A New Chapter in Walton County: South Walton Center Opens Its Doors

On August 28, 2025, Walton County made history. A ribbon cutting at the newly expanded Northwest Florida State College South Walton Center marked more than just the opening of a building — it marked the start of a new era in education.

The celebration drew state and local leaders — Governor Ron DeSantis, Congressman Jimmy Patronis, Senator Jay Trumbull, Representative Shane Abbott, Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas, and even MLB Hall of Famer Tom Glavine. Their presence highlighted what this project means for Walton County families: direct access to high-quality education without leaving home.

At the heart of this milestone is Seacoast Collegiate High School (SCHS), under the SEASIDE SCHOOL™, now operating inside the South Walton Center. Students here will move seamlessly from high school to dual enrollment to college courses, all under one roof.

“This center is more than a building—it’s a bold investment in the future of Walton County,” said Dr. Tom Miller, Executive Director of SEASIDE SCHOOL™. “Together with Northwest Florida State College, we’re creating a center that expands access, inspires achievement, and prepares our students to lead in a rapidly changing world.”

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the SEASIDE SCHOOL™, one of Florida’s first and most successful charter schools. The expansion also reflects years of work by the SEASIDE SCHOOL FOUNDATION™, which has supported local education since 2008.

“The South Walton Center is a model for how collaboration between K-12 and higher education can change lives,” said Mel Ponder, President of Northwest Florida State College. “We’re not just opening doors to classrooms – we’re opening doors to opportunity for every student in Walton County.”

More than 500 students will attend this fall, with room to grow. Beyond enrollment numbers, the new center offers families affordable, local access to college education, STEM programs, workforce training, and career pathways.

Funding reflects the project’s importance. Triumph Gulf Coast awarded $9.5 million for STEM and workforce development. Governor DeSantis approved more than $10 million in state appropriations across 2023–2025.

“We are proud to invest in educational infrastructure that meets the needs of Florida’s future workforce,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “This center is an example of how public dollars, strategic vision, and local leadership can come together to make a real, lasting impact.”

Private support also played a role. The Glavine Family Foundation gave a $1 million leadership gift, helping turn the vision into reality.

“As a longtime advocate for education and youth development, I’m proud to support this incredible initiative,” said Tom Glavine. “This center gives students the chance to dream big, work hard, and succeed in ways that impact their entire community.”

From freshmen to adult learners, the South Walton Center is now a homegrown pathway to higher education and career success.

“Students in Walton County now have a homegrown path to higher education, career advancement, and personal growth,” said A. Russell Hughes, Walton County School District Superintendent. “This is what it means to invest in people, not just buildings.”

With Seacoast Collegiate High School and Northwest Florida State College working side by side, Walton County is showing what’s possible when education, government, and philanthropy unite. The future just opened its doors — and it’s right here in South Walton.