By Heather Bennett “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt,” is the athlete’s oath of the Special Olympics. We have several brave athletes here in Walton County working hard and competing in their sport to make it to the state, national and...
In the most recent returns, Tourist Development Tax collection showed an impressive 18.41-percent increase in South Walton for November 2018, compared with the previous year. Walton County recorded approximately $976,290 in Tourist Development taxes in November, an increase of approximately $75,904. “November is firmly in our shoulder season – a...

The Special Gift

By Gueary Clendening Christmas is just around the corner and will be here soon. We all have special Christmas stories in our memory treasure chest. My wife, Linda and I were young pastors in Chester, a small town in Southern Illonois. By the way, Chester is the home town of...
Family Friendly Holiday Events in South Walton Santa Days at Pecan Jack’s 30A Saturday, Dec. 8, 15, 22. Noon-3pm The best Ice Cream & Candy shop on 30A will feature a special guest again this year!  Santa Days at Pecan Jack’s 30A are back featuring the most delectable holiday treats. Sample their...
By Guery Clendening Hurricane Michael has had a profound effect on the Panhandle of Florida. Many have lost or suffered severe damage to their homes. Jobs have been lost. Some have died. Others have simply left the area because there is nothing to return to. In a matter of hours...
By Heather Bennett Just south of the Clyde B. Wells Bridge, tucked away in the pines and live oaks on the west side of 331, sits a quaint church. The South Walton First Baptist Church at the Bay. It’s small, but mighty. What it may lack in size, the congregation...
By Dee Cruce There are so many reasons to be proud to call Walton County home. And, on the top of anyone’s list has to be the the Foye Belle Foundation and its creator, the late Chelsea Berler. Originally from North Dakota, Berler decided to take a chance and spontaneously...
By Heather Bennett The issue of customary use on South Walton beaches has been a point of contention over the last few years. Steps to settle the dispute of public access and public use in Walton County has begun and will continue until a judge rules on the issue. “People come...
By Heather Bennett Dennis Wise, a local retired Sheriff’s Deputy, spends his free time creating items like birdhouses, carpenter bee traps, and bookends to raise money for animals and veterans. Wise, who grew up in Chicago amongst a family of Chicago firefighters, decided to go into law enforcement. He spent...