30a News

30a News June 13, 2023

Jonah Allen to Host Grand Opening of 30A Gallery

Local artist, Jonah Allen, is set to open his 30A gallery, located at 4771 E County Hwy 30A, Unit B101, with a grand opening celebration on Thursday, June 22 from 5-8 p.m. After opening his first studio in 2021, Allen knew he wanted to bring his work closer to the east end of 30A where he lives. The new space is 1,060 square feet and showcases 20 of Allen’s signature photographic works that focus on the dynamic relationship between water and light. Each piece is unique and offers a different perspective in order to challenge the viewer’s eye on how they look and perceive water. “Whether you appreciate abstract expressionism, contemporary realism, or intricate installations, I promise you will find something to inspire and ignite your imagination,” Allen said.” The grand opening celebration will give guests the exclusive opportunity to meet Allen and discover the stories behind his creations, gain insight into his creative process, and engage in conversation with the artist himself. Guests will indulge in heavy hors d’oeuvres by The Salty Butcher and Swiftly Catered, along with refreshments from local purveyors including Campesino Rum, Gulf Water Wines, Idyll Hounds Brewing Company, Palm Folly, and wine by Wild Olives throughout the evening. While exploring the space and viewing the various works, the gallery will be filled with music from DJ Dad and live décor by Clay 30A. Fifteen percent of all artwork sold during the grand opening will benefit the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA), an organization that is close... Read More

30a News June 12, 2023

Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation’s Second Annual Fundraising Event Raises $84,000

Sip and Splash: An Aquatic Affair presented by Tim Smith Acura The Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation (ECFF) is pleased to announce their Second Annual Sip and Splash: An Aquatic Affair, presented by Tim Smith Acura, raised $84,000. The charity event took place on Saturday, May 20 at the Taj Renee Community Aquatic Center, located at 4345 Commons Drive West in Destin, under the stars. For the second year, the pool facility, which usually hosts swim lessons and swim meets, was transformed into an elegant event space with whimsical balloon décor from Mingle, along with bistro twinkle lights, coastal place settings, and over-the-top florals from Showtime Events and Perfect Day Weddings. Over 250 guests were greeted upon arrival with complimentary valet, courtesy of 654 Limo, and a glass of prosecco from Gulf Water Wines before entering the event. The evening kicked off with a cocktail hour featuring hand rolled sushi by Camille’s at Crystal Beach’s Yoshie Eddings, live music by Al Alvarado, and a live painting by Maxine Orange sponsored by White Wilson Medical Center. Attendees also had the opportunity to explore the extensive silent auction and make their bids on a plethora of items including vacations in Colorado, Idaho, Alabama, and Okaloosa Island, along with jewelry, gift cards, gift baskets, artwork and much more. All funds raised through ticket sales, sponsorship, and the silent auction go directly back to the foundation to help fund the operation costs, upgrade equipment, and provide resources for the numerous aquatic programs at the three... Read More

30a News June 9, 2023

WCSO CAPTAIN GRADUATES FROM FBI NATIONAL ACADEMY CLASS 286

  WALTON COUNTY, Fla— A Walton County Sheriff’s Office Captain has graduated from the prestigious Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy in Virginia. Captain Dustin Cosson is now one of 54,366 law enforcement officers who have completed the FBI National Academy since its inception in 1935. The graduation took place at the National Academy in Quantico, Virginia on Thursday, June 8th in front of family and friends. Nationally, fewer than one percent of law enforcement officers have the chance to attend. Participation is by invitation only through a nomination process. Participants are drawn from every U.S. state and territories and partnering nations internationally. Known around the world for its academic excellence, the National Academy is a ten-week course offering advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training. Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend. Employed with the Sheriff’s Office since 2009, Captain Cosson has served in many capacities at the sheriff’s office including investigations, patrol, internal investigations, and as an active member of SWAT Team. While in various positions around the agency, the Walton County native has received numerous accolades including a Florida House of Representatives Commendation in July 2012, Deputy of the Quarter in July 2013 and August 2016, and Walton Area Chamber Young Professional of the Year in 2022. His latest promotion earned him the position of Captain of the Criminal Investigation Bureau and in just the past five years Cosson has completed The Walton Area Chamber Leadership Walton Class (2020), the Florida Department of... Read More

30a News June 9, 2023

FIREFIGHTERS KNOCK DOWN FIRE ENGULFING MOBILE HOME, SAVING NEARBY STRUCTURES

Firefighters knock down mobile home fire in the middle of the night, saving nearby homes. At 2:13 AM this morning, Walton County Fire Rescue, North Bay Fire Control District, and Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Florida responded to a home on Crestview Road in Villa Tasso following a 911 call reporting a structure fire. The caller stated they heard popping sounds and looked outside to see flames coming from a nearby home. It was unknown if anyone was inside the house. Firefighters and deputies arrived moments later to find a single-wide mobile home fully engulfed in flames. WCSO deputies began evacuating nearby homes and Walton County Fire Rescue conducted an initial search for anyone who may still be inside the house. Fortunately, no one was found. North Bay Fire District arrived shortly after and began assisting Walton County Fire Rescue in battling the blaze. Firefighters has the fire under control in about thirty minutes and were able to keep the flames from damaging nearby homes. After the fire was knocked down, a secondary search was conducted inside the damaged home. Unfortunately, during this search, a dog was found deceased in the home. The cause of the fire is unknown but is not believed to be suspicious in nature. Walton County Fire Rescue would like to thank North Bay Fire District for their assistance.   https://waltonso.org/news/feed/ Read More