Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) will usher in the fall 2023 cultural arts season with something new … and salty! The first-ever Salt Water Music Fest, presented by Salt Water Vacations and MKAF, brings Destin music lovers a sensational three-day music showcase celebration to raise funds and awareness for MKAF — Destin’s champion of the cultural arts for all. The two-day music festival is Thursday, Oct. 12, and Friday, Oct. 13 at MKAF’s Cultural Arts Village in Destin with a singer/songwriter brunch to follow on Sunday, Oct. 14 at Soleil in Destin. Grammy-winning pop songstress Macy Gray, best known for her international hit single I Try, headlines the inaugural Salt Water Music Festival on Thursday, Oct. 12. Joining this captivating, eclectic R&B talent on stage is her band, The California Jet Club performing hot tracks from her newest album, The Reset. The event will also feature an evening of five of Nashville’s hottest singer/songwriters including Ben Burgess, Jared Mullins, Jordan Minton, Jordan Reynolds, the Josh Mirenda Band along with headliner country music duo LOCASH. Music lovers can meet and greet many of the singer/songwriters during Brunch at Soleil on Saturday, Oct. 14. The event will include multiple food trucks, beverage bars, merchandise retail sales as well as artist meet & greets (for some ticket levels). Advance tickets are priced from $50 per person. General admission lawn seating and table seating will be available for individuals. Full tables (seating eight) are available starting from $750. VIP Tables are from $1,500 and... Read More

 The Non-Breakable, Full-Size Plastic Wine Bottles Provide A Luxe, Safe Option For The Beach Salty Girls Rosé founder Katie Truax poured together her love for the beach, entrepreneur background, and passion for wine to bottle rosé imported from the South of France into full-size, non-breakable packaging that can be enjoyed on the beach. In full-size, PET plastic bottles that have less carbon footprint than glass, Salty Girls Rosé combines a beach and pool-friendly design with a refreshing taste imported from the South of France, for a perfect union that can be sipped anywhere on or off the sand. A mom, psychotherapist, and lifetime entrepreneur, Truax has always been drawn to the beach. In her Salty Girls Beach Setups company, where she hosts events along 30A’s beaches for both locals and out-of-town guests, she noticed a gap in the market. 30A beaches are renowned for celebrating engagements, weddings, girls nights, bachelorettes, and family get-togethers, but with strict permitting banning glass containers to keep the beaches safe, most wines were not allowed on the beach. “Those wanting to cheers their big moment or sip a wine along the shore were limited to boxed and canned options, and I knew better was possible,” said Truax. With its beach-safe alternative to glass, Salty Girls Rosé allows beach-goers to protect the beaches while fully enjoying their experience there with one of the best rosés the South of France has to offer. About Salty Girls Beverages Salty Girls Rosé is a beach and pool-friendly rosé imported... Read More

 Saltwater Restaurants Inc. is proud of its ongoing partnership with the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge. In a heartfelt collaboration, the organizations celebrated the release of a rehabilitated Blue Heron named “Bob” in honor of Robert “Bob” Bonezzi, founder of Saltwater Restaurants, Inc. The release event took place on Monday, August 21st, at the scenic Al’s Beach Club and Burger Bar at The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island. This partnership signifies Saltwater Restaurants Inc.’s commitment to the local environment, evident through their S.E.A. Initiative (Safety, Environment, Activities). To support the commendable efforts of the refuge, Saltwater Restaurants provided $10,000. This dedicated initiative aims to protect, preserve, and enhance the pristine beaches of the Emerald Coast. “The S.E.A. Initiative is at the heart of what we believe in,” said Nick Sarra, CEO of Saltwater Restaurants Inc. “We are not just about serving great food but also about safeguarding our environment and fostering community activities that families can cherish.” Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge has been a stalwart defender of the region’s wildlife, ensuring that animals like “Bob” receive the care and rehabilitation they need. The successful release of the Blue Heron stands as a testament to the dedication of the refuge staff and the collaborative efforts of community partners like Saltwater Restaurants. “The continued support we receive from the Saltwater Restaurants S.E.A. Initiative will help fund medications, habitat maintenance and professional veterinary care needed specifically for our local shore birds and marine mammals. Bob, the blue heron released today, named in memory of Bob... Read More

The year was 1969, and the stage was set for The Ralph Emery Special. Merle Haggard, alongside his then-wife Bonnie Owens, took center stage to pay homage to a classic duet that had stolen the hearts of fans at the time – Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash’s iconic 1967 hit, “Jackson.” Country Music Nation  Read More