SoWal Scene - South Walton County, Florida Blog

News and Gossip from Around South Walton

The SoWal Scene's Best of South Walton window decals are in! (see one here)  The winners of the popular polls - voted #1 by SoWal Scene readers - will receive one to put front and center on their store front so the world knows we think they rock!  Look for them over the next few weeks.

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Celebrity Sighting!  Olivier and I caught a glimpse of Laurie Hickson-Smith of Discovery Channel's Trading Spaces in the Publix at WaterColor Crossings recently.  She noticed us staring at her and gave us a little smile - I was embarrassed for gawking.  Sorry Laurie!  She was doing some grocery shopping with her kiddos.  Welcome to the beach!

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I bumped into Dave Rauschkolb, owner of that South Walton institution known as Bud and Alley's and The Taco Bar at Seaside, at the Fonville Press at Alys Beach this morning.  He told me he is opening a pizza place in the vacant location where Café Spiaggia used to be in Seaside this October!  He just returned from a research trip in Naples, Italy and plans on offering authentic, wood-fired Neapolitan 'za - YUM!  Right now, the name of the place is "The Pizza Bar" but he is open to possibly naming it something else.  Keep us updated, Dave!

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Speaking of new restaurants, Olivier spoke with fellow chef, Shayne Vaughan - formerly of Criollas Restaurant - and it appears Shayne is opening his place this fall in the space where Fabrice used to be on Hwy 98 in Santa Rosa Beach.  Shayne, a native of Australia, is naming the restaurant "A Taste of Oz" in a nod to his heritage.  I wonder if  he will be serving Vegemite and kangaroo steaks?  Just kidding.  Whatever Shayne does serve I'm sure will be outstanding as he is incredibly talented behind the stove.  Keep us posted, Shayne!

Related Posts:

• News from around South Walton - July 24
• Et Cetera - July 14
• Et Cetera - June 30

What Do You Think? THE Beach

Here are some links to learn more about Coastal Vision 3000's THE Beach campaign:

• THE Beach official website
• From pcbdaily.com - Coastal Vision 3000 Presentation on THE Beach at New Airport Site
• From The Destin Log - Preparing to hit THE Beach
• From Reuters.com - Travelocity and Coastal Vision 3000 Announce Alliance to Market NW Florida

Et Cetera - July 14

► The Candy Store and So Much More has re-opened in Grayton Corners in Grayton Beach (on the corner of Scenic 30A and Hwy 282) next to Kent LTD.  I stopped in and spoke with owner Joann Roberts' son, Troy, who is helping out while she is recovering from a bout of pneumonia.  For you sugar fiends out there, they sell all kinds of big brand candy priced less than other places around town as well as cotton candy, Sno Cones, ice cream (try to sugar-free, low cal butter pecan), milkshakes, and fudge.  If your sugar rush isn't enough to jump start you, they also sell espresso and espresso drinks. They are open Monday-Saturday, 10am - 6pm.  Phone is 850.231.3212.

► Shayne Vaughan, Executive Chef, has left Criolla's restaurant in Grayton Beach for greener pastures in the land of entrepreneurship - or so I've heard.  What exactly that is I do not know at this time, but I am sure whatever he does, he will do great as he is very talented.  Good luck to you, Shayne!  Keep us posted!

►I was bummed I missed yet another Trivia Night this past Friday at Fonville Press at Alys Beach.  Held on the second Friday of each month, this is a really fun event if you are a trivia buff - wine, food and trivia in a gorgeous outdoor setting - does it get better?  Brian Peterson is the new host of the game and I heard fun was had by all in attendance.  Be sure to check it out next month!

►I was surfin' the 'net recently when I stumbled across a great blog about Panama City Beach (PCB) called PCBdaily.com.  Reading the "About" page, I realized owner/web publisher Jason Koertge and I seemed to be sharing a parallel reality in this blogging thing (how could I have missed his site?) and I immediately sent him an email.  Man, I am thrilled - it's so cool to have found a blogging kindred spirit!  Be sure to check out his blog at www.pcbdaily.com.  Keep updated on Pier Park, the new Bay County International Airport, the PCB real estate market, development in PCB, events - all things Panama City Beach!

►Mike Ragsdale of 30A.com has an awesome new logo (scroll down to the bottom of his web page to view) which he made into a neat vehicle sticker - available for free all around town - so you can show the world you are a proud resident and/or visitor of South Walton and a 30A devotee.  I went to Sundog Books and Central Square Records in Seaside this past weekend to fetch one to put on my ride but they were all out of them!  Other locations you can find them - PJ's Coffee and Planet Smoothie in Redfish Village, Sundog Books & Central Square Records in Seaside, Amavida Coffee, Seagrove Village Market Café, Flip-Flops Grill and WaterColor Workout. More locations coming soon...

Recent Celebrity Sightings in South Walton

[Faith Hill & Tim McGraw] were seen at WaterSound.

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[Jason Castro - from American Idol] was seen at The Red Bar in Grayton Beach.

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[Lovebirds Tony Romo and Jessica Simpson] were seen all over South Walton.

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[Jim Cantore of the Weather Channel] broadcast live from Alys Beach and spent a few days there for some R&R.

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Et Cetera - June 30

I heard from Stacy Pritchett of Pizza by the Sea this morning - they continue to break new sales records every week at their hip and happenin' pizza place located in WaterColor Crossing.  Voted "Best Pizza in South Walton" by readers here on SoWal Scene, I am not at all surprised.  If you like a kick to your pie, you have to try their Buffalo Chicken Pizza which is one of my favs.  I have heard Stacy and Bryan want to expand which seems totally logical so that they can continue to accommodate all of their new and existing pizza fans, a list that seems to grow by the day!  It is so refreshing to hear of a business that is actually in growth mode, even amidst an economic downturn. Congrats you guys!

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I was invited to an inaugural dinner event hosted by Phil McDonald of Table Five Chef last Thursday evening.  A new concept for Chef McDonald called A Harvest Dinner, every month attendees will dine on a meal featuring the produce of a regional farmer, encouraging an appreciation for seasonal eating.  On Thursday, the Harvest Dinner was held at the charming Seaside, FL home of Leo (Seaside) and Tara Casas.  A group of 20, including Tom Losee (Sun Landscape & Design and YOLO Boards) and his lovely new friend, Dawn, of Buckhead, GA, Mike (30A.com) and Angela Ragsdale, and Lynn Nelson (Kitchen Garden Books & Antiques) dined on grilled squash, zucchini and two types of potatoes and sliced tomatoes grown by Charles and Shueh-Mei Bush of Dragonfly Fields (DeFuniak Springs) as well as grilled snapper and banana pudding.  Participation at future Harvest Dinners will be by reservation only - cost, date and location for the next dinner will be announced soon.  For more information, call 850.496.5066 or email info@tablefivechef.com.

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The Village Boutique is now open at Redfish Village (2050 W. County Highway 30A in Blue Mountain Beach) next to Marla and Shane Photographers. South Walton resident Meredith Sullivan and her mother, Linda, opened the upscale clothing and accessory boutique last month and, although I had to miss the Grand Opening party, I heard they had a great turnout.  They carry labels such as Shin Choi, Custo, AG Jeans, David Kahn and many more.  Boutique hours are Monday-Saturday, 10a.m. to 6p.m.  Phone is 850.267.0319.

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Johnny Rockets, a retro-diner chain, is now open at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin.  They make a decent burger (never frozen and hand-pressed) and a tasty milkshake.  I have to admit, I think the Howard Group did a great job with Grand Boulevard.  Yes, it's another outdoor mall but it is a nice change of pace every once in a while and the people watching is always fun.  The only thing they missed was a movie theater.  The original chatter before they started building was that they were going to open another Rave Motion Picture Theater, like the one in Destin, but it never happened.  South Waltoners must make the trek to Destin Commons or Pier Park for a movie but I am sure we will get our own theater at some point.  I am intuitively feeling like Hwy 98, between Sandestin and Hwy 395 is about to explode growth-wise.  What is coming to Grand Boulevard, though, is a $50M 4-star hotel and spa.  I'm dying to find out who the management company for that will be.  It is expected to be completed by 2010.

Et Cetera

Madra McDonald of M Public Relations told me the 2008 International Surfing Day event in Miramar Beach, sponsored by The Panhandle Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, was a smashing success, attracting more than 250 surfing enthusiasts.  Attendees listened to music by Cody Copeland, ate pizza from Woody's (Destin), paddled out into the surf and participated in a silent auction. 

Some in attendance were Bobby Johnson (Beach Properties of Florida), Jack Slattery, Len Pullen (Perpetual Imagination), Mike Sturdivant (BlueMountainSurf.com), Ryan Devore (RYNO & Kidz Beach), Jeff Archer (YOLO), Price Rainer (Beach Properties of Florida), the team at Brah Ha Shop (Gulf Place), Matt & Vanessa Cassidy (Ride On Surf School), Kevin Faoutas (Aqua Surf Shop), Jake Meyer (I Will Design For Food), Stefanie Carpenter (St. Joe), Justin Gaffrey (Gaffrey Art), Christian Wagley (Alys Beach), Donnie Sundal, Em Wood (WaterColor Resort),   Phillip McDonald (Table Five), Bob Brown (Cornerstone Marketing & Advertising), Romona Robbins (Romona’s Photography), Shane Reynolds (Color Earth Productions),  Clint Brown (Skymo Images) and Vince Walker (Destin Health & Fitness Club).

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Jim Cantore of the Weather Channel was broadcasting live from Alys Beach last night!  I caught one segment at around 8pm (watch video).  It is Hurricane Awareness Week and they were talking about the homes at Alys Beach which are all  built to Fortified…For Safer Living® construction standards, as certified by the Institute for Business & Home Safety, and are also built to the Green Home Designation Standard of the Florida Green Building Coalition.

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Bob Brown has been promoted to Vice President of Creative Services at Cornerstone Marketing & Advertising, Inc. from his previously held position of Senior Creative Director.  Congrats, Bob!!   There is also a new addition to their design team: Molly Aubry. Aubry joined Cornerstone as a Graphic Designer in May 2008 following her graduation from the University of Florida (UF) with a Bachelors degree in Fine Arts in Graphic Design. 

Cornerstone has also hired interns Crystal Hamon and Laura Goehring to assist with editorial and design projects. Cornerstone’s internship program gives hands-on experience to students and recent graduates providing an educational internship environment that goes beyond coffee fetching and filing. They learn firsthand how to conceptualize an ad campaign, write press releases and articles, produce radio commercials and attend client meetings.

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When Snapperheads Bar on West Scenic 30A in Santa Rosa Beach closed down - was it last year? - due to internal shenanigans, many locals mourned it's passing.  It was just reopened as "Salty Dogs Saloon" and I heard they gave the place a much needed face lift and cleaned up the joint. 

Owned and operated by the same folks that head up Stinky's Fish Camp, they have re-hauled the menu (steak, seafood, burgers, gumbo) as well and are trying to keep prices down to attract a strong local following.  This upcoming weekend is their Grand Opening weekend and they will be having live music and specials from 5p-1am on Friday, Saturday, Sunday.  Their current hours of operation are from 4:30pm - 2am, 7 days a week.  They will be opening for lunch in 3 or 4 weeks.  Salty Dog Saloon is located at 3711 W. Scenic 30A.  Their phone number is 850.267.1184.

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Cerulean's at WaterColor is closed for "renovations". [update:  is closed for good. The Ogden Museum of Southern Art from New Orleans will be putting a satellite location in it's space.] I know they were having a heck of a time with this, especially when Starbucks opened up around the corner.  I wonder if they will be closing it down or opening it as something else?  Or changing the business model?  Add a comment below if you know anything!

Seaside Jazz Festival - Weekend One. A Marketing Snafu or First Year Growing Pains?

The local gossip of the weekend centered on the painfully low turnout at weekend one (of two) of Seaside's 1st annual Seaside Jazz Fest. 

I heard from Madra McDonald of Table Five Chef and M Public Relations that she and her husband had attended the Rebirth Brass Band Concert on Friday evening and by the 7pm show time, there were only about 6 people - yes (gasp), folks, 6 people -  in attendance.  For marketing people and event organizers, this is the stuff of bad dreams, like showing up to school with no pants on.  Word on the street (but not verified) was that complimentary tickets were being handed out and anyone who wanted to enter could for the rest of weekend.

So what gives?  Is this a marketing snafu?  First year growing pains?  Or - even maybe - a symptom of our national and local economic crisis? 

I personally think it's a perfect storm created by all three influences happening at the same time.

I must be honest - if I hear or read one more person b**** and moan about such trivial things as how there were too many tents blocking out the event from passerby and that the tents limited parking - like these somehow are an indication of Seaside's unfriendliness to outsiders and actually discouraged participation - I may not be able to keep up the blank-stare-and-quickly-change-the-subject bit.  Folks, this is nonsensical dialogue from those who like to take every opportunity to bash the integrity and reputation of Seaside, and South Walton, in general.  Parking in Seaside is always limited - just like it is in all areas on 30A.  Satellite parking is available at the Seaside Jazz Fest, just like it is available at other similar events around town.  And the Seabreeze Jazz Fest organizers put up tents, block access into the town center with barricades AND a force of police officers.

Let's focus on the realities.  It took several years for the Seabreeze Jazz Festival to take root and blossom into the acclaimed event it is today.  That festival has been going on now for - what - 10 years?  In fact, it now draws so many jazz lovers (4000+ attendees per day throughout the event), it has outgrown it's home at Gulf Place and is moving to a larger venue in Bay County next year.  But it took 10 years for it to become this!  It is silly for anyone to think that the Seaside Jazz Fest would have parallel success in year one. 

That said, what I think is stumping most - event organizers I'm sure as well - is this isn't about low turnout - this is about NO turnout.  Six attendees pretty much equals no attendees when you have seating for a few hundred.  Some outside forces that weren't identified and exploited must be at work here - and it's incredibly difficult to guess what they would be (hindsight IS 20/20)  - especially considering the caliber of talent playing at the event.

A Penny For Your Thoughts....

There has been much controversy surrounding the blue wayfinding signage on Scenic 30A (see story here).  Due to public pressure, the community identification signage was recently removed and the following new design has been proposed to take their place which, if you notice, is a familiar logo design. 

What are your thoughts on the whole issue and/or new signage? (Use the comment section below to speak to us!)

Local Gossip - March 28

Good news - Spring has sprung in South Walton - the forecast calls for mid-70s today - and people are beginning to come outside once again.  Yeah!

I haven't heard official numbers yet but it appeared we had a successful Spring Break rush - is it possible we are at the tail end of it?   Walton county is out through the 6th and our Spring Break holiday is one of the latest in the schedule this year.  It just felt like it came and went so quickly.  We love love love our snowbirds and Spring Break tourists - come on back down next year, folks!

The Z'IVO Wine Dinner at Alys Beach was held last night at the stunning Caliza Pool.  Forty or so culinary adventurers and wine aficionados gathered for an evening under the stars of serious eats and a vertical tasting of some amazing Pinot Noirs, blends and champagne from the Z'IVO Winery in Oregon.  Seen were Jon and Claire LaPlante, John David of Beach Properties of Florida and wife Meredith, Karen Terrell, Karen Otten and Lauren Basford, all of Alys Beach, Fred Carl and wife Margaret of Viking Range Corporation, Rita Montgomery of Pelican Property, Will and Lindsey Bertsch of New York, Steve and Colleen Medici of New York, Chris Sennett and David Moore of Opici Import Company and Ken and Alice Laurendine of Alys Beach and Birmingham, Ala.  My mother, Lynn of Kitchen Garden Books & Antiques, and I were also in attendance and I will be posting about the incredible experience in the next few days.

Celebrity Sighting

Just got word that Sheryl Crow was not only spotted at the Red Bar last night, but that she jumped on stage with Dread Clampitt to sing a tune!

Ms. Crow owns a home in Grayton Beach.

pssst...

A little review of the past week:

I heard from my sweetie, Olivier, that the Friday Alys Beach Courtyard Home Tour and Friday night Après Beach at the Fonville Press drew in the largest crowd yet at such an event.  If you haven't been to Après Beach, you should really try to make it at least once.  Held every Friday from 5-9pm, it's an ideal spot to meet your signficant other or a group of friends for a pre-dinner or post-work glass of wine.  They also offer little nibbles to whet the appetite for a reasonable price.  You just can't beat the ambiance...and the people watching is great.

Alys Beach wasn't the only hopping place on Friday night - The Roof Deck Bar at Bud and Alley's and Café Rende-vous in Seaside were jammed with spring breakers and locals.  Chris Pickren, Hunter Harmon and wife Suzanne, and John David Sullivan and wife Meredith, all (the guys) with Beach Properties of Florida, and Ron Romano of Beach Group Properties were all seen enjoying the evening.

Local Gossip

I am finally ready to start the SoWal Scene "local gossip" feature!  Look for it a bit later today.

As you may have noticed, my tagline states SoWal Scene is a source for "hip happenings, local gossip & other notable news in South Walton county, Florida".  It's been 2 1/2 months since I launched and I feel I have a handle on effectively relaying info on hip happenings and other notable news to you.  Now I'm ready to chitchat about the fab people that make SoWal so incredible - movers and shakers, moms and dads, small business owners, philanthropists, and everyone in between!  I want to give readers a behind the scene's look into what life is really like in South Walton.  Should be fun!

Celebrities in South Walton

I never considered myself someone who could fall under the star-struck spell.  I, for the most part, always have had a laissez faire attitude in the presence of celebrities.  It is titillating to see a famous person but I always felt sorry for them - to have people chase you down a grocery store isle for an autograph or to have someone shove a camera in your face for a photo must really suck. I didn't want to be one of those people.  I also never held a burning desire to read about their personal lives.  There was always something too voyeuristic about it for me. 

But then my sister turned me on to TMZ.com about 6 months ago and I shamefully admit I am up-to-date with the lastest scoop on K-Fed and Britney, Brangelina, and who attended Paris Fashion Week.  It's like an informational drug and I now need my celebrity news fix, which I can easily get from a multitude of online sources.

You Know You are a South Waltoner when....

• You wear flip flops more than closed toe shoes.
• You have at least one white starfish somewhere in your home.
• You drive an SUV, Jeep, high end truck, or Mercedes/BMX/Lexus/Audi/Porsche/Volvo sedan or wagon.
• You are always thankful to get "back to the bubble" when vacationing elsewhere.
• A wild night out is dinner at your favorite 30A restaurant followed by a stop at Bud and Alley's for a nightcap.
• You have either hosted or attended a beach bonfire.
• You know how to identify and escape a rip current.
• Most of your wardrobe was purchased at Silver Sands Outlet and thus you wince when you have to purchase any other clothing at full retail price.
• You have had bloody mary's and/or brunch at the Red Bar on several occasions.
• You are always prepared for chit chat when making a stop at Publix.
• You have an opinion on the new wayfinding signage on 30A.
• You have lost perspective about what "heavy traffic" really is.
• If you are a woman, you own at least one piece of pearl jewelry by Pearls by Wendy
• If you could do one thing to your home, you would add more storage space or a garage.
• You know what Cadillac Willy, snowbirds, Stinky's and Dread Clampitt are.
• You wear pants and a sweater or jacket when it's in the 60s
• You wonder if your child(ren) will be prepared for "life out there" when they leave for college.
• You own more than one pair of sunglasses and several swimsuits.
• You have had a professional portrait taken of your child(ren) at the beach.
• You actually know how to properly treat a jelly fish sting.
• You have a beach permit sticker on one of your vehicles.
• You don't pick up your dog's crap when you take them on a walk unless someone is watching.
• You do most of your holiday shopping online.
• You know you are one helluva lucky person to call South Walton home.

ADD to the list in the comment section below!

New Publix breaking ground soon? No. [sigh]

I was very excited to read a few months back that Publix had purchased a parcel of land near the corner of Hwy 98 and Veteren's Road in Santa Rosa Beach for a third store in SoWal.  This new location is really near my house and anything that can save me time in a day - like going to the grocery - is welcome in my book.  I was here when the nearest grocery store was the Winn-Dixie and Brunos by the outlet malls - about a 40+ minute drive for me round trip - so I am really grateful when I hear something as trivial as a new grocery store is opening in my neck of the woods.

I know some in the community were asking why in the world would we need another Publix when we already have had two Publix grocery stores open up in the last few years in SoWal - one at Grand Boulevard-Sandestin and another at WaterColor Crossings.  Well, here is my selfish answer.