30A Beaches

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Discover WaterSound Camp Creek’s Luxe Resale Gem

Discover your dream coastal lifestyle made tangible in the exclusive WaterSound community! Introducing the premier resale opportunity in the prestigious Watersound Camp Creek. This 2023 custom-built marvel boasts a thoughtfully designed floor plan, accentuated by luxurious finishes. Key features include a first-floor owner’s suite, spacious living areas, a private pool and spa, and a three-car garage. The chef’s kitchen is a culinary delight with a 10 ft island, top-tier Thermador appliances, bespoke cabinetry, and a dedicated butler’s pantry. Ownership of this exceptional home includes an elite membership level at The St. Joe Company’s Watersound Club. Residents also benefit from exclusive access to Camp Creek’s world-class amenities, including resort-style pools, an expansive 11,000 sq ft fitness center, racket courts, various dining options, and the acclaimed Tom Fazio-designed golf course. To learn more, visit 184 Norman Court. To browse similar properties, visit 30A Real Estate.  https://30a.com/184-norman-court/ Read More

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Strumming on the Shoreline: Old Florida Fish House Hosts Tuneful Evenings by the Lake

The transformation of the Old Florida Fish House from a small seafood restaurant into a premier 30A dining and entertainment destination has been years in the making. The newest enhancement for the Fish House is a Lakeside Songwriter Concert Series, featuring some of Country music’s most talented artists. The Series is every Friday evening, beginning March 22, until May 3rd. Artists include Charles Esten, an accomplished singer, songwriter, and actor. Esten is well known for his roles in Netflix’s hit series Outer Banks and ABC’s Nashville. Click HERE for tickets! “We are excited to bring a new series to 30A,” stated Keith O’Leary, owner of the Fish House. The O’Leary family purchased the Fish House in 2018 and has been making improvements ever since. Improvements over the past half-decade include sourcing fresh and sustainable seafood and meat from all over the world, serving food from an all-scratch kitchen, enhancing seating areas to showcase the beauty of Eastern Lake, and featuring quality live entertainment most nights of the year. “This project has been a labor of love for our entire family,” according to wife and co-owner Tammie O’Leary. Tammie’s specialty is designing and maintaining the lush outdoor seating, which is adorned with café lights, natural oaks, and whisps of Spanish moss. Keith’s area is working with the team to ensure the best food, service, and entertainment possible. The O’Learys first purchased a property next to the Fish House when they still lived in a suburb of St. Louis. “We were regular... Read More

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South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival Returns to Grand Boulevard — April 25 – 28, 2024

The South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival, is scheduled to place April 25 – April 28, 2024, in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. With more than 600 quality wines and spirits to taste over four days, this annual award-winning charity event delivers a wine experience unparalleled among Northwest Florida wine festivals. Click HERE for tickets. The 2024 festival will not only feature world-class wines, but craft spirits will also be showcased throughout the weekend. “The 2024 festival is all about the experience. You can’t go anywhere in the world and get this experience and proximity to wine and spirits royalty. Craft spirits have exploded in popularity, and we will present the best of the best and even show attendees how to make great craft cocktails during the festival,” said Chan Cox, festival founder and owner of Wine World. The Willamette Valley Wineries Association will be featured in 2024 and more than a dozen of their noted winemakers and winery VIPs will participate in the festival. In addition to the vast selection of wines from around the world, the festival is known for hosting nationally and internationally well-known wine celebrities and 2024 will be no exception. Past wine and food celebrities include Don Hartford, Peter Mondavi, Jr., Chuck Wagner, Marc Perrin, Jean Charles Boissett, and Chef Emeril Lagasse. The Savor South Walton Culinary Village will feature wine and food pairings and Nosh Pavilions, located throughout the festival grounds, feature local coastal cuisine. More than 100 tasting tents and popular educational seminars... Read More

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Guardians of the Shore: SWFD Elevates Lifeguard Services for South Walton Beaches

By Mackenzie McClintock, SWFD Public Information Officer Another wave of spring break visitors in town means South Walton Fire District (SWFD) lifeguards are headed back onto the beach. The official 2024 Beach Safety Season is underway from March 1 – October 31 in South Walton. Lifeguards staff 15 towers across the 26 miles of South Walton’s beaches, which stretch from Inlet Beach to Miramar Beach. These surf rescue professionals can respond to emergencies on the beach, as well as within proximity to the beach such as County Highway 30A and Scenic Gulf Drive. “We’ve spent the last few months training up all of our full-time staff,” said SWFD Beach Safety Director David Vaughan. “At this point, we have more than 20 full-time personnel who are certified EMTs, we’ve made advancements to our medical equipment, improved our fleet of response vehicles, and trained very hard physically to be the best we can be.” From responding to medical events, performing water rescues, locating missing people, to answering everyday questions about the area, lifeguards serve not only as first responders but community stewards for visitors and locals alike. SWFD’s Beach Safety and Surf Rescue program first began in 2006 and has since grown to encompass more than 50 to 60 staff members every summer. Some of these lifeguards serve in a seasonal role, while others work full-time, year-round to provide coverage across the beach. The agency continues looking for qualified individuals to join the team as a lifeguard in 2024, but hopes are... Read More

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The Sand Dollar’s Journey from Ocean Depths to Shoreline Treasures

Ever stumbled upon a sand dollar at the beach or spotted one in a souvenir shop and wondered about its story? Far from the polished white disks many of us are familiar with, living sand dollars are a marvel of nature, boasting vibrant colors and a fascinating lifestyle beneath the sea. What’s a Sand Dollar Anyway? Dead and dried, sand dollars are known for their bleached white appearance, showcasing a smooth exoskeleton adorned with a star or flower pattern. But alive? They’re a whole different spectacle. Sporting shades from reddish-brown to deep purple, these sea creatures are covered in tiny, flexible spines, not hair, which play a crucial role in their survival. With 11 different types of sand dollars, let’s check out what their world is: A Peek into the Sand Dollar’s World Belonging to the Echinoidea class within the Echinodermata phylum, sand dollars are close relatives of sea stars and sea urchins. These ocean floor dwellers feast on microscopic algae and bacteria, contributing significantly to their marine ecosystems. Despite lacking a brain, they possess a nerve ring that oversees bodily functions, showcasing nature’s incredible design. Life as a Sand Dollar With a ten-year lifespan, these creatures prefer company, sometimes living in densities as high as 625 per square yard! Their survival and reproduction strategies are as intriguing as their appearance, relying on the movement of their spines to feed and reproduce through the release of eggs and sperm into the ocean. The Sand Dollar’s Legacy After death, the sand... Read More

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The Best Things To Do on 30A This Week – Mar 04-10

Dive into this week’s exciting lineup of events along the scenic 30A, where unforgettable experiences and vibrant local culture come alive! 1. Brent Varner Live: Wednesday Grooves at Shunk Gulley. Catch the dynamic Brent Varner, Mississippi’s multi-talented musician, vocalist, and lyricist, performing live at Shunk Gulley from 4 to 8 PM this Wednesday. Brent Varner / Wednesday, March 6, 2024, from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. @ Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar 2. Wednesday Serenades at Alys Beach ft. Anthony Peebles Band Immerse yourself in the rhythms of live music every Wednesday at the Alys Beach Amphitheatre. Experience the magic of melodies in the open air, and let the night sky amplify the joy of song. Spring Concert ft. Anthony Peebles Band / Wednesday, March 6, 204, from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. @ Alys Beach Amphitheatre 3. Thursday Sip n Shop at The Mera Building Visit the courtyard of The Mera Building, just across from Georges, for an exclusive shopping experience at the Alys Shoppe. Every Thursday in March, join us from 3-7 pm for the Sip n Shop event, where delightful browsing meets refreshing sips. Alys Shoppe Pop-up / Thursday, March 7, 2024, from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. @ Alys Shoppe 4. Foster Gallery Fête at Miramar Beach Creative Campus The Foster Gallery and J. Leon Studio, invite art lovers to celebrate creativity and expression. Enjoy a live demonstration by Spring Rotation Artist Nicole Hemmerly of MossHound Designs, along with delightful sips and snacks. Mingle with fellow art... Read More

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Sail for Fun at The Emerald Coast Boat & Lifestyle Show — Mar 1-3

Anchors aweigh for adventure and excitement at the Emerald Coast Boat & Lifestyle Show, the premier nautical extravaganza of the year! From March 1st to March 3rd, 2024, the scenic Aaron Bessant Park in Panama City Beach transforms into a mariner’s paradise. This spectacular on-land exhibition is the ultimate destination for sea enthusiasts and outdoor lifestyle aficionados. Get yout tickets HERE. Step aboard the latest vessel models, marvel at the newest high-tech marine engines and electronics and gear up with the finest marine accessories. The show promises an impressive fleet from renowned manufacturers and top dealers, showcasing everything from the perfect entry-level bow riders to the state-of-the-art 42′ center consoles rigged with powerful quad outboards. It’s a celebration where REAL. FUN. BOATS. come to life, and it’s all happening under the Florida sun! Secure your tickets now and dive into the details of the venue and exhibitors on the website. The event schedule is as follows: March 1, Friday | 10 a.m. to Sunset – Red Carpet Opening Day March 2, Saturday | 10 a.m. to Sunset – Ladies Day March 3, Sunday | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Military Appreciation Day But the allure extends far beyond the boats. Embrace the vibrant, active beach life that’s become a hallmark of the Emerald Coast. Whether you’re up for gliding on a stand-up paddleboard, reeling in the catch of the day from a fishing kayak, flipping burgers in your outdoor kitchen, exploring the depths with your diving gear, sporting the... Read More

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Culinary Canvas: The Artistry of Great Southern’s Coastal Cuisine

18 years after my wedding reception at Great Southern and the soul rolls are still the best version of an egg roll I’ve ever eaten—the crispy skin hiding a blend of collards and chicken, pickled peach chutney mounded on the side and zesty mustard ribbons offer a juxtaposition of crunch and melt-in-your-mouth all at once. Some things have changed. The side porch where we celebrated now houses b.f.f., the once parking area outside transformed into an elevated covered dining platform during Covid and never went back. However, the one constant, besides those soul rolls, remains Jim Shirley’s reputation as a community maker and excellent chef. Shirley has cooked at the James Beard House, served the King and Queen of Spain his Southern fare,  and opened many restaurants from Pensacola to 30A.  His commitment to sourcing locally (you can see his chefs out at the docks getting the freshest catch) and giving back to his community is legendary from serving on boards of the Autism Society and Children’s Home Society to keeping the pulse on the industry through involvement with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. His daughter and Vice President of Operations, Madison Shirley added, “It’s deeply rooted in our ethos that you learn about your community and the people you’re surrounded by, the people you break bread with. What you’re eating and sharing with them is your story, your family story, and your community story told through what you put on the plate in front of them.” At Great... Read More

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Balancing Beauty and Babies: Jessica Fay’s Journey as a Style Maven and Supermom

The beauty and style blogger behind Lipstick, Heels, and a Baby and mother of three talks about life as an influencer and her home decor style. Jessica Fay didn’t set out to be an influencer––it sort of just happened. In 2012, Fay started her blog (plus a YouTube channel and a Pinterest account) as an online journal of sorts to stay connected with her husband Ryan, who was deployed to Afghanistan when their firstborn son Braydon was just eight weeks old. On the blog, Lipstick, Heels, and a Baby, Fay documented her adventures with Braydon (such as weekend trips to the mountains with her parents) so that Ryan could check in on them when he could. “I noticed my outfits getting pinned on Pinterest, and it kind of took off naturally from there,” Fay said. On her Instagram account, which has over 300K followers, you’ll find her favorite recipes, hair and skincare products, outfit inspo, and so much more. We had the chance to chat with Fay about home decor, the influencer life, and must-haves for a day at the beach with the kids. Beach Happy: What is the best part about being an influencer? And what’s the most challenging part? Jessica Fay: The best thing about what I do is being able to connect with so many amazing women all over the world. The most challenging part for me is being able to turn it “off.” I can technically work from anywhere––on vacation, from my bed, while watching TV,... Read More

North Beach Social Spring Kickoff Party March 2

North Beach Social is celebrating three years in business with a Spring Kickoff Party all day March 2, 2024. The event will feature a shrimp and crab boil along with other food and drink specials. Patrons will enjoy live music with Mark and Krissa from 1-4PM and DJ Naura 6-9PM with a photo booth to capture the memories. Face painting and crafts for the kids will be available from 12-4PM. Make your favorite specialty drink a double and get it in a Bacardi bucket for an additional $3. Plus, there will be a Bacardi Bike giveaway!    https://sowal.com/story/north-beach-social-spring-kickoff-party-march-2 Read More