May 2023

30a News May 8, 2023

Things to do in Myakka River State Park in Sarasota

Vanessa Caceres If you’re staying in a vacation rental in the Bradenton Beach, Sarasota, or Siesta Key area, don’t forget to add Myakka River State Park to your vacation to-do list. This massive park is home to literally thousands of alligators, all waiting for their close up—from a safe distance, of course. Myakka River State Park is 58 square miles large and combines prairies with wetlands and pinelands. Running through the park is the Myakka River, perfect for boating, kayaking and fishing. Myakka River State Park was developed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and was one of eight state parks in Florida developed by the CCC. Previously, the land for the park was owned by Bertha Palmer, a businesswoman from Chicago who pursued cattle and pig ranching on the land. Fast forward to today, and one major draw for Myakka River State Park is the many, many alligators that call it home. When the weather is warm, you can see alligators swimming along in the river or sometimes sunning themselves not far from shore. Keep your distance, of course, and use the closeup function on your camera phone or a telephoto lens on a nice camera to snap some nice shots. During Sarasota’s busiest season, it’s not uncommon to find tourists speaking several different languages stopped in clumps to gaze at gators and snap pics to share with others.  Another great way to learn about the park is with its boat and tram rides. The boats... Read More

General News May 8, 2023

Night of a Thousand Redd’s Costume Party Celebrating 10 Years in Business

  Redd’s Bar, located in Blue Mountain Beach Florida is thrilled to announce their 10th anniversary will be on June 20th 2023 As with most of Redd’s signature events, fun dress ups are encouraged. This is no exception, with a Night of a Thousand Redd’s costume party. The event will feature Redd The Singing Bartender, who has become a local icon with signature curly red hair and spicy personality. Redd bartends while singing from a request list of over 400 songs. She does not claim to know all of them by heart, but can come close to most. Anyone that has visited Redd’s know about the “costume closet” containing hats, wigs, and dress up items, all put to good use for photo opportunities. Redds Bar has become a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike, with its laid-back atmosphere, good food, regular live music and friendly staff. The venue has launched many local artists, and has had Nashville favorites drop in for a jam or two. The eclectic menu all made to order from scratch has transformed this once “secret bar” into a “must visit” landmark on 30A. “I wanted to open a place that felt a little bit like home, said Redd, owner and The Singing Bartender. Honestly, that’s due to the wonderful guests, some of whom plan their annual vacation around visiting Redd’s. “This is incredible. The ten years have flown by, but the real thanks have to go to the amazing first time and return customers, and... Read More
30a.news

30a News May 8, 2023

Night of a Thousand Redd’s Costume Party Celebrating 10 Years in Business

Redd’s Bar, located in Blue Mountain Beach Florida is thrilled to announce their 10th anniversary will be on June 20th 2023 As with most of Redd’s signature events, fun dress ups are encouraged. This is no exception, with a Night of a Thousand Redd’s costume party. The event will feature Redd The Singing Bartender, who has become a local icon with signature curly red hair and spicy personality. Redd bartends while singing from a request list of over 400 songs. She does not claim to know all of them by heart, but can come close to most. Anyone that has visited Redd’s know about the “costume closet” containing hats, wigs, and dress up items, all put to good use for photo opportunities. Redds Bar has become a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike, with its laid-back atmosphere, good food, regular live music and friendly staff. The venue has launched many local artists, and has had Nashville favorites drop in for a jam or two. The eclectic menu all made to order from scratch has transformed this once “secret bar” into a “must visit” landmark on 30A. “I wanted to open a place that felt a little bit like home, said Redd, owner and The Singing Bartender. Honestly, that’s due to the wonderful guests, some of whom plan their annual vacation around visiting Redd’s. “This is incredible. The ten years have flown by, but the real thanks have to go to the amazing first time and return customers, and of... Read More

30a News May 8, 2023

Night of a Thousand Redd’s Costume Party Celebrating 10 Years in Business

Redd’s Bar, located in Blue Mountain Beach Florida is thrilled to announce their 10th anniversary will be on June 20th 2023 As with most of Redd’s signature events, fun dress ups are encouraged. This is no exception, with a Night of a Thousand Redd’s costume party. The event will feature Redd The Singing Bartender, who has become a local icon with signature curly red hair and spicy personality. Redd bartends while singing from a request list of over 400 songs. She does not claim to know all of them by heart, but can come close to most. Anyone that has visited Redd’s know about the “costume closet” containing hats, wigs, and dress up items, all put to good use for photo opportunities. Redds Bar has become a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike, with its laid-back atmosphere, good food, regular live music and friendly staff. The venue has launched many local artists, and has had Nashville favorites drop in for a jam or two. The eclectic menu all made to order from scratch has transformed this once “secret bar” into a “must visit” landmark on 30A. “I wanted to open a place that felt a little bit like home, said Redd, owner and The Singing Bartender. Honestly, that’s due to the wonderful guests, some of whom plan their annual vacation around visiting Redd’s. “This is incredible. The ten years have flown by, but the real thanks have to go to the amazing first time and return customers, and of... Read More
30a.news

Real Estate May 8, 2023

CPAR Hosts First Nail Celebration for Second Habitat for Humanity of Bay County Home

The Central Panhandle Association of REALTORS® (CPAR) is pleased to announce the start of a new Habitat for Humanity home sponsored by the association. A First Nail Celebration will be held on May 12, 2023, at 9 am, followed by a volunteer build day where volunteers will help frame out the home. Light breakfast and coffee will be served. The ceremony will feature speakers from Habitat for Humanity of Bay County and the Central Panhandle Association of REALTORS® leadership. Guests will bless the house and recognize the new homeowner. Representatives of the City of Panama City, including City Manager Mark McQueen and City Commissioners, will be on site to show their support for the project. Habitat for Humanity of Bay County has selected a deserving new homeowner and will coordinate the build and volunteers alongside CPAR. This is the second Habitat home sponsored by CPAR, who raised over $118,000 and volunteered at each build day to support Habitat for Humanity of Bay County in 2022. The association is proud to continue their partnership with the organization to provide affordable housing for a local family in need. “We are honored to support Habitat for Humanity of Bay County in their mission to build homes and communities,” said 2023 CPAR President, Jennifer Ledesma. “Our members are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of our neighbors, and we are thrilled to be a part of this project.” CPAR initiated a second home after the generous outpouring of support from our REALTOR®... Read More

30a News May 8, 2023

TENNESSEE MAN WANTED FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER CAPTURED IN WALTON COUNTY AFTER A YEAR ON THE RUN

May 8, 2023 WALTON COUNTY, Fla— A Tennessee man fleeing attempted murder charges for over a year has been captured in Walton County. Jesse L. Suggs, 37, was arrested at a home on Rock Hill Road in DeFuniak Springs this morning by Walton County Sheriff’s Office and members of the U.S. Marshals Florida Caribbean Regional Task Force after information was obtained that he was wanted out of Lincoln County, Tennessee for attempted murder. During the incident, Suggs nearly beat his girlfriend to death and threatened her life and her daughter’s life if she went forward to press charges. Authorities out of Tennessee have been searching for Suggs since April 2022. He also has nationwide extradition warrants out of Alabama. Suggs was taken into custody and transported to the Walton County Jail where he is awaiting extradition back to Tennessee. U.S. Marshals Task Force members on this arrest consisted of Bay County Sheriff’s Office, Panama City Police Department, Lynn Haven Police Department, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.   https://waltonso.org/news/feed/ Read More

General News May 8, 2023

DeFuniak Springs Inaugural Wine Walk May 25

  Main Street DeFuniak Springs, in partnership with Visit South Walton, is celebrating National Wine Day in style with its inaugural Wine Walk taking place Thursday, May 25 from 5 – 7 p.m.  Participants will receive a commemorative tasting glass to be reused at participating merchants and receive a raffle ticket for every $10 spent in merchant shops and restaurants. The raffle tickets will be entered in a drawing for a merchant gift basket valued at more than $500.   Read More