An important contribution to history and health was made by a young physician named John Gorrie who moved to Apalachicola, Fla., in the early 1800s. This was the area’s heyday when it was a prominent port of trade, commerce, and shipping in Florida. Gorrie served as postmaster, city treasurer, town councilman, and bank director.

When I arrived on the beach a little more than ten years ago, one of the first events I attended was a fund raiser for the beach school. The Island had just come through Hurricanes Erin and Opal and things were in disarray, but here was a group of people who had come together to share in support for the Beach Elementary School.

Several Snowbirds recently shared that they regard the Gulf Coast as a true second home and they look forward to renewing friendships forged here.
In this issue we feature an expansive Holiday calendar with many interesting events taking place from Civil War era celebrations to parades on land and sea. Also, be sure to set aside time to visit Bellingrath Gardens and Home in Mobile, Ala., to see its delightful holiday lights display.
Be sure to read about the course that spawned a trio of professional golfers from Milton, Fla. , including the colorful personalities of Boo Weekley and Bubba Watson and fellow professional Heath Slocum who learned the game at Tanglewood Golf Course.

Local businesses are happier than ever to see you all back. The Snowbirds have always been a steady market that keeps untold businesses afloat in the winter.
In this issue, we offer our regular features: Snowbird Clubs, expansive calendar, dining, casino entertainment, pet and senior columnist along with information on taking classes and more.
Be sure to take home copies of Snowbirds Gulf Coast and show your family and friends all the fun you had over your winter stay. Keep the pipeline coming!

If you are just arriving on the coast – Welcome! For those who’ve been here for several weeks – or months – I hope you’ve been enjoying your winter stay.
We enter the heart of Snowbird season in February and in this issue reporter Jahna Jacobson highlights retirement options along the coast with a look at the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Eastern Shore of Alabama, Santa Rosa County, Walton County and Bay County in Florida and the “Forgotten Coast” on the Florida Panhandle.

When Walter Schiessl’s job as a plant manager in Port Washington, Wis., was eliminated in a 2001 company reorganization, he and wife, Linda decided to make a giant leap of faith.
For years they had squirreled away weeks of vacation to leave behind Wisconsin’s snow and ice for winter visits to Destin, Fla.

Walton County’s bountiful natural attractions, world famous fishing and upscale shopping sites draw a diverse crowd of residents from across the world – especially retirees.
“Nobody is really from here. Everyone moved here from somewhere else,” said Michelle Tommey, vice president of the Walton County Chamber of Commerce. “We have a lot of retired people here – the community is definitely an older crowd.”

North Santa Rosa County is the wild woods of the Blackwater River State Forest.
South Santa Rosa is the snow-white dunes and glittering Gulf waters of Navarre Beach.
Between them you’ll find the history, art, festivals and music that make Santa Rosa County a top spot for retirees.
“We get six to a dozen couples in every week saying they were thinking about moving here,” said Donna Tucker, executive director of the Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce.

Joe and Anne Hann traveled across the continent before settling on their favorite place to spend their retirement – the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
“We went everywhere from Corpus Christi to Tampa and all along the Gulf and checked the various locations, the cost of living, the people, the climate,” said Joe Hann, a retired operations manager from Wisconsin via Alabama. “We like it best here.”

If your idea of retirement is days of relaxing with nothing but fishing on the schedule, welcome to the Forgotten Coast.
“It’s beautiful and laid back, like old Florida,” said Sandra Chasin, executive director of the Gulf County Chamber of Commerce.
Chasin is more than a spokesperson for retiring on the Forgotten Coast; she is living the dream.

Retiring on Alabama’s Eastern Shore could be very relaxing.
Or, it could keep you busier than a full-time job.
“We have a wonderful network here of very active retirees,” said Darralynn Bender, president of the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce. “I don’t know why they even use the word retiree, they are so busy.”

What if you could find everything you love about your hometown, but find it on the Gulf of Mexico with an average 320 days of sunshine every year?
Bay County and Panama City offer everything from a great library system to dolphin watching, from five hospitals to year-round golf.

Retirement for most individuals suggests a time to relax and finally enjoy life at a slower pace, free from the hectic days associated with work and deadlines. Well, Keith Kahl who retired as an operation manager from AT&T after 31 years, must not have gotten his memo telling him what to do when you retire.

How many times has your life taken a snapshot of itself? You live a moment so profound that your mind captures every detail, every feeling, every sound and smell.

Well, the poodles and I have been on the road performing since July at state and county fairs all over the US.

If all the broken New Years Resolutions in all the world were laid end to end… Well, you get the idea. Resolutions, like piñatas, are meant to be broken.

So why do we bother?

Then keep a pleasant disposition. At least, that’s what the experts say.

I say it just seems longer because you’re so bored being nice all the time.

Here in my neck of the Florida woods, most every day some sweet old thing celebrates his or her 100th B’Day. And never with an ill word for anyone.