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AirHeart 1 Heroes Honored With Memorial By South Walton Fire District

A new memorial at Thomas Pilcher Park honors the AirHeart 1 crew members who lost their lives in a 2004 medical helicopter crash, ensuring their legacy continues within the South Walton Fire District and the community.

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.”

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—have been ranked among the top 20% of high schools nationwide in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 “Best High Schools” list, based on academic performance and college readiness measures.

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.

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