Looking Ahead: 'Plan for Walton 2040' Is Underway

Walton County Invites Public Input for "Plan for Walton 2040"

Big decisions are on the horizon for Walton County, and local residents and business owners now have the opportunity to help shape the future.

A new planning initiative called "Plan for Walton 2040"  is underway. Its goal is to guide future growth and development throughout the County while gathering community input to ensure that Walton's unique character—ranging from its beach towns to rural farmland—is preserved as the area evolves.

The County has partnered with DPZ CoDesign, a planning firm with strong ties to Walton County, including its early work on Seaside and Rosemary Beach. Over the coming months, this team will blend community feedback with expert analysis to create a…

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30A & South Walton Event Guide: What’s Happening April 15 – May 15, 2025

No matter how you choose to spend your spring days, 30A and South Walton offer endless ways to make new memories — from scenic festivals and family-friendly fun to one-of-a-kind local traditions. Be sure to check event details before you go, and keep an eye out for even more coastal happenings as the season unfolds. See you out there!

Good Friday Concert | Alys Beach

• Friday, April 18

Enjoy a Good Friday Concert with Soul Sensations in the Alys Beach Amphitheatre, 6–8 pm. Bring low-back chairs and blankets!

Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt | Camp Helen at Inlet Beach

• Saturday, April 19, 10-2

The 2025 Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt, presented by The Friends of Camp Helen State Park will be Saturday, April 19. Guests are encouraged to…

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Top Remodeling Projects for Value & Satisfaction: What Homeowners Should Know

Which Remodel Projects Rank Highest for Value & Satisfaction?

Whether you own a beach cottage in Seagrove or a bayfront retreat in Santa Rosa Beach, remodeling your second home isn't just about boosting resale value—it's about enhancing enjoyment during your time there and maximizing appeal when it's on the rental market.

According to the 2025 Remodeling Impact Report by the National Association of Realtors® and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, Americans invested an estimated $603 billion in home remodeling projects in 2024 alone. So, what projects are worth your time and money?

High-Impact Projects with Big Returns

Some renovations don't just feel good—they pay off. The top three remodeling projects that received a…

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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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