Business

Nestled at the north end of the commercial district on Barrett’s Square in Rosemary Beach is The Hidden Lantern Bookstore and Gallery. It is a booklover’s treasure where story times and book signings co-exist with art exhibitions and hands-on art workshops.

When people first heard a bookstore was coming to Rosemary Beach, there was some surprise at such a venture with big chains close by and another independent bookseller on 30-A, but the Carvalho family believed it was the right thing to do.

The Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) of Walton County has officially opened its doors to what is sure to be one of Walton County’s most special and prized places of interest. Nestled in the scrub oak and palmetto, the building isn’t even visible from the road, but is just off CR 393N by Cessna Park, the new sign leads you to  Walton County’s newest genesis for art and culture.

Sitting at the water’s edge a wooden ramp or stairs leads visitors to the wrap-around porch of the rustic Florida shotgun-style building that now serves at the Cultural Arts Alliance’s official residence.

Celeste and Ted Cobena represent what is best about South Walton. Long-time transplants from Louisiana, they built their home some 20 years ago. Both saw South Walton for the paradise it is. Because they saw that, Celeste has worked hard to preserve it.

For a number of years she fought to preserve the ecological integrity of South Walton. She looked around and saw things, “that just weren’t right.” A geologist herself, Celeste was able to connect the dots as it were, and see what a particular project would impact.

WaterColor Inn & Resort is no stranger to rave reviews or awards. The SoWal resort was just voted number 12 mainland U.S. destination by readers of Conde' Nast Traveler in the Best In The World 2011 Poll.

Also, readers of Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report, a luxury travel publication and website, voted the resort as one of the Top 20 Family Resorts in their October 2011 readers’ survey.

The South Walton Tourist Development Council honored Walton County Sheriff Michael A. Adkinson, Jr. with the Van Ness Butler Jr. Hospitality Award during its annual meeting held at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa.

Sheriff Adkinson was noted for promoting South Walton as a secure, family-friendly paradise for citizens and visitors.

The South Walton Tourist Development Council (TDC) named jewelry designer Allison Craft its 2012 Artist of the Year at today's annual meeting.

Summer 2011 has been a season of remarkable recovery for the tourist destinations of Northwest Florida. Bed-tax collections in the area are breaking all-time records, according to the Northwest Florida Tourism Council (NWFTC).

“All across Northwest Florida the evidence is clear that tourists who love our pristine beaches and unique inland communities have returned in record numbers to enjoy what has been a beautiful vacation season,” said NWFTC Chairperson Dawn Moliterno, the executive director of Visit South Walton.

The second edition of our "Sowal Insider" column is about to hit newsstands in Nashville Lifestyles Magazine.

It's nearing twilight and the McCullough clan of  Portland, Fla. prepares to send its crew off to man the night's run of the Capt. Wil-B, the family's shrimp boat.

This ritual takes place six days a week. Fuel has already been loaded into the boat's tanks from a fuel truck that visits the dock. Crushed ice to chill the catch is in chests ready to take to the boat, and the crew members have a supply of food to provide a meal through the long night ahead.

Crowds gathered well before the doors of the Santa Rosa Beach Walmart opened June 15. The parking lot filled and cars were parked along West Hewitt Road. Vendors were there to hand out giveaways.

It was crazy, but exhilarating as the doors opened, says Harry Millsaps who works as a greeter there.

Harry is well known in South Walton as a Realtor, South Walton Fire District fire commissioner, Tourist Development Council Advisory board member and volunteer for many causes.