Join the Coastal Dune Lakes Paddle Clean-Up on Eastern Lake

Join the Coastal Dune Lakes Paddle Clean-Up on Eastern Lake

Celebrate the beauty of South Walton’s natural landscapes by giving back to the waters that make this area so special. On Thursday, October 31st, the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA) invites locals and visitors alike to take part in a Coastal Dune Lakes Paddle Clean-Up at Eastern Lake — one of our region’s most beloved dune lakes.

Event Details

• When: 9 AM • Thursday, October 31st, 2025
• Where: Eastern Lake Boat Ramp, Lakeview Drive
• Hosted by: Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA)
• RSVP: CBA@nwfsc.edu

Participants are encouraged to bring their own kayak, paddleboard, or canoe, along with personal safety gear. A limited number of kayaks will be available to early…

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Celebrate Walton County’s Coastal Dune Lakes Week: October 27–31, 2025

October is Coastal Dune Lakes Month

This month, Walton County invites locals and visitors to celebrate one of our coast’s most extraordinary natural treasures—our coastal dune lakes. The Walton County Board of County Commissioners has officially proclaimed October 27–31, 2025, as Coastal Dune Lakes Week, recognizing their global rarity and vital role in our ecosystem.

If you’ve followed our recent blog about what makes these rare lakes so unique, you already know they’re found in only a few places worldwide and support a delicate balance of saltwater and freshwater life.

Experience the Lakes Up Close

Throughout the week, the Walton County Coastal Dune Lake Advisory Board will host guided activities to help the public learn more about these…

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Help Keep South Walton Beautiful: International Coastal Cleanup - Sept 20

Help Keep South Walton Beautiful: International Coastal Cleanup - Sept 20

If you love the beaches of South Walton, here’s a chance to give back and help keep them beautiful. On Saturday, September 20, 2025, Keep Walton County Beautiful is hosting the International Coastal Cleanup from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at three beach access points:

• Inlet Beach

• Dune Allen Beach

• Miramar Beach

This global event, led by Ocean Conservancy, isn't just about cleaning up litter-it's also about collecting valuable data that supports marine debris research and helps preserve our coastline.

Everyone is welcome—bring gloves, reusable bags, and water, and help preserve the beauty of our coastline. For details, visit Keep Walton County…

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Camp Girl Power Launches This August in Walton County

Free Half-Day Camp for Girls in Walton County!

This August, two local nonprofits are teaming up to bring creativity, confidence, and connection to young girls in Walton County. The Children’s Volunteer Health Network (CVHN) and the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) have partnered to launch Camp Girl Power—a free, joy-filled half-day experience designed for rising 3rd–5th grade girls.

With a focus on empowerment, the camp blends yoga, art, music, and wellness activities, creating a space where girls can explore self-expression, make new friends, and celebrate the power of being themselves.

Camp Dates & Locations:

• Tuesday, August 5 | 9 AM – 1 PM | Bay School, South Walton
• Wednesday, August 6 | 9 AM – 1 PM | Walton County…

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Nominate Your Favorites: 2026 Perfect in Walton County Awards

Celebrate the Best of Walton County!

It's that time again—nominations for the 2026 Perfect in Walton County Awards open July 29 through August 15! This annual tradition celebrates the very best of Walton County, from favorite beaches and boutiques to restaurants, photographers, musicians, and more.

Whether you're a full-time local or a part-time visitor, this is your chance to support the businesses and people who make Walton County feel like home.

The top nominees in each of the 30 categories will advance to final voting in September, and winners will be honored at a special event in January 2026, with additional promotion through Walton County Tourism.

To qualify, businesses and individuals must serve Walton County and, in some…

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South Walton Beach Access Improvements: What's New and What's Ahead

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

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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Last Call for Artists: Submit Your Work for Walton County’s 2025 Artist of the Year by May 31!

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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New Recommendations Released for Plan for Walton 2040

New Recommendations Released for the Plan for Walton 2040

The momentum continues with Plan for Walton 2040, and even more detailed recommendations are now available. In addition to transportation and land use strategies, Walton County and DPZ CoDesign have released in-depth proposals covering housing, recreation, and coastal management and conservation. These newly published documents aim to address some of the county’s most pressing challenges while preserving the character and natural beauty that define the region.

• Housing Recommendations focus on expanding attainable housing options, promoting a variety of housing types, and ensuring responsible growth patterns that reflect the community’s needs.

• Recreation Recommendations…

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A PGA Tour Event Could Soon Call Sandestin Home!

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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