Living at the Beach | Page #3

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!

PGA Tour Event One Step Closer to Sandestin

A new kind of September buzz could be heading to Walton County — and it has nothing to do with the usual back-to-school shuffle or the first signs of fall.

This month, the Walton County Tourist Development Council gave a unanimous thumbs-up to explore a partnership with the PGA Tour, aiming to bring a professional golf tournament to Sandestin as early as 2026. The event would land squarely in the shoulder season, offering a much-needed boost for local businesses during one of the quietest times of year.

The plan now moves to the Board of County Commissioners for consideration. If approved, the tournament could anchor several years of new September excitement, filling hotel rooms, keeping hospitality…

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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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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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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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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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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 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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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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The Red Bar Celebrates 30 Years of Great Food, Music, and Memories in Grayton Beach, FL!

It's hard to imagine Grayton Beach without The Red Bar. The iconic restaurant has been serving up more than just great food and drinks for 30 years now—it’s a place where memories are made, friendships are forged, and the good times roll on. As we mark this significant milestone, we're not just celebrating its founding on Super Bowl Sunday in 1995, but also reflecting on its remarkable journey. From the ashes of the 2019 fire to becoming a beacon of live music and a local legend, The Red Bar has truly earned its place in the hearts of all who’ve crossed its threshold.

And speaking of milestones, did you know that today also marks 6 years since that tragic…

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What Florida Homeowners Should Know About Flood Insurance

When buying a home on the Gulf Coast, flood insurance is one of the most pressing concerns for new homeowners. Given our areas susceptibility to hurricanes, storm surges, and heavy rainfall, understanding flood insurance requirements and options is essential for protecting your investment.

The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) has recently released its 18th Consumer Guide, offering vital information to help buyers navigate the complexities of flood insurance. Here's a closer look at the key insights from the guide and what you should know as a Florida homeowner.

Flood Insurance Is Separate from Homeowners Insurance

One common misconception is that standard homeowners insurance…

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