South Walton Life | 30A News, Events and Community Information

Category: Featured

Featured posts

ECP Announces Art Escape, A Cultural Initiative Featuring Regional Artists

Work from select Bay and Walton County artists to be showcased in the airport’s concourse.

Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), together with Life Media Publications, announces a new cultural initiative, Art Escape, which showcases contemporary work by local artists in the airport’s concourse. The inaugural exhibit “Where am I Going?” opens July 1, with a plan for rotating works to cycle through the space over the next five months. Comprised of artists from across the region, this project brings together dynamic regional voices with the intent of enhancing the airport experience for those traveling to and from the Emerald Coast. Welcoming nearly 1.9 million passengers in 2024, ECP acts as a gateway to the cultural attractions of surrounding counties, which, beyond airport doors, include art galleries, world-class live music, documentary film festivals, stand-up comedy, and much more.

“Where am I Going?” includes the work of artists Francisco Adaro, Christon Anderson, Mark Little, Chandler Williams, Mandy Yourick, and Jamie Zimchek in mediums that range from painting to photography and installation.

“ECP is a gateway to both beautiful beaches and a region rich in culture. We’re honored to enhance the passenger experience by sharing a little of that culture (with a touch of beach) at our facility,” stated Parker McClellan, ECP Executive Director.

“We see this as a unique opportunity to bring the more contemporary work of local artists to an unconventional space,” said Jamie Zimchek, who helped launch this endeavor. “Though visitors can get a glimpse of these working artists in galleries throughout the region, this show offers them the opportunity to present work that’s a little more experimental and boundary pushing while working around a theme that relates to ideas about personhood, place, and, of course, travel.”

About the Artists

Francisco Adaro, a Walton County–based artist originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, blends whimsical charm with refined technique. From a young age, he dreamed of a life in art, studying at La Salle and painting murals while selling sketches on the streets. A chance encounter with his now wife and Florida native Brooke, led him to 30A, where they opened Adaro Art Gallery. His vibrant oil paintings feature playful, stylized figures—both human and animal—capturing moments of joy, curiosity, and tenderness. Inspired by his wife, children, and a lively menagerie of rescue animals, Adaro’s work is a celebration of life’s magic, infused with humor, warmth, and storytelling. His unique visual language invites viewers to see the world through a more joyful lens.

Francisco Adaro, “60, Buenos Aires a 30A”

Christon Anderson is a self-taught Bay County artist out of Panama City, Florida. Anderson cultivates work that bridges the gap between poverty and privilege. Both bold and subtle mixed with abstraction and realism, Anderson’s work acknowledges the duality in every singular subject.

Criston Anderson, “Complementary Nuts”

Mark Little is a Walton County-based photographer whose work considers the connections that bring us together. Little’s images bring into focus these connections, both with one another and the environments we inhabit; his photographs capture energy unfolding, offering a glimpse of the way it all intertwines. His work can be found in a variety of national spaces as well as 30A and greater Walton County.

Mark Little, “High Flying Birds”

Chandler Williamson, a local photographer, was Walton County’s artist of the year in 2021. His work has allowed him to experience life in many countries and interact with many amazing people along a multi-decade journey. Williams is assisted by an experienced crew in tune with his working style and has a fine art photography gallery in Grayton Beach, Florida.

Chandler Williams, “Rising From the Ashes”

Mandy Yourick is an artist and educator whose work includes drawing, collage, and installation. Her work engages with broader themes of creative placemaking and ecology, often reflecting on how we inhabit public and private spaces. She studies structures and shelters, as well as individual and collective agency as they relate to environments and change. Mandy earned her MFA in Visual Arts from Vermont College of Fine Arts and has completed artist residencies in Gijipo, South Korea, Madison, Wisconsin, and Skopelos, Greece. Her sculpture, Hometown, is part of the collection at the Underwater Museum of Art in Grayton Beach, FL.

Mandy Yourick, detail from “2025”

Jamie Zimchek is a multi-disciplinary artist with a background in painting and photography. Zimchek’s work revolves around an exploration of popular narratives promulgated by power systems in private and public domains. She is particularly interested in the ways these systems use calculated storylines and absurd social constructs to shore up deeply entrenched self-interests. She has an MA in Mediterranean Studies from King’s College London and an MFA in Visual Art from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Zimchek is co-founder of the III Artist Fund and an instructor in the art department at Gulf Coast State College.

Jamie Zimchek, detail from “Connect the Dots”

About Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport

Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) is located less than 30 minutes from Panama City Beach, Panama City and the beaches of South Walton. Today, with service from American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, ECP provides daily flights to worldwide destinations, including daily and seasonal nonstop flights to Atlanta (ATL), Austin (AUS), Baltimore (BWI), Charlotte (CLT), Chicago (MDW/ORD), Dallas (DAL/DFW), Denver (DEN), Houston (HOU/IAH), Indianapolis (IND), Kansas City (MCI), Nashville (BNA), New York City (LGA), Philadelphia (PHL), St. Louis (STL) and Washington DC (DCA). ECP provides Northwest Florida communities with first-class facilities and was strategically developed for major economic development opportunities. ECP is the gateway to visitors seeking Northwest Florida’s famous beaches.

Views: 7

July 8, 2025
Governor DeSantis Signs New Law Restoring Public Beach Access in Panhandle

By Douglas D. Stauffer

Governor Ron DeSantis signed landmark legislation in Walton County recently that restores public beach access and returns local authority to communities across Florida’s Gulf Coast. The bill, Senate Bill 1622, repeals restrictive provisions from a 2018 law that had limited customary use access to dry sand areas of privately owned beaches, creating years of controversy and confusion, especially in Walton County.

Speaking before a crowd of lawmakers, local officials, and beachgoers at Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar in Santa Rosa Beach, DeSantis emphasized that the new law will “put the power back in the hands of local governments and their citizens.”

“This bill is about restoring local control, cutting the legal red tape, and putting our residents first,” DeSantis said. “The people of this area have fought long and hard to regain the access they’ve traditionally enjoyed. Today, we’re making that a reality.”

Reversing a Controversial Law

The legislation repeals part of the 2018 law that required local governments to get court approval before enforcing customary use, an unwritten public right to access dry sand areas of beaches that has been traditionally practiced in many parts of Florida. The 2018 change forced counties to initiate costly, parcel-by-parcel legal battles, sparking widespread opposition in coastal communities.

State Senator Jay Trumbull, a sponsor of the bill, remembered how the 2018 legislation caught many residents off guard.

“Overnight, people who had walked the same stretch of beach for generations were being told that they were trespassing,” Senator Trumbull said. “This law fixes that.”

The new bill allows counties and municipalities to pass local customary use ordinances without first obtaining court judgments, reasserting the right of the public to access Florida’s beaches for walking, fishing, swimming, and sunbathing.

Accelerating Beach Restoration

Beyond public access, SB 1622 also simplifies the process for beach renourishment projects in smaller Gulf Coast counties like Walton. Under the law, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) can now establish erosion control boundaries using the state’s existing mean high-water line instead of conducting lengthy surveys or requiring separate approvals.

This change is expected to save time and money while enabling faster responses to severe beach erosion, a growing concern in the region. DEP Secretary Alexis Lambert noted nearly 19 of Walton County’s 26 miles of coastline are critically eroded.

“Beach nourishment isn’t just about tourism,” said Representative Shane Abbott, who co-sponsored the bill. “It’s about protecting our coastline, preserving property, and ensuring that locals and visitors alike can enjoy these beaches for years to come.”

Local Impact and Funding

Florida has invested over $550 million in beach restoration efforts since 2019, with an additional $53 million allocated in this year’s state budget. In Walton County, nearly $60 million in state funds have been committed to local projects, and another $60 million is expected in federal matching funds.

DEP Secretary Alex Lambert emphasized the significance of the new process: “This legislation simplifies how we set erosion control lines, allowing vital beach nourishment projects to move forward more efficiently.”

A Victory for Coastal Communities

The signing of SB 1622 marks a significant victory for coastal communities and public access advocates across the state. Local leaders praised the decision as a return to common sense and a reaffirmation of Florida’s longstanding tradition of beach enjoyment for everyone.

“This is a great day for Walton County and the entire Panhandle,” said Commissioner Danny Glidewell. “Our residents have been waiting for this for years, and I thank Governor DeSantis for listening and taking action.” The bill takes effect immediately.

Views: 34

July 8, 2025
Artist Clint Eagar Signs Global Deal With Oscar-Winning Film Flow

Local Designer to Create Visual Art and Merchandising for Groundbreaking Animated Feature.

Clint Eagar, the internationally acclaimed artist and designer known for his emotionally charged, visually intricate works, recently inked a global licensing deal with FLOW, the Oscar and Golden Globe-winning animated film, a work which pushes at the boundaries of independent cinema.

The new partnership gives Eagar creative control to produce original artwork and a creative line of consumer products and gifts based on the characters, themes, and aesthetic of FLOW. The collaboration will result in a worldwide collection of FLOW-inspired fine art, décor, and lifestyle merchandise, set to reach international markets by the end of 2025.

“This is more than a licensing deal,” said Eagar. “It’s a shared vision of how visual storytelling can move across mediums, connect with people emotionally, and leave a lasting impact.”

Created in Latvia, “FLOW” is a dialogue-free animated feature that follows a grey cat separated from its family by a devastating flood. The cat’s journey unfolds through a beautifully rendered, wordless narrative that explores themes of survival, resilience, hope, and unlikely friendship with a cast of expressive animal companions. “FLOW” won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, outpacing other contenders, and was described as “a silent masterpiece that radiates humanity in a world without humans.”

Clint Eagar is no stranger to global design. A creative force with over 30 years of experience, Eagar has developed licensed products for top brands under the license including Disney (The Lion King, Pocahontas), and Fiestaware. His ability to blend artistry with mass appeal makes him uniquely suited for this new chapter of “FLOW”.

Over the course of his career, his work has spanned fine art, home décor, and consumer design—one of the reasons he’s such a good fit for translating this deeply emotional film into a physical world of merchandise. Eagar’s own artwork, particularly his Futurescape series—which debuted at the Aqua Art Miami Show—is a perfect aesthetic match for FLOW’s silent storytelling and emotional arcs. His futuristic, human-animal hybrids, bold compositions, and richly symbolic textures complement the tone and visuals of the film.

Through this licensing collaboration, Clint Eagar will create a curated collection of original artworks and contribute to the design of select gift and home décor items inspired by the film’s powerful visual storytelling. His work will celebrate FLOW’s signature emotional depth, bringing the spirit of the film into beautifully crafted, globally resonant designs.

“The magic of FLOW is how it speaks directly to the heart—without a single word,” said Eagar. “Translating that kind of emotional storytelling into visual art and design is an incredible creative opportunity.”

The collaboration between FLOW and Clint Eagar signals an evolution in how animated films can extend their emotional resonance beyond the screen. Rather than producing traditional artwork, Eagar is introducing mixed media techniques that mirror the film’s visual atmosphere—layering texture, light, and form to recreate the immersive, cinematic quality of FLOW in physical space.

By fusing his fine art background with innovative materials and formats, Eagar aims to make the spirit of the film tangible and enduring, offering fans a way to experience the story long after the credits roll.

“This isn’t just about merchandise—it’s about preserving the emotional experience of the film,” said a licensing executive close to the project. “Clint’s vision brings a tactile, lasting quality that connects art collectors, fans, and new audiences in a fresh and meaningful way.”

As both a fine artist and an experienced product designer, Clint Eagar’s entry into the FLOW universe represents the kind of creative synergy that’s special in this industry. This deal may be the first of its kind for the Latvian studio behind FLOW, but it signals the beginning of a much bigger movement: storytelling that doesn’t just live on screen, but in our homes, hearts, and everyday spaces. From gallery walls to global shelves, Eagar is bringing the soul of FLOW to life—one brushstroke, one character, and one story at a time.

Views: 16

June 8, 2025
Walton County Tourism Offers Complimentary Day-Use Admission to Topsail Hill Preserve and Grayton Beach State Parks

Walton County locals and visitors can once again enjoy complimentary day-use entry to Grayton Beach State Park and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Walton County Tourism is covering day-use fees to highlight the amenities and variety of eco-tourism experiences available in South Walton. This year marks the 11th year of admission coverage for Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and the 9th for Grayton Beach State Park.

“Our state parks are hidden gems in Walton County, and being able to showcase their majesty through this program is tremendous,” said Matt Algarin, tourism director for Walton County. “We encourage our visitors and residents to explore our state parks and experience our community in a new way.”
Free entry is available during regular hours, typically 8 a.m. to sunset. This year’s program starts on Memorial Day weekend, Saturday, May 24, and runs through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1.

For more information on Topsail Hill Preserve State Park visit:
https://www.visitsouthwalton.com/listing/topsail-hill-preserve-state-park
For more information on Grayton Beach State Park visit:
https://www.visitsouthwalton.com/listing/grayton-beach-state-park

Views: 18

June 8, 2025
Local Photographer Chandler Williams Embarks on Kenyan Expedition to Support Education and Conservation Efforts
Chandler Williams, a renowned local photographer and South Walton Artist of the Year, has recently returned from a transformative journey to Kenya, where he dedicated his talents to support two impactful nonprofit organizations: Holding Hands Africa and Tsavo Trust.

For photographer Chandler Williams, travel has always been more than a vacation—it’s been a bridge to deeper connections and new opportunities. With each journey, he not only captures the world through his lens but builds lasting relationships, finds purpose in unexpected places, and discovers stories that continue to shape both his art and his life.

In 2024, Williams spent a month in Tanzania summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro and traveling the country to create content for a new kids’ education program. This year, Williams found himself with the opportunity to create content in Kenya. When meeting Santa Rosa beach local Sonya O’Brien, director of HHafrica.org, he knew he had made another lifetime connection—one rooted in shared purpose and a deep commitment to nonprofit work and a love for Africa.

Capturing Hope in Watamu

In the coastal town of Watamu, Williams collaborated with O’Brien and Holding Hands Africa, a nonprofit committed to partnering with the local community to educate and feed children. The organization operates schools, provides daily meals, and ensures access to safe water, working hand-in-hand with local leaders and families to foster economic development (hhafrica.org). Sonya O’Brien, founder of HHafrica.org, launched a pen pal program that connects students in Watamu, Kenya, with children at Seaside Charter School in South Walton, Florida. Her vision was to foster cross-cultural understanding and empathy through shared stories, letters, and experiences. The program has become a meaningful bridge between communities, inspiring students on both sides of the globe.

Williams documented the vibrant life at Bluebells Primary School and Gede Middle School, capturing moments of learning, play, and community engagement. His photographs aim to bring awareness to the organization’s mission and the children’s aspirations. But for Williams, the reward is not just in the images captured—each time he donates his work, he experiences a deeper sense of connection, humility, and personal growth.

“Every project with HH Africa reminds me why I picked up a camera in the first place. It’s about being present, listening, and sharing the beauty of lives that might otherwise go unseen,” Williams shared.

Protecting the Giants of Tsavo

Venturing inland, Williams joined forces with Tsavo Trust, a Kenyan nonprofit focused on wildlife conservation in the Tsavo Conservation Area. The organization is renowned for its efforts to protect the world’s last big tuskers—elephants with tusks weighing over 100 pounds on each side. (tsavotrust.org)

Through his lens, Williams captured the majesty of these iconic creatures and the dedicated work of conservationists striving to safeguard biodiversity and empower local communities. His images highlight the delicate balance between wildlife preservation and human development.

“Spending time alongside the rangers and the elephants is an experience that changes you,” Williams said. “Unlike a typical safari, you are spending time tracking and trying to find certain tuskers. We spent over 4 hours searching for one trek and came up empty handed. I guess that’s kind of the beauty of it all, you just never know what you will find on the next trek.”

A Journey of Purpose and Reflection

Reflecting on his experience, Williams explained, “This journey was more than a photographic expedition; it was a personal pilgrimage. The resilience of the communities and the grandeur of the wildlife in Kenya are truly inspiring. Each time I donate my work to these nonprofits, I get back something priceless in return: clarity, purpose, and the reminder that creativity can serve a greater good. I have always felt that creating with a camera has been the right fit for me. These travels really allow me to really live in the moment and appreciate the now.

His work serves as a bridge, connecting audiences in Santa Rosa Beach and beyond to the vital efforts of these organizations. By showcasing the realities and triumphs of communities and conservationists in Kenya, Williams hopes to foster greater support and understanding.

Chandler Williams’ photographic journey underscores the power of visual storytelling in driving awareness and change. But more than that, it illustrates how giving through art can enrich not only communities around the world—but also the artist’s own life in return.

With funding being pulled from nonprofits and emergency meetings taking priority, Williams suddenly found himself with a few unexpected days on his hands. So, in true spontaneous spirit, he decided to go to Egypt. What followed was a journey through ancient wonders, quiet reflection, and unexpected inspiration. Chandler Williams set off on a new path that didn’t disappoint—but that… is a story for another time.

Supporting the Cause

For those interested in learning more or contributing to these causes:
- Holding Hands Africa: Visit hhafrica.org to explore their educational initiatives and community programs.
- Tsavo Trust: Learn about their conservation efforts at tsavotrust.org, including the Big Tusker Project and community conservancies.
Views: 20
May 20, 2025
Accepting Applications for 2025 Walton County Artist of the Year

The Walton County Tourism Department will accept applications for the 2025 Artist of the Year Award beginning Thursday, May 1. Currently in its 23nd year, this accolade aims to honor a local artist of Walton County whose unique artistic expression captures the essence of the region’s renowned creativity and beauty.

The deadline for submissions for the Artist of the Year program is Saturday, May 31, at 5 p.m. CDT. The winner will be announced during the Walton County Tourism Annual Meeting in October 2025. Artists can find instructions and apply online at waltoncountyaoy.com. Download the rules and application for more details on submission.

The Artist of the Year Award is a community initiative highlighting local artists, spotlighting their work through diverse publicity channels and events throughout the year. The recipient will be granted $4,000 for creating a commissioned artwork to be showcased in Walton County.

“Walton County is home to incredibly talented individuals who showcase their craft through creative mediums,” said Matt Algarin, tourism director for the Walton County Tourism Department. “Through our Artist of the Year program, we are not only able to showcase and highlight a truly deserving individual, but we are able to promote and share their work with a larger audience.”

Artwork submissions will be evaluated based on criteria such as originality, authenticity, and overall appeal. Finalists will participate in in-person interviews where they will be required to present three examples of artwork during a panel discussion.

Past Artist of the Year winners include Sarah Page, Bradley Copeland, Joseph Messer, Chandler Williams, Doug Foltz, Jenna Varney, Kathleen Broaderick, Marisol Gullo, Melody Bogle and Juan Adaro. For a complete list of winners, visit waltoncountyaoy.com.

To learn more about the Artist of the Year program, download the informational flyer or contact Lisa Foster at (850) 333-2728 or Lisa@WCFLTourism.com.

Views: 8

May 20, 2025
Meet Hometown Hero John Wambough: Flying Against the Odds

By Kelly-Murphy Redd

John Wambough says courage and love of country was the glue and inspiration that kept the F-105 fighter jet pilots climbing high in the sky at record speeds over North Vietnam. Retired Colonel John H. Wambough remembers the heroic past of his pilot friends who daily went into battle facing being shot down, perhaps rescued, killed or falling into the hands of the North Vietnamese. John says he never thought of himself as a hero, though his F-105 took on enemy fire. He says, “The real heroes were those who fought bravely and didn’t make it back safely. Many were unmercifully tortured for years in the infamous ‘Hanoi Hilton’ and many never returned.”

Born in 1939, John grew up in Glen Cove, Long Island, N.Y. He attended New York University (NYU) and joined the Cadet Corps, became Captain of the Pershing Rifle Trick Drill Team, and Cadet Corps Commander his senior year. After graduating from NYU in 1962, he attended Flight School at Vance Air Force Base during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He flew the B52G Bomber against the Soviet Union during the Cold War. He volunteered to fly F-105 Fighters in 1967.

During the Vietnam War, John volunteered to fly the F-105 Thunderchief (THUD) and trained at Nellis AFB in Las Vegas, Nevada.

1967 was the peak year for pilot losses. F-105 pilots averaged getting shot down every 33 missions. The rescue rate was 50%. 180 F-105 pilots were killed in action during the Vietnam War. 107 pilots became prisoners of war (POWs). 145 F-105 pilots were shot down and rescued. Of the pilots who became POWs, most were tortured during captivity via beatings, stress positions and prolonged isolation to extract information and propaganda confessions. At least 7 F-105 pilots died in captivity. The extreme loss rate of F-105 pilots was due to highly sophisticated air defenses in North Vietnam, second to only Moscow, to include 10,000 anti-aircraft artillery guns (AAA), Soviet supplied surface to air missiles (SAMs) and MIG fighters. F-105 missions were so dangerous that by the late 1960s, the odds of an F-105 pilot completing a 100-mission tour were less than 50%.

Micromanagement of the Vietnam War by the sitting President of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson and Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara also contributed to high loss rates. President Johnson bragged, “They (pilots) cannot hit an outhouse without my approval.” Predictable routes of attack and hideous Rules of Engagement prevented hitting targets necessary to win the War. The first year and a half into the War, 97% of the Joint Chiefs of Staff’s recommended targets in North Vietnam were off limits to air strikes. The North Vietnamese were able to build up defenses to attack American aircraft when they were finally permitted to attack targets previously off-limits.

Pilots noticed the uncanny ability of the North Vietnamese to move AAA and SAMs into position before they could hit assigned targets in North Vietnam. The reason was revealed many years after the war during a TV interview with President Johnson’s Secretary of State Dean Rusk. He admitted the following: “We didn’t want to harm the North Vietnamese people, so we passed the targets to the Swiss Embassy in Washington with instructions to pass them to the North Vietnamese government.”

John flew missions as a part of Operation Rolling Thunder. The F-105 accounted for approximately 75% of the sustained bombing campaign against North Vietnam during Rolling Thunder. Targets included heavily defended rail lines, bridges, supply depots and missile sites to stop the movement of war materials going to South Vietnam to be used against American and South Vietnamese troops. Civilian populations were not targeted. John’s combat tour included strikes into North Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, with only a single mission into South Vietnam in support of American troops in contact with enemy forces (Viet Cong).

John loved flying the F-105. He describes it as “fantastic.” The F-105 was the biggest and fastest fighter-bomber ever produced. It could go up to 1,000 mph off the deck. MIGs (fighter aircraft supplied by Russia to the North Vietnamese) couldn’t match its speed.

In September of 1968, John began a tour of duty in the 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS) at KORAT, Thailand, expecting to fly 100 combat missions in six months. However, due to the high losses of F-105 aircraft during the Vietnam War, the F-105s were withdrawn from combat in the 34th TFS in 1969 and replaced with F-4 fighter aircraft. John went on to an assignment as an Air Operations Officer at 7th Air Force, Saigon, followed by an assignment to the 12th TFS at Kadena AB, Okinawa. He retired in 1990 at Hurlburt Field after over 27 years in the Air Force.

Celebration to Honor Vietnam Veterans

John is looking forward to the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber’s Honoring Our Heroes celebration marking the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.

The tribute to honor our Vietnam veterans begins April 28–29 with free events at the Air Force Armament Museum in Fort Walton Beach, 5-8 p.m.

The Heroes’ Tribute Banquet follows on April 30, 5-9 p.m., at the Destin/Fort Walton Beach Fairgrounds & Event Center.

The keynote speaker is Rocky Bleier, four-time Super Bowl champion and Vietnam veteran. Other featured speakers include decorated Marine and Warriors, Inc. founder Dale Dye, and Col. Ed Hubbard, a former POW who spent over six years in captivity in North Vietnam.

Register for the banquet at:

https://www.fwbchamber.org/events/details/heroes-tribute-banquet-honoring-our-vietnam-veterans-20292

Views: 26

April 7, 2025
Easter Reflections

By Guery Clendening

It is spring! The flowers are blooming and Azalias have been beautiful this year. I love this season. To me, spring speaks of new beginnings. When I lived in Illinois, the winters could be harsh at times. I remember one winter looking out my office window at a very large tree. With snow and ice covering its branches, you would have thought the frozen limbs were dead. But when spring came, an amazing thing happened; what seemed to be dead came alive! The branches budded and before long, the tree was filled with green leaves. It is fitting that Easter is celebrated in the spring.

Years ago, I was on a plane traveling to Israel. The person sitting next to me was a man from Israel who knew the historical record concerning Christ. As we discussed the story, he made a statement that got my attention. He said, “You know, they never did find the body of Christ.” I breathed a silent prayer and said to him, “The reason they never found the body is because He rose from the grave. That is the foundation of the Christian faith.”

There is a passage of scripture in the New Testament, that is found in First Corinthians, chapter 15, verses 12-15, and verse 20, that says, “Now if Christ is preached as raised from the dead, how is it that some among you say that there is no resurrection from the dead? …for if there is no resurrection from the dead, then not even Christ has been raised; then our preaching is useless, and your faith is also useless….But now, (as things really are) Christ in fact has been raised from the dead….

So, what people were celebrating on Easter was not only the resurrection of Jesus Christ, but also the hope they have in Christ that they too will rise from the grave to live forever with him! Jesus said this: “Because I live you will live also…”John 14:19. That’s why Easter is so special for so many. Not only do they celebrate Christ’s resurrection and His promise of Resurrection for them, but they also celebrate because through Christ’s death, sins are forgiven and new life is theirs through faith in Christ! Yes, miracles do happen. Just like the tree that blossomed in the spring, those who put their faith in Christ will experience a new life of peace and freedom from the past. As we enjoy spring, may we celebrate and experience the power of Christ to make all things new.

Views: 10

April 7, 2025
EFCA From Classroom to Coastline

By Heather Bennett Eye

Emerald & Forgotten Coast Adventures (E&FCA) is an educational 501© (3) whose mission is to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. They utilize our unique coastal ecosystem as a living classroom to engage kids in hands-on interactive programs. Through exploring the wonders of marine science education, they also teach kids how to appreciate the world around them.

Founder Jon Schmidt, Ph.D. and Director of Education Brittany Pace, bring a wealth of experience and passion to E&FCA. Along with their crucial contributions, invaluable donations, partners and essential volunteers, they provide students with hands-on learning along the Panhandle and its coast at no cost to the schools. “In this post-COVID era, providing schools with no cost options to augment classroom education is paramount to helping students excel and ignite a passion for their interests,” said Jon.

Jon’s love for marine science began on the beaches of Cape Cod and grew as he became SCUBA certified at 13, eventually earning a doctorate in marine ecology from Florida State University. After decades of conducting marine studies worldwide, he’s now dedicated to inspiring the next generation in Bay and Walton Counties. “I feel that our generation needs to invest back into the younger generation. We’re not going to teach them anything by telling them, we need to teach them by showing them,” stated Jon. “I’m trying to spend the years I’m able to invest in the next generation, help them understand they’re going to be the next stewards, and providing them the right information to steward the environment.”

Brittany, a Florida native, developed her passion for marine science early on and pursued it through degrees in Marine Biology and Environmental Studies at UNCW. She taught thousands of students, running a similar program in North Carolina before returning to her home state. She is committed to creating immersive experiences that spark curiosity and inspire young minds. “She brings a lot of good experience, and also a lot of good connections with teachers and administrators,” said Jon.

Emerald Forgotten Coast Adventures offers field experience to students in grades 1-12 in Bay and Walton County, focusing on the unique coastal ecosystems of the Panhandle and Gulf Coast. By working closely with teachers, they tailor lessons to complement classroom studies, providing memorable experiences that bring science to life. “The whole goal is to give students the hands-on experience,” stated Jon. “We make sure we keep them engaged and make sure they all have a chance to do the activities and ask questions.”

Depending on the trip, students will explore Gulf ecology, estuaries, seagrass habitats and coastal dune lakes at locations such as Grayton Beach State Park, Camp Helen State Park, St Andrews State Park, and Tyndall Air Force Base. “I pick locations that are relatively undisturbed,” explained Jon. “Tyndall has some of the most amazing habitat there, all protected and maintained.”

Students are broken up into 4 or 5 stations with 10-12 students where they will have opportunities to study ghost crabs & fiddler crabs, sea turtles, see specimens up close in a touch tank, learn how to fish, test for water quality and see life beyond the human eye through high quality microscopes equipped with LCD screens and cameras for capturing pictures of specimens, allowing for continued study back in the classroom. All programs are aligned with Florida education standards, ensuring a meaningful and educational experience. “We try to make sure the teachers can carry that on in the classroom,” said Jon.

Volunteers play a vital role in making E&FCA a success. They help set up learning stations, assist with hands-on education, and answer students’ questions, enhancing the overall learning experience. All volunteers undergo background checks and fingerprinting to ensure safety compliance with school district requirements. Additionally, every adventure has at least someone present who is certified in lifeguarding, CPR, and first aid, providing a safe and supportive environment for students to explore and learn.

Although their primary focus is offering programs through local schools, E&FCA also provides educational trips for local residents and vacationing families in exchange for a donation. These sessions are customized to match the children’s ages and interests, ensuring an engaging experience for all participants. Since grants are designated solely for school field programs, the donations help support these unique learning adventures. Over 1,100 students participated in the fall semester and currently over 900 students have signed up for the spring semester, with schools even booking into the next school year.

Jon has big plans for the future, aiming to expand the E&FCA educational reach to seven counties around St. Joe Bay and St. Andrews Bay. They hope to benchmark their programs with local schools, particularly for 5th and 7th graders, to enhance science education in the region. “We’re trying to make sure as many schools that want to participate, can,” stated Jon.

In addition, he has a vision to build and operate an aquarium similar to the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota, serving as both an educational resource and a tourist attraction. The foundation is actively working to secure funding to bring these exciting expansion plans to life.

With teachers already booking their trips for the 2025-2026 school season, volunteers are always appreciated. If you have a love for the outdoors and teaching, please reach out to Emerald & Forgotten Coast Adventures at (850) 508-7306 or jon@emeraldforgottencoastadventures.org.

If you’d like to support Emerald and Forgotten Coast Adventures, donations can be made at by scanning the QR code provided.

Views: 95

March 10, 2025
South Walton County Tax-Aide Program

Free Federal Income Tax Preparation Available in South Walton County

(Santa Rosa Beach, FL, January 13, 2025). Free federal income tax preparation is currently offered in South Walton County for low- to middle-income families and individuals, with special attention paid to senior citizens. Tax Preparation service will be available from Feb. 3 to April 15, 2025 at A Simple Faith Church in Santa Rosa Beach. The church is at 360 WRM Circle Blvd in the Blue Mountain Beach Industrial Park, north of Hwy 98.

Taxpayers must make appointments on-line at tinyurl.com/yryzb5mt or by calling (850) 275-9104.

The site will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last appointments at 4 p.m..

Tax-Aide is also available in DeFuniak Springs. Call (850) 892-8746 for an appointment.

AARP Tax-Aide is a nationwide service, with information available at other nearby locations at https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/locations.html.

This service is sponsored by the AARP Foundation and the IRS. There are no age restrictions and AARP membership is not required.

Taxpayers need to bring their 2023 tax return, Social Security cards for taxpayer(s) and all dependents, picture IDs, and all tax documents received. Bring checking or savings account information if direct deposit of refunds or direct debit of amounts due is desired. If applicable, bring Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) for each individual. Taxpayers who wish to itemize deductions must bring appropriate information. Note that complicated tax returns involving rental properties, inventories, depreciation, etc. cannot be prepared.

Views: 9

March 10, 2025