My favorite Christmas tree ever.
Fire at The Red Bar in Grayton Beach
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My favorite Christmas tree ever.
This is the official fund for Redbar employees. Thank you for helping our friends.
Click here to support OFFICIAL REDBAR GO FUND ME FOR EMPLOYEES organized by Sants Mark
Click here to support OFFICIAL REDBAR GO FUND ME FOR EMPLOYEES organized by Sants Mark
Pamela Loebel was sleeping soundly in her rental home early Wednesday until the sound of “an explosion” woke her.
Loebel said she looked out her bedroom window and could see flames extending over the two-story homes off Hotz Avenue in Grayton Beach. She knew immediately what was happening: the Red Bar was on fire.
“I just had a gut feeling that’s what it was,” Loebel said. “It was a really windy morning. We didn’t know if the fire was going to spread. We packed up all of our stuff, got in our vehicle and drove a few blocks away to safety.”
Red Bar & Picolo’s Restaurant at 70 Hotz Ave. was a total loss after a fire started inside the eatery about 5:30 a.m.
South Walton Fire District crews discovered heavy smoke and flames coming from inside the bar and eatery when they arrived.
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office shut down Hotz Avenue between Garfield Street and DeFuniak Street while firefighters managed the scene.
Crews battled strong winds, which made the fire difficult to fight, according to the district. The fire was under control by 6 a.m.
Fernando Petit, son of part-owner Phillippe Petit, said the family was devastated by Wednesday’s news.
“It’s only a building, but it feels as if a family member just died,” Fernando said in a statement. “It’s very sad to see this happen. Sometimes you have to take a step back to take many steps forward.”
South Walton Fire District Fire Marshal Sammy Sanchez said the building collapsed as firefighters battled the blaze. A portion of the bar’s gift shop was the only part remaining.
Residents reported hearing an explosion, which was suspected to be from the ignition of propane tanks. Sanchez, however, could not confirm or deny the rumors of propane tank explosions later Wednesday.
Crews worked into the afternoon to control hot spots hidden under the rubble. The State Fire Marshal was called out to investigate.
Locals remember beloved Red Bar following devastating fire
Loebel said she looked out her bedroom window and could see flames extending over the two-story homes off Hotz Avenue in Grayton Beach. She knew immediately what was happening: the Red Bar was on fire.
“I just had a gut feeling that’s what it was,” Loebel said. “It was a really windy morning. We didn’t know if the fire was going to spread. We packed up all of our stuff, got in our vehicle and drove a few blocks away to safety.”
Red Bar & Picolo’s Restaurant at 70 Hotz Ave. was a total loss after a fire started inside the eatery about 5:30 a.m.
South Walton Fire District crews discovered heavy smoke and flames coming from inside the bar and eatery when they arrived.
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office shut down Hotz Avenue between Garfield Street and DeFuniak Street while firefighters managed the scene.
Crews battled strong winds, which made the fire difficult to fight, according to the district. The fire was under control by 6 a.m.
Fernando Petit, son of part-owner Phillippe Petit, said the family was devastated by Wednesday’s news.
“It’s only a building, but it feels as if a family member just died,” Fernando said in a statement. “It’s very sad to see this happen. Sometimes you have to take a step back to take many steps forward.”
South Walton Fire District Fire Marshal Sammy Sanchez said the building collapsed as firefighters battled the blaze. A portion of the bar’s gift shop was the only part remaining.
Residents reported hearing an explosion, which was suspected to be from the ignition of propane tanks. Sanchez, however, could not confirm or deny the rumors of propane tank explosions later Wednesday.
Crews worked into the afternoon to control hot spots hidden under the rubble. The State Fire Marshal was called out to investigate.
Locals remember beloved Red Bar following devastating fire
Coastal Living
Red Bar, Grayton Beach’s Famously Funky Hangout, Deemed “A Total Loss” After Devastating Fire
The iconic restaurant along Florida’s 30A was beloved for its cocktails, crab cakes, and over-the-top décor.
By Marisa Spyker
PHOTO: JR P/FLICKR
Plans to visit one of Florida’s most picturesque stretches of shoreline are, unfortunately, about to get a little dimmer.
Red Bar—one of 30A’s most famous rose-tinted watering holes on the Florida panhandle—was reportedly destroyed in a fire in the early hours of February 13. According to a Facebook postfrom the South Walton Fire Department, crews battled strong winds and were able to contain the fire with no injuries. But despite their efforts, the historic site that’s housed the Red Bar for more than 20 years “is now a total loss.”
Upon hearing the news, sympathy and support immediately poured out for the quirky hangout, known for its chalkboard menus and wacky décor that includes murals, road signs, foreign film posters, disco balls, and red Christmas lights that gave the establishment its signature rosy glow. As one fan noted on the South Walton Fire Department’s post, “Once you visited it was a must to return. So many great memories are made there.”
In its 24 years of business, the Red Bar went from a small locals joint to an icon along 30A, attracting a roster of clientele that included beach bums, vacationing families, and even celebrities (Sheryl Crow was reportedly a regular). With its live music and perfect post-beach fare (fans raved about the crab cakes and Bloody Marys), the restaurant became a must stop after long days spent on the sand. According to one fan’s post on the restaurant’s Facebook page, “The Red Bar was way more than its four walls. It was home. A place where we all met some of the best folks of our lives.”
While the owners have not yet commented on the devastating loss, South Walton Fire Marshal Sammy Sanchez said in a live Walton County Sheriff Facebook video that he’s spoken with them and “they are heartbroken … But I’ve been in this community for 21 years, and I know the community will rally. I have confidence they will come back bigger and better than before.”
Want to show your support? If you're local, stop by Chiringo in Grayton Beach from 11 AM to 5 PM on February 14 to support the Red Bar Employee Relief Fund. (All proceeds from Oyster City Beer and the Pulled Pork Plate go toward the fund.) Or consider donating to the Red Bar GoFundMe, which also helps support the employees affected.
Red Bar, Grayton Beach’s Famously Funky Hangout, Deemed “A Total Loss” After Devastating Fire
Red Bar, Grayton Beach’s Famously Funky Hangout, Deemed “A Total Loss” After Devastating Fire
The iconic restaurant along Florida’s 30A was beloved for its cocktails, crab cakes, and over-the-top décor.
By Marisa Spyker
PHOTO: JR P/FLICKR
Plans to visit one of Florida’s most picturesque stretches of shoreline are, unfortunately, about to get a little dimmer.
Red Bar—one of 30A’s most famous rose-tinted watering holes on the Florida panhandle—was reportedly destroyed in a fire in the early hours of February 13. According to a Facebook postfrom the South Walton Fire Department, crews battled strong winds and were able to contain the fire with no injuries. But despite their efforts, the historic site that’s housed the Red Bar for more than 20 years “is now a total loss.”
Upon hearing the news, sympathy and support immediately poured out for the quirky hangout, known for its chalkboard menus and wacky décor that includes murals, road signs, foreign film posters, disco balls, and red Christmas lights that gave the establishment its signature rosy glow. As one fan noted on the South Walton Fire Department’s post, “Once you visited it was a must to return. So many great memories are made there.”
In its 24 years of business, the Red Bar went from a small locals joint to an icon along 30A, attracting a roster of clientele that included beach bums, vacationing families, and even celebrities (Sheryl Crow was reportedly a regular). With its live music and perfect post-beach fare (fans raved about the crab cakes and Bloody Marys), the restaurant became a must stop after long days spent on the sand. According to one fan’s post on the restaurant’s Facebook page, “The Red Bar was way more than its four walls. It was home. A place where we all met some of the best folks of our lives.”
While the owners have not yet commented on the devastating loss, South Walton Fire Marshal Sammy Sanchez said in a live Walton County Sheriff Facebook video that he’s spoken with them and “they are heartbroken … But I’ve been in this community for 21 years, and I know the community will rally. I have confidence they will come back bigger and better than before.”
Want to show your support? If you're local, stop by Chiringo in Grayton Beach from 11 AM to 5 PM on February 14 to support the Red Bar Employee Relief Fund. (All proceeds from Oyster City Beer and the Pulled Pork Plate go toward the fund.) Or consider donating to the Red Bar GoFundMe, which also helps support the employees affected.
Red Bar, Grayton Beach’s Famously Funky Hangout, Deemed “A Total Loss” After Devastating Fire
A fundraiser for employees at the Grayton Beer Co Taproom raised over $27,000 and a Go Fund Me page is active at over $14,000 collected so far. We are so grateful to our strong community for helping out!