Pathway to Paradise on Florida's Emerald Coast

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The Emerald Coast of northwest Florida stretches from Pensacola to Panama City, and encompasses Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Seaside, Grayton Beach, and other communities. Pathway to Paradise on Florida’s Emerald Coast details the history of one of Florida’s most exciting destinations, and tells the story of one of its most celebrated roads, Scenic Highway 30A. Robert Reynolds, author of Simply Seagrove, which earlier covered the history of Seagrove Beach, now broadens his scope to cover all the communities along Highway 30A, with background on the entire Emerald Coast. From its creation in 1937 by the Florida legislature to its designation as a Florida Scenic Highway in 2008, 30A has witnessed the milestones in the development of the Emerald Coast. At first opposed by developers because of fears of congestion, 30A became the pathway that would connect and unify the diverse communities along its path.

Explore the towns that developed along its route, from family-built communities like Dune Allen Beach and Seagrove Beach to architect-designed layouts managed by big corporations, such as Rosemary Beach and Watercolor. Witness the creation of unique community designs, such as Seaside and Alys Beach. Learn about the larger-than-life figures who spearheaded the developments over the decades, from Chicago snake oil salesman Charles Cessna, who dreamed of a dynamic city at Santa Rosa, to Edward Ball, who bought Cessna’s property after the nascent empire collapsed, and went on to build the St. Joe Company into the largest private landowner in the state. From J.J. and Robert E. Lee McCaskill and the development of Inlet Beach, to C.H. McGee, Sr. and his son Cube at Seagrove Beach, developers were a driving force. Learn about the natural phenomena of the Emerald Coast, the Gulf, bays, and lakes, the sand and dunes, the plants and animals. From state parks and trails to festivals, landmarks and outdoor activities, to food and shopping, see the many facets that make life on 30A all that it is. Whether you’re coming to the area for a one-time vacation or to make a home and a life, Pathway to Paradise is a must-have resource for Highway 30A and Florida’s Emerald Coast.