[[{“value”:” By Rev. Pete Hyde   He stands before a large, empty, stark white canvas with paints and brushes at the ready.  It is time to create.  With the skill of a master artist, he begins to paint.  He starts with a pure blue and brushes the top of the canvas.  He smiles as if gaining strength and inspiration from the first few brush strokes.  With a sense of mission, he changes brushes and colors and is now fully immersed in His task.  Hues of reds, yellows, oranges, browns and greens begin to fill the canvas with so much color it would take away the breath of all who would see.  Grays and browns and whites break the rainbow of colors and add contrast and a depth of beauty that only a master could portray. Across the azure blue, he sweeps strands of grey and white.  He steps back for a moment to look upon his creation.  It seems the painting goes on forever and flows off the edges of the canvas and fills his entire field of vision.  But something was missing.  Even though it was brilliant, it was just a lifeless canvas.  Yes, it was pretty and inspiring, but it was a flat picture.  Something else was needed. He raises His hand and speaks life into the canvas.  The grey strands of clouds streak across the pure, blue sky driven by a crisp north wind.  The reds, yellows, oranges, greens and browns come to life as the wind rustles... Read More

 [[{“value”:” Café Thirty-A’s Annual Christmas Charity Ball raised a record-breaking $90,905 for Caring and Sharing of South Walton. The holiday event held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, simultaneously celebrated the restaurant’s 30-year anniversary. Presented by honorary sponsors Coastal Luxury Real Estate, Earl Bacon Agency, Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A., and the Ellis Family, the sold-out event welcomed over 250 guests to the festively decorated restaurant, courtesy of Palms 30A. Attendees were greeted with complimentary valet parking, sponsored by All Access Coach and Leasing, and a glass of champagne, courtesy of Clear Title and Escrow. Inside, event goers enjoyed heavy hors d’oeuvres, a gourmet dinner buffet, cash bar sponsored by All Access Coaching and Leasing, and a variety of desserts courtesy of Haney Holloway, LLC. Sponsors and VIP attendees also received exclusive access to a pre-party event provided by The Watson Group. Throughout the night, guests had the opportunity to view and bid on various pieces of art, jewelry, gift baskets, and luxurious items featured in the extensive silent auction. There was also an Epic Photo Co. photo booth, courtesy of A BOHEME Design, along with music from DJ Casey, sponsored by Maranta Copy Co., who kept the Barlovento Dance Floor going all night long. Santa also made a surprise appearance at this year’s event, courtesy of Barnes Capital Group, and captured photos with guests, sponsored by Corcoran Reverie. New this year, an upstairs lounge, sponsored by Engel & Volkers 30A Beaches, offered guests extra space to relax and mingle. In honor... Read More

 [[{“value”:” How Bud & Alley’s grew from a surf-town dream into Seaside’s enduring gathering place By Zandra Wolfgram At Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant, the ritual is familiar. The sun lowers toward the Gulf, glasses are raised and a bell rings from above, marking another day shared. For 40 years, that simple moment has defined Bud & Alley’s — not just as a restaurant, but as a place where Seaside gathers. Founded by Dave Rauschkolb and Scott Witcoski, two 24-year-old surfing buddies with more enthusiasm than experience, Bud & Alley’s opened at a time when Seaside itself was just beginning to take shape. Few could have predicted that a casual beachfront restaurant in a town with barely a dozen houses would become one of Northwest Florida’s most enduring culinary landmarks. The name itself reflected the founders’ lighthearted approach. Witcoski named the restaurant after his cat, Alley, and Seaside founder Robert Davis’ dachshund, Bud — a playful beginning that hinted at the welcoming spirit to come. From the outset, Bud & Alley’s was designed to feel approachable, unpretentious and deeply rooted in its surroundings. As Seaside grew, Bud & Alley’s grew with it. What began as a simple Gulf-front restaurant evolved thoughtfully over time, helping pioneer the farm- and sea-to-table movement along Scenic Highway 30A while maintaining its relaxed, come-as-you-are feel. Fresh regional seafood, carefully sourced ingredients and consistent quality earned the restaurant a loyal following that now spans generations. 1 of 4 “For me, this milestone is really about gratitude,”... Read More

 [[{“value”:” Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love in all its forms: romantic, passionate, tender, and timeless. Few things capture those emotions quite like music. Over the years, certain songs have become synonymous with Valentine’s Day because of their heartfelt lyrics, unforgettable melodies, and emotional depth. Here are the top 10 Valentine’s Day songs and what makes each one truly special. “All of Me” – John Legend This modern classic is a raw and honest declaration of unconditional love. With simple piano accompaniment and deeply personal lyrics, “All of Me” resonates because it embraces imperfections and vulnerability, making it a favorite for weddings and Valentine’s playlists alike. “At Last” – Etta James Few songs capture the feeling of love finally fulfilled like “At Last.” Etta James’s powerful, soulful vocals paired with lush orchestration make this song a timeless anthem for enduring romance. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Elvis Presley This gentle ballad remains one of the most iconic love songs ever written. Its simple message—that love is inevitable, combined with Elvis’s warm delivery, gives it an innocence that continues to charm listeners across generations. “Thinking Out Loud” – Ed Sheeran Ed Sheeran’s promise of lifelong devotion has made this song a modern Valentine’s staple. Its lyrics imagine love that grows stronger with time, which resonates deeply with couples dreaming of a shared future. “My Heart Will Go On” – Celine Dion Forever linked to the film Titanic, this song is about love that transcends time and loss. Celine Dion’s soaring... 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 Thursday through Saturday. 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 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! Recharge your weekend at our live music brunch with the talented duo, Christon Birge Duo every Sunday at 12 p.m. for a delightful morning filled with delicious food, refreshing drinks, and engaging tunes. Have a mimosa or go all in with their famous Build Your Own Bloody Mary bar, then enjoy live music from The Pickled Pickers 5-8 p.m. 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... Read More

 [[{“value”:” By Jon Carroll My mother, who was born and raised in Florida, used to quip that no one lived here until air conditioning and mosquito control became prevalent.  Today, climate and pest control, along with beautiful beaches, a temperate climate and no state income tax, among other things, continue to draw new residents to Florida.  Perhaps you have just moved to the area from out of state, or maybe you are a visitor contemplating turning your vacation destination into your permanent home.  If you already have a trust or will from another state, or own property elsewhere, you should know how Florida law may affect your existing arrangements. A common question is whether your documents, created in another state, are still valid after you move.  The simple answer is yes.  Relocation from one state to another does not invalidate your will, trust, or power of attorney, but some issues could arise. For example, your trust likely contains a “governing law” clause that determines which state’s law controls the trust’s validity, interpretation, and administration.  However, if there is no longer any real connection to the original state, a court could decide that Florida is now the primary place of administration and apply Florida law to administrative issues despite an out-of-state governing law clause. One area where an out-of-state trust or will is often affected by Florida’s laws is with regard to homestead property.  Florida has very strong homestead protections, and our laws reflect a strong public policy in favor of... Read More

 [[{“value”:” By Danica LaFaire, FISH Window Cleaning How a favorite color, a family-first decision, and a belief in opportunity built Fish Window Cleaning. If you’ve lived here long enough, you’ve probably seen it. A red bucket on the sidewalk. A red truck parked just off the curb. A team quietly at work, making something clearer. What you may not have wondered is why red. At Fish Window Cleaning, the color isn’t a marketing decision or a branding exercise. It’s something far simpler — and far more meaningful. Red is Linda’s favorite color — Linda Merrick, Mike’s wife and partner in the earliest days of the business. In 1978, after being unexpectedly laid off from his job in banking, Mike Merrick found himself at a crossroads familiar to many families: start over, or stand still. With a future suddenly uncertain, Mike chose to buy a small window-cleaning route from a local cleaner — about 100 accounts, no fanfare, and no guarantees. What he did have was work ethic, faith, and the quiet confidence of someone who believed he could build something better. Linda believed it too. She has spoken openly about knowing Mike was a hard worker — someone with initiative, discipline, and the willingness to grow a business through effort and persistence. That shared belief became the foundation on which Fish was built. When it came time to name the business and decide how it would show up in the world, Mike and Linda made that decision together. They chose... Read More

 [[{“value”:” The Rotary Club of Destin invites local nonprofit organizations to apply for grant funding as part of its ongoing mission to create positive change and strengthen the local community. As a service organization made up of professional men and women, the Rotary Club of Destin is committed to humanitarian service, high ethical standards, and fostering peace and goodwill both locally and globally. Through annual fundraisers — including the popular Cajun Crawfish Bash — the club raises funds to reinvest directly into programs and initiatives that align with its priority areas and community needs. “This grant opportunity is about more than funding,” the Rotary Club of Destin President Bekah Wagner said. “It’s an opportunity to partner with organizations doing meaningful work and to expand our collective impact by working together to address critical issues in our community.” Grant applications will be reviewed based on criteria established by the Rotary Club of Destin Board of Directors. Eligible organizations are encouraged to apply and share how their programs support and strengthen the local community. The application deadline is Feb. 13, 2026. For eligibility requirements and to apply, visit: https://forms.gle/NDyc7DCeMy4jkmjR7 The Rotary Club of Destin represents over 55 businessmen and women who are committed to “Service Above Self” and whose mission is to positively change lives through service…across the street and around the world, with emphasis on eradicating hunger and supporting education in our community and internationally. The Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at 7:15 a.m. at Regatta Bay Golf & Country Club.... Read More

 [[{“value”:” Walton County School District ranks No. 2 in the state of Florida for graduation rate, posting a 97.5% graduation rate – just 0.1 percentage points behind the No. 1 district statewide. The district also saw a 0.1% increase over last year’s graduation data. While the numbers are impressive, they matter most because of what they represent: students completing high school prepared for what comes next. Walton County graduates are stepping confidently into college, technical programs, military service and the workforce with the skills, certifications and experiences needed to succeed. This success is the result of intentional planning, strong instruction and a districtwide commitment to student outcomes. The district also celebrates school counselors this month and their pivotal role in guiding students’ paths toward a diploma. Though February is the shortest month on the calendar, it is busy with celebrations and recognitions: Black History Month Career and Technical Education Month National School Counseling Week (Feb. 2–7) National FBLA Week (Future Business Leaders of America) (Feb. 2–7) School Resource Officer Appreciation Day National FFA Week (Future Farmers of America) (Feb. 15–22) Walton County School District is committed to Preparing the Whole Child for a Life of Success, ensuring that no matter the goal, students are ready to take the next step after receiving their diploma. During the 2023–24 school year, WCSD students earned more than 2,500 industry certifications. Student safety remains the district’s top priority. Walton County School District is grateful for its partnership with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office and... Read More