History

Rags to Riches Regatta Returns To Grayton Beach

A Local Fourth of July Weekend Tradition Finds Its Sea Legs

“Whenever two sailboats are on the water at the same time,” says Charlie Thornton, “it’s a race.  The captains may not admit it, but each wants to go faster than the other.”

Some things never change.

Last Fourth of July local sailors gathered for the legendary Rags to Riches Regatta, a Hobie Cat Race with a course between Grayton Beach and Seagrove. Seventeen captains showed up with their crew and 16-foot Hobies to negotiate the famously rowdy Gulf.

A SoWal Classic - Seagrove Villas Motel

You’ve just re-connected with a high school classmate on Facebook. Unfortunately, your newly found former acquaintance has just invited herself and the entire family to the beach for the long holiday weekend.  What to do? 

First, thank your lucky stars the old Seagrove Villa Motel survived the real estate bubble. Next - tell the friend in Atlanta or Nashville or wherever she currently calls home to make better use of her time online and surf over to and get a room at the Seagrove Villas Motel. 

Grayton Beach History Video

This show was created for, and with the help of, my friend Billy  Buzzett to present at the Grayton Beach Homeowners Association meeting  in April of 2010. Many of the images in the show came from long time  Grayton Beach residents whose families go back for generations. It is  hoped that the show will be enjoyed by new generations of residents and  visitors and give them a better appreciation of the long history of this  tiny and very unique crown jewel of the beautiful Florida Panhandle. Video by Edmond Alexander

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