"Slices of 30A"

New Boardwalk & Dock At Camp Helen State Park

Saying 'goodbye' to the iconic old fishing pier was more bitter than sweet for many locals and long-time visitors to Camp Helen State Park. Sadly, the pier remnants had become a public safety hazard and were permanently removed this past spring, ahead of hurricane season. But now, peering from the southwest shore of Lake Powell is a nearly completed 142-foot ADA boardwalk and dock. The new dock will sport six boat slips and an ADA fishing platform. 

Construction of the boardwalk and dock is to be completed in early 2023. Plans for a new parking area, restrooms, and pavilion are slated for the area north of U.S. Hwy 98 (no start date yet). 

This serene, 180-acre State Park is surrounded by water on three sides, with Lake Powell, a rare coastal…

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Thanksgiving At The Beach 2022

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and we’re celebrating with a roundup of holiday meal happenings throughout South Walton. Whether you’re looking for a sit-down meal at one of our local restaurants or to-go meal options that can feed families big and small, there’s something for everyone in South Walton.

CARRY OUT OPTIONS

Blue Mountain Bakery: Offering a fully cooked pick-up menu with reheat instructions, the family feast package is designed to feed five to six people and has specially marked gluten-free options. All orders must be placed online at bluemountainbakery.com, with pick-up from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, November 23. More information is available here.

Chanticleer Eatery: Chanticleer will offer family-style Thanksgiving…

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Watersound Town Center Farmers Market Postponed To Spring 2023

Due to vigorous construction projects surrounding the town center's pavilion, the Farmers Market at Watersound Origins Town Center is postponed to Spring 2023.

However, the Holiday event scheduled for December 23rd, the Candyland Christmas Extravaganza, will still go ahead!

The Farmers Market will return in full swing with another grand re-opening in Spring 2023! Stay in touch on their Facebook page.

Here are other locations with community Farmers' Markets happening year-round:

• Saturday's in Seaside and Grand Boulevard
• Sunday's in Rosemary Beach

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2022 Rosemary Beach Holiday Tour Of Homes

The 2022 Rosemary Beach Holiday Tour of Homes is back and festive as ever! Stroll the beautiful streets of the Rosemary Beach community while touring a specially curated collection of homes professionally styled for the holiday season. This self-guided tour takes place on Saturday, December 3rd. This most festive event is guaranteed to get you in the spirit of the season!

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW. Advanced tickets are required, and space is limited.

Learn more at rosemarybeachfoundation.org

Benefiting Charitable Partner shelterhousenwfl.org: Shelter House is the only state-certified domestic and sexual violence center serving victims of Okaloosa and Walton counties. They provide shelter, intervention, and primary prevention programs to the…

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Deer Lake State Park Re-Opens!

Since last August, Deer Lake State Park has been closed for improvements, but the nearly 2,000-acre state park re-opened this week with new parking for cars, bikes, golf carts, new picnic areas, and restrooms.

For many years, this beautiful state park went unnoticed by most visitors. In fact, at one point, this secluded spot was known as the area's unofficial nude beach! In recent years, efforts to revitalize interest in the park have happened through non-profit organizations like Friends of Grayton Beach & Deer Lake State Parks.

The trailhead and entrance to the state park are in Seagrove Beach, nestled between two other Coastal Dune Lakes, Eastern Lake, and Camp Creek Lake. A .3-mile dune walkover provides incredible views of Deer Lake and the…

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Buying Or Selling: What To Expect From A Home Inspection

While home inspections are common in the home-buying process, there is sometimes confusion about what exactly takes place and what a buyer or a seller should expect. 

Home inspections allow a buyer to identify any significant issues with a home before the closing and helps support the valuation of the property. But hiring a certified professional is critical. Not only are they experts trained in what to look for, but many lenders require licensed inspectors to evaluate the property's condition to ensure the loan they originate isn't risky. If a buyer makes an all-cash purchase, the same reasons still apply. Having the home or condo inspected by a professional provides peace of mind regarding the home's safety and helps ensure you get what you pay…

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Florida Homeowners' Insurance Crisis: How Can Owners Prepare?

By Grant Blackwell of Coastal Insurance Company in Santa Rosa Beach, FL.  The Florida property insurance industry has been nearly collapsing for a few years. 2021 brought homeowner premium increases of 30% to 50%, frustrating and surprising residents. Most folks chalked it up to the collective results of Hurricane Michael in 2018 and just another increased price of admission for living here at the beach.

The reality was that the Florida property insurance industry was in a crisis. About 40 Florida smaller domiciled insurance companies insure 75% of all the homes in Florida. These companies were very profitable until 2017 but have struggled to recover from the hurricane seasons of 2017 and 2018, when Florida suffered over $100 Billion in insured…

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October Is Coastal Dune Lake Month!

Walton County has officially designated October as Coastal Dune Lake Month. This is a new designation and a unique way to honor our unique Coastal Dune Lakes through education and activities.

In celebration of the past 20 years of protection efforts, the board will host a month-long celebration to include community education and outreach, coastal dune lake cleanup activities, tours of the coastal dune lakes, restoration activities, and more. Here are events you can enjoy and participate in:

Every Saturday in October • DIY Coastal Dune Lake Clean-Up

Oct 5th & 19th • Lecture and Nature Trail Tour: Panhandle Outdoor Live

Oct 12th and 17th • Award-winning documentary on WFSU (PBS) Jewels of The Emerald Coast  

Oct 18th & 20th • Deer Lake…

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Here's How You Can Help Families Affected By Hurricane Ian

Hurricane Ian is now downgraded to a Tropical Storm as of Thursday but still churning its way through Central Florida as it moves into the Atlantic. The impacts of the storm are historic in terms of damage, flooding, and storm surge. 

Several organizations are on the ground already assisting those affected by the storm. If you'd like to help, here are some organizations already accepting donations for victims of Hurricane Ian: 

• Florida Disaster Relief - Official disaster relief coordinates with governmental and non-governmental organizations in the state
• American Red Cross - Accepting donations to provide shelter, supplies, and other relief
• Feeding Florida - An organization coordinating with national food banks across the state to…

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October Events In South Walton & 30A!

Lots of fun events are happening on and around Scenic 30A during the month of October. We've put together some of the highlights for you, so you don't miss out!:

Oct 1 •  Forest Williams Band

Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse • hibiscusflorida.com

Oct 7  •  Houndfest Beer Dinner

Idyll Hounds Brewery • facebook/houndfest

Oct 9 • Porch Fest at Watersound

Watersound Origins  •  facebook/porchfest

Oct 13  •  Film series at Eden Garden St Park

Facebook/fall-film-series

Oct 13-16  •  Harvest Wine & Food Festival 

Watercolor  • dcwaf.org

Oct 21-22  •  Alys Beach Crafted

Alys Beach Amphitheater • Alysbeachcrafted.com

Oct 28  •  Alys Beach Annual Halloween Festival

Alys Beach •…

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