30A Breaking News

General News June 12, 2023

Introducing: Panama City Ballet

Panama City Beach Chamber Introduction Panama City Ballet is a new 501c3 non-profit organization created for one reason, to bring the holiday classic, The Nutcracker, to our community using our very own local talent. There are 10 area dance studios on board to participate, bringing the dance community together like never before! We are determined to help revitalize the arts in our community in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael. After five years of concentrating on building back our housing and our jobs, it is now time to focus on our children and give them back the artistic outlets that have been sorely missing in their development and education. If you are not in the arts, you may not realize that we artists literally have no theatre for performances, on the city side or the beach side. The Civic Center remains extensively damaged. The Martin Theatre has been gutted with only the marquis renovated. Everyone that is looking for a performance venue is vying for the use of the high school auditoriums, which were never built for full-length professional ballet performances. Many of these facilities are beautiful, but they were rightfully meant for their school’s use. This makes scheduling a performance at these facilities much more difficult. But not only that, the rates they are charging are nearly out of reach for a new budding non-profit. We believe that we can come together as a community and make the changes we desperately need to build back the arts in our... Read More

General News June 12, 2023

Bay Buzz June 2023

Grady Brown Park Grand Opening Ceremony The Walton County Board of County Commissioners will host a Grand Reopening Ceremony for Grady Brown Park on Monday, May 1, at 10 a.m. Visitors to the park will find a larger beach area, a new, extended retaining wall, an 80-foot lit flagpole and well-defined navigation for vessels, among other improvements. Walton High School’s Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps members will raise the new, 20-by-30-foot American flag to commemorate the reopening. Grady Brown Park is located on the north side of the Choctawhatchee Bay at the Clyde B. Wells Bridge, 20940 US Highway 331 S, Freeport. For more information, contact Public Information at (850) 892-8155 or pio@co.walton.fl.us. Foundation Pledges More Than $45,000 in Support for PAWS To kick off its third year of partnership with the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society, Bit-Wizards’ Be the Magic Foundation (BTMF) is doubling down on its support. On Saturday, April 29, BTMF presented PAWS Executive Director Ashley Degraaf a check for $20,000 and spent the afternoon volunteering on site. In addition to the cash donation and more than 40 hours of Wizard volunteer time, PAWS will receive $20,000 in hardware and skill-based services. PAWS recently launched the Kennels for Canines project to improve the lives of the pets in their care through a Kennel Rebuild Initiative. Various parts of the kennel are up for sponsorship. BTMF pledged to support the rebuilding of an entire wing for the facility. Along with the new wing donation, Bit-Wizards’ Managed... Read More

Real Estate June 12, 2023

Designer Coastal Retreat in WaterColor

668 E Royal Fern Way A designer coastal retreat in WaterColor’s prestigious Phase IV outfitted with the best of everything – finishes, features, and community location. This 6 bedroom, 7.5 bathroom property with 5,460 square feet of living space is situated on one of the largest lots in this phase and adjacent to a nature preserve complete with a scenic pond which give the outdoor spaces a sense of privacy rarely found. The 5 bedroom, 6.5 bathroom primary home offers an elevator and an incredible outdoor living area with private pool and spa while the 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom carriage home is located over a detached two-car garage. Enter into an expansive great room with wire brushed oak flooring, shiplap walls, abundant natural light, and a gas fireplace. The stunning kitchen offers Sub-Zero and Wolf premium appliances including a wine refrigerator, quartz countertops, a large island with ample seating, and custom cabinetry. This space opens to a screened dining porch overlooking the pool and leads to outdoor spaces both covered and open that effortlessly merge indoor and outdoor living. Highlights include the large 15′ x 28′ swimming pool with spa, summer kitchen with green egg cooker, and a covered outdoor lounge area with fireplace and tv. Upstairs, find not one but two elegant master suites, two guest bedrooms, and a bunk room with four built-in bunks. The cozy carriage home features a kitchenette, a full bathroom, and a private balcony. Additional notable home features include two instant tankless hot water... Read More

General News June 12, 2023

Bay Buzz June 2023

Grady Brown Park Grand Opening Ceremony The Walton County Board of County Commissioners will host a Grand Reopening Ceremony for Grady Brown Park on Monday, May 1, at 10 a.m. Visitors to the park will find a larger beach area, a new, extended retaining wall, an 80-foot lit flagpole and well-defined navigation for vessels, among other improvements. Walton High School’s Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps members will raise the new, 20-by-30-foot American flag to commemorate the reopening. Grady Brown Park is located on the north side of the Choctawhatchee Bay at the Clyde B. Wells Bridge, 20940 US Highway 331 S, Freeport. For more information, contact Public Information at (850) 892-8155 or pio@co.walton.fl.us. Foundation Pledges More Than $45,000 in Support for PAWS To kick off its third year of partnership with the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society, Bit-Wizards’ Be the Magic Foundation (BTMF) is doubling down on its support. On Saturday, April 29, BTMF presented PAWS Executive Director Ashley Degraaf a check for $20,000 and spent the afternoon volunteering on site. In addition to the cash donation and more than 40 hours of Wizard volunteer time, PAWS will receive $20,000 in hardware and skill-based services. PAWS recently launched the Kennels for Canines project to improve the lives of the pets in their care through a Kennel Rebuild Initiative. Various parts of the kennel are up for sponsorship. BTMF pledged to support the rebuilding of an entire wing for the facility. Along with the new wing donation, Bit-Wizards’ Managed... Read More

General News June 12, 2023

Bay Buzz June 2023

Grady Brown Park Grand Opening Ceremony The Walton County Board of County Commissioners will host a Grand Reopening Ceremony for Grady Brown Park on Monday, May 1, at 10 a.m. Visitors to the park will find a larger beach area, a new, extended retaining wall, an 80-foot lit flagpole and well-defined navigation for vessels, among other improvements. Walton High School’s Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps members will raise the new, 20-by-30-foot American flag to commemorate the reopening. Grady Brown Park is located on the north side of the Choctawhatchee Bay at the Clyde B. Wells Bridge, 20940 US Highway 331 S, Freeport. For more information, contact Public Information at (850) 892-8155 or pio@co.walton.fl.us. Foundation Pledges More Than $45,000 in Support for PAWS To kick off its third year of partnership with the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society, Bit-Wizards’ Be the Magic Foundation (BTMF) is doubling down on its support. On Saturday, April 29, BTMF presented PAWS Executive Director Ashley Degraaf a check for $20,000 and spent the afternoon volunteering on site. In addition to the cash donation and more than 40 hours of Wizard volunteer time, PAWS will receive $20,000 in hardware and skill-based services. PAWS recently launched the Kennels for Canines project to improve the lives of the pets in their care through a Kennel Rebuild Initiative. Various parts of the kennel are up for sponsorship. BTMF pledged to support the rebuilding of an entire wing for the facility. Along with the new wing donation, Bit-Wizards’ Managed... Read More

30a News June 12, 2023

Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation’s Second Annual Fundraising Event Raises $84,000

Sip and Splash: An Aquatic Affair presented by Tim Smith Acura The Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation (ECFF) is pleased to announce their Second Annual Sip and Splash: An Aquatic Affair, presented by Tim Smith Acura, raised $84,000. The charity event took place on Saturday, May 20 at the Taj Renee Community Aquatic Center, located at 4345 Commons Drive West in Destin, under the stars. For the second year, the pool facility, which usually hosts swim lessons and swim meets, was transformed into an elegant event space with whimsical balloon décor from Mingle, along with bistro twinkle lights, coastal place settings, and over-the-top florals from Showtime Events and Perfect Day Weddings. Over 250 guests were greeted upon arrival with complimentary valet, courtesy of 654 Limo, and a glass of prosecco from Gulf Water Wines before entering the event. The evening kicked off with a cocktail hour featuring hand rolled sushi by Camille’s at Crystal Beach’s Yoshie Eddings, live music by Al Alvarado, and a live painting by Maxine Orange sponsored by White Wilson Medical Center. Attendees also had the opportunity to explore the extensive silent auction and make their bids on a plethora of items including vacations in Colorado, Idaho, Alabama, and Okaloosa Island, along with jewelry, gift cards, gift baskets, artwork and much more. All funds raised through ticket sales, sponsorship, and the silent auction go directly back to the foundation to help fund the operation costs, upgrade equipment, and provide resources for the numerous aquatic programs at the three... Read More

Real Estate June 12, 2023

A True Beachside Oasis in Panama City Beach

8315 Surf Drive Soul Surfer is a luxury beachfront vacation home featuring eight bedrooms that comfortably sleeps up to 24 guests. This home has been luxuriously appointed to offer a true beachside oasis! If you’ve ever pictured yourself lounging directly on the Emerald Coast, saying farewell to the sunset on your poolside bed swing, eating dinner while listening to the waves roll in, or gaming all night in your private garage-game room – CONGRATS, you found your dream vacation home at Soul Surfer. The first floor features a relaxing beachside retreat complete with your very own 12×17 private outdoor pool. Imagine coming in right off the beach and taking a freshwater dip or swinging the afternoon away on your full-size poolside bed swing. There is also a kitchenette on the bottom floor for a more convenient way to grab a snack or an ice-cold beverage while not having to venture too far from your outdoor oasis. In addition, a garage game room is located on the ground floor complete with arcade-style basketball, a foosball table, and full-size pool table! As you walk up the front steps of the home, you are greeted by the second floor which features the main living room, dining room, and kitchen area complete with a furnished walkout balcony that offers pristine views of the emerald coastline. It’s going to be difficult to choose whether to dine inside or outside! Also on the second floor is the first set of bedrooms featuring king beds with their... Read More

General News June 12, 2023

Bay Buzz June 2023

Grady Brown Park Grand Opening Ceremony The Walton County Board of County Commissioners will host a Grand Reopening Ceremony for Grady Brown Park on Monday, May 1, at 10 a.m. Visitors to the park will find a larger beach area, a new, extended retaining wall, an 80-foot lit flagpole and well-defined navigation for vessels, among other improvements. Walton High School’s Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps members will raise the new, 20-by-30-foot American flag to commemorate the reopening. Grady Brown Park is located on the north side of the Choctawhatchee Bay at the Clyde B. Wells Bridge, 20940 US Highway 331 S, Freeport. For more information, contact Public Information at (850) 892-8155 or pio@co.walton.fl.us. Foundation Pledges More Than $45,000 in Support for PAWS To kick off its third year of partnership with the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society, Bit-Wizards’ Be the Magic Foundation (BTMF) is doubling down on its support. On Saturday, April 29, BTMF presented PAWS Executive Director Ashley Degraaf a check for $20,000 and spent the afternoon volunteering on site. In addition to the cash donation and more than 40 hours of Wizard volunteer time, PAWS will receive $20,000 in hardware and skill-based services. PAWS recently launched the Kennels for Canines project to improve the lives of the pets in their care through a Kennel Rebuild Initiative. Various parts of the kennel are up for sponsorship. BTMF pledged to support the rebuilding of an entire wing for the facility. Along with the new wing donation, Bit-Wizards’ Managed... Read More

Real Estate June 12, 2023

#1 Beach in America 2023 · St. George Island State Park

Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park Dr. Beach has selected the Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park as the #1 Beach in America 2023! Dr. Beach releases his popular list of America’s top beaches each spring, and this is the third consecutive year that the St. George Island State Park has appeared on the top 10 and the sixth time it has been ranked. The secluded state park is one of only two Florida beaches to make the top 10 this year. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park is nestled at the far east end of the 22-mile long barrier island in Franklin County. Boasting nine miles of preservation land, St. George Island State Park is the longest beachfront state park in Florida. Enjoy two large beach use areas with ample parking, pavilions, restrooms, grills, and boardwalks. Find sugar soft white sands and clear gulf waters to swim on the gulf side and marshes and trails on the bay side. Sunbathing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, boating, fishing, hiking, camping, and nature study are popular activities among parkgoers. Dr. Beach explains his selection of this beloved state park for the list: “This long barrier island, far from urban areas, is a favorite destination for beachgoers, anglers and bird watchers as nature abounds. Besides swimming in the crystal-clear water, I enjoy beachcombing and shelling.” Dr. Beach, also known as Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, has been officially rating beaches since 1991. He uses a range of 50 criteria... Read More

General News June 12, 2023

Bay Buzz June 2023

Grady Brown Park Grand Opening Ceremony The Walton County Board of County Commissioners will host a Grand Reopening Ceremony for Grady Brown Park on Monday, May 1, at 10 a.m. Visitors to the park will find a larger beach area, a new, extended retaining wall, an 80-foot lit flagpole and well-defined navigation for vessels, among other improvements. Walton High School’s Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps members will raise the new, 20-by-30-foot American flag to commemorate the reopening. Grady Brown Park is located on the north side of the Choctawhatchee Bay at the Clyde B. Wells Bridge, 20940 US Highway 331 S, Freeport. For more information, contact Public Information at (850) 892-8155 or pio@co.walton.fl.us. Foundation Pledges More Than $45,000 in Support for PAWS To kick off its third year of partnership with the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society, Bit-Wizards’ Be the Magic Foundation (BTMF) is doubling down on its support. On Saturday, April 29, BTMF presented PAWS Executive Director Ashley Degraaf a check for $20,000 and spent the afternoon volunteering on site. In addition to the cash donation and more than 40 hours of Wizard volunteer time, PAWS will receive $20,000 in hardware and skill-based services. PAWS recently launched the Kennels for Canines project to improve the lives of the pets in their care through a Kennel Rebuild Initiative. Various parts of the kennel are up for sponsorship. BTMF pledged to support the rebuilding of an entire wing for the facility. Along with the new wing donation, Bit-Wizards’ Managed... Read More