SANTA ROSA BEACH, FLA – Oversee, a leading provider of 30A vacation rental homes, is proud to announce its partnership with Lighthouse Family Retreat, a faith-based non-profit organization dedicated to empowering families battling childhood cancer. This collaboration aims to enhance the upcoming Lighthouse Retreat taking place September 24-30, 2023, in WaterColor, FL. Lighthouse Family Retreat strives to strengthen families navigating the challenges of childhood cancer by hosting restorative retreats and providing valuable resources. Oversee’s passion to support Lighthouse’s mission stemmed from the personal experience of Michael B. Emerick, co-founder of Oversee, who was diagnosed with primary retroperitoneal testicular cancer in November of 2021. “As a cancer survivor, I understand firsthand the mental, emotional, and financial stress that a family goes through with a cancer diagnosis,” said Emerick. “As a father, I can only imagine the challenge of trying to guide your family, especially a child, through such a delicate time of uncertainty. Helping treat these families to a week at the beach to make memories, relax and reconnect is just a small way of giving back.” The Lighthouse WaterColor Retreat will provide a safe haven for families to rejuvenate and find solace amidst their difficult journey. Eleven houses have been generously donated by Oversee and the 30A community to accommodate the families during the September retreat, however, Lighthouse is still searching for nine more homes near WaterColor. Those interested in fully donating the week or offering a home rental for a lower cost, are encouraged to reach out through... Read More

 BLUE MOUNTAIN BEACH, Fla. — South Walton Fire District (SWFD) Advanced Life Support (ALS) units transported an approximately 60-year-old man in critical condition Thursday afternoon following a drowning incident in Blue Mountain Beach. The incident originated at 12:02 p.m. when beach patrons notified SWFD’s Tower 31 lifeguard that bystanders had pulled an unresponsive, adult male from the water approximately 0.4 miles to the west of Tower 31. The lifeguard responded to the scene near the 2400 block of W. County Highway 30A to confirm bystanders were administering aid, then assumed patient care. Further beach safety resources and Walton County Sheriff’s Office deputies then arrived on-scene and assisted in lifesaving measures. Emergency personnel then transported the man from the beach at 12:14 p.m. and transferred patient care to SWFD ALS at Ed Walline Beach Access. SWFD Squad 3 and Rescue 3 firefighters then initiated ALS interventions and transported the patient in critical condition to a local hospital. Lifesaving measures were in progress upon arrival at the hospital, where care was transferred to emergency room medical staff. SWFD is unable to release any additional patient information at this time. Single red flags were flying at the time of the incident, which indicate high surf hazards and dangerous rip currents are present. Due to the number of rescues and potential for further life-threatening injuries, SWFD Beach Safety changed beach flags to double red to close the water to swimmers and boogie boarders. Lifeguards encourage all beach patrons to heed the beach flag warning... Read More

 MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. — South Walton Fire District (SWFD) Advanced Life Support (ALS) transported two people to the hospital in critical condition and one in stable condition Saturday afternoon following a multi-victim water rescue in Miramar Beach. The incident originated at 12:52 p.m. when a 911 caller reported to SWFD Dispatchers that multiple people were struggling in the water near 1115 Scenic Gulf Drive, approximately 0.3 miles from the nearest lifeguard tower. SWFD Beach Safety units arrived on-scene with Walton County Sheriff’s Office deputies at 12:54 p.m. to confirm multiple people in a rip current requiring immediate rescuing. According to bystanders on shore, a teenage male had been struggling in the water and members of his family had entered the water to attempt to rescue him. Lifeguards and deputies then entered the water and found two adult men were unresponsive and required resuscitation. The teenage male was in stable condition but required further medical attention. Deputies and lifeguards then worked to bring all patients to shore and began rendering lifesaving care to the two unresponsive patients. SWFD ALS then arrived on-scene at 12:55 p.m. and initiated ALS interventions for each patient before transporting the individuals to the hospital. Lifesaving measures were in progress upon arrival at the hospital for both adult males. SWFD ALS crews reported a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in one of the two patients, which indicates the patient had regained a pulse. The third patient was in stable condition upon arrival at the hospital. SWFD is... Read More

 The Market Shops is pleased to announce their newest merchant, Fit2Run, officially opened its doors on Thursday, June 29 Fit2Run is a family-owned and locally operated specialty running retailer that first opened in Sarasota, Florida in 2006. Founded by second- and third-generation retailers, Bill and Parks Robinson, Fit2Run was created in order to provide exceptional service and assortment in the running industry niche. As a company, they are dedicated to supporting local communities with resources to promote a healthy lifestyle, with an emphasis on selection, events, and above all, service. The Market Shops store marks the 27th location for the Fit2Run brand, with other retail locations spread throughout the state of Florida as well as Puerto Rico. “We wanted a space that would be easily accessible to runners and walkers alike,” said Fit2Run marketing director Alex Dougherty. “Being directly off Highway 98, and just outside of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, we felt this spot was perfect for the area where there isn’t any other running specialty retailer around.” Located on the far west side of The Market Shops, the newest Fit2Run location occupies 4,795 square feet of retail space. Known as “The Runner’s Superstore”, Fit2Run offers men’s and women’s athletic apparel, footwear, and accessories from top brands including ASICS, Brooks, Free People Movement, HOKA, lululemon, On Cloud, and Vuori. Unlike other athletic stores, Fit2Run offers custom fit evaluations, which include a foot scan, measurement, and gait analysis on the store’s treadmill. Their specialized staff will record the customer’s running... Read More

 Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) is proud to announce the Season 11 lineup of Professional Shows and Theatre for Young Audiences. Opening the season is Million Dollar Quartet from September 15 – October 1, 2023. ECTC looks forward to a brilliant season loaded with enriching performances for all. For more information about ECTC, the shows, and other programs, visit emeraldcoasttheatre.org. Nathanael Fisher, Producing Artistic Director and co-founder of ECTC says, “From Elvis to Mary Poppins and plays that bring laughter to plays that warm the heart we have something for everyone in Season 11. Every year we are working to bring high quality entertainment that has an enriching element to our community and Season 11’s shows are the perfect setup for just that!” Million Dollar Quartet September 15th – October 1st: Thurs – Sat at 7:30 pm, Sundays and Wednesdays at 2:30 pm. Million Dollar Quartet explodes on stage with a monumental night of rock ‘n’ roll. Inspired by the most famous jam session in recording history, this smash-hit musical tells the story of legendary music icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins as they come together on December 4, 1956, at the famous Sun Studios. Featuring 21 timeless hits, including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “I Walk the Line,” “Fever,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “See Ya Later, Alligator,” “Fever,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and “Hound Dog,” this thrilling musical brings you inside the recording studio to experience an irresistible tale of... Read More

 — South Walton Fire District (SWFD) firefighters responded to a residential structure fire early Saturday morning on Sugar Cove Road in Santa Rosa Beach. The original 911 caller reported a fire was spreading throughout a home’s garage, engulfing a vehicle and the contents inside. Firefighters arrived on-scene at 1:30 a.m. to find heavy smoke and flames showing from the residence and learned that the homeowner had made it out safely, but one dog was potentially still inside. Squad 3 and Rescue 3 firefighters deployed an attack line and initiated a primary search of the home. Upon entering through the front door, firefighters encountered high heat conditions and low visibility. During the search, firefighters located the dog in the house’s backyard and were able to reunite the dog with the homeowner. The next incoming crews established a water supply and fire suppression efforts continued until 1:45 a.m. when the fire was knocked down. At that time, the garage had partially collapsed, and firefighters worked carefully through overhaul operations for approximately two more hours to address remaining hot spots. During the incident, SWFD Advanced Life Support evaluated the homeowner and dog for injuries and determined both required only minor medical attention on-scene. No other injuries were reported. The SWFD Fire Marshal responded to investigate the fire and confirmed it was accidental in nature, and that the garage was the most likely room of origin. Due to the heavy debris load and partial collapse within the garage, the exact cause of the fire... Read More

 The Seaside School, Inc., the oldest operating public charter school in Florida consisting of Seaside Neighborhood School (grades 5-8) and Seacoast Collegiate High School (grades 9-12), is delighted to announce the selection of Dr. Thomas Miller as its new Executive Director. Dr. Miller, a seasoned education professional with over 20 years of experience, including 15 years in charter school leadership, brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for personalized learning to lead the school into the future. Under the guidance of Dr. Miller, the organization is excited to embark on an ambitious expansion of Seacoast Collegiate High School in partnership with Northwest Florida State College in Walton County. Dr. Miller’s expertise in strategic planning and his commitment to providing students with a college and career preparatory education will be instrumental in this endeavor. By fostering strong relationships and collaborations with Northwest Florida State College and the local community, Dr. Miller will ensure the successful execution of the expansion project, allowing Seacoast Collegiate High School to offer even more students the opportunity to excel academically and thrive in a supportive and innovative learning environment. “Dr. Miller’s impressive track record in charter school leadership and his unwavering dedication to personalized learning make him the perfect candidate to lead our school into the future,” stated Kavanaugh Tucker, The Seaside School, Inc. Board Chair. “We are particularly excited about his expertise in strategic planning, which will be invaluable as we embark on the ambitious expansion of Seacoast Collegiate High School in partnership with... Read More

 After a nationwide search, the Walton County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) announces the appointment of Quinn Roberston to the position of County Administrator. “The Board is excited to welcome our new County Administrator to Walton County to lead our team,” said Danny Glidewell, Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners. “Quinn Robertson has a wide range of education and experience. We look forward to working with him as he brings new ideas and perspective to moving Walton County forward.” As County Administrator, Robertson will oversee all County departments and be responsible for the day-to-day management of County government in accordance with the policies and directives of the BCC. “I am excited to become a part of the Walton County team and look forward to contributing towards the County’s near and long-term success,” said Robertson. “I am also humbled by the trust, faith, and confidence the BCC has placed in my charge, and I look forward to meeting the citizenry and serving them with professional and ethical leadership principles that I rely upon.” Robertson has an MBA degree from Radford University, and his resume includes 17 years of senior management experience, including serving as Town Manager for Colonial Beach, VA, along with business, U.S. Army military intelligence, grant administration, and coastal regulatory experience.  Read More

  The Watersound community invites locals and visitors to join them for Sounds Like Summer, an events series on Thursday nights, June 1 – August 10, featuring live music, theater, outdoor movies and more under the shade of The Pavilion at Watersound Town Center. With ample parking at the covered pavilion, all events are free and open to the public. 2023 Sounds Like Summer Schedule – Thursday | The Pavilion at Watersound Town Center   Read More

  The Alys Foundation presented the 16th Annual Digital Graffiti Festival at Alys Beach May 19-20, 2023.   Read More