If you’ve ever been to 30A you’ve likely picked up a copy of the Thirty-A Review. It’s one of the area’s most popular magazines, showcasing the people, places, and things within Northwest Florida’s treasured stretch of coastal beauty known as 30-A.

We sat down with Miles Neiman, the creative force behind the publication, and talked about his fascination with the area he now calls home.

Neiman grew up and lived in Georgia, had made a name for himself in publishing, and was running a successful magazine business in Atlanta. When he was invited to attend a press junket at WaterColor over sixteen years ago, he became mesmerized and amazed by the unspoiled beauty and culture of the community.

“The New Urbanist communities of Seaside and WaterColor and the ‘Live, Work, Play’ culture along with the architecture and reverence for beauty, both man-made and natural, fascinated me,” he said.

He soon discovered that the people who lived there and embraced that culture were interesting and passionate as well. Miles remembers, “I thought, why not start a magazine here?”

It didn’t take long before his new publication, the Thirty-A Review, was a success. When I asked him what he attributed that to, he quickly responded, “The people in the community.” There were challenges and obstacles, of course. And he was an ‘outsider.’ But he wasn’t treated like an outsider. He says, unlike some areas, where newcomers are feared and often “pushed away”, this community embraced newcomers and made him feel both welcomed and appreciated.

“The area of South Walton and 30A is a traveler’s destination, Neiman says. “In turn, the locals, who also have an appreciation and love for travel, often treat visitors like family. With respect and appreciation for their new experiences.”

“Travel is the essence of living a full life.” Neiman says. “Travel changes us. Those that travel see the world differently, even when they’re no longer traveling. That passionate belief and zeal for experiential ‘things’ resonates with the residents here, and one can readily see the collective culture and influence of the many journeys they have experienced themselves. This character adds to the fabric of 30A. I believe it adds to the appeal and is one of the characteristics of the area that keep people coming back with their families year after year, season after season.”

I asked him why he believes the people of 30A are mavericks. “They buck the norm, they think outside of the box.

There are artists, writers, surfers, naturalists, entrepreneurs, developers, designers, foodies and chefs. It’s a unique and eclectic collection of individuals all communing together. They embrace nature and yet they’ve managed to create this entrepreneurial spirit while keeping the beauty of the place intact.”

“Many people look at 30A as a paradise. And it is. ”Neiman said, “But it comes with a tremendous responsibility. It’s not without its challenges and its controversies. The difference here is that almost everyone is involved. Our citizens are passionate about our community and try to work together. The current ‘customary use’ issue is the perfect example. It’s a very controversial and heated issue among the locals. And I have no doubt it will be resolved positively because of the passion and conscientious approach of the local community. Community leaders and naturalists such as Dave Rauschkolb, are spearheading an effort among locals and visitors alike to keep our beaches free for enjoyment and use for all, not just property owners. The way it’s been for centuries.”

“Regardless of the outcome, one thing’s for sure,” Neiman says. “30A will continue to attract visitors from around the world for its natural beauty, character and zest for all things fun and beautiful.

Issues and controversy will come and go, but like the Gulf of Mexico itself, washing over the sand each day and smoothing down all the individual grains, so will the beauty of the people and the spirit of 30-A keep what’s important pure and smooth. And as long as there are people, places, and things to write about on 30-A, the thirty-a Review will keep spreading the word of the area’s beauty, passion, and Maverick spirit.”