Kids & Family

Food For Thought Outreach, Inc. recently announced that Trustmark Bank, of Okaloosa and Walton Counties, recently raised and donated $2,115.86 to the organization. Trustmark Bank ran a fundraising campaign to support Food For Thought for the entire month of June.  Lenny's Sub Shop in Destin and Wing Stop in Destin also helped and contributed to the bank branches’ efforts by offering discounts and free food coupons for anyone that donated at least $5 dollars to the campaign.

The South Walton High School Cheerleaders for the upcoming 2013-2014 school year are as follows: Julianna Allen, Savannah Bartleson, Angela Beabout, Maria Beabout, Marissa Brown, Zoelle Coetzee, Chandler Davis, Natalie DiCiaula, Emily Dismukes, Bella Ekstrom, Kate Harper, Taylor Hatley, Jenna Kotowske, Maria Martins, Alex Page, Kiera Singletary, Ashley Ward, Katie Wesson and Alexis Workman. They are coached by SWHS science teacher and cheerleading coach, Ashlee Scarpulla.
 

Wyndham Vacation Rentals has announced that ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals launched a Local’s Loyalty Program to reward local residents for their hospitality in welcoming thousands of tourists to the Gulf Coast each year.
 

The Ballots have been counted as Emerald Coast Magazine and the Junior League of the Emerald Coast eagerly prepare for the 2013 “Best Of the Emerald Coast” (BOEC) Event.  Each year readers of Emerald Coast Magazine cast votes for the “Best of the Emerald Coast” to choose the finest food, services, and places our region has to offer.  BOEC is an event showcasing the area's best of the best as voted by readers of Emerald Coast Magazine. Winners will be honored at the annual “Best Of” awards ceremony a week prior to the event.
 

Join the fun at the Alys Beach 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run on Sunday, September 1, 2013 in Alys Beach, Florida. Located along Scenic Hwy 30A, the course winds through the beautiful town. The event also features an oversized obstacle course for kids of all ages and will end with music, food, and beverages available in the Amphitheatre. The price to participate in the certified 5K is $35 and $10 for the 1 Mile Fun Run (kids 12 and younger only, please).
 

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation's (MKAF) 18th Annual Festival of the Arts Poster Competition has a new winner! Among the many creative entries, Andy Saczynski's design captured the judges’ attention with its vibrant colors, coastal theme and creative design.

"While it was a difficult decision, Andy's piece simply had all the elements of a great poster design and represented the festival's colorful, friendly coastal atmosphere," said Festival of the Arts Poster Judge and Local Artist Cara Roy.

Of course we all love the beach but we also love the REAL FLorida - the swamps and creeks, the backwoods, the prairies and fields. We love the wildlife and the beautiful plants and trees! We also love learning all about it and our favorite place is just up the road in Freeport.

Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam, a three-day celebration of sun, fun and country music, will debut its festival on the Gulf Coast shores of Panama City Beach, Florida from Thursday, September 26 to Saturday, September 28, 2013. The first artists to join the concert lineup at this year’s festival include 2013 Academy of Country Music Award nominees Toby Keith, Brantley Gilbert and the Eli Young Band.

The Emerald Coast Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, is stoked to host the 2nd annual Kid’s Surf Classic. It’s a surfing contest just for kids! For many it will be a first-time surfing experience and for some its a chance to show off their skills.

For parents and children alike, it will surely be a great time on the beach. Need a surfboard? We will have a variety of longboards, shortboards, and fishes available for use. Need help catching waves? Have a parent assist you in the lineup, or we’ll provide a surfing expert to help get you into some waves.

WaterColor Homeowners Association presents The Second Annual Easy on 30A benefit concert, on Thursday, July 18 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Marina Park Amphitheatre in WaterColor Resort. Local performers and bands will rock the green and a raffle will benefit Lighthouse Family Retreat and Alaqua Animal Refuge. Admission is free!