the PDF - The Seaside Times

July–August 2014
Now online at theseasidetimes.com
We Celebrate America!
Parade, concert and fireworks make for a star-spangled spectacular day
Seaside’s Independence Day festivities have grown over the years, making it the town’s most eagerly anticipated day of the year. Photo of 2012 South Walton 4th of July parade (left) by Kurt Lischka for SoWal.com;
Photo of town founders Robert and Daryl Davis’ dog Bud from the early days of the parade (right) contributed by Erica Pierce.
By Wendy O. Dixon
The Seaside Independence Day
celebration — Seaside’s most anticipated annual event — was washed
out in 2013, due to one of the worst
rainstorms on record. This year, the
July 4th festivities are expected to
draw thousands, doubly eager to
celebrate the holiday as only Seaside
can — with whimsically decorated
golf carts and vehicles; red, white
and blue streamer-adorned bicycles; and creative America-themed
floats for the morning’s parade that
travels along Scenic Highway 30A.
In the evening, revelers gather with
blankets on the Seaside Amphitheater lawn as the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra performs Stars &
Stripes in Seaside. The day’s events
come to a dramatic ending in a patriotic boom of fireworks in the sky
after sunset with the Seaside Fireworks Spectacular.
No one really knows the origins
of the South Walton 4th of July
parade, which begins at Seagrove
Plaza and heads west to Seaside. It
started out in either 1986 or ’87 as a
rather unorganized way for the few
people who were here in the 1980s
to celebrate the birth of our nation.
“One part of the parade started in
Grayton Beach and the other part
would start in Seagrove and they
would eventually converge in Seaside. And then it would be like the
battle of parades. It was hysterical,”
says Erica Pierce, general manager
of Seaside Associated Stores and
annual parade participant. “When
they met in the middle they would
just pass each other. There was no
formality to it. I don’t even think
the road was closed.”
During its early years, the parade
was made up mostly of some local
businesses and politicians. “Then
people on vacation eventually got
Seaside Celebrates America cont. page 4
Getting Around
Sunshine Turtle Express eases 30A traffic
Contributed by 30A.com
Seaside, along with a group of
30A business owners, is making it
easy for guests to visit Seaside with
a complimentary shuttle service,
which also makes traveling around
Scenic Highway 30A more convenient. Sunshine Shuttle & Limousine
implemented the transportation
program with the cooperation of
local business leaders dedicated to
changing the car-centric culture of
the 30A community.
John Finch, owner of Sunshine
Shuttle & Limousine, sees this as
a jumping off point for expanding
public transportation from county
line to county line. The Turtle Express stops at Grayton Corners,
Grayton Bar & Grill, Seaside, V
Seagrove, 723 Whiskey Bravo, and
Publix on 395 (WaterColor Cross-
ings). The shuttle runs from 11 a.m.
to midnight each day through Labor
Day weekend (Sept. 1, 2014) and is
free to all riders.
Finch and Alan Roberts, Sunshine
Shuttle’s vice president of sales and
marketing, sought funding from numerous sources. But in the end, a private system turned out to be not only
expedient, but also collaborative.
“We felt it was important to start
planning for the future,” says Seaside
Community Development Corporation General Manager Pam Avera.
“That’s why we invested in it, and
why we hope this helps change the
attitude of locals and visitors alike.”
Trolley riders can access a live
map through the Sunshine Shuttle website (sunshineshuttle.com;
For route map see page 14.), which
shows all stops and the Turtle Express vehicle’s current location at
any given time. c
Community leaders who have supported the new program include:
Robert and Daryl Davis — Seaside Community Development Corp.
Johnny Earles — Grayton Bar & Grill
Chip Haring and George Hartley — V Seagrove
Grant Blackwell and Billy Buzzett — Grayton Beach Neighborhood Association
Skip and Victoria Moore — 723 Whiskey Bravo
Joel Williams — The Bowery on Thirty-A
Harriet Crommelin — Cafe Thirty-A
Jane and Marie Solomon
Richard Veldman — Rivard Realty
Misty Blair — D.R. Horton
Joe Freer — Shades
Page 5
Page 10
Page 12
Page 18
Page 19
Page 23
Urban
Design
Food &
Wine
Book
Spotlight
Women’s
Retreat
TV
Tennis
Ruskin
Gate
Page 2
May-June 2014
T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m
www.seasideschool.net
www.seasidefl.com
July–August 2014
Page 3
T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m
Happenings About Town
Editor’s Letter
In this issue we celebrate summer in Seaside, with a roundup of the latest
and greatest things to do in town. Consider it your update on Seaside’s most
buzz-worthy fun, food and festivities. Here are five things that should be on
your summer list while in Seaside:
1. The Seaside Style Independence Day T-shirt. The shirt, which has
become as traditional as the eagerly awaited Independence Day festivities,
is designed anew each year with a patriotic Seaside theme. This year’s shirt
is a throwback to the first shirt design, featuring the famous post office on
it. Get it at Seaside Classic.
2. Support the U.S. military by purchasing a shave ice especially made
by Frost Bites — the G.I. Joe, a cola and lime flavored treat topped with
gummy soldiers. A cup of the patriotic shave ice is only $6, and every dollar
goes to the Wounded Warrior Project.
3. There’s nothing better than golden sweet honey. The Honey Hutch
brings its delicious honey to the Seaside Farmers Market each Saturday.
4. Crisp white wine and salad from Crush. Our new wine columnist, Karen Granger, recommends
Spain’s Morgadio Albariño Rias Baixas or New Zealand’s Mount Fishtail Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough
with Crush’s crab salad.
5. The main summer event — the annual South Walton 4th of July parade at 8 a.m., which begins in
Seagrove and ends at the Seaside Amphitheater; the Stars & Stripes in Seaside performance featuring
the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra at 7:15 p.m.; and finally the Seaside Fireworks Spectacular at 9
p.m., the largest fireworks display on 30A, simulcast on 30A Radio (107.1FM).
Cheers,
Wendy O. Dixon
Editor
editor@theseasidetimes.com
Connect with SEASIDE®
Insta
Instagram.com/seaside_newtownoldways
Twitter.com/seasideFL_
Link to our advertisers!
Visit us at www.theseasidetimes.com
Subscribe
The Seaside Times
The Seaside Times is available by
subscription. Enjoy the convenience of having
each issue mailed to your home.
Executive Editor
Pam Avera
®
Editor
Wendy O. Dixon
Designer
Scott Camp
Contributing Writers Photography
The Seaside Times
is published six times a year.
To subscribe, send your name, address, and
check or money order to:
The Seaside Times
P. O. Box 4730
Seaside, Florida 32459
30A.com
Annatina Aaronson
Susan Benton
Wendy O. Dixon
Diane Dorney
Karen Granger
Laura Holloway
Debbie McChesney
Mark Schnell
Jill Tanner
Tracy Townsend
Susan Benton
Michael Granberry
Karen Granger
Kurt Lischka
One year subscription:
within the U. S. overseas
$15
$25 USD
Two year subscription:
within the U. S. overseas
Makenzie Carter, daughter of Seaside Associated Stores General Manager Erica Pierce, and Micah, son of
Seaside founders Robert and Daryl Davis during Seaside’s early days. Photo contributed by Erica Pierce
$25
$50 USD
Director of Public Relations and Marketing
Seaside Community Development Corp.
Lori Leath Smith
(850) 231-6179
lsmith@seasidefl.com
Send Letters or Photos to the Editor:
The Seaside Times
P.O. Box 4730
Seaside, FL 32459
editor@theseasidetimes.com
(850) 387-6822
Find “The Seaside Times”on Facebook
and join our community.
The Seaside Times
®
2014 Advertising Schedule
Sept-October ad deadline Aug. 5, 2014
For more information about ad rates contact Wendy O. Dixon at
(850) 387-6822 or editor@theseasidetimes.com
Page 4
July–August 2014
COVER STORY CONT.
T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m
Seaside Celebrates
America
Continued from page 1
into it,” says Pierce. “Now it’s the
most eagerly anticipated event of
the year.”
The Seaside Style began a tradition of creating a new design for
each year’s July 4th T-shirt. Its latest design is a nod to the first shirt
design, featuring the famous Seaside post office on it.
Now, nearly 100 vehicles participate in the parade, including bicycles, scooters, vintage automobiles,
even an antique fire truck.
As a special treat during the
Stars & Stripes concert, Sen. Don
Gaetz will join the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra to narrate Jim
Beckel’s piece, “Liberty for All.”
The patriotic piece quotes Patrick
Henry, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and
closes with the immortal first verse
from the American favorite, “My
Country ‘tis of Thee.”
“It is the great American tradition: The 4th of July, fireworks,
and a full symphony orchestra,”
says Pensacola Symphony Orchestra music director Peter Rubardt
of the Stars & Stripes in Seaside
concert. “From Sousa marches to
big band jazz to favorites from the
silver screen, this concert will have
something for every member of the
family. I can’t wait to hit the 1812
Overture in the spectacular setting
of the Seaside Amphitheater.” c
Seaside Independence Day festivities from 2012. Photos by Kurt Lischka for SoWal.com
July–August 2014
Page 5
T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m
The Monsters of South Walton
By Mark Schnell
In
the wake
of
controversial parking ordinances
proposed for Walton
County, I offered
“Principles of a
Sensible County
Parking Policy” in
the January/February 2014 issue of The Seaside Times.
Now I’m following up on that with
ways to address the issue at the heart
of one proposed parking ordinance:
“monster homes” in South Walton.
In recent years, local residents have
noticed the construction of more and
more monster homes. While there
is no consensus definition for what
constitutes a monster home, I would
define it as a house that significantly
exceeds the size of typical houses in
a given neighborhood. In the context
of our 30A beach communities, that’s
a house that has roughly six or more
bedrooms and a height of at least three
stories. The houses are typically boxy
and bulky, as they fill every square foot
of the buildable envelope of a lot.
Houses are built this large for a reason: they are vacation rentals, and the
high occupancy of these houses is very
appealing for families, multiple families, or groups. The owners of these
houses — many of whom do not live
in the area — are essentially operating
mini-hotels, and presumably for a nice
profit. You might call it “Monsters, Inc.”
In a quick search on VRBO.com,
I found eight houses in my Old
Seagrove neighborhood ranging
from six to 10 bedrooms, and sleeping between 14 and 24 people. That’s
only one website, and doesn’t include
all properties from all rental agencies.
I’m not sure why anyone wants to
stay in a house with 24 people, but it’s
clearly quite popular.
This phenomenon is generally limited to areas within a short distance
of the beach, and only in communities such as Seagrove Beach, Seacrest Beach, and Dune Allen — all
of which fall under standard county
regulations for building height, parking, etc. (Planned communities such
as Seaside have their own set of rules,
and some neighborhoods — such as
Blue Mountain Beach — have created
their own “Neighborhood Plans” that
tweak the standard rules but are otherwise very limited.)
These houses often do not have
enough parking within the property
for the high number of occupants. The
county requires a certain number of
parking spaces per bedroom, but people skirt this rule by converting “dens”
and “offices” to bunk rooms after getting a permit. Without enough spaces,
parked cars end up in the right-of-way,
which sometimes irks neighbors.
Critics point to the parking issue as
one of several nuisances created by
monster homes. They also cite noise
and trash generated by large tenant
groups and the damage to the character of their neighborhood, among
other complaints. As a year-round
URBAN DESIGN
resident, I agree that monster homes
— and the huge groups that temporarily inhabit them — can be a nuisance at times. And even though I’m
skeptical of the scope of this problem
and critical of some proposed solutions, I fully admit that I’d rather not
live next to a monster home that’s a
short-term rental.
As I explained in my previous column, parking requirements are the
wrong tools to solve these problems.
People will continue to build monster homes, but they will just chop
down more trees and pave over
more land to fit all of the parking.
The heart of the problem is the high
occupancy of these houses, which is
largely a function of square footage
and number of bedrooms.
The standard tools for limiting the
size of houses include height limits
and a density calculation called floor
area ratio, or FAR. The latter limits
the amount of total square footage in
proportion to the lot size (calculate it
by dividing the total square footage of
a house by the total square footage of
the lot). For example, a maximum FAR
of .5 on a 50’ x 100’ lot would yield no
more than a 2,500-square-foot house.
To build any larger than that, one
would need to purchase more land.
Similar to parking regulations, these
tools should never be used as a onesize-fits-all solution. Height and density should be determined on a streetby-street basis, and sometimes even
house-by-house. Great placemaking
requires a much more nuanced and
fine-grained approach than blanket
regulations. That’s a lesson of these
monster homes: what’s appropriate in
one area isn’t always appropriate in another. Finding the right place for such
homes requires a detailed master plan
for each neighborhood.
People have been building extra
large vacation rental houses in this area
for many years. There is huge demand
for large houses, and vacation rentals
in general are an important part of
our local economy. We shouldn’t dismiss those facts. Before we change the
rules, the county should study the issue. We can’t solve a problem that we
don’t fully understand.
But the sense of unease over these
houses is a sign of something larger:
people no longer see South Walton
exclusively as a place to visit — they
also see it as a place to live. This won’t
be the last battle between year-round
residents and the tourism industry.
But, with any luck, it could be the
beginning of a more thoughtful approach to planning in Walton County.
We need to plan for a future in a way
that balances these interests and creates great places. c
Mark Schnell is an urban designer
based in Seagrove Beach. His firm
Schnell Urban Design (schnellurbandesign.com) offers a wide range
of services, from designs for entire
communities to parks to houses. He
also offers walking tours of Seaside
by appointment. To schedule a tour,
contact Mark at (850) 419-2397 or
mark@seasidewalkingtours.com.
Tours cost $20 per person (cash only)
and last approximately two hours.
Tours are given in conjunction with
the Seaside Institute.
Page 6
July–August 2014
T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m
Take us with you!
Now you can download the latest map and list of places to shop and dine at
theseasidetimes.com/SSTShopandDine2014.pdf
July–August 2014
Page 7
T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m
Fabulous, Fun, Fisheye
PHOTOGRAPHY
Using a wide angle fisheye lens to distort notable landmarks in Seaside,
Kurt Lischka for SoWal.com shows the town in a new perspective.
Page 8
July–August 2014
T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m
July–August 2014
Page 9
T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m
Page 10
July–August 2014
FOOD AND WINE
T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m
Crushing on Crush
By Susan Benton
Nestled among the shops of Seaside
on Scenic Highway 30A, you will find
the irresistible and charming bistro
called Crush. The restaurant quickly
rose to the top as a hot spot for dining
when opening its doors back in 2010.
With a welcoming and friendly staff
to greet patrons, this hip yet intimate
wine bar and restaurant has it all.
At the helm of the space is the
fearless leader and ambassador
of Crush, Shelby Altamura, who
branded the restaurant and has
been with Crush since its inception.
She is originally from Birmingham,
but grew up in Panama City and
is married to local restaurateur,
owner of Harbor Restaurant Group
and Crush, James Altamura. Both
live nearby in Grayton Beach.
Recently, Crush took on a new certified sommelier, Karen Granger, who
moved to the area with her family from
Ohio. Shelby Altamura was thrilled to
bring her on board. “She knows wine
and can express that in teaching our
staff,” Altamura says. “They can wrap
their heads around the wines, notes
and flavor profiles and in turn share
that knowledge with customers. I feel
so blessed to have her at Crush.”
With a background in hospitality
management and customer service,
Altamura takes a laser sharp focus
to the service provided to diners at
Crush. She especially enjoys working behind the bar, getting to know
locals and tourists in order to build
lasting relationships, and is training
her staff to do the same. Manager
Chris Wallace has been with Crush
since opening in 2010. “He is a huge
plus, and so great with our guests,”
Altamura says.
Chef Aaron Strickland, who formerly held positions at other noteworthy South Walton restaurants,
revamped the menu for the summer,
getting rave reviews. “He manages to
make spectacular food in our very
small kitchen,” Altamura says, citing
Aarons Mac & Cheese on the dinner
menu, “a real challenge through the
heat of summer and cold of winter.”
Enjoy favorites by land or sea, with
popular choices being the classic
lump crab cake, burger, or the blackened shrimp tacos with jicama slaw.
A new lunch menu item is the Beach
Club sandwich with ham, turkey,
fresh house crafted pulled mozzarella and marinated artichokes piled
high on a Kaiser bun.
For dinner, customers are raving
about the seared ahi tuna and the
caprese salad, as well as the hanger
steak, lemon-thyme chicken, blackened grouper and perfectly prepared
four-ounce lobster tail.
Crush offers lunch and dinner, as
well as small plates made for sharing, fresh sushi, a daily cheese board,
24 wines by the glass and nearly 100
bottles of wine with exciting wine
flights. Happy hour is from 4-6 p.m.
daily. Linger late in the day while enjoying half-price wine by the glass,
draft and bottle beer, wine based
cocktails and delectable sushi.
Crush’s perfectly seared ahi tuna makes for an elegant meal. Photo by Susan Benton
Crush’s famous crab cakes are a perfect summer dish. Photo by Susan Benton
Choose seating inside or dine outside under the covered sidewalk
space, reminiscent of a European café.
It helped Crush Wine Bar get selected as Best Outdoor Dining by
VisitSouth.com.
For more information on Crush, call
(850) 468-0763, or visit their website
at www.crush30a.com. c
Susan Benton is the owner of
30AEATS.com and partner of
GulfCoastRestaurants.com where she
shares her passion for food and travel,
and her commitment to promoting local farmers, fisherman, chefs, artisans
and restaurants along the Gulf Coast.
Wine Wisdom
Coastal wines are ideal in Seaside
By Karen Granger
Why does wine from a particular
region compliment the cuisine of
that region? Is it that the sun, soil and
climate influence the profile of the
wine? Or is there a human element
styling the wine to fit the cuisine?
This is one of my favorite wine conundrums. Regardless of the answer,
it is a safe assumption that the food
and wine from the same region will
make a beautiful match. So, here in
picturesque Seaside, Florida, where
sunshine and seafood rule, let us look
to the wine regions of the world located along the sea to influence our
selections this summer. As the patios
fill up and temperatures rise, these
selections will keep you cool and be
dynamite with the bounty of the gulf.
One particularly stunning varietal to drink this season is albariño.
Grown in the coastal region of
northwest Spain and Portugal, this
grape is a perfect companion for
shellfish. Albariño is an aromatic
grape with hints of citrus, peach,
honey and tropical fruits with flavors of almonds, vanilla, ginger and
spices. On the palate it manages to
be both crisp and creamy. This wine
is a beauty with scallops, which can
be overpowered by bigger whites.
In the heat of the day as we tend
to order more salads, it is important
to remember one rule: the acidity
in your dish should not overpower
the acidity in your wine. If this imbalance occurs, your wine will seem
flat. New Zealand sauvignon blancs,
with their racy acidity, should be
a go-to for citrusy salads topped
with fresh seafood. With aromas of
grapefruit, limes, grasses and herbs,
these sauvignon blancs are like
summer in a glass.
For me, the ultimate patio wine is
a French rosé from Provence. These
are generally based on grenache, cinsaut, mourvedre and cabernet sauvignon. Therefore, they hold many of
the same characteristics habitual red
drinkers are seeking in a lighter and,
most importantly, chilled bottle. Delightfully quaffable, try a rosé with
grilled fish, seared tuna and heartier
seafood dishes. c
Karen Granger is a Sommelier and
manager for Crush in Seaside. While
new to the area, she is not new to the
lifestyle. Granger has poured wine in
Chicago, Ill., Columbus, Ohio, and
previously designed wine lists in the
U.S. Virgin Islands.
Wines worth trying for Summer:
• Morgadio Albariño Rias Baixas, Spain.
• Mount Fishtail Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough, New Zealand.
• Domaine Houchart Rosé Provence, France.
July–August 2014
Page 11
T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m
Beach Chairs and Bicycles
The Business of Relaxation in Seaside
By Laura Holloway
Cabana Man
When you first meet Larry Neville,
you’d hardly know he’s the original Cabana Man, barefoot in the sand alongside his team at seven every morning
to ensure everything is as it should be
for the start of the day. When he first
arrived here in 1986 with his business
partner, the town of Seaside was dotted
with only 20 or so pastel houses, a post
office and a few (yet to become legendary) other businesses, and beach service was an unrealized essential.
Neville had just spent a summer
working elsewhere in a similar beach
service capacity, and he and his then
roommate (and business partner)
recognized the need for a service that
provided comfort and shade along
the Gulf Coast’s perfect shoreline. After a string of ‘no thank yous’ to their
business plan (from Destin to 30A),
they stumbled onto Seaside, a tiny
beach community with a big dream.
The holiday town embraced Neville’s business idea, and 10 Cabana
Man beach chair sets marked the
business’s beginning, Fourth of July
weekend in 1986. Cabana Man Beach
Services has now grown into a vacationer’s necessity, with more than 330
blue umbrellas standing as a welcoming and expected site along the powdery sand of Seaside’s beaches.
The Cabana Man team starts its day
at 7 a.m., set up and ready for sunbathers by 9 a.m. Reservations can be
Left to right: Cabana Man owner Larry Neville, Brandon Whalen, Martin Sullivan,
Evan Orr and Mitchell Trantina. Photo by Laura Holloway
made by calling (850) 231-5046. Club
Cabana Man is a step up in accommodation, including towels, tables, and
food and drink service.
The Seaside Transit Authority
Traveling by car is for the busy and
hurried, and Seaside’s staple mode
of transport is simplified into two
wheels at The Seaside Transit Authority. A lasting symbol of the simplicity of Seaside is the beach cruiser,
with a bell for signaling and a basket for holding fresh breakfast from
Modica Market. Bicycles are a necessity for Seaside relaxation, and no
one knows it better than owner, Rick
Thompson, who left the corporate
rat race to provide the town with the
simple pleasure of cruising.
While working as the sales and
marketing director for Hilton hotels,
Thompson said, “Maybe it’s time to
take off the suit and tie and beach it
for a while; relax and do something
fun.” So he and silent partner (Nev-
MERCHANTS
ille of Cabana Man) put together the
business plan for “Cabana Man Bike
Rentals.” Seaside loved their unique
concept, but suggested the name Seaside Transit Authority, a logo that had
existed for years as an idea but had
yet to find its place until now. And the
business began.
The bicycles are no ordinary beach
cruisers; they are custom manufactured from Worksman Cycles in New
York, made specifically for the Seaside Transit Authority. “These are
high-quality, well-maintained, safe,
comfortable family bikes,” Thompson
said. And the difference is clear, not
only in appearance but also in ride.
Tandem bicycles are also available,
as well as tricycles, towing gear, and
carriage seats for kids. Each bicycle
comes with a basket and a bell and is
available for daily and weekly rental by
calling (850) 231-0035. Bicycles can
also be reserved online at www.seasidetransitauthority.com. c
Rick Thompson, owner of Seaside Transit Authority. Photo by Laura Holloway
Page 12
July–August 2014
BOOK SPOTLIGHT
T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m
“The 30A Book”
George Wickey takes readers on a journey along
Scenic Highway 30A
“The 30A Book,” a children’s
book published by local author
George Wickey, takes readers on a
journey to Florida’s Scenic Highway
30A — a place known for its timeless beauty, laidback lifestyle and
unique beach rituals popular with
locals and visitors alike.
A Chicago native, Wickey now
lives, works and plays on 30A. He
fulfilled his dream of moving to the
beach in 2007, and since has founded
30A Games, a small firm that specializes in creating locally-themed products that promote the area, celebrate
its lifestyle and encourage people to
unplug and play together. In 2013 he
brought to market the area’s official
Hasbro Monopoly game — the Monopoly Visit South Walton Edition.
The beautiful, hand-painted illustrations in “The 30A Book” are
by Claudia Gadotti, an Italian artist
living in Auckland, New Zealand.
Gadotti painted each illustration
using a medium of acrylic and water-soluble pastels on board. She
mixed the paint with gesso and
modeling paste to maintain the textured look of her work in the book’s
scanned illustrations.
An excerpt:
Sleep in a cottage on bunks
stacked in threes,
Romp through playgrounds,
catch fish, fly a kite and
climb trees.
Tour state parks, ride
a YOLO Board, watch
dolphins at play!
Board games on the porch
pass the whole lazy day.
Visit Seaside, WaterColor,
Rosemary and Alys Beach.
Which one is my favorite?
I’d have to say each.
The book is available for sale at Sundog Books in Seaside, retailers across
30A and South Walton, and online at
30ABook.com for $18.95. c
Link to our advertisers!
Visit us at www.theseasidetimes.com
www.seasidefl.com
July–August 2014
Page 13
T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m
Giving, Helping, Loving
Frost Bites owners’ benevolent actions
spread love and joy
By Wendy O. Dixon
Mike and Chance Gullett, owners of Frost Bites
Frost Bites, specializing in Hawaiian shave ice, frozen custard and
old-fashioned root beer floats, has
provided sweet treats for Seaside locals and visitors since 1994, when the
first Airstream trailer opened on Airstream Row.
The owners of Frost Bites, Mike
and Chance Gullett, donate time and
products to charities related to cancer,
addiction, the military and animals.
One of the Gulletts’ favorite charities — Lighthouse Family Retreat, an
organization serving children with
cancer — holds annual family-fun retreats in Seaside, WaterColor, Rosemary Beach, Seacrest and Gulf Place,
among other nearby beach towns.
Mike Gullett knows the pain a family goes through when dealing with
CHARITY
cancer. His oldest son, Nic, was diagnosed with a rare cancer and given
nearly no chance to live, at 10 years
old. “He’s 37 now,” Mike Gullett says.
“He has gone on to graduate from
North Carolina and has received a
law degree.” The kids who attend the
retreats are given a free T-shirt and
all the sweet frozen treats they want.
Alaqua Animal Refuge, a Freeport-based animal sanctuary that
provides protection, shelter and care
to animals in need, is another charity
the Gulletts are involved in. During
the animal refuge outreach events,
Frost Bites donates proceeds from
shave ice and other treat sales, as well
as T-shirt sales. “We’ve even adopted
a dog or two out there,” says Gullett.
Camel Club, a local organization
specializing in addiction recovery;
Shelter House and Haven House,
both of which provide temporary
emergency housing and supportive
services to homeless families; Long
Island Bulldog Rescue and Bullies
to the Rescue, two bulldog rescue
organizations, all benefit from the
contributions of Frost Bites. The Gulletts have an English bulldog named
Dapple, and two French bulldogs —
Tweeny and Bali.
With Gullet’s son, Austin, serving in
Afghanistan, the Gulletts’ most recent
charity interest is the Wounded Warrior Project, which helps wounded
warriors and their families. A special
menu item at Frost Bites is a shave ice
treat called G.I. Joe, in honor of service members for their selfless and
brave service. The treat — made with
lime and cola flavored ice and topped
with soldier gummies — is $6. All
proceeds go to the Wounded Warrior
Project. c
To learn more about the charities supported by Frost Bites, visit:
http://www.lighthousefamilyretreat.org/
http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
https://www.alaquaanimalrefuge.org/
http://www.bullies2therescue.com/
Camel Club (800) 559-9503
Visitors Bureau helps you have the
ultimate visitor experience
Seaside is best known for the simplistic elegance
of the New Urbanism design principles. And the
partners of the Seaside Community Development
Corp. — Cottage Rental Agency, Homeowner’s
Collection and Sunburst Luxury Collection —
have the variety of homes to meet any vacationer’s
needs, whether you want a cozy one-bedroom
romantic retreat or a luxury resort hotel experience with concierge service.
With amenities aplenty, the Seaside Visitors
Bureau partners plan to ensure guests at Seaside
have all they need to enjoy their vacation. By rent-
ing a cottage through one of the Seaside partners,
you’ll be assured you’re getting the right cottage
for your stay in Seaside.
Visit Seasidefl.com/vacation/rentals
Our Featured Properties
Sunburst Luxury Collection
Cottage Rental Agency
Homeowner’s Collection
Town Center
3BR, 2 BA
2454 East County Hwy. 30A
3BR, 2.5 BA
49 Venice Circle
5 BR, 5.2 BA
Center Stage
Appropriately named Center Stage, this sophisticated town center apartment is ideally located
in the heart of Seaside. New to the rental market,
Center Stage is directly in front of the Seaside
Amphitheater where you can watch weekly plays
and concerts. Professionally decorated by Pizitz,
it features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and can
sleep up to 12 people, making it the perfect destination for wedding parties or family getaways.
Center Stage is part of the Sunburst Luxury
Collection, a high service and amenity segment
within Sunburst Beach Vacations that provides
a 5-star luxury resort experience with all of the
benefits — privacy, space and freedom — of a
private home.
Sunburst Beach Vacations
(866) 310-5718
SunburstCo.com
Toye Cottage
Toye Cottage is a beautiful 3-bedroom/2.5-bath
beachfront home with plenty of windows to enjoy
the gorgeous gulf views. The first floor includes
a master queen bedroom with a private bath
(shower only) and access to a lovely screenedin furnished porch. A second queen bedroom
shares a hall bath with the third bedroom that
has a double bed. The first floor also features a
large furnished deck with a grill to enjoy dining
outdoors. The second floor has a living area that
opens to a balcony porch with incredible views,
a dining area, a large and fully equipped kitchen
and half bath. The open upper deck is accessed
through the kitchen that serves as an additional
option to dine al fresco and enjoy the views. The
beach is just steps away down a small footpath.
Cottage Rental Agency
877-811-5440
www.CottageRentalAgency.com
Southern Comfort
A quick stroll to the beach, Southern Comfort
is located next to the fitness center, adult and
children’s pool, playground and tennis courts.
Each of the 5 bedrooms has its own private bath
and access to a balcony or a covered porch. On
the main floor is the gourmet kitchen and living
room with fireplace. The decor is an eclectic
melange of comfortable pieces — some old, some
new. Reminiscent of the turn of the century are
the black and white marble baths, a claw foot
bathtub in the master bath, as well as cozy down
bedding. This cottage also offers flat screen
TVs - digitally wired, full washer and dryer
and outdoor grill.
Homeowner’s Collection
(855) 411-1557
HomeownersCollection.com
Page 14
July–August 2014
MAP
T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m
TURTLE EXPRESS MAP
July–August 2014
Page 15
T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m
Shopping, Dining and Services
Albert F’s Fashion, Arts & Accessories
Located in Seaside’s lovely Ruskin Place,
Albert F’s is the place to find ladies casual
fashion, art by local talent & beach chic
accent jewelry and accessories.
800.974.5203 / www.albertfseaside.com
email: sp8holly@aol.com
Fired-Up Pottery Painting
A fun, friendly place where you can paint
your “art” out on over 500 unique pottery
pieces. Great for birthday parties, bridal
showers, girls’ night out, and corporate
events.850.231.3211
www.firedupseaside.com
Amavida Coffee & Tea
The one-stop shop for Fair Trade Coffee,
Fair Trade Organic Tea plus coffee and
tea accessories.
850.231.3539 / www.amavida.com
The Fitness Fetish
Fun & friendly family sport & beach shop.
“Life is Good” products, sports apparel,
swimwear, footwear, beach stuff and cool
gifts. 850.231.5000
www.fitnessfetish.com
An Apartment in Paris
Come inside and experience the perfect
collection of original art, home furnishings, accessories, gifts, jewelry and
clothing. 850.534.0038
www.anapartmentinparis.net
The Art of Simple Downtown
Brimming with home accessories, candles,
unique finds and rare bath and body
lines ... browse, linger, be inspired and
leave with a happy find from the store
that has everyone buzzing with delight.
850.231.6748
www.theartofsimpleonline.com
Barefoot BBQ
Barefoot BBQ specializes in hormone-free, steroid-free, antibiotic-free
beachside BBQ in a retro, tiki style atmosphere. 850.534.0313
Bud & Alley’s Pizza Bar
Thin crust, wood fired pizza, antipasto
bar, salads & more. Italian wines and beer
and a full bar available. Located right
on the beach next to the Obelisk tower.
850.231.3113 / www.budandalleys.com
Bud & Alley’s Restaurant & Roof
Top Bar
A Seaside tradition on the Gulf since
1986. Sunsets on the roof-deck are a
daily town ritual. Fresh, regional, coastal
cuisine served daily for lunch & dinner.
850.231.5900 / www.budandalleys.com
Bud & Alley’s Taco Bar
Authentic border tacos, burritos & fun.
Offering a full bar featuring over 40
speciality Tequilas. Dine in or take out.
Located roadside next to Bud & Alley’s.
850.231.4781 / www.budandalleys.com
Central Square Records
An independent record store specializing
in CDs, new & used vinyl, record players,
guitar strings & accessories, Jittery Joe’s
Coffee, unique gifts, cards & more. Located above Sundog Books. 850.231.5669
www.centralsquarerecords.com
Crush
Intimate wine bar and restaurant including a menu of small plates, sushi, a daily
cheese board and extensive wine list with
friendly staff and hip and trendy events.
850.468.0703 / www.crush30A.com
Dawson’s Yogurt & Fudge Works
Homemade fudge, kid’s candy and Yobe
Yogurt, America’s newest taste sensation.
Homemade fresh-squeezed lemonade is
a refreshing thirst quencher. 850.231.4770
www.sweetwilliamsltd.com
Focus
A little boutique portrait studio by the
beach where fun memories are made.
Focus also features fabulous gifts, frames
and custom jewelry. 850.231.1842
www.carlettawatkins.com
Per•spi•cas•ity
Open-air bazaar featuring bohemian
beach styles. Must have pieces for the
ultimate Seaside escape.
850.231.5829 / www.theseasidestyle.com
Pickles Burger & Shake
Home of Grass-fed beef burgers, corndogs, chicken fingers and famous fried
pickles; Hand-cut double-fried French
fries with special seasonings; and double-rich hand-made milkshakes. Enjoy
cold beer, wine and daiquiris. Serving
breakfast, lunch & dinner. 850.231.5686
www.sweetwilliamsltd.com
Pizitz Home & Cottage
The luxuries and necessities for simple,
comfortable, relaxed Seaside living. Custom orders available.
850.231.2240 / www.theseasidestyle.com
Frost Bites
Hawaiian shaved ice, homemade frozen
custard, fresh squeezed lemonade and
cold drinks. Also available for birthday
parties, weddings and special events.
252.452.3013
Raw & Juicy
Offering organic juices and smoothies,
raw food and organic beach snacks. Sea
Turtle Flashlight filters and merchandise
available here. 850.231.0043
www.rawandjuicylife.com
Great Southern Café
New-fashioned southern cuisine. Fresh
seasonal vegetables, seafood, aged beef.
Enjoy the “Littlest Oyster Bar” for fresh
oysters. Beer, wine, cocktails. Breakfast,
lunch & dinner. 850.231.PEAS (7327)
www.thegreatsoutherncafe.com
Seaside Beach
Casual Seaside fashion and accessories
for men and women. “bare feet & sandy
floors rule” in this Seaside lifestyle store.
850.231.4193 / www.theseasidestyle.com
It’s Heavenly
Authentic, delicious gelato, hand-folded
and dipped ice cream. Enjoy shakes, sundaes, cookies and strawberry shortcakes.
Gourmet LavAzza Italian coffees and
espresso. 850.231.2029
www.sweetwilliamsltd.com
The Justin Gaffrey Studio
Visit the Justin Gaffery studio gallery
and enjoy Justin’s contemporary works
mixed with his classics. A flowerful treat!
850.231.0279
www.justingaffrey.com
La Vie Est Belle
Featuring designer Wendy Mignot, the
originator of the Tahitian and Fresh
Water Pearl and Leather Jewelry collection. Largest collection of ancient coins
& shipwreck coins in the southeast.
850.231.4692
www.lavieestbellegallery.com
The MeltDown on 30A
Gotta have grilled cheese sandwiches and
soups. Serving traditional and speciality
grilled cheese sandwiches.
www.meltdownon30a.com
Mercantile
Mercantile carries goods for men and
women that are time-worn, weathered, a bit western and where possible
– eco-friendly and American made.
850.213.0010 / www.shopmerc.com
Modica Market
Your exclusive grocery deli market in
Seaside. Breakfast, lunch and beach foods
to go. 850.231.1214
www.modicamarket.com
Deja-vu on the Beach
Offering affordable trendy clothing with a
sophisticated urban eclectic style.
Apparel, jewelry, shoes, bags and
accessories. 850.534.0710
www.shopwithdejavu.com
Newbill Collection by the Sea
Gallery of Contemporary American Art,
fine craft, original paintings, photography, folk art & garden sculptures. Best
selection of handcrafted jewelry on the
Gulf Coast. 850.231.4500
Duckies Shop of Fun
Calling all kids and kids at heart! Duckies
carries hundreds of items to put a smile
on your face. We’ve got toys, clothing for
kids, gifts, beach gear and so much more.
850.231.4800 / www.shopduckies.com
ONO Surf Shop
Latest styles swimwear, footwear, lifestyle
clothing, surfboards, boogie boards, skim
boards & accessories.
850.231.1573 / www.onosurfshop.com
Seaside Classic
Classic collection of Seaside clothing,
accessories, books & prints. The flagship
store for Seaside style.
850.231.2497 / www.theseasidestyle.com
Seaside Kids
The original children’s store at the beach.
Fun fashion, toys and must have accessories. Seaside logo wear for kids.
850.231.1733 / www.theseasidestyle.com
Shimmering Seas Jewelry
Elegant sterling silver, gold, diamonds,
pearls & many more shimmering jewelry
collections and unique gifts.
850.231.5100 / www.shimmeringseas.com
The Shrimp Shack
A walk-up steam seafood shack on the
beach with peel & eat shrimp, lobster
rolls and shrimp rolls plus fresh oysters served raw, steamed or baked.
850.231.3799
www.sweetwilliamsltd.com
Snap Tweens
Apparel, footwear, jewelry and gifts that
are just right for pre-teens. Unique fashion and designers that both parents and
kids will enjoy. 850.231.3800
www.snapkids.net
Sóng
Serving southeast Asian-inspired, street
food-style dishes from fresh local products, the menu is about creative simplicity, integrity and flavor. 850.502.9797
Sundog Books
An eclectic selection of books, greeting
cards & gifts for all ages. 850.231.5481
www.sundogbooks.com
Swell Pops
Specializing in hand-crafted, gourmet
and wellness popsicles served from a
mobile cart, the pops are made with fresh
fruit, local produce and organic ingredients. 850.797.2313
Wild Bill’s Beach Dogs
Serving up the best hot dogs on the
beach! We serve 5 different dogs that are
bursting with flavor & they have no antibiotics, hormones, nitrates, nitrites, filler
or junk. They are dogs gone good!
850.231.0802 / www.sweetwilliamsltd.com
Willow+Woods
An exclusive boutique for both men &
women designed to cater to all your fashion needs - fun & flirty for her, relaxed &
casual for him. 850.231.0433
www.willowchicboutique.com
Services
Beach Ready Spa
A unique blend of medical spa & holistic
wellness center. Highly trained technical
staff is available to provide you the products and services to treat both internal
and external signs of aging.
850.468.0925 / www.beachreadyspa.com
Seaside Transit Authority
Bike Rentals
The official rental bike provider of Seaside, Florida. Seaside Transit Authority
offers custom designed rental bikes for all
our Seaside guests and visitors. A variety
of rental items available include unisex
bikes, mens bikes, boys and girls bikes,
tag-a-alongs, tandems, kids trailers and
cargo trailers. 850.231.0035 www.seasidetransitauthority.com
Cottage Rental Agency
877.811.5440
Earl Bacon Insurance Agency 850.369.0161
Florida Haus
850.231.3100
Johnson Rice & Co., LLC
850.231.0158
Neighborhood Title Company 850.231.5178
Post Office
850.231.2220
Trustmark ATM
Located next to The Art of Simple
and Sundog Books
Seaside Commercial Properties 850.231.6106
The Seaside Institute
850.231.2421
Seaside Interfaith Chapel
540.760.5477
Seaside Neighborhood School 850.231.0396
Seaside Tennis
850.231.2214
Seaside Swim and Tennis Club
850.231.2284
Seaside Repertory Theatre
850.231.0733
Surgical Care Affiliates, LLC 205.545.2572
For your vacation planning and
reservations in Seaside.
Seaside Visitors Bureau
www.seasidefl.com/vacation/rentals
Rental service for beach chairs,
umbrellas, kayaks and more.
Cabana Man
850.231.5046 / www.cabanaman.com
Licensed Real Estate Broker.
Seaside Community Realty, Inc.
Dedicated to the exclusive sales of
Seaside properties since 1983.
850.231.2201 / www.seasidefl.com
Take us with you!
You can download the latest map and list
of places to shop and dine at
theseasidetimes.com/SSTShopandDine2014.pdf
Link to any of our advertisers.
Visit us at www.theseasidetimes.com
Page 16
July–August 2014
T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m
July/August Calendar of Events 2014
July
Stories by the Sea
Mondays-Fridays, July 1-31, 4
p.m. – Lyceum Arch (next to
Shimmering Seas Jewelry)
Join the Seaside Repertory Theatre
as we present a one-of-a-kind
storytelling experience for children
of all ages. Each day will offer a
new story and there might even be
opportunities for your participation!
Sand Sculpting with Sand Odyssey
Tuesdays/Thursdays, July 1/3,
8/10, 15/17, 22/24, 29/31, 1-3 p.m.
Tuesday & Thursday afternoons
feature a continued tradition this
summer filled with all things sand,
as Seaside offers free sand sculpting
lessons by sand master Mark Flynn
from Sand Odyssey. Learn exciting
techniques on how to construct a
sculpture that will wow your friends
and family. No wristband needed —
just meet on the beach underneath
the Coleman Pavilion next to Bud &
Alley’s Pizza Bar.
Seaside Summer Concert Series
Wednesdays, July 2, 9, 16, 23, &
30, 7 p.m. – Seaside Amphitheater
Celebrate the summer season with
your friends and neighbors as we
welcome the sounds of some of the
regions top musical acts to Seaside.
Music will fill Central Square and
entertain guests of all ages.
Stars & Stripes in Seaside: A July
4th Celebration
Friday, July 4 – 30A & Seaside
Amphitheater
Travel through Seaside for this
patriotic celebration. Start the day
out at 8 a.m. with the annual July
4th parade down Scenic Highway
30A and concluding in Seaside
with even more fun. Then make
sure to reserve your spot on the
lawn for a festive Pops performance
from the Pensacola Symphony
Orchestra at 7:15 p.m., followed by
an unbelievable fireworks finale at
9 p.m. Make sure to grab your seat
on the lawn early, as space fills up
quickly for this festive event.
“First Friday” ArtWalk
Friday, July 4, 5-8 p.m. – Ruskin
Place & Central Square
Enjoy live music and view beautiful
works of art and artist demos at the
galleries and shops of Ruskin Place
and select
Central
Square
merchants.
Seaside Farmers Market
Saturdays, July 5, 12, 19, & 26, 8
a.m. -noon – Amphitheater
Get your pick of fresh produce,
baked goods, dairy products, native
plants and other unique
offerings during our
market on Saturday
mornings. Find local
specialties that will help
sustain our growers.
Enjoy special cooking
demos and activities sure to liven up
your morning! Held behind Raw &
Juicy.
Children’s Theatre Performance –
Seaside Repertory Theatre
Mondays, July 7, 14, 21, & 28, 6:30
p.m. – Seaside Amphitheater
Join the REP for a magical children’s
theatre performance in the Seaside
Amphitheater. Each Monday night
throughout the summer, enjoy
an educational and entertaining
experience for kids of all ages. For
more details on the REP, visit: www.
seasiderep.org.
Central Square Cinema
Fridays, July 11, 18, & 25, 8 p.m. –
Seaside Amphitheater
Grab your blankets and head to the
amphitheater
for movies
under the
stars. Enjoy
blockbusters
& classics alike during this summer
series of films.
August
Stories by the Sea
Mondays-Fridays, August 1-8,
4 p.m. – Lyceum Arch (next to
Shimmering Seas Jewelry)
Join the Seaside Repertory Theatre
as we present a one-of-a-kind
storytelling experience for children
of all ages. Each day will offer a
new story and there might even be
opportunities for your participation!
“First Friday” ArtWalk
Friday, August 1, 5-8 p.m. –
Ruskin Place & Central Square
Enjoy live music and view beautiful
works of art and artist demos at
the galleries and shops of Ruskin
Place and select Central Square
merchants.
Central Square Cinema
Fridays, August 1, 8, & 15, 8 p.m.
– Seaside Amphitheater
Grab your blankets and head to the
Amphitheater for movies under the
stars. Enjoy blockbusters & classics
alike during this summer series of
films.
Seaside Farmers Market
Saturdays, August 2, 9, 16, 23, &
30, 8 a.m.-noon – Amphitheater
Get your pick of fresh produce,
baked goods, dairy products, native
plants and other unique offerings
during our market on Saturday
mornings. Find local specialties that
will help sustain our growers. Enjoy
special cooking demos and activities
sure to liven up your morning. Held
behind Raw & Juicy.
Children’s Theatre Performance –
Seaside Repertory Theatre
Mondays, August 4 & 11, 6:30
p.m. – Seaside Amphitheater
Join the REP for a magical children’s
theatre performance in the Seaside
Amphitheater. Each Monday night
throughout the summer, enjoy
an educational and entertaining
experience for kids of all ages. For
more details on the REP, visit: www.
seasiderep.org.
Sand Sculpting with Sand Odyssey
Tuesdays/Thursdays, August 5/7
& 12/14, 1-3 p.m.
Tuesday & Thursday afternoons
feature a continued tradition this
summer filled with all things sand,
as Seaside offers free sand sculpting
lessons by sand master Mark Flynn
from Sand Odyssey. Learn exciting
techniques on how to construct a
sculpture that will wow your friends
and family. No wristband needed —
just meet on the beach underneath
the Coleman Pavilion next to Bud &
Alley’s Pizza Bar.
Seaside Summer Concert Series
Wednesdays, August 6 & 13, 7
p.m. – Seaside Amphitheater
Celebrate the summer season with
your friends and neighbors as we
welcome the sounds of some of the
regions top musical acts to Seaside.
Music will fill Central Square and
entertain guests of all ages.
Labor Day Weekend Celebration
Friday & Saturday, August 29 &
30 – Seaside Amphitheater
The Merchants of Seaside host
an end of summer celebration
with a host of events ranging from
music to movies to crafts for the
kids. There is no better way to say
goodbye to a spectacular summer
season and gear up for another busy
fall of exciting events.
All events are subject to change. Please refer to SeasideFL.com and Facebook.com/SeasideFlorida for
updates on event details, including location.
July–August 2014
Page 17
T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m
ARCHITECTURE
In Surf We Trust wins architecture award
Photos by Paul Hester, Hester + Hardaway Photographers
Congratulations to Curtis & Windham Architects, which won a 2014 Palladio Award in the category of
New Design & Construction - less than 5,000 square feet, for Seaside Avenue residence.
Built between 2011 and 2012, In
Surf We Trust was constructed on
the last remaining undeveloped
lot on Seaside Avenue. The architectural gesture common to the
houses on this street is the continuous two-story porch, a feature
mandated by the code for this location within the town plan. To differentiate this house from the linear porches and box-like houses we
found common to this street, we
strove for a more lively interpretation that relates to fanciful building forms characteristic of coastal
houses of the Victorian era. With a
vaulted ceiling capped by a conical
roof, the elliptical space animates
the front façade in a sculptural
way that has become the signature
gesture of the front elevation. The
porch space engages both floors
with a gang of curved windows
that pushes its curved plane into
the house. Though the porch encroaches across building setback
lines, the town of Seaside encouraged this design by approving the
variance and allowing for experimentation within the code.
Similarly sculptural tower-like
forms were used at the corners of
the garden façade. The rounded
forms anchor the internal organization of the house while helping to resolve the asymmetrical
geometry of the lot and off-axis
placement of the separate guest
house and beach storage building.
The first contains a stair and the second, a porch and second floor sitting
room overlooking the garden and
pool. Save for some walls around
the kitchen, the first floor is an open
loft-like space punctuated by four
columns that contains a large family room, dining room, and bar. A
guest bedroom and master bedroom
suite occupy the second floor, each
with access to the second floor of the
front porch.
Turned porch columns, exterior
shingle patterns, lap board interior, and expressed ceiling structure are features of this house that
identify with coastal vernacular
examples from along the Eastern
Seaboard. The challenge of building
a structure that derives its details
from traditional light-gauge wood
framed houses in a coastal hurricane zone was met with design and
construction skill. A continuous
steel structure runs from roof to
ground, routed through the solid
wood porch columns. Windows,
too, were engineered to hurricane
protections standards, but retain
the attenuation and appropriate detailing of a traditional divided light
window. The seeming simplicity of
detail on the interior is just as rigorously conceived; joints between
the horizontal lap boards each align
with the treads of the stair and are
carried throughout the interior.
Rigorous design and construction
execution made it possible to build
a house that meets structural requirements without compromising
the detail and lightness of a traditional coastal house or the exuberance of a new porch form. c
The project will be published in the
July issue of Period Homes magazine, along with the other winners.
— Annatina Aaronson, Curtis &
Windham Architects Inc.
Page 18
July–August 2014
INSTITUTE
T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m
REGIONAL NEWS
Women’s Retreat Weekend Animal Advocate Receives
at the Academic Village
Daily Point of Light Award
By Diane Dorney
The Seaside Institute will hold a
three-day women’s retreat focused
on health and wellness approaches
for mind, body and spirit at the Academic Village from Sept. 19 to 21.
The weekend will include lectures
delivered by wellness professionals,
and exercise led by experienced instructors and social activities. Early
registration pricing is $425, which
includes a two-night stay in the Academic Village, breakfast each morning and a reception on Friday evening.
After Aug. 30, the price will be $500.
Weekend retreat packages without
accommodations are $200 for early
registration, $250 after Aug. 30.
Speakers include Leigh Baldwin,
director of Wellness and Counseling
Services at The Women’s Hospital in
Evansville, Ind.; and Leslie Bonci, director of sports nutrition at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
and sports dietitian for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Pirates,
Pittsburgh Penguins, University of
Pittsburgh Department of Athletics, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, and
Milwaukee Brewers. Bonci, based in
Pittsburgh, Pa., is also co-author of
“Run Your Butt Off.”
Pulling from the wonderful local
talent along 30A, yoga and meditation instructor, Melissa Davis, will
be on hand Saturday and Sunday to
offer early morning yoga (Vinyasa
style) and meditation. Also, Jenifer
Kuntz, owner of Raw & Juicy, an
organic food/juice bar and eating
establishment that operates from
a converted Airstream along Scenic Highway 30A in Seaside, will
demonstrate how to make the perfect smoothie. More offerings: a twomile trail walk, sunset beach walk
and iPhoneography lesson given by
super-creative, Studio b owner, Colleen Duffley.
The weekend will kick-off with a lecture and reception Friday evening in
the new Seaside Assembly Hall. More
details can be found at www.seasidewomensretreat.eventbrite.com.
The retreat is designed as an opportunity for women to find some
life-balance in the most beautiful
beach community in America. Space
is limited; advance registration is
encouraged. To view the poster
go to www.theseasidetimes.com/
WomensRetreat2014.jpg c
Diane Dorney is the executive
director of the Seaside Institute.
www.seasidefl.com
By Jill E. Tanner
Laurie Hood, founder of Alaqua
Animal Refuge, received the Daily
Point of Light Award from President George H. W. Bush. President Bush created the Daily Point
of Light Award in 1989 to recognize ordinary Americans from
all walks of life taking direct and
consequential voluntary action in
their communities to solve serious
social problems.
Hood says she feels deeply honored to be chosen as a Daily Point
of Light honoree. She has spent
the last seven years creating a safe
haven for animals in need, and
goes above and beyond to rescue
abused, neglected, and homeless
animals and has saved almost
10,000 animals since 2007.
Bush devotes attention to voluntary service as a means of solving
some of America’s most serious
social problems. In The Points of
Light Movement: The President’s
Report to the Nation, Bush wrote,
“Points of Light are the soul of
America. They are ordinary people who reach beyond themselves
to touch the lives of those in need,
Insta
Laurie Hood, Alaqua Animal Refuge founder
bringing hope and opportunity,
care and friendship. By giving so
generously of themselves, these
remarkable individuals show us
not only what is best in our heritage, but what all of us are called
to become.” c
Connect with SEASIDE®
Instagram.com/seaside_newtownoldways
Twitter.com/seasideFL_
July–August 2014
Page 19
T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m
Tennis Tips: How to Watch Tennis on the Tube
By Tracy Townsend
Couch potatoes, you’re going to
love the tip this month. With all the
rain we have received over the last
year, I’m going to help you learn by
watching a tennis match — on television.
Now that there is a channel dedicated to tennis and all the major
tournaments are aired on numerous channels, it’s easy to find a
good match on TV. Particularly on
rainy days when I cannot get the
courts playable due to heavy rain,
watch a match and learn from the
comfort of your own couch.
Look first at the players’ court
position. Are they on the baseline
moving side to side, or are they
Note their patience,
their depth, their spins,
their variety, and their
great footwork.
Tracy Townsend,
Seaside Tennis
pressing to get to the net? Singles is primarily played from the
baseline these days, while doubles
is played by trying to control the
net. Watch how players move and
recover after each shot. Focus on
one player’s movement and check
Tracy Townsend, Seaside Tennis
out the footwork, court coverage
and tactics that they play with.
And then see how the opponent
tries different things to counteract
those tactics.
Listen to the announcers. A lot
of the commentators are ex-players
and have great insights as to how
the game is being played. Former
No. 1 players like Courier, McEnroe, Everett and Navratilova are often heard giving tips and analysis of
ongoing matches. How lucky are we
to hear what a “real player” is thinking? These players are light years
ahead of us in their on-court thinking and strategy. Try to implement
their advice into your own game.
And last, and I think most fun,
turn the volume off and really
TENNIS
watch the point. Notice how the
pros play points, and compare it
to how you play points. Note their
patience, their depth, their spins,
their variety, and their great footwork. Think about some of your
past matches and see how these
things could have helped you win a
close match. And think how fun it
will be to try some of these things
the next time you play!
You can always learn something
from watching a televised match
of some of the greatest players on
the planet. Or you could come see
me and let me pick on you and help
you out on the court. Either way, I
hope you are always trying to learn
something new and fun! See you
on the courts. c
Tracy Townsend is a resort tennis expert, and his company 30A
Tennis manages Seaside Tennis on
behalf of the Seaside Community
Development Corp. You can reach
him at tennis@seasidefl.com, or call
(850) 231-2214. For news, events
and court conditions, find Seaside
Tennis on Facebook.
Pro Shop Hours:
Mon-Thurs 8 a.m-4 p.m.
Friday-Sunday 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Eye-Opener Clinic:
Mon-Thurs 8-9 a.m.
Round Robin:
Fri-Sun 9-10:30 a.m.
Sunshine Turtle Express makes getting around
30A convenient and fun. Even locals, like Seaside
local Campbell Carter, enjoy a ride. Photo by
Makenzie Carter.
Page
Page20
20
ABOUT TOWN
November–December
July–August 2014
2013
T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m
Seaside hosts nationally published food bloggers: Left to right: Maria Lichty-Two Peas and Their Pod;
Jenny Flake-Picky Palate; Ali Ebright-Gimme Some Oven; Shelly Jaronsky-Cookies and Cups; Heidi
Larsen-Foodie Crush; Jenny Flake-Picky Palate; Amanda Green Bottoms-Kevin and Amanda; Gina
Homolka-Skinny Taste. Photo by Lori Leath Smith
Hands Across the Sand, which began in Seaside in 2009 as a means to prevent offshore drilling, draws
thousands of passionate people across the world who support clean energy. Photo courtesy Hands
Across the Sand
Travel and food bloggers from throughout the U.S. joined Seaside for a media tour in May to sample
food from Seaside’s unique eateries, as well as enjoy other activities found in Seaside — riding Seaside
Transit Authority bikes and shopping. Left to right: Gina Homolka-Skinny Taste, Maria Lichty-Two Peas
and Their Pod, Shelly Jaronsky-Cookies and Cups, Heidi Larsen-Foodie Crush, Jenny Flake-Picky
Palate, Ali Albright-Gimme Some Oven and Amanda Green Bottoms–KevinandAmanda.com. Photo by
Lori Leath Smith
The Dirty Guv’nahs perform in Seaside. Photo by Brandan Babineaux
Facilitated by VISIT South Walton, Seaside welcomed TV show “Atlanta Eats” for a video shoot on
Seaside’s Airstream Row for an upcoming segment. Pictured is Murphy of Barefoot BBQ discussing
some of his unique and southern fare for host Mara Davis. Photos courtesy Amy Barbieri, Atlanta Eats
Arix Zalace of Collective Catalyst Media shoots Seaside’s trolley video, featuring model Savannah Smith.
dress - Seaside Beach; glasses - Artful Eye; jewelry - La Vie Est Belle; bike - Seaside Transit Authority.
Photo by Lori Leath Smith
Visitors and locals ride the Sunshine Turtle Express to not only get to where they want to go on 30A, but
also to enjoy the experience while getting there.
November–December
2013
July–August 2014
Page
Page 21
21
T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m
LIFE
Summer Intern Puts the
Surf School Opens in Seaside
Seaside Institute ‘On the Map’
Austin Magee has been surfing more
than half his life, his travels taking him
from the Gulf Coast to the razor sharp
reefs of Indonesia and Bali. He brings
his surfing know-how to Seaside, offering lessons for anyone wanting to
hang 10. “This deep seeded connection gets rejuvenated every time I
teach someone how to ride a wave,”
he says. “It doesn’t matter whether you
By Diane Dorney
Eric Pate, a student in the Master of
Urban and Regional Planning program
at the University of New Orleans with
a focus in transportation planning and
urban design, is working with the Seaside Institute this summer.
Born in Pensacola, Fla., and raised in
Tallahassee, Pate has acquired an interest in the growth and development
of northwestern Florida. His strong
interest in traditionally designed communities throughout north Florida
began while a student at Florida State
University. As an advocate of traditional urban design as a means to
address a wide variety of the negative
side effects of automobile-dependent
growth, Pate is excited to be assisting
the Seaside Institute in pursuing its
mission of promoting New Urbanism
through documenting the development of Seaside and fostering the education of students and professionals.
One of the first projects Pate is
working on is the design of a walking tour map for Seaside — one that
tourists, students and homeowners
can take on their own, if they like.
Bits and pieces of Seaside’s history
will be woven through the tour with
architectural and planning highlights
that should not be missed. The institute plans to have the map available in
print and electronic formats.
Since Pate’s field of study relates
specifically to transportation planning and urban design, he is analyzing
Eric Pate
recent transit investments and work
done by other consultants for Seaside, as well as conducting research on
other strategies that may be considered in the future. Traffic speeds will
be documented along 30A in order to
develop a better understanding of traffic behavior in the area.
In addition, Pate is studying the civic
areas of Seaside and presenting ideas
for streetscape improvements through
use of Photoshop, Google SketchUp,
illustrative sketches and a variety of
methods. He is staying in the recently
completed Academic Village for the
course of his internship. We look
forward to sharing his work with the
community. c
Diane Dorney is the executive
director of the Seaside Institute.
are six or 76. The thrill that pours over
you when you feel the energy beneath
your feet is unlike anything else.”
Who can sign up:
Ages 5 and older, must be
able to swim
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
For more information, including
pricing, contact: (850) 217-4042;
austin.magee@rocketmail.com c
Page 22
July–August 2014
T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m
WHAT’S NEW
Seaside’s Newest Airstream, Swell Pops Offers
Sóng, Opens
Refreshing Healthy Treats
Serving southeast Asian-inspired, street food-style dishes
from fresh local products, Sóng
is the latest Airstream in Seaside.
Owner and chef Tommy Stein is
a local who returned home after
a decade away from Santa Rosa
Beach. Stein got his start in kitchens on 30A when he was 14 years
old. He left for California to pursue
its lively food scene and he soon
found himself ascending the ranks
in the culinary world of San Fran-
cisco. He was drawn away by an offer to work in Australia, where he
spent the next four years running
kitchens, surfing and dipping out
to Asia whenever possible. Tommy’s travel bug is fueled by more
than just an ache for the next surf
break — he chases the flavors and
spices of the street food fare. Food
carts and the sagacious old ladies
of the back alleys of Southeast Asia
have inspired the menu at Sóng. c
Specializing in hand-crafted,
gourmet popsicles with a coastal
focus, Swell Pops is new to Seaside.
Family owned and operated by
David and Haylee Huffman, the
pops are made with fresh fruit, local
produce and organic ingredients, offering a healthy dessert option to the
locals and visitors. The mobile cart is
set up at the Seaside Amphitheater
from 4-9 p.m. daily, plus additional
times when needed. c
Visit Sóng’s Facebook page at facebook.com/Songairstream/info
Follow us!
#SeasideFL_
www.seasidefl.com
July–August 2014
Page 23
T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m
Ruskin Park Gets
Decorative Addition
By Wendy O. Dixon
Ruskin Place, a mixed-use neighborhood and park in Seaside, has
always been somewhat of a hidden treasure, surprising visitors
who come upon the small outdoor rooms to the north of Central Square. The tranquil park,
surrounded by boutiques and art
galleries, rewards those who want
to take an afternoon spent relaxing
under the twisted oaks.
The park has a new feature, installed in May — an artistic metal
gate in front of the lawn of the
park. Three years in the making,
the Ruskin Place homeowners first
conceived the idea of the gate. Resident artists Laura Granberry and
Mary Florence Forsythe drew the
initial designs and Freeport-based
metal fabricator Jos Bekkers constructed the final piece.
While most gates are meant to
keep people out, this gate does not
restrict access to the green space in
Ruskin Park. Rather it diverts high
intensity traffic — mainly bikes and
strollers — toward the perimeter of
the lawn framed by sidewalks, park
benches and shops, keeping the
AROUND TOWN
lawn in tact for anyone who wants
to enjoy a blanketed picnic or walk
on the grass through the back portion of the lawn.
“It’s too beautiful to be a gate,” says
Seaside resident Glen Seawell, who
has the gate’s massive modern medieval key. “It’s more of an artistic
structure. Because of the artistic nature of the gate, it’s attracting people. It’s become a great photo op.” c
The hand-crafted
gate features hidden
elements. See if you
can spot all of them:
Paintbrushes
Fairy
Dragonflies
Butterflies
Fishhook
Bonefish
Connect with us!
Seaside, Florida
Ruskin Park’s latest addition is an elegant gate leading to the park’s green space, maintaining the
lush lawn for its visitors. Photo by Michael Granberry
Page 24
July–August 2014
T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m
July–August 2014
Page 25
T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m
ART & CULTURE
To Host Nutcracker Auditions for 2014
By Lori Leath Smith
Seaside will host auditions for
the third annual Seaside Nutcracker Friday, Aug. 22, from 5 to 6
p.m. at the Seaside Assembly Hall,
located across the lawn from the
Seaside Neighborhood School at
168 Smolian Circle. Dancers ages
eight to18 from the northwest
Florida regions are eligible to participate in auditions.
The Nutcracker in Seaside will
be directed and choreographed
by Rose Barile, an honor graduate of Juilliard School and former
prima ballerina with the Atlanta
Ballet. The one-time performance
of Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet is
scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 22,
2014, and will feature Act II. The
performance will be free and open
to the public.
Barile recently celebrated more
than 30 years as director of Alpharetta Dance Theatre and her
company has performed The Nutcracker in north Atlanta for 18
years. “We are excited about creating an opportunity for dance
students to develop qualities of
strength, discipline and leadership
in their school and communities,”
says Barile.
An audition fee and pre-registration is required. For more details
and registration, please direct your
inquiries to rose.barile@aol.com. c
2013 Nutcracker performance. Photo by Sheila Goode
The Joffrey Ballet to Host Auditions for 2015 Performance
America’s premier ballet company, The Joffrey Ballet has set its
debut performance in Seaside for
Saturday, May 2, 2015.
The namesake of the late Robert Joffrey, the ballet has a long list
of firsts, including the first dance
company to perform at the White
House, the first to appear on television and the first and only dance
company to appear on the cover of
Time magazine.
The Joffrey Ballet has dazzled audiences for more than a half century,
and is still one of the most sought
after companies in the world. The
Chicago-based ballet company and
dance education organization is
committed to artistic excellence
and innovation, presenting a unique
repertoire encompassing masterpieces of the past and cutting-edge
works. Through the Joffrey Academy’s programs, students develop a
diverse set of skills including artistry, creativity, discipline and confidence, among others.
The Joffrey will hold auditions
for the 2015 performance Oct. 4-7,
2014; Choreographer Davis Robertson will host an open audition for local dancers in the Seaside Assembly
Hall, selecting 15 dancers to participate in the workshop held April 30May 2, 2015. The performance will
include 26 Joffrey dancers and local
and regional community dancers,
with rehearsals conducted by Seleta
Hayes Howard, Nutcracker ballet
mistress and ballet instructor of the
Dance Academy of Seaside Neighborhood School.
“The Joffrey Ballet auditions will
offer local and regional dancers an
opportunity to try out with the premiere ballet company in the U.S.,”
says Lori Leath Smith, director of
public relations and marketing for
Seaside Development Corp. “The
workshop will allow community
dancers to experience the quality
training that the Joffrey Ballet offers.
The performance will allow dancers to showcase their talent, skill
and the information learned during
the workshop and will offer attendees and the community a delightful,
quality performance of the Joffrey
Ballet, found in places such as New
York and Chicago, not having been
to this area before.”
More information, including audition times, will be published in a future issue of The Seaside Times. c
Page 26
July–August 2014
T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m
July–August 2014
Page 27
T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m
Natural Sweetness
FARMERS MARKET
The Honey Hutch is abuzz thanks to its pure golden goodness
By Debbie McChesney
Amy Wright was introduced to
beekeeping as a child when her
grandfather gave her a rather unusual Christmas present. Well,
maybe unusual for some families,
but not the Wrights. The present
was a swarm of bees and all the necessary gear for starting a hobby in
keeping bees and collecting honey.
Her grandfather received the same
present from his father years ago.
Wright loved the gift, which ignited a passion for working outdoors with her hands and learning
about different types of honeybees.
In the beginning, Wright and her
dad harvested the honey together.
They set honey-filled mason jars
on the front steps of their home.
And using an honor system, anyone who wanted a jar could leave
Amy Wright
Wright’s Italian honeybees produce 500 gallons
of honey per year.
The Honey Hutch offers wildflower, gallberry, red
clover and, occasionally, Tupelo honey. Photos
courtesy Amy Wright
the money in a birdhouse named
the Honor House. “To my knowledge the honor system was never
violated,” Wright recalls.
Last month Wright celebrated
the one-year anniversary of her
company, The Honey Hutch. She
is a regular vendor at the Seaside
Farmer’s Market and also sells her
honey to local restaurants and
shops. In Seaside you can pick up a
jar at Modica Market, or taste her
honey while sipping a smoothie at
Raw and Juicy.
Wright sells wildflower, gallberry, red clover and, occasionally,
Tupelo honey. There are different
“Honey never spoils.
In fact, it was found
in a jar in King
Tut’s Tomb …
it was still edible
after 3,000 years.”
Amy Wright, owner,
The Honey Hutch
types of Wildflower honey, Beach
Wildflower and South Walton
Wildflower; each has a different
flavor and a different season. Tupelo honey can only be harvested
for a couple of weeks in the late
spring.
Her Italian honeybees produce
an astounding 500 gallons of honey
per year. When asked what makes
her honey different she explains,
“Grocery store honey can be flavored corn syrup, not honey at
all, it is almost impossible to regulate.” Wright also comments on
the health benefits of enjoying local honey, which carries local pollen and is a natural anecdote to
regional allergies. It also can serve
as a great cough medicine. “Honey
never spoils,” she says. “In fact, it
was found in a jar in King Tut’s
Tomb, though crystallized, one
only needed to melt it down by sitting it in the sun on a window sill.
It was still edible after 3,000 years.”
Wright has spoken at Butler
Elementary School sharing her
knowledge of the wonderful world
of bees, and recently participated
in E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center
Earth Day, giving back to the community by teaching children about
beekeeping and the important role
bees play in our environment. She
taught children, exhibiting how
you first calm the bees by blowing
smoke that acts to calm them down,
then reaching into the box (the super) and checking to make sure
the hive is covered with wax. “If
the wax on the hive is disturbed by
the keeper but not ready for honey
extraction, the bees will repair the
damage and leave the hive and its
surroundings in perfect condition,”
she says. “They clean up the mess
and run a tidy operation!” You can
order honey online and learn more
about Amy Wright and The Honey
Hutch at website on one line
www.thehoneyhutch.com. c