Downtown DeFuniak Springs feels different lately. More businesses. More events. More energy. In this episode of the HWY 331 Podcast, Kerri Parker sits down with Main Street DeFuniak Springs board member Bailey Rushing and Executive Director Jaden Broadway to explore revitalization, community building, Faith Factor, and the future of downtown.
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.
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.
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.
In a region where neighbors still greet one another and homes carry the stories of generations, Zach and Shelby Smith have quietly built a business that feels like an extension of the community itself. From DeFuniak Springs to Freeport, Niceville, and beyond, Easy Peazy Plumbing is more than a service—it’s a promise kept.
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.
