Living at the Beach | Page #2

Ever imagine what it would be like to live the NW Florida coastal lifestyle? Tune in here to learn what life along the beaches of 30A is really like!

Fall 2025 IN•REVIEW: Reflections of the Coast

Fall along Scenic Highway 30A brings a slower rhythm and a renewed appreciation for the coast we call home. It’s also the perfect time to explore the stories, people, and places shaping our community today—something we’re celebrating in the latest Fall 2025 edition of IN•REVIEW, published by Davis Properties of NWFL.

In his opening letter, Broker-Owner Larry Davis shares how this season reminds us that reflection is more than looking back—it’s about recognizing how the visionaries, neighbors, and families who came before us shaped the thriving communities we call home today.

This year marks a milestone for Rosemary Beach, celebrating its 30th anniversary. From its beginnings as a bold idea rooted…

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Remodels That Boost Value in South Walton’s Luxury Market

When it comes to remodeling, homeowners often wonder: Will this project really pay off when I sell? According to the latest National Association of Realtors Remodeling Impact Report, the answer is often yes—but what makes sense nationally doesn’t always tell the whole story here along 30A and South Walton’s luxury coastal market.

Nationally, homeowners see strong returns on projects like kitchen remodels (often recovering more than 70% of the cost at resale) and bathroom upgrades (averaging around 67% recovery). But in our market, where buyers are searching for luxury second homes and vacation retreats, the returns can look very different—and in many cases, more rewarding.

Kitchens &…

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How South Walton Stays in the Loop on Sea Turtle Nesting

When the sun rises over South Walton’s sugar-white sand, the beach is still quiet—except for the South Walton Turtle Watch (SWTW) teams. Long before most of us pour our first cup of coffee, these volunteers are already combing the shoreline, looking for signs of one of Florida’s most treasured visitors: nesting sea turtles.

Their mission each morning is twofold—protect the turtles and communicate with the people who rely on the beach for their livelihood or who want to experience this natural wonder. Thanks to new alert systems and community programs, both beach vendors and the general public can now stay informed in real time.

For Beach Vendors: A Green Light to Set Up

During…

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Stay Safe This Summer: Where to Find Lifeguards on South Walton Beaches

Planning a beach day in South Walton this summer? Whether you're visiting for a weekend getaway or soaking up the sun all season long, it’s always a good idea to know where lifeguards are stationed to help keep you and your family safe.

The South Walton Fire District (SWFD) is committed to keeping beachgoers safe by staffing 15 lifeguard towers daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from March 1 through October 31 at key Regional Access points and popular beach neighborhoods. As of this summer, that includes a new tower added at WaterSound Beach in mid-June.

Where You’ll Find Lifeguards:
  • Inlet Beach Regional Access
  • Rosemary Beach
  • Alys Beach
  • WaterSound Beach (new for…

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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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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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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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Art Month is Back—and It’s Bigger Than Ever!

Every May, Walton County turns into a creative wonderland—and 2025 is shaping up to be the most exciting yet! Art Month Walton County is back, thanks to the Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) and Visit South Walton, with a packed schedule of over 50 events celebrating the arts in all their forms.

From live music and theater to digital art and storytelling, something is happening almost every day—and everyone’s getting involved: artists, performers, businesses, and community members.

At the April 22 meeting, the Board of County Commissioners officially proclaimed May as Art Month Walton County, showing continued support for local artists and creative growth in our community. As CAA President and CEO…

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