By Candace Bowenkamp Nestled within the timeless gilded linen cover of this beautiful coffee table book lies a treasure trove of information detailing the more undiscovered areas on Florida’s Forgotten Coast. With 252 full-color pages, there truly is something for everyone. Saints of Old Florida weaves together interviews with locals, family histories, impressive photos from past and present, and delicious heirloom-style recipes, some of which have been handed down through the generations. The locations that are explored in this book are truly hidden gems, and just like the pearl in an oyster, it all started with a little grit. There is an old adage: It’s not what you go through, but how you go through it. A community isn’t just a number of people who reside in the same location, it’s the challenges and triumphs that shape it. These saintly communities have faced many challenges throughout the years and like the tides, the hard times ebb and flow. Contributions from the vantage point of both transplants and locals whose family roots run deep, they recount their stories of past, present, and hope for the future. The dedication to community and family and the love of the area is evident with every colorful turn of the page. Having grown up in Gulf County myself, I can attest to the beauty of the area, but also to the flavors. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of watching my parents throw their cast nets and climbing oyster shell “mountains” with my sister... Read More

 By Mike Horne, Mike’s Auto Collison Get Recommendations Check with friends and neighbors and family. Almost everyone has had a car repaired for body work. Your insurance company might also be a good place to start as they conduct background checks on local shops. Who You Choose Is Your Choice Although the insurance company may have its own “ Direct Repair Program “ or preferred partners that can expedite the process, you can take your vehicle to the center of your choice. Ask Questions Don’t be afraid to ask questions. you are entitled to as much information as you want before agreeing to use a body shop. Find a Manufacturer-Certified Shop This may sound simple, but you need to know your car’s make, model, and year when contacting a repair center. You want a certified shop to work on that specific vehicle, with the correct training, equipment, and parts. For example, not all shops can fix a Porsche, because Porsche will only sell OEM parts to a Porsche- Certified shop Always Get An Estimate In Writing Any estimate should be in writing and free of charge. Ask the estimator to explain if you have questions. The shop should also examine the car indoors or in the shade away from direct sunlight to avoid missing any areas that might need repair. Look For Technicians’ Certifications These certifications are costly and time-consuming to receive; they typically will be displayed in a prominent place. Some industry certifications to look for include I-Car and... Read More

 Brace yourselves for another season of heart-pounding fear as Fright Nights: Seven Spectres, an immersive haunted experience put together by the Bay Arts Alliance, announces its second year. This highly anticipated event, taking place at the iconic Panama City Center for the Arts in Historic Downtown Panama City, promises an intensified and spine-tingling encounter in the lore of the enigmatic Raven Queen. For the past four years, the Raven Queen, created by Jayson Kretzer and brought to life by Misty Joy, has played an important role in the haunted experiences at the Center for the Arts. The character and her giant spider minion, Iktomi, have captivated imaginations and woven a web of suspense for the community. This year, Fright Nights will delve deeper into the lore surrounding the Raven Queen, promising a narrative that will immerse attendees into a world of magic, haunting secrets, and unparalleled horror. “This year’s story takes guests back in time to reveal the origin of the Raven Queen,” said Jayson Kretzer, Executive Director of Bay Arts Alliance. “We are so excited to share this next chapter and given what we learned last year, it’s going to be an even bigger and better experience this October.” Key Features of Fright Nights 2023: • More Opportunities & Shorter Wait Times: The haunt will be open for eight days this year starting on Friday the 13th in October and will be doing presale time slots only. This will help ensure that guests don’t have long wait times. •... Read More

 By Jamie C. Williamson, PhD, Amity Mediation Workshop People often ask me “What is the main reason people get divorced?” The short answer is simple – unhealthy communication patterns. The longer answer examines how these negative patterns begin and then evolve to become so toxic that they can (and often do) destroy a relationship. John Gottman refers to these negative interactions as the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness, and Stonewalling. The worst of these is contempt. (1) Criticism is best understood when compared to a complaint. Complaints address specific behaviors, while criticism attacks a person’s character or personality. Complaint: “I’m glad you’re home. But the last hour has been hard on me. I get scared when you’re running late and don’t let me know. Can we agree that we won’t do that to each other?” Criticism: “Well, you’re finally home…an hour late. You can’t even show me the courtesy you would show one of your customers if you were running late. You’re selfish, self-centered, and never think of me.” Don’t worry if this example seems familiar to you. A smattering of critical exchanges is common in marital relationships. But criticism does leave your partner feeling rejected and hurt, which easily leads to reciprocal negative responses and the possibility of increased frequency of criticism between you. And, if criticism becomes pervasive, it leads to other more toxic negative interactions. (2) Contempt is criticism on steroids. Contemptuous comments convey disgust and are truly mean. People who communicate with contempt... Read More

 The Friends of Camp Helen’s eighth Annual Pumpkin Patch is officially open! They will remain open daily from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. throughout October. On Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., the patch will also have various entertainment. “We are so excited to be hosting our eighth annual pumpkin patch and each year the community continues to wow us with their support and passion. We are looking toward a theme of focusing on the natural resources and wildlife inside Camp Helen State Park,” says Camp Helen’s executive director, Courtney Harper. This year, Saturdays in the Patch will feature Nature Day (wildlife crafts, interpretive programs, educational games), a fishing expo for kids, face painting, a haunted history tour, live music ( including Huck and Lily), food trucks, the second annual witches paddle, a movie night, and other games and crafts. Saturday events will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Gelato Love, a food truck serving up your frozen favorites, will also be in the patch on Saturdays and Sundays. Here are the dates to remember: – Stop by the park for a Haunted History Tour on Oct. 14, then stay to enjoy live music, crafts, and games – Huck and Lily take the stage on Saturday, Oct. 21. Don’t just come for the live music though – find face painting, crafts, and games to keep the kids entertained. – Camp Helen State Park finishes off the month on Oct. 27 with wildlife crafts, guided nature tours, and wildlife... Read More