[[{“value”:” By Sean Dietrich I was 15 years old. I walked into the rural library. My father was freshly dead. I was a middle-school dropout. We were poor. It was Christmastime. The small, public library was decorated for the holiday season. There was plastic holiday crapola everywhere. It was cold outside. I had no winter coat. I stepped into the library with a blast of sleet and rain. I was wearing a T-shirt. My hair was soaked. “Where’s your coat?” said the librarian. “I don’t have one.” “You don’t have a coat!? It’s 30 degrees outside!” Shrug. The librarian’s name was Miss Terry. She was old enough to predate the Roosevelt administration. Her hair was cotton white. Her shoes were Reeboks. Her embroidered sweatshirt read: “Dear Santa, I can explain.” The library was a converted residential house. And I was a regular here. “You can’t go around without a coat,” Miss Terry said. “You’ll freeze.” Shrug Number Two. I wandered to the fiction section. Fiction was all I was interested in. I read fiction each morning, afternoon, and night. It was escapism, I see that now. And I was a classic escapist. But then, there were very few happy things in my life. Who wouldn’t want to escape? That day, I checked out two Louis L’Amour books, a few Dick Francis novels. When I brought my selection up to the counter, Miss Terry just looked at me with warm eyes. “I have a book I want you to read,” she... Read More

 [[{“value”:” By Kirk McCarley The Dictionary.com word of the year for 2025 was actually comprised of numbers rather than letters.  One might ask, “Should numbers even qualify?,” but apparently, from the perspective of the leading online dictionary and reference website, it passed the standard. So, what is “6-7?” Pronounced “six seven” it is an internet meme and slang term that emerged this year on Tik Tok and Instagram Reels.  It stemmed from lyrics in a song by rapper Skrilla, with a backdrop of “tall” NBA players in the music video. The meaning of the term is subject to conjecture; it can arguably coincide with multiple interpretations, including the most non-committal of all elucidations: “whatever.” Hearing the term transported me back to my freshman year in college and an appealing course alternative entitled “Theater of the Absurd,” a study of a series of unusual and provocative plays including classics such as “Our Town” and “Waiting for Godot.”  Tossed into the mix was a 1942 product by Thornton Wilder, “The Skin of Our Teeth,” which envisioned a very cold future earth on the precipice of a new ice age.  It was so cold in fact that “dogs are sticking to the sidewalks” and so chaotic and confused that the “world is at sixes and sevens.” With so many varieties of interpretation and juxtaposition, is it no wonder that we live in a state of consistent misunderstanding?  Where is that place where we find a common language with others?  How might we make... Read More

 [[{“value”:” Beignets & Brew, the Florida-based café renowned for its made-to-order New Orleans-style beignets and specialty coffee creations, has officially opened its second Sweet Spot in Santa Rosa Beach, welcoming the community to even more sweetness and connection. Beignets & Brew Grayton Beach soft-opened on Thursday, November 13, and hosted its grand opening celebration on Saturday, November 15, quickly becoming a local favorite for sweet treats and specialty coffee. The café is led by franchise partners Chris and Shannon Kramolis, marking Chris’s second Sweet Spot with Beignets & Brew. “As a local, it’s incredibly exciting to bring Beignets & Brew to Grayton Beach and share a little sweetness with our community,” said Chris Kramolis. “We’re thrilled to welcome neighbors, friends, and visitors into a place where everyone can find their sweet spot!” The café offers fresh, made-to-order beignets, specialty coffee creations, and a cozy, Instagram-worthy space where guests can gather, relax, and enjoy sweet moments together. It’s the perfect place to catch up with friends, treat yourself, or simply savor a little sweetness any time of day. Beignets & Brew Grayton Beach continues the brand’s mission to create spaces for connection, comfort, and sweetness in every visit. The post Beignets & Brew Grayton Beach: Spreading Sweetness to Grayton Beach appeared first on South Walton Life | 30A News, Events and Community Information. “}]]  South Walton Life | 30A News, Events and Community Information  Read More

 [[{“value”:” A winter student music recital holds a kind of magic that sets it apart from any other performance of the year. As the season brings a sense of reflection, celebration, and togetherness, these recitals become more than just musical showcases; they transform into heartfelt gatherings that highlight growth, creativity, and community spirit. One of the most special aspects of a winter recital is its timing. Occurring near the end of the calendar year, it serves as a meaningful milestone for students. Months of practice, perseverance, and learning culminate in a single evening where they can share their progress with family and friends. The cozy, festive atmosphere of winter enhances this moment of accomplishment. Decorations, soft lighting, and even a touch of holiday music add to the warmth and wonder, creating a setting where both performers and audiences feel connected and inspired. The music itself often takes on a distinct character during winter recitals. Seasonal pieces, whether traditional carols, classical works, or modern songs with wintry themes, help capture the mood of the season. Performing these familiar melodies invites audiences to participate emotionally, often evoking nostalgia and joy. For many students, it’s also an opportunity to explore different genres and styles, broadening their musical horizons while celebrating the diversity of seasonal traditions. Equally important is the sense of community that blossoms at a winter recital. Parents, teachers, and fellow students gather not only to listen, but to encourage and celebrate each other. Younger students look up to older performers, finding... Read More

 [[{“value”:” Holiday Pops Spectacular, Toast ’n Jam: Broadway Holiday the “Calla-way,” and the Sinfonia Youth Orchestra Winter Concert highlight the 20th anniversary season Sinfonia Gulf Coast continues to celebrate its 20th anniversary season with festive performances that promise to fill the holidays with harmony, heart, and community spirit. From a glamorous Broadway brunch to a full orchestral spectacular and a showcase of young talent, these concerts capture the joy of the season and the magic of live music. Get in the holiday spirit Saturday, Dec. 13, at 7:30 p.m. at the Destin–Fort Walton Beach Convention Center with the Holiday Pops Spectacular! This beloved annual community tradition features the full Sinfonia Gulf Coast orchestra, talented vocalists, and a lineup of holiday favorites ranging from timeless classics like Winter Wonderland and It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas to contemporary hits such as Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home) and Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You. The concert also features spirited performances by Studio6 Twenty5, the Holiday Chamber Chorus, and other surprise guests. Tickets range from $40 to $75 and are available through the box office or online. 1 of 5 Rounding out the holiday celebrations is the annual Sinfonia Youth Orchestra Winter Concert on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 5 p.m. at Fort Walton Beach High School. This free community event showcases all ensembles of the Sinfonia Youth Orchestra—including Sinfonietta Strings, Intermediate Strings, Symphonic Orchestra, and the After School Beginning Strings students—from Okaloosa and Walton counties. Each year, this... Read More

 [[{“value”:” Old Florida Fish House Weekdays For over a decade, Old Florida Fish House has proudly featured local live music. Catch artists playing inside the coveted bar and lounge area as well as in the large outdoor dining space situated among the palm and oak trees under the twinkling lights next to Eastern Lake throughout the week. Dueling pianos are every Thursday. Don’t miss: Christmas Carolers Dec. 20, 4:30-7:30 p.m. Visit www.oldfloridafishhouse.com for more info. FOOW Live Music Fridays and Sunday Brunch  Enjoy live music on Friday nights, as well as Sundays for Brunch, featuring bottomless mimosas at FOOW – Fish Out of Water. The Gulf-front restaurant invites you to enjoy delicious dining paired with live music. Visit foow30a.com. AJ’s Grayton Brunch and Live Music AJ’s is the place to be to celebrate all things Sunday Funday in Grayton Beach! Come for brunch starting at 11 a.m., and stay for the live music and dancing. Have a mimosa or go all in with their famous Build Your Own Bloody Mary bar. Join in the fun on Karaoke Night starting at 8 p.m. every Thursday night (also Prime Rib Night). Check ajsgrayton.com for live music throughout the week. Shunk Gulley Shunk Gulley is a premier location on 30A for live music, bringing in artists from around the Gulf coast and beyond. Whether you just want to relax to indie guitar players or upbeat party songs, the talented musicians know the vibe of the area. Visit www.shunkgulley.com. Red Fish Taco Live music... Read More

 [[{“value”:” Skip the Shipping Stress: 20+ Thoughtful Finds Discovered Right Here on the Emerald Coast. By Danica LaFaire, Fish Window Cleaning  The holidays always seem to move faster than we do. One minute we’re planning ahead, and the next we’re thinking, “Wait… I still need a gift.” The good news? Some of the most meaningful last-minute gifts aren’t ordered online — they’re discovered right here at home. When we shop local, we invest in the Emerald Coast, support families, and strengthen the small businesses that give our communities their personality and heart. At Fish Window Cleaning, we have the unique perspective of seeing the Emerald Coast community and its vibrant businesses up close every day. It’s honestly the best part of the job! We love being part of a community filled with incredible local shops and creators. Here are just a handful of places that make last-minute gifting both easy and genuinely enjoyable. Jewelry, Boutiques & Apparel Klara Haloho — Destin: Known for her signature freshwater pearls and simple, elegant designs, Klara’s pieces feel timeless and meaningful. Kiss the Sky Boutique — Destin: A lively, uplifting boutique full of colorful apparel, accessories, and personality-filled finds. A Christmas to Remember — Destin: A seasonal wonderland of ornaments, décor, and festive treasures — perfect for sentimental gifts. Ophelia Swimwear — Sandestin: A beautifully curated swim and resort wear boutique for the beach lover or traveler in your life. Path of Grace Thrift Store & Boutique — Miramar Beach: A thrift boutique with... Read More