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The Watersound Club® Team Announces the Opening of Its Newest Course, The Third, Designed by Golf Legend Davis Love III 

Masterfully sculpted by Love Golf Design, the new course blends the Club’s renowned amenities with an exhilarating new playing experience  

The Watersound Club® team proudly announces the official opening of The Third, a premier 18-hole championship course designed by golf legend Davis Love III and his team at Love Golf Design for the prestigious Watersound Club private membership club. Spanning acres of green in Panama City Beach, FL, The Third enhances the exclusive club’s world-class offerings, bringing its total to 54 holes of championship-level golf. Named in homage to its designer and as a nod to its place as the club’s third course, it delivers a dynamic new playing experience to the region.

Starting March 20, The Third will be available for play, not only to members, but also to guests of Camp Creek® Inn. The luxurious 30A hotel boasts a Member for a Stay program, which treats guests to Northwest Florida’s most sought-after, otherwise private, amenities and championship-caliber courses during their stay. The Third is the latest of several recent demand driven expansion projects, including Watersound Camp Creek® amenities, featuring a state-of-the-art wellness center, tennis and pickleball courts, a sprawling pool complex and three dining venues, as well as Watersound Club Sporting Preserve, a 15-station sporting clays course.

“The opening of The Third represents a monumental milestone in the ongoing Watersound Club evolution and an intentional response to growing demand for more golf options,” said Patrick Murphy, Senior Vice President of Hospitality with St. Joe. “We’re thrilled to elevate the experience on the green for our members, while also offering an exclusive opportunity for Camp Creek Inn guests to enjoy premier golf.”

Just north of Shark’s Tooth Golf Course, the newly designed grounds boast a meticulously crafted layout that caters to golfers of all skill levels. Expansive greens with subtle undulations, strategically positioned bunkers, and six tee options create a course that is both inviting and rewarding—delivering a challenge even for the most seasoned players.

Describing the course, Founder and President of Love Golf Design, Mark Love, noted, “Players should be able to find a set of tees that matches their game. The greens are large and have a good deal of movement in them. We can set the course up to challenge highly skilled players in a major event, but on a daily basis, we can provide a nice mix of easy, medium and difficult pins to keep things interesting, but not too difficult for the average golfer.”

Alongside the existing Watersound Club golf offerings–Shark’s Tooth and Camp Creek courses–The Third continues to establish Northwest Florida as a premier destination for golf enthusiasts. Golfers looking to treat themself to an unforgettable golf retreat should explore one of Camp Creek Inn’s exclusive Golf Packages, which are perfectly tailored to offer avid golfers exceptional accommodations, tournament-caliber golf, and luxurious amenities.

For more information on The Third and accommodations at Camp Creek Inn, visit campcreekinn.com/golf/the-third-golf-course.

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WCDC Celebrates Black History Month

The Walton County Democratic Women’s Club participated in the celebration of Black History Month. President Karen McGee recited the poem “Knoxville Tennessee” by Nikki Giovanni as the crowd gathered at the historic Tivoli Gym in Defuniak. Keynote Speaker Drexel Harris appealed to the young people to get out and vote. He reminded them of the struggle to achieve this right. He also spoke about Elijah McCoy, who invented lubricated systems for steam engines that are still in place today. The phrase “the real McCoy” was born from him, and is still used today anytime people want the real deal.

Tivoli Historial Society Sponsors 5k

The Tivoli Historical Society is sponsoring a 5K Healthy Heart Walkathon on April 5, 2025. The event will take place at Lake Defuniak. Registration starts at 8 a.m. and the run at 9 a.m. The fee is $10 per person. Contact Eddie Williamson at (850) 836-4205 if you have questions or to arrange payment.

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The South Walton Fire District (SWFD) and Alys Beach are proud to announce their partnership to provide professional beach lifeguard services for the town’s homeowners and vacation guests beginning March 1, 2025.

The Alys Beach Neighborhood Association (ANBA) and SWFD finalized the agreement for services in February 2025. It’s a multi-year initiative, funded by the ABNA, that underscores the town’s commitment to a safe and enhanced beach experience.

“By creating this relationship with Alys Beach, we are increasing our footprint and improving our ability to provide coverage within a stretch of beach that was previously unguarded,” said SWFD  Beach Safety Director David Vaughan. “A dedicated, staffed lifeguard tower means enhanced  water supervision and public education for Alys Beach, as well as faster medical care and  emergency response capabilities.”

The tower will be staffed daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., during the 2025 Beach Safety Season, which begins in South Walton on March 1 and runs through October 31. The location of this tower is a historic addition for SWFD, as it will be stationed within a seven-mile stretch of beach where towers have not been located in the past.

“That lifeguard’s primary responsibility will be to take care of Alys Beach’s residents and visitors through prevention and education,” Vaughan said. “They provide a high level of medical training,  customer service, and are a steward of our community, as well as public safety.”

As the 2025 Beach Safety Season begins, SWFD and Alys Beach encourage those visiting the beach to swim near a staffed lifeguard tower and follow the beach flag warning system.

For more beach safety information, follow SWFD on social media or visit www.swfd.org.

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STINKY’S FISH CAMP ANNOUNCES THE 15TH ANNUAL POMPANO TOURNAMENT KICKOFF & 18TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY

Get ready to cast your lines and raise a glass—Stinky’s Fish Camp is bringing back the biggest fishing showdown in Walton County! The 15th Annual Stinky’s Pompano Tournament kicks off with an epic celebration on March 29, 2025, at Stinky’s Bait Shack, setting the stage for five weeks of friendly competition from March 30 to May 4, 2025.

As Walton County’s longest-running fishing tournament, this premier surf fishing event attracts over 150 anglers—from weekend warriors to seasoned pros—competing for a $4,500 purse in cash and prizes. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, it only takes one perfect Pompano to take home the win.

A PARTY 18 YEARS IN THE MAKING

The tournament kickoff also doubles as an 18th-anniversary celebration for Stinky’s Fish Camp, and trust us, you don’t want to miss it. The outdoor party at Stinky’s Bait Shack will feature:

• Live music by Dread Clampitt
• A legendary crawfish boil
• A whole pig roast for the picking
• A massive birthday cake to top it all off

JOIN THE COMPETITION

Tournament registration, rules and regulations can be found at stinkysbaitshop.com. Follow along for updates, leaderboards, and the best fish tales on Instagram @stinkysbaitshop and Facebook @stinkysbaitshack.

A portion of proceeds from the tournament benefits the South Walton Artificial Reef Association, helping to preserve and enhance our local marine ecosystems.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Businesses looking to get in on the action can explore sponsorship opportunities by contacting Lori Schmitz at Lori@dawsongroupseasidefl.com or calling (850) 622-2248.

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By Cindy Armstrong, Public Relations, Walton County Snowbirds

The Walton County Snowbirds (WCS) held their annual business meeting on February 20, 2025, at St.  Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Destin.  Co-Presidents Bob and Peggy Breetz announced we have 642 members, 159 of which are new, and 84 Canadians.  The numbers are down from last year, but tourism appeared to be down also.  Maybe it was because of the record-breaking snowstorm we had in January?

At the meeting, South Walton High School students Emma Szucs and Bryan Delavara were each awarded a $1,000.00 educational scholarship.  The monies for the scholarships are raised from 50/50 raffle drawings held at the bi-weekly gatherings and are organized by the energetic WCS Volunteer team of Mike and JoAnne Krueger.

In addition, Kevin Maloney, President & CEO of Children in Crisis, was presented with a check for $2,866.00.  Children in Crisis, Inc., is a 501c3 non-profit organization comprised of caring people working together to provide homes and keep brothers and sisters together. They give a home to the abused, neglected, and abandoned children of the community.  The monies raised were from the sale of FundRays coupon books, as well as donations.  The sale of these very popular books was spearheaded by WCS Volunteer Pat Whitledge, and she even sold out this year!

This snowbird season, the WCS also sponsored another successful blood drive with OneBlood which was held on February 12 at Silver Sands Premium Outlets. We had 32 donors and 38 units of blood (some were double reds). Thank you all for saving lives!  Thank you also to WCS Volunteer Sandra Wallis for organizing and Denise Zimmerman, our amazing representative from OneBlood.

As we wrap up this season, the WCS would like to thank the community for their continued support and warm welcome to the area this year.  Everywhere we go we find excellent customer service and friendly faces … restaurants, shopping centers, entertainment venues, schools, etc.  It really is our home away from home, and we look forward to coming back next snowbird season!

For more information on registration and the numerous activities and events the club offers, go to our website at www.waltoncountysnowbirds.com or join our Facebook page “Walton County Snowbirds.”

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23rd Annual SEASIDE SCHOOL™ Half Marathon & 5K Race Weekend Presented by Frankie’s Bike Shop Breaks Records with $650K Raised for Education

The 23rd Annual SEASIDE SCHOOL™ Half Marathon & 5K Race Weekend, presented by Frankie’s Bike Shop, made history by raising a record-breaking $650,000 in net proceeds to support the educational initiatives of SEASIDE SCHOOL™. Held over Presidents’ Day weekend, February 13-16, 2025, in Seaside, FL, the event welcomed participants from across the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Sweden, while garnering enthusiastic support from the local community.

The funds raised from Race Weekend directly benefit the academic and operational programming of both SEASIDE SCHOOL™ campuses—SEASIDE NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL™ and Seacoast Collegiate High School—in partnership with the SEASIDE SCHOOL FOUNDATION™. Notably, this year’s proceeds will contribute to the Seacoast Collegiate High School Expansion Project at Northwest Florida State College. This transformative project aims to establish a dual enrollment center that will allow high school students in Walton County and surrounding communities to earn a tuition-free college degree. The expansion project represents a significant investment in the future of education, providing local students with enhanced access to higher education opportunities and supporting the broader Walton County community by fostering academic achievement and economic growth.

As one of Florida’s pioneer public charter schools, SEASIDE SCHOOL™ stands as a beacon of educational excellence, consistently ranking as the top combination public charter school in the state. With over 20 consecutive years of achieving an “A” rating and boasting top 1% rankings in math and science, SEASIDE SCHOOL™ continues to redefine academic achievement.

Race Weekend witnessed a record turnout, with more than 4,000 participants and over 12,000 guests converging on beautiful Seaside, FL—the highest number of participants in the event’s history. The success of the weekend would not have been possible without the dedication of more than 500 volunteers, including students and staff from all SEASIDE SCHOOL™ grade levels, who together contributed over 10,000 volunteer hours. Their unwavering commitment, combined with the support of numerous sponsors, ensured a seamless experience and reinforced the community’s steadfast support.

Inclement weather and road closure restrictions tested the community’s resilience, prompting organizers to make a swift and strategic pivot from a half marathon to a 10K on race morning. Prioritizing the safety of participants and spectators, the quick decision was met with understanding and support. Local officials, including key community and media partners, played a vital role in keeping everyone informed, further demonstrating the strength and value of community partnerships in ensuring the event’s success.

The race results highlighted remarkable achievements as Race Weekend concluded with the 10K and 5K races. Trey Hurt, 21, of Auburn, AL, was the Overall 10K Finisher and Male Winner with a time of 32:24. Katie Sherron, 43, of Tallahassee, FL, secured the Overall 10K Female title with a time of 36:15. In the 5K race, Francisco Palacios, 18, of Alpharetta, GA, claimed the title of Overall Finisher with a time of 16:17. Gray Peterson, also 18 and from Alpharetta, GA, matched the winning time in the male category, while Scarlett Griffin, a 15-year-old sophomore at Seacoast Collegiate High School from Santa Rosa Beach, FL, emerged as the Overall 5K Female winner for the second consecutive year and the third time overall.

The Race Weekend festivities concluded with a lively finish line after-party featuring live music by the SEASIDE NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL™ Performance Band, complimentary beer provided by Grayton Beer Company, and delectable post-race fare catered by Great Southern Cafe.

For more information about the SEASIDE SCHOOL™ Race Weekend, please visit RunSeasideFL.com. For more information about SEASIDE SCHOOL™, please visit SeasideSchools.net.

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The National League of Junior Cotillions (NLJC) has announced the appointment of Dana Hahn and Jessica Proffitt Bracken as the new NLJC Directors for Walton County in Florida.

The National League of Junior Cotillions program, which features character education, etiquette, and social dance training for students in South Walton, includes six classes over a six-month period, two of which are Grand Balls.

The purpose of the National League of Junior Cotillions program is to give students instruction in ballroom dancing and practice in the social courtesies needed for better relationships with their family and friends.  Students actively learn life skills through a creative method employing role-playing, skits and games.

The social behavior component ranges from rules of conversation to formal and informal table manners.  In addition to the usual courtesies connected with dancing, etiquette instruction is also provided with regards to the following: acknowledgment of gifts, behavior at cultural and civic events, correspondence, interaction in groups, introductions, paying and receiving compliments, receiving lines, sportsmanship and sports etiquette, instructional dinners, telephone courtesy, and many other areas of social conduct.

The National League of Junior Cotillions’ setting will encourage children to be comfortable together, to make new friends, and to enjoy themselves.  Communication skills learned by young ladies and gentlemen in a peer group setting provide graduating students with increased confidence and poise in social situations.

Director Dana Hahn is the Executive Vice President of Real Estate for Howard Group, a commercial mixed-use developer in South Walton, Florida. Dana’s professional passion is creating best-in-class retail and restaurant experiences for her South Walton community to enjoy.  Since joining Howard Group in 2006, Dana has served in key board positions for Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, The Seaside School, Walton Area Chamber of Commerce, The Tree House Episcopal Montessori School and Pensacola Little Theatre.

Dana is a native of Pensacola, FL and attended Florida State University where she earned degrees in Real Estate and Finance. Dana and her husband, Robert, reside in beautiful South Walton with their lovely daughter Charlotte.

Having grown up in Pensacola, FL where she had the pleasure of taking NLJC Cotillion classes herself in middle school, Dana has long dreamed of bringing NLJC Cotillion to South Walton.

Jessica Proffitt Bracken of Seacrest, FL, founded Proffitt PR in 2011, nurturing the company atop tables at local coffee shops and bookstores. Since then, her hard work and powerful team has helped the company to blossom as the leading public relations, event planning, advertising, branding, and social media firm on the Emerald Coast, with a host of accolades and loyal clients to prove it.

Jessica is on the board of the Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation and is the past president of the Young Professionals of Walton County and the Northwest Florida Coast Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA). She has been named a Pinnacle Award Winner by 850 Business Magazine, Walton County’s Young Professional of the Year, FPRA’s For-Profit Communicator of the Year, and earned the distinction of being highlighted in 850 Business Magazine as one of the 40 professionals under 40 years old.

Jessica moved to Santa Rosa Beach in 1997 and proceeded to join NLJC classes during high school which were an hour away. Since having her daughter three years ago, it has been on her heart to grow the chapter into South Walton where she and her family now reside. Jessica married husband Levin Bracken of Memphis, Tennessee in Telluride, Colorado in June of 2014. They have a three-year-old daughter named Stella James and a goldendoodle named Champ.

The National League of Junior Cotillions is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, where the program was established in 1979. There are now over 400 chapters in 27 states across the country, involving thousands of students. President Charles Anthony Winters said, “We are delighted to see this training in Walton County, Florida.  It has had a great impact on the self-esteem and social development of young people across the country.”

If you would like to know more about the program, please email Dana Hahn or Jessica Proffitt Bracken at hahn.bracken@nljc.com or visit the local chapter’s website at https://bit.ly/NLJCSW.

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Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County Awarded $20,000 National Endowment for the Arts Grant to Expand the Underwater Museum of Art

The Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) of Walton County is pleased to announce it has been approved by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for a Grants for Arts Projects award of $20,000. This grant will support the 2025 installation of sculptures to expand the nation’s first Underwater Museum of Art (UMA). The NEA awarded 1,127 Grants for Arts Projects awards nationwide totaling more than $31.8 million as part of the recent announcement of fiscal year 2025 grants.

“The CAA’s very first NEA grant was received in 2018, making it possible for us to collaborate with the South Walton Artificial Reef Association to create the nation’s first Underwater Museum of Art. So it is incredibly rewarding to be recognized again by the NEA now that the UMA is approaching its seventh anniversary,” said CAA President & CEO Jennifer Steele. “The NEA is a necessary and valued American institution, and we are honored to be included alongside an impressive list of grant recipients who provide Arts programming and services across the country.”

In addition to this exciting news, the CAA is thrilled to share that J & The Causeways will return to South Walton to headline Dine + Dive, a fundraising event benefiting the Underwater Museum of Art. Taking place on Wednesday, April 30, from 6 – 9 p.m. at Grand Boulevard’s Town Center, Dine + Dive serves as the official kick-off for Art Month Walton County, a month-long celebration of the arts featuring a diverse lineup of cultural events throughout May.

The CAA and South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA) are delighted to elevate the former Under the Sea event into an immersive celebration of fine art, exquisite cuisine, exceptional wines, and marine conservation. This multi-sensory experience will feature an extensive selection of incredible wines to sample, more than a dozen tasting stations showcasing exclusive dishes from the area’s most renowned restaurants and celebrated chefs, and a cash bar serving signature cocktails and craft beer. Attendees can indulge their senses while supporting marine conservation in an evening of artistry, flavor, and purpose.

Tickets for this awe-inspiring experience are on sale now at CulturalArtsAlliance.com/upcoming-events for $100 per person in advance and $125 per person day of the event, if available.

The event is produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County with support from Visit South Walton, Grand Boulevard Town Center, and SWARA. A few event and sculpture sponsorships are still available, and those interested can contact Gabby Callaway at Gabby@culturalartsalliance.com for more details.

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By Kathleen Edge, Publicity & Website Chair

For over four decades, Green Thumb Garden Club has awarded Mercer Scholarships to college students from Walton County.  Students must be currently enrolled or must have been accepted by a college, university, or technical school with a major in agriculture, biology, botany, ecology, environmental studies, forestry, horticulture, landscape design or an acceptable related course.

Through generous donations from GTGC members, fundraising events and the Walton County community, a total of $4,000. is available for award.  The amount of each scholarship will be based upon applicants’ qualifications.  Detailed application requirements and forms are available on the GTGC website, www.greenthumbgardenclubinc.org.

GTGC Board member, Debbie Michel, is the Scholarship Committee Chair, and her contact information is on the application form which must be submitted no later than        April 30, 2025.    Please contact Debbie Michel with any questions or email greenthumbgardenclubinc@gmail.com.

The scholarship is for tuition only and paid directly to the college, university, or technical school.  The winner will be requested to make a presentation at the member meeting award ceremony for the scholarship in May 2025.

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