June 2016

30a.news

30A Launches Apparel Line Made From Recycled Water Bottles

The 30A Company launched a new line of sustainable apparel designed to decrease human impact on the environment, while celebrating the unique aspects of small-town beach life along Scenic Highway 30-A. Called Dumpster Diver, the eco-friendly product line features shirts made from water bottles and other recycled plastics and materials salvaged from southeast landfills. With 13 designs now available in multiple styles and coastal colors, each shirt features a beach-inspired theme, including words, phrases and images associated with 30A lifestyle and culture. Dumpster Diver is the latest product line from The 30A Company, a lifestyle media and merchandising brand founded in 2007 by entrepreneur Mike Ragsdale in South Walton, Florida. The brand has built a loyal fan base around the country, shipping more than 13,000 orders of its 30A Gear merchandise to customers in all 50 states. “We’ve spent nearly two years researching and developing 30A’s Dumpster Diver brand and could not be more excited to finally launch,” said Ragsdale. “Dumpster Diver embodies everything that represents the 30A brand — a love of the fun, laid-back vibes of the beach and a commitment to protecting and preserving beach environments for future generations.” Interesting facts about 30A Dumpster Diver shirts: — The shirts are produced using a ‘trash-shred-spin-wear’ manufacturing process in which discarded plastic waste is collected from landfills, shred, spun into yarn and woven with recycled cotton. — Plastic materials collected and recycled in production include water and soda bottles, lunchroom food trays, discarded film and plastic beer bottles. — Each shirt saves approximately six to ten 16-ounce water bottles from landfills, depending on the color. — Designs are imprinting using a digital printing process, which is more advanced, uses fewer harmful chemicals and is an environmentally cleaner approach than traditional screen-printing. “As a brand, we wanted to create a product that not only reflects our sincere love of the beach, but also demonstrates the responsibility we maintain to leave the lowest impact possible on the environment around us,” said Ragsdale. Sustainable and stylish, 30A Dumpster Diver shirts are available now at 30AGear.com and at our official 30A Stores located in Gulf Place, Seagrove Plaza, Rosemary Beach and Pier Park. Check out this behind-the-scenes peek at the new line: Behind-the-scenes sneak peek of our new line!3…2…1… and we’re LIVE with a behind-the-scenes sneak peek of our new line! Posted by 30A on Monday, June 20, 2016 Read More

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Sonder Project Returns from Malawi, Africa

The Sonder Project, a Santa Rosa Beach-based nonprofit that works locally and around the world, recently returned from an educational expedition in Malawi, Africa. Three Santa Rosa Beach residents joined the trek, including Sonder Project and 30A Company board member, Travis Meyer, of Southeastern Retail Development, Rachel Meyer, a teacher at Freeport High School and Sarah Hockett, executive director of The Sonder Project. “It’s one thing to understand there are children and adults living on the other side of the world whose lives and circumstances are much different from our own. It’s another thing entirely to visit and see this firsthand,” Rachel Meyer said. During their visit, the trio managed to visit five remote villages, work on a construction site for a new primary school structure, visit adult literacy classes and learn their importance, meet with the district education manager and gain knowledge of some of the community initiatives helping remote areas break the cycle of poverty such as goat programs, meal programs for school children and honey bee hives. They also had the opportunity to hear some of the stories of this country, understand the difficulties faced here and see how the organization’s work has an impact. “It takes so little to change the futures of these kids, and that’s exactly what The Sonder Project is doing — changing lives,” said Travis Meyer. The 30A Company is a founding partner of The Sonder Project, which works to end poverty locally, domestically and across the world. “We couldn’t be more proud of the work The Sonder Project is doing,” said Mike Ragsdale, founder of The 30A Company. “We look forward to joining a future trek to experience firsthand the good that our little nonprofit is accomplishing.” The purpose of this endeavor was to help The Sonder Project learn and grow as a nonprofit and with everything discovered, the trip was definitely a success, said the organization’s executive director, Sarah Hockett. “Knowledge gained on this voyage will be applied in future projects both locally and around the world,” she said. On the topic of future projects, be on the lookout for these upcoming ventures: — Construction of a school in Burkina Faso, Africa, in memory of Ahmed Kere — Construction of a water well in Burkina Faso, Africa — Construction of a school in Nicaragua — First undertaking of new program, PROJECT: agriculture – launching beekeeping in Nicaragua — 2017 Trek and Project Schedule For more info, or to learn how you can help, visit The Sonder Project. Read More

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Unique 30A: Hit the Water for a Dinner Cruise

Cruising every week from Sandestin‘s Baytowne Marina, Sunquest Cruise’s SOLARIS yacht is a truly unique 30A experience, and it happens to be one of the very best places to enjoy a South Walton sunset. (In the summer months, the sun sets over Choctawhatchee Bay, not the Gulf). The family-owned 5,300-square-foot fine dining and dancing yacht (built right here in Walton County) features two dining salons, a full-service gourmet galley and a full-service bar. Enjoy an afternoon or evening cruising around the Bay, hanging out on one of the yacht’s open-air decks, dining on a gourmet meal, kicking up your heels to a live band and dancing under the stars. Book your cruise now. Learn more about the story behind the SOLARIS in this interview with owner James Murray: After the cruise, hop on the boardwalk that leads away from the marina and meander through moss-draped oak trees over to The Village of Baytowne Wharf. There you’ll find some seriously fun and funky blues, a dueling piano bar and tons of other nightlife options. It’s the perfect way to wrap up an evening on the bay. The Solaris is also a perfect venue for special occasions, including banquets, corporate retreats, V.I.P. functions, and of course, weddings and rehearsal dinners. Learn more at 30aweddings.com. Check out this 30A Video Tours episode, featuring the Solaris: Book your cruise now. Read More

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Own a piece of paradise Bay Club of Sandestin

Bay Club of Sandestin AVAILABLE LISTINGS AT BAY CLUB SANDESTIN The Bay Club is located on the beautiful grounds of the Resort at Sandestin, just eight miles east of Destin on Hwy 98. The area is noted for having spectacular shopping, exhilarating sunsets, historical sites, an almost […] Read More


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SATURDAYS: Join 30A YOLO Bike and Beach Club for Group Bike Rides

The 30A YOLO Bike & Beach Club has officially launched, bringing locals of all skill levels together for some laid-back exploration of South Walton’s natural habitats. Group bike rides are free and take place every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Participants at the YOLO Bike + Beach Store in Gulf Place every Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. The ride through the trails of Point Washington State Forest leaves at 9 a.m. All skill levels and bike brands are welcome (“ride what ya got!”). Even if you don’t want to ride, join in for coffee and fun! Download the free 30A YOLO Bike and Beach Club App for iPhone/iPad and Android for exclusive membership perks. Jeff Archer, CEO of YOLO Board, and Mike Ragsdale, founder of The 30A Company, came up with the idea for the club as part of the companies’ recent partnership. Check out this interview with Archer and Ragsdale about the new club: “We wanted to bring together a fun group of people who enjoy taking advantage of everything that South Walton has to offer,” said Archer. “It’s a really laid-back chance to hang out with old friends and to make new ones.” “Some days we’ll explore nature trails, some days we’ll do a pub crawl or cafe tour; whatever the club wants to do,” said Ragsdale. “It’s almost like a mobile speakeasy.” In better weather, the group organises Group paddles, which are also free to join. The special mobile app (for iOS or Android) features club info, as well as access to official 30A YOLO Bike and Beach Club shirts and swag. The 30A YOLO Bike and Beach Club is free to join, and it’s open to all skill levels. Watch 30A.com’s events calendar for weekly meeting dates, times and details. Contact feedback@30a.com for more info. Read More

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STRINGER: Looking up to dad

My brother and I were predestined to be tall. Not NBA tall, mind you, but definitely last-row-of-the-school-class-portraits.Mom’s just south of 6-foot, dad’s 6-4ish. The average man and woman, to put into context, are 5-10 and 5-5.At around... Read More

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Hidden Dangers to beachgoers from unfilled beach holes

Editor note; Much is shared about the cost to turtle breeding from unfilled holes on the beach. Little known are the dangers to humans too. Stories below about serious events involving sand holes on our beaches. Please share, it could save a life. #30atv @30abuzz ——————————————————————— BY […] Read More


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11 Best Places to Grab a Drink with a View

By Caroline Giddis With so many gorgeous views and an impressive selection of delicious beers, cocktails and wines, it’s hard not to say “it’s 5 o’clock somewhere” here in South Walton. Whether you’re looking for a view of the gulf, rolling dunes or a beautiful lake, there are so many places in the area that allow you to sit back, relax and enjoy a cold one. It’s even a cultural norm here to find a spot each night where you can see the sunset. Here are 11 places that are perfect for getting your drink-in-a-beautiful-place fix. Havana Beach Rooftop Lounge at The Pearl Hotel Located in Rosemary Beach, the Havana Beach Bar & Grill Rooftop Lounge provides visitors with an eclectic, relaxing feeling. Although the lounge overlooks the stunning European-style hotel pool, it has a breath-taking view of the gulf as well. The drink menu offers everything from Ernest Hemingway-inspired classics to Cuba Libres and Mojitos. The lounge has a variety of seating options from comfy couches and hammocks to high-top tables. Happy hour lasts from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunset Bay Cafe The gulf isn’t the only thing you can see from bars and restaurants. Located on the glittering Choctawhatchee Bay, Sunset Bay Cafe shows it’s appreciation for the Floridian lifestyle with a full bar, Tiki bar and outside dining. From the cafe, the view of the bay spans for miles. With a name like Sunset Bay Cafe, it’s obviously the perfect place to say “cheers!” and watch the sun go down. I’ll have one piña colada please! Bud & Alley’s When many people think beach bar, they think Bud & Alley’s … and they’re right. Nestled between the dunes and overlooking the gulf in Seaside, Bud & Alley’s is where families and friends go to experience what Kenny Chesney sings all about: beautiful views, great beer and no worries. A 30A go-to for over 30 years, Bud & Alley’s is a wonderful place to enjoy for a few minutes or a few hours. The best view for grabbing a drink is from the roof deck bar. Say hi to Mo the bartender who has been slinging refreshing beach cocktails for almost as long as the bar has been open. Try the Seaside punch, a mouth-watering blend of Stoli vodka, apple, peach and black raspberry puree, pineapple juice and house-made sour mix — a perfect beach-side thirst-quencher. If you’re there at sunset, join in the longstanding tradition of ringing the sunset bell and cheering as the sun sets into that beautiful gulf. It can’t be beat. The Porch at Old Florida Fish House For a more “hidden” hangout, check out The Porch at Old Florida Fish House in Seagrove Beach. Overlooking Eastern Lake, The Porch is the ideal place to just chill. A number of big-screen TVs make it a great place to bring your friends when there’s a big game on. However, when you want to escape, you can just look out into the uncharted wilderness that surrounds the beautiful coastal dune lake. It’s the perfect hideaway. The Beach House Appetizers, moonshine and a gorgeous view …  what sounds better than that? Enjoy all three at The Beach House in Sandestin, which sits right on the beach and allows you to soak up some sun and soak in an incredible view of the Gulf. Enjoy a drink in their double insulated solo cups and listen to live music on Tuesdays during their open mic nights. You can find a wide variety of wines on their drink menu, including our 30A Chardonnay and 30A Red Blend, which both go really well with their shareable appetizers – YUM. The Bay Whether you get there by car, boat or paddle board, The Bay is a waterfront-lovers dream. Grab a seat inside, on the covered outdoor lounge,  or at a picnic table with your toes in the sand. A beer haven, The Bay has 12 different beers on tap, many brewed locally. Their Sunday Bayside Brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. is an especially great time to enjoy the scenery of the Choctawhatchee Bay. Marina Bar & Grill at Sandestin For a unique right-on-the-dock experience, try Marina Bar & Grill. Sitting directly on the Baytowne Marina in Sandestin, the restaurant invites shoe and flip-flop wearers alike to join the party. Marina Bar & Grill celebrates sunset every day as if it were a special occaision, shooting off a cannon and ringing a bell as the sun goes down. Order a brew and watch the boats pull into the Marina with their fresh catches. What could be better than that? Growler Garage In a growing craft beer community, it’s important for there to be a place that focuses on the same passion — a good, cold beer. Hoppy, pale, blonde, however you like your beer, Growler Garage has it. Their focus is beer brewed locally or in different Florida micro breweries. With a constantly changing draft menu and a great view of the gulf from their patio out front, Growler Garage is beer heaven. Wanting to sip that beer a little closer to the waves? Fill up one of their signature growlers and stroll across the street to the beach. Plastic and stainless steel are available of course. Remember, no glass on the beach! Chiringo Here’s a little secret: Chiringo is the only place in Grayton Beach where you can drink a beer with a gulf view. With great open-air spaces, Chiringo aims to present its visitors with vibes of a Spanish beach restaurant. The building and furniture are covered in bright, inviting colors, which show off Chiringo’s desire for beachgoers to come on in and grab a drink. They have a variety of beers on tap and a even a fresh juice bar. Get yours virgin or spiked for the ultimate refreshing cocktail. Watermelon and vodka makes a great combo! Vue on 30A Like it says on their website, “as if the view was not enough,” Vue on 30A also offers a great cocktail or dining experience. Dolphins frequent the shore near the restaurant and the location is great for watching for boats on the horizon. Seasonal, import and domestic beers are all options to enjoy while watching the gulf. Or try a refreshing Emerald Coast Martini, a tricolor treat that mimics a gulf view with Malibu rum, Midori, Blue Curacao, house sour mix and a splash of Sprite. (Learn about more thirst-queching cocktails on 30A.) Brunch on Sunday runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., which is a definite chance to have a wonderful Sunday Funday. 723 Whiskey Bravo Another amazing rooftop bar, 723 Whiskey Bravo, looks over Seagrove Beach and celebrates a clean, modern atmosphere. Their Happy Hour lasts from 5 to 6 p.m. daily and is a great way to start off a night. Umbrellas are set up on the rooftop to block out any unwanted sun during the day, and the comfy lounge chairs help set the mood for relaxation station. Bravo! Caroline Giddis is a summer intern at The 30A Company. For more on this topic check out: Secret Bars of South Walton 15 Thirst-Queching Cocktails on 30A Read More