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Coastal Conservation Association (CAA) South Walton Chapter presents the 9th annual Grayton Beach Kid's Fishing Tournament on Saturday, May 10, 8am - 12pm.

The tournament is intended to promote the responsible use of our marine resources through recreational fishing. With a $15 entry fee, each child receives a tournament t-shirt, rod and reel, beach rod holder, bait and pompano rigs and weights.

The event begins at 8 a.m. on the back porch of the Red Bar and ends at noon, followed by a brief award ceremony for the winners of each division.

Visit Coastal Skin Surgery and Dermatology in Miramar Beach for free skin cancer screenings on Melanoma Monday, May 5 from 1-4pm. 

As a way to raise awareness of melanoma and other types of skin cancer and to encourage early detection through self-exams, the American Academy of Dermatology designates the first Monday in May as Melanoma Monday.

La Cocina Mexican Grill and Bar will celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a block party on Sunday May 4 from 2-7pm. The restaurant’s courtyard will come alive with music, face painting, family friendly games, drink specials, and chef inspired dishes.

Drink specials include $5 house margaritas, $7 Cazadores Blanco margaritas, and $3 Mexican-imported beers. Chef Ben Lillard has crafted specialty dishes for the occasion, such as:        

“I've got a turtle," South Walton Turtle Watch volunteer Bob Veltri shouted, as he scooped up the first turtle and held it gently in his gloved hand. Veltri was the first to dig in the sand as he and his companions looked for traces of the inhabitants of the nest.

Al Murphy, in charge of this night’s dig, brought over a bucket filled with damp sand.
 

"Very gently put him in the bucket," Murphy instructed.

One of the most extraordinary things about South Walton beaches are the sea turtles that nest here. They need our help and protection to survive. As a volunteer with South Walton Turtle Watch (SWTW), it’s not only a great opportunity to spend time on the beach, but it’s also a great way to enjoy nature and create community.

The latest real estate report for March 2014 in Walton County reflects a healthy market with an increase of 14.2% for the average sales price of single family homes over the same month last year. An increase of 30.5% for new listings signals sellers are hoping a strong spring market will provide plenty of buyers.

The South Walton Real Estate Report for March 2014 is produced by Florida REALTORS® and provided by the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors® (ECAR).

I have had many great experiences in South Walton working on the Coastal Dune Lakes of Walton County (working title) documentary. I worked with my Dad, Elam Stoltzfus, and our editor, Joey Dickinson, filming the Paddle for the Planet event last October on Lake Powell.

 The St. Joe Community Foundation is presenting the 3rd Annual Premiere Golf Tournament at Camp Creek Golf Club on May 19, 2014, to benefit Children's Volunteer Health Network. All proceeds from the event will be used for ongoing operating funds to sustain the Children's Volunteer Health Network mission of facilitating medical, dental, vision and mental health care of local uninsured and underinsured children.

The annual Seabreeze Jazz Festival has become a mainstay of SoWal area entertainment. It's one of the longest running and most successful festivals on the coast. The 16th annual edition returns tp Pier Park in Panama City Beach Apr. 24 - 27. Don't wait - buy tickets now at www.seabreezejazzfestival.com.