Business

When Frasier Hansen and Shawn Sherman met a few years ago, opening a craft brewery in South Walton was just a seed of a dream. A lot of planning, anxiety, sweat, and financing has passed since, and Idyll Hounds Brewing Company is about to blossom. The duo beam like proud poppas when speaking of the first batch of ale soon to be to be brewed in their brand-new facility in the South Walton Commerce Park, off Hwy 98 between Point Washington and Rosemary Beach.

Brett Martin, woodcrafter and owner of Made on 30A, grew up tinkering and building stuff in Georgia. He’s still building stuff, but on a much grander scale. The smell of fresh-cut wood permeates the air as Martin surveys his current workshop located on Hwy. 393 South. He speaks enthusiastically about his work and how he came to be here.

Having worked in the screen printing and embroidery business in Georgia for 20 years, he sold that business to move here with his family in 2007. The change in scenery necessitated a change in jobs.

Bow Wow Meow Pet Company is now selling raffle tickets for a chance to win a brand new, locally designed and constructed doghouse. Raffle tickets are $10 for one or $15 for two. The raffle winner will be chosen on December 28, 2013 with all profits going to benefit Seaside Animal Rescue. Make sure to stop by Bow Wow Meow Pet Company in Seagrove Beach, any day of the week, to see this adorable house and to purchase your raffle tickets.
 

Russell & Russell, the only full-service hospitality consulting firm based in Northwest Florida, has formed Russell Vacation Rentals, which began operating Nov. 1, 2013.

Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse returned to South Walton recently for the taping of the second season of “Emeril’s Florida.” Emeril made visits to many South Walton favorites to enjoy the food, the people and to experience what makes SoWal so special. 

Martin Liptrot heads up marketing for Grayton Beer Company and he's a busy man these days. He's in charge of launching the company's new product line, transitioning the brand from a local novelty beverage to a major player in the region. Things are heating up at the brand new production facility in South Walton.

The latest real estate statistics for September 2013 in Walton County show continued improvement – sales are up, prices are up, inventory is lower - the number of months of available inventory is once again down, from 10.6 to 9.1. 

The South Walton Real Estate Report for September 2013 is produced by Florida REALTORS® and provided by the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors® (ECAR). Click here to open the latest South Walton Real Estate Report in pdf format.

The lack of long term rentals in South Walton is a major hurdle for people who want to move to our area. And a major headache for locals looking to move. Many homes and condos are on the lucrative, short-term vacation rental market, leaving little to choose from.

For plain proof how hot the long-term rental market is, the just-completed TerraMar Apartments are nearly filled up. TerraMar is a brand-new 250-home Mediterranean-style apartment community on Hwy 98 near the West end of Scenic 30A in Santa Rosa Beach.

Pizza by the Sea has always been yummy and fun - now it's twice as yummy and fun! The owners have opened a second location in Gulf Place, in the space previously occupied by Amore Pizzeria. 

It's a comfortable spot and very kid friendly - just like the original location beside Publix at WaterColor Crossings. The new location in Gulf Place has plenty of tables in an enclosed space. It's got a really nice feel with string lights and colorful tables. The trademark hand-painted pizza pans are starting to spread across the walls.

Local artist Joan Vienot will debut an exhibit of paintings at Grayt Grounds of Monet Monet in Grayton Beach with a reception on Nov. 2 from 5-9 p.m. Everyone is invited to come out and join friends and the art community for this special evening event in the gardens. Joan's art exhibit, "The Present Moment", will be on display at Grayt Grounds from Nov. 2-17.