People

SoWal Chef Jim Shirley has imprinted his cooking style across the South Walton landscape with tasty offerings ranging from to-die-for grilled cheese creations to people-pleasing Paella.

The mild-mannered cookmeister sat down with me at his waterfront restaurant, The Bay, on a rain-drenched afternoon to share a little insight about his rise to culinary prominence.

Redd has big red hair, a big personality, and a big singing voice. She sings and serves at her colorful little bar behind Sally's By The Sea Store in Blue Mountain Beach. At Redds Fueling Station, the fuel for good times is equal parts beloved tunes, yummy food, and cold drinks.

Army veteran Jimy Thorpe started A Superior Air Conditioning Company 14 years ago and his customers have stayed “cool as a cucumber” ever since.

For Rick and Tina Stanfield, the “sweet smell of success” comes from their pastry ovens. They have both rolled up their sleeves in a combined effort to make Sweet Henrietta’s Treats a SoWal favorite.

Garrett Horn’s new book, Postcards of Seagrove, is a trip down memory lane. But don’t EVEN think that this is just another photo book with captions. Garrett takes readers through an unexpected odyssey, one filled with personal tales of love, laughter, discovery, loneliness, joy…well, you name it, Garett has been there and done that and he is baring it all to tell his Seagrove story.

45 Central presents the wine bar's Artist of the Month Justin Gaffrey with an exhibit and a reception on Tuesday, Feb. 23 from 5:00 -7:00 p.m. in Seaside, Florida. Come out to meet one of South Walton's most celebrated artists and toast the night with art, hors d'oeuvres and fine wine overlooking Central Square. Select pieces of Justin's work are on exhibit now and can be viewed at 45 Central through March 31.

Kindness Pet Hospital on Scenic 30A treats pets like they would want their own pets to be treated. Leading the charge for this best standard of care is Dr. Mary Connor. Born and raised in New Orleans, Dr. Connor graduated from LSU’s school of Veterinary Medicine in 2007.  In July of 2014, Dr. Connor purchased Kindness Pet Hospital and has quickly become a valued and respected member of the SoWal community.

Take a tour of the newly renovated Coastal Living 2015 Idea Cottage on Forest Street in Old Seagrove. Public tours will continue through Thanksgiving weekend. You'll love the modern updates blended with beachy tones and eclectic touches throughout this 1980s Florida bungalow.

Congratulations to the design team working around the clock over the summer preparing for the the Coastal Living Magazine Idea Cottage now featured in the Dec/Jan issue.

SoWal locals either have the T-shirt or have seen it . "I Bought My Pot From Dwight" it says on the front, along with an image of the man himself making a pot. South Walton artist Dwight Ward makes and sells ceramics. And a few knickknacks. And T-shirts.

And that is all! He wants everyone to know.