What Are You Doing This Weekend? July 20-22

What’s happening on the Emerald Coast this weekend?

Wowee! We are more than halfway through the month of July! Before we know it, it will be back to school time for the kiddos once again. But enough about that, let’s live in the wonderful here and now of a beautiful summer on the Emerald Coast. In addition to the lovely beaches, and fun-filled attractions, there are a few don’t-miss events that will be going on this very weekend! Check it out!

REMINDER:

Remember, friends and readers, there is nothing we here at Life’s A Beach love more than seeing folks out there enjoying the spectacular Emerald Coast. If you’d like to share your photos with us (and have them considered for future publications) upload those amazing shots here: Life's A Beach Photo Upload

Friday, July 20

There is something for everyone at the Downtown Fort Walton Beach Artwalk. Enjoy a stroll along the streets of this historic district and take in the work of the local artists set up in front of every store. A wide variety of arts and crafts will be on display including hand-made fishing lures, wood burning, jewelry, oil paintings and more. Many stores will even be offering discounts and refreshments to patrons throughout the event. The event will come to a close with a surf movie presented by Fluid Surf Shop. This free event will take place from 5:30-8:30pm.

Downtown Fort Walton Beach Artwalk on Facebook

Saturday, July 21

Join your friends at HarborWalk Village this Saturday from 7-9pm for the presentation of their weekly free concert series, Rock the Docks. This week’s performance will feature Angels Envy, one of the best dance bands in Destin. Best of all, all concerts in this series are free and open to the public, so get out there and dance the night away!

EmeraldGrande.com

Sunday, July 22

Enjoy live music, wine, cheese, a silent auction and more at the 4th Annual Wine and Cheese Reception for the Emerald CoastWildlife Refuge. Stick around! You won’t want to miss the special appearances of the Refuge’s Animal Ambassadors. This event will be held at the Magnolia Grill in Fort Walton Beach from 2-4pm. Get your tickets today by visiting www.ecwildliferefuge.com.

Have a fun an exciting weekend here on the Emerald Coast! While enjoying your adventures, remember to keep one thing in mind - Life's A Beach!

            -The Life’s A Beach crew

The 4th Annual Wine and Cheese Reception for the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge

Image: Facebook.com/EmeraldCoastWildlifeRefuge

About the Event

Join the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge this Sunday, July 22, from 2-4pm for their 4^th Annual Wine and Cheese Reception. Relax and mingle at the beautiful Magnolia Grill in historic downtown Fort Walton Beach while learning the latest news from the refuge. Patrons will enjoy live music, finger foods, cheese, wine and a fantastic silent auction. ECWR staff and volunteers will be onsite, ready to share their stories of interesting animal rescue adventures. Special appearance by the refuge’s Animal Ambassadors! Tickets to this event are only $15 per person and may be purchased online at ECWildlifeRefuge.com, or by calling the refuge directly at (850) 650-1880. Proceeds from this annual reception benefit the operations fund of the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge.

                              About the Refuge

Image: Facebook.com/EmerladCoastWildlifeRefuge

Established in 1994, the mission of the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge is education, conservation, and rehabilitation for the welfare of Florida’s natural wildlife. The organization provides wildlife rescue, rehab and environmental outreach to 5 counties in Northwest Florida. Refuge staff is on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing an invaluable service to the most biologically diverse areas of North America. While working closely with local law enforcement, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service to protect, treat and release native species, the Refuge rescues thousands of animals each year. The Refuge is also the lead response team for the Federal Marine Mammal Stranding Network from mid-Walton County to the Alabama state line. The ECWR is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization relying on donations, grants , fundraising events, and memberships to support their mission.

ECWR Education

Image: Facebook.com/EmeraldCoastWildlifeRefuge

The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge is committed to bringing animal education to our community. Their team of professional educators, trained docents, and animal ambassadors are seen at many local community events and festivals, providing a memorable and engaging experience for both children and adults. ECWR’s education programs promote humans’ coexistence with and appreciate of nature. All programs are science-based and in compliance with Next Generation Sunshine State Standards.

Image: TheDestinLog.com

The Refuge’s Outwild programs serve the public schools of Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties as well as local clubs, civic groups, senior centers, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. Outwild programs feature live animal ambassadors and informative discussions on the natural history of indigenous wildlife. The program’s information is presented in an engaging, interactive format allowing for maximum interest and enjoyment.

The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge is also host to children’s summer camps, giving kids the opportunity to explore the great outdoors on ECWR’s waterfront property. Campers will get to participate in live wildlife demonstrations, and team-building games, all while learning about wildlife rehabilitation, Florida’s ecosystems and natural history and much, much more.

Image: Facebook.com/EmeraldCoastWildlifeRefuge

In addition to the numerous educational opportunities offered by the Refuge, perhaps the most immersive is participation in their Charter School. The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge Academy of Zoological Sciences is scheduled to open its doors in August, 2012. Along with all required curriculum taught by certified teachers, the academy will emphasize the topics of wildlife rehabilitation, zoology, captive wildlife management, conservation, and pre-veterinary studies.

Image: Facebook.com/EmeraldCoastWildlifeRefuge

Show Your Support!

Now that you know more about this amazing non-profit organization and all the wonderful things that they do, get your tickets to this fun-filled event and help support the Refuge. While you’re there be sure to let them know how much we appreciate them and everything they do. 

Image: Facebook.com/EmeraldCoastWildlifeRefuge

Back by popular demand! The Life's A Beach Cover Art Competition returns to the Emerald Coast!

A Call to Artists:

Life’s A Beach Publications invites area artists to participate in their upcoming cover art show and competition hosted by The Arts and Design Society of Fort Walton Beach. The grand prize winner earns the opportunity to display their masterpiece on the front cover of an upcoming issue of Life’s a Beach, the #1 visitor’s guide to the Emerald Coast, which distributes more than 500,000 copies annually. The selected artist will also receive a featured editorial and quarter page ad within the issue. In exchange for artist exposure, Life’s A Beach Publications will take ownership of the selected art piece, this includes reproduction in print, electronic, and/or computer readable formats.

The artwork should capture the playful and whimsical flair of the Emerald Coast, and exhibit vibrant, eye catching colors. The piece should also incorporate at least one palm tree. Brilliant contrasting colors in a vertical 2’ by 3’ format work best. All art must be ready to hang when submitted. All art entries of no more than two pieces must be delivered to The Arts and Design Society in Fort Walton Beach on October 27 between the hours of 1-4 p.m. or October 29 from 9 a.m. until noon. All entries will be displayed at the ADSO gallery, and the winner will be announced at a November 7^th reception. Please contact Sarah Hockett at 850.650.2780 ext. 1 with any questions. 

Celebrate Independence Day on the Emerald Coast

Boom, Boom, Boom! The celebration of America’s Freedom has already begun with a bang here on the Emerald Coast. If you’re just arriving to spend the 4^th of July weekend at this lively locale, allow us to outline a few of the events you won’t want to miss. Fun-filled and patriotic events will be occurring throughout the area all week long. Some events are regularly scheduled Emerald Coast Weekly Summer Events, but for the sake of those who are here to celebrate the holiday this week only we’re going to touch on a few of those things as well.

Monday, July 2

Join Magician Rick Moore from 7-9pm at the Events Plaza Stage at the Village of Baytowne Wharf for Magical Mondays, an evening of laughs and illusions.

BaytowneWharf.com

                             Tuesday July 3

The Village of Baytowne Wharf is host to the weekly celebration, Boomin’ Tuesdays. This celebration provides an evening of fun and merriment, complete with face painting, kid’s crafts, and live music by Coconut Radio from 7-9pm. Stick around for the fireworks show beginning at 9:15pm!

BaytowneWharf.com

Head down to HarborWalk Village, where every Tuesday is Fat Tuesday, with their Pardi Gras celebration from 7-10pm! Enjoy dazzling floats, beads, and loads of swag during the parade through the village, and relish the cocktails, red beans and rice, and live entertainment!

EmeraldGrande.com

Enjoy a coastal fireworks display beginning at 9pm in Seaside. Be sure to tune your radio to 30A Radio (107.1) to hear the simulcast soundtrack as you watch the magnificent display.

SoWal.com

Wednesday July 4 

Celebrate the holiday with at the Village of Baytowne Wharf’s Red, White & Baytowne celebration. Bring the kids! Enjoy face painting, crafts and a stilt walker from 6-10pm and live music by The Shrimpboat Cowboys form 7-9pm. A special Independence Day fireworks show will light up the sky over the lagoon at 9:15pm.

BaytowneWharf.com

HarborWalk Village will be offering tons of fun and excitement from 6-10pm at their 4^th of July Extravaganza on the Harbor! Festivities will include family activities, a hotdog eating contest, giveaways, live music on the Main stage by Clinch 46, and of course FIREWORKS!

EmeraldGrande.com

Head to Main Street in Destin for the American Legion Cookout. American Legion post 296 will be hosting an old-fashioned cookout with hamburgers and hotdogs beginning at 2pm. Entertainment will be provided by Rock’n Robbin. This event is open to the public.

Legion.org

The City of Fort Walton Beach will be hosting its annual 4^th of July Celebration at the Fort Walton Beach Landing. The event is scheduled from 4-10pm and will include entertainment, vendors, a bicycle parade for children, a flyover, and kid’s activities and games. The evening will conclude with a breathtaking fireworks display over the sound beginning at 9:15pm.

FWB.org

The annual South Walton 4^th of July Parade will begin in front of Seagrove Plaza at 8am. Participants in patriotic costumes and on festive holiday floats will travel 1.5 miles down Scenic Hwy 30A to Seaside, where a winning parade entry will be selected. After the parade, enjoy music in the Amphitheater from 30A Radio until 11am. Bring your blanket and settle in as the celebration continues with Stars & Stripes at Seaside at 7pm featuring a special performance by Dread Clampitt and Sam Bush. The festivities will come to a close with a spectacular fireworks show viewable from the Seaside Amphitheater or along the beach.

SoWal.com

Spend the holiday building ad sailing a pirate ship with the little ones in the reflection pond during a ranger-led activity from 10am-noon at Eden Gardens State Park’s Fourth of July Family Day.

FloridaStateParks.org/EdenGardens

Enjoy the all-day 4^th of July Celebration in Rosemary Beach. The festivities kick off with the annual Bike Parade through town beginning at 8:45am. A Family Field Day will be held from 9-11am on the Western green. Have a blast with sack races, 3-legged races, hula-hoop contests, a water balloon toss, music, airbrush tattoos, “go fish,” balloons and moonwalks. A barbeque will take place from 5-7 pm on the Eastern Green where an old-fashioned BBQ dinner will be available for purchase. Bring a blanket and enjoy an evening of music under the stars at Concert on the Green from 6:30-8:30pm on the Western Green. The evening will end with a fireworks show at 8:45.

RosemaryBeach.com

The DeFuniak Springs Business and Professional Association presents the 21^st annual Celebration around the Lakeyard, which includes a parade, entertainment with Crossroads, children’s activities, a flyover, a fireworks display and more!

WaltonOutdoors.com

The Walton County Heritage Museum celebrates the museum’s 10^th Anniversary on July 4^th. The museum will open at 10am and remain open until the conclusion of the fireworks over Lake DeFuniak. The caboose will be open for tours from 11am-2pm. Trolley tours of historic homes around Circle Drive will be offered at 11am, 11:45am, 12:30pm and 1:15pm. Tours will include a guided walk through the Heritage Garden and a reception at the Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood. Hot dogs, sausage dogs, and drinks will be sold in front of the museum beginning at 11am.

WaltonCountyHeritage.org

Thursday, July 5

Grab your lawn chairs and blankets and head out to the Village of Baytowne Wharf for Sunset Cinema, a fun-filled movie under the stars! This week’s feature film is The Smurfs, and showing begins at 8pm.

BaytowneWharf.com

Can’t get enough fireworks? Check out the Red, White and Blue Celebration at HarborWalk Village from 6-8pm. This weekly honoring of a local hero highlights the efforts of people who go above and beyond to better their community. Enjoy live entertainment, free kid’s crafts and face painting, and a WWII replica flyover. The evening is topped off by a spectacular fireworks display over the Destin Harbor.

EmeraldGrande.com

Friday, July 7

Rock the Docks with Andy Velo at HarborWalk Village from 8-10pm. The evening will include free kids activities and face painting.
EmeraldGrande.com

Saturday, July 8

Relive America’s favorites at Rock the Docks with Ron Adams and Friends at HarborWalk Village from 7-9pm.

EmeraldGrande.com

What Are You Doing This Weekend? June 29 - July 1, 2012

What’s happening on the Emerald Coast this weekend?

Can you believe that July will already be upon us starting this very weekend? Where DOES the time go? Time travel discussion aside, the weatherman says we can expect an absolutely GORGEOUS pre-independence day weekend here on the always lovely Emerald Coast. Isn’t that exciting news? In addition to our regularly scheduled Emerald Coast Weekly Summer Events, we’ve got a few fun and exciting happenings going on this weekend which will highlight the already glorious scene set before us. Check it out!

REMINDER:

Remember, friends and readers, there is nothing we here at Life’s A Beach love more than seeing folks out there enjoying the spectacular Emerald Coast. If you’d like to share your photos with us (and have them considered for future publications) upload those amazing shots here: Life's A Beach Photo Upload

 

Friday, June 29

Join the City of Destin as they host the 4^th Annual Independence Day Celebration and Bike Parade at Morgan Sports Center. The celebration kicks off at 6:30pm with the Bike Parade, in which children ages 14 and under will show off their patriotically decorated bikes, scooters, and wagons. After the parade, enjoy live music, kickball, moonwalks, ultimate Frisbee, volleyball, and more! Stick around! The festivities will come to a close with a spectacular fireworks show you won’t want to miss.

CityOfDestin.com

                                                           Saturday, June 30

Calling all car lovers! Head out to the Santa Rosa Mall for the Summer Heat 2012 Custom Car, Truck and Bike Super Show. Registration starts at 9am in the mall parking lot. With over 25 categories to enter, all makes and models are welcome. “Best of Show” awards will be presented to the two hottest rides and there will be an “Outstanding Female Ride” award as well. This year they’ve added a Sanctioned DB Drag and lasca event to the show, so stereo enthusiasts are invited to come on out and show off those bumping systems. Giveaways and raffles will be happening all day, and there will be live music and entertainment for all ages! A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Wounded Warriors Project.

SantaRosaMall.com/Events

The American Red Cross invites you to join them at their Annual Red, White and Blue 5k and Paddle Board Race beginning at 7:30am at the Fort Walton Beach Landing. Bring the family, there’s something for everyone including a ½ mile children’s run where everyone’s a winner. The race is open to runners and walkers, so no matter your pace, you’ll enjoy this scenic route. This year, participants will have the option to cool off from the summer heat with the paddle board race following the 5k. Don’t miss the after party hosted by KC’s Bar and Grill complete with food, beverages and a game room for the kids! Proceeds from the race will benefit the American Red Cross of Northwest Florida.

YourRedCross.org 

Sunday, July 1

Love BBQ? Then you’ll want to be at Destin Commons this Sunday as they host their 2^nd Annual Smoke on the Coast BBQ Cook-Off and fireworks festival from 7-9pm. Sample tasty BBQ treats from area teams while enjoying live music, festive art projects, face painting, pirate magic and street dancing. But that’s not all! The festival will end with a bang as it concludes with a 9pm fireworks display. Watch the beautiful flowers of light explode in the sky with a belly full of ‘que!

DestinCommons.com

Enjoy this incredible weekend! Don’t forget to keep it beachy – after all, Life’s A Beach!

            -The Life’s A Beach crew

Stay tuned! We’ll have an entire line-up of 4^th of July-week events coming soon!

What Are You Doing This Weekend? June 22-24

What’s happening on the Emerald Coast this weekend?

The first official weekend of summer is upon us, and it is shaping up to be a beautiful weekend here on the always stunning Emerald Coast. With a wealth of exciting activities and events happening all weekend long, you can be sure that you and yours can kick the summer off right with a little time spent along our glittering shores. Remember, there’s always something happening on the Emerald Coast. We’ve outlined a few of this weekend’s happenings below, but don’t forget to check out our “Emerald Coast Weekly Events” blog to find out what else may be going on.

While you’re out there having fun, be sure to take lots of pictures and send them to your friends at Life’s A Beach! There’s nothing we love more than seeing folks enjoying our lovely little piece of paradise. Upload your photos here: http://lifesabeachllc.com/upload_photos.htm

Multi-Day Events

Come out for the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic from June 20-24.  This annual event offers something for everyone. For the angling teams, there are the deep blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico, red-hot billfish action, and cool green cash. A wide variety of recreational activities will be offered at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and The Village of Baytowne Wharf. The spectacular night time weigh-ins are held at the Baytowne Marina at Sandestin and are open to the public.

FishECBC.com

Join the North Light Yacht Club and Marina for the 2012 Burning Up the Bayou Fun Run – the ultimate bike and boat run. This two-day event will kick off with a pre-run social event on June 22, and will be followed by a multi-stop tour of local businesses in Niceville and Fort Walton Beach by boat or by road on June 23. Stops include L.J. Schooners in Bluewater Bay for a beach party, Scully’s on the Bayou for a bikini contest, and then back to North Light Yacht Club and Marina for a Hollywood after-party featuring cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a live performance by the Emerald Coast Blues Brothers.

BurningUpTheBayou.com

Friday, June 22

Friday evening is a great time to take that special someone out to a delicious dinner overlooking the water.

Saturday, June 23

Head out to the Fort Walton Beach Landing 10am-7pm for the Latin Salsa Festival, a Caribbean-style music festival featuring live Salsa music and dancing, Puerto Rican folkloric dancers, Caribbean food vendors, arts and crafts and souvenirs. Adult and children’s activities will be available throughout the day. Admission is free but donations are welcomed.

BoricuasAusentes.org

The Reeds Diamond Dash will kick off at 10am at HarborWalk Village in Destin. Take advantage of FREE registration and enter for your chance to win a $10,000 diamond ring from Reeds Jewelers – participation is limited so sign up now! During the Dash, teams of two will answer riddles and complete challenges right from their cell phones as they follow clues through the downtown area. Win or lose, it sounds like a fun day spent with someone special! ReedsDiamondDashDestin.com

Sunday, June 24

YOLO - You Only Live Once, so get out there and enjoy this life!

Have a bright, beautiful, and beachy summer weekend!

            -The Life’s A Beach crew

*******Lights, Camera, Action!******* Northwest Florida is Made for Movies!

Did you know that Northwest Florida has been the set for many famous movies? From the coastal charm, to the breathtaking scenery to the historical military bases, Florida’s dazzling Emerald Coast has much to offer those in the entertainment business. Many films have been captured throughout this stunning region, such as Jaws 2, Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon, and the Truman Show.

In the early 1940’s, a Warner Brothers production crew working with Director Michael Curtiz produced a World War II movie called Dive Bomber. While the movie was mainly filmed in San Diego, background shots were filmed at Eglin Air Force Base. Dive Bomber went on to be a box office hit in 1941, grossing over $1 million.

Photo from Destin Log

After being a huge hit at the box office, Jaws was followed by the sequel, Jaws 2. Even though the movie takes place in Martha’s Vineyard, a lot of the filming took place in the Destin Harbor and Choctawhatchee Bay. In Jaws, the unruly conditions in Cape Cod made it extremely difficult for the film crew to shoot. The Barrier Islands on the Gulf of Mexico filming conditions much better for the sequel.

*I’ve recently discovered that Okaloosa County’s current tax collector, Ben Anderson was cast with a small speaking role in the movie. Check out an article about Ben’s role and what he did with the money here: TheDestinLog - Okaloosa County Tax Collector in Jaws 2

Image: KunstlerCast.com

In the late 1990’s director Peter Weir needed a location that had some sense of “perfectness” to it. After only one day of being on site, Weir and his staff agreed that Seaside was the ideal location to shoot The Truman Show. Many extras were used to add the uniqueness of the quaint seaside town, but the scenery needed no help. The picturesque little pastel houses with impeccable white picket fences and thriving rose bushes standing against a stunning gulf backdrop… this impossibly perfect town was, without a doubt, the idyllic setting for this film.

Image: Military Times

More recently, films such as Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon, and Born and Raised have been added to the list. So while visiting this exquisite location, keep your eyes open for production crews filming the next box office hit. Who knows, you could be a star!

Movies Filmed in Northwest Florida

1939 – Wings of the Navy, starring Olivia de Havilland – Pensacola

Image: Wikipedia

1941 – Dive Bomber, starring Errol Flynn, Fred MacMurray, Ralph Bellamy, Alexis Smith – Eglin Air Force Base

Image: Wikipedia

1944 – ThirtySeconds Over Tokyo, Van Johnson, Robert Walker, Tim Murdock – Eglin Air Force Base

Image: Wikipedia

1949 - 12O’Clock High, starring Gregory Peck, Hugh Marlowe – Eglin Air Force Base

Image: Wikipedia

1972 – Frogs, starring Ray Milland, Sam Elliott – Wewahitchka, Panama City, Eden Garden State Park

Image: Wikipedia

1976 – Midway, starring Charlton Heston, Glenn Ford, Henry Fonda, James Colburn – Pensacola

Image: Wikipedia

1978 – Jaws 2, starring Roy Scheider – Destin, Navarre, Okaloosa Island

Image: Wikipedia

1993 – Ruby in Paradise, starring Ashley Judd, Todd Field – Panama City

Image: Wikipedia

1995 – Felony, starring Jeffrey Combs, Ashley Laurence -  Pensacola

Image: Amazon.com

1996 – They Bite, starring Donna Frotscher, Nick Baldasare – Panama City

Image: BrettPiper.com

1998 – The Truman Show, starring Jim Carrey, Ed Harris, Laura Linney, Noah Emmerich – Seaside

Image: Wikipedia

2001 – World Traveler, starring Julianne Moore, Billy Crudup - Pensacola

Image: Wikipedia

2006 – Jesus Camp, a documentary film nominated for an Oscar in 2006 – Pensacola

Image: Wikipedia

2006 – Beach Party at the Threshold of Hell, starring Jane Seymour, Daniel Baldwin – Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola

Image: Wikipedia

2007 - Permanent Vacation, starring David Carradine, Frank Harper, Gina Bellman – Milton – Adventures Unlimited Campground

Image: Amazon.com

2008 - Eagle Eye, starring Shia LaBeouf, Michelle Monaghan - Eglin Air Force Base

Image: Wikipedia

2011 - Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon, starring Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Tyrese Gibson, Josh Duhamel - Hurlburt Field

Image: Wikipedia

2011 - Born and Raised, starring Nick Loritsch - Panama City

Image: IMDb.com