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

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Missing Christmas

By Gueary Clendenning

Christmas is just around the corner. After Thanksgiving, the pace quickens toward the big day! We’ll find ourselves in a big rush, always pursuing one more thing we need to get accomplished. We look for the nearest parking spot in the crowded mall, searching for the perfect gift. Expectations heighten as we look for family members to arrive. What’s Christmas without Mom’s chocolate chip cookies! And yes, when Christmas is finally over, we look forward to getting some rest. Ha!

Isn’t it easy, with all the flurry of Christmas to miss the real meaning of Christmas?

The night Christ was born, the inn-keeper was busy with a full house of customers, thanks to the new taxation decreed by Caesar Augustus. The people of Bethlehem were unaware that the couple entering their town were about to give birth to the Son of God! Perhaps even Joseph and Mary wondered how this could be God-directed when the only place they could find shelter was in a smelly stable. But this night would change everything! Micah, a prophet of the Old Testament had prophesied hundreds of years before, that a ruler was to be born in Bethlehem, whose origins were from Eternity. “But you, oh Bethlehem…though you are a small village in Judah, a ruler of Israel shall come from you, one whose origins are from the ancient past.”

Another Old Testament prophet declared “Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Immanuel means “God with us.”

That night near Bethlehem, shepherds were working their usual routine of herding sheep into a cave, where, at the entrance, they would keep watch. Just another, long, boring night!

But, out of nowhere, a mighty angel appears in the blackened sky. In a flash, the darkness was expelled with a brilliant light. The shepherds are paralyzed with a gripping fear. The angel said to them, “don’t be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy for everyone. The Savior, yes, the Messiah, has been born tonight in Bethlehem. And this is how you will recognize him: you will find him in a manger, wrapped snugly in strips of cloth.” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven, praising God, saying “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all of whom God favors.” Luke 2:10-14.

Time and space will not permit me to tell you about a devout man who was told by God that he will not see death until his eyes had seen the Messiah. His story is found in Luke 2:25-33. Nor do I have the space to tell you about the men from the East, who in studying the scriptures were led to follow a star to where Jesus was born. Their story is in Matthew 2:1-12.

The shepherds and the wise men did not miss the meaning of Christmas. God’s gift to the world was His Son, Jesus Christ. Why? The scriptures give us the answer: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only son, that whosoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16.

The truth is that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glorious standards. Yet, now, God in His gracious kindness declares us not guilty. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, God’s justice is satisfied. We are made right with God when we believe that Jesus shed His blood, sacrificing his life for us.

Such a great gift! Our sins are forgiven and our standing before God made right. So please, don’t miss the true meaning of Christmas. May you have a beautiful and Christ centered Christmas.

Views: 1

December 23, 2023
Growing with Food For Thought

By Heather Bennett Eye

After overcoming the economic effects of COVID and supply chain issues that many organizations had to endure over the last couple of years, Food for Thought has entered its 13th school year of assisting food-insecure students, and there are great things happening within the organization. I caught up with Founder Tiffanie Nelson to discuss details, and how our community can get involved.

If you’re not familiar with Food for Thought, they are a nonprofit organization that provides meals and snacks to children who are dependent on free or reduced school meals, bridging meal gaps that might occur on the weekends or during holidays, so kids can focus less on where they are going to get their next meal and more on their schoolwork. They literally provide food for thought for students in Walton and Okaloosa counties.

This is the first year since 2019 that they’ve been able to add new schools to their program, and this year they were able to add three (one in Walton County and two in Okaloosa County), assisting 400 more food-insecure students. “After 2 1/2 years of operating modified from the pandemic, it’s fulfilling to see us able to start expanding our outreach again,” stated Tiffanie. Food for Thought now assists students in every public school in Walton County. “No public school in our area is exempt from a food-insecure population,” she explained. “There are children in every school. Every student should have access to the same tools and resources for them to thrive.” Food for Thought will also be providing meals to 700 families over Thanksgiving and Christmas break this year.

Tiffanie is also proud to announce that their Emeril Lagasse Foundation Full Circle Kitchen now has a full-time culinary instructor and the kitchen once again has a full schedule. In the spring of 2016, Food for Thought opened their Full Circle Kitchen for children 14-19 years old to learn cooking skills and how to read recipes. During the last couple of years due to the pandemic, the kitchen was not fully operational. “We’re bringing in some of the high-risk students into our classes and they are able to learn core cooking skills,” said Tiffanie. “They get great life skills and mentorship.” Food for Thought also started a Culinary Kids Club, whose donation-based classes help fund the kitchen’s program.

Food for Thought is also preparing for its 4th Annual Brunch with Santa Fundraiser on Sunday, December 3, 2023. This is a family-friendly event that will include photo opportunities with Santa, holiday crafts, and holiday-themed adult beverages. The organization has always been privately funded, and Tiffanie is looking forward to the community support. “The wonderful part of being privately funded is it inherently requires the ongoing support and involvement of the community,” stated Tiffanie. “Food for Thought belongs to all of us.”

There are a lot of moving parts that go into providing food each week. “The staff makes it look effortless, but there’s a lot of effort in it,” said Tiffanie. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays are usually spent securing, purchasing, and moving food items. Thursday is spent packing, and Friday is delivery day. With a staff of less than 10, they are able to schedule over 200 volunteer shifts, move 36,000 food items, raise money to run the program and train new volunteers. “Our volunteer base is a core resource,” stated Tiffanie. “We don’t always have everything we need, but we find a way to make it happen.”

So how can you help? There are tasks for all ages and all abilities on different days of the week. They serve 35 schools in the area. Do you pass one on the way to work? Do you have an extra hour, at least one Friday a month? If you are an adult driver, please consider delivering to a school near you. If you are interested in volunteering, please email volunteer@fftfl.org, or for more information on Food for Thought, please visit their website at www.fftfl.org.

Views: 1

November 14, 2023
Embrace the Spirit of Giving by Supporting Boy Scout Troop 562’s Festive Christmas Tree & Wreath Fundraiser!

Support Scouts BSA Troop 562 and spread joy this holiday season when you purchase your Christmas tree, wreath, or swag during our 2024 Christmas Fundraiser! Our premium North Carolina farm fresh Fraser Fir Christmas trees will provide your home or business with plenty of holiday spirit! If you prefer not to have a live North Carolina Frasier Fir Christmas tree, you can still support Troop 562 and help spread the holiday joy by purchasing a Donate-A-Tree. It’s a wonderful way to share the holiday spirit with those who are less fortunate in our local area. Donate-A-Tree purchases also help support the families of Walton County Sheriff’s Office Santa Patrol.

BSA Troop 562 will be selling fresh trees and handmade wreaths and swags beginning Friday, November 24 on the lot at the corner of East Hewitt and Hwy 98 (1 block East of Walmart) in Santa Rosa Beach. The Scout tree lot will be open after Thanksgiving on Friday, Nov. 24, Saturday, Nov. 25, and Sunday, Nov. 26 from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily. Our fresh NC Fraser Firs will range in size from 5’ to 12’+ tall. The trees will be priced from $89 and wreaths from $45. Delivery is available for an additional charge. Cash, check, or credit cards will be accepted. All sales are final.

For added convenience for our customers in Freeport, we will have a Scout tree lot in Hammock Bay’s town green on Saturday, November 25, and Sunday, November 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.

In addition to enhancing the holiday spirit at your home or business, your support will spread holiday joy and benefit our cherished community by:

Fostering Community Projects: Funds raised will fuel Troop 562’s continuous efforts in community service projects, creating a more vibrant, caring, and connected environment for us all. Troop 562 currently has 37 registered scouts who together volunteered over 1,600 hours last year to serve our community.

Supporting Youth Development: Your support empowers our scouts, allowing them to grow, learn, and develop into responsible and compassionate leaders who will positively influence our community in the future. Past support helped us to purchase a new trailer to carry scout gear. Funds from this year’s fundraiser will help scouts pay for monthly campouts, annual summer camps, and high adventure camps.

Whether you would like a fresh tree or wreath, or simply want to donate one to a family in need, we can help you spread the Christmas Spirit with a farm-fresh Fraser fir!

Scouts BSA Troop 562 is chartered locally by St. Rita Parish which is a non-profit organization. Email scoutsbsa562@gmail.com with any questions. Thanks in advance for your continued generosity and support!

Views: 2

November 14, 2023
Lauren’s Legacy Pregnancy Center – A Place of Hope and Help

By Victoria Ostrosky

Life happens, doesn’t it? The unexpected slaps us in the face and our life begins to crumble. Maybe your pregnancy test came back positive. You’re young, single and still in school. What are your options? Or, perhaps, you’re a little older with a career and not sure if a baby will fit into your plans right now. How do you navigate these uncharted waters and with whom?

In March of this year, a new pregnancy center was opened in Freeport as a resource for women and men in Walton and Okaloosa counties providing pregnancy testing and ultrasounds, parenting programs, assistance with community resources, and counseling for women in unexpected pregnancies.

At Lauren’s Legacy Pregnancy Center, they don’t provide for or refer for abortions, but they give education on abortions so women can make an informed decision. All services at the pregnancy center are free and confidential. Stacey Reed, the Executive Director, says it this way: “This is a safe place for women to discuss their options, to have someone who cares. Their story and needs are important to us.”

Protecting the most vulnerable and coming alongside to help those in need are some of the ways we can be the hands and feet of Jesus. We know He loves children and has compassion on the sick. We’re also familiar with the scripture where He said the second greatest commandment is to “love your neighbor as yourself.”

One of the many services the pregnancy center offers is parenting programs, where new parents take classes and receive baby items in return, such as car seats, diapers, and other needed supplies. This is a wonderful way for new parents to learn more about taking care of their newborn, and they can remain in the program until their baby is one year old.

Stacey was able to share, with permission, one young lady’s story. She was 30 weeks pregnant at the time and wanted to learn more about the center’s parenting program. “She and her husband had recently started their own business and were finding it difficult to make ends meet. She found our website and learned she could take our parenting program to earn a free car seat.” After completing enough classes to earn the car seat, she ended up taking additional classes. “Upon completion of those classes, she earned a stroller, bassinette, clothing, diapers, wipes, bottles, books and many other wonderful items.” So you see, there’s a lot more to the pregnancy center than just determining the viability of your pregnancy.

With this kind of assistance in providing resources and mentorship, only God knows the tremendous differences these services will make in the lives of everyone involved, not just now, but years into the future.

For women who want to give birth, but aren’t able to keep their baby, the pregnancy center offers referrals to local adoption agencies. There are many infertile couples who wait for years to adopt. The center also offers post-abortion support, understanding the need for heart healing.

Lauren’s Legacy Pregnancy Center is located at 16019 Hwy 331 Business in Freeport. Their hours of operation are Mondays and Fridays 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Thursdays 3 – 7 p.m. Appointments are encouraged. You can also call them at (850) 880-6287 or visit their website at www.laurenslegacy.net to learn more about all the services they provide.

Views: 28

October 10, 2023
Local Signs of Fall: An Array of Art and Music that Heals

By Will Estell

If you’re a fan of the arts and you live anywhere in Okaloosa, Walton or Bay Counties, then you’re likely already familiar with Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) and the events this organization has been bringing to Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast for almost three decades. MKAF has grown from humble beginnings to becoming one of the largest champions of the arts in our region, a mission-driven, membership based, not-for-profit organization, with all event proceeds going to support ArtsReach, the organization’s outreach mission.

MKAF events, such as the annual Festival of the Arts, various concerts, wine tastings and culinary gatherings are about so much more than providing a good time for attendees and members, they’re also about making a lasting impact on our communities. Since its inception in 1995, MKAF has made a difference for 400,000 children in more than 100 schools and partner agencies throughout Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast. These “Arts Empower” programs provide arts in our children’s schools producing dynamic arts learning opportunities through its ArtsReach education initiative serving local K-12 students, at-risk youth and even those with disabilities through “Arts for All Abilities.” A newer program, Paint the Music, is a collaboration between MKAF and Sinfonia Gulf Coast (SGC); this explores the musical classics while channeling students’ inner Picasso—students paint to musical selections and are invited to a live SGC concert performance. Through “Warrior Arts,” MKAF serves our military population suffering with both physical injuries and invisible traumas and hardships, bringing therapeutic benefits to active duty and veteran military service members. This unique and healing program features Zentangle drawing for mindfulness and there are numerous testimonies to the program’s effectiveness.

Now in its 28th year, Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation’s Annual Festival of the Arts is the place to be Oct. 28-29. This annual art fair brings in top-tier artists in an array of media from throughout the country. October’s event will feature more than 100 artists competing for various accolades in their respective categories as part of this juried festival. “This year, we enjoyed overwhelming interest and after the blind jury scored more than 200 applicants, we are proud to present more than 100 artists hailing from 17 states across the U.S. and Europe,” said Festival of the Arts Producer, Deb Nissley.

Additionally, MKAF’s Festival of the Arts also features live music, food trucks, beverages, comedian Jason Hedden as emcee for the festivities and a VIP Lounge Experience. There’s also an available cash bar featuring locally sourced craft beer, including Mattie Light from Destin Brewery, and MKAF’s famous Bloody Mary bar. MKAF’s Arty Kick Off Party starts the festivities on October 27 at 6 p.m. at Destin’s Henderson Beach Resort—an exciting way to usher in the festival while also partaking in great food, drinks and entertainment.

This year’s Festival will also bring additional entertainment with Stage Crafters performing scenes from the Broadway musical “Something Rotten,” along with local Gulf Coast artist and MKAF Board Member, Maxine Orange and her Splatter Studio, which allows children to create their own personal art to take home from the festival.

Check the MKAF calendar on their website at www.MKAF.org to find out more on this and other events coming in the next few months.

Views: 1

October 10, 2023
International Coastal Cleanup Slated for Sept. 16th in South Walton
Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles, (FOSWST) in partnership with Walton County Tourism, will once again host the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) on Saturday, September 16, 2023. Registration Opens at 8:45 a.m. with Beach Cleanup beginning at 9 a.m. and running until 11 a.m.

International Coastal Cleanup is a worldwide event sponsored by Ocean Conservancy; they engage countries around the globe to organize citizens from large cities to small villages in the cleanup of their oceans, gulfs, lakes, and river beaches. Walton County is one of these coastal areas and has the opportunity to participate with millions across the globe to clean up the coastline and prevent debris from polluting Gulf waters.

The Volunteer Beach Ambassador Team invites all community members and visitors to the Emerald Coast to join in their efforts “with little pomp and circumstance but rather with a heart for serving our community and our beautiful coastal environment.” Please consider joining us at this event for the greater good of Walton County and the health of the marine and bird life that make the Gulf of Mexico their home. FOSWST is asking: Will you join us? Can we count on you?

The “Friends” will be hosting clean-ups at five Regional Beach Accesses (look for the Coastal Cleanup flags):
- Inlet Beach Regional Access, 438 S Orange St., Inlet Beach
- Santa Clara Regional Access, 3468 E Co Hwy 30A, Seagrove
- Ed Walline Regional Access, 4447 W Co Hwy 30A, Gulf Place
- Dune Allen Regional Access, 5999 W Co Hwy 30A, Dune Allen
- Miramar Beach Regional Access, 2375 Scenic Gulf Dr., Miramar Beach
“We encourage and welcome locals, private homeowners, and condo/resort Homeowner Associations to join us and organize a cleanup on their private properties,’ says FOSWST founder and president, Beth Coppedge.

Participants may choose to record their collection data on paper cards provided at each site or by using the Clean Swell App on a Smart device: http://oceanconservancy.org/clean-swell-faq/. All participants are encouraged to provide their own trash bags or buckets, gloves, hats, sunscreen, water bottles, etc. There will be limited bags/gloves available for those without.

In past years, Walton County residents and visitors have turned out in large numbers to support the cleaning of our beaches and subsequently the Gulf during the International Coastal Cleanup. Each piece of debris collected is one more piece of trash saved from our ocean systems.

“Ocean trash and plastic pollution are huge threats facing our oceans, marine life, and beaches,” says Coppedge. “International Coastal Cleanup Day is an opportunity to educate residents and visitors about global Clean the Seas initiatives and demonstrate Walton County’s commitment to protecting not only our sea turtles but maintaining the pristine beauty of our sugary white sandy beaches for generations to come.”

Information about where ICC events occur and the type of trash collected are communicated to the Ocean Conservancy’s TIDES database. This trash Information and data is used for education and local, national, and worldwide actions and solutions to the ever-growing ocean trash problem.

In 2022, 265 Walton County volunteers participated, and cleaned 35.35 miles of beach, collecting 4,293 items. The Top Ten Items Collected included over 800 cigarette butts along with many plastic straws and stirrers.

We hope you join the Walton County community in their participation in the world’s largest volunteer effort on behalf of ocean health.

Visit www.oceanconservancy.org for more information. Tag your relevant social media posts with #Seathechange to help spread the word.

Views: 0
September 16, 2023
ECCAC Rebrands to Set the Stage for Exciting New Programs and Community Outreach

ECCAC has revealed glimpses of some very exciting changes via social media over the recent weeks, culminating with the launch of its new website on August 4, 2023. Humbled by consistent growth over the past 23 years, they have taken the next step to update their logo, visual identity, brand messaging, and website to better represent where they are as an organization today—and the vision going forward.

“This is a monumental milestone for ECCAC. We are truly grateful for the support and contributions of the many donors, agency & community partners, volunteers, and team members who have supported our mission and helped us serve our communities over the past two decades. We would not be where we are today without each and every contribution to our cause, and we’re so excited about the next chapter.” comments Julie Porterfield, Chief Executive Officer of ECCAC.

With their new branding in place, they will continue to rise to the challenge of ending child abuse and neglect, providing child-friendly environments and therapies, and educating children and families on critical prevention issues so that not one more child becomes a victim. Their goal is to continue making a lasting and positive impact in the lives of those they serve and they will not waiver until that vision is realized.

Visit their website and follow along on social media to see their full transformation and vision as they enter the next chapter of ECCAC. And, if you feel called to do so, you can Become a Champion of Hope and join the fight to end child abuse and neglect.

For further information about the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, visit www.eccac.org or call (850) 833-9237. If abuse is suspected, call the anonymous Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE.

Views: 0

September 16, 2023
On a Wave and a Prayer

by Heather Bennett Eye

It’s easy to see God’s blessings along the Emerald Coast, and Katie Campbell of 30A Prays has witnessed first-hand the work of God moving in this area. The nonprofit organization’s vision is “to revive the heart of prayer and equip the next generation to passionately pray and boldly share the gospel,” and they’re creating a wave of prayer within our community.

Did you notice the red tents along the beach in Seaside during spring break? Katie and other members of 30A Prays spent hours on the beaches praying and answering questions for interested guests. “God really moved on the beaches during spring break. We prayed for so many young people,” said Katie. “Our tents were never empty the whole entire time. We had a continuous flow of people wanting to be prayed for. There is a generation of young people that are hungry to be prayed for, and to know the truth.”

Katie and her family moved to 30A from Washington state two years ago after she received a calling in her heart to start the prayer movement along the Emerald Coast. Katie and her husband, Branden, were active in their church in Washington where she led a prayer ministry and he assisted in preaching. After making the big move, it didn’t take Katie long to connect with other like-minded individuals through Instagram. Connections that would eventually help form 30A Prays.

The organization is non denominational. Members don’t have to be affiliated with a particular church. “They attend all different types of churches, all along this area,” Katie stated. It’s the diversity in the members that resonates with interested guests that come to the tents for prayer. “It’s a great bridge builder with people at the beach,” said Katie. “People are so diverse, and most people when they come down to the tents, they ask what denomination are you, and we let them know we’re from different churches and it really disarms people.”

Currently, they are building their prayer team. Katie and her husband host a 2-hour prayer training where team members learn how to write a testimony, practice sharing that testimony with each other, learn how to pray for strangers – to pause and listen for the Holy Spirit, practice praying for each other, and how to share The Gospel. “There are four different ways they get to participate, to equip them to feel like they have the tools and resources to go out and pray with strangers on the breach,” stated Katie. “We’re inspiring people to be bold in their faith and to pray. It’s fun to watch people come alive.”

You can catch Katie every Thursday morning in Seaside for a prayer walk with 30A Prays at 7:15am. There are some regulars that join, and also new faces, people who’ve seen her on Instagram. “I never know who’s coming. It’s a surprise to me so I love that,” stated Katie. “I want people to feel welcomed to join us in prayer.”

You can find 30A Prays on Instagram @30aprays or visit their website at 30aprays.com if you are interested in joining or learning more. They are set to hold another prayer event the week of October 8th. There will be red prayer tents set up on the beach in Seaside every day that week, and at the end of the week there will be an outreach event. Just look for the red tent. You won’t be able to miss them! Be sure to follow them for more information and announcements.

Views: 5

August 3, 2023
Moon Crush Returns to Seascape Resort Sept. 1-3

Moon Crush returns to Miramar Beach for the 5th installment of Topeka Live’s music vacations. Moon Crush, Blue Moon takes place over the Labor Day Weekend and will feature Ben Rector, NEEDTOBREATHE, Switchfoot, Mat Kearney, Johnnyswim, and more. Single-day passes are on sale now at topeka.live.

Lineup:

Friday will open with Switchfoot and Stephen Day before Ben Rector takes the stage to end the night. Day two features opening artist Mat Kearney and Stephen Kellogg and ends with NeedToBreathe, who are making their second appearance on the Moon Crush stage after appearing during the inaugural Moon Crush, Pink Moon in 2021. Day three you will see Johnnyswim and Jordy Searcy open the evening before Ben Rector returns with his Old Friends to close out the weekend.

Topeka Live and Moon Crush have made quite a name for themselves. In just 3 years and 4 shows behind them, they have quickly turned a lot of heads in the music festival industry. In their recent April issue Southern Living recently named Moon Crush #12 of The Best Music Festivals to Attend. That is an impressive accomplishment, as they rank high on a list that features nationally recognized festivals such as Austin City Limits, Bonnaroo and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Topeka Live’s CEO, Andy Levine was recently interviewed by Forbes Magazine about Topeka Live and what sets them apart from all the other festivals. The article was based on Brandi Carlile’s Mothership Weekend over Mother’s Day.

Moon Crush is a unique music experience, where everyone is equal. All guests experience the same level of service throughout the venue. The intimate 5,000 max capacity venue offers assigned seating in your own COVE (Contained Openair Viewing Environment). COVE’s come in 2-, 4- or 6-person capacity. They are large and roomy, allowing you to move freely, dance or sit. Moving around the venue is easy without having to elbow your way through crowds to get to your seat, food, or the air-conditioned comfort stations. A major item that sets Moon Crush apart is delivery. Yes, they deliver food, beverages and merchandise directly to your seat! Simply place an order on your phone and in an average time of 5 minutes, your order appears at your COVE. Moon Crush makes it a point to have a good variety of food and beverage by partnering with local food trucks and restaurants.

But the real reason Topeka Live and Moon Crush is making a name for themselves is “Real Topeka People.” Levine believes a great event starts with great people and he has assembled a team that genuinely cares about the guests. You can say that Topeka is really a customer service company that produces excellent music shows.

Seascape Golf Beach & Tennis Resort is home to Moon Crush and other shows produced by Topeka Live. Seascape and Topeka have partnered to bring a unique music experience to Miramar Beach in South Walton. Seascape Resort’s Director of Sales & Events, Michael Whalen says “I have worked with many people that produce concerts and events, but I have never worked with a producer that truly puts the guests first, ahead of making profits.” Whalen continued, “It’s a joy to work alongside Andy and his team.” It appears they have created something special that South Walton has been longing for. Levine stated that we should be on the lookout for new announcements, as Topeka and Seascape have planned for eight shows in 2024. The first will be April 18-21, 2024 with Pink Moon and tickets are on sale now.

You can keep up to date on all announced shows and lineups by checking Topeka.Live.

Views: 279

August 3, 2023
Crackings in Grayton Beach is Leading the Way with their “Skip the Straw” Campaign!

By Heather Bennett Eye

South Walton is home to unique and delicate ecosystems and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Plastic straws are one of the top offenders of garbage cleaned up along the shore. Not only do they litter the beach, but they pollute the ocean, and they’re an overall hazard for our ecological community.

Kristy and Clayton Green, owners and operators of Crackings in Grayton Beach, took the environment into consideration when they decided to ‘skip the straw’ and did away with plastic straws about five years ago, and are asking other local restaurants to consider doing the same. “We took the pledge, and you can, too,” stated Kristy. “We wanted to do our part and eliminate this one piece of plastic.”

Local coastal cleanup crews can easily find 500 plus straws in one day. Those are the ones that don’t make it into the Gulf. Plastic is detrimental to the life and survival of our marine life, especially the endangered sea turtles that nest on our beaches. On a recent trip to the water, Kristy noticed the impact. “We looked over the side rail and there were so many straws and garbage. This is why I don’t do straws,” she said.

Crackings does offer environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic straws for people who really need one. In addition to stainless steel reusable straws, they are now offering bamboo straws. These straws are 75 cents for guests to purchase and all proceeds go to the local Friends of South Walton Sea Turtle Watch, a nonprofit organization that conducts sea turtle nesting surveys and inventories, and responds to sick or injured sea turtles.

Kristy admits that it hasn’t always been easy, but they held to their convictions and stuck to their guns. “We’re not trying to make money from the straw,” stated Kristy. When people purchase them, it’s for a good cause. “When we word it like that, people are more inclined to make a donation,” she said. “We would love it if other restaurants would do this. We are blown away that we are so close to the beach and other restaurants don’t do this.” Her advice? “Take the pledge to skip the straw.”

For restaurants interested in purchasing bamboo straws, you can contact Ray Cyr at 850-797-3546 or visit www.theotheturtle.com. You can also contact Life Media at 850-399-0228. Why bamboo? Paper and other plant-based straws are passed off as biodegradable, but contain polyfluoroalkyl substances known as “forever chemicals” that have an extreme resistance to environmental breakdown. Plus, paper can get mushy.

Crackings, family owned and operated since 2005, is located at 51 Uptown Grayton Cir, and serves breakfast, brunch and lunch Tuesday – Sunday with live music daily. You can feel good about helping the environment while enjoying a delicious meal and having a good time. We admire Kristy and Clayton for taking the pledge to skip the straw and hope you will, too.

Views: 0

July 12, 2023