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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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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Turtle Nesting Season: How to Spot and Protect Sea Turtle Nests on 30A Beaches!

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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Connect with Nature, Make A Difference: Join the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance in Protecting Our Local Waterways

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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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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Looking for a Unique South Walton Adventure? Try a Public Art Treasure Hunt

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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The Red Bar - 30th Anniversary: A Legacy of Great Food, Music, and Memories in Grayton Beach

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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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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Florida's Coastal Dune Lakes: A Rare Natural Phenomenon

Florida's Coastal Dune Lakes: A Rare Natural Phenomenon

Coastal dune lakes are one of the rarest natural features on the planet. These extraordinary bodies of water are found in only four countries worldwide and two states in the U.S.—Florida and Oregon. What makes Walton County, Florida, so unique is that it's the only place in the state where you can witness this incredible phenomenon, home to nearly all 15 of Florida's recognized coastal dune lakes.

Why Are Coastal Dune Lakes Unique?

Freshwater sources like rainfall, groundwater, and streams feed the lakes. However, when their water levels rise high enough, the sand berms separating them from the Gulf of Mexico break, forming outfalls—dynamic channels where water flows between the lakes…

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Old Seagrove Beach Welcomes New Community Plan!

Old Seagrove Beach approves new community plan, introducing restrictions to preserve its historic charm and manage growth.

Old Seagrove Beach, a picturesque neighborhood known for its towering oak trees, charming cottages, and sandy streets, is on the verge of a new chapter. Residents who’ve long been concerned about rapid development, the rise of towering mega-homes, and the influx of short-term vacation rentals can now celebrate the initial approval of a new community plan designed to safeguard the area’s historic character and natural beauty. This grassroots effort, initiated by long-time locals and newer residents alike, aims to curb overdevelopment and preserve what makes Old Seagrove special.

The Old Seagrove Neighborhood Plan introduces…

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