BIRDS Gulf Coast

A Winter Visitor Publication

February 2016

S N O W B I R D S 10 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y Y E A R

SnowbirdSnapspage 10-13

February EventsCalendar page 16-17

CoastalDowntownRenaissancepage 20-22

In print and online SnowBirdsGulfCoast.com

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BIRDSGulf Coast

Snow

INDEXPublisher’s Welcome ...................................................................................................6

Snowbird Snaps .................................................................................................... 10-13

Snowbird Clubs .................................................................................................... 14-15

Calendar of Events ............................................................................................... 16-17

Mardi Gras Celebrations ........................................................................................... 18

Coastal Downtown Renaissance ..........................................................................20-22

Tonie's Cajun Good Eats ........................................................................................... 24

Kiln Walk ....................................................................................................................25

Casino Fun .................................................................................................................27

Snowbird Fundraisers ................................................................................................28

Thank You Snowbird Advertisers .............................................................................30

ON THE COVERLee and Dick Schultz of Merrill, Wis., spend their days shelling, fishing and relaxing on Miramar Beach near Destin, Fla. At night they are lulled to sleep by the sound of the rolling surf. They are living the dream.. ...................... 8

Publisher: Karen Harrell / Publisher@SnowbirdsGulfCoast.com / 850.291.1266Art Director: Renee Culpepper/Culpepper PublicationsWriters and Contributors: Louis Cooper / Karen Harrell

Photography: Randy Hamilton/Hamilton Art Agency

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Welcome!After having a fairly mild early winter across the

country Mother Nature arrived in a big way toward the end of January with forecasts of record snowfall in many parts of the country. Cold winds blew through here too but soon the sunshine arrived and Snowbirds took up

their normal Gulf Coast routines.We had a busy January with several great expos to attend. The ResortQuest/Fort

Walton Beach Winter Guest Fest drew more than 1,500 people. The Pensacola Beach Bash drew several hundred Snowbirds who were able to interact with area businesses and take a trolley tour of the island.

I was happy to run into my dear friend Shelley Waters Johnson, shown with me in the photo above, at the event. Shelley is the second-generation publisher of the Island Times newspaper on Pensacola Beach. She lent me her ear and offered great advice to “think inside-out” when I launched this publication. She has been an unwavering supporter. I still remind myself of that advice today – nearly 10 years later - as I approach each Snowbird season. Be sure to pick up a copy of The Island Times when you are in the area.

The biggest increase in attendance is the second-year Navarre Snowbird Social and Business Expo staged at Hidden Creek Golf Course. The crowd overflowed into the parking lot and attendees were treated to numerous door prizes.

This month we will be at the Alabama Lifestyles Expo Feb. 11 at The Caribe Resort in Orange Beach, Ala. This event draws a cross section of vendors from Alabama communities and attractions around the Gulf Coast region.

Also, be sure to read about the great Snowbird fundraisers happening this month. What I’ve known for sure in the decade since I launched this publication is Snowbirds have a positive economic impact on the communities many call their second home.

We also profile several downtown communities enjoying a renaissance and encourage you to take a day trip to discover what they have to offer. As always, we showcase the many great entertainment acts in our regular calendar and casino calendar.

As always, we want to welcome you and wish you a great stay here on the coast.We are glad you are here.Sincerely,

Karen Harrell

Publisher@SnowbirdsGulfCoast.com 850-291-1266

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They found a Gulf-front condo at Miramar Beach, Fla., in 2008 that allows them to sleep with the sound of the surf; gives Lee a chance to go shelling at daybreak; and early morning fishing for Dick.

The couple both retired in 2006 - Dick, 72, after spending 28 years with 3M and Lee, 68, 30 years with a bank. They have three children and nine grandchildren.

They now spend a quarter or more of the year in the Destin area each year.

We learn more about them:

Q. Tell us how you discovered Destin and how many years you’ve been coming.

A. Our daughter Tabetha found Destin for us. I hate the computer so she did the searching and found us a place the first year which was November of 2006. We stayed at Windancer. We have been coming every year except 2007. That was the year our son-in-law passed away and we stayed home to help our daughter out. At Windancer I met some really nice people by sharing my baked goodies and they told us about The Beach House. So in 2008 we started coming here and have been here ever since. We love it here, there is no placelike being on the beach and listening to the sound of the ocean at night.

Q. When you were working and raising a family, did you have dreams about your retirement years and how you

would like to spend them?

A. When Dick’s brother was killed in an car accident at the age of 52 we decided then that our motto was going to be “LIVE TODAY DIE TOMORROW, AT LEAST YOU LIVED TODAY.” So that is when we started doing things different. We went on vacations with friends to different foreign islands. We never thought about that before. That is what made us want to do Florida. We found we loved the water.

Q. How did you find the place you are staying?

A. We met Rae and Don McFal from Virginia and they loved it here and told us about all the stuff they did here and now we love it also.

Q. What is your length of stay?

A. We usually stay for 4 months (November - February). This year we came the beginning of October because of Jack and Kathy Boex, our good friends from Stuergeon Bay, Wis., told us the Destin Seafood Festival is on and the fishing rodeo and they said we needed to do the seafood festival at least once. We are really glad we did but it sure was busy.

Q. What activities do you enjoy while you are in Destin?

A. We really don’t do a lot while we are here. Dick loves

Winter? Favorite Season!

Lee and Dick Schultz of Merrill, Wis., Are

Living the Dream Many Have of Their Retirement Years

to fish. I go to All Thing Girl Friends to do crafts. I love her place. I get to learn a few new things to do and Jana is so much fun, as well as the rest of the girls there. We also have crafts at the club house here at the beachhouse. I have met some really good friends since being here. Although I said when I first came down I didn’t come to make friends. I tease some of them that they only like me because I bring them fish. Some of the people only know us as the Fisherman and the Fisherman’s Wife. We just laugh at our potluck dinner, they are oh “you’re the Fisherman’s wife.”

Q. You are members of the Destin Snowbird Club, are you also volunteers? In what area?

A. We are on the prize committee and have been for three years. We collect in the Miramar area.

Q. What do you like about being a part of the club?

A. Well you get to meet a lot of people from a lot of different places. I love meeting the people from the businesses, most of them are so warm and friendly and you feel like you made a friend.

Q. Are there any side trips you like to take during your stay. If so, where are your favorite places to go?

A. We do go on little trips. We watch the weather and if a strange name catches my eye we go and visit it. We even found Wausau, Fla.

Q. Do you have a favorite place to stop enroute or on the way home from Destin? If so, why?

A. We stop where Superman is from in Metropolis, Ill. There is a casino there and we stay one night on our way to see our son in Missouri.

Q. What advice would you give to aspiring Snowbirds?

A. Find a fun thing to do. Like fishing or craft or cards.

Q. Do you have any favorite traditions while in the Destin area? Any favorite restaurants or shops?

A. We have not visited all the restaurants, almost impossible because there are so many. I love Italian. Tuscany, Christiano’s, Carrabbas, 98 BBQ, and Legions for breakfast. The girls there are wonderful. Love them. That’s just to name a few.

Q. How much snow did you normally have to deal with at home?

A. Depends on the year, sometimes feet.

9

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2016

WISCONSIN SNOWBIRDS

Snowbird Clubs Send your club news to Publisher@SnowbirdsGulfCoast.com

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Stay in touch throughout the year! Don’t forget to sign up for our new e-newsletter ‘Seasons’ to stay up to date. We reach more than 5,000 Snowbirds in each edition. Each year new Snowbirds find the Gulf Coast through this magazine and are looking for things to do, people to meet and recreational opportunities.

EMAIL SUBMISSIONS: publisher@snowbirdsgulfcoast.com. QUESTIONS? Call Karen Harrell at 850-291-1266

FLORIDAPENSACOLA BEACH: The Pensacola Beach Community Church welcomes Snowbirds to its monthly potlucks always held on the fourth Sunday of the month plus other church activities to include a winter Trivia night and other social events. Details: 850-932-6628 or http://thebeachchurch.com/church-events.html.

PERDIDO KEY: The second Snowbird Roost is Feb. 4. There is a new location for 2016. The very beautiful Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit located at 10650 Gulf Beach Hwy, Pensacola. Dozens of vendors answering questions and passing out free and fun gifts. Catered lunch provided. Tickets are only $5 and sold in advance only! Doors open at 11 a.m., lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. Second Seating: Doors open at 1 p.m., lunch at 1:30 p.m. Details: 850-492-4660 or www.visitperdido.com.

WALTON COUNTY SNOWBIRDS: Season dues are $9 and registration is held 30 minutes before each meeting. Entertainment for the Feb. 10 meeting is David Seering, 10 a.m. at Destin United Methodist Church, 200 Beach Drive, Destin, Fla. The February 24 features the Snowbird Chorus and will be held at Village Baptist Church, 10a.m., 101 Mathew Blvd., Destin, Fla. Snowbird activities are many from golf, recreation and fitness to a singles group, arts, crafts, computer club, day trips and more. Details: www.waltoncountysnowbirds.com.

DESTIN: The Roost is located at the Destin Community Center, 101 Stahlman Ave, Destin, Fla. February 2016 meeting dates are Tuesdays, times are 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. New this year, the club will be taking donations for ‘Space Age’ calendar with proceeds to benefit the Alaqua Animal Refuge located in Freeport. Each weekly meeting features live entertainment. The club sponsors many activities including mixers, golf, fashion show, craft show bowling, casino trips, chorale and Christmas party. Details: destinsnowbirds.org.

FORT WALTON BEACH: The Fort Walton Beach Snowbird Club is located on Okaloosa Island in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. With more 700 members, the club offers many activities and events to its members along with the camaraderie and fellowship of others who are in Fort Walton Beach area to enjoy the warmer weather and beautiful beaches during the winter months. The next monthly meeting is 10 a.m. Feb. 2

at the Elks Club, 1335 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, Fla. with registration just prior at 9 a.m. Registration will be held weekly throughout February at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays. The club sponsors craft, cards, games, golf outings and social events. Several "states" have breakfast meetings at the Ramada Plaza Beach Resort, 1500 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Fort Walton Beach. Minnesota meets weekly at 9 a.m. The Wisconsin group meets every other Tuesday (Feb. 9 and 23) and Michigan every other Wednesday (Feb. 10 and 24) and both are 9 .m. Details: information@FWBSBC.com or www.fwbsbc.com/activity-poster.html.

NAVARRE: Several hundred people attended the Navarre Snowbird Social and Business Expo at Hidden Creek Golf Club in January to learn more about the area. Upcoming, the Navarre Beach Snowbird Club will sponsor a Club Social Feb. 15 at Juana’s Pagodas on Navarre Beach. The event will include food, music, dancing and door prizes. Cost is $15 per person. Also, the Navarre Senior Center is offering a discounted season pass for its 20+ activities for $20. Special events are also held each month. The club is organizing card groups, golf outings and more. Details: www.Navarrebeachsnowbirdsclub.com or Navarrebeachsnowbirdsclub@gmail.com.

PANAMA CITY: In the absence of an organized Snowbird Club for the Panama City, Florida area, the Panama City Beach Senior Center fills the void as a state-of-the-art facility to seniors who are 50 years of age and older. Events at the

sprawling complex range from cards and games and diverse activities such as woodworking and yoga. Each Wednesday there is a free “Coffee Shoppe” with piping hot brew and donated day-old goodies from Panera Bread. A potluck is staged each month. February’s special events include the a Jumble Sale Feb. 6. The center is located at 423 Lyndell Lane, Panama City Beach, Florida. Membership is a minimal fee and covers the entire year. Details: 850-233-5065 or 850-236-3038. pcbsc.com.

ALABAMACANADIAN SNOWBIRD LUNCH: The annual gathering of Alabama and northwest Florida Canadian Snowbirds is set for 1 p.m. Feb. 8 at Cayman Grill, 6189 Canal Road, Orange Beach, Al. Last year’s event drew about 100 people. Participants will order off a limited menu. Details: Neil Wannamaker marnel48@hotmail.ca

GULF SHORES MEN’S COFFEE CLUB: The club meets at Gilbey's Restaurant at 25775 Perdido Beach Blvd in Orange Beach. The club will meet at the restaurant every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. for coffee. The club also throws horseshoes on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays at noon at Meyer Park in Gulf Shores.

ILLINOIS: The Illinois Club meetings will be at 8 a.m. (Arrival begins at 7:45 a.m.) Feb. 12 & 26, and March 11 at Cayman Grill (26189 Canal Rd, Orange Beach), The overall theme of the club is

Start every day with our complimentary hot breakfast buffet. Then unwind at our complimentary Social Reception every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening where we serve light dinner, beer, wine, and sodas. You can always stop by our onsite convenience store for an easy-to-prepare meal, work out in our fi tness center or use our complimentary laundry facility. Enjoy an evening outside in our outdoor living area while keeping warm next to the fi replace. Catch up with friends in the library or enjoy activities provided by the hotel. Best of all while you are out enjoying your day let us tidy up the place with our complimentary housekeeping services. We’re conveniently located near hospitals and medical facilities, so you’re always right where you need to be. Plus, enjoy the company of your pet just like at home, with our pet-friendly accommodations. That makes an extended stay an extended pleasure.

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14

Join the Club !to make the Gulf Coast community a better place to live and vacation through our participation in social and cultural events. Contact Glenn Philpott 618-978-1897 or gpott45@aol.com.

INDIANA: The Indiana Club meets for breakfast at 8 a.m. on the second and fourth Thursday til March. Cayman Grill, 26189 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, Ala. Indiana has a rich tradition of being Winter Visitors on the gulf coast. Join us for breakfast and meet your fellow Hoosiers! Contact Bev Lockhart at 317-432-8708 for reservations.

IOWA: The Iowa-Alabama Snowbird Club will meet for breakfast (8:30 a.m.) at Perdido Beach Resort on 27200 East Beach Blvd. Perdido Ballroom, Conference Center, 1st floor. Feb. 10 and 24. Many events planned for February.Details: Shari DeCook at 641-521-0929 or Sharon Hesselmans at 563-357-2721 for reservations.iowa-alabamagulfcoastsnowbirds.org.

MICHIGAN: The Michigan Snowbird Club will meet at the Erie Meyer Civic Center, 344 West 19th Avenue, Gulf Shores at 8:30 a.m. for coffee, meeting begins at 10 a.m. Feb. 4 & 18 and March 3. The meetings include entertainment, announcements of Club’s activities, door prizes. www.michiganclubalabama.com. Special Event: The 33rd Annual Michigan (Upper Peninsula) “YOOPER” Snowbird Luncheon will be held on Friday, Feb. 19 beginning at 11 a.m. at Hazel’s in Orange Beach. No need to call, just come and enjoy! Details: Gary Boushelle (989-387-0332).

MINNESOTA: Breakfast, Tuesdays, Cayman Grill,

26189 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, Ala. Doors open at 7:30 a.m., Breakfast at 8:30 a.m. In addition to weekly breakfast, the Minnesota Snowbird Club is very active in the community. Details: www.mnal.org.

MISSOURI: The Missouri Snowbird Club will meet for breakfast at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesdays Feb. 10 and 24 at Perdido Beach Resort (27200 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach). Business meetings are held at Phoenix V will alternate with breakfast. Trivia Night is set for 5 p.m. Feb. 13 at the Orange Beach Event Center at the Wharf. www.mosnowbirds.org.

NEW YORK: The New York Snowbird Club will meet for lunch at 11 a.m. on the 2nd and 4th Thursday at Cayman Grill (26189 Canal Road, Orange Beach). Reservations required. Contact Frank Panczyszyn 251-981-3120.

NORTH DAKOTA/SOUTH DAKOTA: Meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays February and the 2nd Tuesday of March at 9 a.m. at Hazel's Seafood Restaurant, 25311 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach, Ala. Details: Joyce 605-351-0274.

OHIO: The 2016 Ohio Snowbird Club will meet at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 3 & 17 and March 2 at a Cayman Grill, 26189 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL. For complete information call Sharon Shock at 419-769-2199.

PENNSYLVANIA: Breakfast meetings are 8 a.m. Wednesdays at Hazel’s Seafood Restaurant, 25311 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, Ala. Upcoming dates include: Feb. 3, 10, 24 and March 2 and 9. Potluck luncheons are noon

on Feb. 17 at the Orange Beach Presbyterian Church on Canal Road in Orange Beach, Ala. On selected Mondays (dates to be decided) we meet at 5 p.m. at O’Charley’s Restaurant in Foley for Eat & Talk. Contact person year round: Rich Smith: 908-420-8806 or bettyrich@rcn.com.

SENIOR SNOWBIRDS: A casual weekly potluck gathering of Snowbirds resumes on Thursdays starting Jan. 7 and running through March. Participants are asked to bring a dish to feed 10 and the cost is 50 cents. Table service and drinks are provided. Weekly at 12:30 at the Adult Activity Center, 260 Clubhouse Dr., Gulf Shores, Ala. Table service and drinks provided. Details: Michael O’Rourke 251-981-6060.

WISCONSIN: The Wisconsin Sno-bird Club 2016 meeting venue is the Orange Beach Event Center (OBEC) just west of the Wharf (4671 Wharf Pkwy, Orange Beach, Ala). The meeting date is Wednesday, Feb. 3. The February 18 meeting is on a Thursday, please note. Coffee and donuts at 8:30 a.m. with the meeting beginning at 9 am. Be sure to wear your name tag and bring any of the following that you have collected: Boxtops for education, Campbell’s soup labels, Nestle water bottle labels, pop tops from aluminum cans, empty printer cartridges, motel-size toiletries and manufacturer coupons for our military overseas. Various items are raffled off during the meetings. The social committees all have booths available with info on golf outings, local as well as distant trips, fundraisers, lunches etc. A full meeting and activity

schedule is available at the club’s website at https://sites.google.com/site/wisconsinsnowbirdclub/ or Kenn Krouse, 251 967 2463.

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DON'T MISS2/4 & 3/3PERDIDO KEY ROOSTS: The popular events welcome Snowbirds to sample free goodies, enjoy live entertainment and lunch! You must pre-register and the cost is just $5. There are two seatings in February – 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The roosts are held at a new venue this season: Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit, 10650 Gulf Beach Hwy., Pensacola, Fla. Note that there are two “Gulf Beach” highways so be sure to put the address in your GPS, if you have it. Purchase tickets at Perdido Key Visitor’s Information Center, 15500 Perdido Key Dr. Details: 850-492-4660.

2/1124th ANNUAL ALABAMA LIFESTYLES EXPO: This event is hosted at The Caribe Resort 28103 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach, Ala. 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Vendors from around the coast and Alabama are staged throughout two buildings at the sprawling resort. Many Snowbirds travel through the state while migrating to and from the Gulf Coast each winter. This is your chance to ask questions and get to know some of the “local” folks. Details: Bill at 205.222.2862 or email info@AlabamaAdvantage.com

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TUESDAYSBeach Boomers, Panama City Beach Public Library, 12500 Hutchison Blvd, Panama City Beach, Fla. Beach Boomers is a series of adventures in learning for adults! Topics include: Local History, Art Experience, Mystery Writers, Geneology, Collectibles, Florida, Archaeology, Digital Photography, Parks & Recreation, Yoga. 2 p.m. Details: 850-233-5055

Breakfast & Behind the Scenes, National Naval Aviation Museum, 1750 Radford Blvd., NAS Pensacola, Fla. $8 per person for breakfast and free tours of our aircraft restoration. Photo ID required. Doors open 8 a.m. Details: http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/ or 850-452-3604

Bingo Night, American Legion Post #382, 1850 Luneta St, Navarre, Fla. 6 p.m., Details: 850-936-5888

TUESDAY & THURSDAYACBL Duplicate Bridge, Lyndell Center, 423 Lyndell Lane, Panama City Beach, Fla. Duplicate bridge sanctioned by the ACBL. All ages welcome! Net proceeds benefit the charities supported by the Women’s Civic Club of PCB. 9:30 a.m. $5 Details: 850-628-9226

WEDNESDAYSSeniors Softball, Oakland Terrace Park, 1900 W.11th Street, Panama City, Fla. 55+ non-competitive and lots of FUN! Just bring your glove and join in. 1 p.m. Details: 850-238-0549

Bingo Night, American Legion Post #240, 8666 Gulf Beach Hwy, Pensacola, Fla, 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Details: 850-455-6111.

Boardwalk Talks, Estuarium, Dauphin Island Sea Lab Estuarium, 101 Bienville

Blvd, Dauphin Island, Ala. First and third Wednesdays, 11:15 a.m. The Northern Gulf Institute presents a series of informal conversations about all things scientific in the Gulf of Mexico region. Details: www.disl.org/estuarium or 251-861-2141

Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd, Theodore, Ala., hosts specialized workshops when the weather gets chilly in winter months. Each workshop covers a special feature of the Gardens or Home, tips for making your garden more spectacular or guest lectures and workshops from renowned members of the horticultural and gardening world. Reservations are requested for each program and can be made by calling 251.973.2217 or /bellingrath.org/experiences/events/winter-Wednesdays.

THURSDAYSArts in Medicine “Restorative Yoga” Series, Apalachicola Center for History, Culture and Art, 86 Water Street. ìRestorative Yogaî is a relaxing style of yoga where the postures are mostly reclined on a mat that is on the floor, or sitting up on the floor. The intention of this style of yoga is for relaxing & stress-reduction, focus on breath, meditation, concentration, being present and letting go. Details: 855-272-5224 or www.historicapalachicola.com

THURSDAYSAmericana Under the Stars, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park 7525 W. Scenic Highway 30A Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. Presenting original Americana music, including folk, jazz, blues and more by musicians from Florida and other states. The concerts take place at the newly refurbished and upgraded

amphitheater, unless bad weather conditions are present. If bad weather, the concert is held inside the clubhouse. Admission: $5 donation. Details: www.luckymudmusic.com or 850-267-8332

thru 2/24Needle Art Show, the Wright Place, 6 East Wright St., Pensacola, Fla. Over 75 needle art pieces featuring stitches such as hardanger, needlepoint, counted cross stitch and pulled threads. Details: 850-676-4028

thru 2/27Collection in Context: “Women Creating”, Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. Pensacola, Fla., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tues-Saturday. Details: 850-432-6247 or www.pensacolamuseum.org/

thru 2/28Snowbird Sunday Concert Series, The Market Shops Lawn, 9375 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Miramar Beach, Fla. 1-3 p.m. on The Market Shops lawn. Details: www.themarketshops.com/events/ or 850-837-3077

thru March Historic Pensacola Trolley Tour, Pensacola Visitor Center, 1401 E Gregory St., Pensacola, Fla. Enjoy a 50-minute narrated tour of the historic area of Downtown Pensacola, the “City of Five Flags.” You will hear about the first settlement of 1559 followed by permanent colonization in 1698. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Details: 850-941-2876 or beachbumtrolley.com/

thru 3/12The Way We Worked, Apalachicola Museum of Art, 96 Fifth Street, Apalachicola, Fla. Franklin County is one of six localities in Florida competively chosen to display this traveling exhibit which explores how work became such a central element in American culture, by tracing the many changes that affected the workforce and the work environment over the past 150 years. Details: apalachicolamuseumofart.org or 850-653-2090

1/29-31, 2/4-7Quilters: A Frontier Musical at the Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St., Pensacola, Fla. Based on the book The Quilters: Women and Domestic Art by Patricia Cooper and Norma Bradley Allen, Show times are 7:30 p.m. and there are two Sunday 2:30 p.m. matinees. Details: (850) 432-2042 or www.pensacolalittletheatre.com.

Antique Show and Sale, C.H. “Bull” Rigdon Northwest Florida Fairgrounds, 1958 Lewis Turner Blvd Fort Walton Beach, Fla. More than 55 booths. Furniture, silver, porcelain, books, nautical and more! Fri-Sat. 10 - 5 p.m.; Sun. 11-4 p.m. Admission: $5 all three days. Details: 850-863-3901 or 850-862-1925

1/30Gumbo Contest & Silent Auction presented by the Destin History & Fishing Museum, Destin Community Center, 101 Stahlman Ave. Destin, Fla. Area restaurants and individuals compete for the title of the best gumbo on the panhandle. Live music, Silent auction Sample all the areasí finest gumbo and cast your vote for the Peopleís Choice Award. Tickets: $15 per adult, $20 at the door the day of the event. Details: 850-837-6611

Man in the Sea Museum Oyster Bash, Dive Lab, 1415 Moylan Road, Panama City Beach, Fla. Come out and enjoy all you can eat raw and steamed oysters, hamburgers, and hot dogs for only $25! There will be live music, dive demonstrations, tours and more. 1-8 p.m. Details: www.maninthesea.org or 850-235-4101

Dixie Theatre presents Tribute to Patsy Cline: Margo Anderson, 21 Avenue E, Apalachicola, Fla. Details: http://www.dixietheatre.com.

1/31Winter Guest Concert Series Coconut Radio, HarborWalk Village, Destin, Fla. Shake off the chills of winter with free live music on HarborWalk Village’s main stage! All winter guest and locals are invited to enjoy live music from Coconut Radio 2-4 p.m.!

2/1-22016 Entertainment Series presents: “Dukes of Dixieland,” Erie Meyer Civic Center, 1930 W. 2nd St.Gulf Shores, Ala. Unlike their Dixieland name, this group plays New Orleans jazz music, from Dr. John and Fats Domino, to Huey Smith and Louis Prima, not to mention many of their own original songs. Details: (251) 968-1174 or www.gulfshoresal.gov/

2/2,16Winter Civil War Tours, 110 Hwy 180, Gulf Shores, Ala. Fort Morgan will being hosting Civil War Tours this winter. Dress according to the weather conditions. Tours of the fort will be led by a uniformed historical interpreter. Artillery firing will happen during the tours.

1:30 p.m., 251-540-5257 or http: www.fort-morgan.org

2/3Connecting with the past presents U.S.S. Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, Gulf Shores Welcome Center, 3459 Gulf Shores Pkwy., Gulf Shores, Ala. Free educational series highlighting our Alabama Coastal Connection National Scenic Byway. Details: www.gulfshores.com.

Boardwalk Talks, Dauphin Island Sea Lab Estuarium. The Northern Gulf Institute presents a series of informal conversations about all things scientific in the Gulf of Mexico region. Details: www.disl.org or 251-861-2141.

2/4A.B.C. Beverage Class ~ NOLA “The Birthplace of the Cocktail”, Atlas Oyster House, 600 South Barracks St., Pensacola, Fla. New Orleans is a city thats overflowing with flavor so were going to take a past-to-present tour; from Americas first cocktail, the Sazerac, to one of todays favorites, the Hand Grenade. $20. 6 p.m. Details: 850-516-2324

National Naval Aviation Museum, 1750 Radford Blvd., NAS Pensacola, Fla. The world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, a fully 19 member group, is the most popular and sought after big band in the world today. Since 1956, the present group has been performing an average of 300 live dates each year worldwide. Come hear the unique jazz and big band sounds at the National Naval Aviation Museum. 6:45 p.m. Admission: $30. Details: http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/ or 850-453-2389

2/4,11,18Elvis Tribute with Todd Allen Herendeen, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. at the Boardwalk Convention Center, 9600 S. Thomas Dr., Panama City Beach, Fl a. Details: 850-596-8125 or www.boardwalkbeachresort.com.

2/5Branson Show Camp 2016, George Dyer. 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. at Fort Walton Beach Civic Auditorium, 107 Miracle Strip Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach, Fla. Tickets: $18, $20, $30. Details: 850-243-3809.

Hot Glass, Cold Brew - Mardi Gras Edition at the First City Arts Center, 1060 N. Guillemard St, Pensacola, Fla. Live wheel-thrown pottery, glass bead making and live glass blowing demonstrations. Guests receive one-of-a-kind hand-blown glass cup or clay mug, complimentary food, brew and live music. Suggested donation: $25 for non-members, $20 members. Details: 850-429-1222 or www.FirstCityArt.org.

Winter Resident Appreciation Days, Lyndell Center, 423 Lyndell Lane, Panama City Beach, FLa. Winter residents are treated to complimentary coffee, donuts and giveaways. 8 a.m.

2/6 Dixie Theatre presents Spencer Bohren, 21 Avenue E, Apalachicola, Fla. Details: http://www.dixietheatre.com.

Americana Music at Camp Helen State Park Lodge, 23937 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach, Fla. Featuring the best American Roots musicians touring the country today. 6:30 p.m. at Camp Helen’s historic log cabin style lodge. FREE Details: 850-233-5059.

2/22 Super Jazz Gumbo - Jazz Pensacola presents siblings the Peter and Will Anderson Trio, featuring guitarist Alex Wintz at 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St., Pensacola, Tickets are $20. Details: (850) 433-8382.

FebruaryEvents C A L E N D A R

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17Pensacola Symphony presents Mozart Madness, 7:30 p.m. at First Methodist Church, 6 E. Wright St., Pensacola. Fla. Details: pensacolasymphony.com or (850) 435-2533.

2/7Air Force Band of the West, National Naval Aviation Museum, 1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacola, Fla. The Concert Band is a 45-member ensemble that represents the Air Force by performing for formal military ceremonies, educational clinics, and public concerts throughout the Southern United States. At every performance they offer a wide range of entertaining music to their audiences. The bands repertoire consists of music from the Renaissance through the present day, from symphonic band literature to Broadway musicals, and from Sousa marches to today’s popular hits.2 - 3 p.m., FREE. Details: 850-452-3806 or www.navalaviationmuseum.org.

2/9“In The Mood” America’s Favorite Big Band Show, Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox Pl., Pensacola, Fla. Much more than just a concert, In the Mood is a fully staged tribute to Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman and the big band greats of the ‘40s. Complete with authentic costumes and choreography. Details: 850-595-3880 or www.pensacolasaenger.com.

2/10Winter Resident Senior Prom, Edgewater Beach and Golf Resort, 11212 Front Beach Rd., Panama City Beach, Fla. Dinner provided with live entertainment from Go Big or Go Home band. 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. Details: 850-233-5070.

2/10-5/15Da Vinci’s Machines & Robotics, The Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, 65 Government St., Mobile, AL. This interactive blockbuster exhibit is on loan from The Museum of Leonardo Da Vinci in Florence, Italy and appeals to all ages. The traveling exhibit contains more than 60 machines. The collection brings to life the most important and impressive designs of the original Renaissance Man, including the bicycle, springpowered car, hang glider, helicopter and for the first time his incredible robotic drummer. Details: 251-208-6893 or www.exploreum.com.

2/10Bay County Audubon Bird Walk, Conservation Park, 100 Conservation Drive, Panama City Beach, Fla. Enjoy a leisurely morning walk around the Conservation Park guided by the Bay County Audubon. Binoculars are available for these free events. 7:30 a.m. Details: www.visitpanamacitybeach.com.

2/12-13"Quilting with the Stars" 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the DeFuniak Springs Community Center, 361 N. 10th Street, DeFuniak Springs, Fla. Presented by the Chautauqua Quilters Guild, Inc. and the Emerald Coast Modern Quilt Guild. Entry fee: $6. Show includes vendors, door prizes, guild boutiques, free mini-classes & demos, a featured quilt artist display, along with many beautiful quilts to view. Details: Lesa at Lesah51@yahoo.com or 850-585-2796.

Sandestin Gumbo Festival, 9100 Baytowne Wharf Blvd, Miramar Beach, Fla. Gulf Coast restaurants will be featured along with live music. Details: www.sandestingumbofestival.com/ or 866-91BEACH.

2/12-14Bridge Tournament, Gulf Shores Cultural Center, County Road 6 (Oak Road), Gulf Shores, Ala. Gulf Shores Duplicate Bridge Club (GSDBC) will be hosting a bridge tournament. 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day. Details: 251-223-9744.

2/13Let’s Talk Science: Marine Microplastics, 10 a.m. - Noon at the Navarre Beach Marine Science Station. This free lecture is geared toward Snowbirds and presented by the center’s nationally acclaimed marine science teacher and director Charlene Mauro. Limited space so be sure to register in advance at www.navarresciencestation.org.

Dixie Theatre presents 34 West Theater: Groovy Kinda Love, 21 Avenue E, Apalachicola, Fla. Details: www.dixietheatre.com. Pensacola Symphony Orchesta presents Cirque de la Symphonie, 7:30 p.m. at the Saengar Theater, 22 E. Intendencia, Pensacola, Fla. Tickets: $22. Details: pensacolasymphony.com or (850) 435-2533.

Gulf Coast Arts Alliance Art Market, First Presbyterian Church, 309 21st Ave., Gulf Shores, Ala. Featuring original art by local and regional artists. 10 a.m. Details: 251-269-4445 or gulfcoastartsalliance.com.

Valentine’s Victorian Tea, Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida, 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso, Fla., 2 p.m. Cost: $13 or $16 for non-members. Details: 850-678-2615.

2/13-14A Tropical Re-Union Wedding Vow Renewal Ceremony. Both are 2 p.m., staged Feb. 13 at Lulu’s in Orange Beach, Ala., and Feb. 14 at the restaurant’s new location in Destin. Officiant for this free event is Hurricane Jane, who is an ordained minister and a member of the Parrot Heads club. Pre-registration is encouraged at www.lulubuffett.com or (850) 710-5858.

2/14Snowbird Valentine’s Dinner & Dance, 5 p.m. at the Boardwalk Beach Resort Convention Center, 600 S. Thomas Dr., Panama City Beach, Fla. Gourmet buffet dinner and live music by DJ Jim Lawson. Chocolate and champagne at every table. Tickets are $27.95 and are available in advance. 9 Details: 850-596-8125 or www.boardwalkbeachresort.com. Details: 850-596-8125.

2/18Don Williams Live!, Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox Pl., Pensacola, Fla. Details: 850-595-3880 or www.pensacolasaenger.com

2/19Winter Resident Appreciation Days, Lyndell Center, 423 Lyndell Lane, Panama City Beach, Fla. Winter residents are treated to complimentary coffee, donuts and giveaways. 8 a.m.

Gallery Night, Downtown Pensacola, Fla. Stroll through the charming brick walkways of Downtown Pensacola to experience an eclectic array of music, art and cuisine. Explore galleries and businesses featuring the works of dozens of local artists. Soak up the sounds of local musicians and the aromas of local cuisine as the energy of the evening carries you from venue to venue. Gallery Night is a free event and many businesses provide light refreshments. 5-9 p.m. Details: www.downtownpensacola.com/ or 850-434-5371

2/19-20City of Destin Spring Craft Show, Destin Community Center, 101 Stahlman Ave Destin, Fla. Nearly 100 crafters along with their products for sale during this annual two-day event. This show highlights many of the Winter Snowbirds talents. Details: 850-654-5184 or cityofdestin.com

2/19-2119th Annual Pensacola Senior Follies "Orange Blossom Special: All About Florida", WSRE-TV, Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio, Pensacola State, 1000 College Blvd., Bldg. 23, Pensacola, Fl. 7 p.m. Feb. 19 and Feb. 20-21. Tickets are $12. 850-453-3016 or 850-417 -7736

Mobile Area Orchid Society’s 39th Annual Orchid Show and Sale, Magnolia Cafe, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd, Theodore, Ala. Bellingrath Gardens is hosting Mobile Area Orchid Societyís 39th Annual Orchid Show and Sale. Members will display their best orchids and will be available to answer questions and provide tips on growing and caring for orchids. Snowbird special ticket prices. Details: 251.973.2217 or bellingrath.org.

2/20Snowbird Art Show, Phoenix East, 27100 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach, Ala. One of best displays of art (paintings) featuring the works of snowbirds visiting the area over the winter months. Free cookies and coffee. Art and cards also for sale. Complete details: Sharon at 419-769-2199.

Americana Music at Camp Helen State Park Lodge, 23937 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach, Fla. Featuring the best American Roots musicians touring the country today. 6:30 p.m. at Camp Helen’s historic log cabin style lodge. Details: 850-233-5059.

2/20,24,27Dixie Theatre presents Oystertown: Musical Comedy, 21 Avenue E, Apalachicola, Fla. Details: www.dixietheatre.com/

2/22Full Moon Climb, Cape St. George Lighthouse, 2 East Gulf Beach Drive, St. George Island, Fla. Climb to the top of the lighthouse to see spectacular views of the sunset and full moon. Light refreshments are served. Details: 850-927-7745 for reservations.

2/24Winter Resident Grand Finale, Edgewater Beach and Golf Resort, 11212 Front Beach Rd., Panama City Beach, Fla. Don’t miss the Winter Resident Grand Finale featuring singing and dance contests! 4-9 p.m. Details: 850-233-5070

2/25Patti Labelle, Marina Civic Center, 8 Harrison Ave Panama City Fla. Over 50,000,000 records sold worldwide and has been given such titles as “High Priestess of Good Vibrations” and “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Soul”. Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Singers” list, Grammy Hall of Fame, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Apollo Hall of Fame, and the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame. Details: 850.763.4696 or www.marinaciviccenter.com

2/2724th Annual Orange Beach Seafood Festival & Car Show, 4830 Main St.Orange Beach, Ala. The Festival is a full day of delicious food, 80 arts and crafts vendors, military memorabilia and music for the whole family. Proceeds benefit the Orange Beach Sports Association. Details: 251- 981-1524 or www.obparksandrec.com.

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Sacred Heart Medical Group offers two convenient ways

to connect to a Primary Care Provider for your next

appointment. Call (850) 416-2337 or go online to find a

provider and set up an appointment. Fast Track will connect

you to a provider, whether you are a new patient scheduling

a first appointment, or a current patient returning to see

your Primary Care Provider. Backed by the region’s most

preferred Health System, and physician specialists, Sacred

Heart Medical Group makes it easy to find a provider

available when it fits into your busy schedule.

2/5-2/98th Annual Pardi in Paradise Mardi Gras Parade & Celebration at Haborwalk Village, 10 Harbor Blvd., Destin, Fla. Three days of revelry starting at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 5 with the Mardi Gras Pub Crawl. 2 p.m. on Feb. 6 is Destin’s largest Mardi Gras parade. Fat Tuesday on Feb. 9. 5 p.m. with free red beans & rice. Details: 850-424-0600 or www.harborwalkdestin.com

2/4 & 2/6Krewe of Dominique Youx Mardi Gras Parade and Festival, Pier Park, Panama City, Fla. Details: info@dykrewe.org

2/5Annual Krewe of Lafitte Mardi Gras Parade, Spring & Garden Streets, Pensacola, Fla., 8 p.m. The only illuminated nighttime parade in Pensacola! Marching bands, lighted floats. Details: 850-436-7638 or http://www.kreweoflafitte.net/Maids of Jubilee Mardi Gras Parade, Downtown Fairhope, 6:45 p.m. The Maids of Jubilee, in Fairhope, was the first ladies’ parading group to form in the Eastern Shore region of south Alabama. Since the organization’s founding in 1985, it has grown immensely, boasting more than 400 members these days. In most ladies’ groups, there are male marshals on horseback or no marshals at all. The Maids of Jubilee, however, has female marshals on horseback. Details: GlenLakes Golf Club Mardi Gras Ball, Glenlakes Golf Club, 9530 Clubhouse Dr., Foley, Ala. Enjoy live music, dancing, food and the crowning of the Mardi Gras King and Queen. Attire is island elegance ñ no jeans, shorts or T-shirts. Gowns and tuxedos are not mandatory but may be worn. 6:30 p.m. $75 per couple; $35 per individual.

2/5Mardi Gras Masquerade, Destin Commons, 4100 Legendary Dr., Destin, Fla. Treasures, trinkets and beads will be plentiful throughout the Mardi Gras celebration. Lively entertainment will be provided by Jones & Company and an authentic Mardis Gras street brass band playing throughout the Center. 6 p.m. Details: www.DestinCommons.com

2/5 & 2/6Panama City Beach Mardi Gras and Music Festival, Pier Park, 600 Pier Park Dr, Panama City Beach, Fla. Enjoy all the fun of parades, floats, and Mardi Gras festivities in a family-friendly environment.

2/6Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade, Spring & Garden Streets, Pensacola, Fla., 2 p.m. One of the country’s original celebration sites, Pensacola hosts this family-oriented Mardi Gras parade in the historical downtown area. Foley Mardi Gras Parade, Roosevelt Ave, Foley, Ala., 11 a.m. Floats, trucks, antique cars, walking groups, just about anything you’ve seen in a parade before can be found in Foley. Usually, this parade has more than 25 units, stressing family friendliness.Krewe of Mullet Mates Mardi Gras Parade, Mullet Point Park; County Rd 1, Point Clear, Ala., 2 p.m. Technically a Fairhope group, this parade hugs Bon Secour Bay on Baldwin County Highway 1. Mystics of Pleasure Mardi Gras Parade, Begins at Wintzell’s and ends at Perdido Beach Resort, Orange Beach, Ala., 5:30 p.m. Watch and enjoy as revellers throw sweets, trinkets, beads and toys.The Shadow Barons was founded in the summer of 1999 after the idea was put in motion “in the dugout of a men’s softball game,” according to the group’s web site.The first Shadow Barons parade was held in Daphne in 2002.

2/713th Annual Mardi Gras Dog Parade at Baytowne, 9100 Baytowne Blvd, 2 p.m. Miramar Beach, Fla. The streets of the Village will be filled with costumed dogs and their humans tossing a myriad of throws, beads and party favors. Themed

convertibles, small floats, golf cars, bicycles and decorated wagons. www.baytownewharf.com.Krewe of Wrecks Mardi Gras Celebration, Casino Beach Parking Lot, 41 Fort Pickens Rd., Pensacola Beach, Fla., 1 p.m. Join us for the Krewe of Wrecks parade party! Live reggae music by Sway Jah Vu will kick off with the parade at 2 p.m. No Mardi Gras Party is complete without King Cake. Details: 850-932-6313 or www.casinobeachbar.com/Loyal Order of Firetruck Mardi Gras Parade, Olde Towne Daphne, Daphne, Ala., 2:29 p.m. Details: www.eschamber.com.

2/8Arrival of King Felix III, Foot of Government Street, Mobile, Ala, Noon. Mobile Carnival Association’s gift to the community. The coronation is open to the public, and estimated the crowds at about 2,500. Most of the guests wear formal attire as they sit in the stands watching the events unfold.Krewe of Wrecks Red Beans and Rice Luncheon, tentative location is the Sandshaker Parking Lot on Pensacola Beach, Fla. The Bean Team from the Elk’s Lodge, prepare traditional New Orleans style Monday fare. Cost: Tips for local charities. Details: Melanie Waite at melanie@waite.ccMardi Gras Parade on Main Street, The Wharf in Orange Beach, Orange Beach, Ala., 6 p.m. Spectacular floats from the Gulf Coast’s biggest and best krewes. www.alwharf.com.Order of Mystic Magnolias Mardi Gras Parade, Downtown Fairhope, Ala., 6:45 p.m. Mystic Magnolias have female marshals on horseback. The group has grown to more than 300 members, and most of those founding members still ride in the parade.

2/9Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday Street Party, Palafox Street, Downtown Pensacola, Fla. The last hurrah before Lent, Pensacola hosts the biggest Mardi Gras Street Party this side of Bourbon Street. Details: 850-436-7638 or pensacolamardigras.com/Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade, Hwy 59 at Clubhouse Drive, Gulf Shores, Ala., 10 a.m. www.gulfshores.comLuLu’s 17th Anniversary & Mardi Gras Boat Parade, 200 East 25th Avenue, Gulf Shores, Ala. Details: 251-967-5858Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade, Begins at Wintzell’s and ends at Hwy 161, Orange Beach, Ala. Laissez les bons temp roulet! (Let the good times roll!) Parade will end at Hwy. 161. Details: 251-981-697914th Annual Fat Tuesday Baytowne Bash Parade, 9100 Baytowne Blvd, Sandestin, Fla. Colorful floats, golf cars and pickup trucks roll down the streets and marchers dressed up in their Mardi Gras best shower parade-goers with a barrage of beads, moon pies and other trinkets. 5 p.m.

Mardi Gras Celebrations!

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Downtown Panama City/St. Andrews, Fla.

In a beach town, salt can mean a lot of different things.

At the time of the Civil War, the St. Andrews area was an important supplier of salt to Confederate soldiers, drawing fire from Federal forces.

Today, that enclave of Panama City still likes to think of itself as a “salty” place to be.

“St. Andrews has the feel of an old town fishing village; with an eclectic, vibrant and bold personality all its own,” said Jennifer Vigil, president of the Panama City Community Development Council, which is also known as Destination Panama City.

“Their neighborhood motto is, ‘Keep St. Andrews Salty.’ In this neighborhood you can find everything from yoga to fresh shucked oysters and a cold drink. The waterfront dining in this area is unparalleled.”

St. Andrews is just one of the five eclectic neighborhoods in Panama City, she said. Another is historic downtown Panama City.

“Both areas are rich with history and each has its very own unique neighborhood identity and feel,” Vigil said. “Historic Downtown Panama City has a classic old-fashioned downtown appeal with boutique retailers and cozy restaurants. Both St. Andrews and historic downtown have full service public marinas maintained and operated by the city.”

Established: St. Andrews incorporated in 1908, while Panama City was incorporated in 1909. Panama City annexed St. Andrews in 1927.

t Size of city: 36,500 people in 35.4 square miles.

t Parking: Free street and lot parking.

t Walkability: Both downtown Panama City and St. Andrews are walkable communities, with the best experience obtained by walking around the neighborhoods, meeting the locals and strolling along the marina overlooking beautiful St. Andrews Bay. Streets are closed to vehicular traffic for special events.

t Transportation options: Taxis are available, as is a trolley system.

t Historical founding: The Panama City/St. Andrews area was populated by natives at the time of European settlement, with many removed during the Trail of Tears in the early 1800s. Before the Civil War, the area had become a summer vacation spot, with the seasonal population swelling to 1,500.

t Historical buildings, museums, etc.: Martin Theater, Publishing Museum, Centre for Arts and Marina Civic Center.

t Notable events: Krewe of St. Andrews Mardi Gras, Waterfront Farmers Market, Boat Parade of Lights, Octoberfest, Festival of Nations and Music Matters.

t On the Horizon: Increased development, as well as streetscape enhancements on Harrison Avenue in downtown Panama City and on 12th Street in St. Andrews.

Also Nearby: Apalachicola. The charming fishing port with a rustic downtown is often captured by artists who descend on the Forgotten Coast each year for an annual Plein Art festival. www.apalachicolabay.org.

Downtown Fort Walton Beach, Fla.

The only downtown core between Pensacola and Panama City, downtown Fort Walton Beach is a historic hub that has drawn human activities since before European settlers arrived here.

“In 1861, Camp Walton (which is now Fort Walton Beach) was a Confederate Army camp, a fortified post, made up of the Walton Guards, an independent company of Florida Volunteer Infantry from Walton County,” said Christa R. Machado, president, Downtown FWB Organization.

“Camp Walton was located between the Indian Temple Mound, now known as the Heritage Park and Cultural Center, and the Santa Rosa Sound,” Machado said. “Although the Walton Guards did not see much action, they did keep busy by digging up prehistoric Indian remains buried in the Indian Temple Mound and displaying them at camp.”

Modern downtown Fort Walton Beach is a small but thriving community of local merchants and restaurants, peppered with invigorating entertainment and community events.

“Downtown Fort Walton Beach offers local flavor and southern hospitality,” Machado said. “Our community is home to a number of unique, boutique-style stores, professionals, artists, restaurants and bars. We are minutes away from the beaches on Okaloosa Island by car, foot or bicycle.”

t Established: In 1861, Confederate troops founded Camp Walton along the shore of Santa Rosa Sound near the Indian Mound in what is now downtown Fort Walton Beach. In 1879, John Thomas Brooks purchased 111 acres that eventually became downtown Fort Walton. In 1953, the city officially adopted the name “Fort Walton Beach.”

tSize of city: 22,000 people in 8.2 square miles.

tParking: Street and lot parking is available, all free.

tWalkability: Extremely walkable and handicapped-accessible

tTransportation options: Taxis; for some special events, there is a shuttle service to aid in parking and bringing people downtown.t Historical founding: Confederate Army encampment.t Historical buildings, museums, etc.: Indian Temple Mound and Heritage Museum, multiple unique galleries and multiple antique dealers/shops.

t Development last 10 years: The City of Fort Walton Beach and the Downtown FWB Organization, Inc. (formerly the Downtown Merchants’ Association) have been instrumental in growing and developing the Downtown Fort Walton Beach area – building improvement campaigns, new business development, successful event planning and draw for the tourists and local community.

t Notable events: Downtown Fort Walton Beach Art Walk, Downtown Fort Walton Beach Farmer’s Market, Downtown FWB Organization’s Pub Crawls, Downtown Holiday Market, Family Fun Runs, Billy Bowlegs Festival, Zombie Walk, Ladies Night Out Downtown.

t On the Horizon: Improvements to the Fort Walton Beach Landing in the center of downtown and continued community events.

Also Visit: Defuniak Springs, Fla. Located just a few miles north of I-10, this community is the site of the annual Florida Chautauqua and includes many historic buildings that circle a perfectly round lake with shops and restaurants within easy walking distance. www.defuniankspringvisitorsbureau.com.

By Louis Cooper

Gulf Coast’s historic downtowns create modern urban centersCoastal Downtown Renaissance

21

Downtown Mobile, Ala. No matter how loudly folks in another

Gulf Coast city may like to brag, Mobile is the birthplace of Mardi Gras, and downtown Mobile is its showcase.

“From its earliest years, Mobile’s French settlers established a Mardi Gras tradition, making Mobile the first city to celebrate carnival in North America,” said Carol Hunter, communications director for the Downtown Mobile Alliance. “This tradition continues to this day, more vibrant than ever.”

The three weeks leading up to Ash Wednesday are filled will parades and balls. The last three days of the season see thousands of revelers filling the streets, sidewalks and parks.

“In part, because this culture of celebrating is so strong, downtown Mobile has two entertainment districts where patrons are welcome to stroll along the sidewalks with an adult beverage throughout the year,” Hunter said. “The live music scene is a vibrant one, with great local, regional and national talent taking the stages throughout downtown.”

Hunter called downtown Mobile “the ideal mix of old and new.”

“It’s an international city that features historic buildings, a culture deeply rooted in soulful hospitality and a long tradition of celebrating events,” she said. “In fact, the city’s new tag line is, ‘Born to Celebrate.’”

t Established: 1702 by French Canadians Pierre d’Iberville and Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, who were sent to the Gulf Coast by Louis IVX to establish a capital for control of France’s Louisiana claims.

t Size of city: 600,000 in metro area, with about 200,000 within city limits of 110 square miles. Downtown is about one square mile.

t Parking: Ample street parking, a mix of free and metered, and several public parking lots and garages.

t Walkability: According to www.walkscore.com, downtown Mobile is the most walkable neighborhood in Mobile. The streets in the core are narrow and lined with historic buildings and more than 40 restaurants, most locally owned, and several independent retail shops.

t Transportation options: Taxis and Uber are available. There is also a free circulator

that moves throughout downtown.

t Historical founding: French colony.

t Historical buildings, museums, etc.: GulfQuest – the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico; the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, the Carnival Museum, the USS Alabama and Bellingrath Gardens.

t Development last 10 years: Downtown Mobile has been undergoing a 20-year period of revitalization, which has escalated in the past 10 years. Many of the long-vacant historic buildings have been renovated and there are new projects under construction. Since 2007, three-quarters of a billion dollars have been invested in downtown projects, including the restoration of some landmark historic buildings and the construction of the tallest building in Alabama.

t Notable events: Mardi Gras, New Year’s Eve MoonPie Drop, music festivals SouthSounds and 1065, and a farmer’s market.

t On the Horizon: The new Airbus assembly plant is just a few miles from downtown and is expected to have a measurable impact. From

the banks of the Mobile River, visitors can see combat ships being built by Austal USA for the Navy. Carnival Cruise Lines will return to the Port City in November 2016 with four and five-night weekly cruises.

Also visit: Fairhope, Ala. This community founded by independent thinkers as a single tax community today boasts one of the most charming and walkable downtown communities on the coast bolstered by artists, writers and craftsmen. www.fairhopemerchants.com.

Coastal Downtown RenaissanceDowntown Pensacola, Fla.

Lots of businesses and organizations around Pensacola use the moniker “First City.” There’s a reason for that.

“Pensacola was founded in August of 1559 by Don Tristan de Luna,” said Ron Butlin, executive director of Pensacola’s Downtown Improvement Board. “For those keeping count, that’s six years before St. Augustine. A hurricane and resulting death and starvation forced early settlers to abandon Pensacola after two years, but we were here first.”

Respect for its history is an import part of downtown Pensacola’s present.

“The mark of history is everywhere one travels in downtown Pensacola,” Butlin said. “From the architecture of century-old buildings, to the commemorative plaques and statues highlighting major historical events, to the new history being created every day by entrepreneurs, investors and artisans, the pulse of downtown Pensacola’s history beats stronger every day.”

But history is just one element that draws people to downtown Pensacola.“Our downtown is a rare combination of history, entertainment, shopping, dining

and art all nestled on a beautiful urban waterfront,” he said. “Few American cities can boast more than five centuries of history, the cultural ‘big five’ – theater, opera, ballet, orchestra and museum – a vibrant restaurant and nightlife, with one-of-a-kind boutiques and retailers all in a few blocks.

t Established: 1559 by Spanish Conquistador Don Tristan de Luna

t Size of city: 57,000 people living in a city of 40 square miles

t Parking: Street, garage and public and private lots are available. Some spaces are free, while others are metered, depending on the day and time.

t Walkability: Very walkable, with wide, well-lit sidewalks, places of interest at every turn, and an easy-to-navigate grid system.

t Transportation options: Taxis, Uber and buses are available. During special events and certain seasonal times, there are trolley and streetcar options to transport visitors within the downtown area.

t Historical founding: Spanish colony.

t Historical buildings, museums, etc.: Historic Pensacola Village, T.T. Wentworth Jr. Museum, Pensacola Children’s Museum, Pensacola Museum of Art and Pensacola Little Theatre.

t Development last 10 years: Over the past decade, downtown Pensacola has transformed from all-work-no-play, to a work, play and live area. The development of the Maritime Park and the arrival of the Blue Wahoos minor league baseball team in 2012 spurred downtown growth even more. M· Notable events: Gallery Night, Palafox Market (farmers’ market), New Year’s Eve Pelican Drop, Pensacola Blue Wahoos baseball games and Southern Professional Hockey League’s Pensacola Ice Flyers games.

t On the Horizon: Currently, there are several major construction projects underway including a new YMCA along with several residential condominium and apartment projects. New commercial office projects are filling fast.

Also Visit: Historic Downtown Milton, Fla. A traditional southern courthouse square is bordered by an expansive riverwalk with a scenic railroad bridge as a backdrop and a must-see Veterans Memorial Park with monuments honoring all branches of the service and many wars.

22

Downtown Biloxi, Miss.As much fun as pulling that arm and

hearing a jackpot chime can be, not all of Biloxi exists on casino row.

“Downtown Biloxi is the merging of charming, historic town with vibrant, exhilarating gaming city, and the two identities have melded into one very unique place,” said Kay Miller, director of downtown services for the City of Biloxi.

“Biloxi’s 300-plus years of history are palpable when walking its downtown streets, art district or beachfront, convincing visitors that Biloxi is a place of beauty and legend, both past and present.”

One fascinating feature that makes downtown Biloxi unique is the growth of centuries-old live oaks that offer shade and beauty to the city’s streets and parks.

“Many of the historic oaks have been named, and have stories to go with them,” she said. “Even after Hurricane Katrina many oaks that did not make it have been turned into beautiful sculptures.”

Katrina, which devastated much of the central Gulf Coast in 2005, had a catastrophic impact on Biloxi, but the community has rebounded.

“To say we have revitalized in the past 10 years is an understatement,” Miller said. “We have risen, but we still have so much more potential for development.” t Established: In 1697, the French government gave Pierre d’Iberville orders to loate the mouth of the Mississippi River. In 1699, Iberville and 14 men landed on the mainland at present-day Biloxi. t Size of city: About 44,500 people in the city of 38 square miles t Parking: Free parking lots are available t Walkability: Offers a guided historical walking tour. Biloxi is currently working on

a large infrastructure project that is replacing many of the streets and sidewalks. t Transportation options: Taxis are available, as is a fare-based bus/trolley system. t Historical founding: Founded as French colony, with a historical emphasis on fishing. t Historical buildings, museums, etc.: Biloxi Lighthouse, Saenger Theatre and Magnolia Hotel Mardi Gras Museum. t Development last 10 Years: Biloxi was heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and has been reborn in the last decade. t Notable events: Mardi Gras, Cruisin’ the Coast, Grillin’ on the Green, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, farmers’ market. t On the Horizon: In June 2015, MGM Park opened as home to the Biloxi Shuckers minor league baseball team. With this stadium in the heart of downtown, many things are coming, including five non-casino hotels within a six-block area.

Also Visit: Ocean Springs, Miss. Charming coastal town known as an arts haven, was freshened up after Hurricane Katrina and now includes an improved streetscape and is very walkable with charming shops and restaurants. Details: www.oceanspringschamber.com.

Coastal Downtown Renaissance

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They had me at “gumbo”

Many Gulf Coast restaurant menus today feature gumbo as one of their “soup” offerings and it is a personal favorite. So, when I saw a food truck “Tonie’s Gumbo House” at a local festival last fall – and a long line snaking through the crowd – I knew I had to try it out.

Although the food was the original draw, I quickly learned that the family cooking and serving the creole-cajun food out of the small food truck space were just as special.

Family matriarch Tonietta (Tonie) Scott, a former teacher and coach who grew up in Fort Worth, Texas, was deftly managing orders with the help of her husband Arthur (also known as Honey), a Marrero, La., native who worked in electronic assembly, and their numerous children and grandchildren.

Always respectful to the family elders – and to customers – the family provides the kind of customer service hard to find these days. The secret ingredient of their 16-year success, said Tonie, is that they are feeding the soul, body and mind and they love to help people.

Menu items vary and include a chicken/sausage or seafood gumbo, red beans and rice, jambalaya, fried or barbecue chicken wings and staple desserts, a tasty bread pudding or beignets. Seasonal items can include shrimp and grits, crawfish boil, crawfish etoufee and more.

The food truck travels around the region during the different festival seasons but primarily can be found on weekends through February and with additional weekdays in March at their Hwy. 98 location in Navarre, Fla., next to the Burger King at the base of the traffic light to the Navarre Beach bridge. They also will be at several upcoming festivals including the March 5-6 in Downtown Milton, Fla., and the March 18-20 Gulf Coast International Mustang and All Ford Car Show in Pensacola.

You can keep up with their schedule on their Facebook page (available by search in Google and you don’t have to sign up for Facebook) – Tonie’s Gumbo House. Orders can also be placed in advance and they also cater. Details: 850-428-3864 or 850-710-6510.

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How would you like to experience the magic of unloading a kiln - or learning how to shape and mold clay into usable works of art?

Attendees will be invited to participate in the process of unloading two historical kilns at the Feb. 6 Woodstoke Festival presented by the Gulf Coast Kiln Walk. Later some of the work will be available to view and for purchase.

A Seafood Gumbo and Casserole Cook-off will be a part of this year's festivities. A sampling bowl (you keep) is $10. Chili also will be served by the Santa Rosa Arts and Culture Foundation on a donation basis.

Prior to the Woodstoke Festival the public is invited to participate in the 2016 Gulf Coast Clay Conference Feb. 3-5 featuring renowned potters Elaine and Tom Coleman. The event will be staged at the Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts at Pensacola State College. The registration fee for the three-day conference is $95 and includes lectures, workshops with demonstrations and a vendor hall with products for sale.

Tom Coleman has written many books on pottery and articles for many pottery magazines. Elaine is renowned for her ceramic carving.

About the Kilns: The Ralph Howard Phillips kiln was a working "Southern Groundhog" kiln built in 1945 in Jay Florida. Phillips and his wife, Abby Johnson Phillips, developed a pottery business that used the kiln primarily to produce churns, crocks, rabbit feeders and garden pottery made from local clay. The Anagama Kiln was constructed in 2005 and holds up to 800 pieces of work. The Gulf Coast Kiln Walk site is located at 7507 Buckeye Dr., Navarre, Fla.

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2/6 Irma Thomas, 8 p.m. Island View Casino, 3300 W. Beach Blvd., Gulfport, Miss. Details: 1-877-774-VIEW (8439) or www.islandviewca-sino.com.

2/12 Lou Gramm: The Voice of Foreigner. Golden Nugget Biloxi, 151 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, Miss. Details: 1-800-745-3000 or www.goldennugget.com

2/13 KC & Sunshine Band, IP Casino Resort & Spa, Studio A, 850 Bayview Avenue, Biloxi, Miss. 8 p.m. Details: 228-436-3000.

2/19 The O’Jays. IP Casino Resort & Spa, Studio A, 850 Bayview Avenue, Biloxi, Miss., 8 p.m. Details: 228-436-3000.

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2/27 The Marvin Gaye Experience. Island View Casino, 3300 W. Beach Blvd., Gulfport, Miss. Details: 1-877-774-VIEW (8439) or www.islandviewcasino.com.

2/27 Hermann’s Hermits: Starring Peter Noone. Golden Nugget Biloxi, 151 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, Miss. Details: 1-800-745-3000 or www.goldennugget.com

3-4 Michael Bolton, 8 p.m., Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, 875 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, Miss., Details: 888-566-7469 or www.beaurivage.com

3-4 Kansas, 8 p.m. Hard Rock Casino 777 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, Miss. Details: (877) 877-6256 (228) 374-7625 www.hardrock-biloxi.com.

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2/19Jay Leno, 8 p.m., Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, 875 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, Miss., Details: 888-566-7469 or www.beaurivage.com.

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Welcome – February might well be the biggest month FOR arriving Snowbirds along the northern Gulf Coast. SOME who arrive in January return back north after just one month while plenty of folks store up their money – and their vacation time if they are still working – to make it befo

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Around the table, left to right: Bev & George Lockhart, Indiana, Joyce & Jim Anderson, South/North Dakota, Dave Deblauw, Illinois, Tom Eddy, Michigan, Frank Panczyszyn, New YorkKenn Krouse, Wisconsin, Rich Smith, Pennsylvania, Larry Anderson, Minnesota, Lee & Frab Gruenhaupt, Iowa, Dale & Judy Collier, Missouri, Gayle Hofacker, Ohio

2/6 18th Annual Snowbird Bratfest, parking lot adjacent to the Erie Meyer Civic Center, Gulf Shores, 1930 W. 2nd St., Gulf Shores, Ala. All proceeds benefit the Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Fire and Rescue Departments. More than $116,000 has been raised in 17 years. This is a rain or shine event and carry out and take out services are available in addition to the walk through lines. 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Details: Jumble Sale, Panama City Beach Senior Center, 423 Lyndell Lane, Panama City Beach, Fla. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Gently used items for sale. Event includes a silent auction and baked goods for sale. Fundraiser for the center which is heavily used by Snowbirds. Details: 850-233-5065.

2/7 Snowbird Concert: “Soundsations Showchoir,” Mattie Kelly Arts Center, 100 E College Blvd Niceville, Fla. More than 60 talented vocalists, dancers and musicians will be part of the annual performance which raises funds for Northwest Florida State College’s fine arts scholarship programs. Tickets: $10 at the door. Details: www.destinsnowbirds.org or 850-729-6000, MattieKellyArtsCenter.org

2/10-15,17-21 Jack Sharkey’s “Take a Number, Darling” South Baldwin Theatre Community Theatre, 2022 West 2nd St., Gulf Shores, Ala., show directed by Rosemary Brown of Michigan. Curtain times: 7:30 p.m., nightly and 2 p.m. Sunday matinee. This event has been staged for 19 years and nets up to $16,000 per year for the volunteer-based theatre. Tickets go on sale Feb. 1 for $15. Don’t delay – they typically sell out quickly. Details: (251) 968-6721 or www.sbct.biz

2/13 The Missouri Snowbird Club hosts the Ninth Annual Trivia Night at the Orange beach Events Center at The Wharf at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. Teams of 8 are $120 per table. Costumes and table decorations at Trivia Night are welcomed. Need inspiration? Consider books, songs or movies. Bring your own libations and snacks. Proceeds are donated to Orange Beach and Gulf Shores libraries. More than $57,000 has been raised in nine years. Details: 314-609-0275. www.mosnowbirds.org/Trivia.html

Snowbird Pancake Breakfast, Erie Meyer Civic Center, Gulf Shores, 1930 W. 2nd St., Gulf Shores, Ala. Snowbird clubs from 10 states will stage the benefit, with all proceeds going to the Gulf Shores Fire/Rescue Association. Nearly $35,000 has been raised in 17 years. Details: 251-968-1166. The Island Dance Party will be held from 6 p.m.-midnight on at the Emerald Coast Conference Center, 1250 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Okaloosa Island, Fla. The event will include a live band playing 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s music. Tickets are $10 per person and proceeds will be donated to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. Event includes a silent auction. Refreshments included. Cash bar. The organization raised more than $4,000 in 2015. A free taxi service is offered on Okaloosa Island and low-cost for other destinations. Details: www.islanddanceparty.com

2/16 8-Pin Tap Bowling Tournament. 1 p.m. at the Gulf Bowl, Foley, Ala. 2881 S Juniper St, Foley, Ala. More than $1,155 has been raised in three years for The Christian Service Center. Must have one member of opposite sex. Details: 251-970-3411.

2/19 2016 Low Country Boil, St. Andrews by the Sea Community Church, 17263 Fort Morgan Rd, Gulf Shores, Ala. Funds will once again support the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. More than $57,000 has been raised in 10 years. Tickets & Details: dale.collier52@gmail.com or 314-609-0275.

2/22 David Seering Concert, 7 p.m. Village Baptist Church, 101 Mathew Blvd., Destin, Fla. The accomplished musician performs with Amanda Holmes and the Swing City Six Band. The event is heavily supported by Snowbirds in the Fort Walton Beach, Destin and Walton County communities. The event has raised about $55,000 for Children in Crisis in the past four years. Tickets: $25. Details: 850-864-4242 or www.childrenincrisisfl.org.

2/25 Baldwin County Heritage Museum Golf Scramble at Glen Lakes Golf Club, Foley, Ala. $60 per golfer. The event has netted $17,660 in three years. Details: 251-986-8375

Fun(d)raisers Snowbirds contribute tens of thousands of dollars each year to a variety of charitable causes on the Gulf Coast through a variety of events. Most are coming up in February. Here is a list of upcoming events:

29

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Many amenities, heated poolCall 205-960-5206

Palms of Destin Resort

Adventures Unlimited Alabama Lifestyles Expo All Clear HearingThe Andrews InstituteAqua Medical SpaBaptist Health CareBeau Rivage Casino & ResortBellingrath Gardens & Home Boardwalk Beach ResortBoomtown Casino BiloxiChiropractic ClinicThe Club at Hidden Creek Golf ClubDauphin IslandDestin West Dixie TheatreEbro Grehound ParkFire Sign Jewelry – Hampton Pensacola Bch Fort Walton Chamber Winter Guest FestGood Time Tours Gulf Coast Dermatologists SpecialistsGulf Coast ExploreumGulfQuest Maritime MuseumHarborwalk VillageHCA – FWB Medical Center, Gulf Coast Regional Holiday Isle Properties Island Dance Party Medica/Twin Cities HospitalHess Entertainment – Patti LabelleHidden Creek Golf Historic PensacolaHofbrau Beer GardenHolley Hill PotteryHollywood Casino Gulf Coast

Hombre GolfJackson County TDCJuana’s Pagodaa & Sailors GrillMagnolia GrillNative CaféPalace Casino ResortPalms of Destin Private OwnerPensacola Bay CenterPensacola Beach Community Church Perdido Bay GolfPhoenix on the Bay Condo OwnerPensacola Saenger Theatre Robin Fleck, MD Rouses Markets Royal American HospitalitySacred Heart Canada-Sunbelt International Sail Inn RestaurantSanta Rosa County Tourism Santa Rosa Island AuthoritySanta Rosa Medical Center Seaspray CondominiumsSinfonia Gulf CoastSouthern VacationsStaybridge Suites-Gulf Shores Sterling Resorts Tammy’s Journeys TravelVisit Pensacola/Perdido Key/Pensacola BeachWashington County TDCWaterside at Coquina Key White SandsWhite Wilson Medical Center Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Wyndham/ResortQuest

BIRDSGulf Coast

Snow

Advertise in our February edition! Deadline: Feb. 10Email: advertising@snowbirdsgulfcoast.com or 850-291-1266

BIRDSGulf Coast

SnowMarking 10 Years in 2016!

We LOVE Snowbirds!

We mark our 10th year to serve the Snowbird market in the Northern Gulf Coast in 2016

We couldn’t do it without support of the business community around the region. We thank the following partners for their support. We ask that you also support them too!

One-of-a-Kind and Custom Pieces.

Natural gemstones and Swarovski

crystals

Locations from Orange Beach to Pensacola Beach

850-723-0427 or find us on Facebook

Robin Fleck, MD | Board Certified Dermatologist

Free skin cancer and mole evaluations on Wednesdays.Spider vein and anti-aging treatments.

Botox and Radiesse.

941-441-54994399 Commons Dr, East, Suite 100-B, Destin, FL 32541

Snowbirds are Invited!A Benefit for theSpecial Operations Warrior Foundation

Emerald Coast Convention Center, Fort Walton Beach, FL 850-609-3800 or www.IslandDanceParty.com

February 13, 2016 - 6 p.m.$10 in advance, Buy 4 get 1 Free. $20 at the doorFree Food: 6-8 p.m. Live band!

Services at 10:00 a.m.Sunday school 8:30 a.m.

Easter Service10 a.m., March 27

Fellowship Hall Available for rental

Discount Golf Days Monday’s $45 includes Tax Tuesdays $40 includes tax

perdidobaygolf.comDiscounts on 6-Pack and 10-Pack RoundsVisit the Legends Premium Wine Bar and Grille

Perdido

Tiger Point

Pace

Pensacola

Milestone

Panama City Beach

Destin

NicevilleCrestview

Miramar Beach

Port St. Joe

To find a physician near you, call 850-416-1600 or visit www.sacredheartmedicalgroup.org

Fort Walton Beach

Vacation Homes & Condos SouthernResorts.com • 855.971.1490

Your sweet Southern destinationDiscover terrific rates on monthly rentals...

Panama City Beach | 30A | Destin | Fort Walton Beach | Navarre Beach | Pensacola Beach | Perdido Key | Orange Beach | Gulf Shores | Fairhope

EAT FOR FREE. PLAY FOR FREE.Take this AD to PLAYER SERVICES to redeem

for $10 in FREE Play (Code: ASC16$10FP)

and a $15 Weekly Food Credit (Code: ASC16$15FC).

Food Credit valid only one time per week Monday-Sunday, per REWARDS Card account.

One time FREE Play, limit one per REWARDS Card account. Guests must present valid

state issued ID outside the following issued states: AL, FL, GA, MS. Offer valid through

March 31, 2016.

© 2016 Wind Creek Hospitality

FIND YOUR WINNING MOMENT.

303 Poarch Rd., Atmore, AL • WindCreekAtmore.com

Atmore

Mobile

OrangeBeachB

EACH

EXPRESS

we LOVEour SNOWBIRDS!