Turtle Nesting Season: How to Spot and Protect Sea Turtle Nests on 30A Beaches!

Although sea turtle nesting season doesn't officially begin until May 1st along South Walton and other Panhandle beaches, it's never too early to brush up on your turtle-spotting skills and learn how to be a beachside hero.

How to Spot a Sea Turtle Nest

Not sure what to look for? Here are some clues that sea turtles have been busy:

• Crawling Tracks in the Sand  – Look for flipper marks leading from the shoreline into the dunes, usually in a symmetrical or staggered pattern. The tracks resemble tire treads and indicate that a female turtle has crawled up to the nest.
• A Disturbed Patch of Sand  – Unlike the smooth, untouched beach around it, a turtle nest area may appear rough or slightly mounded where the turtle has dug and covered her…

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South Walton's Easter Roundup 2025

Easter is approaching, and Walton County is buzzing with festive activities! Families can enjoy everything from resort brunches to egg hunts with the Easter Bunny. Whether you're looking for a gourmet meal or fun-filled activities for the kids, these local celebrations will add some extra joy to your holiday weekend.

The Big Chill 30A: Easter Sunday 

Sunday, April 20

Photos with the Easter Bunny will be available from 1 - 3 p.m. The Easter Egg Hunt runs from 2 - 2:30 p.m. Timing is definitive; please arrive during this time to participate. Participants will stroll The Big Chill and The Shops, gathering eggs at participating businesses trick-or-treat style. All locations will have signs on the business indicating their participation.…

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Tee Off with Golf Emerald Coast – Coming May 2025!

Exciting news for golfers and beach lovers! Golf Emerald Coast magazine and golfemeraldcoast.com are launching this May, bringing you the ultimate guide to championship golf along Florida’s stunning Emerald Coast.

From Choctawhatchee Bay to the Gulf of Mexico’s sugar-white sands, this region offers some of the most spectacular golf courses around—and Golf Emerald Coast is here to help you explore them.

What’s Inside the Magazine

The Spring 2025 issue dives into the area’s top courses with in-depth spotlights, pro tips, and stories celebrating the local golf lifestyle. Whether mastering your swing or just enjoying a laid-back round, you’ll discover hidden gems, scenic greens, and upcoming tournaments to keep your calendar full.

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Connect with Nature, Make A Difference: Join the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance in Protecting Our Local Waterways

Our beautiful Emerald Coast is known for its sparkling waters and thriving ecosystems—but keeping it that way takes teamwork.

The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA) is inviting local residents, families, and children to roll up their sleeves, dive into fun activities, and play a hands-on role in preserving our coastal environment.

If you’ve been looking for ways to connect with nature, give back to your community, and teach your kids the importance of environmental stewardship, this is the perfect opportunity.

What is the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance?

The CBA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the waterways that define our region, from the Choctawhatchee River and Bay to the coastal dune lakes and the…

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Walton County Schools Earn Top Spot in Florida’s Education Rankings – Again!

When it comes to educational excellence, Walton County is setting the gold standard. For the second year in a row, the Walton County School District has claimed the top spot in education across the state, as recognized by the Florida Policy Institute’s (FPI) 2025 Child Well-Being Index.

This impressive achievement is based on four key factors: preschool enrollment, fourth-grade English Language Arts test scores, eighth-grade math scores, and high school graduation rates. Walton County’s continued success reflects years of dedication and hard work by students, teachers, staff, and district leadership.

Superintendent A. Russell Hughes highlighted this team effort:

“Accolades are always wonderful, but it is important to look further to see the…

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Looking for a Unique South Walton Adventure? Try a Public Art Treasure Hunt

Embark on a South Walton Art Treasure Hunt!

Walton County is home to some extraordinary public art—if you know where to look. From murals that brighten up unexpected corners to sculptures hidden beneath the sea, this region is bursting with creativity waiting to be discovered. So, if you're up for a little adventure, consider this your treasure map to some of the most intriguing artistic gems around.

Clue #1: The Sunken Secrets of the Gulf

Our first stop is one you won't find on land. The Underwater Museum of Art (UMA), located just offshore from Grayton Beach State Park, is a submerged gallery featuring sculptures that double as artificial reefs. Accessible only by scuba diving, UMA is the first of its kind in the U.S., offering a glimpse…

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Spring Events in South Walton: March 15 to April 25, 2025

Spring is in full swing on 30A, bringing a lively lineup of events from March 15 to April 15, 2025. From art festivals and live music to farmers' markets and food celebrations, there’s something everyone can enjoy. Get ready to soak up the season with creativity, community, and coastal charm!

Grayton Beach Spring Art Fest

Saturday, March 15, 2025 | 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Shacks Art Grayton Beach invites fellow art lovers to the Inaugural Grayton Spring Art Show. Beginning at 10 am on Saturday, March 15, the art show will be held at Shacks, extending across the street to 30a Local Real Estate. Extra parking will be available across the street in the shuttle lot.

A day of FUN, the Grayton Spring Art Show will feature 20 + artists outside, 60 +…

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Here Comes the Sun! Your Ultimate Guide to 30A’s Public Beach Accesses

Spring is nearly here, and the warmer, sunny days along 30A are already upon us! With March 1st marking the start of the spring vacation season, it’s time to embrace the beauty of Walton County’s stunning beaches. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local enjoying the warm weather, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you to kick back and enjoy the Gulf Coast’s sparkling waters.

From lifeguarded beaches to serene spots perfect for a quiet retreat, let’s explore your options:

Regional Beach Accesses

These are the most well-equipped spots for your beach day. You'll find parking, restrooms, showers, bike racks, and, in many cases, ADA accessibility. What's more, they've got flags flying to keep you updated on surf conditions, and lifeguards…

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Understanding Insurance Discounts: Flood vs. Wind in Walton County

Living along 30A means embracing the beauty of the Gulf while also preparing for the realities of storm season. Homeowners in Walton County can take advantage of insurance discounts that help lower premiums, but it's important to understand the difference between flood insurance discounts and windstorm mitigation discounts.

Both offer savings, but they apply to different types of risks. Let's break down how each works and how you can benefit from these programs.

Flood Insurance Discounts: Protecting Against Rising Water

What it covers: Flood insurance covers damage caused by storm surges, heavy rain, overflowing water bodies, and other forms of flooding. Homeowners insurance does NOT cover flood damage, so a separate policy is required.

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Top 30A Beach Towns Favored by Buyers

Curious about which beach towns along 30A had buyers buzzing last year? If you own property in Seagrove Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, or Seacrest, congratulations—you’re in a prime spot! These beloved communities saw some of the most activity and interest, and it’s easy to see why.

#1 - Seagrove Beach

Holding strong in the top spot for years, Seagrove Beach remains a buyer favorite. This little slice of paradise was once dubbed "The Place Where Mother Nature Did Her Best" by founding developer CH McGee back in the 1920s and '30s. Today, Seagrove stretches from Seaside’s eastern border to just beyond 30A at Eastern Lake, neighboring Watersound Beach. Whether it’s the lush oaks, the variety of home styles, or the unbeatable access to the Gulf,…

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