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

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Celebrating 20 Years Helping Children in Crisis

By Lisa Woodrum

For 20 years, Children in Crisis has answered the desperate need for foster care through its group homes at the Fort Walton Beach property. It has provided stable and consistent home environments for a multitude of displaced children in the midst of severe circumstances. CIC originated from a small grass-roots group of individuals; supporters of the mission have grown to more than 200 members, including CPAs, architects, attorneys, educators and builders.

Ken Hair, CEO and president, and his loving, capable staff have established CIC as a haven where TLC is given to the littles, in a safe, healing atmosphere – physically, emotionally and spiritually. To gird up this mission, a network of caring community organizations, businesses and citizens have partnered in assisting CIC’s mission to “Provide Homes…Keeping Brothers and Sisters Together.”

There is a severe shortage of foster homes in this area. DCF contacts CIC when it has children who need to be placed. Sarah Traver, Operations Director, tells of the foster care dynamic: “When a child is taken from its home, it is asked to pack a few things in a backpack, then are transported to wherever they find a placement (within four counties). A child in Okaloosa county, for example, may be transferred to an open bed in Escambia County. Oftentimes, they have to say goodbye to siblings who are placed in another home and county. This child will meet new people, will be enrolled in a new school, etc. (When they come to CIC,) there is only a trash bag with their belongings. I can’t imagine how scary it is to be in a home you have never been in before!”

CIC provides a home to an average of 100 children per year. Since opening its doors in 2008, CIC has been called “home” by more than 1,033 children, providing them with 123,857 days and nights of a safe, loving environment to grow and thrive.

As foster parent Kristilyn Cash shared, “We all know that it takes a village to raise a child, and that is exactly what CIC is for us as foster parents. CIC is our village!”

In reality, this “village” expands beyond the borders of the CIC neighborhood; it is this community that has and will continue to provide the funding, resources, giftings and volunteers needed. To note a few needs: financial support (ie. monthly utilities $8,333); non-perishable foods and gently used clothing, volunteers to fundraise, helping hands in homes sporadically, landscaping. They are seeking to hire respite couples (singles, too) to intermittently care for children a few days at a time giving houseparents a break. Further needs can be found on the website: www.childrenincrisis.org or call (850) 864-4242.

Says houseparent Jowie Rodgers, “Every kid is one caring adult away from a success story. Even though the kiddos are here for a season or two, they will be in our hearts forever. No matter what the fight that we houseparents and staff have to go through, we are passionate about the souls of our children. They are our future.”

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July 12, 2023
Team Wegner Embarks on Ultra Paddle Event to Benefit Cystic Fibrosis

By Christopher Manson

This month, local anesthesiologist and paddleboard enthusiast Ryan Wegner heads to the Bahamas for a massive 80-mile, approximately 16-hour paddle event benefiting Piper’s Angels Foundation for Cystic Fibrosis. The Palm Beach Gardens-based nonprofit hosts its 10th annual Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis June 21-25.

Wegner, the father of twin Autistic 14-year-old boys, heard about the event from his cousin, who will join him for the Crossing. “I was aware of cystic fibrosis through my education and my involvement with kids with special needs,” he says. “I feel like this is something I need to do. It’s part of my nature to help other people.”
Two hundred paddlers will participate this year. Wegner will be part of a relay team, paddling for three or four hours. He’ll bring a 12-foot live watersports board, made by a Clearwater company and graciously provided by the owners of Santa Rosa Beach’s recently opened Gulf Wind Paddle & Surf store.

“I’ve only been using it for a month,” says Wegner. “It’s amazing.” To prepare for the Crossing, he trains daily “whether it’s in the gym or on the water.” When we speak at Gulf Wind – “The Coolest Li’l Surf Shop on the Panhandle” – he tells me that each paddler must raise $2,000 individually. He’s been reaching out to locals – mostly through his job – and friends to meet or exceed his goal.

“Ryan came in and introduced himself, and we saw an opportunity for us to do some philanthropy,” says Matt Duncan, who co-owns Gulf Wind with Tony Maganzini. “We’re helping Ryan with the board and uniforms, and sponsoring his team.” In turn, Wegner is raising awareness for the store and its top-of-the-line wares.

Wegner is the only Crossing participant from the area, but he’ll be cheered on by Panama City Beach resident Jessica Shuflitowski, the mother of a 5-year-old boy with CF, Stone. Shuflitowski, Stone, and husband Gary Coram will trailer their boat down to South Florida for the event. For the first time in his life, Stone will meet other children with CF – from a distance of at least six feet, due to medical rules.

Stone’s mom says treatment for CF patients is nonexistent in the immediate area. She and her son make the trek to Pensacola for treatments – blood work, breathing tests, etc. – every three months “unless something else comes up,” she says. She is grateful to Piper’s Angels for offering incentives to CF patients. “They offer grants for saltwater equipment. I can get Stone a paddleboard or surfboard, and they’ll pay for lessons. He’ll be interested in trying anything.”

According to the Piper’s Angels Foundation website, Cystic Fibrosis is a chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive systems of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States. A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick and sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections. The mucus also obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food.

“It’s a progressive disease,” says Shuflitowski. “And it’s a very invisible illness. My son looks completely normal, but at the turn of a hat, he can be hospitalized for a month.”
She adds that there is zero federal funding for CF, and that any grants come from foundations and sponsorships. “A lot of CF patients are living longer now, and more adults are living with it than ever before.” This is largely due to the drug Trikafta, which was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2019.

But, “it’s one of those things where you can either afford it or not. My son will be eligible to take it when he’s 6.” Currently, the cost of Trikafta for a single patient runs about $80,000 a month.

Learn more about the Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis at crossingforcysticfibrosis.com and pipersangels.org. Gulf Wind Paddle & Surf is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit it online at gulfwindpaddlesurf.com.

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June 13, 2023
Walton County Offers Complimentary Day-Use Admission to State Parks

Summer visitors to Walton County will once again be able to enjoy complimentary day-use admission to Grayton Beach State Park and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

The Walton County Tourism Department is paying the cost of entry for day-use visitors to increase available parking for beachgoers during the peak visitation season, as well as raise awareness of the variety of eco-tourism activities South Walton offers. This year marks the ninth year of admission coverage for Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and the seventh for Grayton Beach State Park.

“We all recognize that our state parks are incredible assets to Walton County, so this program is an opportunity to encourage our residents and visitors to explore what the state parks have to offer,” said Matt Algarin, tourism director for Walton County. “From the trails to the sugar-white sand beaches and the variety of activities and amenities available, the state parks are truly remarkable.”

Complimentary day-use admission is available during normal operating hours, generally 8 a.m. to sunset, and this year’s program will begin on Memorial Day weekend, starting Friday, May 26, and run through Labor Day, Sept. 4.

For more information on Topsail Hill Preserve State Park visit www.visitsouthwalton.com/listing/topsail-hill-preserve-state-park.

For more information on Grayton Beach State Park visit www.visitsouthwalton.com/listing/grayton-beach-state-park.

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June 13, 2023
South Walton’s Volunteer Beach Ambassadors Gearing up for 2023 Season

Peter Mohylsky,

It’s all about Sea Turtles! Do you love our local beaches? Do you have some free time from March through October? Why not join the Volunteer Beach Ambassadors?

What began as a group of 30 volunteers back in 2016 has now grown to over 200 volunteers for the 2023 season. The volunteers are ambassadors for the culture that makes this such a great place to visit and live. Volunteer Beach Ambassador (VBA) Team Leader Peter Mohylsky stated “I am very proud of this team of dedicated volunteers. Everyone is dedicated to working on improving the quality of beach life for those who are full-time residents and just vacationers or part-time residents. The overall impact on the environment along the beach is nothing short of remarkable.”

This group of volunteers greets our locals and visitors along the beaches, scenic bike paths and throughout our community. They are members of the Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles (FOSWST), a non-profit organization that promotes sea turtle conservation through awareness and education.

While greeting everyone visiting our beaches, the main job of a VBA is to educate them on beach etiquette and county beach ordinances, specifically those codes that directly impact the preservation and safety of our nesting sea turtles. They also pick up trash, fill in holes in the sand, and flatten any sandcastles/art at the end of the day. The purpose is to work to achieve what we’ve all heard described as #CleanDarkFlat beaches. They are working towards educating the visitors, so they return to their homes safely and come back to our county next year.

There is no requirement on where or when to volunteer. You pick your favorite beach, time and day, and just show up. Students under 18 may also join but must be accompanied by a parent who is also a VBA. Community service hours are logged for each student.

Recruiting is taking place now for 2023. Upon completing a training session and joining the FOSWST ($5 membership fee), you will be provided with a branded shirt and nametag. Training is held in the South Walton Visitors Center’s Conference Room. Click on the FOSWST’s website page to become a VBA: Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles | Volunteer Beach Ambassadors.

The VBA Team would like to grow to 300 plus members this year and will be training once or twice per month through August. Those interested should follow Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles on Facebook to see dates and times of training sessions, and email VBA@FOSWST.COM.

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May 4, 2023
May is ArtsQuest Month in South Walton

By Christopher Manson

Celebrating its 35th year this month, the Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) of Walton County’s ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival is one of the organization’s signature – and biggest – events. In recent years, the CAA has expanded this into Art Month, with visual, performing, and literary arts programming in diverse formats at various venues throughout Walton County.
Additional Art Month events and programs include Under the Sea, a fundraiser for the CAA’s Underwater Museum of Art; the Longleaf Writers Conference, formerly the Seaside Writers Conference, a gathering of creative writers from across the nation, featuring award-winning scribes from the worlds of poetry, fiction and screenwriting offering workshops and seminars; Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach, a unique “projection art” festival employing digital technologies; “Sinfonia Goes Pop!,” a free concert at the Alys Beach Amphitheatre; performances by the Emerald Coast Theatre Company; and, of course, gallery events.
Find the complete Art Month schedule at culturalartsalliance.com.

CAA Events Director Allie Anderson says patrons can expect new twists for May 13 and 14’s ArtsQuest festival at Grand Boulevard Town Center. “Things are different with the layout,” she says. “We’re expecting around 5,000 people over the weekend.” This year’s festival includes adult art classes with the likes of Justin Gaffrey, non-stop live entertainment, and new sponsors.

“The other events are happening almost every day throughout May,” says Ms. Anderson. “We support and promote them all and want people to go to as many as they can.”
Ms. Anderson handles all of the huge CAA events, including the 30A Songwriters Festival and the Flutterby Festival. “Anything involving 500 or more people,” she says.

She came onboard in September 2022. Prior to that, Ms. Anderson ran her own business designing custom apparel – t-shirts, tote bags and the like –for sororities all over the country. Originally from Panama City, she lived in Dallas and California.

Now she’s back in Panama City with her two daughters and couldn’t be happier. “It’s nice to be back with friends and family,” says Ms. Anderson. “I appreciate the growth that’s going on. There’s so much to do here now. I just love the community and how much everyone supports each other.”

Her connection to the arts began at a young age. “I was an artist growing up, and my mom is a glass artist,” she says. “We used to do paint classes together. We were always around the arts, and I really found an appreciation for it at a young age. My mom is the one who told me about the CAA position.”

ArtsQuest officially kicks off Thursday, May 11, at 6 p.m. with the Underwater Museum of Art fundraiser at Grand Boulevard Town Center. The event celebrates the museum’s fifth installation with art, dancing, cocktails, food and more. “We’ll have two sculptures by Allison Wickey and Zachary Long – about six feet tall each – at Under the Sea for people to view before they go underwater,” says Ms. Anderson.

Dallas Primavera, this year’s ArtsQuest featured artist, is a longtime CAA member. His work will be featured on posters and t-shirts. Mr. Primavera is based out of Jacksonville Beach and has been painting for over 20 years. “I’m traveling around the state of Florida to do art shows and trying to get my name out there,” he says.

The Florida State alum says he’s always been a vivid dreamer. “I have developed a skill that I will try to put into words,” the official bio reads. “As I close my eyes, every night I relive the same dream – long halls filled with paintings on both sides, in every color, shape and size.

“At first, I would wake up with a feeling of jealousy, like what I saw was exactly where I was going. A warm wave of understanding washed over me as I realized everything I saw was mine to come. Best part, I remembered everything I dreamt about. To this day, the process is the source of my inspiration, and it keeps getting stronger.

“He does beautiful work,” says Ms. Anderson. “The posters are amazing.” Discover more at artbydallas.com.

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April 17, 2023
Pairing and Sharing Wine Dinner to Benefit Caring and Sharing May 4

This inaugural event is scheduled for May 4th at Rosemary Beach Town Hall

Sip, savor and share a glass among friends at the inaugural Pairing and Sharing wine dinner to benefit Caring & Sharing of South Walton. This event will take place on May 4, 6 p.m. at Rosemary Beach Town Hall in Rosemary Beach, Florida.

Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner from Swiftly Catered, paired with select wines from Dry Farm Wines and live music. Dry Farms Wine Founder Todd White’s favorite wine from his personal collection, the 2020 Cobelli Schiava, will be featured at the dinner. The evening will kick off with a cocktail hour at 6pm in the courtyard at Rosemary Beach Town Hall, amidst the backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico.

“I started giving the wine that I sourced, to my friends and family and they couldn’t get enough of it,” says Dry Farms Wine founder Todd White. “So it was only natural to start a company that curated pure Natural Wines and then ship them directly to people who care about the way their wine is made, what they put in their bodies, and how their wine tastes. Six years later, our family business, Dry Farm Wines, continues to discover the world’s best and rarest wines and ship them right to the customer.”

“The generosity of our donors and patrons of this event will allow us to continue meeting the growing needs of our community,” said Carly Barnes, Executive Director of Caring & Sharing.

“We are currently serving over 500 local families each month. This year our main focus is growing our Case Management and Counseling Staff. Successful events such as this one allow us to strengthen our team and do more in-depth work with those that we serve in Walton County.”

If interested in tickets to Pairing and Sharing, guests may “uncork their generosity” and reserve today at https://pairingandsharing.eventbrite.com. Tickets are $250 per guest and $3,000 for a table.

Pairing and Sharing is graciously brought to you by Grand Cru Sponsors, Rosemary Beach Realty & Cottage Rental Company, Swiftly Catered and Dry Farm Wines. A special thanks to our other generous sponsors and donors Mark and Karen Gergel Foundation, Centennial Bank, Wellness Mama, John Roberts Law, H&M Events & Rentals and 1920 & Co. Those interested in sponsorships can visit the Caring & Sharing website www.caringandsharingsowal.org or contact info@caringandsharingsowal.org .

Caring & Sharing of South Walton provides crisis relief to our neighbors in need through financial assistance, food, counseling, and case management. Founded in 1994, the organization serves more than 500 local families each month. Caring & Sharing of South Walton also operates a Thrift Store. Sales in the Thrift Store help cover operating expenses and generate funds to help those we serve with food, prescriptions, utilities, mental health counseling, and case management. Items for sale in the Thrift Store include clothing, housewares, bedding, furniture, electronics and books.

For more information about Caring & Sharing of South Walton visit www.caringandsharingsowal.org

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April 16, 2023
Turtle Nesting Season Underway

Nesting season arrives on our coasts for sea turtles and waterbirds

Nesting season has started for both sea turtles and waterbirds in the Sunshine State. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds people they can help protect vulnerable nesting sea turtles and waterbirds this spring and summer while visiting Florida’s coastal habitats.

Because our state’s shorelines are critical for sea turtle and waterbird nesting, beachgoers can have a big impact on their nesting success. To help nesting sea turtles and waterbirds, give them space, minimize disturbances, and keep beaches clean and dark.

Obstacles on the beach can prevent sea turtles from nesting as they crawl across the sand to lay their eggs. Trash, holes in the sand and other obstacles can also prevent sea turtle hatchlings from reaching the water once they emerge from their nests. Food scraps attract predators, such as raccoons and crows, that prey on sea turtle hatchlings, shorebird eggs and chicks. Litter on beaches can entangle sea turtles, birds and other wildlife. Beachgoers can help our native wildlife by stashing all trash, filling in human-made holes in the sand, and removing boats, beach toys and furniture from the beach before sunset. Fishing line can be deadly to sea turtles, waterbirds and other wildlife, so be sure to dispose of it properly. To find a monofilament recycling station near you, visit mrrp.MyFWC.com.

Any lighting can misdirect and disturb nesting sea turtles and their hatchlings, leading them away from the ocean and toward potential danger. Beachgoers should use natural starlight to see on the beach at night and avoid using flashlights or cellphones. Anyone living along or visiting Florida beaches can do their part by putting porch, parking or deck lights out and closing curtains after dark to avoid harming nesting and hatchling sea turtles on the beach. If lighting could still be visible from the beach, be sure it is long, low and shielded.

Getting too close (50 feet or less) to nesting sea turtles can cause them to leave the beach before they complete nesting. Remember – it is illegal to harm or disturb nesting sea turtles and their nests, eggs and hatchlings. Shorebirds, seabirds and wading birds also need plenty of space to prevent them from flushing from their breeding sites, leaving vulnerable eggs and chicks exposed to the elements and predators. Egg temperatures can increase to lethal levels after just a few minutes of direct sun exposure. Shorebirds and seabirds nest in shallow scrapes in the sand and their eggs and chicks are well-camouflaged, making them vulnerable to being stepped on unless people look out for them and avoid walking though flocks of birds.

In general, it is best to keep at least 300 feet from nesting birds and to avoid walking through flocks of birds or entering posted areas. Pet owners can also help by keeping dogs at home or on a short leash and away from wildlife on pet-friendly beaches.

Support the Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles: check out Theo!

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April 15, 2023
The Power of Selflove

By Heather Bennett Eye

Many of us, at some point, find ourselves on a journey to better our lives. For local South Walton artist, writer, content creator and founder of evolfleS, Maurice Hunter, his brand of Self Love has been a journey of discovery and is a message of empowerment.

Maurice found his passion and purpose for Self Love years ago while writing a letter to his then two-year-old daughter. “I wanted to give her something that was directly from me that she can carry for the rest of her life that helps her potentially deal with any possible self esteem challenges she may encounter throughout her upbringing and in life in general,” said Maurice. “My goal was to make it about self empowerment and self value and as I was writing, this recurring theme of ‘you being responsible for everything that you’re experiencing’ kept appearing, and ‘the love that you’re looking for and the value that you’re looking for outside of you is always within you,’ and it was a matter of recognizing that, that would allow you to experience it. It started to look like Selflove to me. That’s how I interpreted it.”

The more Maurice wrote, the more he discovered love within himself. He took a deep dive into love, fear, psychology and emotions. His primary focus became the relationship people have with their thoughts and emotions, which became the basis for what Self Love means to him. “The highest quality relationship we have with ourselves is based on being in a power position in relation to the thoughts we believe and the emotions we feel, and how to relate to thoughts and emotions in a way that gives you an experience of empowerment and not feeling like you’re a victim and have no choice,” stated Maurice. His passion and purpose is to develop, practice and creatively share this information on a global scale.

You’ll find some information on social media, but Maurice prefers to connect with people and bring people together in-person. He’s participated in events, workshops, and retreats and enjoys networking. Currently, he is holding weekly discussion groups. “I started creating these discussion groups where we have conversations about these ideas in a group format where we either listen to a clip initially or we present a topic (such as ‘Art of Thinking’), and then talk about it in an open exploratory format,” said Maurice. “I personally enjoy sharing and hearing perspectives, and getting to know people on a more intimate level.” He has found that there are a lot of like-minded people in South Walton, but they don’t always get to connect. “My goal is to bring all those people together,” stated Maurice. “I get joy in providing space for people to be able to do that.” To share this intimate practice on a larger scale, he is working on making conscious conversation cards for people to be able to start their own deeper conversations with others wherever they go.

“I’m not looking to inspire people to love themselves. I don’t intend to tell people what to do. My intention is to creatively expose people to ideas that serve as reminders of their internal power,” said Maurice.” I respect people’s power to choose what they want to do with their lives. Whether your choices support your well-being or not, it’s not for me to judge. If you don’t like it, you can change it. You have the option and power to do so. You also have the option and power not to. Either way, you’re always powerful and you always have a choice.”

Maurice is also looking to collaborate with more creative locals who have an interest in personal development and making a positive impact. He currently has art on display at Yoga Bar 30a and Myst Yoga. His pieces often incorporate a heart and feature rose quartz (the stone of Self Love) and an inspirational message on the back.

If you’d like to see more of his art, you can check out his Instagram @artofevolfles.

To contact Maurice for events, discussion groups, Selflove t-shirts collaboration, or art, please email him at artistoflyf@aol.com. If you would like to learn more about Selflove, he’s always open to a discussion. You can also check out his book, Another Day in Selflove by Maurice Hunter and Jim Clark on Amazon.com.

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April 9, 2023
Easter on the Coast

By Rick Moore

Jimmy was meticulous with every detail. He used a magnifying glass to make sure every part was glued together perfectly. He spent months building his miniature sailboat. To him, it was much more than a toy. The boat was a working replica of a schooner, complete with two masts, sails, and a rudder. It represented everything Jimmy had ever learned from building models. Other toy boats were made for bathtubs and swimming pools. His was made to sail in the waters of the Emerald Coast. The shape of the vessel resembled the great racing yachts of the early 1900s. The bottom of the hull was painted with a white waterproof sealant. Jimmy signed the stern with a fine tip brush making sure all knew who the beautiful sailboat belonged to.

The big day came to test the model boat on the water. Jimmy tied a line to the bow just in case it was carried away by the waves. He definitely didn’t want to lose it. The boat held up just great. The waterproofing of the hull worked to perfection. Each time Jimmy took his toy schooner out into the waves, he allowed it to go further and further out, sometimes reaching over 200 yards from the shore. Every once in a while he would allow children on the beach to hold the line, but that was only when the boat was close by.

On one occasion, Jimmy allowed the schooner to go so far from shore it was almost out of sight. A fisherman was casting his reel and got his line crossed with the line Jimmy used to secure the toy schooner. The fisherman did not want to take the time to untangle the lines, so he cut both of them in order to save his fishing tackle. By the time Jimmy realized what had happened, the toy vessel was totally out of sight. He swam as fast as he could to try and retrieve the boat, but the waves were so high he couldn’t see it. The schooner was gone. He waited for hours on the beach hoping the tide would bring his boat in. He took a flashlight out in the evening, walking up and down the shore, but his boat was not to be found. For weeks, he searched along the coast asking if anyone had seen his boat. He feared it was on the bottom of the gulf never to be seen again.

Months later, on Easter Sunday, as Jimmy was walking home from church, he passed by the town square and noticed something in a store window. He couldn’t believe his eyes. He ran into the store shouting, “You found it! You found my boat!” The store manager tried to calm Jimmy down. Jimmy picked up his boat and said “I’m so glad you found it, thank you so much!” The manger said, “I don’t know what you are talking about, but that model you are holding in your hands costs three hundred dollars.” Jimmy said, “But it’s mine; I made it.” Jimmy even showed the manager where he had painted his name on the stern. The manager said he was sorry, but if Jimmy wanted to take it home he was going to have to pay for it. Jimmy knew that wasn’t fair, but he loved that boat so much he paid the price. That boat was made by Jimmy, and the price was paid by Jimmy.

Jimmy’s story is often told the week of Easter to explain why God gave His only begotten son to die for us. Like Jimmy’s schooner, God made us. Like Jimmy’s schooner, we became lost. Like Jimmy’s schooner, God bought us back, paying the ultimate price. God loves us so much He made us, and then He paid for us. Happy Easter!

Rick Moore is Communication Pastor at Destiny Worship Center.

Views: 1

April 9, 2023
Easter in South Walton

By Summer Padgett,
Content & Public Relations Specialist, Walton County Tourism Department

If you’re hunting for a place to hop to during the Easter holiday, look at our roundup of activities in Walton County. Find chocolate bunnies, sunrise services, Easter bunny photo ops and so much more!

Ovide at the Hotel Effie
Join us on Sunday, April 9, for an Easter brunch buffet with family, friends, delicious food, live music and more! Reservations are available from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Brunch is priced at $95 per person with children under 12 at $25, and children under 5 are free.
Website: hoteleffie.com/easter-brunch-buffet-ovide
Address: 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 351-3030

The Citizen Easter Brunch
The Citizen’s Easter Brunch on Sunday, April 9, is $75 per person and a three-course prix fixe menu, with additional a la carte items available. Guests can choose from both sweet and savory options, like angel biscuits, smoked almond, seafood gumbo, chocolate croissant french toast, and a selection of desserts. Vegan options are also offered. Reservations are now available.
Website: resy.com
Address: 20 Mark Twain Lane, Rosemary Beach
Phone: (850) 909-0702

La Luna Children’s Boutique Fashion Show and Tea Party
Join La Luna on Saturday, April 1, from 3 – 5 p.m. for a kid’s fashion show showcasing the latest Spring arrivals. Following the show will be a tea party featuring juice, tea, light bites, shopping opportunities from local vendors, raffle prizes and Easter-themed arts and crafts. The Easter Bunny will make a special appearance and pose for free family photos with those in attendance. The fashion show and tea party are free to attend and open to the public.
Website: laluna4kids.com
Address: 625 Grand Blvd., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 368-5654

SEASIDE® Easter Celebration
Join us in SEASIDE® Sunday, April 9, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. for an Easter celebration at the Central Square and Amphitheater! Face painting, live music, photos with the Easter Bunny and an eggstravaganza egg hunt. We hope to see you all there!
Website: seasidefl.com
Address: Scenic Hwy. 30A, Seaside
Phone: (850) 585-1845

Havana Beach Bar & Grill Easter Brunch
We welcome your family to join us for Easter Brunch at Havana Beach Bar & Grill. Enjoy buffet fare featuring brunch specialties, a prime rib carving station, chilled seafood bar, kids’ selections, desserts and more. Pricing for adults is $85, $45 for Children 12 and under. Please call to make your reservations and inquire about our full menu.
Website: thepearlrb.com
Address: 63 Main St., Rosemary Beach
Phone: (850) 588-2882

Fish Out of Water
Join Fish Out of Water restaurant Sunday, April 9, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. This special occasion provides a chef selection of springtime favorites, a mimosa bar and dessert bar.
Website: foow30a.com
Address: 34 Goldenrod Circle, Santa Rosa Beach
Phone: (850) 534-5050

Easter Brunch To-Go or WaterColor Home Delivery
Enjoy a wonderful Easter brunch at home without any of the cooking or dishes. The WaterColor team is offering a family-style Easter brunch that serves four. Pickup is available along with delivery options within the WaterColor neighborhood.
Website: stjoeexperiences.com/have-an-eggs-tra-special-easter-in-watercolor
Address: 235 WaterColor Blvd., Santa Rosa Beach
Phone: (850) 534-5050

Amavida Easter Chocolate Bunnies
Swing by Amavida and check out the craft chocolate and Easter Specials during the holidays. Grab a chocolate Easter bunny created by Maggie Lyon Chocolatiers, a family-owned and operated manufacturer based outside of Atlanta.
Website: amavida.com
Address: 25 Central Sq., Seaside
Phone: (850) 213-1965

SunQuest Cruise Through Easter
Hop aboard a yacht Sunday, April 9, from noon to 2:30 p.m. to toast the sunset on Easter! Enjoy a dinner cruise with live entertainment this Easter aboard Solaris, the area’s only dining and entertainment yacht. Reservations are required and can be made online or by calling (850) 650-2519.
Website: sunquestcruises.com/cruise-thru-easter-destin-florida
Address: 8330 Mike Hayes Dr., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 650-2519

SEASIDE® Chapel Sunrise Service
On Easter Sunday there will be three opportunities to celebrate. Sunrise service on the beach begins at 6 a.m., The Chapel at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. The sunrise service on the beach will be held on the beaches of SEASIDE® accessible through the Coleman Pavilion. This is the iconic pavilion with the white obelisk.
Website: thechapelatseaside.com/easter
Address: 582 Forest St., Seaside
Phone: (850) 633-3392

Hope on the Beach Church
Easter services will be held at 6:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. at Ed Walline Regional Beach Access.
Website: hopeonthebeach.com
Address: 4447 W Co. Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach
Phone: (850) 267-0322

WaterColor Lakehouse Easter Brunch
Enjoy Easter Brunch at the WaterColor Lakehouse between 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. There will be something to please every palate served at our extensive brunch buffet. Email WCISocialEvents@stjoe.com for reservations.
Website: www.facebook.com/events/watercolor-lakehouse/easter-brunch-at-watercolor-lakehouse/949253235611747/
Address: 235 WaterColor Blvd., Santa Rosa Beach
Phone: (850) 534-5000

The Big Chill Easter Celebration
On April 9 from 1 – 10 p.m., the Big Chill’s Easter Celebration will kick off at 1 p.m. with pictures with the Easter Bunny, followed by an Easter egg hunt. We will have face painting and Easter crafts from 2 – 4 p.m., along with the Masters on the jumbotron! Stick around for dinner because at 6 p.m. we’ll have Goldmine performing on stage until 9:30 p.m.
Website: thebigchill.com/event/easter-celebration
Address: 7000 E Co. Hwy. 30A, Rosemary Beach
Phone: (850) 213-0782

Main Street DeFuniak Springs Easter Bunny Photo Hop
Come see the Easter Bunny at the Photo Hop at the Main Street Farmer’s Market on Saturday, April 8, from 9:30 – 11 a.m. The Easter Bunny will pose in free photos during the farmer’s market.
Website: mainstreetdfs.org
Address: 801 Baldwin Ave., DeFuniak Springs
Phone: (850) 502-6886

Blue Mountain Bakery
Order your annual Easter meal today! The pickup menu includes breakfast/brunch, dinner and dessert for reheating later. Pre-order your meals by March 31 for pick up on Saturday, April 8, at Blue Mountain Bakery from 9 a.m. to noon.
Website: bluemountainbakery.com/easter
Address: 2217 W Co. Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach
Phone: (850) 267-0400

For more South Walton events, check out our calendar here.

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March 31, 2023