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30a News May 10, 2023

Walton County Tourism Releases 2022 Annual Report

Walton County continues to thrive as a top-tier travel destination and tourism economy, according to the Walton County Tourism Department’s recently released 2022 Tourism Update. “We were blessed with another strong year in 2022, which is a testament to the hard work that our accommodations, restaurant, and business partners put in throughout the year,” says Matt Algarin, tourism director for the Walton County Tourism Department. “Walton County is an incredible destination and we’re proud that we can share it with our visitors, all while supporting our community through job creation and visitor spending.” The report underscores tourism as the number one economic driver in Walton County. More than 5.3 million visitors spent an average of $889 each day, amounting to a staggering $4.8 billion in direct spending alone. All of that added up to a $7.2 billion economic impact for the county in 2022. For Walton County residents, this visitor spending translated into an average of $2,109 in tax savings per household. It also supported more than 47,000 in tourism-related jobs. In fact, visitor spending accounted for 76 percent of all retail spending in Walton County. The tourism department is funded by what’s commonly referred to as a “bed tax.” In Walton County, a 5 percent bed tax is collected on all short-term rental stays of six months or less in accommodations south of Choctawhatchee Bay, as well as a 2 percent bed tax on short-term rentals north of the Bay. Walton County residents do not pay a bed tax... Read More

30a News May 10, 2023

Walton County Tourism Releases 2022 Annual Report

Walton County continues to thrive as a top-tier travel destination and tourism economy, according to the Walton County Tourism Department’s recently released 2022 Tourism Update. “We were blessed with another strong year in 2022, which is a testament to the hard work that our accommodations, restaurant, and business partners put in throughout the year,” says Matt Algarin, tourism director for the Walton County Tourism Department. “Walton County is an incredible destination and we’re proud that we can share it with our visitors, all while supporting our community through job creation and visitor spending.” The report underscores tourism as the number one economic driver in Walton County. More than 5.3 million visitors spent an average of $889 each day, amounting to a staggering $4.8 billion in direct spending alone. All of that added up to a $7.2 billion economic impact for the county in 2022. For Walton County residents, this visitor spending translated into an average of $2,109 in tax savings per household. It also supported more than 47,000 in tourism-related jobs. In fact, visitor spending accounted for 76 percent of all retail spending in Walton County. The tourism department is funded by what’s commonly referred to as a “bed tax.” In Walton County, a 5 percent bed tax is collected on all short-term rental stays of six months or less in accommodations south of Choctawhatchee Bay, as well as a 2 percent bed tax on short-term rentals north of the Bay. Walton County residents do not pay a bed tax... Read More
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30a News May 9, 2023

2023 Gulf Coast Jam Presented by Jim Beam Included in Morgan Wallen Festival Cancellations

­­­­Mandatory Vocal Rest Follows Vocal Fold Trauma Diagnosis As shared direct to fans moments ago, Morgan Wallen has reinjured his vocal cords following three shows this week and is now under mandatory vocal rest for six weeks. Per the diagnosis, he will not be performing at the 2023 Gulf Coast Jam Presented by Jim Beam. Superstars Miranda Lambert, Kane Brown, and HARDY are set to headline June 1-4, 2023, and a major announcement will be made shortly about who will be filling the June 3 slot. “Morgan was the first 2023 headliner we announced last year, and the anticipation to see his amazing show, along with HARDY, Miranda and Kane and the rest of our incredible lineup, was off the charts,” said Gulf Coast Jam Presented by Jim Beam Executive Producer Rendy Lovelady. “We’ve seen time and time again how brutal this business can be on the body, and our thoughts and prayers go out to Morgan for a full recovery.” HARDY, Breland, Dylan Marlowe and Them Dirty Roses are scheduled to perform on the opening night, Thursday, June 1, 2023. Friday will see Miranda Lambert, Justin Moore, Warren Zeiders, Shane Profitt and DOZZI on the massive main stage. Chase Rice, Ernest, Bailey Zimmerman and Lily Rose will perform on Saturday night. Kane Brown, Gabby Barrett, Dylan Scott, MacKenzie Porter, and Seaforth perform on Sunday. The winners of the Jim Beam Welcome Sessions will open each night of the Festival. “We are just as sad as everyone else, as our... Read More

30a News May 9, 2023

2023 Gulf Coast Jam Presented by Jim Beam Included in Morgan Wallen Festival Cancellations

­­­­Mandatory Vocal Rest Follows Vocal Fold Trauma Diagnosis As shared direct to fans moments ago, Morgan Wallen has reinjured his vocal cords following three shows this week and is now under mandatory vocal rest for six weeks. Per the diagnosis, he will not be performing at the 2023 Gulf Coast Jam Presented by Jim Beam. Superstars Miranda Lambert, Kane Brown, and HARDY are set to headline June 1-4, 2023, and a major announcement will be made shortly about who will be filling the June 3 slot. “Morgan was the first 2023 headliner we announced last year, and the anticipation to see his amazing show, along with HARDY, Miranda and Kane and the rest of our incredible lineup, was off the charts,” said Gulf Coast Jam Presented by Jim Beam Executive Producer Rendy Lovelady. “We’ve seen time and time again how brutal this business can be on the body, and our thoughts and prayers go out to Morgan for a full recovery.” HARDY, Breland, Dylan Marlowe and Them Dirty Roses are scheduled to perform on the opening night, Thursday, June 1, 2023. Friday will see Miranda Lambert, Justin Moore, Warren Zeiders, Shane Profitt and DOZZI on the massive main stage. Chase Rice, Ernest, Bailey Zimmerman and Lily Rose will perform on Saturday night. Kane Brown, Gabby Barrett, Dylan Scott, MacKenzie Porter, and Seaforth perform on Sunday. The winners of the Jim Beam Welcome Sessions will open each night of the Festival. “We are just as sad as everyone else, as our... Read More

30a News May 8, 2023

Things to do in Myakka River State Park in Sarasota

Vanessa Caceres If you’re staying in a vacation rental in the Bradenton Beach, Sarasota, or Siesta Key area, don’t forget to add Myakka River State Park to your vacation to-do list.This massive park is home to literally thousands of alligators, all waiting for their close up—from a safe distance, of course.Myakka River State Park is 58 square miles large and combines prairies with wetlands and pinelands. Running through the park is the Myakka River, perfect for boating, kayaking and fishing.Myakka River State Park was developed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and was one of eight state parks in Florida developed by the CCC. Previously, the land for the park was owned by Bertha Palmer, a businesswoman from Chicago who pursued cattle and pig ranching on the land.Fast forward to today, and one major draw for Myakka River State Park is the many, many alligators that call it home. When the weather is warm, you can see alligators swimming along in the river or sometimes sunning themselves not far from shore. Keep your distance, of course, and use the closeup function on your camera phone or a telephoto lens on a nice camera to snap some nice shots. During Sarasota’s busiest season, it’s not uncommon to find tourists speaking several different languages stopped in clumps to gaze at gators and snap pics to share with others. Another great way to learn about the park is with its boat and tram rides. The boats will take you out on... Read More