A Dedication

This issue is dedicated to Harriet Crommelin, founder and owner of Cafe Thirty-A restaurant on Scenic Highway 30-A.

It is apropos that our Change Makers Issue bids farewell to a prominent trailblazer in our community as she embodied a pioneering spirit and created a landmark business that so many have had the privilege to enjoy for several decades. Her legacy lives on, and we are forever grateful to her for being a champion for good in our area.

To all of her friends and loved ones, we are sorry for your great loss. Thank you, Harriet, for all you did to foster community, class, and a place we could all go to be nourished in mind, soul, and body.

As a friend, colleague, and faithful partner with VIE for over fifteen years, we will miss you, gracious lady.

Harriet Huntress Crommelin (1946–2023)

Harriet Huntress Crommelin, 76, of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, passed away on February 8, 2023, at her home in Seagrove Beach. Harriet was predeceased by her parents, Vice Admiral Henry Crommelin and Sally (Huntress) Crommelin, and her siblings, Diane Miller Kershaw, Henry Jr., and Sally (Susie) Crommelin-Dell. Harriet is survived by thirteen nieces and nephews, dear friends, and her restaurant family.

Harriet was born February 19, 1946, in Washington, D.C., and was the youngest of four. She grew up in Montgomery, Alabama, and graduated from Sidney

Lanier High School and later the University of Alabama. Harriet entered the restaurant business in 1982, opening Kat & Harri’s Nice Place in Cloverdale, Montgomery, followed by The Bistro a few years later. In 1995, she moved to the Emerald Coast of Florida to open one of the first restaurants on Scenic Highway 30-A, Café Thirty-A, which has been successful for almost twenty-seven years. Harriet was a true trailblazer and visionary. Her passion for fine wine and consistently delicious food has paved the way for many restaurants in South Walton, Florida. She was an inspiration to women entrepreneurs everywhere. Harriet enjoyed traveling, wine tastings, and supporting many local charities in the 30-A area, including Alaqua Animal Refuge, Caring and Sharing of South Walton, and Children’s Volunteer Health Network. She never met a stranger and treated everyone like family. She also loved dogs and a good party. Harriet was considered by many to be the matriarch of 30-A.

A celebration of life will take place on May 5, 2023. Details are coming soon. A private burial will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Harriet’s family requests donations be made to Alaqua Animal Refuge, Children’s Volunteer Health Network, or Caring and Sharing of South Walton.