Pink meanie jellyfish (Drymonema larsoni) are a unique species of jellyfish that have been observed in the Gulf of Mexico since 2000. With a bell diameter of up to 60 cm and a distinctive pink color, they are hard to miss. While they are not considered to be highly venomous, their short frilly appendages around the bell can cause mild stinging sensations or irritation if they come into contact with skin. In some cases, they have also been known to cause respiratory problems for people who have inhaled their stinging cells. If you’re planning a visit to the Gulf coast of Florida between Panama City and Destin, it’s important to stay informed about jellyfish sightings and take appropriate precautions to avoid coming into contact with them. When pink meanie jellyfish are present, it’s best to stay out of the water or wear protective clothing or swimwear. If you do get stung by a pink meanie jellyfish, you may experience a burning sensation, itching, or a prickly feeling. In some cases, the area around the sting may become red and swollen. If you experience any difficulty breathing or other severe symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Pink meanie jellyfish tend to be most common in the Gulf of Mexico during the summer months. While they are not considered to be as dangerous as some other types of jellyfish, they can still pose a risk to swimmers and beachgoers, especially if they are caught off guard or unaware of their presence. By... Read More

  “Visionary conductor/composer Steve Hackman allows us to “rethink how music is connected” SINFONIA GULF COAST PRESENTS BEETHOVEN V. COLDPLAY: A MERGING OF MUSICAL GIANTS, APRIL 29 DESTIN, FL (March 30, 2023) – Sinfonia Gulf Coast once again redefines the symphony experience with Beethoven V. Coldplay: A Merging of Musical Giants, on Saturday, April 29 at 7:30 p.m. at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. A merging of musical giants, Beethoven V. Coldplay pairs two composer/artists that deal with universal human themes in their respective music. Visionary conductor/composer Steve Hackman transforms Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony into an anthem, weaving the melodies and lyrics of contemporary rock band Coldplay into Beethoven’s score based on content and context. It is the Eroica Beethoven may have created had he known the music of Coldplay at the time. Awe-inspiring vocalists join Sinfonia Gulf Coast to perform interpolations of many of Coldplay’s most beloved songs, including Yellow, Viva La Vida, and The Scientist. “When you mash up Beethoven with something on the pop scene like Coldplay, it’s unexpected. This concert is a melding of interwoven musical notation with amazing vocalists that makes for a remarkable concert,” says Sinfonia Gulf Coast music & artistic director Demetrius Fuller. “It’s an incredible way to rethink how music is connected. Steve Hackman is a brilliant musician composer and arranger and this piece is totally unique, but also totally accessible.” A multi-hyphenate music powerhouse and visionary producer, Steve Hackman is a daring voice leading the change... Read More