HWY 331 Communities

HWY 331 plays a crucial role in connecting our vibrant communities in Walton County, Florida.

DeFuniak Springs

DeFuniak Springs, Florida, is known for its historical significance and charming features. It’s home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and local businesses, often reflecting the town’s character and heritage. The downtown area is also notable for the presence of historic homes, many of which are well-preserved and add to the overall ambiance of the street. You can expect to find a mix of local businesses, cultural attractions, and architectural beauty throughout DeFuniak Springs.

Image of park with sculptures depicting children with the American Flag.

Freeport

Freeport is known for its small-town charm and proximity to natural attractions. The city is surrounded by natural beauty, with three miles of bay front within the city limits alone. With nearby rivers, creeks, and forested areas, there are endless opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, hunting and hiking. It’s a small town with a big heart that happens to be one of the fastest growing city in the state of Florida.

Image of a man casting a net in the Choctawhatchee Bay

Walton & Beyond

The mighty HWY 331 bridge unites Walton County – north and south. Likewise, the HWY 331 website, newsletter, podcast and social channels bridge the gap between locals and visitors in Walton County. By sharing stories, we cultivate a strong sense of community as a whole. All stories we share can be found here. 

Raising Kids in Walton County: How Arts, Nature and Community Shape Childhood

Raising Kids in Walton County: How Arts, Nature and Community Shape Childhood

Childhood in Walton County is shaped in quiet but lasting ways through theater rehearsals, library programs, recreation fields and time spent outdoors. From the arts to nature and community involvement, local families are discovering that the experiences children grow up with today often become the foundation for confidence, connection and purpose later in life.

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2026 No Ordinary JOE Scholarship Winners Announced Across Bay and Walton Counties

2026 No Ordinary JOE Scholarship Winners Announced Across Bay and Walton Counties

Fourteen students across Bay and Walton counties have been awarded 2026 “No Ordinary JOE” Scholarships from the St. Joe Community Foundation, marking another year of meaningful investment in local youth. With $379,000 awarded since the program began, the Foundation continues to back students who lead with service, resilience and community spirit.

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Connect with Laurie Hood: Alaqua Animal Refuge

Connect with Laurie Hood: Alaqua Animal Refuge

Laurie Hood of Alaqua Animal Refuge joins the HWY 331 Podcast for an emotional and inspiring conversation about rescue, resilience, compassion, and second chances. Laurie shares the story behind Alaqua’s beginnings, the national beagle rescue effort that captured headlines, the emotional toll of animal rescue work, and her vision for creating a sanctuary that heals both animals and people.

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LakeFest 2026 Returns to DeFuniak Springs With Live Music, Hydroflight Shows, Parade and Family Fun

LakeFest 2026 Returns to DeFuniak Springs With Live Music, Hydroflight Shows, Parade and Family Fun

From live entertainment and water sports to parades, food, and family activities, LakeFest has become one of DeFuniak Springs’ most anticipated community celebrations. Centered around the iconic Lake DeFuniak, the festival brings together residents and visitors for a weekend that captures the spirit, beauty, and traditions of the city.

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A Festival With a Pulse Beneath the Music

A Festival With a Pulse Beneath the Music

By late afternoon on May 9, the light over Watersound Town Center Pavilion will begin its slow turn toward gold, the kind of coastal glow that softens edges and draws a crowd closer to the stage. Music will carry across the open air, equal parts celebration and quiet acknowledgment of the lives that sustain this place long after the last note fades.

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