Walton County surges Narcan stations to battle opioid overdoses
The Walton County Board of County Commissioners has unanimously supported “Revive Awareness Day,” a proclamation championed by Administrator Holly Holt to increase the availability of Naloxone (Narcan) and promote community-based opioid addiction resources. With 394 boxes of Naloxone deployed this year, the county continues to expand its emergency response efforts to combat the opioid crisis.
A mysterious newcomer crashes the Walton Commission race.
A fourth candidate, Frederick Carley, has entered the race for Walton County Commissioner District 4 as a write-in candidate. His entry effectively closes the August 18 Republican primary, restricting voting access to registered Republicans and impacting the contest between incumbent Donna Johns, Jim Bagby, and James Calkins.
Cox Employees Empower Students Through Innovative Grants
Six Gulf Coast nonprofits received $60,000 in employee-funded Cox Charities grants to support STEM education, environmental learning and youth programs.
South Walton’s Next Generation of Lifeguards Takes to the Beach
The South Walton Fire District’s Junior Lifeguard Program returns June 2 with record enrollment, teaching more than 200 young participants critical beach safety skills.
Walton Officials Push for Urgent Ban on Data Centers
Walton County commissioners and residents are moving quickly to stop future data centers, warning the facilities could drain water supplies, strain the electric grid, and permanently alter the county’s character.
Governor approves more pay for high school coaches – with caveats
High school sports coaches in Florida will now have the chance to make more money – contributed by booster clubs and alumni organizations. They will also be permitted to use their personal funds to support the student athletes they coach.
Jessica Laird believes she’s the better option in the tricky Walton Tax Collector Election this summer. Here’s Why:
Tax collector candidate Jessica Carter Laird is making her case as a seasoned public servant for Walton County, emphasizing her 19+ years of experience, deep local roots, and commitment to innovation and public safety in the office. Her plans include addressing geographical challenges by pursuing remote self-service kiosks and bringing TSA PreCheck enrollment services to the county. Laird also highlights her focus on public policy, such as shifting immigration credential vetting back to the state level to reduce burdens on local offices, and shared a striking example of how her office’s diligence led to the identification of a human trafficking operation.
“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.
The undiscovered, unexpected history of Watercolor, Florida
How the German Kaiser, a family fortune and a former Disney Exec created the 30a we know today:
Will Walton County fight in the legal battle of Dune Allen beach?
Walton County Commissioners narrowly avoided filing an amicus brief in the 15-year battle for Dune Allen beach access, compromising on a formal resolution amid accusations of political “pussy-footin’ around” and warnings that legal action could “cripple” secret negotiations.
