History

Rags to Riches Regatta Returns To Grayton Beach

A Local Fourth of July Weekend Tradition Finds Its Sea Legs

“Whenever two sailboats are on the water at the same time,” says Charlie Thornton, “it’s a race.  The captains may not admit it, but each wants to go faster than the other.”

Some things never change.

Last Fourth of July local sailors gathered for the legendary Rags to Riches Regatta, a Hobie Cat Race with a course between Grayton Beach and Seagrove. Seventeen captains showed up with their crew and 16-foot Hobies to negotiate the famously rowdy Gulf.

Gulf Cemetery Centennial Celebration May 26, 2014

Gulf Cemetery in Santa Rosa Beach turns 100 this year. A centennial celebration will be held at 10 a.m. on May 26, 2014 with the unveiling of a marker at a Memorial Day observance with the designation of the site as a historical landmark by the State of Florida. The public is invited to attend the ceremony at the cemetery located on State Road 393 south. 

The Memorial Day event will include keynote remarks by Rev. Don Ullrich, Colonel, retired USAF. The Historic Marker will be unveiled by Michael Zimny, Specialist with the State of Florida Historical Council.

History is Recognized at Gulf Cemetery

A tour of the 40 acres at Gulf Cemetery reveals many memorials, remembrances, personal items, tombstones (some weathered with unreadable inscriptions), simple wooden crosses, photos and homemade plaques. The nearly 100-year-old resting place is just a short walk from the beach at Gulf Place.

Gulf Cemetery Association, Inc. is a non-profit organization managed by volunteers. Tax deductible donations and the sale of lots help with repairs and upkeep of the site.

Seventh Annual Camp Helen State Park Ghost Walk and History Tour on Oct. 13, 2012

Ghosts, spooks, pirates and witches will be hanging out at Camp Helen State Park, Saturday, October 13th. Everyone is invited to join them for an adventuresome evening of continuous storytelling and historic re-enactment from 5:00pm – 8:30pm.
 

The seventh annual Ghost Walk and History Tour, hosted by the Friends of Camp Helen, is suitable for children. New stories, pre tour entertainment and activities are being planned for this year’s event. Costumes are encouraged and flashlights are recommended. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under.
 

Seagrove Villas Motel Final Photos and Memories

The historic Seagrove Villas Motel has welcomed SoWal beach lovers for over 60 years, but the doors have closed and the neon sign dimmed for the final time.

All that will remains are the memories of so many beach lovers who have stayed at the motel and villas over the years. Thankfully, a few of the cottages on the north side of Scenic 30A will remain as shops. Perhaps to some a sad reminder of sunny days gone by when they visited the motel as part of "Old Florida".

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