Walton Commissioners Recognize Chair for Service and Leadership
As 2025 ends, Walton County Commissioners honor Chairwoman Donna Johns for her leadership and unanimously elect Brad Drake as the new Chair for 2026.
Westonwood Ranch Lands $400K for New Training Center
Westonwood Ranch will move forward with a major expansion after securing $400,000 in state funding to build a new life skills and job training center in Freeport. The project will strengthen vocational training and independence programs for young adults with developmental disabilities while supporting a broader initiative to bring affordable, supportive housing to Northwest Florida.
Walton County urged to join fight against CO2 injection wells near state border
An Alabama lawmaker came to Walton County with a stark message: a proposed CO₂ pipeline and underground injection project could threaten the Floridan Aquifer — the drinking-water source for millions across Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.
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.
Get Ready to Take Your Best Shot at the Cadet Post 850 Turkey Shoot Classic
Cadet Post 850 is gearing up for its annual Turkey Shoot Classic on November 22 at the WCSO firing range, offering a morning of friendly competition, prizes, raffles, and great food for community members of all skill levels.
Fort Lauderdale Man Arrested in $505,000 Walton County Utility Check Fraud
A Fort Lauderdale man, Brandon Loud, has been arrested in Walton County for depositing a $505,400 fraudulent check from a utility company, with investigators uncovering additional stolen checks totaling $200,000.
Walton County Commission deadlock on tourism leadership continues
The Walton County Commission once again failed to agree on whether to bring back an Executive Director of Tourism — a $400,000 position overseeing one of the county’s biggest industries.
Here’s what happened, who pushed for change, and what it means for the future of the $60 million tourism department.
Special Magistrate Judge says the Sunliner Diner is a no-go
Special Magistrate Judge says the Sunliner Diner is a no-go Christopher Saul October 24, 2025 4:06 pm Uncategorized In Brief: 🚫 Denied: Walton County’s special magistrate ruled against the proposed Sunliner Diner on 30A in Blue Mountain Beach. 🚗 Community Concerns: Locals and the Blue Water Landing HOA cited traffic, safety, and neighborhood impact as […]
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.
