The menu features Elf-themed Jolly Cakes, Oh What Funnel Cakes, Merry Marshmallow Hot Chocolate, Holiday Ham & Sausage Omelette, and a Little Elves Combo for kids! Parents who order one adult entrée in stores can get one free kids’ menu entrée for children 12 and under every day from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. until January 1. That’s a lot of time to celebrate (I think we’re starting to like this Elf dude even more!)
12th Annual Blues, Brews & BBQ This Saturday!
Fire up the grills, tap the kegs and crank up the tunes for HarborWalk Village’s 12th annual Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival! This barbecue block party will fill the docks with the aroma of smoky ribs and pulled pork. Some of the area’s finest restaurants will compete in a spirited and fun BBQ competition, offering samples of creative BBQ styles and specialty sauces. Prizes will be awarded to the top winners in each category. Musical Performance by John Hart & Tyler Mac!! Bring the family for day of food, fun and music!
Advance General Admission Tickets $30.00 / $35.00 day of || BBQ only (Under 21) $20.00 || Military Tickets $25.00
Award Categories:
Judges Choice – Best Traditional BBQ
Judges Choice – Most Creative BBQ
Judges Choice – Best Specialty Sauce
People’s Choice – 1st, 2nd, & 3rd
Best Booth
Beach & Brew on 30A to Host Holiday Event Benefiting the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County
South Walton’s newest taproom, Beach & Brew on 30A, will host its second community event, titled “Holiday Brush, Brews & Black Bear” on Tuesday, December 3, benefiting the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County.
The holiday-centric event will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Beach & Brew on 30A, located at 10343 E. County Hwy. 30A Unit 110. The taproom will be closed for this intimate event featuring local artist, Maxine Orange, who will teach attendees how to create their own 10x20 holiday canvas painting. Tickets are $50 and include a complimentary beverage from Beach & Brew on 30A, a complimentary pastry from Black Bear Bread Company, and all of the materials and supplies needed to create a personalized art piece to take home or gift for the holidays.
A portion of the proceeds raised will benefit the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA), a local arts agency that supports the arts through leadership, advocacy, funding, programs and education. The vision of the CAA is to be the catalyst for Walton County’s growth as a destination for cultural and artistic excellence through which lives are enriched, economy is stimulated, and community is strengthened.
Coolest Cooler than Cool – We’re talking Sub Zero!
CRYO850
You won’t find a cooler experience anywhere on the Emerald Coast than CRYO850! And when we say cool, we are talking -154 degrees. That’s over 50 degrees lower than the lowest temperature recorded in the North Pole! Even Santa doesn’t get this cold!
So what’s all the fuss about? It’s called Whole Body Cryotherapy. Based on the age-old concept of using extremely cold temperatures to rejuvenate and reset the body (dips in the snow, polar plunges, ice baths), whole body cryotherapy offers the same benefits in a safe and efficient manner. Originally developed in 1972 to treat arthritis, cryotherapy in the United States has evolved from the original nitrogen buckets to the advanced electric, nitrogen-free chambers, and CRYO850 is the only facility in North Florida to offer this state-of-the-art technology! The chamber is affectionately named The Emerald Coast Igloo and was painted by local artist, Joey Canton, to add a little fun to the experience. Selfies required!
Why Cryo? When the body’s surface temperature drops by 35-40 degrees, blood leaves the extremities and rushes to the core. The process takes only 2-3 minutes. Afterwards, highly oxygenated blood returns to the extremities and the brain, providing enriched nutrients and enzymes to expedite the body’s natural healing processes. This cellular rejuvenation means a stronger immune system and tighter and more youthful-looking skin. The increased endorphins and adrenaline increase energy, balance mood and mental focus and lead to better sleep (moms of local teenagers say their kids are MUCH nicer after Cryo!). The process also flushes toxins after a workout and serves as a natural anesthesia for pain and inflammation management.
What else is there? In addition to Whole Body Cryotherapy, customers can use Localized Cryotherapy for spot treatments, red light therapy, or hang out in the NormaTec Lounge for relaxation and compression therapy. Massage therapists and Active Recovery Coaches are also on staff. For skin care, visit the on-staff aesthetician for an exclusive Pagani Cryo Facial, Skin Rejuvenation or Body Contouring service.
Who visits? Some customers visit CRYO850 to manage aches and pains and some to manage mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Athletes visit to expedite recovery and increase performance. Some customers focus on skin and anti-aging. From ages 9–83, all are focused on better health!
Cool Factors: The subzero experience, Multitude of health benefits
CRYO850
4495 Furling Ln
Destin, FL
(850) 279-4145
Destin Commons Jolly Jubilee Celebration & Holiday Hours Announced!
Jolly Jubilee features an array of holiday entertainment to include the following performance schedule:
Friday, November 29, 2019 (5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.): Jazz Abouts
Saturday, November 30, 2019 (10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.): 4 for 4 Quartet and (1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.): Emerald Coast Theatre Company
Sunday, December 1, 2019 (11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.): Jazz Abouts, (1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.): Emerald Coast Theatre Company and (5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.): 4 for 4 Quartet
Saturday, December 7, 2019 (10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.): 4 for 4 Quartet
Sunday, December 8, 2019 (11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.): Jazz Abouts, (1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.): Emerald Coast Theatre Company, (3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.): Emerald Coast Theatre Company, and (5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.): Ty Maroney (saxophone)
Friday, December 13, 2019 (5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.): 4 for 4 Quartet
Saturday, December 14, 2019 (10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.): 4 for 4 Quartet, and (1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.): Emerald Coast Theatre Company
Sunday, December 15, 2019 (11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.): Jazz Abouts, (1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.): Emerald Coast Theatre Company, and (5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.): Ty Maroney (saxophone)
Friday, December 20, 2019 (5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.): Sinfonia Youth Orchestra
Saturday, December 21, 2019 (10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.): 4 for 4 Quartet, and (1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.): Emerald Coast Theatre Company
Sunday, December 22, 2019 (11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.): Jazz Abouts, (1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.): Emerald Coast Theatre Company, and (3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.): Emerald Coast Theatre Company
As always, children can visit Santa's Wonderland in Bass Pro Shops and have a free photo taken as well as enjoy free crafts and games.
November 17th to November 31st
Monday - Friday, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00p.m.
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
November 28th and 29th (Thanksgiving and Black Friday)
Thursday, November 28th, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday, November 29th, 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
December 1st to December 7th
Monday - Friday, 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
December 8th to December 23rd
Monday - Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
December 24th, Christmas Eve, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
"For the past 16 years, Destin Commons has been a part of holiday traditions for our guests. Jolly Jubilee lights up the center with our fantastic display of Christmas decor and holiday performances by talented local groups, all while you shop for that perfect gift." - Brooke Zannis, Marketing Manager, Destin Commons
In addition, Destin Commons' holiday hours are as follows:
Destin Commons is CLOSED on Thanksgiving
Stores and restaurants may be open on Thanksgiving and earlier on Black Friday, please check www.destincommons.com for a list of all openings.
Black Friday, November 29th (6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.)
December 20th to 22nd (9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
December 23rd (11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
Christmas Eve, December 24th (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
Christmas Day, December 25th (CLOSED)
New Year's Eve, December 31st (10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.)
New Year's Day, January 1st (10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.)
Coolest Events to Go Fly a Kite
Fly into the Fall Kite Festival
Okaloosa Island
Flying High over the Harbor Kite Festival
Destin Harbor/Noriega Point
850-837-2800
When envisioning Kitty Hawk Kite festivals, think the Macy’s Day parade in New York City but in a much warmer climate and with larger-than-life show kites gliding through the air! Mark your calendars for September 21 & 22nd this fall and get ready for a day of family-fun activities. This two-day festival will feature a 100-foot octopus, an 80-foot panda, a 50-foot gator and so many other great character and stunt kites.
Kitty Hawk Kites has been teaching the world to fly kites since 1974. During the fall festival weekend, not only will there be opportunities to watch professional stunt kite-flying teams, you can take free kite-flying lessons and even make your very own kite! Younger ones can fly a standard single-line kite, while those a bit older can try maneuvering a power kite or a stunt kite that has two or even four lines. You’ll catch the thrill of kite-flying for sure at this great event.
Kitty Hawk Kites has the very largest selection of kites in the area, so it’s only natural that they host the fall and spring festivals that mesmerize kids and adults alike! In the spring they hold the Flying High Over the Harbor Kite Festival, so keep an eye out for that event in our On the Coast calendar. Kites sure have come a long way since good ol’ Ben Franklin discovered electricity!
Cool Factors: Giant…HUGE show kites, Free kite-flying and kite-making lessons, Fun for all ages
Coolest Way to Celebrate an Event
Celebrate loudly with a huge variety of signs for every occasion!
Seaside Celebrate Signs
850-737-6315
www.seasidecelebrationsigns.com
We all love surprises, and we all love to surprise those we love, right? To give that special someone a more memorable surprise, enter Seaside Celebration Signs. Owner Brittany Smith started her unique sign business here On the Coast because she enjoys bringing joy to people. Brittany follows in her aunt’s footstep from Texas who started The Stork Lady, a lawn sign rental service, and Brittany saw that our Emerald Coast needed something just like this.
Brittany loves to drop off her customized signs to surprise the birthday child or adult when they wake up in the morning or come home from school or work. Getting pictures of her clients standing by the signs with big smiles brings a big smile to hers. It’s certainly a happy business.
Artistically made, these signs are colorful and almost life-size with their customized announcements. From the birth of a baby to its arrival to every birthday beyond, to special occasions such as anniversaries, Seaside Celebrations Signs is there to make it extra special and memorable.
Seaside Celebrate Signs serves the Florida Panhandle East of Pensacola including 30A, Fort Walton Beach, Mary Esther, Niceville, Crestview, Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, Valparaiso, Eglin AFB, and Navarre.
Cool Factors: Life-size announcements, Colorful and customizable, A unique way to celebrate
Seaside Celebrate Signs
850-737-6315
Coolest Specialty Meat Market on the Coast
Hebert’s Specialty Meats
Looking for true Cajun favorites to serve in your own home? Hebert’s Specialty Meats is your go-to place here On the Coast! With two locations to serve you, it’s convenient to both Destin and Sandestin visitors and locals!
Owned and operated by true Cajun, Walter Hidalgo along with partners Sean and Kelli Louvierre, Hebert’s opened the first Emerald Coast location in June 2018. After knowing Sammy Hebert, the original founder of Hebert’s Specialty Meats, for 35 years, Hidalgo decided to bring his own part of the company to the Emerald Coast. After visiting the area since 1980, Hidalgo saw a need for true Cajun-style cuisine.
Hebert’s Specialty Meats originally opened in 1984 in Maurice, Louisiana. As the home of the original deboned stuffed poultry, Hebert’s offers all of the Cajun favorites including hot boudin, turduckens, boneless stuffed chicken, boneless stuffed turkey, shrimp or crawfish etouffee, shrimp and crab stuffing, andouille, crawfish pie, a variety of green onion sausages and much more, all served daily.
They also offer easy grab-and-go options for customers to pick up on their way home from work or for an easy yet flavorful weeknight dinner. The store also carries pre-cooked options that customers can easily heat up at home.
Cool Factors: Authentic Cajun dishes, Two convenient locations, Grab-and-go dishes
Hebert’s Specialty Meats
872 Hwy 98 E. Destin, FL. 850-460-8885
Market Shops of Sandestin, FL 850-460-8885
Coolest Things to Build
Beach Sand Sculptures
Have you ever strolled down the beach and noticed a particularly excellent sandcastle? Have you ever wanted to be able to build a colosseum out of sand or construct a castle fit for a king? Well now you can, thanks to sand sculptors Rick and Capri Mungeam.
Rick and Capri offer sandcastle lessons from Okaloosa Island all along the beaches to South Walton and scenic highway 30A. They have hired and trained more than 25 sand castle coaches who “create memories in the sand” with families and groups with award-winning sand castle lessons. They believe that sand castle lessons are so much more than learning impressive building techniques; they also give families the opportunity to experience quality time and make memories together, which is priceless.
Sand castles also make for a great birthday party or team-building activity. What a unique way to ask your special someone, “Will you marry me?” or “sandvertise” your corporate logo.
Sandcastles do wash away eventually, but the memories making and enjoying them last forever.
Cool factors: Quality family time activity, Toes in the sand, Unique
Beach Sand Sculptures
Santa Rosa Beach, FL
www.beachsandsculptures.com
303-681-2630
Coolest Ice Cream
Frozen Dune Rolled Ice Cream and Coffee
Love ice cream but want to try something new? Head on over to Frozen Dune to try some rolled ice cream and coffee.
Rolled ice cream? Yes! Also known as stir-fried ice cream, a mixture of milk, cream and sugar is poured onto an ice-cold metal plate to freeze. Then, your choice of ingredients and toppings - a selection varying from Oreos, strawberries or marshmallows - is mixed in and the ice cream is smoothed flat across the metal plate. Slowly, the ice cream is scraped off in thin spiraling curls and rolls, compiling it all into a cup ready to share.
The owner of the Frozen Dune restaurant was first introduced to Thailand’s stir-fried ice cream in New York City. This unique frozen dessert immediately became popular in the northeastern United States in 2015. While living in Destin, the owner missed the delicious ice cream treat, so lucky for us, he decided to bring this delicacy to the Emerald Coast.
Frozen Dune also serves something else very unique to our coast. How about your picture in a milk foam drink! All you have to do is order one of the fruity-flavored black teas with milk foam. The staff will then take a photo of you, your kiddo, you pet, whatever, and the printer zaps the picture on the foam! It’s magic! Pretty cool right?
This is great place for something new. Located on Old Highway 98 right across from the beach in Miramar, Frozen Dune is the perfect stop after a sunny day of swimming on the coast. All smiles at Frozen Dune.
Cool Factors: Rolled Thai ice cream, Selfie on your drink, Customization of your treat, Fun to watch them make your dessert
2052 Scenic Gulf Dr. Unit 103
Miramar Beach, Florida
(850) 842-4777
Coolest Way to Get Close to Dolphins
Dolphin Splash Encounter
Enter the dolphins’ world for an unforgettable experience as you get up close and personal with these sleek and graceful animals. Ever wondered what a dolphin feels like? This in water experience allows you to meet, play, touch, interact and learn about Atlantic bottlenose dolphins alongside a Gulfarium trainer.
If you're 8 years or older, this amazing experience is for you. The Dolphin Splash encounter is a wade program and takes place in shallow water, about 3 feet deep, so even those who cannot swim can take part!
Guests will want to come back again and again as no two Dolphin Splash encounters will be exactly the same. The behaviors experienced in each encounter are different in order to incorporate variety for the animals. The program may include feeding and giving various behavior signals while interacting with the dolphins. Who knows, you may even meet a different dolphin the next time you visit!
You'll take home a souvenir towel and one of the most memorable experiences of a lifetime!
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is dedicated to educating, entertaining, and inspiring their guests to respect and preserve wildlife by providing unique and memorable experiences for visitors to connect with marine life. Through programs like the Dolphin Splash Encounter, you will experience the way these animals live in their day to day lives and how important it is to maintain their ecosystem.
Cool Factors: Touching a dolphin up close! Interact and play with the dolphins. Communicate with dolphins. Take home swag.
Dolphin Splash Encounter
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
1010 Miracle Strip Parkway SE • Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-243-9046
Coolest Step Back In Time
Suds-N-Cinema
What do you get from some buddies that want to bring back an old landmark that meant so much to them when they were in high school? You get Suds-N-Cinema!
Suds-N-Cinema is the only locally-owned and operated theater on the Emerald Coast. It is the latest incarnation of a theater business in a building that was originally constructed in 1940. The theater, built and owned by John Tringas, was one of the first buildings on what was then called Main Street in downtown Fort Walton.
For decades, the Tringas family operated the Tringas Theater, and it was the only place around to take in a movie. But, over time, new theaters came to the area. Multiple screens, larger concessions selections, and more modern technology meant that the theater needed to revise its business model in order to stay around.
Through the years the business has been known by several names: Suds-N-Cinema, Cinema Plus, Downtown Cinema Plus, and even a brief stint as Apples Disco. Each of these businesses put their own slant on the movie/pizza/beer theme, but none made significant changes that really set them apart from their predecessors.
That is changing at this very moment as those old high school friends are preparing to open the doors to Suds-N-Cinema. As a team, they converted the building into one that has a combination of Art Deco and Soda Fountain motif. The facility is more comfortable, the aesthetics more enjoyable, there are more food options, and the theater can once again show multiple movies each week.
Cool Factors: A step back in time, oldest theater on the Emerald Coast, Have a brewski or wine, some food and sit at a table with chairs with your family and friends.
174 Highway 98 SE
Fort Walton Beach, FL. 32548
850-226-SUDS (7837)
Coolest Place to Summer it Up
Crab Island
Choctawhatchee Bay by Destin Bridge
No address on land for this Coolest on the Coast spot! Crab Island is located a little ways out from Harborwalk Village, north of the Destin bridge in the middle of the water bayside.
If you’re a visitor to the Emerald Coast, you have probably heard of this unique spot. You might even have already seen it while crossing over the bridge coming into Destin from Okaloosa Island. Thanks to its widespread publicity in all forms of media, Crab Island is a famous landmark, or should we say watermark? Both tourists and locals alike enjoy taking family and friends out to this summertime destination.
An underwater sandbar formed after Hurricane Eloise in the 70s, and locals quickly discovered that this is a great place to go. Crab Island got its name from the shape of the island. The sea averages two to four feet deep throughout, and on an average summer day (especially at high tide), it is sparkling and crystal clear. What started off as a nice little spot to dock your boat to swim with marine life up close has now become a hot spot for everyone to gather.
Crab Island is only accessible by boat, paddle board, or kayak. You can also take one of the water taxis there. Once there, you can find people galore, food and drinks, inflatable water parks, bands, movies and more. It’s a regular gathering spot for locals but they welcome all. If you’re going as a family, know that the center tends to be more for a party crowd with its bars and bands, while the outskirts tend to be more for families with activities.
Head on out to this top destination On the Coast, and get ready for a day full of adventure, fun, and a whole lot of water.
Cool Factors: Great place to meet up with your boating friends, Inflatable water parks for the kiddos, Everything you need to spend the day
Coolest Fastest Way to Get Around Town
Electric Bikes!
Coastal Cruisers
Pedego Electric Bikes
Big Daddy Bikes
Birds, Limes and Jumps. You can easily pick up these electric scooters in big cities all across the country. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately as some might think), these scooters are not readily available to us here On the Coast. What IS available, though, are electric bikes! And we are super fans of them.
Electric bikes allow you to tour all our coastal towns in a day and get a real feel for each little area unique to our coast. Not only are there so many paths to ride on, but you can also stop at each quaint town and spend time shopping or enjoying the great flavors of the many restaurants and coffee houses that preside along 30A.
Electric bikes make it so easy to travel around Sandestin too. Touring along Miramar Beach from the Silver Sands Outlet all the way to the Brooks Bridge makes for a great day now that there are sidewalks and bike paths the whole way. It sure does beat being in a car or in some cases riding manual bikes where the heat just gets to you after a while! Parking is a breeze too.
You can pick up electric bikes at many locations On the Coast. We suggest you call ahead and reserve them because carriers have a limited supply!
Cool factors: You don’t have to pedal the whole time, Cover a lot of distance, quickly, Gets you outdoors and active
Coastal Cruisers
12605 Emerald Coast Pkwy
Miramar Beach
850-543-6146
Pedego Electric Bikes
174 Watercolor Way #106
Santa Rosa Beach
850-598-6380
Big Daddy Bikes
2217 West 30A
Santa Rosa Beach
850-622-1165
Coolest Spring Water on the Coa
Vortex Springs
Looking for a change – an exciting place to swim and play away from the beaches of the Gulf? Then head to Vortex Springs! Its crystal cool water is so refreshing during the hot summer days. It's just pure fun to be there! You'll find a lot of local families enjoying this spot as well as groups of friends who have discovered this very cool hangout.
The natural clear spring water stays a cool 68 degrees year-round and is a fun place to dive and swim. You can also snorkel, paddleboard, kayak, canoe and tube - all are available for daily rental. Food and beverages are permitted at Vortex Springs so pack up those picnic baskets for the full day. If you'd like some shade, the large oaks that surround the area provide plenty. For the littles, you'll find a few playgrounds at Vortex too.
If you're a camper, Vortex offers that as well. From tent camping to cabins to larger lodges, they can accommodate you and your group.
For diving enthusiasts, Vortex Springs is home to one of the largest cavern systems, so who knows what you'll discover down below. The crystal-clear water are perfect conditions to explore and train. If you're not certified, this is the place to do it! Nothing beats the calmness and clarity you'll experience while learning to dive.
Daily admission is $10. Children 4-8 are $8 and children under 3 are free. The springs are open Monday-Thursday 8-7 pm, Friday-Saturday 7-8 pm and Sundays 8-5 pm. Vortex Springs also features a diving board, 10 slides, jump platforms and an old-fashioned rope swing that has become a popular signature of Vortex Springs over the years. Picnic tables are available for use and a gazebo is available to rent.
Cool Factors: Coolest, clearest springs, cave diving, lots of activities for every age, camping.
1517 Vortex Springs Ln, Ponce De Leon, FL 32455
(850) 836-4979
Coolest Place to Go Wild!
Emerald Coast Zoo
So, you ask, what makes this zoo so special? Well…it’s the people! Yep. The people. Last year Rick de Ridder (Rick the Reptile Guy) from the A&E TV show “Wild Transport” heard about the Emerald Coast Zoo and how it was in danger of closure by government agencies. He knew that if the zoo closed, many of the animals there would be euthanized, and he just couldn’t just sit back and let that happen. He sold his home and all his belongings and purchased the zoo. How about that for making a difference and taking action!
Of course, he couldn’t do this without the blessings of his wife Sara and their three kids David (better known as Tarzan to the locals), Suzy, and Betsy. They purchased a large camper and moved their family of five onto the zoo property, and there they live. We can't think of many families that would even begin to make an idea like this a reality, but that's what this family does.
With the de Ridder’s love and passion for the animals they acquired comes a new passion to make the zoo survive. Many locals have rallied around them with a progressive Go Fund Me page to help with the building of the required larger, new enclosures. For the community it brings a new awareness that there is this super cool zoo right here in our backyard that so many never even knew about
The de Ridders have started new programs to bring awareness such as summer camps, goat yoga and many amazing animal encounters. Rick makes himself available to go to church groups, schools and events to educate, entertain and inform.
This non-profit, family-owned and operated zoo is not out of the woods yet. It takes a lot of money to feed the lions and tigers (which zoo workers actually held and played with when they were just little cubs some 15 years ago) and all the other wonderful animals at The Emerald Coast Zoo. With new enclosures still being built, the zoo is asking for assistance as they are truly in need of money to improve it. With everyone’s help, they’ll be able to reap the rewards of seeing these animals live in environments more natural to them and will have continued access to these amazing animals who, for the most part, were all hand-raised at this very zoo.
To contribute, please visit the Go Fund Me link at https://www.gofundme.com/manage/p5kmr-please-help-us-help-them
Cool Factors: So many hands on encounters, Passionately owned family non-profit, The big cats.
Emerald Coast Zoo
5262 Deer Springs Dr
Crestview, FL.
850-682-3949
Coolest Way to Get Up Close to Dolphins
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Dolphin Splash EncountEnter the dolphins’ world for an unforgettable experience as you get up close and personal with these sleek and graceful animals. This in water experience allows you to meet, play, touch, interact and learn about our Atlantic bottlenose dolphins alongside a Gulfarium trainer. You'll see firsthand and experience how dolphins have learned to communicate with us!
If you're eight or older, this amazing experience is for you. The Gulfarium also can accommodate those with special needs including mobility, sight or hearing impairments. This encounter happens in shallow water, only three feet deep so no need to worry about swimming with them.
You'll take home pictures taken by your family and friends, a souvenir towel and one of the most memorable experiences of a lifetime!
Cool Factors: Touching a dolphin up close! Interact and play with the dolphins. Communicate with dolphins. Take home swag.
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
·1010 Miracle Strip Parkway SE • Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
·850-243-9046
4th Of July Celebrations on the Emerald Coast
The sky’s aglow as we celebrate the 4th of July
Quick list of locations for todays big firework displays
Happy Fourth of July Emerald Coast! Here's your fireworks list so you can plan your evening! Alphabetical of course😊
Aly's Beach
Crestview Twin Hills Park
Defuniak Springs Lake
Destin HarborWalk Village
FWB The Landing
Okaloosa Island The Boardwalk
Navarre Beach
Niceville Bayshore Drive
Panama City Beach both County & City Piers
Pensacola Maritime Park
Pensacola Seville Square
Rosemary Beach North Barrett Square
Sandestin Baytowne Wharf
Santa Rosa Beach - Logan St
You'll want to get to a spot well before 8:30pm at the latest as fireworks start going off around 9pm.
Be safe this 4th of July! Enjoy 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
New Florida Laws that Start July 1st
Here are a hand full of new laws going into effect July 1st for us Floridians.
TEXTING AND DRIVING - HB - 107
Law enforcement can pull you over texting and driving without needing any other reason.
VAPING SPB - 7012
No more vaping in indoor workplaces.
BRIGHT FUTURES - SB - 190
Bright Futures scholarships get tougher. The highest tier, which covers tuition and fees entirely at state colleges and universities, will require a student’s SAT to be close to 1330 instead of the current 1290. The 2nd tier, which covers 75 percent of costs, would move close to 1200 from the current 1170.
TESTING FOR TEACHERS - CS/SB - 7070
The testing requirements for teachers to get certified just got easier.
SCHOOLS OF HOPE - SB - 7070
The “Schools of Hope” program expands. Charter schools will now be allowed to open near public schools that perform poorly.
PRIVATE SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS - SB - 7070
If you’re a family of four, making $77,000 or less annually, you can now have access to public funded scholarships to private schools.
TECH TRAINING HB - 7071
Vocational and technical training in high schools get the nod through expanded career planning programs and apprenticeships.
GARDENING SB - 52
Yeah! Homeowners can grow fruits and vegetables in front yard gardens.
RED TIDE SB - 1552
Florida is dedicating $3 million per year for six years from its general fund towards Red Tide.
CHEAPER DRUGS HB - 19
More affordable drugs can be imported from other countries, if they’re approved by the U.S. FDA
SANCTUARY CITIES SB - 168
Prohibits state and local governments from having sanctuary policies for undocumented immigrants. Enforcement begins October 1.
PRIVATE ADDRESSES SB - 248
Civilians who work with law enforcement can get private addresses.
AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES - HB 311
Allows for the development of driverless vehicles in the state.
HEMP - SB 1020
The Department of Agriculture is ready issue rules to govern the growth, use and sale of hemp in our state. The policy would also regulate CBD products.
Coolest Way to Bring Back the 40's
Junior Bombers Roller Derby
Northwest Florida Fairgrounds
1958 Lewis Turner Blvd
Fort Walton Beach
(813) 362-8644 f
wbjbombers@gmail.com
We’re all looking for something that will build confidence, strength, life skills and accountability for our young ladies. We want a place where they feel safe and encouraged to be active. We also want them to live a better, more empowered life than we did. If you nodded along and agreed with the above, read more to learn a little about what makes the Fort Walton Beach Junior Bombers Roller Derby team an ideal environment for your daughter(s).
40s something, Nicci Starks Lee has been skating for over six years as part of the local roller derby team for adults. When talking about what drew her to roller derby, Nicci explained that roller derby is about more than just skating and playing a game. It’s about providing and being provided with a community and support system. She said that roller derby calmed her down and gave her a much needed outlet while also helping to change her perspective on things that just didn’t need her energy.
After having enough interest, she decided to start the Fort Walton Beach Junior Bombers Roller Derby team for ages 8-17. She began the team to provide young women with an avenue wherein they could belong, get healthy, and keep busy. The benefit isn’t just for the kids, though. The team takes responsibility for representing itself well. Not only will they help build a code of ethics in the kids, but they’re also there for the parents.
Now in their second year, the Junior Bombers are still ramping up their numbers so that they can compete in bouts. A little nervous about this “rough” sport? Nicci made it clear that safety is always first and then went on to explain that the girls are taught how to fall, how to block, how to hit and even how to skate. That’s all before they’re even allowed to work with the team. When they do get to work with the team, the environment for trust and dependability is cultivated at every step. The best part about derby? It stays with you, Nicci says. Derby isn’t just for middle school or high school or college. You can play it the majority of your life and as you move, there’s usually a new team waiting for you.
Cool Factors: Unique form of exercise and activity for young adults, lifelong skills taught, family environment, team building