Celebrity sightings through the years on the Emerald Coast
Savannah Vasquez
svasquez@thedestinlog.com
With the amount of celebrity sightings around the EmeraldCoast, it’s a wonder there aren’t paparazzi hanging out by the beaches. But it’s the laid-back atmosphere and breathtaking views that bring stars such as Matthew McConaughey, Katie Holmes and Sheryl Crow to the area. The star-studded lineup of those with connections to the coast continues to grow. Sports fans might be excited to see quarterback Tony Romo, Hall of Famer Troy Aikman and Saints quarterback Drew Brees tossing around the pigskin. Baytowne’s Acme Oyster House has also hosted college football coach Tommy Tuberville and Major League baseball players Bill Mazeroksi, Mark Lemke and Javy Lopez. There’s an impressive list of celebrities who call the EmeraldCoast home. Country star Justin Moore has a home in Destin, where he recently lost — and found — his dog. Tropical troubadour Jimmy Buffett has also called the city home and even opened restaurants in the area. While on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” in February 2014, McConaughey promoted Destin as a vacation destination. “I’ll pick you up in Albuquerque and drop you off in Destin, Florida,” he told Kimmel. Off 30A, stars take some time off by dining out and taking in some sun. Seaside’s Bud ‘n Alley’s has entertained political strategists Mary Matalin and James Carville and singer Jessica Simpson. Seaside is also home to the 1998 film “The Truman Show” starring Jim Carrey. In the town’s small grocery store, Modica Market, you can see black and white photos of Carrey on set. Further down the road, political masterminds Karl Rove and HGTV star Vern Yip own homes in Rosemary Beach. Actress Katie Holmes and her daughter, Suri, spent a Memorial Day weekend in Rosemary a few years back. We even have our own former presidential contender with former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee owning a home in Blue Mountain Beach. Songstress Sheryl Crow is also a South Walton regular. Rumor is she owns a home within walking distance of The Red Bar at Grayton Beach and is a frequent visitor there. She has even gotten up on stage and sang with the band on occasion. Saints coach Sean Payton, Miss USA Jennifer Cirone, and singer Willie Nelson are among other famous patrons at The Red Bar. On Navarre Beach, you may also run into a few familiar faces. Professional wrestler Mick Foley once owned a gym not too far away and Elvis Presley is rumored to have visited around the ’60s and ’70s. After owning a home in Destin, vampire author Anne Rice bought a condo on Navarre Beach in the 1990s.
