Today on Sunshine-y, Beautiful 30a: June 10, 2026
in our newest series, Mid Bay News reporter Steven Saul highlights the best and most interesting snapshots from 30A.
“Stop Fighting and Start Fixing”: Jim Bagby Makes His Case in Walton County District 4
In a Republican primary that’s shaping up as a referendum on growth, governance, and the future of Walton County, Jim Bagby is pitching himself as the candidate of practical change — someone who wants fewer political fights and more long-delayed problems finally solved. Bagby, a former Destin City Councilman and longtime local leader, is running for Walton County Commission, District 4. He laid out specific benchmarks by which he says voters can judge his first term if he’s elected.
Walton County aggressively targeting THESE tax dodgers in 2026
Walton County’s employees have doubled down on their commiitment to collect tourism tax from delinquent short term rental owners.
Walton tourism representatives say commission ignores advice at county’s financial peril
Walton County Commissioners decided to spend almost $10 Million on a piece of land without asking for tourism development council input. Now they’ve decided to leave the taxpayer-purchased land idle. TDC members say it’s a waste of taxpayer money. Here’s what commissioners said in response:
Walton Tourism Pros: “We have no voice” With Local Government
A simmering feud between the Walton County Tourism Development Council and the Board of County Commissioners is reaching a boiling point as frustrated TDC members claim they are powerless “marionettes” whose expertise is being ignored.
FHSAA releases 2026 football reclassifications – Here’s who WON and LOST on the Emerald Coast:
The official Florida High School football classifications are here, detailing the new districts and early predictions for Northwest Florida teams through the 2027 season.
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.
Live Blog: FHSAA releases playoff brackets for area high schools
Live Blog: FHSAA releases playoff brackets for area high schools Collin Bestor November 6, 2025 10:30 am Sports In Brief: Florida High School Athletic Association releases playoff brackets for Rural-7A classifications With many teams in our area already guaranteed a spot (Choctaw, Baker, Pensacola Catholic), some sit in limbo (Crestview, Tate, Milton and Niceville). Playoff […]
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.
