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South Walton Live Music Scene

Stars & Guitars Benefit Concert April 3

The Stars & Guitars benefit concert is set for Thursday, April 3rd at 7 p.m. in Aaron Bessant Park. Raising funds for Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center and featuring headliner, Clint Black. Clint Black is a celebrated country music artist with an impressive career. He has released over 30 singles on the US Billboard country charts, with 22 of them reaching number one. Visit www.gulfcoastcac.org to purchase tickets.

Sinfonia Classical Connections April 4

Sinfonia Gulf Coast presents Classical Connections: Howard Levy, Harmonica + Piano at the Destin High School on Friday, April 4 at 7:30am. To view seating options and purchase tickets, visit sinfoniagulfcoast.org.

Prepare to be awed by the talents of Howard Levy, two-time Grammy award-winning pianist, diatonic harmonica player, and composer.

Record Store Day at Central Square Records April 12

Central Square Records will be celebrating Record Store Day Saturday, April 12! Doors open at 8 a.m. with this year’s exclusive ‘RSD Drops’ releases at the ready along with Jittery Joe’s coffee. Central Square will have exclusive vinyl releases, unique to this day, from a vast array of artists, from the likes of Charli xcx, David Bowie, the Cure, Fleetwood Mac, Laufey, the Grateful Dead, and many more!

You can expect a boatload of exclusive items, rare and limited pressed vinyl, great freebies, as we celebrate everything vinyl. Come celebrate the independent record store with the coolest one on the Gulf Coast! Visit www.recordstoreday.com.

Old Florida Fish House Weekdays

For over a decade, Old Florida Fish House has proudly featured local live music. Catch artists playing inside the coveted bar and lounge area as well as in the large outdoor dining space situated among the palm and oak trees under the twinkling lights next to Eastern Lake. Visit www.oldfloridafishhouse.com.

FOOW Live Music Fridays and Sunday Brunch

Enjoy live music on Fridays and for Sunday Brunch at FOOW – Fish Out of Water. The Gulf front restaurant invites you to delicious dining paired with live music. Visit foow30a.com.

AJ’s Grayton Brunch, Live Music & Sunday Funday

AJ’s is the place to be to celebrate all things Sunday Funday in Grayton Beach! Come for brunch, stay for the music and dancing. Every Sunday from 11 a.m. til 3 p.m., AJ’s brunch is not to be missed. Complete your meal with a mimosa or go all in with their famous Build Your Own Bloody Mary bar. Sunday afternoon essentials include crawfish and cold beers — starting at noon. Indulge in fresh, flavorful crawfish served with traditional sides of corn, new potatoes & mushrooms. Enjoy live music 12-4 p.m. with the Christon Birge Duo and again at 5 p.m. with the Pickled Pickers. Check ajsgrayton.com for other live music throughout the week.

Karaoke Night @ AJ’s Grayton Beach Thursdays

Join in the fun on Karaoke Night starting at 8 p.m. every Thursday night at AJ’s Grayton Beach.

Thursday night is also Prime Rib Night at AJ’s. Enjoy a 10oz cut of Prime Rib with au jus & horseradish cream sauce. Served with side salad and baked potato for $22.95.

Baytowne Wednesday Night Concert Series

Live music concerts take place in the Baytowne Events Plaza every Wednesday night from 7-9 p.m. Various local and regional artists perform throughout the year. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Free and open to the public.

March 12th: Modern Eldorados

March 19th: Almost Famous

March 26th: Clinch 46

Shunk Gulley

Shunk Gulley is a premier location on 30A for live music, bringing in artists from around the Gulf coast and beyond. Whether you just want to relax to indie guitar players or upbeat party songs, the talented musicians know the vibe of the area. Visit www.shunkgulley.com.

The Bay

Come out to The Bay with family and friends every Wednesday night starting at 5 p.m. for dinner, cold drinks and a bonfire with various musicians on the beach of the Choctawhatchee Bay. It’s a midweek tradition in South Walton. Sunday Pickin’ @ The Bay features The Sand Ole’ Opry with Mike Whitty & Friends on stage from 4-8 p.m. Mike brings in new musicians to play every week.

Wednesday nights:

March 12: Sugarcane Jane

March 19: Sand Ole Opry: Mike Whitty, Jared Reynolds

March 26: Sundown Strays

30Avenue Concert Series March 13-April 19

Come out to 30Avenue for the Spring Break Concert Series from 6-9 p.m. on the green, March 13 through April 19. Gather your people for dinner, sips, shopping and LIVE MUSIC under the stars in Inlet Beach, Florida. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or low-back lawn chairs. Visit www.thirtyavenue.com/calendar for the lineup.

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March 10, 2025
Scratch Biscuit Kitchen Reopens With New Menu and Expanded Hours
Exciting news for food lovers in South Walton — Scratch Biscuit Kitchen is expanding its hours and launching a brand-new dinner menu! After a brief pause, the beloved biscuit spot reopened on February 15, and is now open with expanded hours from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, serving a new all-day menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

New menu items include:
- Made-from-scratch with our secret 24-hour brine, never frozen, lightly dusted, and fried to a crispy Southern golden brown: Buttermilk Chicken Tenders, Crispy Wings and Honey Ale-Basted Chicken Thighs
- Blackened Bayou Bird Sandwich (Spicy Blackened Chicken Breast, White Cheddar, Jalapeno, Lettuce, Tomato, Avocado on Brioche Bun)
- New Sides including Mac N’ Cheese, Coleslaw and Boston Beans
- Beers, Wines, Bloody Marys, Screwdrivers and Popsicle Mimosas
Stop by for the $12 Lunchbox Special (available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), which includes the special of the day, as well as your choice of side, dessert and beverage

Views: 25
March 10, 2025
Road to Redemption: Hannah Rodriguez – Electronics and Anxiety in Children

By Victoria Ostrosky

For a multitude of Americans, life seems plagued with stress and uncertainty. Anxiety cripples not only adults, but children and teens in an increasing number. While some adults have learned, to an extent, to deal with and overcome anxiety and fear, young children don’t as yet possess those skills.

We know stress and anxiety aren’t new, of course. The Bible is filled with life stories of despair turning to hope and peace. It’s easy to read the stories, but absorbing their lessons and making them our own takes practice and steadfastness of purpose. As the Psalmist David prayed – “thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light unto my path.”

Hannah Rodriguez, one of the counselors at Lunday Counseling Center in Destin, comes alongside and works primarily with children and adolescents. She knows the extent to which many are dealing with fear and uncertainty and insecurity. Hannah has found that access to electronics is a huge contributing factor in creating anxiety, particularly in young people. “The more time they spend on electronics, the more anxious they become. They aren’t developing tools and skills to find ways to deal with their emotions.”

In the eons before electronics, children played outside, used their imaginations to build things and play games with other friends or just by themselves. Friend groups were small and face-to-face. Now, we deal with anyone anywhere in the world. As Hannah says about children, “they need to do things with their hands to be creative, that they can go to when they’re feeling anxious to calm themselves down.” Art has always been a wonderful way to express ourselves and release emotion, rather than keeping it pent up inside.

Because children model what they see, it’s incumbent upon parents and other adults to be positive role models. “Parents need to make sure they’re setting an example that aligns with the Word of God. Words have such power. Avoid negative and critical words.” As parents exemplify self-control, children will feel safe. “Have clear boundaries and discipline. Follow through or they won’t trust you.”

Young children, as parents learn early on, love to push against the fence, as it were. They want to know if the rules mom and dad have set are real or not. Those boundaries, when they’re enforced, make children feel safe. It’s a safety net, as it were. It tells them they are loved. Nowadays, the thinking appears to be that losing is always bad. But any successful person will tell you that’s not true. “Allow children to lose. It’s important to fail. It is important to their development as they learn to solve their own problems. Guide them but allow them to work to solve the problem.”

Hannah understands the threats our children face daily online, and she stresses the importance of the family spending time together in the Word. “We must get our priorities straight. He is what holds everything together.” A great rule to follow as a family is to find ways to do things together. Laughing together creates a bond. The stronger and more unified the marriage, the more the children will feel secure.

God placed us in families for a reason. He also surrounded us with community that is essential to our maturity. As believers, we are reminded that Jesus has given us His peace. “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” Getting in the Word and memorizing scripture works like medicine to the soul. The more you know and the more you experience the presence of God, the less stress and anxiety you will have, and that isn’t age dependent. There is no fast fix. As Jesus said – “abide in Me and I will abide in you.”

You can listen to Hannah Rodriguez’ entire interview and many other incredible stories on the weekly Road to Redemption radio show and podcast at www.rtrdestiny.com.

Views: 19

March 10, 2025
The Phenomenon of Snow and Getting Unstuck

By Kirk McCarley

Folks are attracted to Florida for a variety of reasons. Beaches, amusement parks, a positive business and living environment, and favorable year-round weather head the list.

Though our weather is for the most part tropical in nature, those of us in the northern tier of the state occasionally incur a taste of winter: chilly, bracing nights delivering freezing temperatures in which we break out the winter jackets, toss a few logs into the fireplace, and prepare a hearty chili or soup.

Snow and other freezing precipitation are a rarity. In fact, the last measurable snowfall in these parts has arguably been 30 or more years in the past.

The morning of Tuesday, January 21 started off raw. By mid-afternoon, I witnessed a phenomenon I had not seen during my eight years in the panhandle: snow! Snow, and lots of it. Throughout the afternoon and into the early evening 3-4” had accumulated in our Walton County neighborhood. Milton, to the north of Pensacola and not far from us, had been the prior record holder for most snow in one event in Florida at 4”. At the end of the day, that community still held the record, but now at 10”!

Those 10” in one day represented the most snow in a 24-hour period to date this winter compared to any other weather reporting station…in Canada!

Further, we possess no snow removal equipment other than the patience of waiting for the next day to bring sunshine and a thaw. Some who were so bold as to venture out on that Tuesday got stuck.

Views: 5

March 10, 2025
A Pastor’s Ponderings: Sleeping Out
By Rev. Pete Hyde

The small tent was set up in the backyard next to the pasture that bordered the northeast Kansas base housing subdivision. Two junior high boys were going to “sleep out” on a warm, breezy summer night. Meadowlarks quieted their familiar songs as the sun went down. The boys gathered with other neighborhood kids for a game of backyard touch football. The sun dipped below the horizon without any of them noticing until they couldn’t see the football any longer and they all drifted off home for the evening.

The boys cooked a couple of hot dogs over a coffee can filled with a few pieces of charcoal and washed them down with a cold bottle of strawberry pop. Marshmallows were roasted (burned) for dessert and they settled into the tent when the mosquitoes began buzzing around. They spent the evening talking about whatever seventh grade boys talk about when there are no adults around. To be sure, it was not an altogether wholesome conversation that accompanied the giggles of junior high boys.

Lights in the houses began to flicker out. The noise of the neighborhood slowly diminished. Crickets and katydids began their nightly chorus. As the night got quiet, the boys drifted off to sleep. Sometime in the night, the lonely wail of the train whistle in the distance woke one of them up. The train track was at least a mile away. The quiet of the dark night carried the cry of the train whistle as the train approached a crossing.

The awoken lad got up and exited the tent and looked toward the sound across the open Kansas countryside. There, in the direction of the lonesome whistle, was a passenger train – a Santa Fe Super Chief – making its way toward Topeka in the middle of the night. In the daylight, the red and silver engine and cars were a sight to behold for children of all ages. Lights shone in the individual windows of the cars. The lighted dome of the observation car glowed like a beacon in the dark Kansas night. The whistle cried out once again. The boy wondered who was on the train. Where were they going in the middle of the night? Where was their journey taking them?

Every time I hear a lonesome train whistle, I remember that night and I reflect on my journey. From those seemingly carefree days of childhood and youth (Only carefree when you look back on them as an adult with adult problems and issues) to the step into retirement, I wonder in the night about the journey. Many times, it too was a lonely journey in the night led by the wailing, lonesome train whistle. But most of the time it was a wonderful journey filled with joy, anticipation, love, grace and the presence of God.

As I head to my granddaughter’s house this morning to spend the day with her, I thank God for the journey, as rough and lonely as it was at times. “God if this is where the lonely nights of the journey have ended up, I am glad you were in control, even when I wanted so badly to be in control.”

I pray for each of you and the journey God has set before you. No matter where you are on that journey – in the darkest of night or the glorious light of presence of Almighty God, He is with you.
1. Marlin Hedges writes in “Finishing Well” by Bob Buford (good read):
When I walk to the edge

Of all the light I have

And take that step into

The darkness of the unknown

I believe one of two things will happen.

There will be something

Solid for me to stand on

Or I will be taught to fly.”

Jeremiah 29: 11-14a says: “For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord.

Rev. Pete Hyde serves as chaplain with the South Walton Fire District

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March 10, 2025
Beach Time – ECES Style

By Chris Balzer

When planning your next beach day, take some extra time and enjoy the beach ECES style (Emerald Coast Energy Solutions). Of course, we like the traditional beach things; sitting by the water, watching the waves curl ever so slightly, looking for that pod of dolphin fins, listening for and watching low fly-bys or watching a sea turtle grab breakfast. You know, the ordinary beach stuff. Going to the beach here is anything but ordinary; we are blessed to have regular air and sea shows almost every time we go to the beach. Here are a few more things to think about on your next beach day.

Check the Heat Index. One of the first things you should know is what the heat index is. The heat index is the “feels like” temperature to the body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature. It could be 93° with a “feels like” 102°. Heat indexes of 103° or higher are considered dangerous, so use caution when planning beach days or outings with a high heat index.

Check the UV Forecast. While checking the weather forecast and heat index, be sure to check the UV forecast. Checking UV (ultraviolet radiation) should become as much of a habit as checking the weather. UV forecasts include many factors, so don’t assume cloud cover or lower temperatures mean low UV, as anyone who has gotten a sunburn on a cloudy day understands. Checking UV is particularly important if you plan to spend several hours outside, and even more so at the beach where UV radiation can be increased by reflecting off our white sands and water.

Wear reef-safe sunscreen. The best way to protect yourself from UV radiation is by staying in the shade or wearing protective clothing. Another way is to slather on reef-safe sunscreen. Be sure to check the back of the sunscreen bottle, some sunscreens contain chemicals that can harm marine life, including corals, fish and even dolphins.

Get to know the sand between your toes. We have some of the whitest beaches in the world and all thanks to the Appalachian Mountains and the Apalachicola River. 20,000 years ago, when the world temperatures began warming after the last Ice Age, large volumes of water were carried by rivers to the world’s oceans. The Apalachicola River carried small quartz particles to the Gulf of Mexico and continues today. These unique quartz particles created our shorelines and beautiful white beaches.

Share the shore. Our beaches are great, but they aren’t ours, we’re all just visitors. Snorkeling, diving and even sitting, one can experience a whole world coexisting at the beach. Share the shore and take the pledge that you will find out how to keep yourself and the marine animals around you safe. As tempting as it is, keep your distance from marine life and leave that shell souvenir behind. Some shells play a vital role in our beach ecosystem and taking some washed up items can actually be illegal. If you are looking for that perfect souvenir, try an airbrushed t-shirt reading “My friends visited the beach and all I got was this lousy t-shirt”.
The next time you plan to go to the beach, do it ECES style; check the heat index and UV forecast, use reef-safe sunscreen, enjoy the sand, share the shore and beat the heat!

Chris Balzer is Founder and President of Emerald Coast Energy Solutions (ECES) a Smile Provider Company. We provide smiles to our customers after installing our high energy efficient products, increasing comfort and lowering energy bills. For more information on how to save this summer and become energy efficient schedule an inspection by calling (850) 588-2870, visit www.trusteces.com or email wecare@trusteces.com and Beat the Heat.

Views: 7

March 10, 2025
Book Review: Secure Love by Julie Menanno

Reviewed By Michael McManus, LCSW

Reading “Secure Love” by Julie Menanno is like having a heart-to-heart chat with your best friend about what makes relationships tick. One of the main things I love about this book is that it gives specific examples and strategies of how to interrupt toxic communication patterns that couples have been unconsciously repeating for years. Many couples that come in to see me report that they start out discussing a seemingly simple topic and then it escalates into an argument and they don’t even know how they got there. Julie breaks down the often confusing world of love and attachment styles in a way that’s super easy to understand. You don’t need a psychology degree to get it!

Imagine this book as your personal guidebook to love, where each chapter feels like a cozy conversation over coffee. The author shares relatable stories that make you nod your head in agreement, thinking, “Wow, that’s so me!” It’s all about figuring out why we act the way we do in relationships and how our past experiences shape our love lives.

One of the best parts is the emphasis on communication. The book teaches you that being open and honest is like the secret sauce for a healthy relationship. It gives you tips on how to express your feelings without sounding like a robot or starting a fight.

Whether you’re single, dating, or in a long-term relationship, this book has something for everyone. It’s packed with wisdom that can help you build stronger connections and maybe even find a little more happiness in your love life.

If you’re looking for a fun, insightful read that helps you navigate the wild world of love, “Secure Love” is a fantastic choice! Grab a copy, settle in, and get ready to rethink love in the best way possible.

Michael McManus LCSW is a psychotherapist in private practice in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida and can be reached by phone or text at 1-850-837-0123 or Psychotherapy30A.com

Views: 5

March 10, 2025
Medicare’s Alphabet

By Christian Regalado

If you have looked into getting a Medicare plan for yourself or someone else, you may have been confused by all the letters used in Medicare. What are Parts A, B, C and D? Are they different from Plans G and N? Do I enroll during the AEP or OEP period or do I have a SEP?

Fortunately, you really don’t need to know all of this. To simplify, when you first qualify for Medicare, which for most people is when they turn 65, Medicare will enroll you in Part A, which covers some costs incurred in the hospital and normally, if you have worked over 10 quarters, doesn’t cost you anything.

But wait! You can’t stop there. You will need Part B, which covers medical costs outside of the hospital at about 80%. If you are collecting social security, you will automatically be enrolled about three months before your 65th birth month. If not, you need to apply at ssa.gov/medicaid.

What about Parts C and D? Well, Part C represents Medicare Advantage plans and Part D is for prescription drug coverage. These are private insurance plans outside of Medicare, which you will have to apply for.

Medicare options are many and can be confusing. That is why the free services of a certified broker can help you sort through all your options and based on your particular needs, help you select the best plans for you.

If you decide to go on an Advantage plan, you technically have come off Original Medicare and are now on Part C which in most cases includes your prescription drug coverage or Part D.

Should you decide to stay on original Medicare, most people select a Supplement plan which pays most of the 20% that Medicare doesn’t cover. This is where you can select either a Supplement Plan G or Plan N. There are many other Supplement Plans but the majority of people select a plan G or N.

So what is AEP, OEP and SEP? These are enrollment periods which allow you to enroll in a Medicare plan. AEP is the annual period from October 15 to December 7 that allows those on an Advantage plan to make a change for the following year. The OEP or open enrollment period runs January through March and allows those on an Advantage plan to make one Advantage plan change should they need it.

SEP is simply a “Special Enrollment Period” which allows someone to sign up for an Advantage plan and is normally triggered by a move or another loss of coverage

So there. Please don’t try to remember this because you probably won’t. What you do need to remember is to call a Medicare broker that is trained to know all of this and more. Their job is to learn about what type of services you will need and to help you match it to the right kind of coverage.

Should you have any questions or need help, please contact me. My services are no cost to you and I am always happy to help a neighbor. Reach out anytime! Email Christian@evergreenhealthins.com or call (850) 687 7606.

Views: 6

March 10, 2025
Understanding Acne: Insights from a Board-Certified Dermatologist
By Dr. Jessica Clark, Beach Dermatology Skin Wellness Clinic

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions affecting individuals worldwide, particularly during the teenage years. However, it can persist into adulthood, causing both physical and emotional distress. As a board-certified dermatologist, I have seen firsthand the impact acne can have on people’s confidence and mental well-being. In this article, I’ll explain what acne is, its causes, treatment options, and how you can manage it effectively.
- Causes of Acne
  The underlying cause of acne is multifactorial, meaning that a combination of factors can contribute to its development:
  1. Excess Oil Production: Sebaceous glands in the skin produce oil (sebum), which helps to protect the skin. However, excess sebum can clog pores, leading to acne formation.
  2. Hormonal Changes: Hormones, particularly androgens, play a significant role in acne. These hormones can increase the size and activity of sebaceous glands. This is why acne often flares up during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or when using hormonal birth control.
  3. Bacterial Growth: The bacterium Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) naturally lives on the skin. However, when hair follicles are clogged, it can multiply rapidly, causing inflammation and infection.
  4. Genetics: A family history of acne can increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
  5. Diet: Some studies suggest that high-glycemic foods (like refined sugars and dairy) may exacerbate acne in some individuals.
  6. Stress: While stress doesn’t directly cause acne, it can trigger flare-ups by increasing hormone levels and oil production.
  7. Medications: Certain medications, such as steroids or some birth control pills, can also contribute to acne.
Treatment Options for Acne
While acne can be frustrating, the good news is that it is treatable. The key to managing acne effectively is understanding the severity of your condition and seeking the right treatment plan. Treatments vary from over-the-counter products to prescription medications, and in some cases, professional procedures.
1. Topical Treatments:
  - Benzoyl Peroxide: A popular over-the-counter treatment that kills bacteria and helps reduce inflammation.
  - Salicylic Acid: A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that helps exfoliate the skin and unclog pores.
  - Retinoids: Derived from Vitamin A, retinoids help prevent clogged pores and reduce inflammation. They are available in both over-the-counter and prescription-strength formulas. Prescription strength is much stronger and more effective.
  - Antibiotics: Topical antibiotics, like clindamycin, reduce bacterial growth and inflammation.
2. Oral Medications:
  - Oral Antibiotics: In moderate to severe cases, antibiotics like tetracycline, doxycycline, and minocycline can help reduce bacteria and inflammation.
  - Oral Contraceptives: For women, birth control pills containing estrogen can help regulate hormonal fluctuations that trigger acne.
  - Oral Spironolactone: For women, if topicals alone are not providing clearance, this is an alternative to antibiotics that is safe and effective especially for cystic acne, or those suffering with adult female acne. We are using this more as we are trying to get away from using oral antibiotics.
  - Isotretinoin (Accutane): This medication is often used for severe, cystic acne. It reduces sebum production, prevents clogged pores, and decreases bacterial growth.
3. Professional Treatments:
  - Chemical Peels: A dermatologist can apply a chemical solution to exfoliate the skin, helping to reduce acne and improve skin texture.
  - Laser Therapy: Certain types of laser treatments target the oil glands, reduce bacteria, and improve the appearance of scars.
  - Drainage and Extraction: A dermatologist may use a sterile instrument to remove large cysts or comedones to reduce inflammation and prevent scarring.
  - Prevention and Lifestyle Modifications
    While it’s not always possible to prevent acne entirely, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and manage flare-ups:
    
    Gentle Skin Care: Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser, but avoid scrubbing too hard or using harsh products that can irritate the skin and worsen acne.
    
    Non-Comedogenic Products: Use makeup, sunscreens, and moisturizers labeled “non-comedogenic,” which means they are formulated not to clog pores.
    
    Avoid Picking or Squeezing: Picking at acne can introduce bacteria into the skin and lead to scarring and more breakouts.
    
    Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and flush out toxins.
    
    Manage Stress: Practice stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or exercise.
To schedule an appointment or for more information, call Beach Dermatology Skin Wellness Clinic at (850) 238-8511.

Views: 5
March 10, 2025
CAA UMA Cancer Collaboration

Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County And Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation Announce Underwater Museum of Art Sculpture Collaboration

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) is excited to announce a groundbreaking collaboration between the Underwater Museum of Art (UMA) and the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation (FCSF) that will introduce a unique addition to the UMA’s seventh annual installation. The Menina of the Reef: An Infinite Message (La Menina del Arrecife: Un Mensaje Infinito) sculpture by Spanish artist Antonio Azzato will be fabricated and deployed in the Summer of 2025 to raise awareness of FCSF’s mission to provide support and peace of mind to cancer patients in Florida.

Since 2018, Azzato has reimagined Diego Velázquez’s iconic 17th-century painting, Las Meninas or Ladies in Waiting, as a larger-than-life public art exhibition depicting a stylized version of the painting’s subject, the Infanta Margaret Theresa. These sculptures, adorned with designs from international artists and celebrities, have graced the streets of Madrid, Spain each fall, and Caracas, Venezuela, with their sales supporting charitable causes. Now, for the first time, one of Azzato’s sculptures will be submerged underwater, creating a living reef that fosters marine life and symbolizes the transformation and resilience of cancer patients and survivors. UMA deployment partner Walter Marine / The Reefmaker will work with Azzato to bring the Menina artwork to life.

Azzato reflects on the significance of his latest work, stating, “The Menina of the Reef is more than just a sculpture—it is a symbol of strength, transformation, and resilience. Just as the ocean nurtures new life around these underwater sculptures, I hope this artwork serves as a source of inspiration and renewal for those facing the challenges of cancer. It is an honor to see my work become part of this meaningful project, merging art, nature, and hope beneath the waves. More than 350 sculptures of my Meninas have traveled through the streets of different cities, conveying messages, and I am very happy because this will be the first Menina to deliver a very special message—only this time, from the depths of the sea.”

Named in 2018 by TIME Magazine as one of 100 “World’s Greatest Places” and recipient of the 2023 CODAAward for Collaboration of the Year, the UMA is the cornerstone of the CAA’s Art In Public Spaces Program. It is produced in partnership with the South Walton Artificial Reef Association to create marine habitat and expand fishery populations while providing enhanced creative, cultural, economic and educational opportunities for the benefit, education and enjoyment of residents, students and visitors in Walton County. The UMA is located in a one-acre permit patch of seabed off Grayton Beach State Park, and the 2025 installation will expand the artwork count to 53. UMA sculptures are deployed with SWARA’s existing USACOA and FDEP-permitted artificial reef projects, including nine nearshore reefs located within one nautical mile of the shore in approximately 58 feet of water.

“This meaningful collaboration with the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation reinforces the power of the Arts to uplift and inspire,” said CAA President & CEO Jennifer Steele. “It is an honor to be associated with an international artist of Antonio Azzato’s caliber to bring attention to Art as an artificial reef supporting marine health and as a form of support for our fellow Floridians facing life-changing challenges.”

“The Menina of the Reef is a beacon of hope, connecting art, science, and philanthropy in a unique and profound way,” shares Lynn Rasys, Executive Director, Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation. “A particularly meaningful part of this project is the opportunity for patients, survivors, and supporters to send their own ‘message in a bottle’—words of encouragement and strength that will be sealed in a time capsule within the sculpture. These messages will become part of the underwater reef, a lasting testament to the resilience of those facing cancer. “Through their participation, donors not only contribute to this symbolic journey but also provide real assistance to patients in need. We are grateful for the vision of Dr. Raul Storey, the artistic brilliance of Antonio Azzato, and the international collaboration that has brought this project to life.”

Raul Storey, MD, Co-Chair of the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation, emphasizes the project’s impact, stating, “This project is a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and compassion. Cancer patients face immense challenges, but like the ocean, they are constantly evolving, adapting, and finding new ways to thrive. The Menina of the Reef symbolizes this journey, and I hope it serves as a reminder that, even in the depths, beauty and strength can flourish.”

Deployment of the 2025 UMA sculptures, which include Concretion by William Braithwaite (United Kingdom), Seahorse by Jessica Bradsher (Greenville, NC), The Neptunian Oak by Nathan Hoffman (Highlandville, MO), Happy Hour by Sarah Wilkinson (United Kingdom), and Hometown by Mandy Yourk (Panama City, FL), and The Menina of the Reef: An Infinite Message by Antonio Azzato (Spain) is slated for Summer 2025.

Select sculptures will be on display at the Dine + Dive UMA fundraiser, which will take place on Wednesday, April 30, from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets for the event will be available for purchase at CulturalArtsAlliance.com beginning March 3. The artwork will also be on display during the 37th Annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival, which will take place on Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Both events will take place at Grand Boulevard Town Center.

2025 UMA Sponsors include Visit South Walton, the National Endowment for the Arts, Walter Marine / The Reefmaker, the St. Joe Community Foundation, the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation, Beachy Blooms 30A, The Ellis Family, and Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa.

Project and sculpture sponsorships are still available. Please contact Gabby Callaway at gabby@culturalartsalliance.com for details. For more information on the timeline and events surrounding the installation, visit UMAFL.org.

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March 10, 2025