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Do you know the next award winner? Are YOU the next award winner? Tourism in South Walton succeeds through the efforts of dedicated, enthusiastic and innovative people. The Van Ness Butler Jr. Hospitality Award, now entering its eleventh year, recognizes an outstanding individual who has made significant contributions to tourism in Walton County while working with other community businesses or organizations to enhance South Walton’s standing as an upscale travel destination. Please consider nominating yourself or someone you know.

The Volunteer Guild at Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast recently presented a $67,600 donation to the hospital in support of a variety of patient care initiatives. Each year, the Volunteer Guild invites hospital department managers to apply for one of the Volunteer Guild’s special capital sponsorships to enhance patient care, resulting in new equipment, software upgrades and customer service projects.
 

End of July Update: South Walton Turtle Watch (SWTW) is reporting the most current count of sea turtle nests is up to 55. Some of the first nests of the season are approaching 50-60 days and we should start to see hatchlings and/or their tracks to the water any day.

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation's (MKAF) 18th Annual Festival of the Arts Poster Competition has a new winner! Among the many creative entries, Andy Saczynski's design captured the judges’ attention with its vibrant colors, coastal theme and creative design.

"While it was a difficult decision, Andy's piece simply had all the elements of a great poster design and represented the festival's colorful, friendly coastal atmosphere," said Festival of the Arts Poster Judge and Local Artist Cara Roy.

Your artwork can be included in the next A+Art exhibit displayed at the South Walton Campus of the Northwest Florida State College. The exhibit titled “One Size Fits All” is open to all CAA members!
 

The exhibit will consist of 10x10 wood panels, all for sale at $100.  You can purchase your two panels at the CAA offices at Bayou Arts Center, Monday through Friday from 8:30-3:30 p.m.; call 850-622-5970 for more information. The panels are $5 each and there is a limit of two panels per artist. More may be offered later, but they're rationing for now.
 

WaterColor Homeowners Association presents The Second Annual Easy on 30A benefit concert, on Thursday, July 18 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Marina Park Amphitheatre in WaterColor Resort. Local performers and bands will rock the green and a raffle will benefit Lighthouse Family Retreat and Alaqua Animal Refuge. Admission is free!
 

Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast will host the Oneblood mobile unit on Thursday, July 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the main entrance of the hospital, located at 7800 U.S. Highway 98 West in Miramar Beach.

All donors will receive a free t-shirt and a meal ticket to the hospital’s café. Anyone who donates blood two times between now and Sept. 30, 2013 will receive a free steak dinner courtesy of Outback Steakhouse®.

The Sandestin Wine Festival, one of the top wine festivals in the country, is donating more than $50,000 to local charities and philanthropic causes. The news was announced at a press event at the Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.

Village Special Event Manager, Lanier Motes, presented a $33,000 check to Kim Henderson, Executive Director, Fisher House of the Emerald Coast; and a $21,000 check to Sara Becnel, board member of the Sandestin Foundation for Kids.

Allow the artist within your child to thrive at the Bayou Arts Center! This summer, the Cultural Arts Alliance will host youth workshops in its lovely studio space at Hogtown Bayou, located at 105 Hogtown Bayou Lane in Santa Rosa Beach. Workshop activities include, but are not limited to, drawing, printmaking, painting, and creating books. Classes are designed for children of all artistic abilities with fun and creativity for everyone as our goal.

Walton Outdoors is pleased to announce the annual Explore the Outdoors Festival on Saturday, October 5. The event will be held from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the beautiful waterfront location of Live Oak Landing Outdoor Destination, 229 Pitts Avenue, Freeport, Florida.