Two years ago today, Hwy 331 launched with a simple idea: to create a space where the stories of Walton County could be told with intention—connecting the north and south side in one shared community. It began as a digital hub, a place to celebrate milestones, support local businesses, and spotlight the people and places that make this corner of Florida unique.
When Muriel “Midge” Drebing passed away in October 2021, she left behind more than memories. She left a legacy—a $1.9 million gift to the CHELCO Foundation that is still sparking change across Walton, Okaloosa, and surrounding counties.
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.
When Uriah Mathews first stepped into the role of Executive Director of the Walton County Economic Development Alliance, his office held a single guest chair squeezed between a file cabinet and the door. It was a modest setting for an organization with big ambitions.
School is back in session across Walton County, but for a growing number of families, the first week of classes looks different. Instead of yellow buses and traditional classrooms, students are starting their year in barns, gardens, charter campuses, or small, independent schools. Homeschooling, micro-schools, and charter programs are reshaping what “back to school” means in the community.
