When Muriel “Midge” Drebing passed away in October 2021, she left behind more than memories. She left a legacy—a $1.9 million gift to the CHELCO Foundation that is still sparking change across Walton, Okaloosa, and surrounding counties.
On August 28, 2025, Walton County made history. A ribbon cutting at the newly expanded Northwest Florida State College South Walton Center marked more than just the opening of a building — it marked the start of a new era in education.
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.
