Craving sunshine, strong community, and outdoor fun all year round, Shawna and Alex Weinberg left the busy-ness of Philadelphia for the Emerald Coast. “Sandestin turned out to be exactly what we needed—gorgeous beaches, a relaxed vibe, and a lifestyle that felt like a breath of fresh air,” Shawna described. With three young kids, the Weinbergs love the endless activities nearby, the beach, and of course, the people. “We absolutely love our neighborhood—it’s a true community filled with wonderful neighbors who have become like family.”

 

Back in Philadelphia and before starting a family, Shawna was an ER nurse. “Now my ‘emergencies’ mostly involve snack time and finding lost shoes!” The shoes in question belong to Shawna and Alex’s three amazing kids: Parker, an energetic six-year-old; Greyson, a very curious five-year-old; and Myla, their sweet three-year-old who keeps them laughing every day. “Along with our little humans, we’re also joined by Zoey, our ‘guard’ dog, and Lemon, our sassy cat—definitely a full house, but it’s never dull around here!”

 

While Shawna is preparing snacks and locating lost items at home, Alex is busy with The Barrett School in Destin. He and his brother planned and opened the school, which offers a K-12 program with a STEAM-based curriculum. "We wanted to build an institution that we would proudly send our own children to; one that delivers the absolute best education possible, while introducing kids to cutting edge technologies they'll be utilizing in the careers they care about," explained Alex. "So far its mission is accomplished, and our dedicated teachers deliver a nationally praised curriculum, complemented by an exceptional art program and electives like Photoshop and video editing," he added. Shawna said it’s been an exciting new adventure for the whole family.

 

Other adventures for the family include exploring new places and creating memories. “Our upcoming adventures include a trip to Disney World—where we’ll be soaking up all the magic—and a visit to my mom in Pennsylvania, which is always a special time,” Shawna shared. Around here, they love the beach, Baytowne, Grand Boulevard, and the Beach Club, which Shawna said offers “a great spot to relax by the water, swim, and unwind as a family.” When it’s just Shawna and Alex, the sunset cruise is the perfect way to relax and take in the stunning views.

 

Alex and Shawna met “on a night filled with tricks, treats, and a little bit of fate—a Halloween party in 2017.” Shawna was dressed as a skeleton, and she spotted Alex in a “sharp suit.” Curiosity got the best of her, so she walked over and asked what he was supposed to be. “With a smirk, he said, ‘A lawyer.’ Without missing a beat, I teased, ‘Looks like you forgot your horns!’ He laughed, and from that moment on, we were spellbound by each other,” Shawna recalled. “The rest, as they say, is history—we’ve been inseparable ever since!”

 

The two have become five and are a strong familial unit. The welcoming atmosphere of Sandestin and its sense of community is a perfect fit for this family. “Sandestin has truly become our home in every sense of the word.”