September 14th from 4-6pm at 30Avenue location Blush Beauty Lounge’s new owner Meg Burns wants to celebrate all things beauty with a bash on September 14th from 4-6pm. Exciting giveaways, discounted services, exclusive product samples, light bites, sweets and organic wine, are all on tap for an afternoon which promises to be a blushing good time. “Having been a longtime Blush Beauty Lounge client, I was thrilled to step into the owner role when I purchased the 10-year old business in December, 2022. This community has been our family’s home for five years, and we were searching for a meaningful way to pour into it and its residents,” says Meg Burns, new owner. Burns is a self-proclaimed skincare fanatic and shines when educating other women about results-driven products that are helpful, not harmful for their skin. One of these products that Blush Beauty Lounge now carries is Eminence Organics skincare line, which guests can try at the party, with free product samples while supplies last. Blush Beauty Lounge now offers VIP memberships, featuring discounted prices for favorite services including hydrafacials, waxing, dermaplaning and more. Guests who purchase a membership at the Blush Beauty Bash will receive 20% off their first month membership, in addition to the already discounted prices. “I am passionate about positively encouraging and empowering women, and I want Blush Beauty Lounge to be a welcoming space to do that! From our product lines, services, and even our team… We want to honor the ‘Blush Woman’ who has... Read More

Essential School Supplies for Students in Need Step One Automotive Group, a leading automotive dealership network with locations across Florida, Alabama, and Georgia, proudly announces its successful participation in the community-led “Stuff the Bus” initiative. Focused on providing essential school supplies to students in low-income families, Step One Automotive Group transformed its various dealership locations into donation stations for the duration of the campaign. In a partnership with the United Way Emerald Coast and United Way of West Florida, Step One Automotive Group’s Florida dealerships mobilized efforts to provide crucial educational tools for students in Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa Counties. The initiative underscores the company’s belief that every student should have the necessary resources to excel in their academic pursuits, irrespective of their economic background. Similarly, in Alabama, Step One Automotive Group joined forces with Andalusia City School to extend its philanthropic reach, ensuring that more children had the materials needed for a successful educational experience. The company’s dealerships in Georgia also participated, partnering with the United Way of the Coastal Empire to support local students with the supplies essential for academic achievement. “We take immense pride in our commitment to community service, and this year, our ‘Stuff the Bus’ initiative has allowed us to make a profound impact on the lives of young learners in the areas we serve,” said Maureen Bierman of Step One Automotive Group. “We believe that contributing to the welfare of our future leaders is not just a responsibility but a privilege. Through our... Read More

Saltwater Restaurants Inc. is proud of its ongoing partnership with the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge. In a heartfelt collaboration, the organizations celebrated the release of a rehabilitated Blue Heron named “Bob” in honor of Robert “Bob” Bonezzi, founder of Saltwater Restaurants, Inc. The release event took place on Monday, August 21st, at the scenic Al’s Beach Club and Burger Bar at The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island. This partnership signifies Saltwater Restaurants Inc.’s commitment to the local environment, evident through their S.E.A. Initiative (Safety, Environment, Activities). To support the commendable efforts of the refuge, Saltwater Restaurants provided $10,000. This dedicated initiative aims to protect, preserve, and enhance the pristine beaches of the Emerald Coast. “The S.E.A. Initiative is at the heart of what we believe in,” said Nick Sarra, CEO of Saltwater Restaurants Inc. “We are not just about serving great food but also about safeguarding our environment and fostering community activities that families can cherish.” Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge has been a stalwart defender of the region’s wildlife, ensuring that animals like “Bob” receive the care and rehabilitation they need. The successful release of the Blue Heron stands as a testament to the dedication of the refuge staff and the collaborative efforts of community partners like Saltwater Restaurants. “The continued support we receive from the Saltwater Restaurants S.E.A. Initiative will help fund medications, habitat maintenance and professional veterinary care needed specifically for our local shore birds and marine mammals. Bob, the blue heron released today, named in memory of Bob... Read More

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) will usher in the fall 2023 cultural arts season with something new … and salty! The first-ever Salt Water Music Fest, presented by Salt Water Vacations and MKAF, brings Destin music lovers a sensational three-day music showcase celebration to raise funds and awareness for MKAF — Destin’s champion of the cultural arts for all. The two-day music festival is Thursday, Oct. 12, and Friday, Oct. 13 at MKAF’s Cultural Arts Village in Destin with a singer/songwriter brunch to follow on Sunday, Oct. 14 at Soleil in Destin. Grammy-winning pop songstress Macy Gray, best known for her international hit single I Try, headlines the inaugural Salt Water Music Festival on Thursday, Oct. 12. Joining this captivating, eclectic R&B talent on stage is her band, The California Jet Club performing hot tracks from her newest album, The Reset. The event will also feature an evening of five of Nashville’s hottest singer/songwriters including Ben Burgess, Jared Mullins, Jordan Minton, Jordan Reynolds, the Josh Mirenda Band along with headliner country music duo LOCASH. Music lovers can meet and greet many of the singer/songwriters during Brunch at Soleil on Saturday, Oct. 14. The event will include multiple food trucks, beverage bars, merchandise retail sales as well as artist meet & greets (for some ticket levels). Advance tickets are priced from $50 per person. General admission lawn seating and table seating will be available for individuals. Full tables (seating eight) are available starting from $750. VIP Tables are from $1,500 and... Read More

Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) presents Million Dollar Quartet September 15 – October 1, 2023. This performance explodes on stage with a monumental night of rock ‘n’ roll. Inspired by the most famous jam session in recording history, this smash-hit musical tells the story of legendary music icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins as they come together on December 4, 1956, at the famous Sun Studios. Million Dollar Quartet takes you behind the scenes and puts you in the middle of the action as these four musicians, who became legends, returned to the studio of legendary producer Sam Phillips, the man who invented Rock ’n’ Roll. It is equal parts stage drama and foot-tapping live performance featuring 21 timeless hits, including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “I Walk the Line,” “Fever,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “See Ya Later, Alligator,” “Fever,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and “Hound Dog,” this thrilling musical brings you inside the recording studio to experience an irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal, and celebrations. A3WKW5 ELVIS PRESLEY – Million Dollar quartet photo see description below for details Nathanael Fisher, co-founder and producing artistic director of ECTC says, “Million Dollar Quartet is the perfect show to start season 11. The music of these four legendary artists transcends generations. Whether you enjoy rock ‘n’ roll, blues, or country, this show is for you. It’s a truly timeless musical for anyone who loves music.” Director: Nathanael Fisher Assistant Director: Trenton... Read More