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In today’s blog post we take a look at the area’s easternmost community - Inlet Beach Florida. Considered the gateway to South Walton County and Scenic 30A, Inlet Beach encompasses a little more than 3.5 square miles. Bordered on the south by the gulf and beach, and on the north by Lake Powell, the largest Coastal Dune Lake in the Northern Hemisphere.  (Learn more here:  30A's Rare Coastal Dune Lakes.)

In the last few years, this formerly sleepy little area at the eastern entrance of Scenic 30A has experienced a surge of growth and popularity both commercially and in the development of new homes and businesses. There are now three main shopping and dining areas located within Inlet Beach 30Avenue, The Crossings at Inlet Beach, and Shops of Inlet…

We're excited to unveil a brand new, beautiful edition of  IN • REVIEW Magazine with you!   This time IN • REVIEW's Local Features Section includes the Cultural Arts Alliance's upcoming MONARCH ART TRAIL unveiling on Friday, November 12th +  coverage on a new local brewery & taproom, Owner & Gardening Tips, 30A Fall Event's Calendar, and more.

As we've done in previous editions of IN • REVIEW, we break down 30A Market Trends from a unique and different perspective. Statistics that you'll discover include a 42% increase in the number of homes sold in  Seagrove Beach; Cash sales accounted for  58% of the homes sold in Blue Mountain Beach.  And one of the most interesting data points revealed a whopping 65% jump in the median price of  Seagrove…

Northwest Florida is a part of the migratory pattern of the Monarch butterfly, and every fall tens of thousands of Monarchs can be seen enjoying an abundance of native wildflowers that thrive throughout Walton County. Since 1992, The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) has celebrated this yearly natural event with The Flutterby Festival, an annual children’s arts and science event.  

As an addition to this year’s festivities, The CAA is proud to announce the opening of another Art in Public Spaces initiative - Monarch Art Trail (MAT).  An outdoor sculpture project was created with support from The St. Joe Community Foundation. The official opening of the Monarch Art Trail takes place Friday, November 12th from 4:00 - 7:00 pm and…

When you live along the Gulf Coast, hurricanes, and storms are simply a way of life. As communities both far and near, we always come together to help one another in a time of need. In an effort to assist those who want to help our neighbors in Louisiana who are living through the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, we’ve put together a list of relief efforts currently underway by 30A local businesses.  Please consider reaching out to support these local efforts!   

Also please check back often - as we receive additional sources of relief efforts we'll update the list below with new information!

From Seaside FL Facebook Page: Please visit our Stories or Hurricane Relief Story Highlight on our Instagram page @seasidefl to learn more. We will continue…

What areas/beach towns along 30A are experiencing the most activity and interest of buyers so far this year? If you live in or own property in Seagrove Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, or Watercolor then you’re in a very popular location indeed. So, like most property owners, in today's market, you are not only most likely enjoying a significant equity increase, but buyers are actively looking and buying in your Beach Towns the most right now!

Maintaining its #1 ranking as a 30A Favorite Beach Town is Seagrove Beach.  This little town was branded as "The Place Where Mother Nature Did Her Best" by founding developer CH McGee back in the 1920s. and 30s.   Today Seagrove begins on the eastern border of Seaside and extends just beyond the Eastern Lake…

When driving down Scenic 30A in South Walton Florida you’ll no doubt notice a series of lakes along the way.  This unique chain of 15 lakes which is found dotting the 19+ miles of our Northwest Florida coastal highway is not your ordinary lake! They are indeed rare, unique, and found in only 4 places throughout the world!  Because of the combination of fresh water and their close proximity to Gulf waters, the result is the existence of a highly delicate ecosystem.  As such, these special lakes found along Scenic Highway 30A are  also protected to insure their continued health and vitality.    

The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance, (CBA), Walton Tourist Development Council  (TDC) and the Walton County Board of County Commissions are sponsoring a DIY…

Rags to Riches Regatta    July 3      7 a.m.  at Grayton Beach

The Rags to Riches Regatta is a 40-year sailing tradition where 30A locals and visitors gather to cheer on teams as they navigate 16-foot catamarans in a race from Grayton Beach (originally known as the “rags” side of town) to Seagrove (also known as the “riches” neighborhood). Presented by Crater Train Brewing Company, The 30A Company, and Tribe Kelley Surf Post, the race will benefit South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA) and their mission to protect and preserve our local marine resources. 

Blue Mountain Bakery Block Party   July 3          5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

The Blue Mountain Bakery is celebrating two years of operation with a block party. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy…

Summer is already here and what’s sure to be a remarkably busy time on South Walton Beaches. Sir Winston Churchill once said: “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” And as I think about the record-setting Spring visitor season we’ve just experienced, there’s no denying that the secret is out! Walton County is one of the fastest growing areas in the nation and folks are flocking here to experience the good things that we   already know and love about it here! 30A’s beautiful beaches, state parks, communities and quality of life are unique, special, and one-of-a-kind!

Those of us who are lucky enough to live here, work here and call this place home, will undoubtedly be presented with both challenges AND opportunities this busy…

SANTA ROSA BEACH FLORIDA -

After three years of anticipation, planning, design, and construction, a brand-new Habitat for Humanity ReStore located at 2260 U.S. Highway 98 West, Santa Rosa Beach, FL is nearing final stages of completion. The group hopes to be open for business sometime in July. The new facility has been in the works since 2018 when Habitat for Humanity Walton County received a grant from IMPACT 100. The grant money allowed for the purchase of the property at their soon-to-be new location in South Walton County.  Once completed, the new, more spacious modern facility will enable the non-profit group the ability to handle more donated items that will be offered for resale to the public.

Proceeds from sales of items through the…

Green Sea Turtles, Loggerheads along with several other species  of turtles have begun    to make their annual trek to the beautiful beaches of South Walton and 30A. Nesting season takes place in Northwest Florida each year between May and October. In early summer, female turtles begin coming onshore to build nests in the sand dunes and lay their eggs. Anywhere from 8 to 10 weeks later, the hatchling turtles will emerge from the nests.  Using the natural light reflections from the surf as a guide, the hatchlings make their way from the nests back into the gulf waters.  Sea Turtles are considered protected species.

The South Walton Turtle Watch is a local volunteer group that monitors the beaches daily during turtle nesting season. They carefully mark…