Groups

Recording South Walton’s history is thankfully performed by a handful of dedicated people. The few remaining members of the Coastal Heritage Preservation Foundation love history and love keeping it alive.

The preservation effort began in the 1970s by Martha Cory, a resident of Grayton Beach. Cory wanted to renovate and preserve the unique character and architect of the SoWal quirky community. When she died, leadership was passed on to Colonel Bob Fleet, who later recruited Dick McCrite as president.

Last night, Summer Kitchen Cafe in Rosemary Beach hosted dinner for families  with Lighthouse Family Retreat as they have done for many years. It was such a treat to be around happy families starting what is sure to be a memorable week in Rosemary Beach.

Childhood cancer impacts everyone in the family. Understandably, the child with cancer most often becomes the focus of concern, often leaving the siblings feeling lonely, insecure and left out. The Lighthouse program offers special attention for every member of the family – moms, dads, siblings, and the child with cancer.

It's a popular and important program with the goal of saving lives. And with 26 miles of beach and lifeguards stationed at only eight public beach accesses (click to see the list of eight), Beach Safety Director Gary Wise knows there  are many long stretches of beach that go unguarded.

There will be a lot of hand holding on the beaches  Saturday, but what we really need is a group hug.

Hundreds of SoWal residents and tourists, as well as thousands of concerned citizens worldwide will gather along the beaches to send a message, "no to offshore oil drilling, yes to clean energy".

As a frequent visitor to Eden Gardens State Park, I admit driving down the pot-holed old road to the park could be a trying experience. But I miss the grand entrance that allowed me to enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful first glimpse of the white columned Wesley House with its wraparound porch dotted with rocking chairs.