"Slices of 30A" - Local News from 30A

Hotel Accommodation Options for 30A Visitors Will Expand In Near Future

Short term lodging along the coastal road, affectionately referred to as “30A” in South Walton Florida has been limited primarily to homes and condos for vacation options. With a few exceptions, travelers seeking nightly lodging accommodations along the beaches of 30A have been confined to staying in neighboring communities of Miramar Beach, Destin, or Panama City Beach.

That will be changing in the near future.  Recently the St. Joe Company announced a joint-venture partnership with MidGrove Center to build an 87-room boutique hotel located in the heart of Seagrove Beach Florida. Once construction has been completed, projected to be sometime in 2022, The Lodge 30A will be managed by St Joe Resort Operations. The Hotel and adjoining…

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The Iconic Grayton Beach Redbar Rises from the Ashes & Reopens!

In the early morning hours of February 19, 2019 tragedy struck in Grayton Beach when the Red Bar caught fire and burned to the ground. The Petit family, owners of the famed local bar, vowed to rebuild using the same footprint of the former building and that intended to come back stronger and even better.

Last week, only 17 months following the fire, the doors to the iconic REDBAR reopened fulfilling the Petit’s promise to their customers, staff and employees.

In response to the overwhelming support received from their customer’s and fans the following message was posted on the RedBar Facebook page:

Dear friends, neighbors and family,
We can't describe how excited and humble we are about the reopening of our beloved RedBar. We are very…

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Walton County Schools Announces Re-opening Plans for 20-21 School Year

Schools in Walton County Florida are scheduled to reopen on August 10th.  Because of COVID-19, this year will look very different for students and parents here in Northwest Florida and all across the country.  Superintendent Russell Hughes revealed his plans and what parents’ options will be for the upcoming year.  Get the full story here:     Educational Options for Walton County Students

For more information on Walton Schools, visit:    WALTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

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Walton County Cultural Arts Alliance Announces Second Round of Artists' Emergency Relief Grants

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) announces applications are open for the second round of grants from its Emergency Relief Fund for Artists (ERFA). The Fund was established in April to address the immediate economic needs of local, professional artists who have experienced loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications will be accepted weekly through August 28th through the CAA’s website, and grant awards will be available within one week of approval.

A fundraising campaign has also been launched to ensure that funds remain available as long as necessary. Walton County residents and CAA Members Shawn and Richard Tomasello have already pledged a matching donation of $100,000 for the fund and challenge other…

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Watersound Origins Crossings Luxury Apartment Project Nears Completion

The new  Watersound Origins Crossings Apartment Community is a multi-family luxury apartment community that is nearing completion and will soon be available for long term lease.  This exciting new development is part 'of the St. Joe Company's current project expansion at Watersound Origins located immediately west of Inlet Beach.  The project consists of 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments along with a larger 3-bedroom townhouse option.  Residents will have access to  a range of distinctive features and amenities including an expansive resort-style pool, state of the art fitness center,  and direct access to Lake Powell. 

These new residences will include luxury finishes, stainless-steel appliances, walk-in showers, screened in patios and an added…

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Florida Georgia Line Singer Brian Kelly and YOLO Co-Founder Jeff Archer Partner to Donate YOLO Bolt Bikes to Walton County Sheriff's Dept

Country Music Singer Brian Kelley of Florida Georgia Line and his wife Brittney Kelley partnered up with YOLO Co-founder Jeff Archer to donate 15 bicycles to the Walton County Sheriff's office for agency use.  The YOLO Bolt electric bicycles were outfitted for deputies by I will Design for Food, Inc. complete with stickers and branding. The bicycles will be used by the agency’s District 3 and District 4 deputies serving along the 30a corridor. Each deputy will be issued a helmet and safety equipment while they put the bikes to use on the roadway.

The bike provides a pedal-assist for deputies so they can easily travel along the 30a communities while saving some of their energy.“We’re able to get into a lot of the smaller neighborhoods and beat the…

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Inlet Beach is one step closer to Hwy 98 Pedestrian Underpass

On Tuesday, June 9, 2020, the Walton County commissioners voted unanimously to authorize payment of $1.25 million to the state of Florida for the county's share of funding for a new pedestrian underpass located in Inlet Beach Florida.  The underpass is located at the entrance to County Road 30A in Inlet Beach.   According to the FDOT (Florida Depart of Transportation.) website, the project will include an underpass across US 98 to provide a grade separated crossing that allows non-interrupted flow of pedestrian access across US 98, increasing safety and mobility of both pedestrians and vehicular traffic. 

In a related vote the commissioners voted to sign a maintenance agreement with  where the county agrees to take care of lighting, landscaping…

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The Seaside Institute’s™ Academic Village Closes Out an Era

Seaside FL - Katrina Cottages to be Repurposed as the Site is Redeveloped  

The Seaside Institute™ will oversee the removal of the Academic Village cottages located in Seaside™ which have provided a place for students of all ages to learn, study, collaborate and reflect for over seven years.

The Seaside Institute’s Academic Village was completed in August 2013. This long-desired addition to the Lyceum area in Seaside is a concept that was discussed by Seaside’s founders,

Robert and Daryl Davis, since the early 1980s. The purpose of the village was to provide much-needed affordable housing for students, faculty and professionals who travel to Seaside to study or to participate in the town’s civic and cultural events. Located right in the…

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Now that 30A Beaches have reopened - here's how to prepare for your visit.

We’ve put together FAQ’s and guide to assist before and during your stay along 30A and the Beaches of South Walton. 

 WHAT SHOULD WE PLAN FOR BEFORE ARRIVAL? 

Bring provisions for your visit.  With many additional visitors to the area during summer months, food & general supply inventory may not keep up with increased demand. 

Pack a supply of hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, paper towels and toilet paper.  These high demand items are hard to come by here at the beach - just like they are where you live, so it's best to come prepared. 

30A Shops, restaurants and local business may require use of face masks while in their establishments so pack one for everyone in your group. 

Go to VISIT SOUTH WALTON for the latest information and new…

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Free Day-Use Admission to Local 30A State Parks During Summer Tourist Season

South Walton FL -  Local South Walton residents and summer visitors alike will once again be able to enjoy free day-use admission to Grayton Beach State Park and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

The Walton County Tourist Development Council is paying the cost of entry for day-use visitors in order to increase available parking for beach-goers during the peak summer season, as well as raise awareness of the variety of eco-tourism activities South Walton offers. This year marks the sixth year of admission coverage for Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and the fourth for Grayton Beach State Park. 

“This is our fourth summer covering day-use admission to both state parks,” says Visit South Walton Director of…

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