HWY 331 Communities
HWY 331 plays a crucial role in connecting our vibrant communities in Walton County, Florida.
DeFuniak Springs
DeFuniak Springs, Florida, is known for its historical significance and charming features. It’s home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and local businesses, often reflecting the town’s character and heritage. The downtown area is also notable for the presence of historic homes, many of which are well-preserved and add to the overall ambiance of the street. You can expect to find a mix of local businesses, cultural attractions, and architectural beauty throughout DeFuniak Springs.
Freeport
Freeport is known for its small-town charm and proximity to natural attractions. The city is surrounded by natural beauty, with three miles of bay front within the city limits alone. With nearby rivers, creeks, and forested areas, there are endless opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, hunting and hiking. It’s a small town with a big heart that happens to be one of the fastest growing city in the state of Florida.
Walton & Beyond
The mighty HWY 331 bridge unites Walton County – north and south. Likewise, the HWY 331 website, newsletter, podcast and social channels bridge the gap between locals and visitors in Walton County. By sharing stories, we cultivate a strong sense of community as a whole. All stories we share can be found here.
Walton County Draws a Line on AI Data Centers
Every community eventually reaches a crossroads. This week, Walton County chose a direction, approving a permanent ban on AI data centers. As technology races ahead, local leaders are betting the county’s greatest asset is not what it can build, but what it can preserve.
Beachmama’s Legacy Lives On in Grayton Beach
Upgraded public beach access honors a local advocate while delivering amenities beachgoers have wanted for years.
Free Entry at Grayton Beach Unlocks Florida’s Underwater Museum of Art (UMA)
Grayton Beach State Park offers free admission through September 7, giving visitors access to the Underwater Museum of Art (UMA)—a one-of-a-kind scuba dive site off Florida’s Gulf Coast.
The North Walton Effect
A closer look at how new development, expanding medical services, and local participation are reshaping what it means for businesses to succeed in North Walton.
Connect with Main Street in DeFuniak Springs
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.
A Fresh Look and Heartfelt Mission at Best Pals Pet Resort
Under new ownership, Best Pals Pet Resort in DeFuniak Springs has unveiled a stunning remodel, including a warm, welcoming reception area and new healthy treats for every guest. During the renovations, each team member wrote a Bible verse on the interior walls, a quiet reminder of the resort’s mission to nurture both pets and the people who care for them. Discover how this family-owned resort continues to set a new standard in dog care.
Raising Kids in Walton County: How Arts, Nature and Community Shape Childhood
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.





