I’m not making a New Year’s Resolution – This is What I’m Doing Instead

This New Year, forget temporary resolutions. Do this instead.
Walton County has the area’s highest opioid deaths. Here’s how officials will try to reduce fatal overdoses:

Walton County’s opioid death numbers are much higher than Bay or Okaloosa’s after you account for population. Officials have a plan to start turning the tide on the issue.
Walton County Adds ‘Full’ Parking Lot Near Beach. Here’s Where You Can Find It:

A new 83-space municipal parking facility and ‘wave’ inspired Transit Pavilion opens on County Road 393, marking a major step toward a future Beach Tram system designed to alleviate 30A’s chronic traffic and parking woes.
What is Westonwood Ranch?

In today’s world, almost everyone knows a family member, friend, co-worker, or neighbor who has a ‘loved one’ impacted by IDD. On this Daytripper journey, Mid Bay News met Lindy Wood, who is the Founder and Director of Westonwood Ranch. Just as the natural beauty and heart of this thriving and robust community, there is a vision that rests in the heart of a mother (Lindy Wood), determined to see the “individual participant” find greater independence and live to their highest potential.
Will Walton Commissioners End Wood Bonfires on the Beach?

Walton County Commissioners decide whether or not to ban aesthetic, wood-burning bonfires on the beach.
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.
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.
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.”
Here’s What Happened at Defuniak’s Latest Council Meeting

A DeFuniak Springs City Council meeting reveals ongoing tensions over historic district design standards and an extended tenure for the interim finance director amidst a challenging search for a permanent replacement.