Walton & Beyond

Walton & Beyond is a valuable resource for keeping Walton County residents and visitors connected. Every story we share can be found here. 

The Gym in DeFuniak Springs

The Gym in DeFuniak Springs

When you meet Rob Hamilton, it’s easy to assume he’s a man who’s seen it all. His tattooed exterior, chiseled from years of hard work and determination, can seem intimidating at first glance. But spend even a minute talking with him, and you’ll find a kind-hearted, deeply spiritual man whose warmth and passion radiate through his words.

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Generations of Veterans

Generations of Veterans

Veterans Day is a time to honor and reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces across generations. From the battlefields of World War II to the jungles of Vietnam, the deserts of the Middle East, and the more recent deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq, each era of service holds unique stories of resilience, dedication, and sacrifice.

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Sarah Page: Adventure Artistry

Sarah Page: Adventure Artistry

Artist of the Year captures the beauty of nature
As a child, Sarah Page could easily guess that Santa would leave an art kit of some form or another under the Christmas tree each year. Her parents encouraged her talents from a young age. “I loved drawing and crafting as a kid,” she says. “My dad was artistic so he and I would draw together.”

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Two Decades of City Service

Two Decades of City Service

If ever there were a perfect job for a person, it’s for Latilda Hughes-Neel. In her crucial role
as planning director for the Freeport Planning and Zoning Department, Latilda uses her
background in education, art and city planning to make the City of Freeport the fastest
growing city in the fastest growing county in Florida.

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The Walton County Fair

The Walton County Fair

In a world where the hustle of modern life often pulls us away from our roots, there’s something truly magical about the Walton County Fair. Since 1924, this annual event has been more than just a fair; it’s a living testament to our region’s rich agricultural heritage and a celebration of the vibrant community spirit that defines DeFuniak Springs.

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Big Mike’s Smokehouse

Big Mike’s Smokehouse

There’s something extraordinary rolling through Walton County, and it’s not just the smoky scent of barbecue in the air—it’s the heart and soul behind Big Mike’s Smokehouse. Launched in April 2024, this food truck is much more than a mobile kitchen; it’s a testament to the power of passion, partnership, and a love for feeding the community.

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Conquer Chiari Walk

Conquer Chiari Walk

As September unfolds, so does Chiari Awareness Month—a time to shine a spotlight on Chiari Malformation, a serious neurological disorder affecting nearly 1 in 1,000 people worldwide. On September 28th, Props Brewery at Hammock Bay will play host to the annual Conquer Chiari Walk, bringing together warriors, supporters, and advocates for a day of unity and hope.

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Sweet Southern Comfort: A Story of Heart, Hustle, and Southern Grit

Sweet Southern Comfort: A Story of Heart, Hustle, and Southern Grit

Owning a small business is more than just fulfilling a dream—it’s an unrelenting commitment to hard work, late nights, and a passion that often goes unseen by the outside world. For Tammy and Jimmy Henderson, the journey to open Sweet Southern Comfort in DeFuniak Springs has been nothing short of a labor of love, showcasing the resilience and determination of small business owners everywhere.

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Episode 17: Connect with Anthony Vallée, Part Two

Episode 15: Connect with Nancy Hasty, Jessica Plowden Anderson, Dave King and Ray Houseknecht

In this episode of the HWY 331 podcast, host Kerri Parker delves into the life of aviation pioneer Jackie Cochran, exploring her groundbreaking achievements and the efforts of a creative team dedicated to reviving her legacy through a documentary. Featuring insights from playwright Nancy Hasty, cinematographer Jessica Plowden Anderson, Dave King, President of the SOWAL Foundation and founder of SOWAL House and artist Ray Houseknecht, the conversation highlights the challenges of bringing historical narratives to life and the importance of fostering a creative community in Walton County. The discussion also emphasizes the significance of local stories and their potential to resonate on a global scale.

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Celebrate Music, Animals, and Community at the Bluegrass Barn Jam

Celebrate Music, Animals, and Community at the Bluegrass Barn Jam

For music lovers and animal advocates alike, there’s no better way to spend a Saturday than at Alaqua Animal Refuge’s Bluegrass Barn Jam! This special event, set for Saturday, September 21st, promises to bring the Walton County community together for a day filled with live music, family fun, and a deeper cause—supporting the heart of Alaqua’s mission: rescuing and caring for animals.

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Tunnel Art

Tunnel Art

The recently opened underpass at Inlet Beach is a welcome safe passage across a busy intersection. But it’s also a delightful journey through a tunnel of painted swirls and colors, dazzling shapes and designs, each unique in their beauty. The art component, in the form of murals, was commissioned by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA). The murals were painted by local and tri-county (Walton, Okaloosa and Bay) area artists.

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In Your Corner

In Your Corner

Don Ballard, known as Coach Dude to his boxing students, helps young people channel their energy in a positive way. With students ranging in age from 8 to 26 at Dude’s Boxing Club in DeFuniak Springs, Coach Dude’s focus is on making sure local kids have a chance at a prosperous and meaningful life.

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Dog-Friendly Dining and Drinks in Walton County, FL

Dog-Friendly Dining and Drinks in Walton County, FL

Walton County, FL, is a paradise for dog lovers who don’t want to leave their furry friends behind when dining out or grabbing a drink. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, creative tacos, or a cold craft beer, these dog-friendly spots are ready to welcome you and your pup. Here’s where you can enjoy a meal or a drink with your dog by your side.

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Grit & Grace: Opening Night Success

Grit & Grace: Opening Night Success

In the heart of our community, a beacon of theatrical brilliance continues to shine brightly as “Grit and Grace” enters its 22nd season. This beloved local performance has become more than just a staple of entertainment; it is a cherished tradition that bridges the gap between generations, weaving together the past and present through the power of storytelling.

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Finding the Spark in Each Person

Finding the Spark in Each Person

People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) want the same things all people want — to have purpose, to be loved and understood, and to be able to help contribute to society. As a group, they are underemployed and underestimated. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, an estimated 85% of adults with autism are excluded from the workforce.

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Shaping Futures, One Student at a Time

Shaping Futures, One Student at a Time

As The Seaside School continues to make strides in education, it opens its doors for enrollment from January 5th to February 15th. Prospective students and their families are invited to join a community where innovation, excellence, and a commitment to the whole child have been the driving forces for over two decades.

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Episode 17: Connect with Anthony Vallée, Part Two

Episode 5: Connecting Walton County Music Scene

Partners in Southern Sound Music Alliance, Jennifer Sundal and Naomi Alvarado help us to make a connection to the Walton County music scene. We talk about 30A Songwriters Festival, choosing venues and performances, a micro-festival happening simultaneously called Stinky’s Swamp Writers and how live music can bring energy, add economic, cultural and social significance for our community.

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The Gift of Comfort

The Gift of Comfort

Freeport teenager LaRae Smith has a community service initiative that provides safe and simple Christmas gifts for such children in need. Through Comfort at Christmas, LaRae collects new pajamas, slippers and blankets for children in Florida’s foster and kinship care system.

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Who is Behind Hwy331.com

Who is Behind Hwy331.com

The founder of Hwy331.com is Kerri Parker, a Walton County resident for over 25 years who lives in the city limits of DeFuniak Springs. Throughout her corporate career, Kerri was responsible for marketing and communications. In her various roles, one common denominator brought her the most satisfaction, creating digital marketing to support community objectives.

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Say Hello To Sweet Southern Comfort

Say Hello To Sweet Southern Comfort

Sweet Southern Comfort has rooted their reputation at their diner along State Road 20 in Freeport. Their praised home-cooking has patrons lining out the door. “We know about 90% of our customers by first name,” says Tammy Henderson, co-owner and operator of Sweet Southern Comfort. “We like to make people feel like they are welcome, whether they are stopping in to check out our progress here in DeFuniak Springs, or dining with us in Freeport.”

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Freeport Sees A Building Boom

Freeport Sees A Building Boom

Within the past 10 years, Freeport has become the fastest growing city in the fastest
growing county in Florida, according to the city’s Planning and Zoning Department. “We are
very well located for employment opportunities,” says Samantha Graves, senior planner for
the department. “For those who work at the beach or who work for the county, for the
military, as we are close to two military bases (Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field).”

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Say Hello to Art & Marty Dees

Say Hello to Art & Marty Dees

Marty and Art Dees are all smiles as they celebrate homecoming during the Walton High School parade. Art, having broadcast the football games for Walton County from 1980 to 2014, is being inducted into the Walton High School Sports Hall of Fame. “Not for my physical abilities,” he jokes. “Marty deserves the award too, because she had to do the legwork behind the scenes before the games.”

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T’s Catch Seafood Market

T’s Catch Seafood Market

Destin native, Trent Wallace, opened T’s Catch Seafood Market and Steamer in Freeport, FL this year. While looking to fill a niche in the quickly-growing town of Freeport, Trent discovered the need for places to eat and especially a place to buy fresh, local seafood, steamed fresh shrimp, steaks and grab-n-go items.

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Top 10 Reasons to Love Hammock Bay

Top 10 Reasons to Love Hammock Bay

Have you heard of the Hammock Bay development in Freeport? It’s a popular place to live for good reason. With a general store, farmers markets, and a brewery it’s also easy to see what it’s like before making the leap to live there.
There are 20 different neighborhoods and the Infinity apartment complex.

So why, exactly, do people love it so much?

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Welcome to the All-New Highway 331 Website!

Welcome to the All-New Highway 331 Website!

We are thrilled to welcome you to our brand-new Highway 331 website, where adventure awaits around every bend! Whether you’re a local resident, a traveler passing through, or someone seeking the best of Florida’s charm, this platform is your gateway to exploring the...

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