By Kalli Abernathy Embrace Florida Kids, a nonprofit faith-based organization dedicated to providing homes, healing and hope for vulnerable children and families across the Florida Panhandle, hosts its first-ever “A Walk Down Magnolia Lane” on Wednesday, April 10 at 5 p.m. Presented by Shoreline Title, the evening celebrates the world’s greatest golf tournament and benefits vulnerable children in Northwest Florida. Hosted at the Emerald Coast’s award-winning Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club, the event features a tournament-themed menu, golf-related activities with top-tier prizes for the winners, signature cocktails, outstanding company and music by Jacob Mohr. “There is a tremendous need in Northwest Florida for the services we provide for vulnerable children and families,” said Blake Horne, Ph.D., president and CEO, Embrace Florida Kids. “From group homes and foster homes to services like family preservation and crisis prevention, events like A Walk Down Magnolia Lane help close a critical gap by directly supporting our efforts to provide homes, healing and hope.” Embrace Florida Kids has been operating in Northwest Florida since 1974 and is built on a 134-year foundation of caring for kids. What started as an orphanage in Summerfield, Alabama, in 1890 has grown into two dedicated organizations – Embrace Florida Kids and Embrace Alabama Kids – that serve thousands of children and families across two states. The organization meets kids experiencing neglect, abuse and abandonment where they are and provides them with an individualized support system to help them flourish. The two branches of the organization are administratively connected... Read More

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate fiesta experience as the 11th Annual Tequila & Taco Fest returns for another unforgettable celebration of Tequila Love! Established as the second longest running Tequila & Taco Fest in the U.S., Tequila & Taco Fest promises an unparalleled culinary adventure coupled with live music, family-friendly activities and thrilling competitions. Spanning across three exciting days from May 10th to May 12th, Tequila & Taco Fest offers a diverse array of attractions to delight attendees of all ages. Kick-off Party: The festivities commence with the electrifying Brews, Blues & BBQ Kick-off Party on Friday, May 10th, hosted by Sandestin® Beer, Buffalo Chip Bourbon and Black Sheep Tequila (voted the best tequila in the world) at the popular Marina Bar in Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort® at the Baytowne Marina overlooking the Choctawhatchee Bay. Revelers can dive headfirst into the festive spirit, live blues music, tantalizing BBQ, and an array of refreshing brews. This weekend isn’t always about Tacos! Main Event: Taco Extravaganza unfolds on Saturday, May 11th, at the iconic Village of Baytowne Wharf, transforming the picturesque locale into a taco lover’s paradise. With an impressive lineup on Saturday, May 11th from 1 to 4 p.m., the main event takes center stage. With 25 plus taco vendors competing for the esteemed title of “Best Taco in Northwest Florida” and a grand prize of $2,500 for first place, attendees are in for a culinary delight. The festival will also host Best Margarita Competition, vying for the coveted title and bragging rights. Aficionados... Read More

Thursday, April 11th – Sunday, April 14th | Friday 5-8 p.m. and Saturday 1-4 p.m. | The Village of Baytowne Wharf The 37th Annual Sandestin Wine Festival, voted “Best Event” by Visit South Walton and known as the “Kentucky Derby of Wine Festivals,” will run Thursday, April 11, through Sunday, April 14th at The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin. The main events, the Grand Wine Tastings, Friday, 5-8 p.m., and Saturday, 1-4 p.m., showcase more than 500 domestic and international wines throughout the weekend. Patrons will have the opportunity to talk to vineyard owners and wine makers about their favorite appellations in all varieties, styles and price ranges, and perhaps try something new. A gourmet experience, courtesy of some of the best chefs on the Emerald Coast from popular local restaurants, will pair delectable bite-sized appetizers with their current glass selections – the Savor South Walton experience. A festival favorite, the Bubbly & Boozy tent, returns to the Grand Sandestin Lawn, featuring bubbles and specialty liquors. Local and regional music also set the vibe for fun days of discovery. All ranges of knowledge are encouraged to attend – wine novices to aficionados alike. Festival goers can taste wines from a comprehensive selection from all major producing countries in all varieties, styles and price ranges. Ticket holders also receive a beautiful Riedel glass etched to commemorate each year’s event for their tastings. Presented by Hotel Effie and Spa Lilliana, a featured event, Seas The Day on Saturday, April 13 from... Read More

Walton County is widely regarded and celebrated for its 26 miles of sugar-white sand paired with incredible turquoise waters. It’s truly a breathtaking sight and the reason that many of our residents were attracted here. Our beaches are what draws visitors here as well, generating an economic impact of more than $6 billion annually and supporting more than 40,000 jobs for our residents. Tourism is the No. 1 economic driver in Walton County. Historically, Walton County has had a mix of public and private beaches. What does that look like today? In many ways, it looks the same. There are still portions of beach that remain private (think of our resort areas like Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach or Seaside) and there are condos, single-family homes and other developments that have deeded access to portions of beachfront. With spring break upon us and the summer beach season rapidly approaching, it’s important to acknowledge there have been some changes along the beach. The most important change from a private beach standpoint is the ability for the public to now have access to beachfront that was inaccessible in many areas. Based on the county’s settlement agreement, the public now has access to the area 20 feet landward of the wet-dry shoreline – known as the transitory zone – for walking, running, jogging and entry into the water for swimming and other activities. This only applies to beachfront parcels that were part of the county’s customary use settlement agreement and summary judgment. The map... Read More