We are so excited to welcome Spring to the Emerald Coast. The weather is warming up and just in time for our Spring Break visitors. The beautiful thing about living in Northwest Florida is that we have the ability to comfortably spend time outdoors all year around. In fact, many of our charitable fundraisers such as walk-a-thons and marathons are held during our winter months. Just last month, our Listing Specialist, Amanda Abbott, entered into the 4^th Annual Seaside School Half Marathon & 5K Run the weekend of February 26^th-28^th. The purpose of this event, hosted by Vera Bradley (who gave amazing gifts to each runner), was to raise money for the Seaside Neighborhood School and the Seacoast Collegiate High School. Just like any other school around, these Seaside Charter Schools experience funding cuts year after year. Fundraising events, as in the case of the Seaside Half Marathon, allow these schools to provide elective classes in gardening, music, art, technology, dance, yearbook, smaller math classes, and award winning robotics programs – to name a few.

Sponsored by many of our local businesses, this event was honored to welcome Chef Emeril Lagasse, along with Chef Jim Shirley, and Chef Jim Richard for a VIP reception, Taste of the Race, the Friday before the run.  Two of Emeril’s restaurants provided cuisine along with some of the Gulf Coast’s top chefs and restaurants. Live music was abundant along with wine and spirits. Saturday kept the momentum building with race preparations, more food, live music and a silent auction. The big event, the Half Marathon (13.1 miles!) started bright and early at 7 a.m. Sunday morning with the 5K run following at 7:25 a.m. A post-run party and another silent auction finished up the weekend. Congratulations, Amanda for supporting this great cause and good job finishing in just under 2 hours!

Living a healthier lifestyle is what we’re all about here in Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast. Just imagine waking up every morning to a walk on the beach, a quick surf ride, yoga facing the Gulf or Bay waters, or maybe a bit of paddle boarding before heading to work or wherever your day might take you. This lifestyle could be yours! Smart investors are realizing the value of buying real estate here as they see visitors flock to our beaches to take advantage of all we have to offer. Amazing properties in every price range are available all along the coast, click here to search. If you are interested in buying or selling real estate in the area, give the Nathan Abbott Team a call for up-to-date real estate information.