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.
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.
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.
Episode 17: Connect with Anthony Vallée, Part Two
This is the first of a special two-part episode, where we connect you with architect and DeFuniak Springs city councilman Anthony Vallée.
Episode 16: Connect with Anthony Vallée
This is the first of a special two-part episode, where we connect you with architect and DeFuniak Springs city councilman Anthony Vallée.
Episode 15: Connect with Nancy Hasty, Jessica Plowden Anderson, Dave King and Ray Houseknecht
In this episode of the HWY 331 podcast, host Kerri Parker delves into the life of aviation pioneer Jackie Cochran, exploring her groundbreaking achievements and the efforts of a creative team dedicated to reviving her legacy through a documentary. Featuring insights from playwright Nancy Hasty, cinematographer Jessica Plowden Anderson, Dave King, President of the SOWAL Foundation and founder of SOWAL House and artist Ray Houseknecht, the conversation highlights the challenges of bringing historical narratives to life and the importance of fostering a creative community in Walton County. The discussion also emphasizes the significance of local stories and their potential to resonate on a global scale.
Episode 14: Connect with Kim Wennerberg
n this episode we connect you with Kim Wennerberg, a tried and true local and real estate broker in Walton County.
Episode 13: Connect with Grit & Grace
In this episode of the HWY 331 podcast we connect you with Latilda Hughes-Neel, president and producer of Grit & Grace and the show’s playwright and director, Nancy Hasty.
Episode 12: Connect with Tracy Louthain
In this episode of the HWY 331 podcast, Kerri Parker interviews Tracy Louthain. She is championing the Anchored in Freeport Art in Public Spaces Project. The project aims to bring art to public spaces in the town by placing concrete cast anchors decorated by local artists throughout the city.
Episode 11: Connect with Leigh Moore
In this episode of the HWY 331 podcast, Kerri Parker interviews the executive director of Scenic Walton, Leigh Moore.
Episode 10: Connect with Josh Ervin
In this episode of the HWY 331 podcast, Kerri Parker interviews the executive director of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), Josh Ervin.
Episode 9: Connect with Walton County Emergency Management
In this episode of the HWY 331 podcast, Kerri Parker interviews the director of the Walton County Emergency Management, Jeff Goldberg.
Episode 8: Connect with Dr. Nguyen of North Walton Doctors Hospital
In this episode, we are connecting listeners to Dr. Nguyen, the Chief Executive Officer of North Walton Doctors Hospital opening later this spring in Defuniak Springs, Florida.
Episode 7: Connect with Teresa Horton, Seaside School Foundation
In this episode, we connect with Teresa Horton, Executive Director of the Seaside School Foundation. We discuss the Seaside Race weekend as a crucial fundraising event for the Seaside School Foundation, supporting both the Seaside Neighborhood School and the Seacoast Collegiate High School program.
Episode 6: Florida’s Superintendent of The Year
In this episode we speak to Florida’s Superintendent of the Year, our very own Mr. Russel Hughes, the superintendent of Walton County School District. We discuss the district’s achievements and the positive impact the district has on our community. As Walton County’s largest employer, we also discuss the need for bus drivers.
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.
Freeport Merchants Association Gives Valuable Tools to Local Businesses
Unity among businesses can yield positive results to everyone’s bottom line. With that goal in mind, the Freeport Merchants Association (FMA) was formed. Bill Blanken, president of FMA, has grown the association from below 50 in the summer of 2023 to 140 members today, and it’s growing continually.
Episode 4: Talking Santa Patrol with Tammy Godwin
Join us as we talk to Tammy Godwin of the Walton County Sheriff’s Office. Tammy is passionate in her role to oversee Santa Patrol. We hope this episode inspires more donations and helps make a positive impact in supporting these families.
You can reach Tammy directly at 850-520-2821 or santapatrol@waltonso.org.
Episode 3: Talking with Terry Mauer
In this episode we talk to Terry Mauer of Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of West Florida. While you may be familiar with the SBDC, what you may not know is that beyond start-up assistance, the SBDC offers free resources to help grow your business – and can even help with valuations and other services to sell your business.
Episode 2: Talking with Anne McKenzie
Get to know the City of Freeport Events & Recreation Coordinator, Anne McKenzie. In this episode, Anne helps Hwy 331 listeners get up to speed on the busy upcoming events season.
Episode 1: Talking with Tim Jackson
Our talk with Two-time Grammy nominated Tim Jackson is a Walton County resident and five decade veteran musician, songwriter, and performer. Tim brings national recording artists to DeFuniak Springs, Florida with his Storytellers Tour.
