March 2023

What Teens Want Us to Know

 By Michelle Ruschman In this ongoing series, What Teens Want Us to Know, we asked the question, “What “adulting” skills do you want to be taught before you leave home? (Consider what you might want to know in the areas of physical and emotional health, relationship building, professional success, lifestyle, creativity, practical skills, and education.)” At school, there’s a focus on social, academic, and extracurricular activities, but what about what they want to know…need to know… as they prepare to launch into life beyond graduation? In the busyness of working jobs, getting kids from one activity to another, church life, etc it’s hard to know what our kids don’t know. One mom mentioned, “My college-age son called me the other day and asked me how to make a grilled cheese sandwich! I didn’t know he didn’t know how to do that until that moment!” It’s easy for a modern family to miss the things that we, as parents and grandparents, took for granted growing up. Back then, there was time to learn how to cook together, we assisted our dads in the workshop or garage, and families lived closer together so elders could pass on what they knew to the younger ones. Kids still need this training and mentorship but there don’t seem to be the same opportunities. When our teens answered, there were clear themes they wanted to learn most: Financial Literacy – How to pay for different expenses, how to do taxes, and how to create a budget.... Read More

A Pastor’s Ponderings: The Mercy Test

 By Pastor David Holland The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:25-37 How can we know we are truly a Christian? Being born into a Christian family doesn’t make you a believer any more than sitting in a McDonald’s makes you a hamburger. Nor can you simply be a good person and earn your way into heaven. Jesus reveals the test of tangible Christian faith through the parable of the Good Samaritan. A young religious lawyer approached Christ asking, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus asks the lawyer about what he believes, and the man shares remarkable insight as he says, “Love God” and “Love others.” These two great commandments are not only a summary of the entire Old Testament, but are the guiding principles of successful living. The lawyer questions Jesus further. “Who is my neighbor?” It’s as if he were saying, “How do I know the kind of love and faith God requires?” Christ answers with a story aimed at challenging the man while assuring him of salvation. The parable begins with a man robbed, beaten and left for dead. The priest walking by is unwilling to get involved with this messy situation. So, he avoids the man in need. Ironically, he was en route to the temple to serve people in need while a man lies suffering right in front of him. A Levite also passes by; but in a... Read More

Sean of the South: Blind Love

 By Sean Dietrich She was trash. At least that’s how she was treated. She was found wandering a rural Mississippi highway. Beneath the stars. It was a wonder the girl hadn’t been hit. This was a busy highway. The kind with transfer trucks. The dog was walking in the center of the road. On the yellow line. Clearly there was something wrong with her. Animals don’t walk open highways. But the black-and-tan dog was moving by feel. Because she is blind. All she knew was that she liked open highway because the surface was smooth, and there were no obstructions. And when you’re blind, no obstructions is a good thing. She was a skeleton. Every rib visible. Every spinal disc showed. There were scars all over her, as though she’d been involved in a host of dog fights. A scar on her face. A scar on her chest. One behind her ear. On her side. Another on her right forelimb. Probably, she had been caged with other hunting dogs. The dogs were probably mistreated and hungry. Hunger makes dogs mean. Nobody knows how the blindness happened. But it didn’t take a rocket engineer to figure it out. “Someone hit this animal with a blunt object,” the veterinarian later said, choking back tears. “Someone beat this poor dog. Maybe with the butt of a rifle. Maybe with rebar.” People say that dogs use smell above all other senses. That’s a lie. A dog doesn’t use her sense of smell to avoid... Read More

30A Eats Recipe of the Month: Shrimp Remoulade

 By Susan Benton New Orleans has been on my mind quite a bit lately, especially with Mardi Gras still in the rearview this month. When recently invited to create a recipe for Stonewall Kitchen using one of their mustards, I chose the horseradish as I knew it would make a delicious Shrimp Remoulade. There are two types of Remoulade sauces in Louisiana. One sauce is white and mayonnaise based, similar to the French classic, Celeriac Remoulade. The other is a red version made with ketchup (below), and I love both! Shrimp Remoulade (pronounced ruma-lahd) is simple to prepare, and when served on elegant china, it is an impressive dish for entertaining. The fresh Gulf shrimp tossed in the spicy sauce, served on a bed of crisp lettuce ribbons is a delight to savor as a full meal, or as an appetizer. I live on the Gulf Coast, so I’m partial to our local seafood, but you just need to look for the best and freshest wild caught shrimp in your local area for this recipe. Remoulade Recipe: Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups heavy-duty mayonnaise like Blue Plate, Duke’s or Hellman’ 1/4 cup Heinz ketchup 1/2 cup Stonewall Kitchen Horseradish Mustard 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp hot pepper sauce such as Tabasco 1/2 cup finely diced green onions 1/4 cup finely diced celery 2 tbsp minced garlic 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley 1/2 tbsp lemon juice salt and cracked black pepper to taste 3 dozen 21-25 count boiled shrimp, peeled and... Read More

UnwineD March 31 – April 1

 Visit Panama City Beach invites visitors and residents to the destination’s premier two-day culinary festival, UNwineD presented by Publix. Taking place March 31 – April 1, 2023, at Aaron Bessant Park, the seventh annual event will showcase the best craft beer, wine, and spirits from around the world. Additionally, the event will offer delectable cuisine from renowned area chefs, live entertainment, and a variety of vendors and artisans.“We are thrilled to welcome locals and visitors to Panama City Beach for the seventh annual UNwineD presented by Publix,” says Visit Panama City Beach President and CEO Dan Rowe. “We look forward to another year partnering with ‘Southern Living’ to host an unforgettable celebration showcasing the best cuisine, craft beer, wine, and spirits of our region.” The gourmet gathering begins on Friday, March 31 at 6 p.m. with a one-of-a-kind kickoff party hosted by ‘Southern Living’ and Visit Panama City Beach. The exclusive preview event includes custom cocktails, delicious bites, live music, and much more. Now available for purchase at a limited supply, VIP tickets are $185 per person and include early entry into Saturday’s event and a gift bag with commemorative UNwineD glasses. Ticket holders must be 21 and over. Saturday’s festivities begin with the Grand Afternoon Tasting on April 1 at 1:00 p.m. Guests can wander from booth to booth and stop by the Publix tent while sipping and savoring craft beer, wine, spirits, and culinary creations from leading chefs in the region. Those looking to shop and explore while... Read More

The 16th Annual Digital Graffiti Festival Coming May 19-20

 Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach is a one-of-a-kind projection art festival where artists from across the globe use the latest digital technologies to project their original works onto the iconic white walls of Alys Beach, and it returns for its 16th Sometimes referred to as “Photon Bombing,” “Guerilla Projection” or “Urban Projection,” underground artists around the globe have been using the latest design, animation and projection technologies for many years to cast dynamic images onto skyscrapers and other urban structures as a means of artistic expression. Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach is a festival geared towards bringing these artists together in one place to celebrate and showcase their unique talents.   Each year, the festival attracts digital artists, filmmakers, musicians, interactive designers, photographers, VJs, producers, celebrities, agency executives and fans of art, technology and architecture. Thousands of dollars in cash prizes are awarded to artists, with digital submissions being received from as far away as Israel, Austria, Canada, Germany, London, India, France, Italy and China. Staged against the elegant white walls of Alys Beach, Digital Graffiti provides a large-scale blank canvas for artists to explore the visual intersection of art and architecture. The engagement between the art, architecture, and audience is transformative, creating an immersive and interactive art projection experience that is entirely unique to the Digital Graffiti festival, named as one of the top “24 Unconventional Art Destinations Around the World” by National Geographic. Artists, designers, photographers, and architects are invited to submit their artwork to be projected under... Read More


30a.news

OLLI Brings Adult Learning to Florida’s Panhandle

 The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Florida State University is an exciting, challenging scholarly program tailored for adults 50 and older who love to learn in a stress-free environment where there are no tests and no homework. Designed as a member-centered organization, OLLI allows students to expand their intellectual horizons, engage in social activities, participate in volunteer opportunities and hold key leadership positions within the organization. Here in Northwest Florida, OLLI – PC30A began in 2019 with a vision to bring intellectually stimulating university oriented adult learning educational opportunities to the residents of the 30A corridor. Several longtime residents of the area approached FSU PC to discuss options. FSU Tallahassee already had an active OLLI group, and graciously extended the OLLI option to the FSU PC campus. What is OLLI? The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute supports 125 Osher campus organizations across the United States. Bernard Osher, an active and engaging 96-year-old, began the institute in 2001. OLLI exists to actively engage seasoned adults in lifelong learning, social interaction, and community building. The OLLI at FSU PC30A group is dedicated to building a program that offers opportunities to learn, socialize, and enhance the community through courses and an active speaker series. It is a structured organization, with semester or year-long memberships available. A membership opens up not just courses and programming locally, but also provides access to the courses offered through the FSU Tallahassee campus. Learning is delivered in person, hybrid, or fully online, depending on the subject and instructor.... Read More

30a.news

Habitat for Humanity’s Hard Hats and High Heels Event Raises Over $30,000

 Our “hard hats” go off to Habitat for Humanity of Walton County for raising over $30,000 at their 5th Annual Hard Hats & High Heels event on February 10th at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. This esteemed Walton County organization has much to celebrate, as every penny raised will go to build a home for a single, working mother in Walton County this year. “This event is what it’s all about for our organization, assisting families in our community to build safe and affordable places to call home,” says Teresa Jones, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Walton County. Over 200 guests from various industries in our community attended the luncheon and had the chance to bid on silent auction items, play games, and then heard from keynote speaker, Nancy Francis who spoke about a Mindset of Empowerment. Change your mindset, change your future. Local Habitat for Humanity volunteer Elaine Ashman of the Merchants of Rosemary Beach, was honored with the 2023 Veronica Macias Power Woman of the Year award. Ashman is described by her peers as a familiar face on the Women Build job site. She works tirelessly for Habitat for Humanity, donating her time, knowledge, and funds to advance Habitat for Humanity’s mission and encourages others to join her in making Walton County Habitat a thriving charitable organization. “I am humbled to receive this award,” said Ashman. “Helping women in our community by volunteering my time with Habitat for Humanity is a passion, and... Read More

30a.news

Turtle Nesting Season Underway

 Nesting season arrives on our coasts for sea turtles and waterbirds Nesting season has started for both sea turtles and waterbirds in the Sunshine State. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds people they can help protect vulnerable nesting sea turtles and waterbirds this spring and summer while visiting Florida’s coastal habitats. Because our state’s shorelines are critical for sea turtle and waterbird nesting, beachgoers can have a big impact on their nesting success. To help nesting sea turtles and waterbirds, give them space, minimize disturbances, and keep beaches clean and dark. Obstacles on the beach can prevent sea turtles from nesting as they crawl across the sand to lay their eggs. Trash, holes in the sand and other obstacles can also prevent sea turtle hatchlings from reaching the water once they emerge from their nests. Food scraps attract predators, such as raccoons and crows, that prey on sea turtle hatchlings, shorebird eggs and chicks. Litter on beaches can entangle sea turtles, birds and other wildlife. Beachgoers can help our native wildlife by stashing all trash, filling in human-made holes in the sand, and removing boats, beach toys and furniture from the beach before sunset. Fishing line can be deadly to sea turtles, waterbirds and other wildlife, so be sure to dispose of it properly. To find a monofilament recycling station near you, visit mrrp.MyFWC.com. Any lighting can misdirect and disturb nesting sea turtles and their hatchlings, leading them away from the ocean and toward potential danger. Beachgoers... Read More