A major step forward for healthcare access, safety, and economic growth in Walton County.

by Kerri Parker

What just a few years ago felt like a healthcare desert is now becoming a landscape of hope and healing. With the groundbreaking of a $19 million emergency facility by HCA Florida Healthcare, and the recent opening of North Walton Doctors Hospital, DeFuniak Springs is emerging as a model of progress for small towns across the region.

The new HCA Florida DeFuniak Springs Emergency, slated to open in early 2026, will bring 24/7, state-of-the-art care to Walton County. Staffed by board-certified physicians and equipped with advanced imaging, lab services, and pediatric capabilities, the 11,000-square-foot facility will deliver hospital-level emergency care close to home.

City of DeFuniak leaders including Mayor Bob Campbell, City Manager Koby Townsend, and Council Members Josh Sconiers, Todd Beirbaum, and Glen Harrison joined HCA executives in celebrating the milestone.

That momentum began taking root with the recent opening of North Walton Doctors Hospital, a physician-owned facility offering inpatient care, surgical services, and outpatient diagnostics. Together, these investments signal a turning point for DeFuniak Springs, where healthcare has gone from a source of concern to a pillar of community pride.

“From pathetic to proud. We’ve come a long way, baby,” said Kim Wennerberg, Broker & Owner of Kim & Company, in a now widely shared online comment. “And still more to come.” Indeed, the ripple effects of this healthcare transformation reach beyond medical needs. Increased access to emergency and hospital care improves health outcomes and public safety—but also attracts new residents, businesses, and jobs. For families deciding where to put down roots, or entrepreneurs looking to invest, proximity to quality healthcare is a dealmaker.

“We are pleased to be part of HCA Florida Healthcare’s continued expansion in communities throughout the Okaloosa, Walton and Santa Rosa County area,” said Todd Jackson, CEO of HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital. “HCA Florida DeFuniak Springs Emergency will be able to offer high-quality, expeditious emergency care around the clock by board-certified physicians close to families’ homes and work.”

In DeFuniak Springs, expanded healthcare infrastructure is more than a public service—it’s an economic catalyst. Investments like the new emergency facility and North Walton Doctors Hospital are helping to attract new residents, support workforce retention, create high-paying medical jobs, and increase the city’s appeal to prospective businesses. As healthcare access grows, so does DeFuniak Springs’ potential as a thriving hub for sustainable economic development.