(SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL – OCTOBER 12, 2016) – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida announced today that Julie Cumby will serve as the director of marketing for the full service real estate brokerage.

Cumby will be responsible for driving the marketing efforts of this rapidly expanding real estate group, focusing on the sales and promotion of luxury coastal properties, new developments and the strategic growth of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida. Growing up locally, Cumby has returned to the South Walton area bringing over 15 years of expertise to this position. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with a variety of companies within the property development industry and will bring her global experience and unique local perspective to the agency.

“Julie shares Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida’s commitment to providing an exceptional transactional experience to our clients,” said Hunter Harman, broker of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida. “She has the vision and drive that we are seeking as we continue to grow the company and increase our presence across Northwest Florida.”

“Having followed the growth of Beach Properties of Florida since its inception, I was very impressed to see its recent affiliation with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the opportunities this presents. I am proud to join this incredible team of service- and growth-oriented professionals and excited to build a stronger and more remarkable brand experience to clients, and agents, throughout Northwest Florida,” said Cumby.

About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida became a member of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brokerage network, operated by HSF Affiliates LLC, in 2016. Founded in 2007, Beach Properties of Florida has led the market in sales volume and average sales price, reflecting its dominance in the luxury-property space. The brokerage also boasts an impressive new homes division, exclusively offering new construction opportunities in NatureWalk, Paradise Cove, RiverCamps at Crooked Creek, Serenity, Viridian, WaterColor, WaterSound Beach, WaterSound West Beach, Watersound Origins, Wild Heron and the Village at Grayton Beach.

About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, based in Irvine, CA, is a brand-new real estate brokerage network built for a new era in residential real estate. The network, among the few organizations entrusted to use the world-renowned Berkshire Hathaway name, brings to the real estate market a definitive mark of trust, integrity, stability and longevity.

About HSF Affiliates LLC

Irvine, CA-based HSF Affiliates LLC operates Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Prudential Real Estate and Real Living Real Estate franchise networks. The company is a joint venture of which HomeServices of America, Inc., the nation’s second-largest, full-service residential brokerage firm, is a majority owner. HomeServices of America is an affiliate of world-renowned Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

Beach Properties of Florida to Join Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Real Estate Brokerage Network

Independent brokerage will operate as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida

(SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL – NOVEMBER 23, 2015) – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, part of the HSF Affiliates LLC family of real estate brokerage franchise networks, today announced that independent brokerage Beach Properties of Florida will join the network in January operating as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida. The company, one of Northwest Florida’s leading brokerages, will become part of a network that in just 26 months has grown to more than 40,000 agents and 1,200 offices across America. The brand’s namesake is Berkshire Hathaway Inc., one of the world’s most trusted and respected corporations. “We’re proud to represent Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices along Florida’s Emerald Coast and throughout greater Northwest Florida,” said Broker/Partner Hunter Harman. “The brand is well respected and ideally suited for all clients, particularly those seeking high-end, resort and second homes.” “We couldn’t have chosen a better brokerage network,” added Price Rainer, partner and sales executive. “Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is fresh and smart – not part of the old guard in real estate. The brand will provide our agents with even more distinction in our markets.” Beach Properties of Florida, founded in 2007, leads its market for sales volume and average sales price, reflecting its dominance in the luxury-home arena. The brokerage, which also boasts a formidable new homes division, benefits from strategic alliances with many of the area’s top developers and landholders. Accelerated growth is part of the company’s strategic plan, explained J.D. Sullivan, partner and sales executive. “We’re stepping into a bold, new future at Beach Properties of Florida,” he explained. “A top priority is to expand our presence throughout the region and we’ll do so through acquisition and by adding skilled agents. We believe the combination of our brokerage and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices will be tough to beat in Northwest Florida.” With their transition, Beach Properties of Florida agents will gain access to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ Global Network Platform – a suite of online tools, applications and services – plus ongoing business consultation, professional education, national marketing support and the exclusive Luxury Collection program for high-end listings. Resources include powerful lead generation, a social media platform, a handy mobile app, the Videolicious video-production app and more. Gino Blefari, CEO of HSF Affiliates, welcomed Beach Properties of Florida. “This fine company has it all – quality leadership, top agents and a wonderful reputation,” he said. “We’re excited they’ve chosen Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices for their future.”

About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida

Beach Properties of Florida is a full-service real estate agency serving communities along Scenic Highway 30A including Rosemary Beach, Seagrove Beach, Seaside, WaterColor, WaterSound Beach and the neighboring areas of Destin and Panama City Beach.

About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, based in Irvine, CA, is a real estate brokerage network built for a new era in residential real estate. The network, among the few organizations entrusted to use the world-renowned Berkshire Hathaway name, brings to the real estate market a definitive mark of trust, integrity, stability and longevity. Visit www.berkshirehathawayhs.com. Irvine, CA-based HSF Affiliates LLC operates Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Prudential Real Estate and Real Living Real Estate franchise networks. The company is a joint venture of which HomeServices of America, Inc., the nation’s second-largest, full-service residential brokerage firm, is a majority owner. HomeServices of America is an affiliate of world-renowned Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, and are used under license with no other affiliation with Prudential.

The How-to Guide for Spoiling Mom on 30A

1.    Mother’s Day Brunch at Vue on 30A

One thing Mom is sure to enjoy is a gourmet brunch at Vue on 30A, a classy restaurant on the beachside in Santa Rosa Beach. Vue is having a special Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday May 10 starting at 10:00AM. The delicious food, excellent service, and the picturesque view will start her day off right.

2.    Paint a hand-print platter

A precious keepsake that all mothers love is their babies’ hand prints. Stop in Fired Up in Seaside and surprise mom by getting the whole family to pitch in and create a special platter with everyone’s hand prints. The Fired Up crew will help you bring out your imaginative side and turn your hand prints into fish, butterflies, or any other idea you might have. Mom is sure to cherish this unique dish for a very long time!

3.    Family beach portraits

Moms are all about family pictures and remembering the fun times you have at the beach. A 30A beach at sunset is the perfect setting for a family photo shoot. Amy Walchak with Avalon Photography is one of the best in the business and has a ton of experience with beach family portraits. These pictures will melt mom’s heart!

4.    Have a Picnic

You can’t go wrong with a picnic. The gorgeous May weather on 30A is too perfect to not take advantage of it! There are countless picnic locations in the area like the Seaside Amphitheater, the dune lake state parks, or the lawn of the Eden Gardens Plantation. There are also several great food options on 30A to choose from, depending on what mom likes best!

5.    Rent Yolo boards

While you’re outside, now is as good a time as any to pick up some Yolo boards or ocean kayaks from a beach rental shop and head to the beach! Mom will be amazed by the beauty of the Gulf of Mexico from the vantage point of the second sandbar far from the seashore. Stand-up paddle boarding is a local favorite beach activity that mom will enjoy.

6.    Amavida and 30A Farmer’s Market in Rosemary Beach

Mom needs her morning coffee, and the Rosemary Beach Amavida makes a tasty cup. A great way to spend Mother’s Day morning is to stroll through Rosemary’s 30A Farmer’s Market. Mom will love to try the locally grown and farm fresh foods. You will most likely find a merchant selling fresh-cut flowers that are a must for mom on Mother’s Day and every other day!

7.    Send Mom to the spa

The ultimate way to spoil your mom on Mother’s Day is to send her to the Sanabella Spa & Salon at WaterSound Beach. She is guaranteed to feel relaxed and pampered whether she gets a massage, facial, mani-pedi or her hair done. Sanabella is a premier spa on 30A and mom will not be disappointed.

8.    Dinner in Watercolor at Fish Out of Water

Mom will most likely want to have a nice dinner out. Fish Out of Water is Watercolor’s finest restaurant serving some amazing fresh seafood. A waterfront dinner is perfect for a Mother’s Day on 30A.

9.    Dinner at Caliza in Alys Beach

Another luxurious dinner option for mom is the Caliza Restaurant in Alys Beach. Alys is a town like none other on 30A with its Bermudan influences. Caliza is likely the most beautiful and unique poolside dining you will ever experience. Mom deserves the best for all that she does.

10.    Gift from Zoo Gallery

A great place to find a unique Mother’s Day gift for your lovely mom is the Zoo Gallery in Grayton Beach. This eclectic shop has something for every mom from locally handmade jewelry to home décor. You will also find a perfect Mother’s Day card here! Located across the street from the beach in Grayton, Zoo Gallery will be a hit with your mom.

The Top 7 Things to Do on Your 30A Vacation

The best way to get a top-notch experience of 30A is to ask the locals. 30A natives and those who have lived here for years know all of the important spots you must hit and the activities that you don’t want to miss. The best advice I can give is to take a trip down 30A. It would be a shame not to venture out away from your condo or beach house. To say that 30A is a “scenic highway” is a major understatement. These seven things are the top things to do here but don’t hesitate to “stop and smell the roses,” as they say. Embrace the slow-pace lifestyle. Starting from the West end, here are the top seven things to do on your 30A vacation.

1.    Visit the Artists at Gulf Place

Approximately three miles down 30A, you will find the town center of Gulf Place. Here you will see boutiques, cafés, a superb pizza place, and the Artist Colony. The boardwalk nestled in the center of Gulf Place houses the artwork of several local artists. The unique array of styles ranges from tie dye to license plate art to pieces made from beach glass found on the seashore. One quality that most of the artists share is a great variety of fun colors. The artists are super friendly, and they often offer little projects to get the kids involved. This is an excellent opportunity to buy some one-of-a-kind artwork and support the local artists. Art is a huge part of the 30A culture, and this is just one of the places that you can catch a glimpse of the creative style.

2.    Eat dinner and catch some live music at Red Bar

Five miles down the road from Gulf Place is Grayton Beach. Grayton is not only a popular spot for tourists, and it is a favorite of the locals. Red Bar is a Bohemian style restaurant on the beach in Grayton. This place is the best dinner spot on 30A if you’re looking to experience a high-energy, fun atmosphere and some live music from local artists. It’s pretty hard to go to Red Bar and not have a great time! The beach here in Grayton is worth noting because this is the only beach on 30A where driving on the beach (with a permit, of course) is legal. It is a sight to see with all of the Jeeps and 4-wheel-drive vehicles pulled up to the Gulf. These people aren’t messing around with their beach set-ups! After a long day on the beach, Red Bar is a perfect spot to have some first-rate seafood, and a bottle of 30A Beach Blonde beer brewed right here in Grayton Beach.

3.    Get a Frostbites snow cone

The third thing you must do on 30A is stop at Frostbites in Seaside, less than three miles from Grayton Beach. Seaside is the most well-known town on 30A for good reason. This town is like none other, whimsical, patriotic, and almost like a scene from a movie. Actually it is the exact scene from a movie. The Truman Show featuring Jim Carrey was filmed in Seaside in 1998 among other films. Probably the most iconic feature of Seaside is the row of airstream food trucks and among the most popular, the friendly people at Frostbites will make you a snow cone that is to die for. If you’re indecisive about flavors, this could be a challenge because there are hundreds of flavors and combinations to choose from. My personal favorite is strawberry orange with cream on top… yum! You might also notice all of the people sporting Frostbites t-shirts and tank tops. These are quite popular, and they offer new styles every summer. If you’re the type of vacationer that likes to get a t-shirt to remember your trip by, this might be the one! Frostbites is a staple of 30A and how can you say you’ve vacationed on 30A and not gotten a Frostbites snow cone?

4.    Biking

Surely at this point on your drive down County Road 30A, you will have noticed the amount of people biking along the scenic bike paths. You might also notice that the majority of the bike paths on 30A are in better condition than the actual roads. There is a reason for this! Another large aspect of the community is being active and not just tanning and building sand castles. 30A is the perfect place for a bike ride on a beautiful day, which is most days! Biking is an ideal method of transportation, especially around the Watercolor-Seaside-Seagrove areas. Drivers know this good and well, and we do our best to keep out of the way! Rent Gear Here is a bike rental company conveniently located in Seagrove, a neighboring town to Seaside. There you can rent bikes for the family, beach equipment, kayaks, Yolo boards, and even baby necessities. Rent Gear Here will also host a bonfire on the beach for you, and what better place to have a bonfire than on the beaches of 30A? Make sure you try one of their popsicles as well (the key lime pie flavor is exceptional)!

5.    Experience the natural side at Deer Lake State Park

One of the most unique habitats of the 30A community are the dune lakes. These coastal dune lakes are only found here in Walton County and four other places in the entire world. The Florida dune lakes are also home to several rare and endangered species of plants and wildlife. Needless to say, the lakes are very rare and highly protected. Deer Lake State Park is located 2 miles from Rent Gear Here, a 10-15 minute bike ride or a 4-minute drive. A great spot for nature-lovers, the state park, offers miles of trails with beautiful views of the various natural habitats. Bring a picnic lunch, a swimsuit, and some hiking shoes and take in the serene landscapes. Floridians like to call this “the real Florida” because most people have the assumption that Florida is just a pretty beach. The Panhandle of Florida is much more than a beach, and Deer Lake State Park will give you a glimpse of its nature while still being close to the Gulf.

6.    Stroll down Main Street in Rosemary Beach

Rosemary Beach is a very unique community at the East end of 30A that you will not want to miss. Rosemary has a special atmosphere with a European flair. The architectural style and cobblestone streets make this place different from any other town on 30A. When you walk down Main Street, you will feel just as if you’re walking down an old street in France. The street is lined with quaint little shops, cafés, and restaurants. Pish Posh Patchouli’s, Gigi’s toy store (the kids will love this!), and La Crema Tapas and Pastries are a few favorites. Rosemary Beach has an air of romanticism that is hard to explain to those who have not experienced it. A recent article by CNN named Rosemary Beach, FL one of America’s most romantic small towns. Rosemary is one of the Panhandle’s best kept secrets yet it appears that national news is taking notice!

7.    Beach hop!

Clearly, the main draw to 30A is the beautiful beach with its sugar white sands and turquoise waters. While there is so much culture to take in on 30A, the Gulf of Mexico lies at the heart of this community. There is not a bad beach to visit here, and they are all breathtaking. While it may be easiest to stick to the beach closest to your condo or beach house, I would challenge you to switch it up and find a new beach every day. On one day, you might want to go to a quiet beach and spend quality time with your family or significant other. On this day, you might want to find the Stallworth beach access. Another day might be the perfect day to experience a lively beach, meet some people, and take advantage of the area’s amenities. Grayton and Seaside Beach are sure to meet these expectations! Regardless of the public access you choose, the chances are pretty good that you’re in for a wonderful day at the beach (so long as you remember the sunscreen)!

Romance on 30A: 5 Tips for an Inspiring Couples Retreat

Whether catching a sunrise or a sunset, strolling along the sugar sand shores of the South Walton beaches hand in hand with your loved one is about as romantic as it gets. There is something both magical and simple about standing with your feet in the warm turquoise waters of the gulf as the day begins or ends that reminds you what—and who—is most important in life. If you’re planning a romantic getaway to Scenic Highway 30A, consider these top 5 tips for an intimate and memorable experience.  

1) Most Romantic Resort: The WaterColor Inn

While often advertised as a family-friendly destination, The WaterColor Inn & Resort also provides an unforgettable setting for a couples vacation. The luxe boutique hotel rooms feature beachfront porches or balconies and walk-in showers with views of the gulf. Visit the Inn Spa for pampering, relax in the adults-only heated swimming pool and take a bike ride across the Western Lake bridge at sunset. With everything you need onsite at the resort including top-rated dining options; the WaterColor Inn offers a luxurious and carefree escape.  

2) Most Romantic Restaurant: Café Tango

There are countless exceptional options for fine dining along Scenic Highway 30A; however, Café Tango in Blue Mountain Beach has stood the test of time as a premier dining spot for a party of two. Set in a charming wooden beach house just off of 30A on Vicki Street, Café Tango serves up European inspired coastal cuisine made with the freshest ingredients and paired with an excellent wine list. Seating only 30 diners at a time, the atmosphere is intimate and the service is dedicated. Make reservations in advance to guarantee a table and enjoy an unforgettable evening with your special someone.  

3) Most Romantic Park: Eden Gardens State Park

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Head north on County Road 395 just minutes from the 30A beaches to visit the breathtakingly beautiful gardens and grounds of Eden Gardens State Park, located on Tucker Bayou and the Choctawhatchee Bay. Love seems to seep from the branches of the massive moss-draped oaks that line the park and it is easy to see why Eden is a popular location for area weddings and receptions. Spend a quiet moment sitting in the rocking chairs on the porch of the nearly 120 year old plantation-style Wesley mansion, hike the trails and enjoy a picnic by the water.  

4) Most Romantic Bar: Havana Beach Rooftop Lounge

Nestled above the rooftop pool of The Pearl hotel in Rosemary Beach, the Havana Beach Rooftop Lounge offers a chic and relaxed setting to enjoy a cocktail (or two!) with spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico. Featuring comfortable lounge seating and cabanas that can be reserved for special occasions, Havana offers a varied menu of delicious brunch and small plate dinner items. Take in the cinematic art of local artist Tommy Crow and listen to live music from local favorites such as Kyle Lamonica.  

5) Most Romantic Excursion: YOLO Boarding

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The natural landscape of South Walton with its varied waterways makes it the perfect place to try the world’s fasting growing watersport of standup paddleboarding and what better way to experience authentic 30A culture alongside your love then with YOLO Board, a locally owned and operated standup paddleboard manufacturer and outfitter. For beginners, picturesque and protected Western Lake, the largest coastal dune lake in South Walton, is a great place to start while braver adventurers can head out into the Gulf of Mexico and paddle alongside the dolphins.  

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