Business

SoWal People - Franko Washboard Jackson

Some forty years ago a tall, skinny hippie kid left a Missouri commune to search for a jug band in order to hone his skill as a washboard player.

Franko “Washboard” Jackson began playing in 1974. He turned professional after answering an ad in a New Orleans newspaper for a washboard player. He thought there would be a line of people out the door but “was the only who showed up.”

Franko has long been a member of local favorite band Hubba Hubba which has just completed recording its first CD, “Live at the Red Bar.”

Borago in Grayton Beach is Famously Consistent and Delicious

Just west of Grayton Beach State Park, nestled behind the trees, you'll find Borago Restaurant. With tourists flowing in and out during the summer and locals returning in the fall, Borago is always the happening place.

I bet Mark Anton and Michael Dragon would never have guessed they would be here when they first met. Each moved around quite a bit, but they didn't lose touch. Mark is from Charleston, SC and Michael is from upstate New York. They originally met in Charleston in 1992.

SoWal People: Chandler Williams of Modus Photography

Chandler Williams has had a camera in his hands since he was a senior in high school. It was a 35-millimeter camera and while he still loves film, he works more with digital now.

“Film is just not an option time-wise when doing production work,” he says.

Chandler didn’t plan a career in photography, but he was the one to take family photos and document travels. When he bought a house and learned he and wife Jessica were expecting twins, he realized he needed to make money.

Seaside Has New Director of PR and Marketing

Seaside Community Development Corporation (SCDC), has announced the hire of Lori Leath Smith as director of public relations and marketing. Lori is well known to the SoWal staff and we're so happy for her and know what a great person Seaside has on board.

Lori will focus on the planning, development and implementation of SCDC’s destination marketing strategies and public relations activities, both external and internal.

SoWal Tourism Continues to Smash Records

Recently released bed tax revenues for June 2012 reflect a 24% increase over 2011, which was the previous record high. Revenues are 55% higher than June, 2010 and the most collected in one month in South Walton thus far.

June marks the 16th straight month of double-digit increases in revenues. These record revenues are a reflection of carefully planned, concentrated marketing efforts combined with the warm Southern hospitality our partners shower on visitors to South Walton.

Or maybe it's the 1,059,310 visitors to SoWal.com since Jan 1st this year - 101,608,091 hits!

Wild Olives in Rosemary Beach Continues to Evolve

Wild Olives in Rosemary Beach opened in May of 2006 as a convenient local market, deli, and bakery providing the perfect place for guests to enjoy breakfast and lunch.

As the town grew and more visitors discovered the eatery, Owner Chris Trovas expanded with longer hours to include dinner and indoor dining. When others businesses began baking breakfast items, Trovas cut back on those, but his popular scones, muffins and biscuits are still available. The latest evolution is a revamped menu and a redesigned dining room.

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