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Experience the Alys Shoppe— a curated, luxury boutique in the heart of Alys Beach Town Center. From its signature logo collection to designer apparel and elegant accessories, every detail is designed to reflect an elevated, coastal lifestyle.
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“A JANUARY/FEBRUARY LULL IS WELCOMED BY MANY, IT DOESN’T LAST LONG AS SPRING BREAK KICKS INTO HIGH GEAR AS FAMILIES FILL THE BEACH AND THE RESTAURANTS.”
This first quarterly issue of VIP30A Magazine for 2026 is a culmination of the business, social and entertainment life along 30A and throughout Walton County. This is represented by a variety of events held over the last few months showcased in this issue. From late year gatherings like the popular Crafted at Alys Beach, the renowned 30A Songwriters Festival in January and the latest Crescendo! Main Event in Sandestin, events are a way of life for many locals. Mild winters and early spring-like conditions provide excellent opportunities to enjoy a plethora of options as the social calendar fills quickly as we move into spring.
While a January/February lull is welcomed by many, it doesn’t last long as spring break kicks into high gear as families fill the beach and the restaurants. For local businesses, this is a much welcomed influx of traffic following the somewhat quieter winter months, although not as quiet as they used to be. We also recently attended the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Gala. A favorite among local business owners, this is an evening of celebration and recognition as the Chamber Awards are presented for accomplishments over the past year. Future growth is also top of mind as new businesses open weekly along 98 and 30A, with the Chamber always ready and present to cut that symbolic red ribbon.
In addition to the 30A area being know for its beautiful white beaches, it is also know for something else…its wines. Hints of wine festival season are distinctly in the air with Soiree on the Bay, Sandestin Wine Festival and the Destin Charity Wine Auction Weekend accompanied by the South Walton Wine & Food Festival right around the corner. These wonderful festivals are not only pleasing to the palate, but are an integral part of the philanthropic culture that runs strong through 30A and Walton County.
So whether you are here for a week, a second home owner visiting or one of thousands of our local readers, make sure to support your favorite charity and civic organization as spring event season presents many opportunities!
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BCentury of Legacy Annual Awards Gala
Century of Legacy Annual Awards Gala
usiness leaders and community members from across Walton County gathered recently for the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Gala at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. The black‑tie event recognized the individuals and organizations helping drive the county’s economic success and community leadership.
This year’s gala, themed “A Century of Legacy,” celebrated over 100 years of the chamber supporting business growth across Walton County. Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception, dinner, and an awards presentation honoring standout businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders.
Among the evening’s top honors:
Large Business of the Year: United Community Bank
Small Business of the Year North: A2Z Specialty Advertising
Small Business of the Year South: RoofPro Roofing
Nonprofit of the Year South: Point Washington Medical Clinic
Young Professional of the Year: Bobby Parker Ambassador of the Year: Debbie Rentfrow Flynn
Person of the Year: Leslie Murry
Century of Legacy: Choctawhatchee Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Founded in 1925, the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce has played a central role in promoting economic development, networking, and business advocacy throughout the region. The annual gala remains one of the Emerald Coast’s signature business events, celebrating the entrepreneurs, volunteers, and organizations that continue to shape the future of Walton County.
Photos by Ella Rieben
Story by Jeff Watson
Photos by Ella Rieben
Story by Jeff Watson
A Tribute to Elizabeth Campbell
Elizabeth Campbell made an impression on everyone she met. She was a visionary leader to her team at McCaskill and Company. She was a brilliant businesswoman with a kind and joyful soul. She was dedicated to her family, her business, and her friends. She supported nonprofits and was a champion for this community. Elizabeth’s legacy will forever be remembered because of her grace, compassion, and her savviness. We at VIP Destin are happy we had the honor to know her.
Luxury in Santa Rosa Beach
Only 100 yards from the sand with private neighborhood beach access, this home delivers the coveted south-of-30A lifestyle. Gulf views and breathtaking sunsets— it’s truly magazine worthy—from this fully furnished coastal retreat seem like a dream. Its time to make it your reality. Owning a home on 30A has never been more attainable, as this property is already producing
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Each February along Scenic Highway 30A, runners and visitors gather in Seaside for one of South Walton’s most celebrated athletic weekends—the Seaside School Half Marathon + 5K Race Weekend. But before the starting horn sounds on race day, the festivities begin with a culinary celebration known as Taste of the Race, the Friday-night kickoff party that blends coastal cuisine, live music, and community spirit under the stars. Held at the picturesque Seaside Lyceum, Taste of the Race brings together many of the Gulf Coast’s top chefs and restaurants for an evening of tasting stations and friendly culinary competition. Guests stroll the venue sampling gourmet bites, creative small plates, and coastal specialties while enjoying complimentary wine, craft cocktails, and local brews. Awards such as People’s Choice, Judges’ Choice, and Chef’s Choice add a competitive edge as attendees vote for their favorite dishes of the night. The lively atmosphere is fueled by entertainment and live music, turning the evening into a celebration. Beyond the food and festivities, the event serves an important purpose. Taste of the Race is part of the larger Seaside School Race Weekend, a major annual fundraiser supporting the Seaside School Foundation, which benefits Seaside Neighborhood School and Seacoast Collegiate High School in Walton County.
Photos & Story by Jeff Watson
Kim & David Whiting, Beverly Zoeller, Lissa & Eddie Shaldone
Ken & Tony Cole Andrew & Sarah Beard
Pickles - People’s Choice Award Red Bar Shunk Gulley
At Sandestin, love finds its perfect setting—whether it’s barefoot on the beach, on a grand lawn, beneath the glow of a bay-front sunset, or in a chandelier-lit ballroom. With breathtaking venues, seamless planning, and boutique accommodations in one destination, your wedding becomes a weekend of
Jon & Misty Waldrop Maggie Watson & Sidney Miller Coastal Kitchen Catering & Events
Jocie Meza, Suzanne Herzog & Sarah Beard Sweet Henriettas
Sue Gove, Ashlee Alderidge & Crystal Tidmore
Jacob & Devin Watkins
Kevin Boyle Marrow Private ChefsChef & Judges Choice Award Winners
Music and Storytelling Take Center Stage
Each January, the beach communities of South Walton trade their quiet winter pace for four days of music, storytelling, and creativity as the 30A Songwriters Festival returns to Walton County. Held this year January 16–19, 2026, the annual event once again drew thousands of music fans from across the country to venues scattered along Scenic Highway 30A, from Santa Rosa Beach and Seaside to Miramar Beach and Grayton Beach.
Now recognized as one of the premier songwriter festivals in the country, the event focuses on the craft behind the music. More than 125 songwriters and performers took part in this year’s festival, delivering hundreds of performances across intimate listening rooms, restaurants, theaters, and outdoor stages throughout South Walton.
The 2026 lineup featured an impressive range of artists and genres, with headlining performances from acts including Mavis Staples, Toad the Wet Sprocket, 10,000 Maniacs, I’m With Her, and Nikki Lane. Many performances were held in the festival’s signature “in-the-round” format, where several songwriters share the stage, trading songs and stories that reveal the inspiration behind the music.
Beyond the performances, the festival also serves as the largest annual fundraiser for the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, supporting local arts education programs, public art initiatives, and cultural events throughout the region. Over the years, the 30A Songwriters Festival has grown into one of the Emerald Coast’s signature winter traditions—bringing world-class musicians, passionate audiences, and the laid-back charm of the Gulf Coast together for an unforgettable weekend.
Photos & Story by Jeff Watson
Grand reopening: Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Cardiology
Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Cardiology marked a milestone for heart health in Walton County with a grand reopening celebrating its expanded team and enhanced facilities, ensuring residents have access to advanced cardiac care in their own community. The Walton County Chamber of Commerce joined the ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 24, commemorating the enhancements to patient care and comfort. After the ribbon-cutting, attendees met the care team and office staff to learn more about their heart health care options. They also toured the refreshed space.
Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast has the largest cardiology group in the county, expanding access to heart care at a critical time. Approximately 12 percent of adults living in Walton County have heart health issues, representing about 9,000 people, and Walton County is one of the fastest growing areas in the state and the nation.
“We look forward to sharing additional heart health expansions in Walton County in the coming months as the community continues to grow,” said Trey Abshier, President and CEO of Sacred Heart Emerald Coast. “Our goal is to ensure residents get the cardiology care they need close to home when they need it.”
The clinic is located in the Medical Office Building on the Ascension Sacred Hear t Emerald Coast campus at 7720 U.S. 98 #110 in Miramar Beach. The comprehensive care team include Dr. Thomas Riddell, interventional cardiologist and director, Dr. Lauren Stipp, general cardiology and advanced cardiac imaging, Dr. Gregory Altemose, cardiac electrophysiologist, Dr. Samuel DeNardo, cardiologist, Dr. Michael Yandel, interventional cardiologist and Dr. Ramesh Brahmbhatt, interventional cardiologist.
The team also includes Alicia Caldwell, physician assistant, Anaiya Olivero, nurse practitioner and two advanced practice registered nurses who specialize in cardiology, Ekaterina Page and Eric Jenkins.
“Our team has more than 100 years of cardiology experience between us to provide excellent care for the patients we serve,” said Dr. Riddell, director. “We are proud to call the Walton County area home.”
With the main clinic co-located on the Sacred Heart Emerald Coast campus, patients have convenient access to lab tests and advanced cardiac imaging tests, including calcium scoring and heart CTA and procedures, when needed. Advanced treatment options provided by the care team include:
Pulsed field ablation for the treatment of AFib
Anticoagulation therapy
Cardiac rehabilitation
CRT heart synchronization
Electrophysiology (EP) testing of the heart’s electrical system
Heart failure management
Implantable pacemakers and defibrillators
Implantable loop recorder for long-term heart rhythm monitoring
Medication management
Heart attack and stroke care and prevention
Eligible patients living with heart failure, high blood pressure or high cholesterol have access to the MyGULFCare program. Licensed registered nurse care managers provide education to people living with chronic diseases selfmanagement of their health conditions, with the goal to improve the quality of life and health outcomes for program participants.
With most insurance plans, patients can self-refer to a cardiologist for symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or heart palpitations. Those with risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or a strong family history of heart disease or a heart disease diagnosis can see a specialist. The heart team at Sacred Heart Emerald Coast are accepting new patients. For conditions treated, services provided or to find a heart health care provider near you, visit Ascension.org/DestinHeart.
LOW TIDES
Alot of people have been asking why the tides get so low in the winter. Especially this year – boats were sitting on dry land in their slips, and the sandbar known as Crab Island was actually an island above water! It’s not just one thing, but a stack of physics all aligned – and predictable. Weather is a huge factor – meteorological factors can even outweigh other things, but it’s astronomy that sets the timing.
The main driver of the tides is the moon’s gravitational pull. The sun also has a gravitational pull, and while the sun is huge, it’s so far away that its impact is much less.
When the two align in the same direction, during full moons and new moons, they can combine for bigger tides. This happens every 14 days. This is called syzygy, one of my favorite words, and gives higher high tides and lower low tides from increased gravitational pull. The moon orbits the Earth about every 27 days in an elliptical pattern, which is like a flattened circle. This means it’s closer at some times than others. This is called lunar perigee and it causes a stronger gravitational pull – one more factor.
This is the opposite of what happens during a Hurricane. Low pressure, onshore winds, thermal expansion (warm water) can cause big storm surge. Couple that with solar and lunar influences and the tides can be very damaging!
The Earth also rotates around the sun during the year in an elliptical pattern, and it gets closest in it’s orbit during winter in the Northern Hemisphere (perihelion), and farthest away during summer. Sometimes these cycles all sync to create big highs & lows.
A perfect alignment of syzygy, perigee, and perihelion occurs somewhere around every 8.85 years. This is why you might have found yourself thinking “I haven’t seen the water this low in years!”
Now for this year - add weather (at the same time). High barometric pressure compresses the water like a weight sitting on top of it. This can push water out. Couple that with the frictional drag of a sustained north wind – it literally drags the water out of our bay. If East Pass in Destin didn’t face south –this wouldn’t happen. Add in a couple other things like thermal contraction of cold water, tidal resonance, etc, and the sum of these factors can cause a noticeable change. Remove one or two, and the tides become much less noticeable. That’s why even a sustained north wind with high pressure in the summer might lower the water depth, but we won’t end up with boats sitting on the sand and crab island actually becoming an island!
Story by Capt. Mark Hotze Destin Fishing Captain of the Year 2020 30A Light Tackle
Photo by Patrick Wilson @destin30arealestate
Each New Year’s Day, a spirited crowd gathers along Scenic Highway 30A in Santa Rosa Beach for one of the Emerald Coast’s most refreshing traditions— the Polar Bear Plunge hosted by the South Walton Fire District. Held at Ed Walline Beach Access, the event invites locals and visitors alike to welcome the new year with a brisk run into the cool waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Festivities began late in the morning at nearby Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar with registration and alively costume contest. The crowd gradually gathered on the sand for a countdown before plunging into the Gulf together, creating a memorable start to the new year. Beyond the laughs and chilly swims, the Polar Bear Plunge also supports an important cause. Proceeds from the event benefit the South Walton Fire District’s Community Risk Reduction programs, which provide lifesaving education such as CPR, AED use, and emergency response training for residents throughout Walton County. For firefighters and the community they serve, the Polar Bear Plunge is more than just a quick dip in the Gulf—it’s a fun, meaningful way to begin the year while strengthening the bonds that make South Walton such a special place to live and visit.
Photos & Story by Jeff Watson
MAIN EVENT
The Grand Ballroom at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort came alive as Crescendo! 2026 reached its highly anticipated Main Event in the heart of Baytowne Wharf. The annual gala, hosted by Sinfonia Gulf Coast, blended elevated culinary experiences, spirited auction bidding, and a headline musical performance into one of the Emerald Coast’s premier cultural afternoons. Guests arrived to an elegant tasting experience featuring curated wines, spirits, and chef-driven cuisine including the presence of internationally acclaimed vintner, Jean-Charles Boisset. The silent auction generated early excitement, while the live auction energized the room, with competitive bidding directly supporting Sinfonia’s music education and community outreach initiatives across Northwest Florida. The highlight of the afternoon was a dynamic collaboration between Pink Martini and the full Sinfonia Gulf Coast orchestra. More than a social gala, Crescendo! serves as a cornerstone fundraiser for Sinfonia Gulf Coast, helping sustain performances, educational programming, and arts accessibility throughout the region. In the 20th season, Sunday’s event once again demonstrated how the Emerald Coast continues to support world-class music while investing in the next generation of artists and audiences.
Photos & Story by Jeff Watson
Jeff & Jennifer Dannelly
John & Melissa Watson
Jason & Jennifer Hatcher Brian & Heidi LoCicero Jill Cadenhead & Tim Krueger Heavenly & Bill Dawson
Lori Smith & Shaye Smith
Steve Reynolds & Tiffany Nelson
Amy Milligan & Julia Dorminy
Julie Kurtz & Melinda Stenger
Damon Green & Jared Johnston Verla Price, Deana Kale & Bridgett Guest
Laura & Will Estell Ellis & Nina McDaniel Maxine Orange & Josh Parish Michelle Hayes & Mara Clark
Tom & Susan Fountain
Ryan & Heather Holloway
Evgeniya Stetsenko & Melanie Schweizer
Glenn Stegmann & Jennifer Cerulli
Lauren Wilkins & Rachel Newbil
Helene Pappas & Su Zin Britt McPhail, McKenzie Burleigh & Arlease Ciatto
CRAFTED AT ALYS BEACH a weekend to savor
Each November, the elegant streets and courtyards of Alys Beach come alive with one of Scenic Highway 30A’s most distinctive culinary events, Crafted at Alys Beach. The multi-day festival brings together distillers, brewers, chefs, mixologists, and artisans for a celebration of craft culture along the Emerald Coast.
The weekend began with Firkin Friday, a lively gathering that showcased specialty cask ales and experimental brews from regional breweries. Guests sampled small-batch beers while enjoying chef-prepared bites and live music in the relaxed outdoor setting that defines the Alys Beach lifestyle. Saturday’s Spirited Soirée served as the centerpiece of the festival and the weekend’s most anticipated event. Guests moved through tasting stations set among the community’s signature white architecture, sampling premium spirits, handcrafted cocktails, and curated culinary pairings from participating chefs. Mixologists and distillers shared their techniques and inspirations, creating an immersive tasting experience that blended sophistication with the laid-back charm of the Emerald Coast.
Together, the weekend’s events highlighted the growing culture of craft beverages and culinary creativity along 30A. By combining fine spirits, innovative cuisine, and the distinctive setting of Alys Beach, Crafted continues to draw enthusiasts from across the region for a memorable celebration of craftsmanship and community.
s an Emerald Coast Native, I love talking to new friends about where to go to “Boat
Spectre Island is one of the largest islands nestled in the Santa Rosa Sound. A favorite among all types of boaters, Spectre Island is accessible by boat, wave runner, kayak and paddle board making it one of the most visited destinations in the area. Many locals head out to the island to enjoy a weekend of camping and grilling out! This spot is free to visit and offers an abundance of nature encounters, such as dolphins, cownose stingrays, blue crabs, hermit crabs, great blue herons, pelicans, osprey and if you’re lucky you may even spot a bald eagle!
If you are truly looking to escape the beaten path, Spring Run properly known as Washington Blue Spring is a must see on your next Emerald Coast vacation! Located less than a mile up Mill Branch Spring Run off of the Choctawhatchee River this destination highlights all of the beauty the Panhandle of Florida has to offer. Many visitors bring paddle boards, snorkeling gear, and fishing gear to enjoy their day at the spring! This destination is recommended for smaller vessels such as creek or river boats and smaller center consoles. Boaters should be weary of floating debris and submerged obstacles as the river is ever changing.
Photos & Story by Jeff Watson
Heidi LoCicero & Peyton LoCicero Trist
Julie Kate San Juan, Devan Watkins, Katie Shaw & Carol Rauschkolb
Boat Drinks Tim Tricker & Stacy Hamilton Taylor Cuccia, Caroline Adolph & Lucy Rispone
Shannon & Scott Capehart Austin Doiron & Ana Karen
Morgan Ewing & Audri Ana Feliciano Jacob Watkins & Brent Shaw
Jeff & Maggie Watson, Diana Lane
Russell & Michelle Harris
Kalyn Saunders & Meagan Bachelor
O-KU
Scout Sports Tavern Christen Black & Wayne Ebel
Jacob Mata & Courtney Zek
Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club Celebrates the Women Preserving Its Past
In recognition of Women’s History Month this March, Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club is celebrating the women-led efforts behind a newly unveiled history page on its website — an immersive collection that tells a story far larger than the club itself. Designed for history enthusiasts and the broader community alike, the history page chronicles the origins not only of Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club, but of the once-sleepy town of Santa Rosa Beach, long before it became the vibrant coastal destination it is today.
Long before emerald waters and sugar-white sands drew visitors from across the country, Santa Rosa Beach was sparsely populated, defined by open land, unpaved roads and a small, close-knit community seeking connection. There were no formal gathering places, just families, resilience and a shared vision for something more.
Out of that desire, Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club was born.
beach club in an undeveloped area, but in sustaining it through decades marked by natural disasters, financial challenges and periods of uncertainty. The principles instilled by the club’s founders continue to guide its future today.
Over the past two years, that legacy has been formally captured by a dedicated History Committee composed of club members Karen Schoonover, Thea Berkhout, Susan Lucas, Heidi Holmes and Debra Wynn—a group of women committed to safeguarding photographs, personal recollections, and foundational documents that bring the early days of Santa Rosa Beach vividly to life. Committee member Susan Lucas, daughter of founding member Harold Lucas, recalls visiting Santa Rosa Beach as a toddler, spending summers in a small concrete block home typical of the time – without phones, television or air conditioning.
That early era of dunes and screened porches, sandy trails and simple pleasures is vividly recalled in the personal accounts and archival materials now preserved by the club’s History Committee. The history page sets the scene for life along the Gulf Coast in the mid-20th century, offering readers a sensory glimpse into the community spirit that ultimately led to the club’s founding in 1967. Together, these preserved stories form a record intended to be shared and appreciated for generations to come.
From its beginnings in the 1960s, Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club was shaped by a pioneer mindset rooted in collaboration, volunteerism and pride of ownership. That spirit proved essential not only in establishing a golf and
“Back then, hardly anyone lived here. It was quiet and untouched, and those days became the sweetest family memories,” Lucas said. The new history page invites readers into that world –a tale of emerald water, green fairways, gleaming white sand and legendary sunsets. A place shaped by challenges and celebrations alike, by engaging characters, and by a community that believed in creating something lasting, together.
Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club thrives today because of the continued dedication and stewardship of its members— the same qualities that once transformed an undeveloped stretch of coastline into a place of camaraderie and belonging.
Welcome to the story of our home.
For more information or to explore the history page, including the prologue, visit santarosaclub.com/history.
Featuring... Dr. Lindsey Hoppe, Whitney Cooley, Mayor Bobby Wagner, & SCHS Principal Drew Ward
SEASIDE SCHOOL™ in Partnership with Fred Astaire Dance Studios FWB Proudly Presents
10AM-SUNSET 10AM-SUNSET 10AM-4PM
St. Joe Community Foundation gives ECCAC important grant funds
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) received a generous $70,000 grant donation from the St. Joe Community Foundation. Created in 1999, the Foundation provides grants to non-profit organizations in Northwest Florida in the areas of education, environmental, stewardship, healthcare and cultural arts.
According to ECCAC CEO, Julie Porterfield, “Through our Pierce Family Children’s Center in DeFuniak Springs, these important funds will serve Walton County for two important purposes. One will allocate $40,000 toward our “Child Safety Matters” prevention program in schools, and secondly, another $30,000 will provide mental health counseling for child victims of abuse. As well, the St. Joe Community Foundation donated an additional $3,000 that was a major help for ECCAC to provide Christmas gifts for children and families in Walton County. We are so thankful to the St. Joe Community Foundation for these funds.”
“The St. Joe Community Foundation appreciates the vital services and support Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy provides to Walton County and its most vulnerable children,” said April Wilkes, Executive Director of the St. Joe Community Foundation. “We are proud to continue supporting their mission and the important work they do for children and families in our community.”
Statistics show that one in four girls and one in six boys will experience sexual abuse before the age of 18. Education is one of the most powerful tools to prevent child abuse.
ECCAC’s “Child Safety Matters” teaches personal safety and awareness to help children gain knowledge and confidence that reduce their risk of becoming victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse, human trafficking, online exploitation, and other forms of harm. During 2024, the program delivered 9,201 sessions of child safety to Walton County students in grades K-5.
ECCAC’s mental health program provides trauma-focused licensed therapist counseling to child victims of abuse in a childfriendly environment. Many of these children have endured the most severe forms of abuse, including sexual abuse. Through therapy, children learn coping skills, build resilience, and develop tools to lead healthy, productive lives. In 2024, the program delivered 739 counseling hours to child abuse victims residing in Walton County.
Though ECCAC does not house children, they have provided over 200,000 services to children and their families at no cost in their Okaloosa and Walton County centers. Working together with their agency partners, generous donors, dedicated volunteers, and a caring community, over the past 25 years, ECCAC has helped more than 33,000 children experiencing abuse, abandonment and neglect.
Innovation Takes Flight:
SOUTH WALTON MOSQUITO DISTRICT
WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD
AND DONATES $30K TO FRIENDS OF TOPSAIL
South Walton Mosquito District (SWMD) proudly announces its recent recognition at T-Mobile’s 2025 4th Annual Innovate Awards in Orlando, where industry leaders were honored for groundbreaking achievements in innovation and community impact. SWMD received the event’s highest distinction—the Malcolm Gladwell Tipping Point Award—along with a $30,000 charitable donation.
SWMD earned this honor for introducing the Panhandle’s first-ever drone-powered mosquito control program, powered by T-Mobile 5G technology. This innovative initiative has reduced treatment times by 75%, optimized resource allocation through advanced mapping systems, and set a new benchmark for sustainable public health practices. By integrating drones, data, and reliable connectivity, SWMD has redefined mosquito control— protecting communities more efficiently while demonstrating how small government agencies can leverage innovation to serve the public and preserve the environment.
“We are honored to receive the 2025 T-Mobile Malcolm Gladwell Tipping Point Award. Competing alongside nationally recognized organizations such as Cisco, Tractor Supply, and UNLV made this recognition especially meaningful, and being selected by Malcolm Gladwell himself is a true honor,” said Darrin Dunwald, Director of SWMD. Following discussions with staff and Board of Commissioners, SWMD voted to donate the award to Friends of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. Darrin added, “In keeping with our commitment to community and environmental stewardship, we chose to donate the $30,000 award to Friends of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park to help preserve one of the limited conversation areas in our region.”
About South Walton Mosquito District: In 1964, SWMD was established to control disease-bearing mosquitoes and other insects. Services include advanced methods of Surveillance, Drone technology, Truck Spraying, Aerial Treatments, Larvaciding, Adulticiding, Integrated Pest Management, Source Reduction/Ditch Operations, Distribution of Yellow Fly Kits, Sentinel Chicken Surveillance, and Public Outreach. For more info, please follow SWMD on Facebook or Instagram or visit https://www.southwaltonmosquitocontrol.org.
About Friends of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park: The Friends of Topsail is a Citizens Support Organization committed to protecting, enhancing, and celebrating this beautiful natural space. Through volunteer projects, educational programs, community gatherings, and fundraising efforts (Tapas & Tunes and Camp Christmas), they work hand in hand with park staff to preserve the park’s unique environment and history. As the community grows, so does the importance of safeguarding this local treasure for future generations. To learn more or volunteer, please visit https://www.topsailparkfriends.org.
9841 State Hwy. 20, Freeport, Florida . 39 Campsites . Near Destin and 30A . Short and Long-term . Call for Pricing Canoe and Kayak Launch. Playground. Market. Nearby Fishing. Pavilion. More Amenities Coming!
The ballroom at Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa was filled with elegance and purpose this past Sunday as the 12th Annual Tea Fore Her welcomed a sold-out crowd for an afternoon benefiting local breast cancer patients. Guests gathered for a traditional tea-style luncheon complete with curated fare, spirited conversation, and, of course, statement hats — with a “Best Hat” recognition adding a festive touch. A silent auction featuring sought-after items and experiences generated enthusiastic bidding, while a photo booth and live musical moments added energy to the event.
Hosted by Fore Her, the fundraiser supports financial assistance and essential resources for individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment along the Emerald Coast. A keynote address and a special vocal performance brought meaningful perspective to the afternoon’s celebration.
More than a social gathering, Tea Fore Her continues to serve as a powerful reminder of the community’s commitment to compassion and care — blending style and generosity into one of Sandestin’s most heartfelt spring traditions.
Ashley Simpson, Kristen Heatherly & Rachael Davenport
Mendy Gregory & Megan Waldstein
Tammy Winters & Julie Frazier
Paulina Aguilar Snow & Maria Mossing Roxiane Harvill & Ali Weil Ronna Kramer & Shannon Blackwell
Anissa Cyhaniuk & Carolyn Partridge Ginny Richerson & Laura Glenn Beverly Lee & Crystal Schabinger
Casi Stubbs & Kendall Hood
Leslie Griffin & Sheryl Matton
Kim Whiting & Kelli Mutschler
On a cool February evening in Walton County, Santa Rosa Beach’s Drive The Coast showroom was transformed from sleek automotive showcase to an elegant celebration of community, cuisine, art and compassion. The occasion was the 10th Annual Palette & Palate — the signature fundraiser for Shelter House Domestic Violence Center — bringing together supporters from across the Emerald Coast for an entertaining evening of wine, tapas, live painting and spirited bidding, The night began with a welcoming cocktail hour, followed by the heart of the evening with a five-course seated tapas experience prepared by five of the region’s most esteemed chefs —each course matched with a complementary wine, creating a tapestry of flavors that delighted the palate. But Palette & Palate is about more than food and drink. Live onstage, artist Lindsay Tobias captured the evening in brushstrokes, creating a vibrant original painting throughout the night. The finished piece later commanded spirited bids during the live auction, with proceeds benefiting survivors of domestic and sexual violence across Okaloosa and Walton counties.
Adding depth to the program, keynote speakers Nicole Schmidt and Tara Petito of The Gabby Petito Foundation shared powerful insights on awareness, resilience and hope…themes that mirrored Shelter House’s mission to provide lifesaving support and advocacy to individuals and families in crisis.
Photos & Story by Jeff Watson
Emerald Coast Association of Realtors
Shelter House
Tera Hall & Arianna Leone
Caitlin Ball, Haven Hamrick, Laurie Guzman & Dana Kane
Betsy & Paige Kemp
Jane & Greg Bahr Joe & Stella Cayer Covenant Community Church
