30A Breaking News

 [[{“value”:” By Andrea Allen Tucked away in Inlet Beach, just minutes from the Gulf’s white sand and rolling surf, a quiet kind of magic is happening inside the home of local weaver Kathy Schwietz. What looks like an ordinary home from the outside opens into a workshop alive with color, texture, and rhythm—home to three looms and nearly five decades of craftsmanship. Kathy has been weaving for 49 years, mastering the art of turning raw fiber into functional beauty. Her process begins long before a loom is ever dressed. She hand-dyes much of her own thread, carefully blending colors inspired by the coastal world around her—sea glass blues, sandy neutrals, and the warm tones of sunset over the water. Once at the loom, time seems to disappear. With old-time rock and roll playing in the background, Kathy often gets lost in the steady rhythm of weaving, the repetitive motion becoming both focus and meditation. Hours can pass before she realizes it, as fabric slowly takes shape beneath her hands. From these looms emerge a collection of handwoven textiles, including cozy blankets, absorbent towels, and elegant table runners, all designed to be both aesthetically pleasing and practical. Each piece is uniquely crafted, showcasing subtle variations that highlight the human touch—an element that mass production cannot replicate. Kathy particularly enjoys weaving blankets. She sources her cotton from the southern United States, which is spun into yarn in Asheville, NC. This cotton is specially processed for handweavers, in contrast to commercial standards, resulting... Read More

 [[{“value”:” The Person Behind the Music, the Moments, and the Magic By Lori Smith I’ll admit it — when I first sat down to write this, I smiled. Once upon a time, before publishing deadlines and page counts, I was a DJ myself. I know the rush of reading a room, the quiet pressure of timing it just right, the invisible responsibility of holding a moment in your hands and not dropping it. So, when I say that Zoran Subotich gets it, I mean that in the deepest, most professional, been-there way. For more than 30 years, Zoran has been the steady heartbeat behind thousands of celebrations across the Emerald Coast — from barefoot beach weddings on 30A and Destin to elegant military galas, mitzvahs, milestone birthdays and reunions that people still talk about a decade later. Four counties. Thousands of events. And somehow — no missed cues, no awkward silences, no stressed brides. That doesn’t happen by accident. Zoran doesn’t just plan parties. He engineers memories. Through his company, Celebrations By The Sea, Zoran offers a truly full-service approach — the kind that allows couples and families to relax and stay present in the moment while he quietly handles the flow behind the scenes. His services include: DJ and professional emcee services Full event planning and coordination Licensed wedding and event officiating Ceremony and reception direction Lighting and atmosphere design Timeline creation and flow management Multilingual hosting and announcements All of it is tailored. All of it intentional. And... Read More