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

From the BUSINESS Scene - Live Oak Landing Vacation Destination coming to South Walton in November.

RVC Outdoor Destinations will open its newest vacation experience “Live Oak Landing” on November 1st. The new development, located north of Seaside, FL and near the Hwy 331 bridge is surrounded by water and offers boat access to the Choctawhatchee Bay, Gulf of Mexico, Inter Coastal Waterway, and the Choctawhatchee River System.

“Live Oak Landing provides a better alternative vacation that offers incredible access to nature, fishing, modern amenities, and a peaceful setting,” said Neil Sorrell, General Manager. “It is away from it all, yet within minutes of the beach, restaurants, shopping, and tourist attractions along scenic Highway 30-A,” Sorrell added.

Live Oak Landing is the perfect destination for people who love water but don’t want to stay at a busy beach location. Boating and fishing enthusiasts will also find it an unbeatable attraction with the access to bay, gulf, river and bayou fishing. Guests can fish a wide variety of species including Redfish, Speckled Trout, Striped Bass and Mullet from the edge of the property. Or, they can use a boat from the resort to move a short distance onto the bay, Gulf, and other systems for a wider range of options.

Guests demand a better vacation for less in today’s economy, and RVC Outdoor Destinations delivers higher quality and value. Live Oak Landing offers furnished cottages, RV Sites with full hook-ups, a private boat ramp and dock for guests, charter fishing service access, and free Wi-Fi. In addition, Live Oak is pet friendly and features an activity/meeting pavilion that can be utilized for corporate or recreational outdoor retreats. The strategic location in South Walton County also makes it the perfect weekend escape for those living in the area.

A fundamental in Live Oak Landing is the preservation of the surrounding environment with RVC's thoughtful design. The property is surrounded by peaceful water reflecting the Spanish moss covered trees, with each site carefully nestled within this natural attraction. The common thread running through all of RVC’s outdoor destinations is the linking of beautiful, well planned environments with exceptional service and amenities, as exhibited in Live Oak Landing.

1st Annual BOO at the BLUE Halloween Party to benefit Habitat for Humanity of Walton county happening October 29!

What: 1st Annual Boo at the Blue Halloween Party

When:  Friday, October 29, 2010 from 730-11PM

Where:  Cabana Blue, 24215 Hwy 331 South, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida (in old Sea Bar location on Hwy 331 just south of the bridge - across from Bentley's on the Bay)

Details: Wear a costume!  Food, drink, prizes, live music by Bryan Kennedy, prices for best costume, silent auction and more to benefit Habitat for Humanity.  Tickets: $40 in advance, can be purchased at Restaurant Fire in Grayton Beach [MAP]; $50 at the door.  Questions? 850-267-0240

Santa Rosa Beach's ‘Centennial Celebration’ schedule of events

Our beloved Santa Rosa Beach is turning 100 this year and community leaders have organized a party to commemorate the founding of the old Town of Santa Rosa in 1910 at Gulf Place (located at the intersection of Scenic Highway 30A and Country Road 393). This civic celebration

FREE EVENT

When: Saturday, September 11 from 10AM - 9PM
Sunday, September 12 from Noon - 6PM.

Schedule of Events: Enjoy two days of celebration - there will be vendors offering food, local art, unique items for sale, historic demonstrations and live music (see live music lineup below).  For more information visit www.srb100.com.

Saturday, Sept 11:

10am: FESTIVAL OPENS

11:00-11:30: Grit & Grace: Walton County's Official Folk Life Production

12:00-12:45: Mike Whitty & The Yellow Flies

1:00-1:45: Blackwater

2:00-3:00: Cadillac Willy

3:15-4:15: Duke Bardwell, Washboard Jackson & Friends

4:30-5:30: Suzi Ragsdale, Marc Harris & Bryan Kennedy

5:45-5:55: Moment of Silence & National Anthem by Casey Kearney

6:00-9:00: Emmy-winner Greg Barnhill & The Nashville A-Team, featuring some of the Music City's hottest talents, including: Joanna Cotten, Bryan Kennedy, Suzi Ragsdale, Myers Brothers Band and Travis Thibedoux

Sunday, Sept 12:

12:00: "God Bless America" Performed by Redd

12:15-2pm: The Steenos

2:15-3:30: Marc Harris, Kelsey Anna & Matt Miller

3:45-4:30: Sonya Cunningham

4:45-6:00: Tennessee Firearms

Bits & Pieces: Abrakadoodle art classes for kids; SEASIDE is now mobile; Santa Rosa Beach Centennial Celebration Month; Alaqua Thrift Store seeks donations

Alaqua Animal Refuge Opens Thrift Store Alaqua Animal Refuge, the area's only non-kill shelter located in Freeport, is opening a small "thrift store" inside Scavengers Bazaar, an antiques and interiors market specializing in home interiors and accessories in the Emerald Coast Shopping Center on Hwy 98 in Santa Rosa Beach [MAP].  They are currently seeking donations for their space - anything from furniture, clothes, electronics, baby items, accessories, children's toys, pet items, etc.  For more information, call 850-267-2101.

SEASIDE is now mobile! The Town of Seaside Florida recently announced they have gone mobile!  To keep updated on the latest, real-time updates on programs and events happening around town, just text "Seaside" to 99699 for a complete listing of their events. 

Abrakadoodle Art Classes for kids now being offered every Tuesday Seaside KIDS is partnering with Abrakadoodle, the first nationwide company to bring comprehensive, standards-based art education programs to children, to provide imaginative art classes this summer for both locals and visitors to the area. Children can look forward to using a wide variety of mediums in these one-hour weekly classes. Abrakadoodle art classes will take place outside of the Seaside KIDS store Tuesdays from 1:00-2:00 through August 3rd. Classes are $20 per child and are for children 5 years old and up.

For more information on these classes or other special events at Seaside, please visit us online at: www.seasidefl.com. All events are made possible by the arts & entertainment fee collected by The Merchants of Seaside.

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September 2010 is Santa Rosa Beach Centennial Celebration Month! The Walton County Board of County Commissioners issued a resolution designating the month of September 2010 as Santa Rosa Beach Centennial Celebration Month.  This September, the community will celebrate the history and the founding of the old Town of Santa Rosa which originally sat on Hogtown Bayou. A huge celebration is planned for Saturday and Sunday September 11th and 12th, 2010 at Gulf Place located at the corner of Scenic Highway 30A and county road 393 in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.  For more information on how businesses and individuals can participate, visit the official website at http://www.srb100.com.  More information will be coming soon.  Questions? Contact Johndra Culp at 850-622-5815.

Alaqua Animal Refuge Opens Thrift Store Alaqua Animal Refuge, the area's only non-kill shelter located in Freeport, is opening a small "thrift store" inside Scavengers Bazaar, an antiques and interiors market specializing in home interiors and accessories in the Emerald Coast Shopping Center on Hwy 98 in Santa Rosa Beach [MAP].  They are currently seeking donations for their space - anything from furniture, clothes, electronics, baby items, accessories, children's toys, pet items, etc.  For more information, call 850-267-2101.

SEASIDE is now mobile! The Town of Seaside Florida recently announced they have gone mobile!  To keep updated on the latest, real-time updates on programs and events happening around town, just text "Seaside" to 99699 for a complete listing of their events. 

Abrakadoodle Art Classes for kids now being offered every Tuesday Seaside KIDS is partnering with Abrakadoodle, the first nationwide company to bring comprehensive, standards-based art education programs to children, to provide imaginative art classes this summer for both locals and visitors to the area. Children can look forward to using a wide variety of mediums in these one-hour weekly classes. Abrakadoodle art classes will take place outside of the Seaside KIDS store Tuesdays from 1:00-2:00 through August 3rd. Classes are $20 per child and are for children 5 years old and up.

For more information on these classes or other special events at Seaside, please visit us online at: www.seasidefl.com. All events are made possible by the arts & entertainment fee collected by The Merchants of Seaside.

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Support our advertisers!

        

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September 2010 is Santa Rosa Beach Centennial Celebration Month! The Walton County Board of County Commissioners issued a resolution designating the month of September 2010 as Santa Rosa Beach Centennial Celebration Month.  This September, the community will celebrate the history and the founding of the old Town of Santa Rosa which originally sat on Hogtown Bayou. A huge celebration is planned for Saturday and Sunday September 11th and 12th, 2010 at Gulf Place located at the corner of Scenic Highway 30A and county road 393 in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.  For more information on how businesses and individuals can participate, visit the official website at http://www.srb100.com.  More information will be coming soon.  Questions? Contact Johndra Culp at 850-622-5815.

Alaqua Animal Refuge Opens Thrift Store Alaqua Animal Refuge, the area's only non-kill shelter located in Freeport, is opening a small "thrift store" inside Scavengers Bazaar, an antiques and interiors market specializing in home interiors and accessories in the Emerald Coast Shopping Center on Hwy 98 in Santa Rosa Beach [MAP].  They are currently seeking donations for their space - anything from furniture, clothes, electronics, baby items, accessories, children's toys, pet items, etc.  For more information, call 850-267-2101.

SEASIDE is now mobile! The Town of Seaside Florida recently announced they have gone mobile!  To keep updated on the latest, real-time updates on programs and events happening around town, just text "Seaside" to 99699 for a complete listing of their events. 

Abrakadoodle Art Classes for kids now being offered every Tuesday Seaside KIDS is partnering with Abrakadoodle, the first nationwide company to bring comprehensive, standards-based art education programs to children, to provide imaginative art classes this summer for both locals and visitors to the area. Children can look forward to using a wide variety of mediums in these one-hour weekly classes. Abrakadoodle art classes will take place outside of the Seaside KIDS store Tuesdays from 1:00-2:00 through August 3rd. Classes are $20 per child and are for children 5 years old and up.

For more information on these classes or other special events at Seaside, please visit us online at: www.seasidefl.com. All events are made possible by the arts & entertainment fee collected by The Merchants of Seaside.

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Support our advertisers!

        

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September 2010 is Santa Rosa Beach Centennial Celebration Month! The Walton County Board of County Commissioners issued a resolution designating the month of September 2010 as Santa Rosa Beach Centennial Celebration Month.  This September, the community will celebrate the history and the founding of the old Town of Santa Rosa which originally sat on Hogtown Bayou. A huge celebration is planned for Saturday and Sunday September 11th and 12th, 2010 at Gulf Place located at the corner of Scenic Highway 30A and county road 393 in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.  For more information on how businesses and individuals can participate, visit the official website at http://www.srb100.com.  More information will be coming soon.  Questions? Contact Johndra Culp at 850-622-5815.

Alaqua Animal Refuge Opens Thrift Store Alaqua Animal Refuge, the area's only non-kill shelter located in Freeport, is opening a small "thrift store" inside Scavengers Bazaar, an antiques and interiors market specializing in home interiors and accessories in the Emerald Coast Shopping Center on Hwy 98 in Santa Rosa Beach [MAP].  They are currently seeking donations for their space - anything from furniture, clothes, electronics, baby items, accessories, children's toys, pet items, etc.  For more information, call 850-267-2101.

SEASIDE is now mobile! The Town of Seaside Florida recently announced they have gone mobile!  To keep updated on the latest, real-time updates on programs and events happening around town, just text "Seaside" to 99699 for a complete listing of their events. 

Abrakadoodle Art Classes for kids now being offered every Tuesday Seaside KIDS is partnering with Abrakadoodle, the first nationwide company to bring comprehensive, standards-based art education programs to children, to provide imaginative art classes this summer for both locals and visitors to the area. Children can look forward to using a wide variety of mediums in these one-hour weekly classes. Abrakadoodle art classes will take place outside of the Seaside KIDS store Tuesdays from 1:00-2:00 through August 3rd. Classes are $20 per child and are for children 5 years old and up.

For more information on these classes or other special events at Seaside, please visit us online at: www.seasidefl.com. All events are made possible by the arts & entertainment fee collected by The Merchants of Seaside.

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Support our advertisers!

        

..........................................................................................................................................................................

September 2010 is Santa Rosa Beach Centennial Celebration Month! The Walton County Board of County Commissioners issued a resolution designating the month of September 2010 as Santa Rosa Beach Centennial Celebration Month.  This September, the community will celebrate the history and the founding of the old Town of Santa Rosa which originally sat on Hogtown Bayou. A huge celebration is planned for Saturday and Sunday September 11th and 12th, 2010 at Gulf Place located at the corner of Scenic Highway 30A and county road 393 in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.  For more information on how businesses and individuals can participate, visit the official website at http://www.srb100.com.  More information will be coming soon.  Questions? Contact Johndra Culp at 850-622-5815.

Celebrate Easter with the Easter Bunny at beautiful Eden State Gardens State Park

The Friends of Eden Gardens State Park along with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is again hosting the Easter Bunny and Annual Easter Egg Hunt Sunday, April 4th at Eden State Garden Park in Point Washington/Santa Rosa Beach [MAP]

Enjoy the gardens and the festivities from noon to 2 pm.  Bring your family and friends, a picnic lunch, baskets for each child to collect eggs and, if you wish, your Easter Bonnet.  Children will be divided by age to hunt for eggs, so each child will be successful.

Usual State Park admission fee of $4.00/Car or $2.00/Bike or Pedestrian will be waived for a donation to the Friends of Eden.  Funds received by this organization pay for maintenance and beautification projects in the Park.  

Eden Gardens is located in Point Washington, north of Hwy 98 via County Road 395.  For further information contact Elizabeth Eich at (850) 231-1167.

Local announcements: Call for artists; Haz-Mat Collection Day; Seaside Neighborhood School Half Marathon & 5K Scenic Hwy 30A Road Closures

Call For Artists One of the unique things about South Walton is the amount of artists that reside here.  Just drive down Scenic Hwy 30A to get a first hand look at the creativity of the community found around every turn. There are also many art-inspired events and classes.  Here is an open "Call to Artists":

• Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach 2010 >> Info.

• Cultural Arts Association 2010 ArtsQuest >> Info.

• Artists and Live Models Needed for weekly figure drawing class  >> studio b, Alys Beach, Florida. Call 214-415-0476.

8th Annual SEASIDE Neighborhood School Half Marathon and 5K Run Road Closure Over 3,000 running enthusiasts will be descending on South Walton and the Town of SEASIDE this weekend, March 5 - 7 for the 8th Annual SNS Half Marathon and 5K Run.  As happens every year, Scenic Hwy 30A will be closed down for several hours as the runners make their way around the course.  Here are the official closure dates and times:

Call For Artists One of the unique things about South Walton is the amount of artists that reside here.  Just drive down Scenic Hwy 30A to get a first hand look at the creativity of the community found around every turn. There are also many art-inspired events and classes.  Here is an open "Call to Artists":

• Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach 2010 >> Info.

• Cultural Arts Association 2010 ArtsQuest >> Info.

• Artists and Live Models Needed for weekly figure drawing class  >> studio b, Alys Beach, Florida. Call 214-415-0476.

8th Annual SEASIDE Neighborhood School Half Marathon and 5K Run Road Closure Over 3,000 running enthusiasts will be descending on South Walton and the Town of SEASIDE this weekend, March 5 - 7 for the 8th Annual SNS Half Marathon and 5K Run.  As happens every year, Scenic Hwy 30A will be closed down for several hours as the runners make their way around the course.  Here are the official closure dates and times:

Call For Artists One of the unique things about South Walton is the amount of artists that reside here.  Just drive down Scenic Hwy 30A to get a first hand look at the creativity of the community found around every turn. There are also many art-inspired events and classes.  Here is an open "Call to Artists":

• Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach 2010 >> Info.

• Cultural Arts Association 2010 ArtsQuest >> Info.

• Artists and Live Models Needed for weekly figure drawing class  >> studio b, Alys Beach, Florida. Call 214-415-0476.

8th Annual SEASIDE Neighborhood School Half Marathon and 5K Run Road Closure Over 3,000 running enthusiasts will be descending on South Walton and the Town of SEASIDE this weekend, March 5 - 7 for the 8th Annual SNS Half Marathon and 5K Run.  As happens every year, Scenic Hwy 30A will be closed down for several hours as the runners make their way around the course.  Here are the official closure dates and times:

Call For Artists One of the unique things about South Walton is the amount of artists that reside here.  Just drive down Scenic Hwy 30A to get a first hand look at the creativity of the community found around every turn. There are also many art-inspired events and classes.  Here is an open "Call to Artists":

• Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach 2010 >> Info.

• Cultural Arts Association 2010 ArtsQuest >> Info.

• Artists and Live Models Needed for weekly figure drawing class  >> studio b, Alys Beach, Florida. Call 214-415-0476.

8th Annual SEASIDE Neighborhood School Half Marathon and 5K Run Road Closure Over 3,000 running enthusiasts will be descending on South Walton and the Town of SEASIDE this weekend, March 5 - 7 for the 8th Annual SNS Half Marathon and 5K Run.  As happens every year, Scenic Hwy 30A will be closed down for several hours as the runners make their way around the course.  Here are the official closure dates and times:

Call For Artists One of the unique things about South Walton is the amount of artists that reside here.  Just drive down Scenic Hwy 30A to get a first hand look at the creativity of the community found around every turn. There are also many art-inspired events and classes.  Here is an open "Call to Artists":

• Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach 2010 >> Info.

• Cultural Arts Association 2010 ArtsQuest >> Info.

• Artists and Live Models Needed for weekly figure drawing class  >> studio b, Alys Beach, Florida. Call 214-415-0476.

8th Annual SEASIDE Neighborhood School Half Marathon and 5K Run Road Closure Over 3,000 running enthusiasts will be descending on South Walton and the Town of SEASIDE this weekend, March 5 - 7 for the 8th Annual SNS Half Marathon and 5K Run.  As happens every year, Scenic Hwy 30A will be closed down for several hours as the runners make their way around the course.  Here are the official closure dates and times:

Call For Artists One of the unique things about South Walton is the amount of artists that reside here.  Just drive down Scenic Hwy 30A to get a first hand look at the creativity of the community found around every turn. There are also many art-inspired events and classes.  Here is an open "Call to Artists":

• Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach 2010 >> Info.

• Cultural Arts Association 2010 ArtsQuest >> Info.

• Artists and Live Models Needed for weekly figure drawing class  >> studio b, Alys Beach, Florida. Call 214-415-0476.

8th Annual SEASIDE Neighborhood School Half Marathon and 5K Run Road Closure Over 3,000 running enthusiasts will be descending on South Walton and the Town of SEASIDE this weekend, March 5 - 7 for the 8th Annual SNS Half Marathon and 5K Run.  As happens every year, Scenic Hwy 30A will be closed down for several hours as the runners make their way around the course.  Here are the official closure dates and times:

Call For Artists One of the unique things about South Walton is the amount of artists that reside here.  Just drive down Scenic Hwy 30A to get a first hand look at the creativity of the community found around every turn. There are also many art-inspired events and classes.  Here is an open "Call to Artists":

• Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach 2010 >> Info.

• Cultural Arts Association 2010 ArtsQuest >> Info.

• Artists and Live Models Needed for weekly figure drawing class  >> studio b, Alys Beach, Florida. Call 214-415-0476.

8th Annual SEASIDE Neighborhood School Half Marathon and 5K Run Road Closure Over 3,000 running enthusiasts will be descending on South Walton and the Town of SEASIDE this weekend, March 5 - 7 for the 8th Annual SNS Half Marathon and 5K Run.  As happens every year, Scenic Hwy 30A will be closed down for several hours as the runners make their way around the course.  Here are the official closure dates and times:

Call For Artists One of the unique things about South Walton is the amount of artists that reside here.  Just drive down Scenic Hwy 30A to get a first hand look at the creativity of the community found around every turn. There are also many art-inspired events and classes.  Here is an open "Call to Artists":

• Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach 2010 >> Info.

• Cultural Arts Association 2010 ArtsQuest >> Info.

• Artists and Live Models Needed for weekly figure drawing class  >> studio b, Alys Beach, Florida. Call 214-415-0476.

8th Annual SEASIDE Neighborhood School Half Marathon and 5K Run Road Closure Over 3,000 running enthusiasts will be descending on South Walton and the Town of SEASIDE this weekend, March 5 - 7 for the 8th Annual SNS Half Marathon and 5K Run.  As happens every year, Scenic Hwy 30A will be closed down for several hours as the runners make their way around the course.  Here are the official closure dates and times:

Call For Artists One of the unique things about South Walton is the amount of artists that reside here.  Just drive down Scenic Hwy 30A to get a first hand look at the creativity of the community found around every turn. There are also many art-inspired events and classes.  Here is an open "Call to Artists":

• Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach 2010 >> Info.

• Cultural Arts Association 2010 ArtsQuest >> Info.

• Artists and Live Models Needed for weekly figure drawing class  >> studio b, Alys Beach, Florida. Call 214-415-0476.

8th Annual SEASIDE Neighborhood School Half Marathon and 5K Run Road Closure Over 3,000 running enthusiasts will be descending on South Walton and the Town of SEASIDE this weekend, March 5 - 7 for the 8th Annual SNS Half Marathon and 5K Run.  As happens every year, Scenic Hwy 30A will be closed down for several hours as the runners make their way around the course.  Here are the official closure dates and times:

Mark your calendars! It’s the 5th Annual Hurricane Party to Benefit Children's Volunteer Health Network

Details:
Friday November 13, 2009, 6-10 pm
Bentleys on the Bay (formerly the 3 Thirty-One restaurant) [MAP]
Live and Silent Auction Items
Food and Drink
Music by Jose Conde
Cost $50 in advance /$65 at the door
To purchase, call 850.622.3200 or online here

The Children's Volunteer Health Network is preparing for the annual Hurricane Party taking place this year on Friday, November 13 from 6-10pm. Last year it was held at the Red Bar - this year it makes it return to it's old stomping grounds - the old 3 Thirty-One restaurant which is now Bentley's on the Bay!

To support their important mission to enhance the lives of uninsured and underinsured children by facilitating free immediate access to medical, dental and mental health care, they are collecting items which will be auctioned at the event.

If you own a business and would like to donate goods, services or other unique experiences to this event, call CVHN at 850.622.3200.

Related Links:

• You've Been Scene!  CVHN's 4th Annual Hurricane Party at the Red Bar

Guide to South Walton - After School Programs

B.A.S.E. Camp at South Walton Montessori Academy
Beth Brock, a teacher at South Walton Montessori Academy, has an after school program for children ages 3-11 years and is accepting new students.  Called 'B.A.S.E (Beth's After School Experience) Camp', the program is a unique opportunity to introduce your child to the Montessori experience, while helping working parents and busy families that need after school assistance.  Daily activities include nature walks in Eden State Park, educational games, and playground time.  The facility is open from 3-5:30pm on school days. For more information or to register your child, contact Beth Brock at 850-240-0670 or via email at bethbrock@mac.com.

Boys And Girls Club - South Walton
The Boys And Girls Club - South Walton runs after school and summer programming for elementary school students between the ages of 6-11.  The program is located in temporary structures behind the South Walton Public Library and near South Walton High School at 427 Greenway Trail in Santa Rosa Beach.  Transportation is available from both Bay Elementary (no fee) and Butler Elementary (nominal fee). Call 850.622.0602 for full information or to enroll your child.

S.P.I.C.E at Bay Elementary and Butler Elementary Schools
S.P.I.C.E. is an extended day enrichment program that offers children a variety of activities, including supervised homework time, arts & crafts, cooking activities, music, physical education, summer field trips and more on site at each school.  The program is scheduled afterschool until 6pm, Monday - Friday, during the school year and from 6:30am - 6:00pm during the summer break as well as on teacher planning days and holidays.  For information, including fees, or to enroll your child, call 850.892.1100 ext. 2101, Monday - Friday after 2pm.

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Related Posts:

• Schools in South Walton

Third Publix Grocery Store Coming to Santa Rosa Beach.

(cast your vote in the poll below or leave a comment)

They have started construction of a third Publix grocery store in South Walton on Hwy 98 in Santa Rosa Beach. It joins two other stores - one at Sandestin and another at WaterColor Crossing. Do you think we need a third Publix grocery store in South Walton? Or would you have preferred to see another grocery store chain enter or expand in the South Walton market? Cast a vote or tell us your thoughts in the comment section below.

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SoWalScene.com - 2008 A Year In Review: Part One.

Happy New Year!!  I wanted to take a moment to wish you and your family a healthy, happy, safe and prosperous 2009! 

I also want to thank you for your continued support and readership in SoWalScene.com's first full year on the 'net.  Actually, today is the one year anniversary of SoWalScene.com and I must admit, I am humbled by the journey this blog has taken me on in the past year and am incredibly excited about the upcoming year and beyond.  What started as a fairly straight-forward blog has morphed into a multi-page, multi-dynamic website with a sister site - SoWalDining.com and more exciting additions in the pipeline.  And a partner and I are in the process of launching another site that we think will be incredibly useful for the community so please stay-tuned! 

2008 has not been an easy one for many, both in South Walton and throughout the world.  It's been heart-breaking to see families forced to move to seek work elsewhere, see businesses that have had a presence in South Walton for years close, and hear the stories of people who have lost everything because of bad choices made during the real estate run up we witnessed back in '03-'05. 

No one can predict the future but collectively we are hoping for a better 2009 - and are bracing ourselves for the real possibility it will be as, if not more, difficult as 2008.  One thing is for sure - those that are still able to call this home are more grateful than ever for the charmed life we lead here. And, on other thing is for sure - the economy will turn around at some point.

In honor of the transition of years, I have complied Part One of a Year in Review below - view Part Two here  - and have listed some of my favorite posts from each month the year.  Enjoy - here's to 2009!

January 2008 in South Walton: Seagrove Villas and Motel put on the market - 30A big blue sign (new wayfinding signage) controversy erupts -  Kris Titus of the Walton county TDC steps down - four laning of Hwy 331 begins - Frill Seekers wins the 19th Annual Great Southern Cookoff at Sandestin.

February 2008 in South Walton: Walton TDC halts installation of big blue wayfinding signage on 30A - South Walton High students perform Blithe Spirit at the Seaside Rep. after it had been banned last minute from production at the high school because of a public complaint stating it was morally inappropriate - County Road 30A designated a "Scenic" highway - Coastal Vision 3000's "THE Beach" campaign unveiled - the community of NatureWalk on County Road 395, north of WaterColor, put up for sale - we observed a Leap Day on the 29th.

March 2008 in South Walton: Seaside Half Marathon draws record entrants - tourist season 2008 begins during Spring Break - Walton county TDC implements the "Leave No Trace" program on area beaches - celebrities Sheryl Crow and Emeril Lagasse were spotted around town - local artist Billie Gaffrey chosen as ArtsQuest 20th Anniversary poster winner - Easter comes early in March - former South Walton High School coach Mark Cozzie was found not guilty of lewd and lascivious behavior against a minor - the old Sandor's building that used to sit at the corner of Hwy 395 and Scenic 30A is moved down 30A to Alys Beach where it becomes George's at Alys Beach - 1st Annual 30A St. Patrick's Parade is held.

April 2008 in South Walton: The Seaside Rep's Annual Benefit, this year themed, "The Prom", raises over $56K - Walton county TDC decides to remove big blue wayfinding signage (the "announcing signs") on Scenic 30A - Seabreeze 106.3FM Jazz Fest holds last event in South Walton (it will be held at Pier Park in Panama City Beach starting in 2009)  - 22nd Sandestin Wine Festival held - Earth Day 2008 was on the 22nd.

May 2008 in South Walton: Yellow fly season begins - more than 60 swimmers pulled from dangerous rip currents in Bay, Walton and Okaloosa counties during Memorial Day weekend and one drowing was reported - 1st Annual Seaside Jazz Fest held - lifetime resident Doodle Harris passes away - Sonny Mares appointed Executive Director of Walton county TDC - VIE-people+places magazine launches - 20th Anniversary of ArtsQuest held.

June 2008 in South Walton: New Junior lifeguard program started on area beaches - Salty Dog Saloon, formerly Snapperheads, opens on Scenic 30A - new Blue Mountain Beach beach access opens - gas prices over $4.00/gallon - Parade of Homes 2008 begins - sea turtle nesting season begins on area beaches - hurricane season 2008 begins - rare Humpback whale sighting off Crystal Beach.

Some of my favorite posts over the past year:

• Signs Signs Everywhere (Jan)
• You Know You Are A South Waltoner When... (Feb)
• The Grouper Sandwich and Seagrove Village Market (Mar)
• Finding Opportunity in a Beach Resort Town (Apr)
• Seaside Jazz Festival - Weekend One. Marketing Snafu or First Year Growing Pains? (May)
• Welcome to the Beaches of South Walton, Dear Tourists (Jun)

Related Posts:

SoWalScene.com - 2008 A Year In Review: Part Two