The momentum within the city is at full speed and the spirit charges forward!
Happy New Year
We’re starting a new year—we’re still rebuilding and we are excited about the future. The momentum within the city is at full speed and the spirit charges forward! Many businesses reopened last year and just a couple of days ago, one of our favorites, Killer Seafood, reopened on the lot where their restaurant used to be. The fishing business is picking up and our charter captains can customize any trip—from offshore fishing to sunset cruises—so be sure to book one soon. On behalf of the Mexico Beach Welcome Center, I would like to express our most humble thanks and appreciation to everyone who continues to show love and support to Mexico Beach. We have places to stay, places to eat, and places to shop, so please don’t shy away from visiting us this year. With each new day, more of our favorite spots are growing closer to rolling out that welcome back mat. We are delighted to see familiar faces and look forward to meeting new friends in 2020.
And the winner is...
Last month, we had a Mexico Beach sweatshirt up for grabs, compliments of the El Governor Motel, and the lucky winner is Tamara Adkisson from Rockwood, Tennessee. Congrats, Tamara!
JANUARY GIVEAWAY
This month, we are giving away a gift certificate to Cloud Nine Creations for either a stained-glass ornament class or a paint-and-sip class. Cloud Nine Creations is a small town art studio specializing in stained glass and mosaic art. Cloud Nine Creations offers a variety of classes for everyone, from the beginner to the master skilled in stained-glass creations. To place your name in the hat, send an e-mail to Melissa at [email protected].
Meet Capt. Chip Blackburn
As owner and operator of the charter boat Miss Mary for the past 25 years, Capt. Chip Blackburn knows the waters and the fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. The Coast Guard–approved and licensed boat has all the necessary safety equipment and electronics for a safe trip. Charters are available from four-hour trips up to twelve-hour trips and can accommodate up to six fishermen. Capt. Chip provides the necessary tackle, bait, and licenses for all the fishermen aboard. For those not interested in fishing, Capt. Chip also offers sightseeing trips and sunset cruises. You can learn more about the charter boat Miss Mary with Captain Chip under our “Fishing” section on our website here.
We are delighted to introduce our first wedding couple of 2020 to all of our readers. For more information on weddings or vow renewal ceremonies on the beach, visit mexicobeach.com.
Silas and Renee
Silas and Renee made a career change and moved to our area from the Jacksonville area and then decided to make a second life change—with a wedding! The ceremony was on our beautiful white beach during a serene sunset. Congratulations, Silas and Renee!
Gumbo Cook-Off
February 22
With the new year comes the return of a crowd favorite—the very popular Gumbo Cook-Off is back! The 21st Annual Mexico Beach Gumbo Cook-Off will take place on Saturday, February 22, starting at 10 a.m. This year, the event will be held at the Mexico Beach Boat Ramp Park, across from Canal Parkway. We’ll have the traditional beads, beer, and live music to accompany the great gumbos and Brunswick stews from our competitors. Tickets will be available for purchase to sample one, two, or as many as you like gumbos or stews. All proceeds raised will go toward the Special Events for Mexico Beach’s Best Blast on the Beach July 4th fireworks show.
Forgotten Coast en Plein Air: America’s Great Paint-Out
March 20–29
The 15th Annual Forgotten Coast en Plein Air: America’s Great Paint-Out will kick off in March this year! Nationally acclaimed artists will gather in the region to capture what some believe to be the last vestiges of authentic Old Florida. Artists can be seen painting alongside the roads overlooking the Gulf from the western end of Mexico Beach to the east side of Alligator Point, as well as in out-of-the-way settings. Artists from across the US and various other countries capture images of the region’s flora and fauna and other local points of interest in the plein air tradition.
Come celebrate the 4th of July in Mexico Beach with our Best Blast on the Beach. We are sure everyone will be amazed by our grand fireworks display that can be seen throughout the entire city. Launching at 8:30 p.m., our Best Blast on the Beach fireworks show will be a must for you and the entire family. It will be one show you will not want to miss. Make your plans now to come enjoy the show. If you’re looking for a place to stay, be sure to check out our lodging partners by clicking here.
Mexico Beach is a Leave No Trace community, and we appreciate your assistance in helping us keep our beaches clean. Any items left on the beach unattended from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. will be removed and disposed of by the City of Mexico Beach. Items include, but are not limited to, tents and tent frames, beach chairs, coolers, umbrellas, toys, etc. Also, please fill in any holes before you leave. Your assistance with these requests will keep our beaches beautiful and pristine. For full details on this ordinance or questions, click here or contact City Hall at (850) 648-5700.
Seafood Lasagna
This casserole dish is one that is easy to assemble and a dinner table favorite! We publish it compliments of the Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association Seafood Cookbook (www.mbara.org).
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Bring a large pot of slightly salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sauté garlic and mushrooms until tender. Pour in 2 jars Alfredo sauce. Stir in shrimp, scallops, and crabmeat. Simmer 5 to 10 minutes, or until heated through.
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and pepper.
In a 9 x 13 baking dish, layer noodles, ricotta mixture, Alfredo mixture, and shredded cheese. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ensuring that there is shredded cheese for the top. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes. Cover, and bake for 15 minutes. Serve with side salad and enjoy!
In 2020, I’m Going To...
All resolutions can be hard to stick with, so we thought these simple ones would help you accomplish your goals this year:
—Buy a bathroom scale that works.
—Find a use for the treadmill—other than a clothes rack.
—Recognize that a new year’s resolution is like writing a check on a bank where you have no account.
—Wear sexy underwear “just in case.”
—Like last year’s resolution, I’ll lose 20 pounds—only 30 to go!
—Be more assertive, if that’s OK with everybody.
—Make people believe I’m normal.
—Buy lottery tickets at a luckier store.
—Use the word “eclectic” at least once a day.
—Not tell the same story at get-togethers.
This year we’re adding a new feature about the origins of words and phrases. We hope you find it interesting.
“Knows the ropes”
This expression generally applies to someone who’s well informed and knows how to do a technical job. The expression is generally believed to come from life aboard a ship. Sailing ships had many ropes to get the sails up and down and configured in the right direction to keep the ship on course. Consequently, a sailor who “knows the ropes” is important.
