A New Name, the Same Trusted Care: Baywind Medical Continues Serving the Community

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March 4, 2026

By Kelly Stalnaker

For more than two decades, our team formerly known as J&B Medical has served the Gulf Coast community with reliable, compassionate and high-quality home medical equipment and supplies. A few months after introducing our new name, Baywind Medical, our locally owned company continues its mission of supporting patients, families and healthcare professionals with the same personalized care that has defined it since 2002. Baywind Medical remains the only locally owned home medical equipment company in Okaloosa County.

While the name Baywind Medical (a fresh new name that reflects our coastal roots and the care that continues to move forward with you) has begun to take root, the people and leadership behind the business remain unchanged. The original name, J&B Medical, was inspired by the founders’ sons, Jimmy and Brandon, when they were young. Both continue to play an active role in daily operations, helping guide the company forward alongside the same trusted team customers have come to know — including Kim, Kenn, Kelly and Elizabeth — all still serving the community with the warmth and expertise clients rely on.

Why the change? The transition to Baywind Medical came as the result of a trademark matter beyond the company’s control. Although saying goodbye to the longtime name wasn’t easy, the new identity reflects our company’s coastal roots and its continued commitment to growth while staying grounded in the relationships we’ve built over the years. Even now, some longtime customers still refer to the business as J&B Medical, and the team welcomes the opportunity to gently remind the community that while the name has changed, the care has not.

What remains the same is what matters most. Customers are still finding the same friendly voices answering the phone, the same dependable service and the same dedication to helping individuals find the equipment and supplies they need. Our ownership, our location, our commitment to quality and our dedication to your health remain exactly the same — simply under a new name that reflects the future of the business.

As Baywind Medical continues to settle into this next chapter, the team expresses deep gratitude for the support shown by the community during the transition. Thank you for growing with us and for continuing to make us your local choice for home medical equipment and supplies.

Our message remains simple: new name, same heart — Baywind Medical.

Call Baywind Medical at (850) 729-2559 or stop by 540 E. John Sims Pkwy. in Niceville to experience the care you know and trust.

Happenings Around the Bay April 2026

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Bay Staff 3

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April 3, 2026

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The Hope of Easter

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Bay Staff 3

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April 3, 2026

By Gueary Clendening

I have spoken at many funerals, offering hope and comfort to grieving relatives and friends. Yet the reality cannot be denied—there will be an empty place at the table tomorrow and in the days ahead. The absence of a loved one leaves a hole in our hearts that words often cannot fill, and sometimes the pain feels unbearable.

Years ago, just a few days after my wife passed away, I visited her grave. I found myself in tears, my emotions completely frayed. No one was around, and I began to pray aloud, pouring out my heart and my sorrow to God.

Suddenly, as I prayed, a bird in a nearby tree began to sing. Whether others might believe this or not, I felt deeply that this moment was sent by God, a quiet reminder that He is always near, even in our darkest hours.

When I stopped praying and looked up into the tree, the bird fell silent, and moments later, it flew away. I left the cemetery uplifted in spirit, feeling a sense of peace that I had not experienced in days.

In the Bible, First Thessalonians 4:13–14 speaks of hope. It acknowledges our sorrow when someone close passes, but it reminds us that we should not grieve as people without hope. If we believe that Jesus Christ, God’s Son, died for our sins and rose again to intercede for us before His Father in heaven, then we have hope in God’s promise: Christ is coming again, bringing with Him all who have trusted in Him.

Verses 16 and 17 continue:
“For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the trumpet of God, and the dead shall rise first. Then we who are alive at that time shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall ever be with the Lord.”

This is the hope of Easter, promised by God—a hope that comforts our hearts, strengthens our faith, and reminds us that life does not end with death.

As John 3:16 reminds us:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

This is God’s Word for anyone willing to open their heart and receive Christ. Through Him, we experience forgiveness for the past, healing for our pain, and the beginning of a new, eternal life filled with joy and purpose.

Embrace the hope of Easter that God has for you, and let it transform your heart and your life.

Happy Easter!

From Death to Life: Stephanie McMinn’s BeGenerous Ministry Brings Hope to Local Women

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Bay Staff 3

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April 3, 2026

By Michelle Ruschman

Stephanie McMinn, founder of BeGenerous, has been providing resources and coming alongside women and their families since 2010. It all began with simply providing diapers to single mothers, but since then, her organization has grown into a source of hope for the women of Okaloosa, Walton, and Bay counties. “I was 16 when I had my first child, so I know what it’s like to be a young mother with limited resources. There were food pantries and clothes closets, but there was no diaper bank. One day, I called the health department trying to see where I could help, and the case worker shared with me that while she watched a client dress her baby, she noticed that the baby was dressed without a diaper. When she pointed out that it was missing, the mom told her she hadn’t forgotten. She hadn’t put it on because they couldn’t afford to have the baby in a diaper while they were at home. From that story, I started going into these homes and seeing how much the mothers were struggling when the home had an absent father, or the dad was in prison. There was poverty, drugs, and sexual exploitation. Once I saw this happening in my own backyard, it wasn’t something I could unsee, and I knew I had to do something about it.”

BeGenerous now includes “The Yellow House” and “Pearl House,” which offer refuge, healing, and transformation through a 24-month residential recovery program. The women come from the most desperate situations, including domestic abuse, sex trafficking, incarceration, and, especially close to Stephanie’s heart, addiction. In many situations, BeGenerous has been the bridge from death to life.

Sometimes, though, it’s when you’re battling darkness for others that you can be in the greatest fight of your own. Less than a year after starting BeGenerous, while Stephanie was helping so many families find their fresh start, Stephanie’s husband was in the midst of recovery while their sons were in the grip of addiction themselves. Today, Stephanie can say that her oldest son has recovered from addiction and is helping her in her massive efforts, but in 2021, the family got devastating news. “My baby boy, Gage, was 22 years old when he overdosed on fentanyl and passed away. Here I am, doing work in the community, and my kids know what I do, but addiction doesn’t respect anyone.”

To honor Gage, Stephanie started an outreach called “EnGAGE: From Death to Life,” an event that focuses on victory. Along with the concert featuring artists, ASAP Preach and Adrion Butler, attendees will hear messages of hope, learn about community resources, shop with local vendors, and local food trucks will be on-site. Last year, a concert-goer asked to be baptized. That will continue this year with the hopes that it will become an annual tradition. “During one intermission, a guy came up and said, ‘I want Mama Steph to baptize me. I want to lay this down and leave it behind.’ I just dove right into that water with him, and the next thing you know, there’s a line of kids waiting to be baptized. We got to close that night, soaking wet, and we knew we had to make this a part of every year from now on.”

Coming to EnGAGE means throwing your expectations to the wind and letting the Holy Spirit move. That’s when you know it’s going to be fun!

EnGAGE will be held on April 25th at 1140 Circle Dr, Defuniak Springs Lakeyard. If you are a vendor, food truck, or non-profit resource who would like to be part of this dynamic event, you can email info@begenerousinc.org.

Michelle Ruschman is a local artist, speaker, and writer. She can be reached at michelleruschman@gmail.com or michelleruschman.com.

La Vie en Rouge Raises $75,000 for ECTC Education Programs

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Bay Staff 3

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April 3, 2026

Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) celebrated a vibrant evening of entertainment, cuisine and community at its annual La Vie en Rouge gala, raising more than $75,000 to support children’s education programming across the Emerald Coast.

Held at ECTC in Grand Boulevard and presented by Blue Water Oral Surgery Center, the Paris-inspired event brought together supporters, chefs, artists and community leaders. Guests enjoyed specialty cocktails, gourmet tastings from a dozen local restaurants and live entertainment, along with a silent auction featuring experiences such as 30A staycations and a chance to perform in Mystic Pizza. “La Vie en Rouge is such a magical night for our theatre and our community,” said Nathanael Fisher, Producing Artistic Director of Emerald Coast Theatre Company. “It’s an experience unlike any other—our professional performers singing just steps away from an aerialist soaring overhead, while Allison Wickey creates a live painting before your eyes. At the same time, our incredible restaurant sponsors are handcrafting sushi and mixing cocktails right in front of guests. The generosity we witnessed throughout the evening will support our educational programs, performance opportunities for young artists, outreach initiatives, along with continuing to bring the best performers, teachers, and equipment through the doors of ECTC.”

Attendees enjoyed performances throughout the evening while sampling cuisine from local favorites including Swiftly Catered, AJA 30A, Cantina Laredo, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, Kilwin’s, Wine World, Ovide, Vin’tij, Beignets & Brew, Fleming’s, P.F. Chang’s, Fish On Seafood House, Charcuterie by Shelli and Let’s Say Graze 30A. The silent auction played a key role in raising funds to expand youth theatre programs, scholarships, camps and outreach.

“La Vie en Rouge continues to grow each year thanks to the incredible support of our community,” said Anna Fisher, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Emerald Coast Theatre Company. “The funds raised will help ensure that students and families throughout our region have access to meaningful arts education and professional theatre experiences.”

Proceeds will support ECTC’s year-round educational programming, including after-school classes, summer camps, workshops and outreach initiatives.

Events Around the Bay

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Bay Staff 3

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April 3, 2026

Doggie Eggstravaganza at Grand Boulevard | April 3

Dog Harmony presents the 11th annual Doggie EGGstravaganza, the annual canine social where dogs hunt for eggs filled with yummy treats from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. Guests will enjoy delicious food, family-friendly games, great prizes, and music. For a $20 donation in advance (or $25 on the day of the event), humans and their leashed canine companions will receive a souvenir bag to sniff out 1,000 colorful eggs filled with delicious dog treats. With two designated hunting areas for dogs over and under 35 pounds, every furry friend has a chance to join in on the fun. Visit dog-harmony.org to learn more, volunteer, donate or adopt.

Fly Into Spring Kite Festival Soars Over Okaloosa Island

Saturday–Sunday, April 4–5 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Okaloosa Island Boardwalk, Fort Walton Beach

Celebrate National Kite Month as Kitty Hawk Kites presents the annual Fly Into Spring Kite Festival at the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk.

Watch massive 30- to 100-foot kites fill the sky and enjoy professional stunt kite performances set to music. Families are invited to join the fun with free kite-making for kids, hands-on activities and opportunities to fly their own kites.

This colorful, high-flying event offers a perfect way to welcome spring along the Emerald Coast.

LuLu’s Easter Egg Dash

April 5 | 12–2 p.m. (Dash at 1 p.m.) | LuLu’s Destin, 4607 Legendary Marina Drive, Destin

Get ready to run—this isn’t your typical Easter egg hunt! LuLu’s annual Easter Egg Dash brings high-energy fun to the beach with thousands of colorful eggs (5,000–6,000!) hidden in the sand. At 1 p.m. sharp, children ages 1–14 will race into designated dash zones for a fast-paced, unforgettable scramble.

From noon to 1 p.m., families can enjoy photos with the Easter Bunny before the big dash begins. Organizers encourage guests to bring their own baskets, though bags will be available. Note: For children ages 3 and older, parents are not permitted inside the dash zones once the rope drops.

Keep an eye out for special golden eggs hidden among the thousands—lucky finders may win prizes like free kids meals or smoothies, arcade and ropes course passes, toys, and more.

While the kids dash, adults can join the fun with mimosa and Bloody Mary specials, plus LuLu’s full menu of favorites. Live music will be featured throughout the day, with performances in both the afternoon and evening.

Come early, grab a bite, and get ready—because at LuLu’s, Easter is where the fun (and the kiddos) runs free!

Sock Hop Returns with Retro Fun for the Whole Family

Saturday, April 18 | 5–7 p.m. | Crosspoint, Niceville Campus

The Pearl Project invites the community to step back in time for its Fourth Annual Family Sock Hop — an evening filled with music, dancing and classic family fun.

Guests can enjoy live music, vintage cars, games and a lively dance floor, along with dinner, floats and plenty of entertainment for all ages. With a nostalgic 1950s vibe and a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere, the event promises something for everyone.

Whether you come ready to dance or simply enjoy the sights and sounds, this beloved annual event continues to grow as a community favorite.

Purchase tickets by scanning the QR code or visiting ThePearlProject.org.

Veterans & First Responders Appreciation Lunch | April 21 | Niceville Community Center

A Superior Mechanical will host its inaugural Veterans and First Responders Appreciation Lunch on Tuesday, April 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Niceville Community Center (204 Partin Drive N., Niceville). The community-focused event honors local veterans, active military and first responders with a catered hot lunch from Swiftly Catered, special presentations and an AC system giveaway to one deserving service member or first responder in need. Eligible participants include members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, EMT/Medics, Police, Sheriffs and Firefighters. Register for the HVAC giveaway at ASuperiorMechanical.com under ABOUT US > HVAC GIVEAWAY. Business partners are welcome to contribute door prizes. For details: Marta Thorpe at (850) 814-3822.

South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival | April 23–26 | Grand Boulevard

Tickets are on sale now for the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival, returning April 23–26 to Grand Boulevard with more than 600 wines, beers and spirits to sample across four days of tastings, live entertainment and culinary experiences.

The weekend kicks off Thursday with Winemakers and Shakers at Wine World in Destin, followed by Friday’s VIP Wine Tasting (4–6 p.m.) featuring rare selections and expert pours, plus Bitters, Brews & Bartenders (5:30–8 p.m.) showcasing craft cocktails, lite bites and a lively mixology competition. The Grand Tasting takes place Saturday (3–6 p.m.) and Sunday (1–4 p.m.), highlighting world-class wineries — including the Willamette Valley Vintners Association — alongside chef-driven pairings in Wine World’s Culinary Village.

Guests can purchase featured wines on site, with proceeds benefiting Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation and children in need across Northwest Florida. Pre-sale tickets are available now at sowalwine.com; prices increase April 1.

Destin Charity Wine Auction Turns 21 and Goes Wild for Kids | April 24–25

The 21st Annual Destin Charity Wine Auction presented by the Jumonville Family benefits children in need across Northwest Florida through Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation’s (DCWAF) 16 partner children’s charities. In 2025, the foundation donated $3.1 million following one of its most successful auctions to date.

The 2026 auction will feature an impressive lineup of celebrity chefs and internationally renowned vintners. Held in conjunction with the South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival, the auction also takes place at Grand Boulevard the same weekend. The festival showcases hundreds of premium wines, spirits and culinary offerings, with proceeds benefiting DCWAF. Full details are available at dcwaf.org.

Saturday in the Park Brings Family Fun to Valparaiso

Saturday, April 25 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (5K begins at 8 a.m.) | Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida, 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso

The Heritage Museum Association’s annual “Saturday in the Park” returns with a full day of family-friendly fun, beginning with an 8 a.m. 5K run along Boggy and Tom’s Bayous. Registration is $30 through April 15 and $35 after.

Festivities kick off at 10 a.m. with Eglin Air Force Base’s Honor Guard, followed by a lively lineup including craft vendors, historical demonstrations, the Walton Guard, USA 250 activities, children’s crafts, the Valparaiso Garden Club, bake sale, food and live music. Local band 20 West performs from 1–3 p.m., and admission to the museum is free.

For vendor information or 5K registration, call 850-678-2615 or email Manager@heritage-museum.org.

Dancing with the Emerald Coast Stars

Saturday, May 2 | 6 p.m. | Hotel Effie Sandestin

Seaside School will debut its newest signature fundraiser, “Dancing with the Emerald Coast Stars,” presented in partnership with Fred Astaire Dance Studios Fort Walton Beach. Inspired by the hit TV show Dancing with the Stars, the ballroom-style competition pairs local leaders with professional dancers for an evening of glamour, entertainment and friendly rivalry—all supporting the Seacoast Collegiate High School Expansion Project. The 2026 Emerald Coast Stars include Dr. Lindsey Hoppe of 30A Smiles, Whitney Cooley of Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty and Southern Sand, Destin Mayor Bobby Wagner, and Drew Ward, principal of Seacoast Collegiate High School. Each will perform alongside a professional dancer from Fred Astaire Dance Studios. The evening begins with a cocktail hour and champagne toast, followed by a plated dinner, dance competition, awards ceremony and VIP after-party. Guests—and supporters watching from home—can vote for their favorite dancer for $10 per vote.

Tickets: $350 individual | $500 couples. Sponsorships and tickets are available at SeasideSchools.net. For sponsorship information, contact Callie Cox at coxc@seasideschools.net.

FORE! The Love of Animals Golf Tournament | May 9 | The Links Golf Club at Sandestin, Miramar Beach

Tee up for a great cause at Alaqua Animal Refuge’s 5th Annual FORE! The Love of Animals Golf Tournament, presented by Sandestin Investments, on Saturday, May 9, at The Links Golf Club at Sandestin (165 Sandestin Blvd. N., Miramar Beach). This signature fundraiser brings golfers and animal advocates together for 18 holes of scramble-format play with a shotgun start, on-course contests, raffles, awards and a “Pups & Pours” after party. Registration includes a cart, boxed lunch and two drink tickets. Fast Fetch Pricing offers teams of four for $750 through March 9 ($850 regular; $250 individual players). Proceeds support Alaqua Animal Refuge’s rescue, veterinary care, rehabilitation and adoption programs across the Southeast. Registration deadline is May 4. Details and sign-up: app.eventcaddy.com/events/2026-fore-the-love-of-animals.

Gate To Gate Memorial Run/Walk Marks 40th Anniversary | May 16 | Eglin East Gate Sports Complex, Eglin AFB

Honor service and sacrifice during the 40th Anniversary Gate To Gate Memorial Run/Walk on Saturday, May 16, at the Eglin East Gate Sports Complex. Held on Armed Forces Day, the historic 4.4-mile race returns to its traditional gate-to-gate course, inviting runners and walkers to pay tribute to America’s fallen heroes while celebrating the spirit of community and military heritage. Opening ceremonies begin at 6:45 a.m., with the race starting at 7 a.m. Participants may register individually or as four-person teams, and are encouraged to dedicate their journey in memory of loved ones or military heroes. Online registration is available at tinyurl.com/40th-GateToGate, with more details at eglin96fss.com/gatetogate. Registration is limited to 1,500 participants, and only 1,000 commemorative medals will be awarded.

Gulf Coast Jam May 28–31 | Frank Brown Park, PCB

One of the country’s most popular beach music festivals returns May 28–31 as Gulf Coast Jam brings four days of live country music to Frank Brown Park in Panama City Beach. Headliners Post Malone, Chris Stapleton, Keith Urban and Riley Green lead a lineup of more than 20 artists performing throughout the high-energy Country On The Coast™ weekend.

Fans can enjoy multiple stages, food vendors, bars and interactive fan experiences while soaking in the coastal festival atmosphere that has drawn sellout crowds of more than 30,000 in recent years. Pass options currently available include General Admission, Military, College and First Responder tickets, VIP experiences and lodging packages. Several premium viewing areas have already sold out.

Payment plans are available, and attendees are encouraged to follow festival updates online. For passes and full lineup details, visit GulfCoastJam.com.

Seaside Easter Celebration | April 5

Celebrate Easter Sunday in Seaside! Bring the whole family for a day filled with complimentary photos with the Easter Bunny, live music, face painting, and exciting activities for kids. Kicking off at 1 p.m., the Easter Egg Hunt has over 25,000 eggs and promises an egg-citing adventure for children of all ages.

Gulf Coast Salute Air Show | April 11-12

The Gulf Coast Salute Air Show, a premier aviation event held in Panama City Beach showcasing a spectacular lineup of military and civilian aerial performances, is scheduled at the Russell-Fields City Pier from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. This is a free family-friendly experience. The Thunderbirds will perform at 3 p.m. daily. The other entertainers will proceed them. Food & beverage vendors will be lined up along the beach accesses near Russell-Fields City Pier.

“A Walk Down Magnolia Lane” Returns April 8 to Benefit Embrace Florida Kids

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Bay Staff 3

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April 3, 2026

Celebrate the world’s greatest golf tournament while supporting a meaningful cause at “A Walk Down Magnolia Lane,” presented by Shoreline Title. Now in its third year, the golf-themed soirée will take place Wednesday, April 8 at 5 p.m. at the WaterColor LakeHouse in Santa Rosa Beach, benefiting Embrace Florida Kids, a nonprofit dedicated to serving vulnerable children and families across Northwest Florida.

Guests will enjoy tournament-inspired cuisine and cocktails, live music, a silent auction, and a variety of golf activities including a simulator, putting contest, closest-to-the-pin, long-drive challenge and a hole-in-one competition. The evening begins with a cocktail hour at 5 p.m., followed by a Live Calcutta at 7 p.m., where participants can compete for prizes valued at more than $25,000, including luxury getaway packages to destinations such as The Breakers in Palm Beach, Old Edwards Inn in Highlands, North Carolina, and The Grand Hotel in Fairhope, Alabama.

Tickets are $150 and available at walkdownmagnolialane.org/florida.

Sponsorship opportunities remain available and include event badges and promotional recognition. Learn more at walkdownmagnolialane.org/florida or visit EmbraceFLKids.org.

Second Annual Summit on the Circle Returns to Lake DeFuniak April 23–26

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Bay Staff 3

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April 3, 2026

Summit on the Circle returns to DeFuniak Springs for its second annual weekend gathering April 23 through 26, celebrating history, culture, music and Southern hospitality along the scenic shores of Lake DeFuniak.

Hosted in and around the Lake DeFuniak Historic District, the 2026 Summit centers on the theme “Stories That Shape Us,” inviting participants to explore the many ways stories are shared, preserved and experienced across cultures and generations.

Building on the success of the inaugural Summit in 2025, this year’s event will feature a thoughtfully curated mix of conversations, live performances, culinary experiences and opportunities to connect in both formal and relaxed settings. Programming will celebrate storytelling through music, art, food, architecture and personal narratives, offering attendees a rich and immersive cultural experience.

“Summit on the Circle is about honoring the stories that connect us to place, to history, and to one another,” said Rob Overton, executive director for UWF Historic Trust. “From spoken word and music to shared meals and cross-cultural conversations, this weekend creates space for meaningful connection while celebrating the unique character of DeFuniak Springs.”

Throughout the weekend, guests will enjoy signature experiences including a beer and wine reception, evening concert entertainment and a Sunday ice cream social by the lake. Additional programming will highlight diverse voices and perspectives, creating opportunities for attendees to engage with storytelling in multiple formats while enjoying the beauty and hospitality of the Circle.

Designed for history enthusiasts, arts and culture supporters, music lovers and those seeking a distinctive spring getaway, Summit on the Circle offers a welcoming and memorable experience rooted in community and place.

Additional details, including the full 2026 Summit program and ticket information, will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more information about Summit on the Circle, visit historicpensacola.org/summit.

39 Years of the Sandestin Wine Festival!

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Bay Staff 3

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April 3, 2026

Thursday, April 16 – Sunday, April 19

Grand Wine Tastings

Friday the 17th, 5-8 p.m. and Saturday the 18th,

1-4 p.m. | The Village of Baytowne Wharf

The 39th year of being THE BEST, the Annual Sandestin Wine Festival, voted “Best Event” by Visit South Walton and known as the “Kentucky Derby of Wine Festivals,” will run Thursday, April 16, through Sunday, April 19 at The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin.

A pioneer among Emerald Coast festivals, the Sandestin Wine Festival has been drawing like-minded wine-enthusiasts looking to discover more about the culture and vibe of the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast with a fun filled, come-as-you-are ambiance for almost four decades! Whether you’re a wine aficionado or a grape novice looking to learn more, there’s something for everyone with 100’s of featured wines!

Topping area polls as a must-experience event, this beloved festival offers FOUR full days of unique events including wine dinners with celebrity chefs, wine brunch, live music, interactive experiences, culinary tents, and of course wine tastings.

On Friday, 5-8 p.m. and Saturday 1-4 p.m., the main events shine with 100’s of featured wines and gourmet bites! Enjoy two days of discovery with hundreds of domestic and international wines represented from premier vineyards throughout the globe! Speak with vintner representatives in a rare, intimate setting to learn more about your favorites. Tastings are complemented by gourmet experiences from featured chefs along the Emerald Coast with tents offering delectable bite-sized appetizers perfect for pairing. Local and regional music also set the vibe for fun days of discovery. Rain or Shine, there will be wine! Tickets on sale now! For more information and tickets, visit SandestinWineFestival.com.

CARE on the Coast TurtleFest Returns April 18!

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Bay Staff 3

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April 3, 2026

By Mary Fomby, Gulfarium

A Coastal Festival for Sea Turtle Conservation

Get ready for one of the most exciting days of the year at the Gulfarium — CARE on the Coast TurtleFest, happening April 18! This lively, all-inclusive coastal celebration brings together music, food, art, animal experiences, and conservation for a festival the whole family will love.

Proudly presented by Valparaiso Coca-Cola, TurtleFest raises critical funds for the Gulfarium CARE Center, which rescues and rehabilitates endangered sea turtles along the Emerald Coast. Every ticket purchased helps support the lifesaving care the CARE Center team provides to injured and stranded turtles throughout the year.

Music, Food, and Festival Fun All Day Long

From the moment you arrive, guests will enjoy multiple live musicians and bands performing throughout the park, and kids will especially love the pirate band!

Your all-inclusive ticket means you can explore the park while enjoying all-you-care-to-enjoy food and drinks from amazing local restaurants and vendors stationed throughout the Gulfarium. Between performances, guests can wander the park, discover new flavors, and enjoy the festive energy around every corner.

Adding to the creative spirit of the day, local artist Kelly Pierre will be painting live during the event, giving guests the chance to watch a work of art come to life in real time.

Entertainment Around Every Corner

TurtleFest will have surprises waiting throughout the park. Stilt walkers and roaming entertainers will keep the energy high, while families can visit the Kids Zone for crafts, games, and conservation-themed activities.

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Guests will also have opportunities to enjoy animal meet-and-greets with penguins and other Gulfarium residents, making TurtleFest a truly one-of-a-kind experience that blends wildlife, education, and celebration.

VIP Experiences with a View

For an upgraded festival experience, VIP tickets include access to a private area overlooking Dolphin Oasis, complete with exclusive seating, a private bar, and premium food options. It’s the perfect place to relax, enjoy the music, and take in the beautiful coastal setting while supporting sea turtle conservation.

Save with Presale Tickets

TurtleFest is one of the CARE Center’s most anticipated events of the year — and the best time to purchase tickets is now. Presale pricing is available for a limited time, along with discounted event T-shirt and commemorative cup add-ons.

Join us on April 18 for a day filled with music, food, wildlife, and community — all in support of protecting endangered sea turtles along the Emerald Coast.

Purchase your tickets now at go.gulfarium.com/turtlefest and be part of the celebration!

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