Category: Dining

Tim Jackson’s Storytellers Tour @ Chautauqua Theatre

Enjoy a lively night at the historic Florida Chautauqua Theatre in Downtown DeFuniak Springs, Florida on Friday, December 16th, 2022 for Tim Jackson’s Storyteller Tour featuring national recording artist: Joanna Cotten, Kree Harrison and Jason Martin. Tickets are on sale for $20.00. For tickets & info, visit www.florida chautauqua.com. This two-hour Songwriter Performance Series will consist of an intimate evening by the featured artists. Music lovers will enjoy a meet & greet at the end or the night’s performance. The Florida Chautauqua Theatre is located at 840 Baldwin Avenue in DeFuniak Springs.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dinner at Havana Beach Bar & Grill                           To celebrate Christmas, this year Havana Beach Bar & Grill at The Pearl Hotel will be offering a 3-Course Prix Fixe Dinner Menu on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.Reservations are required, and seating times are available from 4 to 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Christmas Day. Diners will have their choice of items for each course, including Roasted Apple and Parsnip Soup; Roasted Beet and Citrus Salad; Lobster Mac & Cheese;or Seared Sea Scallops for the first course, Classic Seafood Bouillabaisse; Pan Roasted Duck Breast; Stout Braised Short Ribs; or Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb for the second course, and for the third course diners may choose between Black Forest Tart; Cranberry Baked Alaska; Old World Gingerbread; or Havana Rum Cake. This is a reservation required event. Call 850.588.2882 for reservations. 63 Main Street, Rosemary Beach. Visit www.thepearlrb.com for more information.

Visit Ovide this Holiday Season

Celebrate this holiday season with warm southern hospitality at Ovide, where the decadent Christmas Dinner Menu highlights fresh fall flavors and ingredients, while incorporating gems from the culinary world, like lobster and truffles. The varied a la carte menu has something to satisfy every taste, ranging from traditional favorites to more inventive but equally delicious concoctions. To start off your foodie Christmas celebration right, choose any of the crowd-pleasing appetizers, including:

• Charred buffalo cauliflower with herb goat cheese, red potato and arugula
• Raviolo with lemon ricotta, truffle and tarragon broth
• Crab Maison with garlic sourdough, buttered saltines and lemon
• Celery root soup with vermouth, heirloom apple and brown butter

The entrées are all showstoppers and offer guests a refreshing break from traditional holiday dishes that seem to overpopulate every menu during the season’s festivities. With a heavy focus on elevating protein sources, diners can delight on any of the usual suspects, including:

• Chilean sea bass with saffron beurre blanc
• Maine lobster with tarragon hollandaise
• 16 oz. Prime boneless rib eye
• Braised short rib
• 8 oz. prime filet mignon
• Poulet rouge

The Christmas Menu also features fresh and wholesome salads as well as delicious sides to pair with your meal!

A meal down South is never complete without a sweet ending so don’t miss out on the decadent desserts this Chiristmas:

• Blueberry & peach cobbler
• Buttermilk pie with cranberry-orange compote

Ovide is located in the Hotel Effie, inside the gates of Sandestin Resort, 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd, Miramar Beach. 850-351-3030. Visit www.hoteleffie.com for more information.

The Bay Wednesday Night Bonfire: A Sand Ole Opry Christmas

Come out to The Bay with family and friends every Wednesday night starting at 5PM for dinner, cold drinks and a bonfire with various local musicians on the beach of the Choctawhatchee Bay. It’s a midweek tradition in South Walton, Florida. December Music: Dec. 14 – Sugarcane Jane – Dec. 22 – The Sand Ole Opry Christmas – Dec. 28 – Martin Lane. The Bay is an award-winning, yet casual waterfront restaurant and bar created by Chef Jim Shirley. For More information visit www.baysouthwalton.com. 2415 South Hwy. 331, Santa Rosa Beach.

 A Dueling Pianos Christmas @ Old Florida Fish House

Enjoy a lively night of Dueling Pianos with Nate Sangsland on the inside stage at Old Florida Fish House Wednesday December 21 through Friday December 23. Throughout the week, catch artists playing inside the coveted bar and lounge as well as in the large outdoor dining space situated among the palm and oak trees under the twinkling lights next to Eastern Lake. 5 – 7PM – Russ Whitten, 7 – 10PM – A Dueling Pianos Christmas. Old Florida Fish House is a locals’ hidden gem on the shores of Eastern Lake in Seagrove Beach. Find more info and see menus at www.oldfloridafishhouse.com. Follow Old Florida Fish House on Facebook to stay up to date on current specials and events. 5235 E County Highway 30A, Seagrove Beach.

Pescado New Years Eve Celebration

Pescado Seafood Grill and Rooftop Bar invites you to ring in 2023 with them as they host a New Year’s Eve Celebration! 2022 Sign, Sealed, Delivered tickets options for reservation this New Year Eve will be released on December 1st, 2022 – call for reservations 850-213-4600. Bar is first come first serve, Restaurant by Reservation Only. Sign, Sealed, Delivered celebration attendees will be served 1 glass of Cava on arrival before sitting down for a delicious 3-course dinner with selections and an amuse bouche. Throughout the evening enjoy live music by Nathan Fife in anticipation of the midnight countdown and toast. Also included in the ticket price is entry to The Courtyard at Pescado Time Square Party located on the ground floor featuring party favors and more! Learn more at www.rooftop30a.com. 74 Town Hall Road, Rosemary Beach.

Baytowne Countdown

Ring in the New Year at the Village of Baytowne Wharf, Dec. 31 from 6pm till after midnight! Dance the night away and enjoy a live band in the Events Plaza and breathtaking fireworks as they light up the sky over the lagoon at midnight. Admission is free and open to the public – 21 & over after 10pm. 20 & Under must be accompanied by a legal guardian after 10pm. Live Entertainment: 5 – 7PM @ Baytowne LIVE Stage: DJ TreVy, 7PM – 1AM @ Baytowne Events Plaza Stage: Bay Kings BandThe Village of Baytowne Wharf, 9300 Baytowne Blvd., Miramar Beach.

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for Outstanding Innovation and Education Practices in Hospitality 

Nationally recognized restaurateur and South Walton resident Chef Jim Shirley is the owner of the Great Southern Café, The Meltdown on 30A, The Bay, Farm & Fire, North Beach Social, and The Chicken Shack in South Walton, Florida. He is also the co-owner of Great Southern Restaurants, which owns The Fish House, The Atlas Oyster House, The Fish House Deck Bar, and more in Pensacola, Florida. Chef Jim uses Southern accents with great skill and spirit, traveling far afield to graze and glean, absorb culinary ideas, select fine wines, and look for pockets of sustainable farming practices. As a Pensacola native, Chef Jim uses his knowledge of local waters and family farming histories to promote “New Ruralism,” a movement to champion sustainable agriculture at the urban edge. Jim is chair of the state board of directors of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and a past president of the association’s Northwest Florida Chapter, founder and president of the Society of Great Southern Chefs, and a member of the Southern Foodways Alliance. He is also one of the five distinguished Celebrity Chefs of Pensacola and has cooked at the James Beard House numerous times.

Chef Jim received the 2022 Torch Award presented by the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) and is bestowed each year at the organization’s Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show in Orlando. The award was presented during the FRLA fall board meeting on November 3 at the Caribe Royale Resort.

“I am deeply humbled and honored to have been presented with the Torch Award at this year’s Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show,” Chef Jim shared after the event. “To join the ranks of previous recipients, including Thomas Keller, Geoffery Zakarian, Curtis Stone, Michelle Bernstein and more, is a great privilege. I am in good company and can’t thank the FRLA enough.”

FRLA created the Torch Award to honor outstanding chefs and restaurateurs who embody “illumination, energy, joy, victory, enlightenment, hope, and education.” These traits may be embodied through exceptional knowledge and leadership, philanthropic and community efforts, extraordinary talent and creativity, innovation and inspiration.

“I don’t know if you can apply all that to me,” Chef Jim laughed. “I’m just a man trying to do good with good grits, but I am honored to be a representative for a strong cause.”

This award comes on the heels of Chef Jim’s Great Southern Café’s naming as a recipient of the 2022 Wine Spectator Grand Awards—the iconic Seaside, Florida, restaurant’s tenth year on the list honoring restaurants with extraordinary wine programs. Great Southern Café was also recently named the winner of the Best Mojito in the 2022 Best of the Emerald Coast awards by Emerald Coast Magazine, while Chef Jim Shirley’s North Beach Social won the title for Best Outdoor Bar.

The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association with over 10,000 members, including independent hoteliers and restaurateurs, household name franchises, theme parks and suppliers. The association’s mission is to protect, educate and promote Florida’s $111.7 billion hospitality industry which represents 1.5 million employees. Dedicated to safeguarding the needs of the membership, FRLA provides legislative advocacy to ensure the voices of its members are heard and their interests are protected. The association offers regulatory compliance and food safety training through SafeStaff® and FRLA’s subsidiary, RCS Training. The FRLA Educational Foundation provides industry-developed, career-building high school programs throughout the state. Visit FRLA.org to learn more.

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The Pearl Hotel

Havana Beach Bar & Grill at The Pearl Hotel is offering a Thanksgiving Grand Buffet this year. The Grand Buffet will be held on November 24, with seating times from 11 AM to 7 PM. Highlights include an Emerald Coast Seafood Display with poached Gulf shrimp, cocktail crab claws, smoked tuna dip, oysters on the half shell, and Gulf Coast ceviche; Entrees including roasted turkey with sage-shallot butter, herb-roasted prime rib at a chef-attended carving station, maple-bourbon glazed ham, and blackened Red Snapper; and a selection of House Baked Desserts including pies, tarts, and much more! Price: $85 for adults; $45 for children ages 4 to 12; $35 for children ages 3 and under. Reservations are required. Call (850) 588-2882 for reservations or visit www.ThePearlRB.com. 63 Main Street, Rosemary Beach.

Old Florida Fish House

Join the Old Florida Fish House for their Traditional Thanksgiving Buffet, featuring two carving station choices: Butter & Herb Roasted Turkey Breast and Rosemary Garlic Prime Rib. Other mains include a Roasted Wild Salmon w/ Cucumber dill Yogurt Sauce or Gluten Free Royal Red Fried Shrimp. Open 11am – 6PM. The full menu can be seen by visiting www.oldfloridafishhouse.com.  Adults $69, Children Under 10: $29. Call for reservations, 850-534-3045. Old Florida Fish House, 33 Heron’s Watch Way, Santa Rosa Beach.

WaterColor Inn & Resort

The WaterColor LakeHouse is offering a special Thanksgiving Buffet on November 24 from 10 AM to 3 PM, featuring everything from a Breakfast Corner (offering familiar favorites like scrambled eggs, crisp Applewood bacon, French toast and hot oatmeal porridge) to a Bakery section (house-baked rolls, breakfast Danish and pastries, banana bread and more), along with an Iced Seafood & Raw Bar, a Carving Station featuring herb-roasted whole turkey and herb peppercorn-crusted prime rib, a wide selection of Main and Side Dishes, Desserts, and even a Kids Menu! Price for the WaterColor LakeHouse Buffet is $85 per adult, $45 per child ages 6 to 12, and complimentary for children 5 and under. 235 WaterColor Blvd. W, WaterColor. Email WCISocialEvents@stjoe.com for reservations. Phone 850 534-5000.

Family-Style Turkey To-Go or WaterColor Delivery

For those who would rather have their Thanksgiving Dinner delivered or get it to go, WaterColor Inn & Resort has the perfect option for you – choose between a Whole Turkey Package or Half Turkey Package. Both options come with a wide selections of Main Dishes (herb-roasted whole turkey and butternut squash ravioli), Cold Selections (coastal greens salad, Caesar salad, poached Gulf shrimp), and Dessert (salted caramel pumpkin pie, bourbon chocolate pecan pie). Each package includes turkey and all the trimmings for 4 to 6 people.

• $300 – Whole Turkey Package
• $225 – Half Turkey Package

Email WCISocialEvents@stjoe.com by Monday, November 21 to place your order; pick up will be at Gather Kitchen + Bar from 10:30 AM to 2 PM on Thanksgiving. 34 Goldenrod Circle, WaterColor. Phone 850 534-5000

Thanksgiving Brunch at Ovide by James Beard award-winning chef Hugh Acheson 

Perfect for hotel guests and locals, guests can skip the clean-up and dine in at Ovide, Hotel Effie’s in-house restaurant. Ovide, the restaurant by award-winning celebrity chef and 2-time James Beard nominee, Hugh Acheson, is offering a feast of roasted turkey, cornbread stuffing, savory gravy, Effie’s iconic homemade biscuits and much more. This experience includes a seafood buffet alongside a family style dinner, including starters, salads, entrees, sides, and delicious desserts to taste. Brunch is available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $65 per person and $30 for children under 12. Make reservations by calling 850-351-3030 by November 18. Hotel Effie Sandestin, 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd, Miramar Beach

Thanksgiving Fall Dinner at Ovide

Leave your cooking utensils at home and enjoy an elegant home cooked meal at Ovide with all the flavor and none of the stress. This elevated Thanksgiving dinner features a three-course meal with an array of all your favorite fall classics. Ovide’s chic, well-appointed interior and sophisticated ambiance is the perfect setting for a heart-warming meal with loved ones. Make reservations by calling  850-351-3030 by November 18. Hotel Effie Sandestin, 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd, Miramar Beach.

Fish Out of Water at WaterColor Inn

The Fish Out of Water restaurant is offering Thanksgiving-themed options throughout the day on November 24, including a Pumpkin Spiced Croffle, Shaved Turkey Rueben, Warm Sweet Potato Casserole, and Brown Buter Pecan Ice Cream between 8 AM and 2 PM, and the Thanksgiving Feast from 4 PM to 9 PM, with roasted turkey breast, fried maple almond Brussels sprouts, green bean casserole, cornbread stuffing, candied yams, Boursin whipped potatoes, turkey gravy and cranberry sauce. 34 Goldenrod Circle, WaterColor. www.foow30a.com, Phone 850 534-5000.

Harbordock’s Restaurant 28th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner

In what has become a local Thanksgiving tradition like no other, Harbor Docks Restaurant will provide complimentary meals to locals & out-of-towners for the 28th consecutive year this November 24th Thanksgiving day. After providing curbside “to go” plates the past two years because of the Covid-19 virus, Harbor Docks is back to having their sit down dinners inside the restaurant serving hundreds of people a traditional Thanksgiving meal including turkey, ham, dessert, beverages and all the “fixins.” There is no set charge for the meal but donations are accepted benefitting Habitat For Humanity of Okaloosa County & Destin Harvest. All of the volunteers for the Thanksgiving feast are provided by Habitat For Humanity Okaloosa from the cooks to servers and everyone in-between. Credit cards will be accepted for donations and alcoholic beverages can be purchased at the bar separately but not included with the meals. Large family groups of 10 or more are encouraged & asked to please call the restaurant ahead of time so that a table can be reserved to avoid long waits…(850) 837-2506. Harbor Docks will begin seating at 11:00AM and will take the last sitting at 4:30PM. Please note that food will be served while it lasts. The serving is not buffet style but served individually to patrons. Parking will be available across the street from the restaurant with plenty of parking signage and handicap parking available also. Harbor Docks Restaurant is a Destin institution located in the “Heart of Destin” at 538 Harbor Boulevard.

Gather Kitchen + Bar

Gather Kitchen & Bar is offering Thanksgiving-themed options throughout the day on November 24, including an open-faced Louisville Hot Brown (with turkey breast, bacon, roasted tomato, Texas Toast and Mornay sauce); salted caramel pumpkin pie; black bottom sweet potato bread pudding; and her-roasted turkey roulade (with cornbread stuffing, haricot vert, wild mushroom, sage-roasted parsnips, creamed Brussels sprouts, candied sweet potatoes, acorn squash, garlic mashed potatoes, cranberry gastrique sauce, and giblet gravy). 34 Goldenrod Circle, WaterColor. www.watercolorresort.com/dining/gather-kitchen-bar. Call 850 534-5000 for details.

Scratch Biscuit Kitchen

For a Thanksgiving special this year, Scratch Biscuit Kitchen will offer Turkey Pot Pie (shredded braised turkey, diced root vegetables, garden peas, Scratch biscuit crust), and pumpkin latte cinnamon rolls. 1777 E. County Hwy 30A, Unit 101, WaterColor. www.scratchbk.com. 

The Canteen at WaterColor Resort

Thanksgiving Day specials at The Canteen in WaterColor Resort will include pumpkin pie brownie bars, and a Snickerdoodle Deep South Freeze (made with vanilla ice cream and pumpkin pie spice). 205 Spartina Cir., WaterColor. www.watercolorresort.com/dining/the-canteen. 850 534-5025.

Beach Cow at WaterColor Beach Club

Guests of WaterColor Resort can stop by The Beach Cow in the WaterColor Beach Club this Thanksgiving to try out a pumpkin pie milkshake, served with caramel syrup, whipped cream and Graham Cracker crumbs. 24 Goldenrod Circle, WaterColor. www.watercolorresort.com/dining/beach-cow. 850 534-5025.

 

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By Susan Benton, 30AEats.com

This Italian Wedding Soup is packed with immune boosting and good for you foods, like lemon, dill, spinach, bone broth, and much needed lean protein.

Wedding soup is not so named because it is served at Italian weddings, but because the flavors of stock and bitter greens ‘marry’ well to produce a harmony of flavors: a Minestra Maritata.

Ingredients

4 cups chicken broth

4 cups bone broth

3 tablespoons good olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

1 pound lean ground turkey

½ cup gluten free panko bread crumbs

⅓ packed cup fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped

1 egg, lightly beaten

3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced

1 small onion, chopped

1/2 small onion, minced

1 teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

¾ cup gluten free orzo, ditalini, acini di pepe or other small soup pasta

3 packed cups baby spinach, chiffonade aka thinly sliced

1 lemon, zested and juiced

¼ cup fresh dill, roughly chopped

Preparation

In a large heavy bottom pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Saute 1/2 chopped small onion until it sweats and is translucent. Add 2 quarts (8 cups) chicken and bone broth to the pot and bring to a simmering boil.

In a large bowl, add the turkey, panko, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, pepper and 1/2 cup Parmesan to a large bowl as well as 1/2 small onion, minced finely. Mix with a fork or your clean hands until combined. Gently roll the mixture into 15-20 small (1 1/2-inch) meatballs and transfer to a lightly greased baking sheet.

Heat the broiler to high, cooking the meatballs until brown, turning halfway through, about 5 minutes per side. Watch carefully so they don’t burn.

Add the pasta to the boiling broth and cook until al dente, then lower the heat to a low simmer.

Add the meatballs to the broth and simmer on low until completely warmed through, 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat, and add the spinach, dill, lemon and zest, stirring well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

When serving the soup, drizzle each with olive oil, and sprinkle with Parmesan. And, serve with crusty toasted sourdough bread.

Pro tip: The meatballs can be made ahead of time and used for sandwiches, soups, and pasta dishes.

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By Susan Benton,

Sticking to a gluten-free way of life during your South Walton vacation is easy thanks to fresh Gulf seafood and a variety of other dishes that our local chefs serve up daily. Here are just a few recommendations for gluten-free breakfast, lunch and dinner below. Also, check my @30aeats Instagram for local tips and recipes.

Breakfast

Grab a bag of gluten-free granola or a tasty baked goods at Blue Mountain Bakery in Blue Mountain Beach.  The gluten-free muffins are beloved by area residents; and hardly anyone can stop into this shop without picking up a chocolate puddle cookie. For a heartier breakfast, browse the special dietary restriction menu at Crackings in Grayton Beach.  From gluten-free pancakes to huevos rancheros, this eatery has plenty of options for diners with gluten sensitivities. Another delicious spot for omelets and all other egg-based breakfasts: The Donut Hole, with locations in Sandestin and Inlet Beach.

Lunch

Grab a mouthwatering salad or the shrimp and grits from Chanticleer Eatery in Grayton Beach. Or, head to FOOW in WaterColor showcasing amazing views of the Gulf of Mexico! They have a variety of gluten-free menu options available. Or, at Grand Boulevard, choose your favorite dish from more than 10 options on PF Chang’s  entire gluten-free lunch menu.

Dinner

Keep things casual with a gluten-free pizza at Pizza By the Sea which is conveniently located in WaterColor and Gulf Place. Elevate your dining experience at Surfing Deer in Seagrove with a varied selection of gluten-free dishes like lobster tacos, sweet & spicy snapper and braised beef short ribs. Or choose from one of the many gluten-free culinary delights at George’s at Alys Beach — I like the crusted Gulf snapper and seared sea scallops.

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Sunday Cooking Classes are Back, Around the World Series Continues, Plus More to Savor from Roux 30a this Fall

This year, Roux 30a is welcoming fall with decadent dining affairs and the return of beloved Sunday cooking classes. Whether you want to sit back and let Chef Nikhil Abuvala and his team delight you with a vibrant multi-course menu, or you’d like to sharpen your culinary skills with Chef John, there is something for everyone this season at Roux 30a.

First Sundays Cooking Series with Chef John

Roux’s First Sundays Cooking Series will kick off in October and continue through February with special themes each month. To begin, Chef John will be teaching students how to perfect Coastal Italian cuisine, complete with preparing an entire fish, pasta + a paired sauce, and finishing with creamy pannacotta.

In November, join Roux 30a and master Classic French-cuisine, like cassoulet, duck confit and creme brulee. If you’re interested in learning how to utilize fresh, local produce, attend December’s First Sunday Cooking Class where Chef John will center the meal around winter vegetables. Perfect the art of brunch in January, and learn how to make chicken paella & tres leches during February’s Spanish-themed class.

This experience costs $155 per person, including wine, tax and gratuity, and it starts at 2 p.m. There are only 8 spots available, so be sure to purchase your tickets to these intimate, exclusive classes soon.

• October 2nd: Coastal Italian Cuisine
• November 6th: Classic French Cuisine
• December 4th: Winter Vegetables Theme
• January: Brunch (date tba) 
• February 5th: Spanish Cuisine

Around the World Dinner Series 

Roux 30a’s Around the World Dinner Series continues this fall with stops in France and Greece. These dinners feature 5 carefully selected and prepared dishes courtesy of Chef Nikhil and his talented culinary team. Inspired by the cuisine of countries all across the globe, Roux 30a’s Around the World Dinners have been an Emerald Coast-favorite for years. Come indulge in the rich decadence of French fare, or enjoy Roux 30a’s twist on the classic “Mediterranean Triad ” when we jet to Greece in November.

This five-course dinner is $125 per person with an optional wine pairing for an additional charge. Book now on Resy (Add hyperlink) and be sure to follow along for future stops on this delicious world tour.

• October 12th + 13th: France
• November 16th + 17th: Greece

Thanksgiving at Roux

Alleviate the stress of the holiday season with Roux 30a’s Thanksgiving Dinner. This festive, ready-to-go package includes a Joyce Farms oven roasted turkey and all the fixings to feed a family of 8-10, including…

• 1 black heritage 16-18 lb roasted turkey
• Yukon potato puree
• Homestyle thyme stuffing
• Bacon mac & cheese
• Green bean casserole
• Roasted brussels sprouts
• Black Bear Bakery assorted breads
• Scratched pumpkin pie
• Cranberry chutney
• Gravy

Let Roux 30a delight your family & friends so you can spend more time with the ones you love this holiday season. Choose from the full order (8-10 people) for $495, or the half order (4-6 people) for $325. Tax + gratuity are not included, and delivery costs $35.

All reservations can be made by calling (850) 213-0899.

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