When Uriah Mathews first stepped into the role of Executive Director of the Walton County Economic Development Alliance, his office held a single guest chair squeezed between a file cabinet and the door. It was a modest setting for an organization with big ambitions.
School is back in session across Walton County, but for a growing number of families, the first week of classes looks different. Instead of yellow buses and traditional classrooms, students are starting their year in barns, gardens, charter campuses, or small, independent schools. Homeschooling, micro-schools, and charter programs are reshaping what “back to school” means in the community.
In this episode, Kerri Parker speaks with Cecilia Canut about the initiatives of Keep Walton Beautiful, a program dedicated to enhancing the environment of Walton County through community engagement, litter prevention, and sustainability efforts.
For decades, the pulse of Walton County has beat strongest near its sugar-white southern beaches. But a new crescendo is rising north of the bay: in Freeport and DeFuniak Springs, years of quiet are giving way to a booming rhythm of growth. These towns are evolving beyond scenic drive-throughs—they’re emerging as vibrant hubs of commerce and community.
Alice in Wonderland Jr.- This fall, Wonderland is coming to Emerald Coast Theatre Company. Our students will tell the classic story of Alice’s trip down the rabbit hole through singing, dancing, and artistic expression. We have multiple age groups producing this show from grades K-12. Join us at ECTC on Grand Blvd or our satellite locations in DeFuniak Springs and Freeport. No matter the age, this production offers much to teach about theatrical performance, and the large ensemble cast allows every student the opportunity to shine!
A new documentary, The Flight of Jackie Cochran, is set to reintroduce one of the most groundbreaking—and largely forgotten—women in American history. Directed by Jessica Anderson, the film explores the extraordinary life of Jackie Cochran, the first woman to break the sound barrier and a key figure in the formation of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) during World War II.
