South Walton county, Florida & Scenic Hwy 30A - SouthWaltonScene.com™

Hip Happenings, Local Gossip & Other Notable News in South Walton [April 30, 2011]

Saturday morning Seaside Farmer's Market is ramping up for the season again!  Don't miss it every Saturday from 9AM - 1PM  --> Info.

South Walton Wal-Mart is getting prepped to open!  --> Read about it.

Turtle Fest at Gulf Place is happening TODAY, Saturday April 30 from 1 to 6 p.m..  Art, music by Chuck Lawson ( 1 to 3) & The Forrest Willams Band (3 to 6), and lots of interactive activities for everyone.  Location info.

FACEBOOK LIKES - Check out these online spaces to "LIKE" on Facebook:

• Bud & Alley's Restaurant in Seaside
• Andy Saczynski's Art
• Allison Craft Designs
• Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge
• Kim Pall - 30A Style
• Seagrove Village MarketCafe
• Ophelia Swimwear
• One Thought

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Local brewski --> 30A Brewing Company is coming to South Walton!  --> Info.

30A Studio opens in Grayton Beach --> Read about it.

Area drought fuels fire risk. --> Read about it.

Recycle!  TWO new services are now offered in South Walton county: Blu-Binz Curbside Recycling and SoWal Recycle.  Cool!

Health Brief  --> Info.

In The News -->

Walton County commissioners finally divorced themselves this week from a controversial proposal to regulate short-term rentals, apparently because they have irreconcilable differences — with the basic ideas of freedom. Continue reading.

Do you Flickr?? Share your pics of South Walton on the "South Walton Through The Lens" Flickr group! --> Info.

South Walton on the 'Net -->

• Exclusive: Northwest Florida Road Trip (Florida Travel & Life)
• Alys Beach (Mr. Call Blogs)

Easter in South Walton, Florida

Church

• Find an Easter Sunday service --> GO.

Brunch
(click on links for restaurant information and directions)

• Easter Brunch Buffet at the Hilton Sandestin, 11AM - 3PM.  Call (850) 267-9500 for reservations.
• FAVORITE Stinky's Fish Camp in Dune Allen Beach Easter Brunch, 11AM - 3PM. Call 850-267-3053 for rerservations.
• The Liar's Club Cafe in Dune Allen Beach Easter Breakfast, 7AM - noon.  Call 850 622 BAIT for info.
• Cowgirl Kitchen in Rosemary Beach.  View menu.  
• Goatfeather's on Scenic 30A in Santa Rosa Beach - Easter Brunch Buffet from 11AM - 2PM.  Info call 850 267-3342
• FAVORITE Great Southern Cafe in Seaside - Easter Brunch Grand Buffet from 11AM - 3PM.  Call 850 231-7327 for info.
• Check out some other FAVORITE places for Sunday brunch in South Walton --> HERE.

Activities

• Saturday: Easter celebration at Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin --> INFO.
• FAVORITE Easter Sunday Egg-stravaganza at Seaside --> INFO.
• FAVORITE Easter Sunday at Eden State Gardens in Point Washington (Santa Rosa Beach)  --> INFO.

Hip Happenings, Local Gossip and Other Notable News in South Walton [April 20, 2011]

Like crawfish?  Don't miss the First Annual Gulf Place Crawfish Boil this Saturday, April 22 --> Info.

Easter Sunday at Eden State Gardens!  --> Info.

Bark Park in Santa Rosa Beach is re-opening! --> Info.

Fire Restaurant takes over management of The Naked Grape Wine Station at Gulf Place in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida --> Info.

Keep up with the 30A Foodie Scene --> http://www.facebook.com/30AEATS

Hurry!  Sinfonia Gulf Coast's ArtStrings: A Painted Violin Exhibit at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin is closing shop April 24.  --> Info.

FACEBOOK LIKES - Check out these online spaces to "LIKE" on Facebook:

• getUone.com - Destin/30-A Beaches
• Surfrider Foundation Emerald Coast Chapter
• Hurricane Oyster Bar & Grill
• Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast
• Silver Sands
• Mix Mingle Glow event planning & design
• Ophelia Swimwear
• One Thought

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Support local artists!  Bistro Bijoux restaurant in Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin will be showcasing the artwork by South Walton artist Andy Saczynski --> Info.

In the news. Florida's First Lady Ann Scott made an appearance at Butler Elementary in Santa Rosa BeachTuesday afternoon --> Info.

Brunch!  V Seagrove on Scenic Hwy 30A in Seagrove Beach is now open for Sunday brunch from 10AM- 2PM --> Info.

A 30A bus route? --> Info.

Do you Flickr?? Share your pics of South Walton on the "South Walton Through The Lens" Flickr group! --> Info.

Support Alaqua Animal Refuge by participating in a weekend BIKE TOUR at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort --> Info.

For the kiddos - Art at Alys with Abrakadoodle at Alys Beach April 21 and April 28 from 3-5PM --> Info.

Hip Happenings, Local Gossip and other Notable News in South Walton [April 15, 2011]

FAVORITE PLACES - Where do I go when an ice cream craving strikes?  Check out my five favorite places in South Walton --> GO.

South Walton's BARK PARK is re-opening!  --> INFO.

ESPRIT opens at Silver Sands --> Read about it.

Like Crawfish?  Plan on attending the 1st Annual Crawfish Boil at Gulf Place on Scenic Hwy 30A in Santa Rosa Beach on April 22 --> INFO

South Walton Performing Arts/Sports Complex is a no-go --> Read about it

FACEBOOK LIKES - Some online spaces owned and managed by South Waltoners to "LIKE" on Facebook:

• DejaVu Boutique
• Seaside Farmer's Market
• brandanbabineaux.com
• Destin Real Estate Company
• Dr. Bawa & Associates
• Ophelia Swimwear
• One Thought

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FOODIE EVENT Support Sinfonia Gulf Coast a Cinco de Sinfonia Tequila Dinner on May 10 --> INFO

Looking for something Fun and Creative to do next weekend? Check out Gourmet a Go-Go with chef Sara Foster at studio b. in Aly Beach.  BE CREATIVE!

CALL FOR ENTRIES for Digital Graffiti coming to Alys Beach in June has been extended  --> READ about it.

Walton County TDC decides to change brand strategy for the Beaches of South Walton --> Read about it.

Don't forget to FOLLOW SWS ON FACEBOOK!

Hip Happenings, Local Gossip & Other Notable News in South Walton this week [April 5, 2011]

FACEBOOK LIKES - Some online spaces owned and managed by South Waltoners to "LIKE" on Facebook:

• 360 Blue
• 30A Eats
• 30A Studio
• Ophelia Swimwear
• Duckies Shop of FUN
• How To Raise Your Vibration
• One Thought
• kidfriendlyflorida.com

Looking for something Fun and Creative to do this weekend? Check out the Encaustic Class at studio b. in Aly Beach.  Beginners welcome! BE CREATIVE!

The V at Seagrove opens in time for season --> READ about it.

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SunQuest Cruises announces details of the Craft Beer Dinner scheduled for April 28^th on the Solaris Yacht at 6:30pm at the Baytowne Marina in the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.  The special event will feature a southern style five-course dinner paired with complementary craft beers brewed and selected by 30A Brewing Company Brewmaster Hank Standridge.  In addition to enjoying cuisine and libations, guests will be entertained by the bluegrass jams of the Tennessee Firearms while cruising the Choctawhatchee Bay at sunset.  Tickets are $59 and include both dinner and beer.  Reservations for the limited event are required 850.650.2519 --> INFO.

'30A Style' on display in new book --> READ about it.

YOLO Board and presenting sponsor Destin Real Estate Company announce details of the 2011 YOLO Board Stand-Up Paddle Series that will run from May 2011 to August 2011.  This year’s race series will include two divisions, Beginning and Next Level and the 4-member relay teams will compete over the course of four races for the champion title “2011 YOLO Board Cup Series” to be awarded after the final race.  Scheduled race dates (weather permitting) are: May 26th, June 23rd, July 14th and August 11th.  The series will be held exclusively at the WaterColor BoatHouse in WaterColor. Questions? 850.622.5760 --> INFO

Rev. Ronnie McBrayer moving on, but Simple Faith will always be his ‘home church' --> READ about it.

Seven stores, including several that have never operated in Northwest Florida before, either have opened recently or are scheduled to open in coming weeks at Silver Sands Factory Stores. --> READ about it.

32° A Yogurt Bar Grand Opening Celebration and Regional Debut at Silver Sands Factory Stores 32° A Yogurt Bar will be celebrating its grand opening at their newest location at Silver Sands Factory Stores on April, 14 from 4-7 p.m.  32° A Yogurt Bar serves 14 individual flavors of yogurt to include fat free, kosher, no sugar added and low sugar selections on a rotating basis. 32° specializes in serving the freshest toppings including daily fresh cut fruits, seasonal favorites, and over 40 candy, nut and sauce options. Choices include such as mangos, strawberries, raspberries, melons, blueberries and other holiday favorites.

Beach Driving Permit Lottery and Dogs on the Beach Ordinance Update

The Board of Walton County Commissioners recently revised the “Beach Driving” and “Dogs on the Beach” Ordinances, to designate the Clerk of Courts Office as the issuing authority for which to purchase the Permits.

Read full information on Beach Driving HERE.

Application can be made for Beach Driving, Boat Launch, and Dogs on the Beach Permits at either branch office of the Walton County Clerk of Courts. Several requirements must be met to obtain a Permit.

Lottery Applications for Beach Driving will be accepted by the County Administration Office from April 1st to May 10th. Selection will be held on Monday, May 16th and applicants will be notified of the results. Those selected in the lottery may purchase permits from the Clerk’s office beginning June 1st.

You can download the Beach Permit Lottery Application from the website at www.co.walton.fl.us; from the home page click the tab to the left “Beach Permit Lottery Application”.  Applications may also be picked up at the South Walton Courthouse Annex in the Planning Department.

If you have any questions, please contact Dede Hinote, Admin Srvs Coord/RMLO, (850)892-8155, hindede@co.walton.fl.us.

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Hip Happenings, Local Gossip and Other Notable News in South Walton

Stinky's 1st Annual Pompano Tournament
April 1st - May 15th
$50 Entry fee
Registration and kickoff party at 7:00p.m. on Friday, April 1st.
For more information, call (850) 622-BAIT

Congrats to Beach Group Properties - they've just added two additional office locations in South Walton. You can now visit them in Santa Rosa Beach, WaterSound and Seagrove Beach -->

Coming to Silver Sands in April - 32 Degrees ... a self serve frozen yogurt bar and White House | Black Market.

Two visitors drown in South Walton county ... be CAREFUL out there, folks --> http://bit.ly/ffGQ5J

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TTENTION Business Owners: The Walton County Sheriff's Office is offering FREE Security Checks for South Walton Businesses! Contact the WCSO Citizen Services Division at (850) 892-8186 to for more information!

SOAKED MAGAZINE - "Get Soaked Tour" with B-LIMINAL. SOAKED is a new Surf Culture Magazine to debut in May and will be distributed nationwide. Proceeds of the launch parties benefit Surfrider Foundation Emerald Coast Chapter. Register to win a custom surfboard. April 13 - Funky Blues Shack Baytown Wharf and April 14 - Pandoras Grayton Beach.

Some info on beach driving permits: "The clerk’s office will accept applications for beach-driving permits from April 1 to May 10. Those being grandfathered in can get their permits beginning May 15." http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/hands-38676-office-clerk.html

Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast now hosts infant and child cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) classes on the last Thursday of every month from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Suite 1 Education building. The American Heart Association course includes training in infant and child CPR, first aid for a child who is choking, and additional basic first aid skills. Each participant will receive a Family and Friends CPR guide. Space is limited and registration is required. For more information, please call (850) 278-3019. Cost: $22

Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast is holding a children's health fair on April 2 from 9AM - noon in the main entrance area. Area children will be given free basic pediatric health screenings, such as vision, blood pressure and heart rate screenings.  Full info --> GO

Hip Happenings, Local Gossip and other Notable News this week in South Walton!

Keep a finger on the pulse of South Walton in REAL TIME - follow us on Facebook!
CHECK OUT the Calendar for a list of all the community events happening in South Walton!

● Some Walton County fifth-graders might be moved to the new middle school  --> Read about it.

● Heartworks Kid's Annual $5 Pancake Breakfast is this Saturday, March 22.  Support a great cause!  --> Full Info.

● Now open in Seaside - { Focus } Carletta Watkins Galleryz and Studioz! Check them out and "LIKE" them on Facebook! Let's give them a warm welcome!

From the BUSINESS Scene - SHOP FOR A JOB! Silver Sands parnters with Jobs Plus to fill hundreds of available positions

Silver Sands Factory Stores launched its series of “Shop For a Job” on-site festivals last week and they will continue for the next three Wednesdays as over 65 designer companies hire for multiple positions.

Hundreds of jobs are currently available, from part-time sales and stock ssociates to full-time managers for all experience levels, offering competitive pay, flexible schedules, generous store discounts and other great benefits.

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From the BEACH Scene - Santa Clara Beach Access in Seagrove Beach Opens

The Walton County Tourist Development Council (TDC) has completed the Santa Clara overflow parking project and opened it to the public.

Location of beach access MAP

The new parking location is located in Seagrove Beach at the corner of Highway 30A and Bramble Grove. The added parking was needed to accommodate more beachgoers during the busy spring and summer tourist seasons.

The project, designed by Wilson Miller Engineering and contracted to Chandler Construction, consisted of storm water improvements, adding 35 parking spaces, a new cross walk with signage on 30A and installing a curb and gutter system.