Freeport is About to Drop Anchor  in the Name of Art 

Freeport has always carried the spirit of a hardworking waterfront town, a place where tradition runs deep and growth is on the horizon. Now, the city is anchoring itself in creativity—literally.

On Thursday, September 18, the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) will host Anchors Away, a free preview party at Shipyard Marina (116 Shipyard Rd.) from 6 to 9 p.m. The family-friendly evening will unveil the first round of artist-decorated, 4.5-foot concrete anchors—a striking new addition to Freeport’s landscape through the Anchored in Freeport project.

Freeport’s Story Told in Stone and Paint
Each anchor begins as a massive concrete form, designed by Frank Berte of Destin Interactive and crafted locally by Bill Roberts of Castaways in Freeport. From there, regional artists transform them into one-of-a-kind sculptures that reflect both Freeport’s maritime roots and its vibrant future.

The lineup of artists is as impressive as the anchors themselves: Francisco Adaro, Gisselle Barnhart, Katherine Boggs, Kendall Boggs, Estelle Grengs, Wes Hinds, Sarah Page, and Andy Saczynski. Their work represents a blend of vision, color, and storytelling—public art meant to spark conversations and instill pride.

When the anchors are complete, they’ll be installed across town in sponsor-designated locations, from Freeport City Hall to Grady Brown Park on Hwy 331, creating a cultural trail for residents and visitors alike.

Attendees can expect:

Live music from The Typos, a five-piece band with an electric setlist

Big Mike’s Smokehouse on Wheels, serving up smoky favorites

Seasonal brews poured by Idyll Hounds Brewing Company

Artist meet & greet, offering a rare chance to talk with the creatives behind the anchors

Family fun, including a bounce house and cool treats from the Kona Ice truck

It’s a waterfront evening designed for all ages, a chance to enjoy Freeport at its most festive while witnessing the city’s next big cultural chapter.

Anchoring Freeport’s Future
Anchored in Freeport is part of the CAA’s broader Art in Public Spaces program—the same visionary initiative that launched the nation’s first Underwater Museum of Art, the Watersound® Monarch Art Trail, and the U.S. Highway 98 pedestrian underpass mural.

By placing art in the public realm, the CAA is ensuring that creativity isn’t tucked away in galleries—it lives where people live, work, and gather. And in Freeport, that means anchors rising from sidewalks and greenspaces, tying together history, industry, and imagination.

Collaboration at the Core
This project reflects the best of Walton County: collaboration. The City of Freeport, local businesses, and anchor sponsors including Christ the King Church, The Jay Odom Group, DR Horton, Eglin Federal Credit Union, Nelkin Real Estate, and Walton County Tourism have stepped forward to support the effort. Behind them, a wave of “Friends of the Anchor” are making the project possible—from concrete specialists to local sign makers.
The result? A lasting gift to the community and a cultural calling card for Freeport.