Slices of 30A: Your 30A & South Walton Real Estate Blog | Page #6

Beach Access and Customary Use: Breaking Down SB 1622

If you've spent time on the beaches of Walton County, you may have heard the term "customary use"—a legal concept referring to the public's traditional use of dry sand areas, even those located on privately owned beachfront property. Over time, what began as an informal tradition has become the subject of legal and legislative attention.

In 2025, the Florida Legislature passed Senate Bill 1622 (SB 1622), revisiting how customary use is handled across the state and particularly in Walton County.

Understanding the Background

In 2018, a state law limited the ability of local governments to declare customary use without first going through a judicial process. Walton County was the only…

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The Latest Beach Access Improvements in South Walton

Since our last update in December, South Walton has seen exciting progress on several beach access improvement projects. These upgrades continue to enhance the experience for both locals and visitors. Here’s a roundup of recently completed projects, what’s currently in the works, and what's coming next:

Now Open: One Seagrove Neighborhood Beach Access

Construction began in February and is now complete! The project included:

  • Removing the aging stairway and installing a new ADA-compliant dune walkover

  • Adding two rinse showers

  • Replacing the old cul-de-sac fence and sidewalk with fresh, modern materials

The new access provides safer, more inclusive beach entry…

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Help Keep South Walton Beautiful by Joining the Neighborhood Clean-Up, July 5 & 6

Every year, our beaches, parks, and neighborhoods see a surge in visitors over the Fourth of July weekend—which, unfortunately, often means a big uptick in litter left behind. This summer, you can help protect the places we all love by taking part in the Post–Fourth of July Neighborhood Cleanup on Saturday, July 5 and Sunday, July 6.

Organized by Keep Walton County Beautiful (KWCB), this cleanup effort invites neighborhoods across the county to come together, show pride in their surroundings, and make a positive impact right where they live.

Host a Cleanup in Your Community

Whether your neighborhood backs up to the beach or a local park, every cleanup…

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Simple steps to protect your home, rental, or vacation property ahead of any storms.

Living in South Walton means sun, sand, and salty breezes—but it also means hurricane season is part of the deal. From June through November, storms can pop up fast, so it’s smart to prep before one’s even on the radar. Whether you're a full-time resident, a second homeowner, or managing a rental, this no-stress guide will help you keep your home ready all season long—and know exactly what to do if a storm heads our way.

Stay Ready All Season Long

You don’t need to be in a constant state of storm mode, but a little groundwork can go a long way. Here’s how to keep your home hurricane-ready throughout the season:

Outside Your Home
  • Trim trees and clear…

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What’s Happening on 30A: June 15 – July 15, 2025

Summer is in full swing along the Emerald Coast, and 30A is buzzing with events for every kind of beachgoer—from nature lovers and fitness fans to music buffs and foodies. Whether you’re visiting for a week or a longtime local looking for something new, the stretch from mid-June to mid-July offers everything from guided hikes and sea turtle chats to block parties, fireworks, and a world-class marlin tournament. Scroll through the highlights below and mark your calendars—this is one 30A summer you won’t want to miss.

  • Monday, June 16, 2025

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Guided Plant Walk

Join Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Master Gardener Bill Kuenstler on the third Monday…

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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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