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A juvenile female bottlenose dolphin was found stranded  on June 28 on the beach near Thomas Drive in Panama City Beach. The dolphin was rescued and taken to Gulf World Marine Institute (GWMI) for testing and treatment. 

The dolphin is still in critical condition and being treated by GWMI staff veterinarian Dr. Staggs at the Institute. It appears that the rough surf caused salt water and sand got to enter into the blowhole causing aspiration pneumonia. This was not the cause of her stranding but a complication from the beaching process. 

Easy On 30A benefit concert is back for its fourth year to raise money for great causes. The free, family-friendly concert will take place on Friday, July 3 from 5:45 - 10:00 p.m. at WaterColor's Marina Park. Performers include Forrest Williams Band, The Rips, and Geoff McBride. Fabulous raffle and silent auction items donated by local businesses will benefit Alaqua Animal Refuge, the Lighthouse Family Retreat, and the Muscogee Nation of Florida. 

Café Thirty-A created the Lucky Dog Martini almost a year ago to raise money for Alaqua Animal Refuge, a local non-profit no kill shelter that serves Northwest Florida. One dollar from every Lucky Dog sold goes to support Alaqua.

This July, All Kinds of Art, an educational outreach program of the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, presents Kamp Kellywamba, a visual and performing arts summer camp offering  theatre, art, dance, and set design classes for youth. This year’s camp features a fun and festive 1950’s theme.
 

Yep, it's fishing report time so the surf must be up. We have had a lot of weather the past several days that has kept everyone on the hill. Nothing tropical, just breezy and surfy, looks like we may have another couple rough days as well.

For the captain and crew of Cotton Patch, the 13th Annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic (ECBC) was anything but unlucky. Lance Hill from Orange Beach, Alabama labored for almost six hours on Friday afternoon before reeling in an event record 899.6-pound blue marlin. The record billfish was measured at 134-inches with a girth of 74-inches to earn Team Cotton Patch first place and a payout of $195,277 for a tournament that doled out more than $1.5 million in winnings. The Baytowne Marina at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is the host venue for the event which took place June 17-21.

Magic for the 21st century comes to South Walton this summer as magician Jeanette Andrews returns to the stage in Seaside, Florida. Andrews presents a new and thought-provoking take on the art of the impossible with classic pieces and new magic that is sure to have everyone talking.

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is a wonderful place to explore any day of the year. You'll love taking advantage of some of the weekly events at the park this summer. What a great way to get out and explore one of South Walton's most beautiful coastal areas directly on the Gulf of Mexico. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park admission fees are waived for Summer 2015.
 

Keeping the tempo on the Emerald Coast’s cultural scene since its founding in 2005, Sinfonia Gulf Coast will mark its milestone 10th season as the region’s only fully-professional symphony orchestra by offering a stellar lineup of concerts and educational initiatives featuring the orchestra, world-renowned guest artists and a 10th anniversary gala event headlined by an Emmy and Tony Award-winning singer and actress.

Building upon the success of its annual Valentine Tour of Homes each February, the Cultural Arts Alliance rolls out a Summertime Tour of Homes sure to delight vacationers and locals alike who are looking to beat the heat in the steamy afternoons while touring five spectacular homes in South Walton. The tour runs Thursday, June 25 through Saturday, June 27 from 1-5pm each day.