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.
Swift action by lifeguards, firefighters, and bystanders underscores how CPR training can turn a moment of crisis into survival. On an April afternoon along the busy coastline of Walton County, a routine beach day in Seaside became a race against time. An adult male visiting with family collapsed from sudden cardiac arrest in the Gulf waters near a lifeguard tower. Within seconds, bystanders pulled him toward shore, calling for help.
Walton County is growing, and the decisions being made today will shape its future for years to come. In this episode of the Highway 331 Podcast, Kerri Parker speaks with Marina Khoury of DPZ CoDesign about Walton 2040, Walton County planning, future development, conservation, housing, and how residents can be involved in the Land Development Code rewrite process. If you care about growth, quality of life, and the future of Walton County, this episode is a must-listen.
ArtsQuest returns to Grand Boulevard Town Center on May 2 and 3, 2026, transforming North Park into a juried open-air gallery featuring more than 125 artists from across the country. Now in its 38th year, the festival blends fine art, live music, student showcases, and community programming in one of Walton County’s most enduring cultural traditions.
A free weekly Sunday tradition in Freeport, Sunday Sessions at Alaqua Animal Refuge blends live music, open trails, and the peaceful presence of rescued animals. Held inside the Alaqua Arena, it is a relaxed afternoon gathering just off Highway 331 where nature, community, and music come together in a meaningful setting.
A $25,000 grant from the St. Joe Community Foundation will fund a Teen Center remodel, expanded literacy programs, and a NASA-connected learning experience at Florida’s oldest continuously operating library in DeFuniak Springs.
