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

Congrats to Kevin Moran of Seagar's Prime Steaks & Seafood in Sandestin!

Kevin Moran, general manager of Seagar’s Prime Steaks and Seafood, located at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, was recently awarded the designation of Certified Wine Specialist by the Society of Wine Educators.

Prior to receiving the certification, Moran was tested by the society for his academic knowledge and mastery of key elements regarding wine. The society reports only 51 percent of those who take the exam receive a score that merits certification.

"We're honored to have Kevin at the helm of our award-winning restaurant and are tremendously proud of his accomplishments in the industry," said Robert Kamm, president and CEO of Sandcastle Resorts & Hotels, which manages the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. "There are only 3,600 individuals in the world who hold the Certified Wine Specialist distinction. Kevin’s inclusion in this elite professional group provides yet another testament to the excellence in service for which Seagar's is known."

Congrats to Keith Howard of Howard Group, the Walton County TDC's 2010 Van Ness Jr. Hospitality Award recipient!

Each year, the Walton County Tourist Development Council (TDC) recognizes a pioneer in the tourism industry with the Van Ness Butler Jr. Hospitality Award.

Voted on by the TDC Council, this year’s prestigious honor was bestowed upon Keith Howard, president and CEO of Howard Group, for his visionary leadership in helping to shape Beaches of South Walton into a premier tourist destination.

“We had a strong group of qualified nominees,” said Maurice Gilbert, chairman of the Walton County TDC Advisory Council. “It was Keith’s visionary leadership and focus on responsible land development and sustainable growth that really got our attention. His passion for bringing designer stores and well-respected companies to further differentiate this area was what set him apart.”

Mr. Howard moved to the area in 1981 and was immediately focused on creating high-quality developments that benefited the community long-term and enhanced the area’s natural beauty. Amidst the quiet beaches and roads, he saw great potential for Walton County and began a passionate campaign nationwide to convince high caliber businesses to invest in this undiscovered area.

The South Walton Celebrity SCENE! Miley Cyrus a South Walton homeowner!

Update Feb 13, 2011

According to the PC New Herald, Miley has sold her South Walton county, Florida gulf front condo.  The good news?  She got more than what she paid for it!  

Get the full scoop here --> HERE.

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The Northwest Florida Daily News has reported that Miley Cyrus has a gulf front home away from home in our slice of paradise.  She apparently purchased a condo on the east end Scenic Hwy 30A last December for a cool $1.8M! 

See news article ---> HERE

Miley is no stranger to South Walton county and has been spotted in the area before.

Related Links:

• People + Celebrities Archives

From the ART Scene - Allison Wickey Named 2011 Artist of the Year by the Walton County TDC!

The Walton County Tourist Development Council (TDC) proudly announces Allison Wickey as the “2011 Artist of the Year.” Now in its ninth year, the Artist of the Year program has grown to showcase a collection of local artists that offer a wide range of mediums. Through this program, the TDC promotes the destination’s thriving arts community and places the spotlight a talented artist each year.

“We reviewed nearly a dozen applications from extremely talented local artists,” said Jennifer Steele Saunders, Walton County TDC board member and chair of the New Product Committee. “While it was a tough decision, Allison impressed us with her technique and how beautifully she captures the scenic beauty and landscapes of Beaches of South Walton in a new and inventive way.”

Allison’s medium is Venetian plaster and glazes. She creates antiqued versions of the area’s vibrant landscapes, animals and marine life. To achieve the antiqued look, she employs a 13-step, four-day process involving Venetian plaster, acrylic paint, glazes, an orbital sander and a good sense of humor. The result is a timeless image that is full of texture.

Congrats to Lane Rees who was named Community Walton's 2011 Calendar Man of the Year!

(calendar image by Sheila Goode)

Congratulations to Walton county resident, business owner and community leader Lane Rees who has been chosen as Community Walton's 2011 Man of the Year!

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Calendar's are now on sale featuring all 12 nominees >> HERE!  Proceeds to benefit Community Walton.

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Local Chatter - November Art in Public Places; 2010 Walton county Above and Beyond Recipients announced!

From the ART Scene!  The Walton County TDC and Friends of Coastal Branch Library present the November 2010 Art in Public Places exhibit, featuring artist Carol McLay-McNeilage.  Each month, this partnership brings new, distinct exhibits to the public through displays at the Coastal Branch Library.

Carol incorporates many styles into her work including abstract, surrealism, and impressionism. Her preferred medium is acrylics, but she also experiments with oils.  She describes her paintings as reflections of the human condition.  She captures expressions on faces, glimpses into personalities, interpretations of feelings and, if lucky, catches the soul of her subject.

Carol has taken many art classes and has been accepted into juried art shows through ADSO (Art and Design Society of Fort Walton Beach). She often collaborates on pieces with her twin sister. Carol’s work will be on display at the Coastal Branch Library in Santa Rosa Beach [MAP] through Nov. 30.

Walton County TDC recognizes Above & Beyond Recipients The Walton County Tourist Development Council (TDC) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2010 Above & Beyond Awards. The Above & Beyond awards program, now in its fourth year, received 17 outstanding entries of individuals who provide exceptional customer service in the hotel/resort, restaurants, and retail industry. Designed to reward individuals who are on the front-line providing excellent customer service, the 2010 Above & Beyond awards were presented to

• Gina Jackson, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
• Heather Cleveland, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort; and
• Marie Nasri, Courtyard by Marriott.

Gina Jackson, a reservation specialist for Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, is known for her dedication, hardworking manner and kind spirit at the workplace, which landed her as the grand prize winner. According to Gina’s co-workers, she is a prime example of hospitality. She is cordial and generous to all guests, and does what it takes to ensure guests leave happy. On her days off, Gina can be found in The Village of Baytowne Wharf experiencing events, festivals and restaurants in order to promote them to future guests. As the grand prize winner, Gina received a weekend get-away for two in Atlanta, Ga., where she will stay in the penthouse of the historic Georgian Terrance Hotel enjoy area attractions such as the Georgia Aquarium, restaurants and more.

Mark Your Calendar! Seaside Prize Weekend honoring 2011 Seaside Prize Winner Dhiru Thadani happening January 28 - 29, 2011

The Seaside Institute will award this year’s Seaside Prize to renowned architect and urbanist, Dhiru Thadani.  The Seaside Prize is awarded annually to individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to the quality and character of our communities.  The ceremony will take place as part of the Seaside Prize weekend events, which is being held on Friday, January 28th and Saturday, January 29th.

Since 1980 Thadani has practiced architecture and urbanism in Asia, Europe and North and Central America. He was born in Bombay, India, and moved to Washington, D.C. to attend the Catholic University of America from 1972-1978 where he received his undergraduate and graduate education in architecture. During his 33 years in Washington, D.C. Thadani has taught, practiced and worked to place architecture and urbanism in the public eye. Since its formation in 1993, he has been a charter member of the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) and was appointed to the board in 2005.

From 2000 to 2005, he served as chair of the CNU's Design Task Force and has undertaken and completed many initiatives. Thadani has been involved in new developments, urban retrofits, neighborhood revitalization and infill densification. For the past 20 years, he has been the lead designer for several real estate developments in first and third world countries.

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From the BUSINESS Scene - Cool! DailyBeachDeal.com is bringing "collective buying" to South Walton!

Daily Beach Deal, LLC is bringing the popular Internet trend of collective buying to the Emerald Coast!  Beginning in late 2010, DailyBeachDeal.com will offer one deal per day on the best things to eat, do, see and buy in the Destin, 30A/South Walton and Panama City Beach. 

“Daily Beach Deal brings buyers and sellers together in a fun and collaborative way,” said beach local and company founder, George Wickey. “We offer the consumer a great deal they can’t get anywhere else and deliver the sales directly to our local businesses.”

There are several large national companies that operate collective buying websites. Groupon.com is the biggest and most popular. But none have made their way to the Emerald Coast.

“Our area is very unique and if the group buying concept is going to gain acceptance here it needs to be done right,” said Wickey. “Daily Beach Deal is a small 100% locally owned and operated business. We have our area’s best interests at heart and believe we can better serve our local businesses than an outsider looking to take the money out of the region.”

Anyone interested in getting in on the deal is encouraged to sign up at http://www.dailybeachdeal.com to be notified when the site is closer to full launch.

SWCC announces 2010 Distinguised Service Award recipients; Walton County Tax Collector Brings Tax Office to Citizens

South Walton Community Council announces recipients of 2010 Distinguished Service Awards The South Community Comunity Council has announced the three recipients of their first annual Distinguished Service Awards.  They are:

• Individual Award: Dave Rauschkolb, founder of Hands Across the Sand
• Business Award: Hibiscus Coffee & Guest House managed by Cheri Peebles
• Organization Award: South Walton Turtle Watch led by Sharon Maxwell.  

Read more about all three >> HERE.

The awards go to an individual, a business, and an organization that have made outstanding contributions in furthering the SWCC mission - "to preserve, protect and enhance the quality of life and the unique natural environment of South Walton County".   There will be an Awards Banquet Thursday, November 18 at Cafe Thirty-A in Seagrove Beach.  For full information, visit the website HERE.

Walton County Tax Collector Brings Tax Office to Citizens this month Walton County Tax Collector Rhonda Skipper is providing an opportunity for Walton County property owners to pay their taxes without making the trip to the Tax Collector’s Office by taking the tax office to them. During November, the Walton County Tax Collector’s Office will be on location at various community sites to collect tax payments. (see South Walton dates locations below).

This onsite tax collection is known as the R.A.T.E. program or Remote, Area, Tax, Express. The purpose of the program is to make paying taxes more convenient for residents living in an area of the county where a central tax office is not located.

A representative from the Tax Collector’s Office will be onsite to receive tax payments and answer questions related to taxes. Walton County property owners are asked to bring their tax bill with them to the onsite location.

Individuals who pay their taxes in November receive a 4% discount as indicated by the November amount on the tax notice.  For more information, contact the Walton County Tax Collector’s Office at 850.892.8121 or visit www.waltontaxcollector.com.

The South Walton R.A.T.E. locations are as follows:

• November 19:  Miramar Beach - Fire Station (Geronimo St.) [MAP], 9AM - 2PM
• November 24: Inlet/Rosemary Beach - Shades at the Loop [MAP] 11AM - 3PM

Passages - Mr. Charles Modica, Sr.

"Not how did he die, but how did he live?
 Not what did he gain, but what did he give?
 These are the units to measure the worth
 Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.
 Not, what was his church, nor what was his creed?
 But had he befriended those really in need?
 Was he ever ready, with word of good cheer,
 To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?
 Not what did the sketch in the newspaper say,
 But how many were sorry when he passed away."

[passages]
It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Charles Modica, Sr.  Mr. Modica, his beloved wife Sarah and son Charles Modica, Jr. opened the family-owned and operated gourmet and specialty market Modica Market in SEASIDE, Florida in 1988.  Mr. Modica and his family have played a pivotal role in making our slice of paradise what it is today and his passing has left an entire community in mourning.  We want to extend his family our deepest condolences.

[funeral services]
Services for Mr. Modica will be held at St. Rita Catholic Church [MAP] on Saturday, October 23rd at 11AM. St. Rita is located at 137 Moll Drive in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. In addition, the Modica family asks that, in lieu of flowers, guests make a donation in the name of Charles Modica, Sr. to the Cardiac Department at Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast (850.278-3700).

[words from the South Walton community]