The Best Night of the Year

Annual Best of the Emerald Coast readers’ poll culminates in a celebration for the books

November 15, 2024

Paige Aigret,

7n7a4254 — Flow Tibe. Photo by Savvy Leigh Photo

I’ve always enjoyed immersing myself in the community and attending area events. But of all the festivities I’ve experienced, the Best of the Emerald Coast event has become my annual favorite. I may be biased as Emerald Coast Magazine editor, but beyond my editorial ties, it’s the pride in my community that makes me eager for what I dub the best night of the year.

The 2024 Best of the Emerald Coast event on Thursday, Oct. 10, most certainly did not disappoint. We celebrated bigger and better than ever this year. The venue on the Grand Lawn at Grand Boulevard was expansive, and the space quickly filled in, bustling with guests excited to celebrate their friends, family, and favorite businesses.

Presenting sponsor Corcoran Reverie’s Hilary Farnum-Fasth and Jacob Watkins started the night out with bright energy.

Photo by Savvy Leigh Photo

“We are so excited to be here tonight for the Best of the Emerald Coast awards,” Farnum-Fasth said. “And we’re so excited to be the presenting sponsor of the Best of awards.”

“This organization and these awards have become such a big part of the business community here,” added Watkins. “I’m really excited to see all the award winners and celebrate their achievements.”

A first-time attendee, Anna Mooney came to support her boyfriend, Best Videographer winner Nick Moore of Moore Media. Moore was busy recording event content, but Mooney enjoyed the night alongside Moore’s parents.

“It was such a heartwarming experience,” Mooney said, “being there with Nick’s family and also seeing all the other families who were there to support their loved ones who had won awards. It was just such a good moment for the community.”

At the event entrance, winners were presented with awards and ushered toward the night’s main photo-op at the original mural created in collaboration by local artists Maxine Orange, Wes Hinds, Bradley Copeland, Vivian and Tony Zack, and Brendan Parker.

The mural was crafted by Luke & Blue’s and each of it’s five sections was painted by a separate artist: Maxine Orange, Wes Hinds, Bradley Copeland, Vivian and Tony Zack, and Brendan Parker. Photo by Alix Black

Once inside, guests were greeted by an array of vendors, offering the best food, beverages, and art in the area.

Of the 18 food and beverage vendors offering bites and refreshments across the main event and the VIP section, Mooney named a few for her top contenders.

Photo by Savvy Leigh Photo

M&P Farrington Foods’ grilled cheese and tomato soup sacchetti was Mooney’s “absolute favorite food there.” And Ovide’s pork belly biscuit and smoked brisket crostini were two she “couldn’t help but go back for more.”

Mooney called her favorite beverage from Birdie Cocktails “dangerously good,” describing the drink as naturally flavored and refreshingly ideal for Florida’s weather and vibes.

“They had such a perfect blend,” Mooney said. “I tasted every single note. I feel like didn’t even know what a note was before I sipped on Birdie.”

Mooney named other standouts including Tipsy Mule’s Cherry Pie Margarita and the sushi from Harbor Docks. But seeing her boyfriend shine was the best part of the night for her.

“I just could not help but be captivated by Nick’s dedication to his work during the event. I was so proud of him,” she said.

Other guests noted favorites, including the steak bites from Fleming’s, dumplings from Jackacuda’s, the burgers from McGuire’s of Destin, chef Molly Arnett’s cupcake bites, and cappuccinos from Coastal Coffee Bar Co.

Harrison Prentice. Photo by Savvy Leigh Photo

Featured live music included opener Harrison Prentice and headliner band Flow Tribe. Seaside-based singer-songwriter Prentice brought Southern charm to his performance, playing his debut single, God Bless the Rest, and the recently released Drown, among other originals in his set. A six-member American funk rock band from New Orleans, Flow Tribe is known for fun and funky vibes and lively performances. On the Hilton Sandestin Beach Main Stage, they delivered a setlist that kept the crowd dancing.

“Flow Tribe kept the momentum flowing,” said local Maggie Dickhaus who attended with husband Bob.

“The band was groovy; I love them,” said Mooney. “I was jamming out all night.”

Cindy Kelly attended with coworkers from Bridgeway Center Inc., the 2024 Best Charity/Nonprofit Winner, and had a memorable experience.

“The Best of the Emerald Coast really was the best,” Kelly said. “The food was great; I didn’t taste anything that I didn’t like. Flow Tribe is an excellent band, and it was great to hear them again.”

Front-row, stage-side seating included color-lit bubble chairs for a fun rest stop and boho-style woven lounge chairs for in-style comfort. In the VIP tent, couches, love seats, and armchairs took comfort to elevated levels. Tables throughout the venue featured tapestry-style tablecloths and vibrant florals and decor.

“The couches were super comfy,” Mooney noted. “I love how they put together the event. It was so nicely done.”

“Bob and I thoroughly enjoyed our first Best of event,” said Dickhaus. “We loved the cool, cozy vibe in the VIP lounge, sampling signature bites paired with specialty cocktails prepared on-site.”

Aside from electric live-music performances, the Hilton Sandestin Beach Main Stage was host to an exciting announcement. Emerald Coast Magazine publisher McKenzie Burleigh highlighted the event’s beneficiary, Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF), alongside presenting sponsors Farnum-Fasth and Watkins of Corcoran Reverie. Director of marketing for MKAF Zandra Wolfgram shared words of gratitude on behalf of the organization.

Photo by Savvy Leigh Photo

“We are truly honored to be the beneficiary of tonight’s Best of the Emerald Coast event,” Wolfgram said. “We are grateful for the support of this incredible community and would like to congratulate all of the 2024 winners.”

MKAF was honored on stage with a check for over $60,000. The funds were raised through efforts of the Best of the Emerald Coast event.

“We deeply appreciate Emerald Coast Magazine, a longtime media sponsor, for their continued support of the arts,” Wolfgram continued.

The announcement brought a cheerful energy through the remainder of the evening.

Photo by Epic Photo Co.

“Seeing how much money was raised for Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, that was so impressive,” Mooney said. “That moved my heart, seeing how many people were willing to come together to support the community because that’s what community is about.”

At the end of the night, community is truly what it’s all about.

Cheers to another best night of the year!

See the full list of the winners of the 2024 Best of Emerald Coast readers’s poll here: 2024 Best of Emerald Coast Winners

We are grateful for the support of our incredible community, and the sponsors and partners who made the 2024 Best of the Emerald Coast event possible:

» Presenting sponsor Corcoran Reverie
» Venue sponsor Grand Boulevard/Coastal Culture
» Beneficiary: Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation
» Stage sponsor Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa

Gold, Silver and Bronze level sponsors
» Florida Blue
» Silver Sands Premium Outlets
» Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
» Hotel Effie Autograph Collection® Hotels
» Florals for the event: Beachy Blooms 30A
» South Walton
» Legendary Marine
» Proffitt PR
» Bluskies Design
» Trulieve
» Luke & Blue’s
» Emerald Coast Compounding Pharmacy
» Sunbelt Rentals