FROM THE STATE

DeSantis announces 17-Day extension of Gulf Recreational Red Snapper Season

On Friday, Governor Ron DeSantis announced Florida is extending the already record 2023 recreational Gulf red snapper season by 17 days, adding every Friday through Saturday in September, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving Day to the previously announced season.

• The 2023 season now totals 87 days, the longest combined season since the state assumed management of red snapper. 

Those fishing from private recreational vessels in state and federal waters in the Gulf, and charter vessels without a federal reef fish permit that are limited to fishing in state waters, will be able to participate in the 2023 Gulf red snapper season.  

“I am proud to extend our historic Gulf red snapper season and provide even more opportunities for anglers of all ages to see why Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “While Biden and his federal agencies shorten seasons and strangle fishing opportunities elsewhere, we’re showing what responsible, freedom-minded government can accomplish.”

These dates extend the fall season by 17 days. The fall season now includes every Friday–Sunday throughout the months of September, October, and November as well as Labor Day and Thanksgiving Day. See the updated fall season dates below:

• September 1–4 (Friday–Monday of Labor Day Weekend)
• September 8–10
• September 15–17
• September 22–24
• September 29–October 1
• October 6–8
• October 13–15
• October 20–22
• October 27–29
• November 3–5
• November 10–12 (Veterans Day Weekend)
• November 17–19
• November 23–26 (Thanksgiving Weekend)

THINGS TO DO

Grammy-nominated Trombone Shorty headlines Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s benefit concert

Grammy-nominated brass sensation Trombone Story and his band, Orleans Avenue, will electrify audiences with his special fusion of funk, soul, and R&B at Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s upcoming Gala Event.

This one-night-only benefit concert is set for Saturday, Nov. 4 at Hotel Effie in Sandestin. It begins with a reception at 6pm followed by a gourmet dinner in the Juniper Ballroom. Then, it is on to a must-not-miss live performance by Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. 

• “Energy. Excitement. Booty-shaking musical revelry. All that is the mind-blowing musical experience of Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue — the best of the best musicians,’ says Sinfonia Music & Artistic Director Demetrius Fuller. “Hotel Effie at Sandestin will serve as an incredible backdrop for this musical extravaganza. As always, expect a few surprises throughout the evening.”

Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, born in New Orleans, grew up in the Tremé neighborhood steeped in jazz traditions. He hails from a musical family, including a grandfather and great-uncle with ties to Fats Domino. He began playing trombone at four, impressing Bo Diddley and performing at the New Orleans Jazz Fest.

• By six, he led brass bands, later joining Stooges Brass Band. He is best known as a trombone and trumpet player but also plays drums, organ, and tuba. He attended NOCCA with Jon Batiste, mentored by Cyril Neville. Andrews played with Lenny Kravitz, U2 and Green Day. 

On his unique sound, Andrews says, “New Orleans is like a big musical gumbo. The sound I have is from being in the city my whole life.”

“The Gala Event supports Sinfonia’s most important work in the community: bringing quality music to school children at no cost to them or their schools,” Fuller explains. “Trombone Shorty grew up playing music in the streets of New Orleans. He clearly understands the need to foster young musicians and that really resonates with me.”

General admission ticket prices for Gala Event featuring Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue are from $250 per person (rows four and five) and includes valet service, cocktail reception, silent and live auction, dinner by Chef Michael Krueger, live performance, tax, and gratuities.

• VIP Premiere (front row) tables (seating 10) and sponsorship opportunities are still available. Proceeds benefit Sinfonia Gulf Coast and its music education and community engagement initiatives throughout Northwest Florida.

Purchase tickets online at SinfoniaGulfCoast.org or by calling the box office at (850) 460-8800.

GIVING BACK

Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation adds new children’s charity to its line-up

Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF), recognized as the fifth largest charity wine auction in the country by Wine Spectator Magazine, has announced that is it adding Caring and Sharing of South Walton to its lineup of supported Northwest Florida children’s charities.

• Caring and Sharing of South Walton provides crisis relief to families in need within our local community through financial assistance, food, counseling, and case management. Founded in 1994, the organization serves close to 500 local families each month.  

“Caring & Sharing of South Walton is so excited to be the newest member of the DCWAF Family!” Caring & Sharing of South Walton Executive Director Carly Barnes said. “We have been serving our neighbors in need for close to 30 years. This partnership will allow us to continue providing crisis relief to the 500 families we serve each month while also expanding our food and financial assistance programs to reach those who need it most in our community.” 

With the addition of Caring and Sharing of South Walton, DCWAF supports 17 Northwest Florida charities, all of which help children in need by providing services for a variety of critical needs such as homelessness, food insecurity, mental health, and more.  

“DCWAF is delighted to welcome Caring & Sharing of South Walton to our list of benefiting charity partners,” DCWAF President Karah Fridley-Young said. “We are honored that, through the support of our donors, they can expand their services to even more neighbors in critical need.” 

DCWAF will distribute $3.4 million raised at the 18th Annual Destin Charity Wine Auction to its current 16 benefiting charities on Thursday, August 31 at a check presentation ceremony held at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa.

• The dates for the 19th Annual Destin Charity Wine Auction are set for April 26 – 27, 2024. Learn more at http://www.DCWAF.org. 

NOW OPEN

‘Graze Craze’ charcuterie business opens in Santa Rosa Beach

Graze Craze, a new concept specializing in charcuterie boards, opened its first Santa Rosa Beach storefront at 605 N. County Highway 393, suite 15A. 

The charcuterie concept curates arranged grazing boards and boxes featuring assortments of fresh ingredients, including gourmet meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables, artisanal sweets and more.

• Each grazing board is hand-crafted to cater to any lifestyle or palate and offered in a variety of size options to fit any type of occasion, from small, casual get-togethers, to large, lavish events, according to the company.

The new franchise business is owned by Santa Rosa Beach-resident Tala Amir, who immigrated to the U.S. in 1992. Amir’s entrepreneurial spirit has been a driving force in her life, leading her to pursue a career as a hair salon owner in the Atlanta-area.

• After serving the community as a hair stylist for 28 years and opening two successful salons, she decided to change course and seek an entirely new business venture that would allow her to offer something different to the Santa Rosa Beach area.

“Graze Craze is so unique, and I love that I have the opportunity to serve the community and provide something completely new,” said Amir. “The quality of our product, coupled with our concierge-style customer service will ensure that each and every client will have an exceptional charcuterie experience.”

The Santa Rosa Beach Graze Craze is open for pick-up, free local delivery, and catering Monday through Wednesday from 9am – 6pm and Thursday through Saturday from 9am – 7pm.

POLICE BLOTTER

Teenagers apprehended after allegedly robbing Mary Esther Vape Shop at gunpoint

On Monday, August 14, 2023, Watercloud Vapes, located at 300 Mary Esther Boulevard, was reportedly robbed at gunpoint around 4:20pm.

• The Victim reported that two young males, later identified as two 15-year olds from Niceville, entered his store and asked to see specific products in the rear of the store.

The victim walked into the back of the store and the subjects followed, according to the report from the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. When the victim turned around, he says that one of the teens displayed a gun with blue coloring and put it against his head, demanding cash.

When the victim replied he that didn’t have any cash, he says the suspect became very agitated and searched his pockets, uttering threats to “Blow his head off.”

The armed-teen then allegedly pulled the slide back on the gun, chambering a round, while the other teen filled a box with approximately $3,000.00 worth of various brands of legalized THC vape products.

• Both defendants then ran out of the store and got into a vehicle reportedly operated by an 18-year-old from Crestview.

According to the OCSO, all of the suspects were located and a Glock-style handgun with blue coloring and another firearm were recovered from a home in Crestview. The distinctive clothing worn by the armed-teen during the robbery was also recovered along with some of the stolen products from the store.

The trio face charges of armed robbery and grand theft.

PARKS+REC

Okaloosa and Mary Esther team up for new $3 million waterfront park, kayak launch

On Tuesday, August 15, 2023, the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved an agreement to purchase waterfront property on Cristobal Road in Mary Esther for a new public park, as well as enter into an interlocal agreement with the city to partner on the multi-million dollar project.

According to Deputy County Administrator Craig Coffey, the county was initially approached by Mary Esther’s City Manager about teaming up on potential projects within the city limits. 

• The city had taken note of Okaloosa’s previous successful partnerships with the City of Destin and was interested in identifying possibilities for new attractions and recreation options in Mary Esther. 

When the 0.77-acre property along Highway 98 went on the market, the county recognized its potential and moved to secure it, with the support of the district commissioner, Trey Goodwin. 

The parcels, plus the adjoining 28ft city right-of-way, are located on a cove historically called Lorretta Haven near what is believed to have been the former Cristobal Landing shipping dock. Its high elevation and existing live oaks make it suitable for park development, according to the county.

Under the plans, the park would offer parking, bathrooms, a fishing pier, non-motorized boat launch, seawall and dockage. Across the main channel are the spoil islands, with a large shallow water area on the south side of them that are ideal for fishing, paddle boarding and canoe/kayak areas without high speed boat traffic.

• A commercial property next door is looking to rent kayaks and paddleboards, creating a complementary neighbor, according to the county.

The total $3 million project budget will be split evenly between the county and city, using tourism revenue already collected from the newly expanded bed-taxing district. The county intends to purchase the property for $1.3 million, pending a favorable appraisal, with an additional $50,000 budgeted for standard closing costs. 

According to the approved interlocal agreement, the county will take the lead on park development through completion before handing over ownership and day-to-day operations to Mary Esther. The Mary Esther City Council unanimously approved the agreement on August 7.  

Coffey said the new waterfront park will help address the high demand for public water access from both tourists and residents as the area’s populations continue to grow. Water activities remain top draws for visitors to the area and are equally sought after by locals.

• “Free and open public access locations continue to be a major priority for our community, both for tourism and for our residents,” Coffey wrote. “As more people come to the area, the demand on these resources has likewise increased.”

The property purchase and park plans align with the county’s long-range vision for tourism growth and economic development. Officials believe the project has the potential to boost recreational opportunities in Mary Esther while also improving quality of life for local residents, all while using money collected from tourism.

According to the approved plans, the county will move quickly on acquisition and development. The purchase agreement requires closing by August 31, contingent upon completion of the property appraisal.