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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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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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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Western Lake Bridge Replacement Update

Western Lake Bridge Replacement: A One-Year Update

Time flies when you’re rebuilding a bridge! It’s been a full year since work began on the Western Lake Bridge along County Road 30A, and if you’ve driven across lately, you’ve probably noticed the towering cranes and rhythmic pounding of construction work. Here’s the latest scoop on the progress.

Bridge Construction Update

Over the last several months, project crews have been busy mobilizing heavy-duty cranes, preparing for demolition, and setting the stage for the next major steps. Most recently, work has focused on installing a temporary sheet pile retaining wall on the south side of the bridge. November saw the start of pile driving—one of the most critical phases of construction. And yes,…

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Camp Creek Inn Offers Exclusive College Football Playoff Deals

Celebrate Victory or Plan for Next Year with Exclusive Savings at Camp Creek Inn!

The College Football Playoffs are here, and the excitement is electric! Whether you’re celebrating your team’s journey to the top or planning for next season, Camp Creek Inn—30A’s newest boutique hotel—has something special just for you.

As the first 12-team college football playoff unfolds, fans from the 10 states represented in this historic event can take advantage of exclusive offers to enhance their getaway. Let’s dive into how you can join the celebration!

For the Winning State

Victory never felt so luxurious! If your state’s team claims the National Championship, you’ll receive an exclusive promo code for:

• 30% off stays of 2+ nights

• …

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Your Guide to the Latest Beach Access Improvements Along 30A

The Latest Beach Access Improvements Along 30A

With a mix of new projects and improvements underway, South Walton is gearing up to offer even more convenience and charm for locals and visitors alike. Here’s the latest on the beach access upgrades transforming our slice of paradise.

Grayton Beach Municipal Parking Facility

Convenience meets sustainability at the Grayton Beach Municipal Parking Facility. This multi-level transit hub at 1505 S. Co. Hwy. 283 is designed to enhance the beach-going experience with 204 parking spaces, including ADA, electric car, low-speed vehicle (LSV), and bicycle parking. Public restrooms and transportation facilities will make this a go-to spot for seamless access to the…

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Thanksgiving Dining Options In South Walton

Thanksgiving Dining Options In South Walton

There's no better way to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with friends and family along South Walton's 26 miles of sugar-white sand and turquoise water. Plus, with plenty of to-go or dine-in options, it's easy to skip the cooking (and cleaning the dishes) without missing out on great food and family time. Here are some Thanksgiving dining and activity options in South Walton.

Thanksgiving Day Dining In

Thanksgiving Day at Café Thirty-A: 12-4 p.m.

Reservations are available for Thanksgiving Day at Cafe Thirty-A. Dinner options include deep-fried brined turkey, pan-seared snapper, and traditional pumpkin pie for dessert. A Thanksgiving Day Takeout Menu is also available for parties of six. Place…

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Walton County Tourism Growth on Both Sides of the Bay

Walton County Tourism Growth on Both Sides of the Bay

The Tourist Development Tax (TDT), often referred to as the "bed tax," has played a vital role in South Walton, Florida, since its inception. Established to promote and support tourism, the bed tax is a levy on short-term rentals, including hotels and condos, funding essential services like beach maintenance, lifeguards, and marketing efforts.

Over the years, the bed tax has seen adjustments to match the area's growing demand. Initially set at 2%, the tax has increased as tourism boomed. By 2024, it stood at 5% for South Walton and 3% for North Walton, reflecting the region’s diverse tourism dynamics. These funds help ensure the natural beauty and hospitality of Walton County remain a strong…

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Inlet Beach Celebrates Pedestrian Underpass Opening with A "Get Down" Event

The long-anticipated pedestrian underpass at Highway 98 and Scenic 30A intersection opened last month. Just in time for the cooler fall weather, locals and visitors can now enjoy a safer and more convenient way to cross busy Highway 98. 

As Northwest Florida's first pedestrian underpass, it's a major milestone for the area. The tunnel is well-lit, accessible, and designed to accommodate walkers and bikers, creating a smooth, direct route beneath the highway. No more worrying about dodging traffic or waiting at crosswalks – now, you can move freely and securely between Inlet Beach's attractions!

But it's not just about safety and convenience. The new underpass also brings an artistic touch to the area, featuring public art installations by local…

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How to Support Disaster Relief for Hurricane Helene Survivors

How to Support Disaster Relief for Hurricane Helene Survivors

Hurricane Helene, a devastating Category 4 storm, caused widespread destruction across the southeastern U.S., impacting Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Virginia. Communities face severe flooding, damaged homes, and extended power outages, especially in Florida’s Big Bend and inland North Carolina. Recovery efforts are underway, but survivors need support to rebuild.

Here are some of the best ways to donate for immediate relief:

• American Red Cross: Provides emergency relief to affected states.
• GlobalGiving Disaster Relief Fund: Supports localized recovery efforts.
• Feeding Florida: Part of Feeding America, aiding food-insecure residents.

Help Rebuild…

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