BIRDSA Winter Visitor - FREE! - Snowbirds Gulf Coast
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SnowBIRDS
E !
R E Gulf Coast
F
A Winter Visitor
Publication
Spring 2021
Maritime
History
page 14
Calendar
pages 10-11
Snaps
page 12-13
Clubs and
Activities
page 9
In print and online
SnowBirdsGulfCoast.com
S NOW BI R D S 15 T H A N N I V E R SA RY Y E A R
4
Gulf Coast
SnowBIRDS
ON THE COVER
Kim and Kurt Wheat retired some three
years ago and since have spent their
winter season among new friends at
Destin RV Resort on Okaloosa Island,
Fla. They enjoyed their stay so much
they've already reserved for the 2022
season.
INDEX
Publisher’s Welcome...................................................................................................................... 6
Spotlight: Hugh Branyon Backcountry Trail............................................................................. 7
Cover Couple................................................................................................................................... 8
Clubs and Activities....................................................................................................................... 9
Calendar......................................................................................................................................10-11
Snaps...........................................................................................................................................12-13
Maritime history.............................................................................................................................14
Baseball............................................................................................................................................16
Sean of the South.........................................................................................................................18
Publisher: Karen Harrell / Publisher@SnowbirdsGulfCoast.com / 850.291.1266
Art Director: Jahna Jacobson
Writers and Contributors: Karen Harrell and Louis Cooper
Photography: Randy Hamilton/Hamilton Art Agency
6
Welcome!
This time last year my family had big
plans.
My husband, adult daughter (27 at
the time) and I were taking a long-
planned two-week trip to Europe
with stops in Germany and Austria,
Paris and Normandy and finally
London with a side trip to tour the
Wimbledon stadium.
Sigh. Late in 2019 one of the
international business cable channels
mentioned a new virus in China and
that it was spreading quickly. My heart sunk. Just a couple of weeks later our trip
was off and soon tourism ground to a halt.
My husband and daughter were both able to telecommute (still are) and we mostly
stayed home if we went anywhere we always wore a mask, dined outside or
ordered pickup. I had no idea if I was going to be able to publish this magazine this
season but enough businesses came forth to advertise and we pulled it off.
Soon I am scheduled to get my first shot and my husband expects his in another
month or two. Our summer plans are a road trip for his 60th birthday to Tennessee
and Kentucky where he can tour a half dozen or more whiskey distilleries.
My plan is to retrace my mother’s roots in Louisville, Kentucky, where she met my
dad at 16, married and soon moved south.
I hope you all have a safe trip home. We are soon launching an Instagram page and
hope you will follow us there and on Facebook. The best way to ensure you receive
our latest news is to sign up for our e-newsletter “Seasons.”
Safe travels to you all. Thank you for your support. It looks like we will be back for
our 15th season next year and I’m excited to make plans.
Be Well.
Karen Harrell,
publisher@snowbirdsgulfcoast.com
850-291-1266
New service time: 9 a.m.
Service also available on the
church podcast: https://www.
thebeachchurch.com/podcast/
Join our Facebook page for
updates: The Beach Church
7 Spotlight: Hugh Branyon Backcountry Trail Explore the Beauty & Diversity of The Backcountry Trail! Seven trails among six distinct ecosystems make up more than 15 miles of the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail complex through Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Alabama and the Gulf State Park. Explore the timeless beauty of the Butterfly Garden, the mystical Freshwater Marshes and the Coastal Hardwood Swamps. Catch a glimpse of a Bobcat on the Twin Bridges or a White Tailed Deer on Gulf Oak Ridge. View an Alligator basking in the sun and be sure to bring your camera to capture the adventure. The Trail was named after Mr. Hugh S. Branyon who put in 33 years as director of the Alabama Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Learn more: www.backcountrytrail.com
8
From Iowa to
Okaloosa Island
Kim and Kurt Wheat, both 59, retired Q. What led to your decision
some three years ago and since have to choose Okaloosa Island for
spent their winter season among your stay?
new friends at Destin RV Resort on Kim has been to Eglin AFB
Okaloosa Island, Fla. They enjoyed several times on work trips
their stay so much they've already through the years. I knew I liked
reserved for the 2022 season. the area and the people here are
so friendly. Kurt wanted to be
Here’s their story.
by a beach and wanted to travel
Q. Where are you from? the shortest distance possible
Davenport, IA from Iowa. The Gulf Coast fits
Q. Is this where you grew up? the bill perfectly.
No, Kurt grew up in northern Ill. and Q. How long do you stay?
Kim in a small town in Western Ill. We stay for nine weeks. Kim
Q. How did you meet? still likes to experience a white
We met at work in our first job for Christmas in Iowa, so we don't Q. Any tips for
the Department of the Army. arrive until just before the New Year. new retirees?
Nothing specific
Q. How many years have you been Q. You are RVers; how did that
other than to find
married? come about? What kind of rig do
some hobbies
32 years. you have?
you enjoy!
We started out camping in a tent
Q. Do you have any children or Volunteering
when our boys were small. That
grandchildren? is also a
didn’t last too long as we decided
We have two grown sons and no great way to
sleeping on the ground was not ideal.
grandchildren, but look forward to transition from
Our first “RV" was a pop-up camper.
being grandparents one day. Our workdays
It felt great sleeping off the ground.
oldest son lives in Davenport, Iowa, that are more
We also discovered taking your own
and our youngest son lives in St. structured
bed with you when you traveled
Louis, Missouri. We also have a Lab/ to days where you do
was a fantastic way to get away
Great Dane mix dog named Rizzo. whatever you want.
as a family for weekends or longer
Q. You said you both retired in vacations. We’re currently on our Q. Tips for new RVers?
the past three years. What kind of sixth RV, a fifth-wheel. New Rvers should not be
work did you each do? afraid to ask for advice
Q. This year, with the Covid, are
We both retired as civilians for the from those of us who have
there any activities you aren't
Department of the Army. Kurt and I been RVing for many years.
getting to do? What do you enjoy
both worked in ammunition logistics. By and large, RVers are a
doing?
We each worked for the friendly group of folks who
We love being outdoors, so
Army for 33 years. are happy to help. And learn
Covid hasn’t really kept us from
campground etiquette such as
doing the activities we enjoy.
picking up after your dog.
The one way it has affected
us in some of the friends we Q. Are there any must-do
expected to see here from activities for you each year?
other parts of the country Restaurants and attractions
did not make the trip you enjoy?
this year out of Covid We like the New Years’ Eve
caution. I hope to see fireworks on the Okaloosa
everyone next year! We Boardwalk and the Mardi Gras
love to take walks on activities in the area, although
the beach, go for bike those are limited this year due to
rides, play pickleball, Covid. We love to eat out at the
golf and just enjoy many good seafood restaurants
the warmer temperatures along the gulf. We can’t possibly
and sunshine with our campground narrow our favorite choice down to
friends. one!
9
Clubs and Activites: Staying in touch during an unusual season
Wisconsin Alabama “Snobird” club Florida Clubs: The Fort Walton
president Kenn Krouse isn’t used to Beach, Destin and South Walton
having so much time on his hands. County Snowbird clubs took a
Usually, this time of year, he has a hiatus this year but are expected to
full calendar of meetings, breakfasts return next season. Navarre Beach
and outings to manage for his 900+ implemented smaller group activities
member club. Plus, he is the point this season sponsored by tourism
person and keeps a calendar and officials. Perdido Key hosted its
contacts for many of the fundraisers popular “Hootenanny” in February
the 10+ Alabama Snowbird clubs in two sessions to accommodate
collectively participate each season. social distancing. Pensacola Beach is
Owners have spent the "off-season" expected to resume activities next
While some clubs are having informal making repairs to prepare for high season.
gatherings, none are sponsoring season – Spring Break and Summer.
full meetings. But, Krouse said he is The Pensacola Bay Bridge is expected Canadians: Panama City Beach
optimistic the 2021-22 season will to reopen in late March, giving easier lost the majority of its Canadian fill the void, they reached out to
return to normal with some changes. access to both downtown Pensacola, Snowbirds this winter, and to help neighboring states for shorter-
Pensacola Beach and areas east. term stays. However, officials have
This year Krouse estimated that
maintained contact with regular
maybe 40 percent of the Snowbirds Book Now!: Snowbirds are visitors and plan to re-implement its
returned in January, and more have encouraged to book a unit before winter guest program of "Real, Fun,
trickled in since then. Like Kenn and leaving as demand increases. The Beach" activities next season.
his wife, Lora, some own property and pandemic has allowed many people
stay six to seven months each season. to telecommute for work, which is For updates throughout the
expected to continue in some form or year, visit our website: www.
Hurricane Sally: Some areas have
fashion. Many of those folks decided snowbirdsgulfcoast.com and sign
seen a limited supply of condos and
they wanted to work from the beach up for our e-newsletter online. Also,
beach homes because of damage
– who can blame them? follow our Instagram and Facebook
from September's Hurricane Sally.
pages.
thru 2/27 and Lady Gaga. Tickets can be purchased
Special Exhibit: Honoring African at VisitOWA.com/Tickets or 251-369-6100.
American Servicemen – Camp Gordon Details: VisitOWA.com/CelebrateVegas
Johnston WWII Museum, 1873 Hwy. 98 2/27
West, Carrabelle, Fla. The museum presents
Multi-talented Brandon Styles
a special exhibit to honor our country’s
presents "The Trip Down Memory
African-American Servicemen who served
in segregated units in both the Army and Lane Dinner Show" - Tuesdays and
the Army Air Corps, including the Tuskegee Saturdays in February at OWA in Foley, Ala.
Airmen. Details: 850-697-8575 or museum@ Seating is socially distanced and tickets are
campgordonjohnston.com going quickly, so guests are encouraged
to buy ahead of time. Tickets to the dinner
thru 2/28 show start at $42 (with VIP upgrades
Emerald Coast Theatre Company available). Group pricing is available upon
presents: “Popcorn Falls” - Thursday request by contacting Brandon Styles
through Sunday, Feb. 12-28. The theatre Theater & Magic Shop. Doors open at 5 p.m
is located at 560 Grand Boulevard, and dinner is served at 5:30 p.m. Details:
Sandestin in Miramar Beach, Fla. Details: visitowa.com/events
www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org
2/26 - 28
Navarre Beach Visitor Information Center
Vintage Market Days of Mobile - It's
Snowbirds Activities - 8543 Navarre Parkway,
the TENTH VMD™ of Mobile event - "Vintage
1/29 – 2/16 Navarre FL 32566. All events take place at
Love"! Shop with more than 100 vendors
Tall Ship Replica: Pinta Tours – the Navarre Beach Visitor Information Center.
while enjoying live music and food trucks!
Limited Seating. Details: 850-981-8900
The Grounds at 1035 Cody Rd. N., Mobile,
thru 3/13 Ala. Details: https://www.facebook.com/
Americana Music at the Lodge - events/791168218129920
Concert series in the Lodge at Camp Helen
2/26-28
State Park are ONLINE this year, Saturdays
Annual Gulf Coast Orchid Show &
from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Concerts are available
ONLINE on their Facebook page www. Plant Sale - Gautier Convention Center,
facebook.com/friendsofcamphelen. Dates 2012 Library Lane, Gautier, Miss. Beautiful
include Feb. 27, and March 13. Details: exhibits constructed by the commercial
https://www.friendsofcamphelen.org/ dealers, Orchid Societies from Mississippi,
americana-concerts and across the country! And a plant sale.
Hosted by the Gulf Coast Orchid Society. Fri.
thru 3/28 -Sat., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
22nd Annual Gulf Coast Winter Free event! Details: http://www.gcorchids.
Classic Horse Show - Harrison org/
County Fairgrounds. 15321 County Farm
5/7-9 2/27
Rd, Gulfport, Miss. Recurring weekly on
Gulf Coast Hot Air Baloon Festival - Downtown OWA, 100 N OWA Blvd, Jumble Sale - Lyndell Conference Center,
Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday,
Foley, Ala. Foley is the spot for high-flying adventure and family fun at 423 Lyndell Lane, Panama City Beach, Fla.
Saturday. Check website for Grand Prix
the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival. Enjoy the entertainment, arts and 28th Annual Orange Beach Seafood
Field times. The event is free. Details:
crafts displays and more at the festival site daily. Balloon flights, glows Festival & Car Show – The Wharf, 4830
gulfcoastclassiccompany.com or 228-832-
and tethered rides (weather permitting) add to the fun at dawn and Main St., Orange Beach, Ala. Come out to
2745
dusk. Details: https://gulfcoastballoonfestival.com/ spend the day with family and friends while
thru 5/30 enjoying loads of tasty food, live music
Please note that events can change or may Thurs/Fri/Sat Celebrate Vegas: OWA Theater on two stages, and over 125 arts & crafts
be canceled because of the changing rules - Wednesday through Saturday at 7 p.m, vendors! Presented by The Orange Beach
Alabama Gulf Coast Music Hall –
surrounding COVID-19 safety. Call or check and Sundays at 3 p.m. "Celebrate Vegas" Sports Association. Details: https://alwharf.
Dancing, BBQ, live music and more! Dance
websites or social media before heading out features tributes to Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Cher com/ or 850-233-5065 or sue@pcbsc.com
the night away to country, oldies, ‘50s,
to an event. pop and blues. 12615-A Foley Beach
Express, Foley, Ala. Details: https://
WEDNESDAYS
alabamagulfcoastmusichall.com/
Boardwalk Talks at Dauphin Island
Sea Lab Estuarium - The Northern Last Saturday of each month
Gulf Institute presents informal talks about Trash Bash with the Navarre
the Gulf of Mexico region. 101 Bienville Beach Sea Turtle Conservation
Blvd, Dauphin Island, Ala. First and third Center - Help remove marine debris to
Wednesdays, 11:15 a.m. FREE. Details: www. protect sea turtles! Volunteers collect trash
disl.org/estuarium or 251-861-2141 from different areas along the 4.5 miles
Winter Wednesdays, Bellingrath of Navarre Beach and record data that is
forwarded to state and federal agencies.
Gardens and Home - Sessions are
Meet in the main Navarre Beach Parking
held each week in the Magnolia Room from
Lot near the Sand Crab Pavilion. Limited
10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Jan. 6 to Feb. 24. Mobile,
supplies of gloves, buckets and pickers are
Ala. Register: 251-459-8864. Details: www.
provided, or bring your own. 8 to 10 a.m.
bellingrath.org
Details: https://navarrebeachseaturtles.
org/trash-bash2/27 3/21-21
Shrimp and Grits Festival - PBR's Elite Unleash The Beast
HarborWalk Village, 10 Harbor Blvd, Destin, - Pensacola Bay Center, Pensacola,
Fla. 12 to 4 p.m. The inaugural Shrimp & Grits Fla. Watch the world’s best bull riding
Festival will showcase shrimp & grits dishes athletes go up against the toughest
from favorite local restaurants. Live music, animal athletes in an 8-second man
craft cocktails and more. Benefitting Boys versus beast duel. Details: http://www.
& Girls Club of the Emerald Coast. Details: pensacolabaycenter.com
www.shrimpandgritsfest.com
3/21
2/28 Spring Jam 2021 – 1451 Navarre Beach
Causeway, Navarre, Fla. Cat Country 98.7
Navarre Beach Bridal Expo - 8375
Spring Jam 2021 starring LoCash with
Gulf Blvd. Navarre FL 32566. Save the Date!
special guests Gabby Barrett and Gone
The Navarre Beach Bridal Expo takes place at
West. Event benefits Santa Rosa Kids
the beautiful Springhill Suites Navarre Beach.
House and is presented by Gulf Winds
Details: Springhill Suites Navarre Beach 850-
Credit Union. Join us on the beach behind
939-0010
Juana’s Pagodas and Sailors Grill for this
3/5 all-ages show. Doors open at 3 p.m.; show
Gulf Shores Police Association Golf starts at 5 p.m. Bring a small beach towel
Tournament 2021 - Peninsula Golf Club, to sit on - no chairs allowed. Details:
20 Peninsula Blvd, Gulf Shores, Ala. 10:30 a.m. www.juanaspagodas.com/Spring%20Jam.
registration and 1 p.m. start. Team entries html
due by Feb. 8. Golf, range balls, carts, lunch, 3/27
hole contests, team and door prizes included.
Ye Olde Brothers Brewery Craft
Details: Julie Netemeyer, Julienetemeyer@
Beerfest - 4458 Highway 87, Navarre,
yahoo.com or Sgt. Josh Hoguet, jhoguet@
Fla. Join us for the annual Ye Olde
gulfshoresal.gov
Brothers Brewery Craft Beer Fest from
3/5-7 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets include entry to
2021 Emerald Coast Boat and event, live entertainment, beer tasting
Lifestyle Show - Aaron Bessant from your favorite local breweries and a
Amphitheater, 600 S Pier Park Dr, Panama souvenir glass. For the People’s Choice
City Beach, FL. Show opens Friday at 10 Award and 10% of all tickets sold will be
a.m. More than Just a Boat Show- fishing, donated to the winning brewery’s charity
fitness, boating, cycling, kayaking, outdoors, of choice. Details: 850-684-1495 or www.
paddleboarding and more. Details: www. yeoldebrothersbrewery.com/beerfest
emeraldcoastboatshow.com 3/26 – 5/28
3/6-7 Bands on the Blackwater Spring
Gulf Coast Renaissance Faire & Series - 5158 Willings St., Milton,
Pirate Festival - 8604 Bobby Brown Rd., Fla. 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday nights. Pull
Milton, Fla. The Gulf Coast Renaissance Fair up your boat or bring a lawn chair and
& Pirate Festival is a fun and education way relax while listening to some great
to experience the Middle Ages. Everyone is music! Details: www.facebook.com/
invited to dress up as renaissance characters BandsOnTheBlackwater or call the City of
(not required) for aexciting weekend Milton at 850-983-5400
of history, music, food, arts, crafts, live 4/17
entertainment and games. Featuring historic
Navarre Beach Vintage Festival
learning demonstrations and medieval - 8640 Blue Heron Ct., Navarre Beach,
characters. Do not miss out on a real Jousting Fla. 9 a.m. There will be classic cars,
tournament! Details: www.gcrf.us motorcycles, and surfboards on display
3/12-13 along with live music and food vendors.
The 2021 Festival of Flowers: The Navarre Fundraiser for the Navarre
All Creatures Great And Small - Beach Lifeguards & Jr. Lifeguards.
Cathedral Square, Downtown Mobile, Ala. Free admission at the Navarre Beach
Teams of florists go head-to-head creating Fire Rescue-Lifeguard Headquarters
amazing creatures from flowers. Benefitting in the Navarre Beach Marine Park.
the Cardiac Care Unit at Providence Hospital. Details: https://www.facebook.com/
Details: festivalofflowers.com events/1408012376196805
03/13 5/15-16
2021 Foley BBQ & Blues Cook-Off! Pensacola JazzFest - Seville Square,
- Foley Heritage Park, Foley, Ala. Welcome downtown Pensacola. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
spring with the 13th Annual BBQ & Blues Saturday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Cook-Off. Event benefits the South Baldwin Details: (850) 433-8382; jazzpensacola.
Chamber Foundation. Details: 251.943.5590 com
or visit foleybbqandblues.net12
Snaps! Winter visitors and vendors gathered for the annual Fort Walton Beach Winter Guest Fest presented by Crystal Shores Realty.
$96 Cleaning, Exam, Xray
10% off services
with cash payment
Free Assessment* Expiration March 31, 2021. Check website for complete information.Snaps! Snowbirds learned about the reefs sunk at Navarre Beach (below) and the Perdido Key Chamber sponsored the Hootenanny Snowbird welcome at the Flora-Bama (right).
14
Maritime history subject of a 6,000-artifact online collection
By Louis Cooper
Thousands of local maritime years now,” Wells
historical artifacts in the collections said. “We're glad that
of six Northwest Florida institutions the project is now
have been curated into a single available, especially
digital resource, just in time to enjoy for students and
from the comfort of your condo's scholars who
Wi-Fi. are facing many
challenges doing
“The purpose
historical research
of the Gulf
during the pandemic.”
Coast Digital
History The project
Project is encompasses 6,388
to facilitate unique items –
access and totaling more than
exploration of 20,000 individual
our region's computer scans –
rich history,” that tell the story of
said Dr. the region's maritime
Jamin Wells, heritage during
an assistant Dr. Jamin Wells the nineteenth and
professor of twentieth centuries. Lighthouse exploring funding opportunities to
history at the University of West • Promotional materials for local expand the depth and breadth of
The artifacts were supplied by the
Florida. ports and early coastal tourism this digital resource," Wells said.
Destin History and Fishing Museum,
efforts
“Whether you're a student working the Gulf Breeze Area Historical "While 6,300 documents and six
on a research paper, a genealogist Society, the National Aviation "One of the strengths of this collaborating institutions might
researching a family member, or a Museum Library, the Pensacola collection of documents and sound like a lot, we've only scratched
person interested in the area's past – Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, photographs is how they shed the surface of exploring the region's
this project has something for you.” the UWF Historic Trust, and the light on changes and continuities history."
The online resource, located at UWF Archives and West Florida in everyday life over the past 200
https://uwf.edu/gulfhistoryproject, History Center at the UWF Libraries. years," Wells said. "While at the
launched in December 2020, but the same time they provide valuable
Items in the project include:
convergence of the virtual resource insights into historical events, from
• The official catch log of the Destin
in a socially distanced world is a destructive hurricanes and wartime
Fishing Rodeo from the 1950s to
coincidence. experiences to a period of profound
1970s
political and cultural upheaval."
“The genesis of this project dates • Handwritten letters from the
back to 2017, and we've been nineteenth century The website is organized according
working diligently on it for several • Logbooks from the Pensacola to the institution that owns the
materials with a comprehensive
search engine. For example,
searching the term “hurricane” brings
up 49 items. The first is a photo
of damage at Warrington Beach,
near Pensacola Naval Air Station,
following a hurricane in 1916. The
National Aviation Museum Library
supplied the image.
The Gulf Coast Digital History
Project was funded through a 2017
National Maritime Heritage Grant
from the National Park Service and "We have so much to learn about
support from UWF. Those who how the Gulf Coast (community) we
worked on the project included UWF live in came to be," he added.
students and interns and the staff at
"We hope to expand both the
each partner institution.
geographical and temporal reach of
"We hope this project continues to this project in the years to come."
grow and evolve, and we're actively15
March 13
vs. Knoxville, Tenn.
6:35 p.m.
March 14
vs. Knoxville, Tenn.
7:05 p.m.
March 26
vs. Macon, Ga.
Happy Hour Daily 4-6 p.m. 7:35 p.m.
Check website for golf specials. March 27
vs. Macon, Ga.
Visit the Legends Premium 7:05 p.m.
Bar and Grill
April 1
vs. Huntsville, Ala.
6:35 p.m.16
Baseball season swings into the Gulf Coast
Minor league baseball is returning to “We’re just excited to be able to and Tennessee in the North Division.
the Gulf Coast in 2021. After being play baseball again and have fans
The Blue Wahoos play at the
shut down because of the pandemic, here,” said Blue Wahoos president
Blue Wahoo Stadium in
the Pensacola Blue Wahoos and the Jonathan Griffith. “It feels great. To
downtownPensacola,
Biloxi Shuckers will begin play in have the ownership we have with
May in Double-A baseball. Quint and Rishy Studer who kept all
of us fully employed was huge.
Teams will play 120 games this
season, including 60 home games. “I think everyone is relieved that
Both the Blue Wahoos and the we are going to have baseball. And
Shuckers will have their home for the community. I think everyone
openers on May 11. wants to be able to get out and see
games and have family activity.” Stadium
Under the new Professional capacity limits
Development License system are expected to
through Major League be implemented to
Baseball, the Blue ensure fan safety during
Wahoos will play as the 2021 season and will
part of the Double-A be announced leading up to
South league, which the season. Game times and the
while the Shuckers play in MGM Park teams’ promotional schedule will be
features Pensacola,
in Biloxi. released at a later date.
Biloxi, Mississippi,
and Montgomery The Blue Wahoos are affiliated For more information, visit www.
in the South Division with the Florida Marlins, while the biloxishuckers.com and www.
and Birmingham, Shuckers are an affiliate of the bluewahoos.com.
Chattanooga, Rocket City, Milwaukee Brewers.17 New Santa Rosa, Fla., park welcomes RVers The pandemic has spawned a renewed interest in recreational vehicles and a spate of new parks are cropping up nationwide. By this next summer, Florida’s “NEXT BIG THING’’ is scheduled to open just off I-10 in Santa Rosa County. The 60-acre Splash RV Resort & Waterpark will feature paved roads and full-RV hookups and concrete RV pads, 80 cabins and even a collection of Conestoga Wagons, the ultimate option for Florida “glamping” space. The park will include a variety of amenities including lazy river, three additional pools, fire pits, golf cart rentals, dog park, ampitheater and more. The location is an easy jump-off spot to hiking the Blackwater State Forest and canoe, kayak and tube Coldwater Creek in the north and enjoy the peace and serenity at Navarre Beach to the south. Reservations are being accepted now: info@splashrvresort.com or (850) 626- 8500. Review plans online at www.splashrvresort.
18
A Little Good She was so excited
that she practiced Find your copy of
About a year ago. Before the pandemic. I saw
Snowbirds Gulf Coast!
for two weeks
him across the crowded restaurant with his beforehand.
elderly parents. They didn’t look like they’d
aged a bit. But he did. His face was lean, his On the night of Snowbirds Gulf Coast prints four editions each winter: Holiday, January, February and
skin was wrinkled, he was gaunt. And he still the performance Sean of the South Spring that are distributed regionally from Panama City Beach, Fla., west along the
had his trademark sense of humor. her husband and Florida panhandle to the Alabama Gulf Coast and Biloxi Visitor Center.
children were We also push out .pdf versions of the print edition through our e-newsletter (sign
I told him I hardly recognized him. sitting in the front row eating onion rings. up online) and Facebook page: Snowbirds Gulf Coast (“Like” the page to receive
“Yeah,” he said, “it’s this new diet I’m on, it’s She sang her heart out and received a five- information.) Find us at more than 300 condo lobbies and RV parks, plus dozens of
called being sick, the weight just falls off.” person standing ovation. Three people were golf courses, restaurants, medical facilities and attractions from Panama City to the
This is not his best joke, I’m not sure whether I immediate relatives. Two were cousins. Alabama Gulf Coast.
should laugh. After a few gigs, a man from a nearby private
Area libraries, senior centers Navarre Beach Visitor Information Center
All Southern Vacation locations Panama City Beach Visitor Center
Then he gave me the real story. It’s a long one, school called her and told her that he had Biloxi Visitor Center Panama City Chamber
I don’t have room to tell it all. He became very seen her perform. He said the school he Bodenhamer Center, Gulf Shores Pensacola Beach Visitor Center
ill with an autoimmune disease. Doctors said worked for had just lost their music teacher. Dauphin Island Chamber of Commerce Pensacola Visitor Center
he was dying. His parents were braced for He asked if she would apply to teach music. Destin Chamber of Commerce Perdido Key Visitor Center
the worst. His mother and father became his She is happy to report that she has been a Destin West Sandpiper Cove
caregivers. music teacher for almost two years now, and Emerald Coast Convention and Visitor Center Santa Rosa County Visitor Center
His parents tell me that for two years, they did her school’s pandemic-style virtual Christmas Eastern Shore (Al) Chamber of Commerce Seaspray
a lot of talking to the sky, asking for help. program was a glorious technological train Fort Walton Beach Recreation Center (FWB Village Baptist Church, Destin
Doctors still can’t explain how he was cured. wreck. She still sings with a folk band Club locale) Walton County Visitor Information Center
sometimes. Although gigs are hard to come by Mobile Visitor Center Rouses Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
Maybe it was the treatment. Maybe it was Alabama Welcome Center at I-10/Florida Line South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce
something else. They aren’t sure. All anyone during the coronavirus era.
SnowBIRDS
Condo lobbies throughout the coast Gulf Coast
knows is that one day he woke up better. No Let’s see, what else? RV Park offices throughout the coast
traces of illness are left. Oh, I almost forgot. I got a letter in the mail Majestic Oaks RV Resort
“Now all I have to do is gain weight,” he tells me. from a 71-year-old woman in North Texas. The
I have another friend I wanted to tell you letter said that her dog recently died. A yellow
about. I grew up with him. We once went to Lab named Duke. Thank you to all of our Snowbirds Gulf Coast partners!
Mardi Gras together when we were young Duke was born in a shelter. She adopted him and
Show your support by patronizing our advertisers! Tell them Snowbirds Gulf Coast sent you! We are grateful to
men—which is another long story that I don’t loved him for six years until he got hit by a car. our loyal partners who have helped bring this magazine to you for the past 14 years!
have time for. Let’s just say that I almost A few weeks after his death, she got a call
ended up as a permanent smear on a New 30A Farmers Market GT's on the Bay Rouses Market
from the same shelter. The shelter said that AARP Mobile Alabama Holiday Isle Properties Santa Rosa County Tourism
Orleans sidewalk. a man had dropped off a dog because he Andrews Institute Hollywood Casino Bay St. Louis Santa Rosa Island Authority
A few years ago my friend had the worst couldn’t care for it anymore due to his job. The Baptist Health Care Juana's Pagodas Seaspray Condominiums
year of his life. His marriage sort of fell apart. shelter was asking her to adopt it. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino LEGENDS at OWA Shrimp Basket
His wife left him and took their son with her. “No thanks,” she told them, “I just lost a dog, Bellingrath Gardens & Home Luna's Sinfonia Gulf Coast
Next he lost his business, then his money. He Boomtown Casino Biloxi Magnolia Grill - Fort Walton Swift-Coles Historic Home
and I’m not ready for another.”
became suicidal. BuzzCatz Beach The Grove 55+ Active
“Well, that’s why we’re calling you,” they told Culver's Magnolia RV Park Biloxi Community
One night, while asleep on his brother’s sofa- her. “This is Duke’s brother, from the same litter, Dauphin Island Native Cafe Visit Coastal Alabama/Dauphin
sleeper he had decided that he was going to six years ago. He’s an identical yellow Lab.” Dentrement Dental Needle Rush Point Condos Island
end it all on the following day. He had even Destin West Pensacola Beach Community Wind Creek – Atmore
worked out how he would do it. That was all she needed to hear. Even though Distro Data Church Majestic Oaks RV Resort
it was evening, she drove clear across town El Matador Condominiums Perdido Bay Golf
He says he whispered to the ceiling, “You’re
SnowBIRDS
to the shelter, still wearing her ratty pajamas. Fun Boats Dolphin Cruises REALTOR® Viktoriya Morris
Gulf Coast
the only one who can stop me, if you give a Also at the time, she says—and this was Good Time Tours ResortQuest Gulf Coast
damn about me, you will.” actually written in her letter—that she “wasn’t
The next morning, he was awoken by the even wearing a bra.” Older women can be a
sound of a car in the driveway. It was his wife little too forthcoming.
and son. She had driven three hundred miles She burst into the shelter, “totally unbound,”
overnight on a whim. She couldn’t explain why, she points out, and many young men had to
but she wanted to patch things up. They are divert their eyes.
together today.
The dog was the spitting image of Duke. She
He’s never told anyone what I just told you. So took him home. His new name is Luke, in case
try to keep that to yourself if you don’t mind. you’re curious. Though, if it had been me, I
Here’s another. I got an email from a gal who would have named him “Of Earl.” But that’s
told me that all her life she wanted to play beside the point. Speaking of points, you were
music. But you know how life goes. You don’t probably wondering if there was a point to this
always get everything you want. column, there is:
She married, had two kids, there was no time Don’t give up. Not yet.
for music. Instead she worked a job that she
hated and found herself in charge of the Help is on the way.
soccer carpool. She was falling apart inside.
Until one fateful week. Sean Dietrich is a columnist, and novelist, known
for his commentary on life in the American South.
She got a call. A complete stranger offered Learn more at www.seandietrich.com
her the lead role in a local acoustic folk band.19
COVID-19 updates from Baptist Health Care
Submitted by Baptist Health Care
The first case of COVID-19 in Because COVID-19 can affect is about 50%. After the
Northwest Florida was diagnosed anyone and can cause serious, second dose, immunity
just over a year ago and has spread life-threatening illness, taking jumps to greater than 90%.
with concerning speed throughout appropriate preventive measures is That’s why those being
the area ever since. extremely important. vaccinated are strongly
• Avoid gathering in groups, urged to get both doses,
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness particularly indoors. which are given several
that is spread through respiratory • Wear a mask any time you weeks apart, for maximum
droplets produced when people are with people outside your protection.
who are infected with the virus household.
cough, sneeze, sing, talk or breathe, • Wash hands often with soap and Both may cause side effects
especially in enclosed areas. It can water for at least 20 seconds or that can include pain at
cause a wide range of symptoms use a hand sanitizer containing the injection site, fatigue,
from mild to severe. at least 60% alcohol if soap and headache, body aches,
water are not available. chills and fever.
Symptoms may appear two to 14 These are signs that your
days after exposure to the virus and • Stay home when sick, cover
coughs or sneezes with a tissue, body’s immune system is
include cough, shortness of breath being activated to ward
or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, avoid close contact with people
who are sick, clean and disinfect off subsequent COVID-19
muscle pain, headache, sore throat, infection. Most side effects
congestion or runny nose, nausea frequently touched surfaces
daily, and avoid touching your resolve within 24 to 48
or vomiting, diarrhea and/or a new hours.
loss of taste or smell. If you develop eyes, nose and mouth.
any of these symptoms, be sure to Keep in mind that stopping feet apart from people outside
COVID-19 vaccination is one of the
get tested for COVID-19. If you test a pandemic requires using all tools your immediate household, avoid
strongest tools available to fight this
positive, you should follow isolation available. The vaccine is important, crowds and poorly ventilated spaces,
pandemic by providing an important
guidelines recommended by the but it can’t fight COVID-19 alone! and wash your hands frequently.
layer of protection. Studies show
Centers for Disease Control at cdc. That’s why you should continue For more information, visit
that about a month after receiving
gov. to wear a mask, stay at least six eBaptistHealthCare.org.
the first dose of vaccine, immunityYou can also read
