The Latest Stories from SoWal.com

 

This Forum Contains New Content Published On SoWal.com

Hi everyone - we'll be posting new stories, photos, and videos here that are produced by SoWal Staff and contributors. If you are interested in being a contributor please contact us! Of course you're always welcome to post your content in the appropriate sub-forum here. We welcome your thoughts, business info, blog, photos, etc.

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2024 Mountainfilm on Tour Nov 1 & 2 at WaterColor

The 24th Annual Mountainfilm on Tour returns to the WaterColor Marina Park Amphitheater! The 2-night outdoor film festival is dedicated to educating, inspiring, and motivating audiences about issues that matter. Continue reading...

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Sinfonia Gulf Coast 2024-2025 Music Education Programs

Registration is now open for Sinfonia Gulf Coast 2024-2025 Music Education programs. As the only program affiliated with a professional orchestra in the Emerald Coast region, the Sinfonia Youth Orchestra (SYO) offers student musicians unparalleled opportunities to enhance their musical talents and perform in a variety of ensembles throughout the school year under the mentorship of professional musicians. Continue reading...

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Tickets Now Avalable For Sinfonia Gulf Coast Stellar 2024/2025 Season

Sinfonia Gulf Coast has announced an exciting schedule for the upcoming 2024-2025 season and we can't wait to take our seats! Continue reading...

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2025 Perfect in Walton County Awards Nominations Open

Perfect takes on many shapes and sizes. From cocktails, events and locally owned boutiques to restaurants, small shops, and outdoor adventures, perfect is a feeling that resonates in your heart. Continue reading...

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Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach Wins International Award

Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach 2024 has been selected as the winner of this year's CODAawards: Collaboration of Design + Art in the Residential category. The internationally acclaimed CODA awards “celebrate the projects that most successfully integrate commissioned art into interior, architectural, or public spaces.” Continue reading...

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Festival of the Arts In Destin Oct 26 & 27

The Festival of the Arts, produced by Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF), is one of the Southeast’s premier juried art festivals. Continue reading...

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Stinkys Bait Shack Hosts Reelin for Rivers Catfish Tournament Aug 4

Get ready for a day of fun, fishing, and community spirit at the Reelin' for Rivers Catfish Tournament on August 4th at Stinky's Bait Shack in Dune Allen Beach on Scenic 30A! The exciting event invites both kids and adults to cast their lines and compete in a thrilling catfish tournament, all while supporting the family of young Rivers Hunter*. With divisions for children (14 and under) and adults, everyone has a chance to reel in the big one! Entry fees are $50 for both kids and adults, and generous donations are greatly appreciated. Continue reading...

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Sinfonia Cabaret at Seagar’s - An Evening with Alysha Umphress Sep 17

Sinfonia Gulf Coast presents an Evening with Alysha Umphress at Seagar’s Prime Steak & Seafood on Tuesday, September 17. Beginning at 5:30PM, the evening includes valet, champagne reception, multi-course dinner, wine, gratuity and performance. To view seating options and purchase tickets, visit sinfoniagulfcoast.org. Continue reading...

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Celebrate Jamaican Independence Day at Red Fish Taco Aug 1-6

Enjoy authentic Jamaican Features at RFT all week, August 1st - August 6th with chef inspired Jamaican cuisine and Jamaican inspired adult beverages. Celebrate Jamaican Independence Day at Red Fish Taco on Sunday, August 4th from 6-9pm with live music, food & fun. Jamaican Independence Day Celebrations Aug. 1st - 6th: Enjoy Jamaican Daily Features Aug 1 - River Dan Aug 2 - Duck Phat Aug 3 - JSG Band Aug. 4th - Tribe Zion Continue reading...

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Animoré Weekend at Alaqua Animal Refuge Sep 20-21

Animoré Weekend kicks off on Friday, September 20th, with Alaqua Animal Refuge’s 8th Annual 100 Point + Cult Wine Dinner. Beginning at 5pm at Alaqua in Freeport, Florida, this is an evening of luxe savoring and sipping, a fête is not to be missed. Continue reading...

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Choctawhatchee Audubon Society Seeking Volunteers & Board Members

Choctawhatchee Audubon Society, is currently facing a critical moment. Volunteers and new board members are needed to help the local organization keep up with the demands of organizing and running bird walks, educational programs, and conservation efforts that we all cherish. Without additional support from our community, they may not be able to continue providing these wonderful experiences and resources. Continue reading...

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Farm & Fire Blends Amazing Food, Drinks & Sunsets

Farm & Fire, a favorite South Walton waterfront restaurant on the bay, offers a diverse menu and dining experience that is sure to please with incredible views and memorable sunsets. Continue reading...

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Crystal Clear Waters Welcome Home Seven Sea Turtles

The Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center recently released seven rehabilitated sea turtles back into the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico after having spent time at the CARE Center. The turtles were returned home to the Gulf at Topsail Hill State Preserve State Park, where several hundred locals and tourists gathered and cheered. Even a group of dolphins joined in the celebration, swimming alongside the turtles as they made their way back into the Gulf. Continue reading...

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Meet Dikki Du Carrier

The Carrier family of Louisiana is as synonymous with Zydeco music as beads are with Mardi Gras. Troy Carrier, better known as Dikki Du, marks the third generation of the Carriers to keep the musical tradition alive. He picked up the washboard at nine years old, the drums at 13, and traveled the world professionally at 19. But Carrier’s life changed when we decided he wanted a band of his own. Continue reading...

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Local and Visitor School Calendars for 2024-2025

Here is the 2024-2025 School Calendar from Visit South Walton - Use it to help plan your trips to SoWal. Locals can see when to promote business, events, and when to plan around traffic, and crowds at restaurants and grocery stores. The school calendar shows when K-12 schools and universities/colleges in our major travel markets will be on break and for school start dates. South Walton School Calendar includes 30A travel info for Fall Break, Winter Break, Spring Break and other holidays. Continue reading...

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The St. Joe Company Announces Longleaf Art Park At Watersound Origins

The St. Joe Company has announced plans by the Berkowitz Contemporary Foundation, an arts-supporting non-profit organization, for the Longleaf Art Park at the Watersound Origins community. The park, which is currently under development off Origins Parkway, is planned for 15.5 acres and will be open to the public once complete. Day-to-day operations will be managed by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County. Continue reading...

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Walton County Tourism Launches "Authentic Walton" Brand

Walton County Tourism has unveiled the new brand chosen to represent the welcoming communities in Walton County located north of the Choctawhatchee Bay – Authentic Walton. Continue reading...

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Hotel Effie At Sandestin Joins Marriott Bonvoy’s Portfolio of Hotels

Hotel Effie, the 250-room boutique hotel located at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, has become a part of Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection. As a newly-minted member of the Autograph Collection, Hotel Effie enters the brand’s unique portfolio of diverse properties, with more than 295 hotels globally. Carefully selected for hotels’ thoughtful vision and passion, each Autograph Collection property creates a singular and special guest experience through its inherent craft and distinct perspectives on design and hospitality. Continue reading...

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SoWal Style: Renovated Cottage Overlooking the Gulf & Grayton Dunes

Dune Watch is a classic, family-friendly home in a prime location next to Grayton Beach State Park, the newly renovated and expanded Grayton cottage offers excellent Gulf and dune views. And not just any dunes, these are the dunes dreams are made of. Dunes as far as the eye can see, right up to the emerald waters of the Gulf Of Mexico. In decades past, summer kids would play in these dunes (now forbidden), creating forts in the hollows where imagined pirates hid their treasure. Continue reading...

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Bud & Alley's In Seaside Noted As "Most Legendary" In Florida

According to a recent article from Southern Living Magazine, Bud & Alley's Waterfront Restaurant in Seaside is one of 17 of Florida's Most Legendary restaurants. A distinction we applaud and feel like we already knew! Continue reading...

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30A Songwriters Festival Sounds of Summer Series At Watersound Town Center

The Cultural Arts Alliance Of Walton County (CAA) is excited to collaborate with Watersound Town Center for another 30A Songwriters Festival Summer Series, as part of their Sounds of Summer. Everyone is invited to enjoy live music, theater, outdoor movies and more under the shade of The Pavilion at Watersound Town Center. Continue reading...

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Keep Walton County Beautiful Encourages Action Every Day

To further our community's commitment to protecting and preserving our quality of life and environment, the Walton County Tourism Department established Keep Walton County Beautiful in 2024 as an official affiliate of Keep America Beautiful. The preservation of Walton County’s natural landscapes allows residents and visitors to enjoy the area for generations to come. Continue reading...

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Seaside Institute Announces 2025 Seaside Prize Recipients

The Seaside Institute is honored to bestow the 2025 Seaside Prize upon two distinguished individuals: Ellen Dunham-Jones and June Williamson. The celebration will take place the weekend of February 7 through February 9, 2025, with a variety of events and symposia. Continue reading...

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Bears In Unexpected Places In Walton County, Florida

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is sharing the annual reminder that juvenile black bears might be seen in unexpected areas as they leave their mothers’ home ranges in search of new locations of their own to settle down. Spring also marks a general increase in activity for bears after limited movements in winter. Continue reading...

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CAA Welcomes Southern Prize and State Fellowships for Visual Arts Exhibit

The Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) of Walton County is hosting the 2023 Southern Prize and State Fellowships for Visual Arts touring exhibition. The public is invited to attend an opening reception for the exhibit on Thursday, June 20 from 5 -7pm at The Foster Gallery. Continue reading...

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