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The 2011 YOLO Board Mileage Builder Series kicked off on May 28th, 2011 at Baytowne Marina in Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. The race event consists of a series of four endurance-building races: May 28 -- one mile course, June 24th -- two mile course, July 23rd -- three
mile course, and August 13th -- four mile course.

On May 26, 2011 the WaterColor BoatHouse on Western Lake came alive with disco fever for the seventies-themed YOLO race in WaterColor, Florida. Furious paddles were flying fast as lightning as racers and spectators of all ages, shapes and sizes came together for fun, fitness, and competition at the kickoff event.

Kids of all ages enjoyed a beautiful morning on Grayton Beach during the Fifth Annual Grayton Beach Kids' Fishing Tournament, sponsored by the Coastal Conservation Association.

The tournament is intended to promote the responsible use of our marine resources through recreational fishing. With a $5 entry fee, each child receives a free rod and reel, full tackle box, beach rod holder, bait and pompano rigs and weights and a T-shirt.

A quick look at the start of the Seaside race for 2011.

Kelsey Anna is as local as the wildflowers along Walton County roads, and her talent is blooming just like them. You can hear her at small local venues like La Botana, Amavida, and Hibiscus. Catch her while you can so one day you can say you did. She's got pipes and can strum a good guitar, but what sets her apart are her songwriting skills. She's penned more than 50 honest tunes to date and there are some gems among them.

The sixth annual Art in the Park at WaterColor, Florida was on a perfect spring day in the town center. Many different types of artists displayed and demonstrated their art for hundreds of people in Cerulean Park beside the beautiful pond and watercourse. As usual, Monark Events did an excellent job putting on the event for the WaterColor homeowners' association.

Cooking fish in the kitchen with Executive Chef Cody Smith at Seagrill in Seacrest. Chops 30A is now Seagrill, from Jim Altamura, owner of Marina Cafe and Fish Bar in Destin, and Crush in Seaside.

Seagrill is between the SoWal beach towns of Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach, featuring upscale casual dining with fine cuts of meat, fresh seafood and sushi.
The large and sleek bar is known for regular nightly specials and many different martini creations.

An early look at V Restaurant in Seagrove, phase one of the Viridian Hotel at the corner of Scenic 395 and Scenic 30A, next to the Seagrove Market. Opening night is scheduled for Friday, March 11, 2011. The striking and classic building was designed by DAG Architects, and built by Arkon Group of Santa Rosa Beach.

Vera Bradley co-founder Barbara Bradley Baekgaard chats with SoWal's Rebecca Sullivan about her company and her love for the beach from the porch of her family's home in Seaside, Florida.

Vera Bradley supports the Seaside Neighborhood School by presenting the annual Seaside School Half Marathon and 5K Run on Scenic Highway 30A in SoWal.

The 2011 Sandestin Gumbo Festival was a delicious success! Lots of good food, good people and good music make for a helluva good time - Nawlins style. Congratulations to Jon Seeling of 98 Bar-B-Que and his team for their 4th-straight victory at the Sandestin Gumbo Festival.