Connect with Diane Pickett
Some say the South is all sweet tea and front porch stories, but if you’ve read F. Diane Pickett’s work, you know better. Her novels don’t just whisper Southern history—they grab you by the collar and drag you through the grit, grace, and downright fight of strong-willed women who refuse to be tamed. Today, we sit down with the legendary storyteller, preservationist, and force of nature herself—Diane Pickett. Diane is a woman who doesn’t just tell history—she shapes it.
Summit on the Circle
The UWF Historic Trust and Defuniak Landmarks are thrilled to announce the inaugural Summit on the Circle, a weekend-long event celebrating history, connection, conversation and Southern hospitality on the banks of beautiful Lake DeFuniak.

Stinky’s Pompano Tournament
Get ready to cast your lines and raise a glass—Stinky’s Fish Camp is bringing back the biggest fishing showdown in Walton County! The 15th Annual Stinky’s Pompano Tournament kicks off with an epic celebration on March 29, 2025, at Stinky’s Bait Shack, setting the stage for five weeks of friendly competition from March 30 to May 4, 2025.
HWY 331 Podcast: Taste of the Race
In this episode we’re talking about one of our absolute favorite traditions—the Seaside Race Weekend—and kicking it off with one of the best culinary events in Walton County, The Taste of the Race!
Episode 19: Connecting you with John Reinlie & Bill Garrett
In this episode we dive deep into the Walton County music scene’s roots with two key players from this legendary band—John Reinlie and Bill Garrett. Learn about the reunion on February 9th to include Duke Bardwell, Case Cooper and many others at The Red Bar 30th Anniversary Super Bowl Party.
Anniversary Jubilee
Mark your calendars and dust off your cocktail attire—Point Washington Medical Clinic (PWMC) is turning one in its new home, and we’re celebrating in style! On Saturday, January 25th at 6 PM, join us for an Anniversary Jubilee unlike any other.
Episode 18: Connecting you with Chef Jim Richard
In this episode we connect you with Chef Jim Richard, founder of Stinky’s Fish Camp and the mastermind behind the unique micro-festival – Swamp Writer Music Fest.
A Musical Map of Walton County
Live music has an unparalleled power to connect us—it forges shared experiences, strengthens community bonds, and transforms ordinary evenings into extraordinary memories. In Walton County, music is more than just an evening’s entertainment; it’s a vital part of our cultural and economic heartbeat.
Jim Richard: HWY 331 Person of the Year 2024
In Walton County, where white sand beaches meet tranquil dune lakes and the salty breeze carries the rhythm of waves, Chef Jim Richard stands as a beacon of community and creativity. As the inaugural HWY 331 Person of the Year, Jim has set the standard for what it means to lead with vision, passion, and a deep love for Walton County.
Tim Jackson’s Storytellers Tour in DeFuniak Springs
Fans are gathering family and friends of all ages for a live music experience at The Florida Chautauqua Theater in Defuniak Springs, Florida.
DwightFest
Mark your calendars, music lovers—December 7-8, 2024, is shaping up to be an unforgettable weekend in Walton County. The Inaugural DwightFest is coming to the Gulf Place Green Space and Amphitheater in Santa Rosa Beach, and this isn’t just any music festival. It’s a celebration of art, community, and the power of music to bring people together for a cause.
30A Songwriters Festival
Walton County, get ready to be serenaded! The 30A Songwriters Festival is back for its 16th year, bringing an unforgettable lineup of celebrated artists and emerging talent to stages across the area.
Sweet Southern Comfort: A Story of Heart, Hustle, and Southern Grit
Owning a small business is more than just fulfilling a dream—it’s an unrelenting commitment to hard work, late nights, and a passion that often goes unseen by the outside world. For Tammy and Jimmy Henderson, the journey to open Sweet Southern Comfort in DeFuniak Springs has been nothing short of a labor of love, showcasing the resilience and determination of small business owners everywhere.
Celebrate Music, Animals, and Community at the Bluegrass Barn Jam
For music lovers and animal advocates alike, there’s no better way to spend a Saturday than at Alaqua Animal Refuge’s Bluegrass Barn Jam! This special event, set for Saturday, September 21st, promises to bring the Walton County community together for a day filled with live music, family fun, and a deeper cause—supporting the heart of Alaqua’s mission: rescuing and caring for animals.
Dog-Friendly Dining and Drinks in Walton County, FL
Walton County, FL, is a paradise for dog lovers who don’t want to leave their furry friends behind when dining out or grabbing a drink. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, creative tacos, or a cold craft beer, these dog-friendly spots are ready to welcome you and your pup. Here’s where you can enjoy a meal or a drink with your dog by your side.
Centennial Celebration & Fireworks
Get ready to celebrate at one of Walton County’s best-kept secrets on August 17th! Eagle Springs Golf Course is rolling out the green carpet for a celebration you won’t want to miss.
Stinky’s Bait Shack to Host Reelin’ for Rivers Catfish Tournament
Get ready for a day of fun, fishing, and community spirit at the Reelin’ for Rivers Catfish Tournament on August 4th! This exciting event invites both kids and adults to cast their lines and compete in a thrilling catfish tournament, all while supporting the family of young Rivers Hunter.
Art, Friendship, and 30A Nostalgia: Inside Grayton Beach’s SHACKS Gallery
In the heart of Grayton Beach, where the spirit of 30A’s bohemian past still lingers, a vibrant new art gallery has thrown open its doors. Nestled in a sprawling space that feels more like a creative playground than a gallery, this new hotspot is a nostalgic nod to the era when 30A was a well-kept secret.
Local Student to Attend World-Renowned Interlochen Arts Camp
Keyboardist Solomon Miller will join students from around the globe, acclaimed faculty, and celebrated guest artists on Interlochen’s scenic northern Michigan campus for a summer of artistic transformation.
Stinky’s 14th Annual Pompano Tournament Kickoff & Anniversary Party
The purse for the annual tournament has grown exponentially over the years. In 2023, the anglers were awarded over $5000 in cash and prizes.
Love This Rodeo Mom
Inspired by her family’s rodeo lifestyle, country music singer/songwriter Casey Kearney announces the Feb. 9 release of her new single “Born to Rodeo.”
Episode 5: Connecting Walton County Music Scene
Partners in Southern Sound Music Alliance, Jennifer Sundal and Naomi Alvarado help us to make a connection to the Walton County music scene. We talk about 30A Songwriters Festival, choosing venues and performances, a micro-festival happening simultaneously called Stinky’s Swamp Writers and how live music can bring energy, add economic, cultural and social significance for our community.
Southern Sound Music Alliance helps business owners’ visions come to light
Live music can be the key to turning a business into a vivacious cultural space. It can bring energy, add economic, cultural and social significance, and generate community engagement. Music adds a cool factor that makes people want to visit.
January Sparks Music Lovers Throughout Walton County
Fresh into the New Year, there is a buzz with a cool beat around the music scene in Walton County. Local restaurants and music venues are planning and preparing in anticipation for the flock of music lovers who follow the music scene; to and within Walton County, Florida.
The Swamp Writers Festival Returns: Four Days of Free Live Music
Stinky’s Bait Shack is hosting the 14th Annual Swamp Writer Music Festival January 11-14, 2024.
Walton County Resident Nominated For a Grammy Award
The nominations have been announced for the 66th Grammy Awards. Donnie Sundal, a Walton County resident who contributed to Sam Bush’s album, Radio John: Songs of John Hartford, nominated for Best Bluegrass Album – is recognized for dual roles; Recording Engineer and Tenor Background Vocals on the song “In Tall Buildings.”
Walton County Legend Duke Bardwell
Sometimes the cycle of life can be brutal. But you get back up and you keep going, “Otherwise they will catch you,” says Duke Bardwell, a lifelong professional musician and Walton County legend.
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Sunbright Inn Is Open
This completely renovated Queen Anne boutique hotel offers the Victorian experience with the safety, health, and comfortable sleep you want today.