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.
All Walton County High Schools Rank Among Nation’s Top 20%
All three traditional high schools in Walton County—South Walton High, Freeport High, and Walton High—earned national recognition in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 “Best High Schools” rankings, placing them among the top 20% of schools across the country for academic performance and college readiness.
Janisia Magallanes Stopped Bullying at Her School, Now She Protects Hundreds
Meet Deputy Janisia Magallanes, a Walton County Sheriff’s Office school resource officer (SRO) at Walton County High School. From standing up to bullying as a high school student to patrolling hallways and mentoring students today, she’s dedicated to student safety, school security, and community policing in DeFuniak Springs, Florida.
Santa Rosa Beach Woman Arrested After Child Found Wandering Roadway
A Santa Rosa Beach woman was arrested after deputies found her 5-year-old child wandering alone in the roadway. Investigators say the child’s mother, Maureen Oneill, left him home alone for several hours while she shopped in Panama City Beach.
Walton County renames Highway 393 North to Charlie Kirk Parkway
On what would have been Charlie Kirk’s 32nd birthday, Walton County commissioners voted unanimously to rename Highway 393 North in his honor.
Tom Glavine Golf Outing Raises $200,000 to Support Walton County Education and Workforce Programs
The 5th Annual Tom Glavine Field of Dreams Golf Outing raised $200,000 to support Seacoast Collegiate High School and Northwest Florida State College South Walton Center, funding dual enrollment, college programs, and workforce development opportunities in Walton County.
From Mosquito Control to Managing Noise Levels – Freeport Council is Managing Growth
The Freeport City Council approved a new polling location at the Freeport Community Center, recognized outstanding city employees, discussed mosquito control improvements, and reviewed a proposed ordinance to limit construction noise.
Former Santa Rosa County Commissioner James Calkins launches campaign for Walton County seat
Former Santa Rosa County Commissioner James Calkins launches a bid for Walton County Commission District 4, promising conservative leadership amid lingering controversy over his past political conduct.
