It has become the reliable, show-stopping standin for cabinet storage and counter prep space when walls come down, and it has emerged as a favorite spot for casual meals, entertaining and homework.

The rst kitchen island that we know of was created by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1937. Designing for Nancy and Malcolm Willey of Minneapolis, he opened up the area between the kitchen and living room to help Willey connect with guests while preparing food

and drinks. The idea took hold, with more and more islands showing up in new homes over the years. Today, no renovation seems complete until the homeowner asks, “Can that wall come down?”

“It’s like the hub of the house,” said Kim Schneider, owner of Coastal Design by Kim. “It’s just becoming more functional, especially for people who entertain a lot and also with kids for homework.”

Schneider sees islands as having replaced the once-common kitchen table, now serving as the everyday gathering space for families of four to six, while dining tables and rooms remain a space for more formal gatherings and holiday meals.

↑ Designers say that kitchen islands are seen as so valuable that they have become all but indispensable. Once, houses were built around hearths. Now, kitchens are built around islands. They have become the reliable, show-stopping stand-in for cabinet storage and counter prep space.

↘ According to organization spokesperson Julia Gillespie, 76% of National Kitchen & Bath Association designers said that large islands that function as dining tables are now a top trend. The so-called “freedom islands” offer versatility provided by additional open space.

abodes

DESIGN TRENDS

As the kitchen island grows in popularity, homeowners look for new ways to suit the design staple to their lifestyles. The National Kitchen & Bath Association is the premier source of research related to these trends, and according to spokesperson Julia Gillespie, 76% of NKBA designers said that large islands that function as dining tables are now a top trend.

Designer Stacy McCarthy of NKBA’s Florida chapter sees this trend play out in islands without sinks or countertop appliances. She calls them “freedom islands” because of the versatility o ered by additional open space.

“At rst, the digression of sinks and cooktops seemed a surprise, but bringing back a bit of separation to kitchen tasks is better for entertaining, family homework sessions and relaxation,” she said. “It provides more of that family table feeling when water and cooking don’t get in the way.”

Aesthetically, the island now serves as a pop of color, according to an NKBA survey. And Emerald Coast designer Schneider actually deems it best when the island doesn’t match the rest of the

↙

Interior designers are seeing less of sinks, cooktops and appliances on the kitchen island. Instead, the area is treated as a dining, entertaining and work space. Families appreciate the island as a gathering hub.

Schneider noted that wood tones are making a comeback for neutral shades, but that gray is o cially out.

Other design elements can range from selecting unique hardware to choosing a statement countertop. Schneider suggests incorporating a di erent style or color of granite or quartzite or even opting for butcher block instead.

WARNING WORDS

Homeowners may clamor for islands, but Boudreaux and Schneider agree that not everybody should have them. An island shouldn’t hem you in. There has to be plenty of room to move around freely and accommodate open refrigerator and oven doors.

“Islands aren’t always the best use of space in a oor plan,” Boudreaux said. “Very large islands, which have become so trendy, can be especially problematic. I will personally convince people not to do them if they don’t make sense, but I really have to go to bat defending my views.

kitchen, making a design statement. She noted that a mossy green shade is trending right now for kitchens and can be a perfect complimentary pop. For a bold statement, she suggests an eggplant purple.

Tessa Boudreaux of Jansen Kitchen & Bath in Pensacola agreed, commenting that using a di erent color for the island than the rest of the cabinetry helps to “anchor it to the room and make it the focal point it deserves to be.”

“I feel that there’s a shift in the trend toward those wide open spaces,” she added. “Lately we’re seeing people wanting to open walls a little, but still keep their spaces a bit more separated. We have even put in a few kitchen walls lately.”

Open oor plans and large islands may be popular, but bucking the trend could be the best option for certain spaces. Whether large or small, colorful or muted, the kitchen island is here to stay. EC

Paige Aigret contributed writing to this story.

← The island now serves as a pop of color according to an industry survey.

Emerald Coast interior designer Kim Schneider suggests a unique style or color choice for counters and cabinetry. Deep greens and eggplantinspired purples are trending for cabinets, while granite, quartzite or butcher block can create eye-catching countertops.

Golden Orb Spiders: Nature’s Pest Control

BEARDED TREES

by LES HARRISON

Hungry caterpillars of every imaginable size and color pattern are currently hatching from the relatively few eggs that survived winter. Soon, these tubular insects morph into butterflies and moths which quickly lay more eggs.

Harmless to its host, Spanish moss creates enhanced shade

UF/IFAS EXTENSION AGENT EMERITUS

Spanish moss’ scienti c name, usneoides, means “resembling Usnea,” the beard lichen. Appearances aside, Spanish moss is not biologically related to lichens or other mosses.

It is in the same plant family as the colorful and popular air plants, bromeliads. Spanish moss is covered with permeable scales which catch moisture and nutrients from the air. It has no roots but entangles itself to the host tree by means of long scaly stems.

The plant became known as Spanish moss because it resembled the long, gray beards of conquistadors.

In the 21st century, Spanish moss has a reputation as a tree killer. The impression it kills trees may originate from the plant establishing itself on trees already in decline.

The mossy bulk may block some sunlight, but it uses the tree only for support. Occasionally, branches with moss may break under the weight, especially after rain.

Unfortunately, some of these colorful bugs are quite destructive to the ornamental and vegetable plants valued by human residents of the Emerald Coast.

One natural control for these pest species is spiders.

Surprise sightings of the eightlegged creatures lurking silently out of dark recesses have not helped improve their public image. However, native spiders are not aggressive to humans, and most pass their lives unseen — except by their meals.

Golden orb spiders (Nephila clavipes), sometimes called banana spiders, are noted for the largesized females and their impressively large webs. The males of this species are less than a quarter of the female’s girth.

These large spiders are frequently found on their webs which are often spun between trees or large shrubs. These spiders are commonly seen near human habitation sites.

The yellow- or golden-tinted webs are used to trap flying insects that are attracted to the color.

The uniform texture of turfgrass is sometimes disturbed by little green circles. This is usually one of two species. Dollarweed is a native perennial which is found in damp to very wet sites. Hydrocotyle umbellata, the scientific name for dollarweed, is the species within a larger plant genus found locally. This low-growing plant produces erect, bright green, shiny leaves with scalloped margins. Leaves range in size from a dime to a silver dollar. The petiole, or leaf stem, is located in the center of the leaf and forms an umbrella shape. The problem with this plant is that it likes almost any damp-soil environment, including frequently watered lawns. Monitoring and restricting moisture levels are the first steps to managing dollarweed. Another native plant, dichondra is sometimes confused with dollarweed. Dichondra carolinensis, its botanical name, is commonly called Carolina ponysfoot. Both are about the same size and are found in similar growing environments. With dichondra, the stem attaches to the leaf’s outer margin. Also, dichondra leaf edges do not have the scalloped texture of dollarweed. Both have been the bane of more than one homeowner who is striving for the perfect lawn. There are herbicides that will control, but not eradicate, these plants.

The webs can be several yards wide and may be 10 feet above the soil. Portions of the webs are sticky, but the outer web is not and is used by the spider to quickly reach its prey.

The golden orb spider’s venom is not lethal to humans. If left alone, it will spend its life removing airborne bugs from the home landscape.

Les Harrison is a retired University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Wakulla County extension director.

LAWN CIRCLES

Dollarweed

Dichondra

GREEN SCENE

Sunshine and cool breezes. Palm trees and margaritas.

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• Walking Trails and Multi-Use Sport Court

AFRICA’S ROOFTOP

An adventurer scales Kilimanjaro and recuperates on the plains ↓

by MCKENZIE BURLEIGH

↖

On Day 8 of a challenging journey, a group of American adventurers neared the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. The mountain’s highest point, Uhuru Peak, reaches an elevation of 19,341 feet.

Inever could have anticipated all that my African adventure would prove to be. The trip forever changed me, led me to a new level of enlightenment and enlarged my sense of gratitude for my good, comfortable and fulfilling life.

From the moment I landed in Tanzania, I sensed that Africa was going to provide spectacularly new and unfamiliar experiences.

Our trip included nine days dedicated to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Known as the “Roof of Africa,” it is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. In addition, we would devote five days to visiting the southern Serengeti plains and Ngorongoro Crater. Our adventures were organized by Endeavor Expeditions and safari expeditions by Wander Africa.

← On Day 1, the group enjoyed views of the lush jungle environment, one of five biospheres across Mount Kilimanjaro.

↓ Photographer Chandler Williams (left) joined Emerald Coast Magazine associate publisher McKenzie Burleigh (left center) and Endeavor Expeditions’ founders Jim and Kristi Sumpter (right) on the Kilimanjaro trip. Williams documented the trip as part of his work with Endeavor’s nonprofit organization.

Mount Kilimanjaro is the most attempted — and most failed — of the worldwide Seven Summits. Though not as technically challenging as Mount Everest or Mount Aconcagua, Kilimanjaro’s elevation, cold temperatures and occasional high winds make it difficult.

We spent two days getting our bearings at the Legendary Lodge, a lush oasis located on a working coffee plantation in the foothills leading to Mount Meru. I could easily have lazed longer, but the time soon came for us to board transportation to Kilimanjaro. We would be joined by a Dream Team made up of four guides, 34 porters and two cooks.

The team members’ badly worn clothing scarcely qualified as proper hiking attire. It impressed me as no match for the weather and terrain we were about to encounter. Still, the team beamed with joy, excited to take a new group of visitors on a journey of a lifetime.

The supremely conditioned porters carry (atop their heads) three times the weight that visitors do and at three times the speed. The Dream Team set up our tents each day, prepared meals and constantly asked how they might otherwise serve us. We learned to thank them in Swahili for their kindness.

To scale the mountain, we took the Lemosho Northern Route, which covers approximately 60 miles in summiting the Uhuru Peak (19,341 feet) and descending to the Mweka gate. Among possible routes, it is the one that affords climbers the highest level of safety, an opportunity to acclimate to elevation gradually and the greatest likelihood of success. Along the way, climbers encircle the entire mountain.

The going wasn’t easy. We experienced nasty weather, altitude symptoms, and other illnesses and challenges. But we were buoyed by the Dream Team’s support and resilience, along with the leadership of Endeavor Expeditions’ cofounders Kristi “Momma Yoga” Sumpter and husband Jim Sumpter.

Jim has 25-plus years of expedition experience across four continents. In the Army, he led elite recon teams on foreign deployments. As a civilian, he’s achieved wilderness instructor certification from the Professional Association of Wilderness Guides and Instructors (PAWGI). Kristi is a 500-hour certified International Yoga instructor. I was especially humbled to meet our lead guide, August Joseph Ngowi; our trip was his 511th to the mountaintop.

Mount Kilimanjaro is so high and vast that it creates unpredictable weather

patterns. The peak is nicknamed Chameleon Kili given the rapidity with which conditions can change from heat to cold, wind, mist, rain and snow. No two days are the same as one proceeds through five biospheres: bushland/jungle, rainforest, heather/ moorland, alpine desert and arctic.

Typically, Kilimanjaro has two rainy seasons, one in March through May, and the other around November. So, when the rain began to fall on Day 2 of our trek in January, we assumed it wouldn’t last long. Like a lot of assumptions, this one was bad.

We were equipped with only two sets of clothes and should have donned our foulweather gear as soon as the rain started. We would learn that clothes don’t dry at altitude.

The rain would continue with few interruptions for six days. We elected to wear our clammy clothing until summit day when we were sure to experience the harshest conditions and weather of the trip.

On the evening of Day 5, several people developed nausea and diarrhea. I had skipped eating most of the day due to other gut issues I was having. Because I hadn’t become nauseous, we concluded that the meals that I passed on were to blame for others’ illness. Oops, another bad assumption.

The following morning, we began the rigorous ascent to base camp at 15,000 feet. I had a queasy feeling in my stomach and realized that food had nothing to do with it. The truth is that the meals served during our expedition — fresh produce, meat and starches — were incredible.

There is nothing like a stomach virus to rid you of self-consciousness. Visitors are strongly encouraged to leave only footprints on the mountain, but I left plenty of scat in addition to spoor.

A guide called Lightness carried my bag while I focused on getting up the mountain baggage-free. Then Chandler Williams, a photographer on the trek, toted stuff so I could quickly get to my drinking water after taking urgent bathroom breaks. Sumpter escorted us over the final miles of the day at double speed, ensuring that we arrived at camp as quickly as possible.

The compassion and unselfishness demonstrated by everyone on the trip was inspirational. Sumpter had promised us that we would reach a personal summit in addition to the literal one, and I was beginning to understand what he meant.

As we reached Kibo Camp on Day 7, the rain turned to sleet and snow. The camp resembled a moonscape and was bitterly

↑ At camp, the group regularly communed in the food tent to eat, discuss plans and check oxygen levels. There, they enjoyed homemade meals made from fresh produce carried by Tanzanian porters.

↖ The skies over Mount Kilimanjaro proved unpredictable during the journey. Here, a rare clear night produced impressive views of the Milky Way.

→ Expedition leader Kristi offered daily yoga instruction to the group. On Day 3, the Tanzanian guides and porters joined in. The routine inspired a catchphrase when anyone caught their fall while hiking, all shouting, “Yoga!”

Indelible Memories

Travelers who conquered Mount Kilimanjaro and immersed themselves in the natural world of the Serengeti Plain were humbled, inspired, challenged and changed by transformative adventures.

ADAM FAATZ Conservation Geophysicist, Age 36, Hawthorne, New Jersey

“The trip taught me patience and how to slow down and was a stark reminder of how blessed we are, and how the things I sometimes take for granted could be taken away in a second. I was reminded, too, that if you want to accomplish something great, you need to surround yourself with like-minded, supportive people who make you remember that no one can take on life’s challenges alone.”

CHANDLER WILLIAMS Photographer and Entrepreneur, Age 43, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

“The trip to Africa helped me truly reconnect with my passion for photography.”

KELLY WILSON HILL Broker-Associate, Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty, Age 66, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

“Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, going on safari on the southern Serengeti at a private game reserve and visiting Rwanda to see mountain gorillas and golden monkeys were experiences of a lifetime. The climb pushed all boundaries — physical, mental and spiritual — each day. I felt exceptional growth after living on the mountain at altitude for nine days. The safari was incredible, especially connecting with a nomadic tribe. Sitting with gorillas on a Rwandan mountainside capped it all off!”

cold, but we were warmed knowing that our push to the summit would begin in a few hours. I needed calories and struggled to eat some white bread.

At 10 p.m., I packed my gear and put on clean, dry clothes. Snow blanketed the ground, but the skies were clear. Gazing at the Milky Way, I knew the universe would provide us with everything we needed to complete our mission.

We began our assent at midnight with headlamps on. Our guides broke out in song, and chants kept us going.

Guide: “One dream!”

Group: “One team!”

Guide: “One team!”

Group: “One dream!”

Guide: “Don’t stop!”

Group: “Until the top!”

The sun was rising as we neared the first of three peaks, Gilman’s Point (18,652 feet). Now above the clouds, I was freed of all sealevel worries and felt confident that I was looked after by the spirit in my soul.

About an hour later, we reached Stella’s Point (18,885 feet), and from there it was on to the tallest peak, Uhuru, which means “freedom” in English. Once we reached it, we celebrated our monumental achievement on top of the world. We had

The Endeavor Expeditions group summited a snowy path up to Stella’s Point, less than two hours out from Uhuru Peak.

↑ A 40-member crew of Tanzanian workers made up the expedition’s Dream Team. Lead guide August Joseph Ngowi summited the mountain for his 511th time during the January trek.

to be brief at that altitude as we could feel our bodies breaking down, and the intensity of that feeling increased with each second. I had been so focused on my every step that I forgot that a 10–12 hour trek back to camp awaited us.

The descent was grueling. We had exhausted our adrenaline during our final ascent and were coming off an emotional high. Getting back to camp was a matter of force of will. When we arrived there, I could barely form words.

The next morning, however, I felt great. The virus was gone, I was rested and I ate my first meal in three days without an issue. Separating from the Dream Team was hard. We thanked every porter and guide by name and gave them personal notes, tips and donations of gear. These mountain warriors had changed our lives.

↑ Bodies worn and tired, arrival to Uhuru Peak on the morning of Day 8 brought adrenaline-filled joy to the hikers. A 12-hour trek back to camp awaited them.

↙↓ The group awoke at midnight on the start of summit day to find clear night skies revealing the Milky Way once again. Donning headlamps, they joined in song along their journey.

Indelible Memories

continued from previous page

MANDY COOPER

Real Estate Agent, Age 47 Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

“I decided to take this trip after a particularly hard year in my life. I needed to redefine myself while doing some soul-searching. It was hands down the hardest and most rewarding thing I have ever done. I came away from that beautiful mountain and her beautiful people with a newfound resilience but also a new sense of calm. It was truly a lifechanging experience, and I’ll be forever grateful.”

NANCY SUMPTER FOLLETT

Retired, Age 61 Ridgefield, Connecticut

“The magic of the mountain, porters and fellow hikers filled me with a calmness and an awe that I will treasure inside of me forever.”

SALLY K. AGNOLETTO

Anesthetist, Agnoletto

Anesthesia LLC, Age 65, Gypsum, Colorado

“My ego peeled away like an onion, and I left it on Mount Kilimanjaro after gaining a new sense of peace and presence from this incredible experience of a lifetime.”

XEOMY FRAYLE

Data Processor, Age 50, Miramar Beach, Florida

“It was truly one of the most amazing experiences of my life which I will forever cherish.”

destinations

In addition, an announcement was made about the formation by the Sumpters of a new nonprofit, Kids of Kilimanjaro, which is devoted to raising funds for the education of the children of porters and guides. Endeavor Expeditions’ founders believe that tourism should benefit communities as well as profoundly affect visitors.

Dream Team members cheered and spontaneously began dancing in response to the news. I was among trekkers who pledged to sponsor one or more benefiting children. Doing so will help us maintain our connection with Africa.

Next, we set off on safari. Wander Africa provides some of the most exclusive and luxurious safari experiences available. After nine showerless days spent conquering fears and a mountain, we were ready to be pampered.

At Sanctuary Serengeti Camp in Kichakani, we did not camp. We glamped. Spacious, luxurious tents were equipped with power and running water. The service was impeccable and included wake-up calls, five-star dining and turndown service. The staff was delightful and highly knowledgeable.

Mohomed, our butler, treated us like family. Our guide Emanual taught us how to track animals while leading us to encounters with giraffes, elephants, zebras, wildebeests, lions, cheetahs, cape buffalo, hippos and more.

After three magical days in the Serengeti, we flew to Karutu, where we were greeted by Godwin, a guide who would introduce us to the Ngorongoro Crater. We stayed at the stunning Gibbs Farm, an eco-lodge that rejuvenates mind, body and soul. It sits on 45-plus acres of farmland, gardens and a working coffee plantation. Fully 85% of the food we enjoyed was sourced from the lodge property.

↑→ With help from safari organizers Wander Africa and the local Maasai people, Jim surprised then fiance Kristi with a Maasai wedding blessing held at Lake Manyara. The couple dressed in traditional ceremonial wraps for sanctioning and blessing by the tribe’s elder.

↙ Burleigh and the group spent an afternoon visiting the Maasai people. Historically known for their reputation as fearsome warriors and cattle rustlers, the traditionally nomadic tribe is the only tribe allowed to inhabit Ngorongoro Crater National Park.

Rebecca Pinto Jewelry Rebecca Pinto, a Santa Rosa Beach-based jewelry designer is launching a new line of custom pieces inspired by Endeavor Expeditions’ trips trekking to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa. All proceeds will benefit Kids of Kilimanjaro, a nonprofit founded by Kristi and Jim Sumpter. Kids of Kilimanjaro raises money to offset the educational costs of the children of the Kilimanjaro guides and porters. The nonprofit began in 2021 when the Sumpters learned that, due to the pandemic and lack of tourism, many of the guides were unable to pay school fees. Pinto, who has a heart for children and for Africa, wanted to lend her talents to a cause she cared about. The jewelry line will consist of three different pendants featuring Pinto’s signature craftsmanship, focusing on the use of precious metals and conflictfree stones. One of the silver charms features an outline of Mount Kilimanjaro and has the height of the summit etched into it. The collection can be requested on Pinto’s website or at upcoming events throughout the Santa Rosa Beach area. To view and purchase the inspired pieces, visit RebeccaPinto.com/collections/for-a-cause. it.

We participated in daily yoga sessions on a veranda, and one morning, I heard a chorus of roaring elephants and experienced a primal connection to Planet Earth.

At the Ngorongoro Crater, we closely approached wildlife species, many of which were caring for young. To the list of animals we saw on the Serengeti, we added black rhinos, warthogs, flamingos and serval cats. Housing as many species as it does, the crater is like a Noah’s Ark.

While visiting the crater, we had the unique opportunity to spend time immersed in a Maasai village called Boma. While being respectful of the villagers’ traditional way of life and dignity, we participated in rituals and visited their schoolhouse. Like their dirt-floor houses, it is built with branch arches covered with layers of soil, urine and cow dung. The school was filled with bright young students learning English in a class led by a child.

Much of Africa remains pristine, and people live simply. While lacking finer things, they are authentically joyful and appreciative. There is love in all that they do.

Africa captured my heart. I am already planning my next visit. EC

↑ Kristi and Jim Sumpter’s new nonprofit organization, Kids of Kilimanjaro, will benefit the children of Mount Kilimanjaro porters and guides. Pictured above, the Sumpters visited with a few of their young beneficiaries. ← After their Serengeti safari, the group rested in Karutu where they visited the Ngorongoro Crater. Once home to the Maasai people, the crater is now a protected land. Teeming with wildlife, Burleigh likens the volcanic caldera to Noah’s Ark.

OUTFITTERS/GUIDES

Endeavor Expeditions

Guided adventures with immersive and impactful experiences. endeavorexpeditions.com

Wander Africa

Explore authentic Africa through curated, luxurious and exclusive safari adventures. wanderafrica.com

CLOTHING/GEAR

ThruDark

Offers rigorously tested performance outerwear, coats and rain gear along with base layers. us.thrudark.com

GIVING BACK

Kids of Kilimanjaro Endeavor Expeditions’ founders Jim and Kristi Sumpter have established a new nonprofit, Kids of Kilimanjaro. The organization will supply scholarship funds to the children of the Mount Kilimanjaro guides and porters. The nonprofit believes that area tourism should benefit the Tanzanian people. To learn more and to pledge sponsorship, visit kidsofkili.com.

Art for a Cause:

The Beauty of Africa and its People

You are cordially invited to attend “Journey Through Africa: A Decade of Artistry.” In celebrating 10 years of the Modus Photography gallery, this exclusive event will debut African imagery captured by world-renowned photographer Chandler Williams during his recent Tanzanian expedition. This event proudly announces its affiliation with Endeavor Expedition’s newly launched nonprofit, Kids of Kilimanjaro, created to support education costs for children of the porters and guides of Mount Kilimanjaro. Prepare to be transported to the heart of Africa with a glimpse into this life-changing adventure. Get a first chance to own a limited-edition piece and see what the next decade of Modus Photography has in store.

To RSVP for attendance, visit ModusPhotography.com/rsvp or the gallery at 416 S. County Hwy. 393, Building 7, Unit 3, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

APRIL 11-14

SANDESTIN WINE FESTIVAL

→ Don’t miss out on the 37th annual Sandestin Wine Festival, a lavish celebration of flavor and elegance happening from April 11–14, 2024, at the enchanting Village of Baytowne Wharf.

Secure your place at this must-experience festival by visiting SandestinWineFestival.com.

15–21

TALLAHASSEE TENNIS CHALLENGER

→ Join us for the 24th annual Tallahassee Tennis Challenger, an Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and United States Tennis Association (USTA) Pro Circuit men’s tournament. Players ranked in the top 200 in the world compete for a French Open wildcard and ATP ranking points. If you were any closer to the court, you’d be playing!

For more information, go to TallahasseeChallenger.com or contact Karen Vogter at KVogter@TallahasseeChallenger.com.

Mary Poppins

→ Sprinkle a spoonful of sugar on your spring with the delightful and enchanting Mary Poppins! This show is “practically perfect in every way” for all ages and feels like a “jolly holiday” with friends and family. Don’t miss this supercalifragilisticexpialidocious show that will lift your spirits and leave you feeling like you want to go “fly a kite!”

Performances are slated for Friday, May 3, through Sunday, May 19. Consult EmeraldCoastTheatre.org/on-stage for showtimes.

LEMOYNE CHAIN OF PARKS ART FESTIVAL

→ Expect a first-class, fun-filled outdoor cultural experience at LeMoyne’s Chain of Parks Art Festival in downtown Tallahassee on April 20 and 21, 2024! View and purchase unique works of art from 150 carefully selected fine artists while enjoying a weekend filled with interactive children’s art activities, local food trucks, live entertainment, live “3D” chalk art, local heritage reenactments, a chair sculpture silent auction and a new section celebrating folk artists.

For more information on the 2024 Chain of Parks Art Festival, visit ChainofParks.com.

Sinfonia Gulf Coast Presents JURASSIC PARK IN CONCERT

→ Featuring visually stunning imagery and groundbreaking special effects, this epic, actionpacked adventure pits man against prehistoric predators in the ultimate battle for survival. Witness sheer movie magic 65 million years in the making and bring the entire family to experience Jurassic Park in Concert as never before: projected in HD with Sinfonia Gulf Coast performing John Williams’ iconic score live to picture. Welcome … to Jurassic Park in Concert!

Tickets range from $30 to $55 per person. Visit SinfoniaGulfCoast.org.

APRIL 4–JUNE 6

Concerts in the Village

→ Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation’s Concerts in the Village kicks off at the Dugas Pavilion in Destin on Thursday, April 4, 2024, with Postmodern Jukebox promising an unforgettable celebration of vintage music and pop culture. This year’s spring lineup also features Wendy Moten from “The Voice,” a full-length rendition of Prince’s iconic album Purple Rain by Black Jacket Symphony and the chill sounds of Yacht Rock Revue. In May, see fan favorites The Mulligans, the Fleetwood Mac tribute band Rumours ATL: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute, party starters Gotta Groove Band, rock god Mitch Malloy, and gifted pop, jazz, blues and soul songstress Haley Reinhart. The series caps on June 6 with the crowd-pleasing Adam Ezra Group, sure to fuse rock energy and soul power. Bring a blanket or chair, and enjoy dinner al fresco from local restaurants and food trucks.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and concerts start at 7 p.m. MKAF members enjoy early admission and attend for free. Purchase tickets in advance and save $5 at the door. Proceeds benefit MKAF and its ArtsReach initiatives. Learn more at MKAF.org.

ANNIE

APRIL 1–2

Beloved orphan Annie will captivate audiences at the Pensacola Saenger. This celebration of family, optimism and the American spirit remains the ultimate cure for all the hard knocks life throws your way. pensacolasaenger.com/events

ZACH WILLIAMS

APRIL 4

Get ready for a night of unforgettable music and soul-stirring performances as Zach Williams and Riley Clemmons take the stage on the “A Hundred Highways” tour! Williams will blow you away with his powerful vocals, raw talent and charttopping hits. pensacolasaenger.com/events

POSTMODERN JUKEBOX

APRIL 4

A Postmodern Jukebox show is an unforgettable trip back in time sure to make pop music history in Destin. More than a concert, this is a music experience. mkaf.org

DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE

APRIL 5

Dare to experience the dangers and delights of “Dinosaur World Live” in this roarsome interactive show for all the family. mattiekellyartscenter.org/ events/list

WORLD BALLET SERIES: SWAN LAKE

APRIL 5–6

See the iconic “Dance of the Little Swans,” count the 32 fouettés performed by Odile and immerse

yourself in the magic of Tchaikovsky’s music. pensacolasaenger.com/events

GIRLS NIGHT THE MUSICAL

APRIL 7

This touching and hilariously honest musical takes audiences on a journey into the lives of a group of female friends. pensacolasaenger.com/events

BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY PRESENTS PRINCE’S PURPLE RAIN

APRIL 11

The Black Jacket Symphony offers a unique concert experience through recreating classic albums in a live performance setting. At the Saenger, they take on Prince’s iconic Purple Rain pensacolasaenger.com/events

CHLOE ARNOLD’S SYNCOPATED LADIES

APRIL 11

Founded by Emmynominated choreographer, Chloé Arnold, Syncopated Ladies is the most viewed female tap dance band in history.

mattiekellyartscenter.org/ events/list

WENDY MOTEN

APRIL 11

Hailing from Tennessee, American R&B-infused pop singer Wendy Moten will perform at the Dugas Pavilion in Destin. mkaf.org

A NIGHT AT THE OPERA

APRIL 13

A Night at the Opera will grace the Saenger stage with an unforgettable concert experience. The performance melds

the power of classical orchestration with the enchanting voices of The Choral Society of Pensacola’s talented singers, all under the baton of the esteemed Pensacola Civic Band. pensacolasaenger.com/events

MELISSA ETHERIDGE

APRIL 16

Known for her confessional lyrics and raspy, smoky vocals, Melissa Etheridge has remained one of America’s favorite female singers for more than two decades. pensacolasaenger.com/events

PIANO MEN GENERATIONS

APRIL 21

Introducing “Piano Men: Generations.” a sensational celebration of the legendary Billy Joel and Elton John, brought to life by the extraordinary father and son duo of Terry and Nick Davies. pensacolasaenger.com/events

JOSHUA REDMAN GROUP

APRIL 22

Joshua Redman, one of the most acclaimed and charismatic jazz artists to have emerged in the 1990s, will jazz up the Saenger stage. pensacolasaenger.com/events

CHICAGO

APRIL 23

There’s never been a better time to experience Chicago, Broadway’s razzledazzle smash. This triumphant hit musical is the recipient of six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, a Grammy and thousands of standing ovations. mattiekellyartscenter.org/ events/list

Sip and Splash:

An

Aquatic Affair

→ Experience an exquisite evening under the stars at the third annual Sip & Splash: An Aquatic Affair, presented by Tim Smith Acura. The Saturday event will feature a multicourse dinner prepared by local chefs, live music, hand-rolled sushi, craft cocktails made with local spirits, a silent auction and much more!

Tickets and tables are on sale now at ECFitnessFoundation.org. All proceeds benefit the Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation and their mission to provide aquatic facilities and programs to Okaloosa County communities.

PROMOTION

SEABREEZE JAZZ FESTIVAL

APRIL 24–28

The Seabreeze Jazz Festival brings together top smooth jazz artists with a full weekend of fun, sun, good times and great tunes. Performers will include Kenny G, Rebecca Jade, Roman Street, Lemek, Marcus Anderson, Candy Dulfer, Eric Darius, Boney James and others. seabreezejazzfestival.com

YACHT ROCK REVUE

APRIL 25

This talented group sets out on a smooth-sailing journey through the nostalgic hits of the late ’70s and early ’80s, where soft rock and smooth grooves rule the waves. mkaf.org

SOUTH WALTON BEACHES FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL

APRIL 25–28

More than 800 wines, spirits and craft beers will be poured and paired with celebrity chef cuisine and local bites during this fourday celebration benefiting the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation. Enjoy VIP and Grand Wine tastings, plus live music and seminars with the country’s leading winemakers and distillers, as the festival marks its 12th anniversary. sowalwine.com

PENSACOLA CRAWFISH FESTIVAL

APRIL 26–28

Peel and eat at

the Fiesta of Five Flags Crawfish Festival

Discover the unparalleled expertise of Sandestin Real Estate – the #1 choice for your home journey. With over five decades of trust, our seasoned team boasts 200+ years of experience. From buying to selling, we've mastered every facet of Sandestin's and neighboring beach communities’ dynamic real estate landscape Your dream home or a successful sale is not just a transaction for us; it's a testament to our legacy of excellence. Choose the best-equipped team – choose Sandestin Real Estate!

SAVE THE DATE JUNE 15

Northwest Florida Ballet presents

ON THE EDGE

→ Join the Northwest Florida Ballet at 7:30 p.m. on June 15 at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center for On the Edge, a unique production featuring the artists of NFB with international guest artists performing a mix of cutting-edge contemporary, neoclassical and classical pieces.

Tickets are available for this final 2023-2024 season performance at NFBallet.org/on-the-edge or by calling (850) 729-6000.

in Seville Square and Fountain Park in Pensacola. Thousands of pounds of this Cajun favorite will be served along with po’boys, gumbo, jambalaya, boudin, etouffee and more. Activities include crawfisheating contests, live Cajun music and kids activities. fiestapensacola.org/crawfish-festival

THUNDER BEACH SPRING MOTORCYCLE RALLY

MAY 1–5

Rev your engines for the annual spring rally on Panama City Beach. Motorcycle enthusiasts will find vendors, rides, demonstrations, contests, live music, food and beverages. thunderbeachproductions.com

THE MULLIGANS

year slumber with true love’s kiss? Or will she be doomed to never awaken?

pensacolasaenger.com/events

RUMOURS ATL: A FLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE

MAY 9

Since 2014, Rumours ATL has set stages ablaze across the U.S. with their scorching Fleetwood Mac renditions. mkaf.org

PRETTY WOMAN THE MUSICAL

MAY 13–14

MAY 2

This six-member Emerald Coast-based band performs everyone’s favorite rock ’n’ roll hits — from The Rolling Stones to Billy Joel. mkaf.org

THE SLEEPING BEAUTY

MAY 3–5

Will Prince Désiré be able to wake Aurora from her 100-

Pretty Woman: The Musical, based on one of Hollywood’s most beloved romantic stories of all time, springs to life with a powerhouse creative team led by two-time Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell. pensacolasaenger.com/events

JEEP BEACH JAM

MAY 13–18

Jam in your Jeep for five days of fun with thousands of Jeep owners while enjoying a parade, contests, vendors and a variety of Jeep obstacle

Marcell

EMERALD COAST BLUE MARLIN CLASSIC

→ Mark your calendar for the 22nd annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic on June 19–23, 2024! Dive into world-class sportfishing, stunning scenery and unforgettable moments. For more info, call (850) 267-6365.

courses at Frank Brown Park in Panama City Beach. jeepbeachjam.com

GOTTA GROOVE BAND

MAY 16

Gotta Groove Band puts a fresh spin on popular cover tunes from the ’60s to today with outstanding vocals and top-shelf musicianship. mkaf.org

DIGITAL GRAFFITI

MAY 17–18

The white walls of Alys Beach will serve as canvases for highly talented national and international digital projection artists. Thousands of dollars in prizes will be awarded to digital artists, filmmakers, musicians, designers, photographers and producers. digitalgraffiti.com

EXOTIC AUTO EXPO

MAY 18

More than 150 exotic cars will be on display at the fifth

annual Emerald Coast Exotic Auto Expo at The Palms of Destin Resort rooftop garage. The family-friendly event will feature music, food and vendors and will close out with an All Engine Rev celebration. A portion of proceeds will benefit the Military Intrepid Spirit Centers. facebook.com/EmeraldCoastEC

MITCH MALLOY

MAY 23

Former frontman of Great White, rocker Mitch Malloy is a studio veteran and an awardwinning songwriter. mkaf.org

HALEY REINHART

MAY 30

Haley Reinhart’s timeless voice transcends eras, blending pop, rock and jazz in her 2019 album, Lo-Fi Soul A finalist on “The Voice,” this Chicago-born singer is influenced by ’50s music and enjoys playful lyrics. mkaf.org

FOR THE CHILDREN

Harvest Festival

The 2023 edition of the fundraising Harvest Wine & Food Festival attracted a sellout crowd of sophisticated palates and wine connoisseurs whose generous support of the event will benefit a large host of Northwest Florida nonprofits focused on the needs of children.

The event is a project of the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF), whose board disseminates proceeds. Hundreds of volunteers supplied by event charities contribute significantly to the success of the large-scale event held at WaterColor in South Walton County.

Founded in 2005, the DCWAF has distributed $32 million, impacting the lives of more than 100,000 youth, including many afflicted by health issues and abuse. DCWAF has been recognized as one of the nation’s Top 10 Charity Wine Auctions in the U.S. by Wine Spectator magazine for more than a decade.

unites wine lovers in support of charities

Emerald Coast Magazine and realtor/ broker Brad Dahler of Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty Dahler & Co. combined to sponsor the VIP tent at the 2023 festival. There, nine celebrated wineries poured samples of elevated vintages. Represented were Roy Estate, Alpha Omega, Lang & Reed Napa Valley, Gamba Vineyards and Winery, Domaine Della, Vinuv, Maze Row Wine Merchants, Phifer Pavitt and William Cole Vineyards.

Lang & Reed, a family operation — the business is named after founders Tracey and John Skupny’s two sons — participated in a celebrity winemaker dinner held as part of the festival weekend at Fonville Press Market + Café in Alys Beach.

The Skupnys worked as wine stewards in Kansas City before arriving in California’s Napa Valley in 1984. In 1993, they developed a prototype that was true to wines of the Bordeaux region of France, and Lang & Reed Napa Valley was born.

Megan Skupny with Lang & Reed Napa Valley

KATE MACMILLAN, KAITLYN CRAWFORD, KARAH FRIDLEYYOUNG AND BROOKLYN BAIN

Now, a second generation of Skupnys is developing wines of its own.

The aromas of good things to eat filled the VIP tent.

Southern Belle Catering in Santa Rosa Beach offered smoked pork belly and a crawfish dish. The Henderson Beach Resort served pickled shrimp agave chili. Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood, located at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, contributed New York strip steak that was prepped in a sous vide bath and then cooked in a skillet with winter truffles and a bordelaise sauce.

The Salty Butcher, a Santa Rosa Beach butcher shop with an Old World feel, thinly sliced a prosciutto ham for sampling by salivating festivalgoers.

Bay Breeze Patio brought a bricklined cooker to the party, and Chef John O’Neil of Dude Food Fire, joined by Chef Fleetwood Covington from Seagar’s, had at it. Covington arrived with a private stash of Wagyu beef that he closely guarded.

Better Together Beverage + Events stirred up three craft cocktails:

COOL BEANS. Cathead vodka, cold brew, Hoodoo chicory liqueur, pumpkin spice, honey, cinnamon.

BUSY WITH THE FIZZY.

Cathead bitter orange vodka, white cranberry, ginger, lime, sparkling wine.

PAINT THE TOWN RED.

Old Soul bourbon, mulled wine, lemon, maple, cranberry, almond, gold dust orange.

Epic Photo captured images of posers, and Fisher Flowers dressed up the event with florals and decor.

Artist Lindsay Tobias of Santa Rosa Beach fascinated onlookers by taking brush to canvas. She specializes in large-scale pieces and has particular fascinations with impasto painting, abstraction and skin tones.

Singer/songwriter Stevie Monce, who moved to the Emerald Coast from Nashville, played original tunes and at one point invited fellow musician Sarah Davidson, whom he knew in the Music City, to join him on stage.

Together, they sang “Waterfalls” by TLC — Don’t go chasin’ waterfalls, please stick to the rivers and the lakes that you're used to — and festivalgoers danced and sang along with them. Right then, WaterColor made any waterfall not worth pursuing.

Harvest Festival charities for 2023 included AMIkids, The Arc of the Emerald Coast, Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, Caring and Sharing of South Walton, Children in Crisis, Children’s Volunteer Health Network, Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation, Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, Emerald Coast Autism Center, Habitat for Humanity of Walton County, Mental Health Association of Okaloosa/Walton Counties, Opportunity Place, Point Washington Medical Clinic, Shelter House of Northwest Florida, Westonwood Ranch, Youth Village.

Left: The Citizen at Alys Beach, Owner Jeremy Walton and Executive Chef Coleman Jerigan. Center: Seagar’s Prime Steak & Seafood at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Executive Chef Fleetwood Covington III, Orel Wright, Angie Medich and Jasmine Brown.

Above: Singer/songwriter Stevie Monce and fellow musician Sarah Davidson. Below: McKenzie Burleigh and Artist Lindsay Tobias of Santa Rosa Beach.

30A Songwriters Festival

JAN. 12–15

More than 5,000 music lovers come together for a weekend in January to attend the 30A Songwriters Festival. This unique event, co-produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) of Walton County and Russell Carter Artist Management, is a four-day music extravaganza featuring over 175 artists performing original songs in genres ranging from country and folk to Americana, blues and soul. Performances take place across 30-plus listening rooms and venues along South Walton’s scenic Highway 30A and beyond.

PHOTOS BY

RHONDA MURRAY, LYNN CROW PHOTOGRAPHY AND EMILY ELLIS

1 Jennifer Steele and Russell Carter

2 Chapel Hart

3 KT Tunstall and John Oates

4 The Saunders Boyz: Balder and Rowan Saunders

5 CAA board member Nan Nagy and Ken Kato

THE TASTE OF PASSION

Award-winning, local, family-owned, Pazzo Italiano restaurants are here to share with you their passion for fresh, high-quality and authentic Italian cuisine in a cosmopolitan yet family-friendly atmosphere in both of their locations.

CATERING // TAKE-OUT // PRIVATE PARTIES // CAKES FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS!

34904 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin (850) 974-5484 // pazzodestin.com

(850) 213-4581 // pazzodestin.com

dining guide

AMERICAN

BUFFALO JACK’S LEGENDARY

WINGS & PIZZ A ★

Catch the game and enjoy legendary wings, pizza, burgers and Italian dishes with a New Orleans flair. 11275 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Miramar Beach. (850) 424-6288. $$ L D

COMMELFÓ RESTAURANT

American dining; enjoy steak and eggs for breakfast, a Southeast Cuban sandwich for lunch or lobster ravioli for dinner, among many other options. 10859 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Miramar Beach. (850) 353-2991. $$$ B L D

DHARMA BLUE

Atmosphere and service match an expansive menu including everything from sushi to pork tenderloin. 300 S. Alcaniz St., Pensacola. (850) 433-1275. $$ L D

EMERIL’S COASTAL ITALIAN

Located at Grand Boulevard in Sandestin, the famed che�’s first restaurant in Northwest Florida combines Italian cuisine with the variety o� fresh Gulf seafood and local ingredients. 435 Grand Blvd., Miramar Beach. (850) 608-7040. $$$ L D

FIREFLY ★

Fresh Gulf seafood, steak, sushi and signature cocktails. 535 Richard Jackson Blvd., Panama City Beach. (850) 249-3359. $$$ D

GALLION’S ★

Elevated small plates, chef-inspired dishes and specialty craft cocktails in a sophisticated, relaxed setting. 104 N. Barrett Square, Unit C, Rosemary Beach. (850) 399-4909. $$$ L D

GEORGE’S AT ALYS BEACH

Seafood, burgers and sandwiches. 30 Castle Harbour Dr., Alys Beach. (850) 641-0017. $$ L D

GEORGE BISTRO + BAR

Husband and wife owners are driven by a passion to create exceptionally humble, ingredient-driven food, coffees and cocktails while treating guests like family. 6205 N. 9th Ave., Pensacola. (850) 912-4655. $$ L D

GREAT SOUTHERN CAFE

This all-day cafe puts a new spin on classics with a mix of international cuisines, Southern cooking and local food and produce. 83 Central Square, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 231-7327. $$ B L D

IVY & ALE ★

A boutique plant nursery and beer garden offering a selection of shareable apps, sandwiches and entrees along with wine, craft beer and spritzers. 222 Staff Dr. NE, Fort Walton Beach. (850) 226-2263. $$ L D

JACO’S BAYFRONT BAR & GRILLE

Waterfront restaurant serving burgers, salads, seafood and brunch daily. 997 S. Palafox St., Pensacola. (850) 432-5226. $$ L D

LOUISIANA LAGNIAPPE ★

A taste o� New Orleans hits the coast through Louisiana-style favorites like shrimp and grits and Cajun seafood gumbo. 775 Gulf Shore Dr., Destin. (850) 837-0881. $$ D

LULU’S

Lucy Buffett’s funky hangout features cocktails, burgers and seafood, plus allergyfriendly menus. 4607 Legendary Marina Dr., Destin. (850) 710-5858. $$ L D

MAGNOLIA GRILL

Steak, seafood, pasta, soups, salads and desserts. 157 SE Brooks St., Fort Walton Beach. (850) 302-0266. $$ L D

MARINA BAR AND GRILL

Seafood, po’ boys, burgers and salads. 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. 404 Harbor Blvd., Destin. (850) 837-7960. $$$ D

NICK’S BOATHOUSE

Serving a wide variety of seafood, steaks and flatbreads by the waterfront. 455 W. Main St., Pensacola. (850) 912-8775. $$ L D

NORTH BEACH SOCIAL ★

Favorites include the Great Southern Café’s famous Grits a Ya Ya, the Bay’s Bomber Burger, fresh raw oysters, and tuna poké bowls. 24200 U.S. Hwy 331, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 622-8110 $$ B L D

OVIDE ★

Located inside the new Hotel Effie, acclaimed che� Hugh Acheson brings together classic Gulf Coast flavors and impeccable classic French technique. 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach. (850) 351-3030. $$$ D

RESTAURANT IRON

Buzzy, stylish locale serving gourmet, reimagined takes on Southern cuisine, plus clever cocktails. 22 N. Palafox St., Pensacola. (850) 912-4655. $$ D

RESTAURANT PARADIS

Restaurant and lounge offers rich coastal flavors in its innovative dishes. 82 S. Barrett Square, Rosemary Beach. (850) 534-0400. $$$ D

SHADES BAR & GRILL ★

A 30A mainstay for over 20 years, Shades features 17 high-de� TVs plus a menu of salsas, steaks, sandwiches and fish tacos. 10952 E. Hwy. 30A, Inlet Beach. (850) 231-9410. $$ L D

SPORTS TO GEAUX ★

Food truck meets sports bar and grill. Serving up American food with a Cajun flare and bringing the party to you. Rotating location schedule. (850) 520-0429. $

SUNQUEST CRUISES SOLARIS YACHT

Enjoy a fusion of ambiance, food and live music aboard the SOLARIS yacht offering

three decks of indoor and outdoor spaces. 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Miramar Beach. (850) 650-2519. $ D

THE BODACIOUS CAFÉ

This coffee house and eatery specializes in handcrafted espresso, lattes and cappuccinos. For breakfast, try their omelets and acai bowls; for lunch, salads, wraps and flatbread pizzas are on the menu. 407 S. Palafox St., Pensacola. (850) 434-6300. $ B L

THE CRAFT BAR ★

Craft brews on tap along with artisan cocktails and elevated bar fare. 4424 Commons Dr., Destin. Also in Grayton Beach, Fort Walton Beach and Pensacola. (850) 460-7907. $$ L D

THE RED BAR ★

New and improved and now reopened; get classic meals at one of the area’s most renowned locations. 70 Hotz Ave., Grayton Beach. (850) 231-1008. $$ L D

THE WINE BAR

A gathering spot for lunch or dinner, plus daily happy hour specials. Destin and Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 269-2902. L D

VUE ON 30A

Fine New American dining in a modern, cream and beige waterfront spot with bar, lounge and views. 4801 W. Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 267-2305 $$$ L D

VIN’TIJ FOOD & WINE ★

Award-winning boutique wine shop and restaurant offering seasonally inspired culinary creations paired with high-quality wines. 500 Grand Blvd., Suite 100K, Sandestin. (850) 650-9820. $$ L D

ASIAN

BAMBOO SUSHI AND HIBACHI

Offering fresh Japanese cuisine like sushi,

tempura and hibachi dishes, plus a sake bar. 117 W. John Sims Pkwy., Niceville. (850) 678-0771. $$ L D

DOMO CAFÉ

This Asian kitchen offers dozens of sushi options, including vegetarian, signature, fried and baked rolls. 1823 Hurlburt Rd., #3, Fort Walton Beach. (850) 226-6412. $$ L D

DOMO IZAKAYA RAMEN + SUSHI ★

Expansive sushi options and ramen, noodle and rice bowls in an authentic, modern atmosphere. 753 Harbor Blvd., Destin. (850) 353-2096. $$ L D

OSAKA JAPANESE HIBACHI

STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR ★

Known for its sushi but serves a variety of dishes, including chicken, steak and seafood. 34845 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin. (850) 650-4688 or (850) 650-4689. $$ L D

P.F. CHANG’S ★

A Chinese restaurant serving Mongolian, Thai, Korean and other Pan-Asian dishes. 640 Grand Blvd., Sandestin. (850) 269-1806. $$ L D

SUSHIMOTO

Family-owned casual eatery with a sushi bar offering up creative rolls, plus other Japanese fare. 12889 Hwy. 98, Ste. 103B, Miramar Beach. (850) 424-5977. $$ L D

THAI CHIANG RAI

Soups, curries and specials including Papa’s Crab Meat Fried Rice. 4942 U.S. Hwy. 98, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 213-3972. $$ D

THAI DELIGHTS RESTAURAN T ★

Thai soups, curries and rice and noodle dishes in a variety of meat, seafood and veggie options for dining in or takeout. 821 Harbor Blvd., Destin. (850) 650-3945. $ L D

BARBECUE

98 BAR-B-QUE ★

Award-winning barbecue, gumbo, sandwiches and salads in a casual atmosphere. Dine in, take-out and catering. 5008 Hwy. 98 W., Ste. 1, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 622-0679. $ L

BLUE MABEL

This local smokehouse features made-fromscratch dishes and is stocked with everything from smoked meats to homemade sauces. 2260 W. Scenic Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 744-0040. $$ L D

BREAKFAST/ BRUNCH/BAKERY

ANDY’S FLOUR POWER CAFE & BAKERY

Lively brunch/lunch destination known for its French toast, rolled omelets and cheery ambiance. 2629 Thomas Dr., Panama City Beach. (850) 230-0014. $$ L D

BLACK BEAR BREAD CO. ★

Contemporary cafe for craft coffee, housebaked breads, pastries and sandwiches and all-day breakfast. 26 Logan Lane, Grayton Beach. (850) 213-4528. $ B L

DONUT HOLE BAKERY CAFE

Eat breakfast all day with fresh-baked donuts and hearty comfort food. 635 Harbor Blvd., Destin (also in Inlet Beach and Santa Rosa Beach). (850) 837-8824. $ B

GOT BAKED ★

Whether gluten free, low carb, vegan, no sugar or dairy-free, this bakery has the right bite for any dietary restriction. 80 Mc Davis Loop #1110, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 598-7438. $

MAMA CLEMENZA’S EUROPEAN BREAKFAST

Old World family recipes. Multiple award winner. 273 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W., Miramar Beach. (850) 424-3157, 75 Eglin Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach. (850) 243-0707. $$ B

NAVARRE BAKERY & CREAMERY ★

Goodies fresh from the oven: bagels, kolaches, scones, cinnamon rolls and more; sandwiches for lunch. 9914 Navarre Pkwy., Navarre. (850) 844-9705. $ B L

RUBY SLIPPER CAFE ★

A New Orleans-inspired brunch spot offering classic takes, signature Southern specialties and eye-opening cocktails. 34902 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin. (850) 660-7100. $$ B L

SUNSET BAY CAFÉ

Casual and outdoor dining overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay, featuring locally sourced ingredients and sustainable seafood. 158 Sandestin Blvd. N., Miramar Beach. (850) 267-7108. $$ B L D

DESSERT

30A COOKIES & CREAM

Treats from Great American Cookies and Marble Slab Creamery make for an irresistible combination. 174 Watercolor Way, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 231-2552. $

BLUE MOUNTAIN BEACH CREAMERY ★

Homemade ice cream, yogurt and sorbet at The Creamery and milkshakes, coffee and donuts at the Shake Shop. 2129 S. Co. Hwy. 83, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 278-6849. $

FRENCH

BAY CAFE FRENCH RESTAURANT

Step out on the bay for authentic European

(closed

cuisine, featuring fresh local seafood and decadent creme sauces. 233 Alconese Ave. SE, Fort Walton Beach. (850) 244-3550. $$ L D

GREEK

AEGEAN RESTAURANT ★

Authentic Greek restaurant. 11225 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Miramar Beach (and Shalimar). (850) 460-2728. $$ B L D

ALI BABA GRILL CAFÉ

Casual spot for familiar Turkish and Greek recipes offered à la carte and at a buffet, plus beer and wine. 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. 130 E. Miracle Strip Pkwy., Mary Esther. (850) 302-0691. $ L

IRISH

JOHNNY MCTIGHE’S IRISH PUB

Easygoing pub providing Irish and American eats, a game room for kids and deck seating. 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. 33 Hwy. 98, Destin (Also in Pensacola). (850) 650-0000. $$ L D

ITALIAN/PIZZA

AMICI 30A ITALIAN KITCHEN

Offering authentic Italian cuisine with a flair for

celebration. 12805 U.S. Hwy. 98 E., Ste. R101, Inlet Beach. (850) 909-0555. $$$ L D

ANGELENA’S ITALIANO

In the heart of downtown, nationally renowned Chef James Briscione’s menu serves up rustic-yetelegant plates with an Italian coastal vibe. 101 E. Intendencia St., Pensacola. (850) 542-8398. $$ D

CLEMENZA’S UPTOWN

Classic Italian. Wood-fired pizza, private dining, cooking school. Multiple award winner. 75 Eglin Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach. (850) 243-0707. $$ B L D

FARM & FIRE SOUTHERN PIZZERIA

Featuring a clean-burning coal oven to impart a unique, full flavor to their pizzas, whole fish, steaks and roasted chicken. 24200 U.S. Hwy. 331 S., Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 622-3871. $$ D

FAT CLEMENZA’S

Classic Italian. Wood-fired pizza, specialty desserts, fish Fridays. Multiple award winner. Holiday Plaza, Hwy. 98, Miramar Beach. (850) 650-5980. $$ L D

GRIMALDI’S PIZZERIA

Pizzas and calzones baked to perfection in their signature coal-burning oven, delivering an experience not possible from conventional ovens. 780 Grand Blvd., Ste. 100, Miramar Beach. (850) 837-3095. $$ L D

MIMMO’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO ★

Authentic Italian dishes bursting with flavor and color. Located in Destin and Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 460-7353. $$ L D

PAZZO ITALIANO

Destin’s newest Italian restaurant offers authentic Italian cuisine such as wood-fired pizzas, pasta, calzones, salads, chef specialties and nightly specials. 34904 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Ste. 114, Destin. (850) 974-5484. $$ L D

THE PIZZA BAR AT BUD & ALLEY’S

Artisan cheese, fresh salads, antipasto dishes,

homemade soups, seasonal vegetables, hearty pastas and homemade wood-fired Neapolitan pizza. 2236 E. Hwy. 30A, Seaside. (850) 231-3113. $$ L D

TRATTORIA BORAGO

Enjoy classic Italian cuisine and favorites like pork tenderloin or pan-seared grouper from the open kitchen. 80 E. Hwy. 30A, Grayton Beach. (850) 231-9167. $$ D

MEXICAN

BURRITO DEL SOL

This Mexican restaurant serves fresh Bajastyle Mexican food, including tacos, burritos, quesadillas and more. 201-B Miracle Strip Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach. (850) 226-8016. $ L D

CANTINA LAREDO ★

A gourmet twist on Mexican favorites. 585 Grand Blvd., Miramar Beach. (850) 654-5649. $$ B L D

PEPITO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT ★

Serving award-winning authentic Mexican food with the finest ingredients available since 2000. Multiple locations: Destin, Niceville and Fort Walton Beach. $$ L D

PEPPER’S MEXICAN GRILL & CANTINA

Casual eatery with familiar Mexican dishes, including seafood and vegetarian options, plus a full bar. Five Emerald Coast locations: Niceville, Crestview, Panama City, Shalimar, Fort Walton Beach. (850) 353-2625. $ L D

RED FISH TACO ★

Featuring fresh takes on classic fare, such as street tacos, burritos, taco salads and quesadillas. 2052 W. Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 994-7443 $$ L D

TACO 30A ★

Food truck and catering service dishing up authentic street tacos, burritos, quesadillas and more. Weekly rotating location schedule. $ D

THE TACO BAR AT BUD & ALLEY’S

Baja fish tacos, homemade guacamole, burritos and top-shelf margaritas. 2236 E. Hwy. 30A, Seaside. (850) 231-4781. $$ L D

SEAFOOD

THE BAY SOUTH WALTON ★

This family-friendly waterfront restaurant overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay features Gulf Coast cuisine, sushi, a 12-draft beer system, plus wine and crafted cocktails. 24215 Hwy. 331, Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 622-2291. $$ L D

BOSHAMPS SEAFOOD & OYSTER HOUSE ★

Gulf-to-table Southern cuisine. 414 Harbor Blvd., Destin. (850) 424-7406. $$ L D

BROTULA’S SEAFOOD HOUSE & STEAMER

Fresh steamed and boiled seafood dishes. Destin Harbor, Destin. (850) 460-8900. $$$ B

BUD & ALLEY’S WATERFRONT RESTAURANT

Sea-to-table dining, serving fresh seafood, steak and vegetarian dishes. 2236 E. Hwy. 30A, Seaside. (850) 231-5900 $$$ L D

CAPT. ANDERSON’S RESTAURANT

Since 1967, offering traditional seafood items, flavorful salads and soups with a view of the marina. 5551 N. Lagoon Dr., Panama City Beach. (850) 234-2225. $$$ D

DEWEY DESTIN’S HARBORSIDE

Award-winning seafood in a quaint house. 202 Harbor Blvd., Destin. (850) 837-7525. $$ L D

DEWEY DESTIN’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT & MARKET

Outdoor setting, fresh seafood. 9 Calhoun Ave., Destin. (850) 837-7575. $$ B L D

DOWN ISLAND GULF SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

A modern casual restaurant serving Gulf South cuisine; chef-owned and family-operated. 2780 Hwy. 98, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 777-3385. $$ D

FOOW RESTAURANT

Southern coastal cuisine with an Asian flair. Located in the WaterColor Inn, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 534-5050. $$$ D

HARBOR DOCKS ★

A surf-and-turf restaurant. Breakfast, lunch and dinner and great sushi. 538 E. Hwy. 98, Destin. (850) 837-2506. $$ B L D

JACKACUDA’S SEAFOOD & SUSHI

Seafood, sushi, salad and sandwiches. 36120 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin. (850) 460-2909 $$ L D

PESCADO SEAFOOD GRILL & ROOFTOP BAR  ★

Dining room, inside bar and outside rooftop bar overlooking the Gulf o� Mexico; extraordinary service and cuisine by Che� Brendan Wakeham. 74 Town Hall Rd., Ste. 4B, Rosemary Beach. (850) 213-4600. $$$ L D

RUNAWAY ISLAND

Crab, oysters and grouper sandwiches in a casual beach bar and grill with steps onto the sand. 14521 Front Beach Rd., Panama City Beach. (850) 634-4884. $$ L D

SHUNK GULLEY OYSTER BAR ★

This seafood and casual fare restaurant features classic coastal cuisine and genuine Southern hospitality plus live music daily inside the panoramic bar. 1875 S. Hwy. 393, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 622-2733. $$ L D

STINKY’S FISH CAMP ★

This seafood and wine mainstay promises Gulffresh fare. 5960 W. County Road 30A, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 267-3053. $$ L D

THE CRAB TRAP

Beautiful views of the Gulf o� Mexico and fresh local seafood processed in the restaurant’s own facility. 3500 Hwy. 98 E., Destin; 1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach; 16945 Perdido Key Dr., Pensacola. (850) 654-2722. $$ L D

THE FISH HOUSE ★

CAPTAIN DAVE’S ON THE GULF

Inspired by traditional waterfront dining, Captain Dave’s features American seafood cuisine infused with a contemporary Gulf Coast twist. 3796 Scenic Hwy. 98, Destin. (850) 837-2627. $$$ D

THE EDGE SEAFOOD & SKYBAR ★

Located at the Destin Harbor, fresh catches soon land on plates at The Edge. Head up to the adults-only Skybar fOr great views and live music. 302 Harbor Blvd., Destin. (850) 659-3549. $$ L D

THE GULF – FORT WALTON BEACH

Locally inspired food and beverages in a beautiful waterfront setting, alongside a curated vinyl record collection. 284 Marler Ave., Fort Walton Beach. (850) 387-1300. $ L D

JACKSON’S STEAKHOUSE

High-end steakhouse cuisine with fine wines. Local seafood is hand-selected and artistically prepared to perfection. 400 S. Palafox St., Pensacola. (850) 469-9898 $$$ D

NOLA BOILING CO.

From crawfish and crab legs to chicken to sausage, these classic Creole and Cajun boils are perfect for groups and catering jobs. 47 Talon Court, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 672-2847. $$

THE OCEAN CLUB

Storied restaurant serves fresh Gulf seafood and the finest steaks. Enjoy live music, great service and a full bar. 8955 US 98 W. 107, Miramar Beach. (850) 267-3666. $$–$$$ D

OLD FLORIDA FISH HOUSE

Nestled beside Eastern Lake, find your retreat for oysters, fresh seafood fare, sushi and other classics. 33 Heron’s Watch Way, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 534-3045. $$$ L D

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE

Steak and seafood. New Orleans-inspired. Silver Shells Resort, 1500 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin. (850) 337-5108 $$$ D

SEAGAR’S PRIME STEAKS & SEAFOOD ★

Premium steak, fresh seafood and caviar. Hilton Sandestin, 4000 S. Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach. (850) 622-1500. $$$ D

SLICK LIPS SEAFOOD & OYSTER HOUSE

Fresh seafood cuisine and Southern specialties in a setting overlooking Pensacola Bay and the Seville Harbor. 600 S. Barracks St., Pensacola. (850) 470-0003. $$ L D

STEAK & SEAFOOD

AUSTONS ON 98 OYSTER BAR AND GRIL L ★

Home of the 102-foot bar, specialties include littleneck clams, raw oysters, clam chowder and jumbo shrimp cocktail. 125 Poinciana Blvd., Miramar Beach. (850) 842-3200. $$ L D

BEACH WALK CAFE

Located at the Henderson Park Inn, this award-winning establishment features grouper Vince, pepper-crusted yellowfin tuna and seafood pasta Rockefeller. 2700 Scenic Hwy. 98, Destin. (850) 650-7100. $$$ D

BIJOUX ★

Fine dining coastal cuisine with a New Orleans flair, Gulf seafood, prime steaks. The Market Shops, 9375 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W., #22, Miramar Beach. (850) 622-0760. $$$ D

CAFE THIRTY-A ★

Offering the best in steaks and Gul� fare, Café Thirty-A is also available for weddings and special gatherings. 3899 E. Scenic Hwy. 30A, Seagrove Beach. (850) 231-2166 $$$ D

Family-friendly seafood and oyster bar featuring locally caught fare and nestled in picturesque Baytowne Wharf. 140 Fisherman’s Cove, Miramar Beach. (850) 347-5060. $$ L D

TAKE OUT

DESTIN ICE SEAFOOD MARKET & DELI ★

Fresh fish and seafood items, pastas, salads and side dishes, Buckhead meats, decadent desserts, wines, cheeses, spices and more. 663 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin. (850) 837-8333 $$ L D

EMERALD COAST CATERING & GOURMET TO GO

Offering full-service catering and prepared gourmet meals to go. 3906 Hwy. 98 W., Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 585-5979. $$ L D

MARROW PRIVATE CHEFS ★

Marrow takes the hassle of planning out o� fine dining, offering private chef, meal delivery and catering services to South Walton and 30A areas. 3906 Hwy. 98, Ste. 20, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 280-4319 $$$

REEL ’EM IN FRESH SEAFOOD AND GOURMET ★

Delivering fresh Gulf seafood — fish, shrimp, crab and more — from Miramar Beach to Panama City. Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 420-2240 $$

IMAGINE LIVING HERE

Lucky to claim that home is where the beach is, there’s still more to explore

by PAIGE AIGRET

“Imagine living here?”

My dad would often say this to me while chilling on a floatie in the pristine Gulf o� Mexico waters or digging our toes in the sand as we munched on our favorite beach snacks — Corn Nuts and Fritos. I lived out of state for some years, and he always missed me being here. It was his little infomercial way o� hinting at me coming home.

“For the low, low price of ‘moving home,’ this could be yours, too!”

He’s always loved a good infomercial. Eventually, I did come home. Now, it’s our running joke.

We say it on Saturdays when we hit the beach with our small group, setting up in our little plot of sand, enjoying that nearly perfect yellow-flagged water, the kind that you know should’ve been labeled green. We say it after a long day of work when we set out to Okaloosa Island, just us two, for an after-work swim. We say it when we cruise over the Cinco Bayou Bridge to pop into AJ’s for some good oysters and sunsets over the bay. We say it in the winter when we go for beach walks to get a little sun, just to remind us that summer is never too far away in sunny Florida.

But I’ve begun to think about it more philosophically. “Imagine living here?” I do live here — this is my home. I was born and raised here. And while living away, this was always my safe haven. I latched onto that feeling, knowing I could come back, knowing my dad would always catch me i� I fell, knowing the beach would help nurse me back to health. For me, the beach will always be home.

I know some locals have lost that appreciation. I can’t blame them; no hometown is perfect. But I think many fail to recognize what we have here — what thousands of tourists each year pay to experience. And I sometimes forget what lies beyond the beach. What else is there to explore at home?

I want to know my city and home for more than just the beach. I’ve taken to stepping out of that safe-haven comfort zone. Not by much, but enough.

I sacrifice a beloved Saturday beach day for the occasional park outing, laying lazily with my love on the grass at our favorite spot in downtown Fort Walton Beach. We’ll stop at our respective coffee shops for a treat — Maas for him and Enlightened for me. We’ll read quietly, peeking from behind the pages to watch the Santa Rosa Sound waters beyond the grass and pausing to blow dandelions into the wind.

I’m taking day trips with friends to explore nearby springs. We order Pub Subs and load the car with floats and a cooler full of drinks. We shiver at the ice-cold water, a stark contrast to the warm Gulf. But the summer is scorching, and the water is a relief after your body adjusts. I don my goggles and dive down below the surface to explore, swapping seashell finds on the beach for spring rocks or simply wondering at the water bubbling up from beneath.

I got a library card, valid at all Okaloosa County Public Libraries, and intend to visit each location. I’ve swapped the occasional night at a bar for outings to my local barcade, Rad Bar, for $10

↑ Williford Spring in Youngstown bubbles impressively clear water from its single vent. In Fort Walton Beach, Maas Coffee Roasters offers cozy outdoor seating, and Rad Bar hosts tournaments for popular cabinet games like Killer Queen.

all-you-can-play games. I attend poetry nights at that downtown coffee shop I love, immersing myself in an unexpected and welcoming group of varying ages and walks o� life as each gets up to do the one thing we all tend to fear most — publicly express our emotions.

These small acts hardly count as “explorations,” but they show me that home is more than the beach. And while those emerald green waters are our selling point, our small hometowns along the Gulf Coast have even more to offer. These things are home, too.

Another thing my dad always says is, “Keep your circle tight.” He means that both in relationships and locale. He keeps his inner circle of people close, holds them tight and scarcely lets others in. He travels almost exclusively within his small “circle of convenience” consisting of the beach, his preferred Publix, Walgreens and other necessities.

While I’m proud to say that I’ve become much like my father, in contrast, I’m challenging myself to expand my circle in some small ways — to reimagine living here. I challenge you to do the same. EC