News & Info

Greg Mathews and Chris Officer are wearing out flip flops every day as they walk Florida beaches for Google Maps. They are carrying a bizarre backpack which has a big blue orb overhead. The 40-pound rig contains 15 cameras that each take a picture every 2.5 seconds to later create a Google "street view" panorama. They are trekking about 7.5 miles a day for the project which is a collaboration between Visit Florida and Google.

The duo started in the panhandle and have already walked across South Walton. The project should be completed and accessible on Google maps in 2014.

Wyndham Vacation Rentals has announced that ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals launched a Local’s Loyalty Program to reward local residents for their hospitality in welcoming thousands of tourists to the Gulf Coast each year.
 

The Volunteer Guild at Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast recently presented a $67,600 donation to the hospital in support of a variety of patient care initiatives. Each year, the Volunteer Guild invites hospital department managers to apply for one of the Volunteer Guild’s special capital sponsorships to enhance patient care, resulting in new equipment, software upgrades and customer service projects.
 

Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast will host the Oneblood mobile unit on Thursday, July 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the main entrance of the hospital, located at 7800 U.S. Highway 98 West in Miramar Beach.

All donors will receive a free t-shirt and a meal ticket to the hospital’s café. Anyone who donates blood two times between now and Sept. 30, 2013 will receive a free steak dinner courtesy of Outback Steakhouse®.

WaterColor Inn & Resort is extremely popular and well-loved by vistors from all over the world. It's one of the most celebrated beach towns in South Walton and recently received yet another award for excellence. The readers of Travel + Leisure magazine selected WaterColor Inn & Resort as one of the top 100 hotels in the world and ranked the Resort as #12 on the “World’s Best” list for the Continental United States. 

The Fourth of July is around the corner, a time many Americans observe their independence by sending bottle rockets into the sky, exploding miniature bombs and unfortunately, breaking a state law. Most fireworks are illegal for consumer use in Florida, even if they're available for purchase. That can make stocking up for celebrations confusing for residents, tourists and guests alike.
 

To help clear up some of that confusion, SWFD would like to share some of the questions we are typically asked along with the answers.
 

The community of Seaside, Fla., has been successful in creating a popular guest experience loved by many. In order to continue to offer a positive experience for Seaside visitors and to provide a simple process for coming and going in Seaside, the town will implement an easily accessible summer parking option for guests.

Forbes Travel Guide today unveiled its 55th annual listing of Star Award-winning hospitality establishments worldwide, and named WaterColor Inn & Resort as part of this list. WaterColor Inn & Resort will be showcased with all of the 2013 award winners on Startle.com, the online home of Forbes Travel Guide.

Welcome to the Emeril Coast: Q&A with Destin’s newest resident, celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse

I recently had the opportunity to “kick it up a notch” - I mean talk with, the chef extraordinaire, and newly minted Destin resident Emeril Lagasse about his newest show Emeril’s Florida, his love for the Sunshine State, and his family’s recent move to Destin. I think you’ll be enlightened by what I found out about the BAM! Master and I think you’ll understand even better why those who can vacation and live anywhere they want, often choose Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Sandestin Wine Festival Adds Southern Charm, a Special Dash of Personality and Cooking Expertise with Author & Restaurateur Paula Deen April 2013

The Sandestin Wine Festival at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, one of the most treasured traditions in the South, today announced that internationally known food personality, author and restaurateur Paula Deen will be featured at its April 2013 event.