[[{“value”:” By Lori Smith Our area’s hometown rodeo is back — and it’s more than just a night of bulls, broncs and barrel racing. The 7th Annual Westonwood Ranch Pro Rodeo returns March 27–28 at the Freeport Regional Sports Complex, bringing high-energy entertainment to the community while raising vital support for one of Walton County’s most meaningful nonprofit missions. Presented in partnership with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Freeport, the two-night event invites families from across the Emerald Coast to gather for live rodeo action, music, food vendors and kid-friendly fun — all while helping teens and young adults with developmental differences build brighter futures. Doors open at 6 p.m. each evening, with Professional Cowboy Association performances kicking off at 7:30 p.m. Fans can expect classic rodeo events including bareback bronc riding, steer wrestling, breakaway roping, ladies barrel racing, team roping and bull riding. Children’s activities, bounce houses and local vendors will add to the festive, family-focused atmosphere. Tickets are sold at the gate only, with proceeds directly supporting Westonwood Ranch programs that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our area and throughout Northwest Florida. More Than a Rodeo: The Heart Behind Westonwood Ranch While the rodeo has become a beloved local tradition, its true purpose goes far beyond the arena lights. Westonwood Ranch is a Freeport-based nonprofit dedicated to helping teens and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain life skills, job training and independence through hands-on, real-world experiences. Located on a... Read More

 [[{“value”:” By Allison McDowell, CBA For three decades, the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA) has worked at the intersection of science, education, and restoration to protect one of Northwest Florida’s most vital natural resources. Guided by data and powered by sustainable partnerships, CBA continues to advance meaningful, measurable conservation across the watershed. Restoration CBA’s restoration work in 2025 focused on strengthening natural systems that protect water quality and coastal resilience. • 140 vertical oyster gardens cultivated throughout the watershed • 200+ tons of recycled oyster shells collected and returned to local waters for habitat creation • 3.35 acres of salt marsh and oyster habitat restored • 600+ tons of limestone placed at higher-energy shoreline sites to reduce erosion and support • living shoreline development • Seagrass restoration lab initiated, with pilot plantings launched to expand submerged aquatic vegetation recovery efforts Monitoring & Research As a leader in environmental monitoring, CBA places science-based conservation at the forefront of protecting the Choctawhatchee Basin. In 2025, CBA added 8 new sites for a total of 145 active water quality monitoring sites across the watershed, continuing to provide essential field expertise and data support for environmental monitoring and research throughout the region. Working alongside university, county, state, and federal partners, CBA helped expand monitoring coverage, improve public access to data, and strengthen the scientific foundation for both coastal and freshwater protection. These collaborative efforts ensure that restoration and management decisions are guided by sound science and a long-term understanding of our waterways. Education & Outreach... 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. “For me, this milestone is really about gratitude,” Rauschkolb said. “I’m thankful... 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... Read More

 [[{“value”:” Farmers Markets Grand Blvd. Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Grayton Locals Market Thursdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Hibiscus Guest House Seaside Amphitheater Saturdays and Tuesdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Peddlers Pavilion Sundays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Rosemary Beach at North Barrett Square Sundays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. CVHN Soirée on the Bay March 13-14 Enjoy a lavish gathering with fine wine, food and spirits at Soiree On The Bay: Act V, an elevated weekend benefiting Children’s Volunteer Health Network honoring 20 incredible years of care, compassion, and community impact. This weekend is presented by the Dugas family and will take place on their stunning family estate overlooking the Choctawhatchee Bay in Santa Rosa Beach. Details and tickets at givebutter.com/c/SoireeontheBayACTV. Grayton Beach Spring Art Fest March 14  Shacks Art Grayton Beach invites fellow art-lovers to the Grayton Spring Art Show. Beginning at 10 a.m. The art show will be held at Shacks, extending across the street to 30a Local Real Estate. Extra parking will be available across the street in the shuttle lot. A day fun of FUN, the Grayton Spring Art Show will feature 100 + artists, kids crafts, live music, food & drinks. Mac & Cheese Festival at Destin Commons March 15 The 8th Annual Mac & Cheese Festival returns to Destin Commons for a delicious day celebrating everyone’s favorite comfort food. Enjoy unlimited samples from local favorites, family-friendly fun, and a lively festival atmosphere. All proceeds from this event will go to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast,... Read More

  The fun never stops in Panama City Beach with the abundance of activities to enjoy for visitors of all ages! Whether you are taking a day to yourselves without the kiddos or joining your best friends for a weekend in the sun, these activities are sure to keep the adult visitor busy (and the kid in   Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – A Bay County jury heard testimony Wednesday as the trial began for a Liberty County woman charged with driving under the influence and causing a deadly crash on Highway 98 in Panama City. In the early morning hours of July 5, 2024, Kourtney Hofheinz was driving westbound on Highway 98 […] Read More