Capital City Bank Open House

Capital City Bank recently hosted an open house at their new location in Watersound. This location is in the heart of an exciting amount of growth taking place near the east end of 30A in and around Watersound, including Publix and many other new businesses opening recently. 

This bank location, under the leadership of Stephen Stabler, has a very welcoming staff that prides themselves in creating personal relationships with their clients. This enables the bank to offer a full range of products and services to meet their client’s specific financial needs. Capital City Bank also has a long-standing tradition of being very involved in the communities they service, as their bankers donate many volunteer hours to local civic organizations and philanthropic groups.

Clients, friends, and acquaintances were invited to “Stop by and say hello” on this early summer afternoon. Everyone enjoyed wonderful food and beverages from 98 BBQ and Distillery 98 combined with a live performance by “The Voice” contestant Jared Herzog.

10th Annual Tequila & Taco Fest

The 10th Annual Tequila & Taco Fest was a three-day sold-out event at Sandestin in the Village of Baytowne Wharf. This event, which has grown over the years, begins with a pre-party on Friday night at the magical waterfront setting of the Sandestin Marina. Founder and event promoter Carlos Saffran added an extra touch this year by bringing in a live performance by reggae musician Mishka, a five-time Billboard chart-topper. Having performed with the likes of Kenny Chesney & Jimmy Buffett, the marina background with the sun melting into the water made for a perfect party setting.
Saturday, the main event followed as crowds poured in to try almost any type of tequila you could think of, along with food and entertainment. Various local restaurants competed for the Best Taco on the Emerald Coast award. At the same time, over 40 different types of Tequilas were served. Tortilla Tossing and Macho Nacho eating contests kept everyone entertained. Sunday wrapped up the festivities with the Bye Bye Brunch.

Digital Graffiti Festival at Alys Beach

The Alys Foundation presented the 16th Annual Digital Graffiti Festival at Alys Beach May 19-20, 2023. The Scenic 30A community of Alys Beach, located along the northwest Florida Emerald Coast, provided the environment for the Digital Graffiti festival – an open-air, organic gallery for the projections. The festival’s juried show featured the works of artists from the worldwide arena, unique in its display by digital projection onto the white walls of the architecture of Alys Beach, and into the broader exterior landscape. As Digital Graffiti Residency Artists for the 2023 festival, the works of Katina Bitsicas, XUAN, and Austin Shaw were also featured throughout the festival route.
With curator John Colette at the helm, Digital Graffiti enjoys the perspective of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) motion media design professor and eight-year veteran participant. Festival winners were selected by John and an esteemed panel of judges. The 2023 awards include Best in Show ($5,000 prize): Holy Photons, Through the Fire to the Light; Curator’s Choice ($2,000 prize): Brittnie Diamant, Memoria Amnesia, and three Special Recognition honors (at $1,000 prize each): Peter Clark & Cody Samson, Ecotone; S4RA, privacy-GrDN.info; Jinkyu Kang, The Light. Festival winners were selected by the festival’s curator, John Colette, and an esteemed panel of judges. 

Amazing Lash Studio Grand Opening

Amazing Lash Studio of Panama City Beach recently held a Grand Opening Celebration. Owner Mary-Frances Mullins now owns thriving Amazing Lash Studio locations, including Destin, Pensacola, and her newest location next to Ulta and Chilis in Panama City Beach’s popular Pier Park. The PCB Chamber was on hand to conduct an official ribbon cutting followed by refreshments and entertainment.
This popular chain offers services ranging from eyelash extensions, lash lifts, and lash upgrades. Private suites are available for clients to relax and unwind while the stylist works their magic. A well-trained and friendly staff turns these services into an exciting and rewarding experience with amazing results!

Tea Fore Her

The 9th annual Tea Fore Her was held on March 9th at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa.  Guests enjoyed a delightful seated lunch while sipping tea and enjoying a signature strawberry mimosa. Everyone enjoyed the photo booth and bid on wonderful items in the silent auction. The guest Emcee was none other than Jessica Foster from News Channel 7, who shared her own breast cancer survival story.
The beauty and creativity of the hats worn at the tea was unmatched.  It was difficult to select just one winner of the “Best Hat” contest!
Fore Her is an organization dedicated to supporting breast cancer patients on the Emerald Coast.  Using various events, Fore Her raises funds and financially assist local individuals diagnosed with breast cancer
and undergoing treatment.  

Emerald Coast Boat & Lifestyle Show

After a couple of challenging years for trade shows, The Emerald Coast Boat & Lifestyle Show was back this spring better than ever. Held at Aaron Bessant Park in Panama City Beach, the show consists of displays from the areas top dealers representing the latest in boats, high tech engines, electronics and marine accessories to dress up your toys. An impressive number and variety of watercraft were on hand ranging from entry level bow riders and pontoons to center consoles from 20’ to over 40’, powered by as much as quad 400hp state of the art outboards hanging on the transom of these impressive offshore machines. 
The lifestyle element of this show is equally impressive with vendors showcasing stand up paddleboards and fishing kayaks, outdoor kitchens, diving gear, active wear and beach cruising bicycles. This show truly has something for everyone who enjoys the active, outdoor way of life so popular along the waters of the Emerald Coast.

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort Celebrates 50 Years

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort® celebrates fifty years as the most visited Northwest Florida resort destination for vacationers, group and business travelers, families, and adventurers. In recognition of five decades of experiences, progress, innovations and memories, the year-long celebration includes fresh new experiences, delightful surprises for resort guests, social media throwbacks and trips down memory lane. 
When asked about the success of this journey, Sara Becnel, Asset Manager and Vice President of Development shared, “The secret of the Sandestin experience is in the intentional details, smiles, commitment to service, memories passed down from generation to generation, dedication, and a lot of hard work.” Becnel continued, “We have not simply remained relevant, but have led the tourism experience for guests through a balance of tradition and innovation.”
Guests have already begun to capture their #sandestin50 memories by participating in instagramable photobooth pop-ups, regularly updated and themed for each season of the year. Additionally, a special edition refillable cup is available now at Sandestin® retail and food & beverage outlets for $25. After the one-time purchase, soft drink refills are free for the rest of the year at participating Sandestin® food and beverage outlets.

Four signature beers launched at the resort’s food and beverage outlets this March. Sandestin® beers include a blond ale, sour ale, pale ale, and a lager. A signature wine is in development. Guests can expect to find collectors-edition branded merchandise in Sandestin® retail stores including SandestinOpoly to launch later this year.
Today, Sandestin® is home to seventy individual neighborhoods with full-time residents and thousands of lodging options spanning the 2,400 acres between the Choctawhatchee Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. It is all interconnected by miles of pedestrian, bike and golf cart paths that weave through groves of live oaks. 
Continuing past natural lagoons, fountains, and lakes, the trails follow through an underground tunnel making beachside and bayside amenities safely accessible to all guests. The meticulously landscaped fairways of four award-winning golf courses include The Raven, Baytowne, The Links and the exclusive Burnt Pine private golf course.
Thanks to more than 85,000 square feet of meeting space, onsite lodging, spa, golf, tennis, miles of beach and bay shorelines, activities, the walkable Village of Baytowne Wharf, featuring retail; dining; and nightlife, Sandestin® is also a favorite amongst group and business travelers, in addition to vacationers.

The History of Sandestin….

 The land was originally purchased for crops and livestock, but during WWII the military requisitioned a large portion of the Gulf side property to research captured “Buzz Bomb” missiles from the Germans. The very first military use of American rockets were also tested and launched over the Gulf from top secret hidden bunkers located on the resort that can still be seen today, if you know where to look.

 In the 1950s, the land was sold to Winthrop Rockefeller, who went on to become the Governor of Arkansas, ultimately derailing his plans to develop the land into a coastal neighborhood.

 A few years later, a man named Walt Disney, almost bought the land for an idea he was playing around with called “Disney World.”  His plans moved forward, but just a bit further south. 

In the ‘70s, owners of the Indianapolis Speedway attempted to buy the land to create something they dubbed the “Seaside Racetrack” but the deal fell through.

 Eventually, the land fell into the hands of developers with a vision of building a resort community. They borrowed the “San” from the unincorporated area known as Santa Rosa Beach to the east and mashed it together with “Destin” to the west. In 1973 Sandestin® was formed.

 Sandestin’s first golf course, The Links, was completed in 1974 along with residential neighborhoods and a hotel on the bay, now known as Bayside at Sandestin®

 In the early 80’s the marina, Baytowne Golf Course and a beachside high rise were completed and soon after The Beach Boys performed right out on the sand for some 12,000 lucky attendees.

 The 90’s brought immense growth with the completion of restaurants like the popular Marina Bar and Grill- home to Maryann the Macaw, professional Tennis Club, more distinct neighborhoods, as well as the prestigious Burnt Pine Golf Course. 

 A private Burnt Pine gated community within the Sandestin® gates soon followed, both named after a forest fire that had occurred in a portion of the woods a few years prior. 

 The Village of Baytowne Wharf also went into development and is now the town center of Sandestin®, filled with festive restaurants, world-class shopping, activities and annual events.

 The Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic launched in 2003 with awards totaling $371,000, when a group from Galati Yacht Sales and Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort® decided it was time to bring a big money tournament back to the Destin area. Total cash and awards totaled nearly $2 million in 2022.

 The Sandestin Foundation for Kids was founded in 2011 by the owners of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort®, the Becnel Family. The structure of the organization allows for funds to be gifted to children and families quickly in the event of a tragedy. The goal is to provide support immediately, when it is needed most to children throughout the community and abroad.

Osprey Pointe 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom luxury condominiums welcomed its first guests in 2020. The furnishings and intentional design elements flow throughout each guest room, providing that sense of comfort and consistency that hotel rooms traditionally offer plus the privacy and extra space that only a vacation rental can provide. These unique features of this pet-friendly property provide the perfect environment for multi-generational vacationers, golf groups, reunions, and retreat
of all kinds.

In 2021, the resort’s 250-room  Hotel Effie Sandestin opened its doors. The signature hotel embodies southern elegance, inviting guests to experience the ultra-chic rooms and suites, luxurious face and body treatments at Spa Lilliana, culinary offerings at Ovide by James Beard award-winning chef Hugh Acheson and hand-crafted cocktails at the swanky Ara Rooftop Pool and Lounge. The hotel exemplifies all the charm and personality of its namesake, owner and developer
Tom Becnel’s grandmother.

Soirée on the Bay

Soiree on the Bay Act II, presented by the Dugas Family, offered guest a weekend filled with lavish wines, food and spirits, This spectacular event was held on the stunning Dugas family estate overlooking the Choctawhatchee Bay in Santa Rosa Beach. Proceeds from this event benefit the Children’s Volunteer Health Network. CVHN’s mission is to eliminate the barriers to accessible and affordable healthcare for children in need through mobile dental services.
The weekend began on Friday night with wine tastings and exquisite food served in a truly picturesque setting by the bay under the stars. Attendees were able to bid for their favorite wine and unique travel experiences throughout the entertaining live auction. Generosity was abundant as paddles were raised often for a worthy cause. The excitement continued on Saturday with bocce ball, bubbly, wine samples and lite bites along with a high energy performance by the Tip Tops Band.  This motown style show band, set with the Bay as their backdrop ,was truly electric transforming the lawn into a dance floor as the sun sank into the water.

Sand & Starlight Supper Club

The Seaside School Foundation recently hosted Sand & Starlight Supper Club as a fundraiser to help further the mission of Seaside School, Inc. Carol and Dave Rauschkolb graciously hosted this event and welcomed media and guest to Bud & Alley’s for dinner and entertainment, as well as a compelling presentation explaining the launch of Seaside School’s multi-million dollar expansion of Seacoast Collegiate High School in partnership with Northwest Florida State College. Expected to break ground later this year, this is a project that will truly transform higher education in Walton County. 
In addition to an incredible dinner prepared by Bud & Alley’s, attendees also enjoyed musical entertainment from Nashville recording artist Julia Cole, Broadway’s Aaron LaVigne and Jenna Rubaii, and South Walton’s own Saunders Boys.

Sandestin Wine Festival

The 36th Annual Sandestin Wine Festival, nicknamed the “Kentucky Derby of Wine Festivals,” was held this April at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, in the Village of Baytowne Wharf. From wine dinners with celebrity chefs, tastings of over 500 different wines and gourmet bites, courtesy of some of the best chefs on the coast, and opportunities to mingle with vineyard owners and wine aficionados, this annual event brings guests endless opportunities for discovery.
This popular event with locals is also a sought after destination event. With Hotel Effie on property near the heart of the event, festival goers come from all over for a week long experience enjoying a host of amenities including four culinary concepts by acclaimed Chef Hugh Acheson, a luxury spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center and the only rooftop pool on Florida’s Emerald Coast.

VIP30A May/June 2023 Issue

30A Songwriters Festival

The 30A Songwriters Festival brings together hundreds of artists, dozens of neighborhoods, venues and resorts, and thousands of music fans from all over to celebrate the art of songwriting along the beaches of 30a and Walton County. From small intimate cafes to large outdoor stages, the festival includes more the 30 great venues that are as diverse as the 175+ artists and their performances. 
Net proceeds from this long-running four-day tradition benefit the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County. Mark your calendars for next year’s festival January 12-15th, 2024.

Butler Bear Ball

The first annual Butler Bear Ball was held at the Churchill Oaks Clubhouse on Saturday, February 4th. With a gorgeous sunset view of the Bay, adults dined and danced under the stars to live music by Cadillac Willy. Just past the wall of champagne was an array of food stations (including sushi and a grilled cheese bar) and an extensive silent auction.  After bidding on items such as principal for a day and artwork made by the children, guests kicked up their heels in the Butler Bear Speakeasy. All proceeds from this event went to the PTO at Van R. Butler Elementary School.

Seaside School 5k & 1/2 Marathon

The 21st annual running of the Seaside School Half Marathon & 5K was back in-person this year and took place on a beautiful, crisp Sunday morning in February. The annual charity race kicked off with its popular pre-party Taste of the Race which is also featured in this issue. Both races, the half marathon and 5K, started in Seaside with an out-and-back run along the coastal dune lakes of Highway 30A. These combined races serve as a fundraiser support-ing the Seaside Schools Foundation, and draws runners from all over the country.
The winner of the half marathon with a time of 1:15.46 was Derek Bovard, followed by David Campos and Mark Sidebottom in 2nd and 3rd respectfully. The top female finisher was Katie Sherron at 1:19.25. The overall winner of the 5K was D. Beroset with a time of 17:01.72. Caroline Couch was the women’s 5K winner with a time of 19:23.56. Following the races, everyone gathered in Seaside Square for a great breakfast provided by Great Southern Café followed by live entertainment on the stage. 

30A Wine Festival

The 30A Wine Festival held at Alys Beach is a five day extravaganza of exceptional wines and spirits paired with exquisite culinary creations. The week’s festivities began with an intimate dinner in the elegant setting of Caliza, followed by some of the Southeast’s most exquisite oysters accompanied by champagne and live music on the Plaza.  Hand crafted tequila cocktails complimented a four course dinner set in the enchanting canopy of Papilio Park, a welcome addition to this year’s festivities. And of course, crowd favorite Beer Bourbon and Butts as featured followed the trendy mixology seminar on Friday.
Saturday’s Grand Tasting along South Charles Street considered the centerpiece of the 30A Wine Festival, was blessed with beautiful spring-like weather as attendees to the sold out event enjoyed wines from around the world. Sunday rounded out the week with the Gospel Brunch followed by one of the most beloved events of the festival, Rose & Croquet. Kudos to the Alys Beach staff for creating such an inviting event for its homeowners, neighbors, and friends to experience. Holly Wright, the catering and events director, helped orchestrate the theme-filled evening along with the help of Circle City Ballon Co, the DJ spinning tunes, games to play and some incredible raffle prizes. Great to see a family-type atmosphere within a local company iconic with 30A. 

Taste of the Race

The Seaside charity race weekend kicked off on Friday with an evening under the stars at the annual race pre-party, Taste of the Race, hosted by Tom Glavine, Major League Baseball Hall of Famer and former Atlanta Braves’ pitcher and the Corchis Family, owners of Amici 30A Italian Kitchen and Amigo’s 30A Mexican Kitchen restaurants. Nearly 700 party-goers attended the Seaside party and 18 local chefs competed for top culinary awards. The Shrimp Shack, Team Dawson Group, won the coveted Chef’s Choice Award. The People’s Choice Award went to Jackacudas, Chef Orion Cordoves, and Judge’s Choice was awarded to Shunk Gulley, Chef Tyler. 

Pescado Party

Pescado and the Last Call Restaurant Group and its owners recently held a party for its large group of employees. The Courtyard at Pescado and the Rooftop Bar, both known for great events, an entertaining piano, wonderful wine dinners and an awesome New Years Eve party, used their expertise to throw a fabulous party for their own with staff from Pescado, Shades and Shaka all joining in for the fun. The Tap Room was a great venue for this crowd who loved to dance and have fun, a treat since they are quite often on the other side of entertaining,

Holly Wright, the catering and events director, helped orchestrate the theme-filled evening along with the help of Circle City Ballon Co, the DJ spinning tunes, games to play and some incredible raffle prizes. Great to see a family-type atmosphere within a local company iconic with 30A. 

SEASIDE Seeing Red Wine & Food Festival

Seeing Red Wine Festival®, the highly anticipated SEASIDE® wine experience, returns for its 30th anniversary this weekend in its iconic location along Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A.  This year’s event will feature wine makers, chefs, live music and more with the picture perfect New Urbanist town as its backdrop.

Thursday, November 10th –  Seeing Red Wine Festival ® kicks off from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM with an intimate vintner's dinner hosted by Bud & Alley’s. This limited-ticket experience includes delicious wines expertly paired with a curated menu to mark the start of the event’s 30th anniversary. 

Friday, November 11th –  The Al Fresco Reserve Wine Tasting takes place under a beautiful tent on the Lyceum Lawn from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM, with select wine, food by The Great Southern Café, and live music by The David Spencer Quartet. This experience will include a custom Seeing Red Wine Festival ® glass. The Lyceum is located off of Quincy Avenue.

Saturday, November 12th –  The Grand Tasting in Central Square 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Sip with fellow wine consumers while listening to live music by Roman Street.  Access is also available in the Friday/Saturday General Admission Package and the Friday/Saturday VIP package. VIP ticket holders will have access to the VIP tent starting at 12:30 PM. VIP & Media Check-in will be located at the Lyceum, while the General Admission check-in will be located at the east entrance to Central Square.  

Sunday, November 11th – 10:00 AM to 1:00PM, concludes the Seeing Red Wine Festival® with the Celebration of Bubbles in Lyceum Lawn. This event wraps up the end of Seeing Red with champagne paired with brunch and will take place under the tent on the Lyceum Lawn. Reservations to this event are sold separately as an individual ticket and are not included in the Friday/Saturday General and VIP packages. 

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

Seeing Red Wine Festival®

Join us in Seaside, Florida this November for a wine experience that celebrates the makers behind the bottle. As one of the most highly anticipated wine festivals for wine connoisseurs and novices alike, will you be there?

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Tastings & Dinners

Grand and reserve tastings, live music, local cuisines, champagne brunch, vintners dinner, and more! Seeing Red offers a weekend filled with fun, whether you choose to experience every event or just one. Customize your weekend experience by purchasing curated packages or individual tickets and reservations. 

INTRODUCING THE WINEMAKERS AND CHEFS 

Vendors

We couldn’t be more honored to welcome the best winemakers from around the country to Seaside, Florida. Plus, Seaside’s talented chefs are proud to present delicious bites to pair perfectly with the wine being poured.

Seeing Red Wine Festival® Celebrates 30 Years

Date: November 9, 2022

Seeing Red Wine Festival®, the highly anticipated SEASIDE® wine experience, returns for its 30th anniversary this weekend in its iconic location along Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A.  This year’s event will feature wine makers, chefs, live music and more with the picture perfect New Urbanist town as its backdrop. Thursday, November 10th –  Seeing Red Wine Festival ® kicks off from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM with an intimate vintner's dinner hosted by Bud & Alley’s. This limited-ticket experience includes delicious wines expertly paired with a curated menu to mark the start of the event’s 30th anniversary.  Friday, November 11th –  The Al Fresco Reserve Wine Tasting takes place under a beautiful tent on the Lyceum Lawn from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM, with select wine, food by The Great Southern Café, and live music by The David Spencer Quartet. This experience will include a custom Seeing Red Wine Festival ® glass. The Lyceum is located off of Quincy Avenue. Saturday, November 12th –  The Grand Tasting in Central Square 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Sip with fellow wine consumers while listening to live music by Roman Street.  Access is also available in the Friday/Saturday General Admission Package and the Friday/Saturday VIP package. VIP ticket holders will have access to the VIP tent starting at 12:30 PM. VIP & Media Check-in will be located at the Lyceum, while the General Admission check-in will be located at the east entrance to Central Square.   Sunday, November 11th – 10:00 AM to 1:00PM, concludes the Seeing Red Wine Festival® with the Celebration of Bubbles in Lyceum Lawn. This event wraps up the end of Seeing Red with champagne paired with brunch and will take place under the tent on the Lyceum Lawn. Reservations to this event are sold separately as an individual ticket and are not included in the Friday/Saturday General and VIP packages. Seeing Red Wine Festival ® is offering complimentary parking to all guests who are attending the event. You may park in the paid parking areas around Smolian Circle, simply present your event ticket to the attendant after parking and you can then travel to the event venue. Parking in Seaside is limited, if available spaces cannot be located, there will be complimentary shuttles in operation from 6 a.m. to midnight, daily. The off-site pickup and drop off location for the shuttles, throughout the weekend, will be at the lower portion of the parking lot located at 1505 County Road 283 S in Santa Rosa Beach. From there you can enjoy a quick and relaxing ride down 30A into Seaside. The on-site pickup and drop off location for Friday will be at the archway of the Lyceum Gateway Building and Saturday, the location will be at the east entrance of Central Square.

Boos, Brews & Bingo

The Spooky Spirit — Rosemary Beach Boos, Brews & Bingo

Just in time for Halloween, much merriment was had at the annual Boos, Brews & Bingo event in Rosemary Beach on October 27. The spooky spirit was certainly felt as revelers dressed as ghouls; pirates; little red riding hood and the big bad wolf; castaways from Gilligan’s Island; the squid squad; Elvis; Greek gods and goddesses; and singin’ in the rain characters, among others, as they gathered in the Town Hall to play 10 games of old-fashioned bingo. Small bites were provided by Amici’s / Amigo 30A, brews by Odd Pelican Beer, and wines by Wine World.

 Presented by Rosemary Beach Foundation, the event benefited the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center and their provision of critical intervention services to end child abuse in our community. 

Prizes were awarded for best costumes for group and individual and most original. Raffle tickets and a cash jackpot also added to the excitement, along with gift prizes from individual game sponsors including Rosemary Beach, Disco, Regions Bank, The Pearl RB, Coastal South Walton-Miriam Dillon, Realtor, Seacrest Sundries, The Rosemary Beach Inn, and Silver Sands Premium Outlets.

Rosemary Beach Foundation offers and supports community, educational, and charitable activities in Rosemary Beach and Walton County, Florida. Since 2006, over $1 million dollars has been donated to local organizations, schools, COVID relief and hurricane recovery efforts.

Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest

The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin presented the 14th Annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest on October 7th & 8th with American specialty beers from around the nation available for participants to sample and savor. The crowd at this sold out event was blessed with the typical beautiful weather October is known for on the gulf coast. 

The main event on Saturday featured more than 200 domestic and international craft beers available for sampling. Brewery representatives were onsite at the event, offering an opportunity to learn about the different types of lagers and ales from a variety of styles. Live music was also featured throughout the festival as everyone made their way from booth to booth enjoying this long running tradition at Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin Golf and Beach 

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