COVID Beach Shutdowns to Cost Walton County Big
A federal appeals court has ruled that Walton County violated the constitutional rights of private beach owners by barring them from their own beachfronts during the COVID-19 shutdowns. The Eleventh Circuit ruled that the county’s 2020 emergency ordinance amounted to a “textbook physical taking,” clearing the way for landowners to seek compensation and legal fees.
AirHeart 1 Heroes Honored With Memorial By South Walton Fire District
As the sound of “Amazing Grace” drifted across the Choctawhatchee Bay, the South Walton Fire District gathered at Thomas Pilcher Park to dedicate the new “Heroes Remembered” monument honoring the three AirHeart 1 crew members who died during a 2004 medical transport mission. Family, friends, and firefighters reflected on the sacrifice of Jack Chase, Tom Palcic, and Robert Heighton at the very site where rescue crews once searched for the fallen team.
South Walton’s End of Season Safety Report
Following a year with fewer safety-related calls but a drop in attendance, Walton County’s Beach Safety Director explains why the “Yellow” flag is now the official baseline for surf conditions, replacing “Green.”
A $60 Million Business – No Direction, For Now, In Walton County.
A heated debate among Walton County Commissioners over a new tourism executive role leaves the future of the county’s “60 million dollar business” and beach operations in limbo.
Tee’d Off With the Potential PGA Event – BCC Says “Not Now!”
Walton County commissioners have teed off a potential PGA Tour event, unanimously voting against a sponsorship proposal that sparked months of intense debate and divided the community.
What Will Walton County Tourism Look Like in the Future? A Special Meeting Gave Us Some Clues:
These are the three priorities on the list after a joint meeting between the Walton Tourism Development Council and the Board of County Commissioners
Expert Witnesses Clash in Marathon Walton County Development Showdown
In Walton County, heated quasi-judicial hearings on the Sunliner Diner and SEC Freeport Asphalt Plant reveal deep community divides over development impacts, with final decisions pending from commissioners.
Gallery: Seacoast Collegiate High School Celebrates Ribbon Cutting
Seacoast Collegiate High School, Florida’s oldest charter school, celebrated its new campus with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, offering students a unique path to earn a high school diploma and associate’s degree in partnership with Northwest Florida State College.
Students, Teachers Fight For Release of Student Detained for ICE In Walton County
South Walton students and teachers rallied to bring home Rolando Velasquez Andres, a local high school senior detained in a Florida immigration enforcement sweep.
South Walton Makes Statement Win to Open New Stadium
South Walton opened its new stadium with a skydiver-delivered game ball and a 35–6 win over Gulf Breeze to kick off the 2025 football season. ✅
