May 5th was a very memorable day for the Emerald Coasts Children’s Advocacy’s (ECCAC) Niceville Center. Not only did it mark the official re-opening after the almost 9-month restoration and renovation of the Center after it experienced fire and significant water damage, it was also the official re-naming and dedication of the Center to the Julie Sacco Porterfield Children’s Advocacy Center. Guests at the ceremonies met the ECCAC team, took tours if the newly restored Center and learned about the numerous programs and services offered to locally abused children and their families. Along with several guest speakers, students from the C.W. Ruckel Middle School Choir also entertained attendees just before the ribbon-cutting. Board president Janet Parker commented, “On behalf of the community, our Board, and the children and families we provide services to, we are so pleased to recognize Julie for the extraordinary leadership she has consistently shown over the past 24 years, both founding and running the non-profit’s Centers in both Okaloosa and Walton Counties.” Julie Sacco Porterfield is a special lady with a big heart when it comes to the well-being of children. She was at the forefront of this major undertaking and became the founding CEO of ECCAC. It started before the Niceville center became a reality when Porterfield undertook a grassroots community and governmental effort to establish ECCAC in 1999. A small 900 square foot office was opened in what was once a dry cleaners in Valparaiso. During the first few years of ECCAC’s beginning,... Read More

  Redd’s Bar, located in Blue Mountain Beach Florida is thrilled to announce their 10th anniversary will be on June 20th 2023 As with most of Redd’s signature events, fun dress ups are encouraged. This is no exception, with a Night of a Thousand Redd’s costume party. The event will feature Redd The Singing Bartender, who has become a local icon with signature curly red hair and spicy personality. Redd bartends while singing from a request list of over 400 songs. She does not claim to know all of them by heart, but can come close to most. Anyone that has visited Redd’s know about the “costume closet” containing hats, wigs, and dress up items, all put to good use for photo opportunities. Redds Bar has become a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike, with its laid-back atmosphere, good food, regular live music and friendly staff. The venue has launched many local artists, and has had Nashville favorites drop in for a jam or two. The eclectic menu all made to order from scratch has transformed this once “secret bar” into a “must visit” landmark on 30A. “I wanted to open a place that felt a little bit like home, said Redd, owner and The Singing Bartender. Honestly, that’s due to the wonderful guests, some of whom plan their annual vacation around visiting Redd’s. “This is incredible. The ten years have flown by, but the real thanks have to go to the amazing first time and return customers, and... Read More

  Main Street DeFuniak Springs, in partnership with Visit South Walton, is celebrating National Wine Day in style with its inaugural Wine Walk taking place Thursday, May 25 from 5 – 7 p.m.  Participants will receive a commemorative tasting glass to be reused at participating merchants and receive a raffle ticket for every $10 spent in merchant shops and restaurants. The raffle tickets will be entered in a drawing for a merchant gift basket valued at more than $500.   Read More