Slices of 30A: Your 30A & South Walton Real Estate Blog - Blog Archive: May, 2025

Calling All Artists: Submissions for Walton County’s Artist of the Year Due May 31!

Are you a Walton County artist whose work captures the beauty, culture, and creative spirit of our community? Now’s your chance to shine!

The Walton County Tourism Department is accepting applications for the 2025 Artist of the Year Award—but don’t wait too long! The deadline to submit is Saturday, May 31 at 5 p.m. CDT.

Now in its 23rd year, this award celebrates one outstanding local artist with a $4,000 commission, year-round publicity, and the opportunity to have their work showcased across Walton County. Finalists will be invited to an in-person panel interview and must present three examples of their work.

To apply, download the rules and application…

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How Walton County Spends Its Tourism Tax: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Bed Tax in Action

Every time someone books a beachside rental, cozy condo, or charming bungalow here in Walton County, they're planning a great vacation and giving back to the place they came to enjoy. That's thanks to the tourism tax, better known as the "bed tax," which is quietly doing a lot of heavy lifting behind the scenes.

You may have heard about it in passing, or seen it listed on a receipt—but where does that money actually go? As it turns out, the answer touches nearly every corner of our community, from keeping our beaches beautiful to funding the lifeguards who keep us safe.

Let's take a closer look at how Walton County puts those tourism dollars to…

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Memorial Day on 30A: Off-the-Sand Fun in South Walton

Memorial Day Weekend is one of the most anticipated times of year along the Emerald Coast—and for good reason. Warm days, glowing sunsets, and an unmistakable energy fill the air as locals and visitors welcome the unofficial start of summer.

If you’re planning to spend the holiday weekend along 30A, now’s a great time to brush up on beach flag meanings and water safety. As of now, beach conditions are moderate with yellow flags posted—but as always, the surf can shift quickly, so it’s smart to keep an eye on updates from the South Walton Fire District and follow lifeguard instructions.

Know Before You Go

  • Yellow Flag: Moderate surf and currents—use caution while swimming.

  • …

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Free Park Access Is Back This Summer in Walton County!

Whether you're a long-time local or a first-time visitor, here's some sunny news to kick off your summer: Walton County Tourism is once again covering the day-use admission fees for both Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Grayton Beach State Park—from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

Free access isn't a new initiative, but it's one that's become a beloved summer tradition. The complimentary admission program continues to connect people with the natural beauty that defines South Walton.

What's Covered?

  • Free day-use entry
  • At Topsail Hill Preserve and Grayton Beach State Parks
  • During regular park hours (typically 8 a.m. to sunset)
  • From Saturday, May 24 through…

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Explore 30A Market Trends For Median-Priced Homes

If you've been keeping an eye on the 30A real estate market—or just wondering if now is the right time to buy or sell—here's a quick look at what's been happening with median-priced homes along our stretch of the coast.

Prices Are Up, But…

Yes, prices have been trending upward since 2023. That's the headline—but it's only part of the story. While the overall price tags on median-priced homes are still on the rise, we're beginning to see a softening in the cost per square foot. This subtle shift could indicate that buyers are getting a little more for their money—or that sellers are making slight adjustments in pricing strategy as the market finds its balance.

Inventory & Sales: Holding…

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New Recommendations Released for the Plan for Walton 2040

The momentum continues with Plan for Walton 2040, and even more detailed recommendations are now available. In addition to transportation and land use strategies, Walton County and DPZ CoDesign have released in-depth proposals covering housing, recreation, and coastal management and conservation. These newly published documents aim to address some of the county’s most pressing challenges while preserving the character and natural beauty that define the region.

  • Housing Recommendations focus on expanding attainable housing options, promoting a variety of housing types, and ensuring responsible growth patterns that reflect the community’s needs.

  • Recreation Recommendations…

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What’s Happening on 30A: May 15 - June 15, 2025

Digital Graffiti

May 16-17, 2025

Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach transforms the town into a vibrant outdoor gallery where cutting-edge digital technology brings art to life on its iconic white walls. This unique art festival features a nearly one-mile-long exhibition trail through the New Urbanist community, providing a striking backdrop for the nighttime event. Approximately 70 artworks will be displayed, ranging from juried submissions by international artists to pieces by Residency Artists and emerging talents, illuminating architectural facades, pathways, and landscapes. The event melds art, technology, and architecture, celebrating the synthesis of these elements in a spectacular display.

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