Walton County Celebrates a Joyful New Beginning With First Baby of 2026

In Brief:

👨‍👩‍👧 Who: Merritt Taylor, born to Jordan and Steele Taylor
🍼 What: First baby born in Walton County in 2026
⏰ When: 1:16 a.m. on January 1, 2026
🏥 Where: Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Family Birth Place
🎉 Why: To celebrate the first new life welcoming the New Year in Walton County

Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast’s Family Birth Place celebrated the New Year with the county’s first baby of 2026, born just after midnight.

Merritt Taylor made her debut at 1:16 a.m. on January 1 at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast. She was born to Jordan and Steele Taylor, marking a memorable start to the year for the family.

Merritt’s arrival also came with a surprise. Her parents chose not to find out the baby’s gender ahead of time, and Jordan Taylor said she had been convinced she was having a boy.

Instead, the New Year brought a baby girl.

At birth, Merritt weighed 6 pounds, 8 ounces, and hospital staff shared in the celebration of welcoming the first baby born in Walton County in 2026.