By DOTTY NIST
Along CR-30A between Blue Mountain Beach and WaterColor, asphalt was recently added to parts of the multi-use path, a.k.a. the “bike path,” that were in need of repair.
The overlay work was a joint effort by the Walton County Tourist Development Council (TDC) and Walton County Public Works.
Angela Vaughn, TDC community relations/PR coordinator, explained that the bike path overlay project would be ongoing. She anticipated additional work later in the year.
Dave Sell, TDC beach operations manager, explained that TDC staff had driven the length of the bike path and had identified areas in need of improvement. Materials and labor for the overlay work were provided by Walton County Public Works, Sell said.
“Our goal is to get the path up to where it needs to be,” he commented.
Sections of the multi-use path are found along Scenic Gulf Drive, CR-30A, and a number of north-south roads intersecting with CR-30A.
Last year the TDC took over responsibility for maintenance of the bike path, funding a $250,000 annual contract with Valley View Landscaping for mowing, pruning, trimming, and trash pick-up along the path. Slightly over 20 miles of path are maintained through the contract.
“We’re glad that the TDC has stepped up to the plate to accept maintenance, litter control and other issues with the multi-use path, which is so heavily used by the tourists,” said Walton County District 5 Commissioner Cindy Meadows. “They’re really doing a good job, and it’s a much-needed addition to our maintenance program,” she added.
Crestview distillery a labor of love for spirits and history
Story and photos by JEFFEY POWELL
The Fox Theater in downtown Crestview was for many years a hub of activity. From 1948 to 1978 countless customers, from all walks of life, crowded the building to see their favorite Hollywood stars on the big screen. Recently, a new business has occupied the structure’s former lobby in an attempt to bring people downtown, and highlight the first legal distillery in Okaloosa County.
Tyler and Trey Peaden and Robert Ellis are the owner/operators of Peaden Brothers Distillery. They opened their doors to business in March, 2014, after a couple of years of contemplating the distillery process.
“A few years ago Trey was researching the idea and Tyler and I had been in the bartending business for years so in 2012 we finally decided to just do this,” said Robert. “It was exciting when we opened in March of 2014. It took a while to get here. We named our business in 2012 and in the middle of 2013 we began the process of opening a micro distillery. Fifty-six days after submitting our federal application we were approved and we now have five flavors and a bourbon on the shelf. Pretty soon we will be offering a rye whisky.”
Hanging on the walls of the distillery are photographs of old time distillers. These photos harken back to a day when distilling spirits was largely an illegal endeavor. The Peaden Brothers enjoy stories concerning the old ways while making sure they are following all of today’s legal standards.
“The stories and history of moonshining are great,” said Tyler. “We have had people from all over the world come in to see our operation. This brings in some notoriety not only for Okaloosa County but for the entire Florida Panhandle. The distilling of sprits has a long and complicated history in the area and we want everyone to know how proud we are to be the first legal distillery in Okaloosa County.”
The Peaden Brothers Distillery now offers seven types of liquor, most named after a family member or historical location. They also have T-shirts and other related items for visitors to purchase. Store hours are Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 5 P.M. They can be reached by calling (850) 306-1344.