The joy of the Democratic Women’s Club was multiplied when a nice crowd gathered for a Watch Party of the Harris-Trump debate on September 10 at Hammock Bay Lake Club. There was laughter and food as they watched the lady of the hour, Presidential candidate Kamala Harris, fill not Biden’s shoes, but her own stilettos.
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The Freeport Community Kitchen, a unique space-sharing concept for budding culinary professionals, is coming to Freeport in January 2025.
The idea for a space-sharing kitchen is the brainchild of Freeport resident Joseph “Joe” Cass, who believes many budding entrepreneurs have great ideas but lack the investment capital a full-service kitchen would require. Joe says, “Space sharing is very popular in big cities, where rents are very expensive. For a small monthly fee, a caterer, chef or baker can book time in the kitchen and test market their ideas, without a major cash investment. Depending on time requirements, costs range from $500 to $1000 per month.” Applications for rental space are now being accepted. Call Joe Cass at (603) 812-8331 or email FreeportCommunityKitchen@gmail.com for more information.
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Chair Yoga Classes at the Blake in Miramar Beach – Tuesdays, October 1 and 15, and November 5 and 19 at 9:45 a.m. at the Blake, 90 Ponce De Leon St. in Miramar Beach. RSVP at (850) 650-5000 to register.
Monthly Meeting – Coastal Seniors will meet Friday, October 18 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at 70 Logan Lane in Grayton Beach. Ryan Mims, Florida Department of Health in Walton County with new family practice residents from the UF Residency Program will be guest speakers talking about cancer prevention and early detection. Jennifer Crawford, Keller Williams Emerald Coast will provide lunch. R.S.V.P. (850) 280-5342 or email: coastalseniorsofsouthwalton@gmail.com.
Exercise Classes – Angela Gibson will lead classes on Tuesdays, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, and November 5 and 12 at 10 a.m. and on Thursdays, October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and November 7 and 14 at 10 a.m. at 70 Logan Lane in Grayton Beach.
Water Aerobics at Watersound Fountains – Join us on Mondays, October 7, 14, 21, and 28 at 10 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Also on Wednesdays, October 9, 16, 23, and 30 at 10:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. All sessions are at Watersound Fountains, 65 Origins Pkwy, Inlet Beach. Cost is $5 per class, cash or check preferred. A hat, sunscreen, and towel are suggested. Space is limited and reservations are required. Call (850) 280-5342 or email: coastalseniorsofsouthwalton@gmail.com.
Pickleball – Beginner Pickleball 101 at Walton Sports Complex courts on Wednesday, October 2, and 16 at 6 p.m. Registration required. Register at www.waltonrec.com. Open to Walton County residents only. Email Sandy Gulak at sowalpickleball@gmail.com for more info and with questions. Please join the SoWal 30A Pickleball Association on Facebook for more information and weekly updates and check the CSSW calendar at www.coastalseniorsofsouthwalton.org.
Art Classes – Watercolor Painting Class – Karen Peterson will begin classes on Friday, October 4, 11, 25, and November 1 from 8:45 a.m. – noon. Classes are held at 70 Logan Lane in Grayton Beach. Cost is $15 for CSSW members and $30 for non-members. Space is limited so call (850) 280-5342 to reserve your spot, or email: coastalseniorsofsouthwalton@gmail.com. All supplies are included.
Seniors 50 years of age and up residing in or visiting Walton County are invited to join CSSW. Membership is $30 for individuals, $40 for family, and $75 for businesses (your business will be listed on our home webpage and our Facebook page). You can become a member via email at coastalseniorsofsouthwalton@gmail.com, or on the website at www.coastalseniorsofsouthwalton.org. Also, follow us on Facebook at Coastal Seniors of South Walton. Coastal Seniors of South Walton, Inc. is a non-profit 501© (3) organization for active adults and we are looking for dedicated, enthusiastic persons to join our Board of Directors. Media Contact: Jim Wilson, Director, Coastal Seniors of South Walton, Inc. T: 404-432-6037 Email: jim_wilson@bellsouth.net
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All Sports Association has announced that Urban Meyer will be the guest speaker for its 56th Annual All Sports Awards Banquet, set for February 21st, 2025. This banquet is a key event for the association, honoring outstanding athletes and people who have significantly contributed to youth sports in the area.
Urban Meyer, who has won 3 national championships at the University of Florida and Ohio State University, brings extensive knowledge and dedication to athletics. His participation is expected to enhance the event, giving attendees valuable insights into sports leadership and dedication.
Held every February, the Annual Awards Banquet celebrates top athletes from high school, college, amateur, professional, and Special Olympic levels. It also acknowledges individuals who have made notable efforts in promoting youth activities. Several prestigious awards are given out, including the Wuerffel Trophy, the Colonel Al Byrne Award and the Taylor Haugen Trophy.
The Wuerffel Trophy is awarded to a college football player who shines not only on the field but also in community service and academics. The Colonel Al Byrne Award goes to a local individual who has shown exceptional support for youth sports. The Taylor Haugen Trophy, established in memory of Taylor Reid Haugen, a Niceville High School wide receiver who tragically passed away from football injuries in 2009, is awarded to an area athlete who best demonstrates a balance between academics, athleticism, leadership, community service and faith.
Based in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, the All Sports Association is a non-profit organization focused on supporting local youth sports programs. Founded in 1970, the association has raised over $2 million in the last ten years, thanks to its volunteers and supporters. These funds help various youth sports organizations and charitable causes, fostering the development of young athletes.
Key beneficiaries include the Boys & Girls Club of the Emerald Coast, Special Olympics Florida-Okaloosa, Eleanor J. Johnson Youth Center, and Okaloosa Walton FCA. The association’s dedication to youth sports and community development is also seen in its Hall of Fame, which honors individuals who’ve made significant contributions to sports in Northwest Florida.
For those interested in attending or supporting the event, more information is available on the official website and their Facebook page.
All Sports Association continues to celebrate and support youth athletics. The 56th Annual Awards Banquet promises to be another memorable event that aligns with their mission of fostering community spirit through sports. “This event is more than just a celebration; it’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our young athletes and the community that supports them. Having Urban Meyer speak adds an extra layer of inspiration that we hope will resonate with everyone involved,” Bowyer said.
Those who want to reach out directly for more personalized inquiries or further information, feel free to contact them here.
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30A Television is excited to announce a new partnership with the popular YouTube channel, The First Timers. This collaboration will bring The First Timers’ extensive library of high-quality content vlog style videos to a broader audience through 30A Media’s syndicated network, including dedicated apps for Roku, Fire TV, and Free Ad-Supported TV (FAST) channels. You can see their channel at www.30alive.com and in 30ATV apps.
This partnership marks a significant expansion in 30A Media’s content offerings, providing viewers with engaging and informative content from The First Timers, a channel known for its unique and relatable experiences. From travel adventures to first-time challenges and cool places to see and visit, The First Timers has captivated audiences with their genuine, entertaining, and educational content.
Through this collaboration, 30A Media will develop and launch dedicated apps on Roku and Fire TV, making it easier for viewers to access The First Timers’ content on their favorite devices. Additionally, the partnership will see The First Timers’ videos syndicated across 30A Media’s (30ATV) FAST channels, increasing the reach and visibility of the content to viewers worldwide.
“We are thrilled to partner with The First Timers to bring their incredible content to a larger audience,” said Paul Vizard, CEO at 30A Media. “This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to provide diverse and engaging content across multiple platforms. By building these new apps and expanding our 30ATV FAST channels, we are ensuring that viewers have even more ways to enjoy the high-quality programming that both 30A Media and The First Timers are known for.”
David and Terry, the owners of The First Timers YouTube channel, expressed their excitement about the partnership, saying, “We’ve always believed that our adventures could inspire and entertain a wide audience, and this partnership with 30A Media is a dream come true. We’re excited to see our content reach new viewers through Roku, Fire TV, and FAST channels. Our primary focus is on the Emerald Coast of Florida, but we have various travel series’ that span the globe. While we enjoy capturing our real reactions to new experiences, we also focus on telling the story of business, business owners, and interesting community members. This partnership is a huge step in the right direction for all of our fellow First Timers and we can’t wait to bring more content to a new audience.
This collaboration is expected to enhance both 30A Media’s and The First Timers’ brand presence, opening up new opportunities for content distribution and viewer engagement. The new apps and syndication on FAST channels will be rolled out in the coming months, with updates and additional content releases planned throughout the year.
For more information about this partnership, please visit www.30A.Media, to see the channel, visit www.30A.TV
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Join 30A Cats at The Big Chill 30A on Wednesday, October 30 at 5 p.m. for a film and fundraiser!
The event features a silent auction, a raffle for some great items, and a screening of the documentary Cat Daddies, a heartwarming and tender portrait of a diverse group of men whose lives have been forever changed by their love of cats. Costume optional! Are you feral or fancy!?
30A Cats is an animal rescue service focused on TNR (trapping, neutering, releasing), finding loving homes for the kittens and cats they rehab, and community education. Learn more at 30Acats.org
To Sponsor or Donate
We are looking for sponsors and auction items! Let us know if you or your business would like to contribute by emailing us at 30acats@gmail.com. This event provides a heartwarming and tender portrait of a diverse group of men whose lives have been forever changed by their love of cats. Cat Daddies takes us on an inspiring journey all across the United States during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic when people desperately needed hope and companionship.
These nine “cat dads” come from all walks of life – a firefighter, a truck driver, a Hollywood stuntman, an ad executive turned cat rescuer, a police officer, a software engineer, an actor/Instagram influencer, a school teacher and an undocumented and disabled immigrant living on the streets of New York City. They couldn’t be any more different, but each of them has a compelling story to tell and all share unconditional love for their beloved cats.
A refreshing and timely exploration of modern masculinity, Cat Daddies shows us how being a “cat person” has no gender, and that the unlikely bond between man and cat is here to stay.
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Pipe Hitter Foundation to Host Exclusive “Operator For a Day” Training Fundraiser to Benefit Foundation
Retired Navy SEAL and Founder of Pipe Hitter Foundation Eddie Gallagher is hosting an exclusive and immersive training experience on Saturday, October 12, to raise support for service members and first responders via The Pipe Hitter Foundation. This special event will be held at Stronghold SOF Solutions in Defuniak Springs and gives attendees a glimpse into what our country’s best go through on a daily basis to be at the highest state of readiness. Bernie Kerik, formerly the New York Police Commissioner, will be attending as a special guest along with other highly trained military special operators
“Operator For a Day” is a day of special training and unique programming to raise support for Pipe Hitter Foundation’s fight to protect our service members and first responders who put their lives on the line. The event includes immersive demos and training and concludes with a reception and dinner. The last day to purchase tickets is October 8.
To see the full event schedule and RSVP, visit https://donorbox.org/events/682254
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By Heather Bennett Eye
Shelley Joiner and her husband, Casey, have long cherished the beauty of The Emerald Coast, a place they call home. Shelley, who spent years as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse, dedicated herself to caring for the most delicate lives. Meanwhile, Casey, a local realtor with Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty, understands that a home is more than just a building—it’s a refuge for families.
Nearly a decade ago, their close-knit community was shaken when multiple friends and neighbors found themselves in the unimaginable position of watching their children or grandchildren battle childhood cancer. As they witnessed the physical and emotional toll this journey took on these families, Shelley and Casey felt a deep sense of helplessness. They wanted to do something—anything—to ease the burden, but they didn’t know how.
They began to think about how healing our beautiful beaches are, reflecting on how the tranquil sound of waves and the warm embrace of the sun had always provided them with peace. What if these families, who were enduring so much, could experience this same comfort? What if they could escape the relentless cycle of hospital visits, treatments, and fear, even if only for a week?
This idea grew, fueled by their desire to offer more than just words of sympathy. In 2015, that idea became a reality with the founding of Sandcastle Kids, a South Walton-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing all-expenses-paid vacations for families facing childhood cancer. With the deep understanding that these children and their families endure unimaginable mental, emotional, and financial stress daily, the goal of the organization is simple yet profound: to give these families a chance to escape their harsh realities and find rest, relaxation, and healing on the beautiful beaches of South Walton. The organization’s board is made up entirely of volunteers, so every dollar raised goes straight to helping families.
At the beginning, the largest challenge facing the organization was securing accommodations for the families they wanted to help. 360 Blue, a local property management company, stepped forward as a foundational partner. They didn’t just offer a solution, they offered a lifeline by donating properties and encouraging their clients to do the same. The generosity of 360 Blue and their clients has enabled Sandcastle Kids to flourish, allowing them to look forward to continuing this life-changing work for many years to come.
Sandcastle Kids works directly with Pediatric Oncology Social Workers at hospitals across the Southeast to identify families in need of a break. Each year, they bring roughly 20 families to the shores of Santa Rosa Beach during the non-peak rental season. By 2024, nearly 150 families will have found respite in the sand and surf, thanks to the efforts of this remarkable organization.
Once they arrive, the families have only one responsibility: to have fun. Sandcastle Kids takes care of the rest. From covering gas expenses for travel to providing gift cards for groceries and activities, restaurant certificates, and even photography sessions donated by generous local business owners, every detail is thoughtfully arranged. Each family’s vacation is designed to be as special and stress-free as possible, allowing them to create precious memories together.
“Our 4-year-old daughter, Eve, had been in the fight of her life for 828 days when we arrived at Watercolor for a much needed respite. Not only has Eve been putting her bravest face on for more than two years, our 10-year-old, 8-year-old and 2-year-old have sacrificed so much during Eve’s extended hospital stays and periods of compromised immunity,” stated the Gvozdas Family. “What a gift it was to be able to surprise them with a week of ‘Yesses!’ Yes, you can go for a walk on the beach; yes, you can jump in the pool; yes, you can go to the candy store – yes, yes, yes!! When we said yes to this trip, many months ago, we had no idea that Eve would have her last dose of chemo (hopefully ever, Lord willing) during this week. We celebrated as she so bravely took that last chemo pill in the kitchen. We cheered, we cried, we danced, and we praised God for bringing her to this moment and for providing the beautiful setting for the celebration. A moment we’ll never forget, in a place we’ll never forget. We are forever grateful for your kindness and generosity in making these trips possible. It was a week of laughter, rest, memories made, miles biked, shells collected, dolphins spotted, and lessons learned by our children – that there are some really really kind people in the world.”
What began as a heartfelt desire to help friends in need has blossomed into a beacon of hope for families across the Southeast. Sandcastle Kids is more than just a charity; it’s a community of compassionate individuals committed to making a difference, one family at a time. Through the warmth of the sun, the soothing sounds of the ocean, and the kindness of strangers, Sandcastle Kids continues to build a legacy of love and healing, one sandcastle at a time.
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It’s that time of year again! The Knights of Columbus here at St. Rita are kicking off their Coats for Kids Fundraiser. This year’s goal is to raise $9,000 and provide 600 coats for children in Walton County, a 25% increase from last year.
Coats for Kids is a nationwide campaign for the Knights of Columbus that launched in 2009. The Knights of Columbus are a Catholic Fraternal Organization classified as a 501(c)(3) benefit society, that launched in 2009. They are able to buy tens of thousands of winter coats for distribution across the US every year, which allows them to purchase the coats at a significant discount. They have distributed coats in 49 U.S. States and all 10 Canadian provinces, including on U.S. military bases and Native American and First Nation reservations in the U.S. and Canada.
Due to your generosity, last year the Knights of were able to provide 480 coats for kids in our community. They’ve seen a year over year increase in donations since the implementation in Walton County in 2022. Let’s help the 3rd Annual Coats for Kids Fundraiser to be the best yet.
Coats will be delivered directly to children in Walton County before Thanksgiving and the approach of the winter season. With the rising needs of many families, especially those facing financial hardships, it’s been difficult for some to afford even the basics, like a winter coat. Some schools in Walton County that previously provided coats to students have lost funding this year, so it’s important the Knights of Columbus, and our community, make sure no child is left cold.
Knights of Columbus will be teaming up again with Caring and Sharing of South Walton to distribute the coats. Families who register for Thanksgiving meals from Caring and Sharing will have the opportunity to write in the number of coats and coat sizes needed on their order form. Families will be assigned to pick up their meals and coats on either November 18, 20 or 22.
If you are interested in donating, please scan the QR code in our flyer. You will then be able to make your donation directly to the Knights of Columbus. Your donations will go directly towards coats for children in Walton County and are greatly appreciated.
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Each year, Florida Realtors® endorses 15 Realtors® in the state who exemplify the highest level of professionalism and distinction as Board Certified Professionals. This year, four of the 15 endorsed are Emerald Coast Realtors®.
Cathy Alley with Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices and The Cathy Alley Team in Niceville; Michele Bailey, founding agent of Compass 30A and Broker Associate Bailey Advisory Group in Santa Rosa Beach; Tula Tucker, Broker Associate with Beachy Beach Real Estate on 30A; and Mary Anne Windes, Broker with Real Estate Professionals of Destin have earned the endorsement of a Board Certified Professional from Florida Realtors®. Alley, Bailey, Tucker and Windes are part of the 2024 class of 15 Realtors® in Florida who now have the right to call themselves a Florida Realtors Board Certified Professional. “A Florida Realtors Board Certified Professional is a Realtor that has earned the distinction of high competence and professionalism through ongoing work in sales, volunteerism, advocacy and ethical treatment of the public, consumers and other Realtors,” says 2024 Florida Realtors President Gia Arvin, broker-owner with Matchmaker Realty in Gainesville.
A Florida Realtors’ advisory group on industry professionalism led to the development of the Board Certified Professional program. With so many new licensees entering the profession each year, certification was deemed necessary, not only to honor those working at the peak of their profession, but also to create a benchmark for new Realtors to work toward.
“Taking the time and effort to increase professionalism is not only the right thing to do, it strengthens the value of being a Realtor and a member of our local, state and national organizations,” Arvin says. “As one of the largest professions in our state, we need to promote Realtor members that work at the highest levels of professionalism – and we accomplish this with the Florida Realtors Board Certified Professional program. “We’re proud of Florida Realtors’ members like these for going above and beyond to demonstrate their professionalism and dedication to helping make the dream of home and property ownership come true.”
To see a complete overview of the program, including qualifications, costs and the application, go to Florida Realtors’ member website at: https://www.floridarealtors.org/membership/specialties/board-certified.
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