Search results

  • Trouble logging in? Send us a message with your username and/or email address for help.
New posts
  1. Abby Prentiss

    Architectural Digest Names Alys Beach One Of Most Beautiful Small Towns

    I can't believe how it's growing - #3!!! https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/most-beautiful-small-towns-in-america/amp The United States is full of beautiful small towns. Though large metropolises like New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, or Washington, DC, are often thought of as...
  2. Abby Prentiss

    June Tourist Tax Up 39% Compared to June 2019

    Tourist Development Tax collection showed a 47.33% increase in South Walton for June 2021 compared with the previous year. Total collections for June 2021 were $9,666,342. When compared to pre-COVID collections (at 2% to eliminate issues of tax rate changes), June's TDT collection was a 38.56%...
  3. Abby Prentiss

    Visit South Walton Economic Impact & Visitor Tracking Annual Report 2020

    From mass email to SoWal businesses from Visit South Walton - public info the annual report: Please find attached the Calendar Year 2020 Economic Impact and Visitor Tracking Annual Report from our research firm Downs & St. Germain Research. Findings in this report are based on 2,865 online...
  4. Abby Prentiss

    Thousands of Walton Beachfront Owners Suing Over Customary Use

    November has been a busy month for attorneys representing the private property owners who are resisting Walton County's efforts to obtain a declaration of customary use to open all county beaches to the public. More than 70 motions, notices, orders and other documents have been filed with the...
  5. Abby Prentiss

    Walton County Regulation of Development Along U.S. 331

    Walton County commissioners have taken a first look at a set of proposals that could reshape the economic potential of the U.S. Highway 331 corridor. At a Nov. 24 meeting, commissioners unanimously approved the first reading of proposed amendments to the county's land development code aimed at...
  6. Abby Prentiss

    Okaloosa-Walton Long Range Transportation Plan Needs Feedback

    The Okaloosa-Walton Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) needs community input on 5 NEW projects that are being proposed for the Long Range Transportation Plan. The projects will be added without impacting potential funding for any other projects in the plan, but the plan must remain...
  7. Abby Prentiss

    Congrats to Walton Grads 2020!

    Congratulations to the class of 20202! Such a bizarre end to a high school career. As if our seniors weren't facing enough. Many are faced with an uncertain fall, some are opting to stay home and take college classes online and some are taking a semester or a year off.
  8. Abby Prentiss

    South Walton Hurrican Season June through November

    With forecasters predicting another intense Atlantic hurricane season with as many as 13 to 19 named storms, disaster preparedness experts say it’s critically important for people in evacuation zones to plan to stay with friends or family, rather than end up in shelters during the coronavirus...
  9. Abby Prentiss

    Wanted A box for shipping

    Anyone know a good place that I can get a box for shipping? I need 28x20x10 minimum. I know UPS will pack it for me but last time I did that it was $100 although it was a bit bigger. I'd like to just get a box and do it myself. Thanks in advance!
  10. Abby Prentiss

    Wanted Anyone local making masks or selling pre-made?

    Please post or send me a msg.
  11. Abby Prentiss

    Walton County Employees Can Now carry Guns at Work

    Walton County employees can now be locked and loaded while on the clock. Due to a new policy, county employees, who hold an active concealed-weapons permit, can be armed at work. The decision went into effect Jan. 28 and doesn't apply in areas where weapons are prohibited by Florida Statue...
  12. Abby Prentiss

    Destin High School

    The Governing Board of the new Destin High School held a Town Hall Pep Rally last week in the gymnasium of Destin United Methodist Church, the soon to be acquired site of DHS. The event saw over 400 adults and future students. A fun reveal of the DHS shark mascot in full costume was done to the...
  13. Abby Prentiss

    Forbes: Beach Community Is Florida's Best-Kept Secret

    Shhh! This Picture-Perfect Beach Community Is Florida's Best-Kept Secret
  14. Abby Prentiss

    Ending Customary Use Means Tons of Garbage on Beaches

    I read where Walton County Tourist Development Council (TDC) collects 22,000 bags of garbage each year from the beach. Recently, beachfront owners, resorts, and condo associations are demandig that TDC trucks are not allowed to drive across "their" property. This is insanity. The TDC says they...
  15. Abby Prentiss

    Customary Use in Walton County & Florida - Questions

    I haven't really been following the issue and I'm confused. Are beachfront property owners trying to argue that no one ever used the beach in front of their house before they bought it? Isn't that the only way to negate the concept of customary use? Do they say that no one ever sat on their...
  16. Abby Prentiss

    Valentine's Day Activities in South Walton Florida

    Whole family fun: · Valentine Mommy & Me – Feb. 9 o Bring your little ones to Culver’s for a fun, free event featuring Valentine themed crafts, singing, dancing, story time and a free scoop of Culver’s custard! For more information visit www.fun4emeraldcoastkids.com. · Daddy...
  17. Abby Prentiss

    SoWal's Scenic Highways

    I applaud the efforts of our community to elevate status and protection of our natural resources and beauty. A few years ago the feeder roads were also designated as Scenic Highways - I believe county roads 83, 283, and 395 (not sure about 393). I'm not sure what kind of enhancements or...
  18. Abby Prentiss

    New Bay Grove Park Two Public Workshops January 2018

    Walton County seeking input on their plans for new bayfront park on 6.5 acres on the north side of 331 bridge at Bay Grove Rd. Name: Walton County Public Workshop Date: January 18, 2018 Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM CST Event Description: NOTICE of PUBLIC WORKSHOPS You are hereby notified that the...
  19. Abby Prentiss

    Wheelchair mats make South Walton Beach more Accessible

    Wheelchair Friendly Mats Arrive in South Walton The Ed Walline Beach Access here in Santa Rosa Beach is now fully accessible to people with disabilities. Stretching 5-feet wide and extending 120-feet down to the Gulf, these beach mats will allow easy access for everyone to reach the beach...
  20. Abby Prentiss

    Fireplace & Chimney inspections / cleaning?

    Anyone know if the SWFD does this or can anyone recommend someone who does? I have some cracking in my fireplace insert and some soot buildup in the metal chimney tube. @Bob Wells ?
  21. Abby Prentiss

    For Sale The Crest - new condos at Blue Mountain Beach

    On the site of the old Nick's Seafood Restaurant: appears to be 21 units in 3 stories... Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty
  22. Abby Prentiss

    Transportation Projects Upcoming This Fall

    Transportation Projects Upcoming This Fall Along CR-30A and U.S. 98 - The Defuniak Herald & Beach Breeze By DOTTY NIST A number of county transportation projects are coming up along CR-30A this fall, according to a recent report to the Walton County Board of County Commissioners...
  23. Abby Prentiss

    The Cost For A Beach Wedding In Walton County

    Prior cost was $50 for events of any size. New fees for wedding on the beach or other event: $50 for an event with fewer than 10 people; $150 for 10-30 people; $250 for 31-50 people; $500 for 51-75 people; and $1,000 for 76 or more people. County says it is to control the rising number of...
  24. Abby Prentiss

    Tents Size Allowed On the Beach in South Walton

    Many people don't know that tents larger than 6 feet square aren't allowed as of April 1. Violations bring $100 fines.
  25. Abby Prentiss

    Looking for a gun range

    Would like to take my teen son to shoot at a place that can teach a bit of basics and has a few different long guns and hand guns to shoot. Any suggestions?
  26. Abby Prentiss

    30A Parking Project

    The Board of County Commissioners, Walton County, Florida (the "County") is seeking to receive bids for the formalization of parking areas at four identified focus areas, project listed as Hwy 30A Parking Project ITB DEADLINE: February 16, 2017, no later than 10:00AM local time and will open...
  27. Abby Prentiss

    A Better South Walton - Two Town Charter Workshops in September

    A Better South Walton (ABSW), a volunteer organization dedicated to seeking more effective governance and local representation for South Walton, is holding charter workshops to gather community feedback on the recently released charter summary and its impact on the proposed municipality of South...
  28. Abby Prentiss

    Celebrities Buying Homes In South Walton on 30A

    I have been amused over the years about rumors of Johnny Depp, Michael Jackson, Michael Jordan. And real stories - Sheryl Crow, Michael McDonald, etc. Saw this on Tally . com - Nice quote from Dave at the end. Once a part of the “Redneck Riviera,” the south Walton County strip along state...
  29. Abby Prentiss

    Misc The Lucian Is Rising in Alys Beach

    Walton Sun article from last Fall... Located near the amphitheater, the Lucian will be a mixed-use four-story condominium space featuring eight residencies, commercial space as well as underground parking. “It's really a groundbreaking not only for the Lucian but also for the town center,”...
  30. Abby Prentiss

    A Better South Walton Proposed Charter

    A Better South Walton, the group behind incorporating the 26-mile-long piece of land known locally as South Walton, has released a summary of its proposed charter. “A charter is the bylaws of a new city’s basic structure, and the second step required towards incorporation,” said the group’s...
  31. Abby Prentiss

    FLorida Wildlife Alert Program - Report Violations

    If you suspect a fish, wildlife, boating, or environmental law violation, report it to the FWC's Wildlife Alert Reward Program: 888-404-FWCC (3922). You must obtain a confidential code number to be eligible for a reward. When reporting violations online, a code number will be sent to the email...
  32. Abby Prentiss

    Oli Petit Reviving Destin Diner

    From the Destin Log... The retro silver diner located on the corner of U.S. Highway 98 and Airport Road will soon be resurrected and restored to its glory days. Local restaurateur Olivier Petit, owner of The Red Bar and Louis Louis in Santa Rosa Beach, recently purchased the diner and is...
  33. Abby Prentiss

    Report from Beach Nourishment Workshop Feb 4, 2014

    http://defuniakherald.com/?p=7304 By DOTTY NIST With project design slated to be completed within the next couple of months, the Walton County Tourist Development Council (TDC) hosted a Feb. 4 workshop at the South Walton Annex on what is now termed the Walton County Hurricane and Storm...
  34. Abby Prentiss

    Mardi Gras Fun

    Mardi Gras Children’s Parade: The Eighth Annual Mardi Gras Children’s Parade and the Krewe of Wee-De-Leeis will be held at noon Feb. 22 in front of Seaside Kids. Visit the store from 12-2 p.m. to make a festive mask. A Mardi Gras Concert with Flow Tribe begins at 2:30 p.m. on Lyceum Lawn...
  35. Abby Prentiss

    Applications Sought for Walton TDC Council

    http://defuniakherald.com/?p=7280 By DOTTY NIST Due to compliance issues recently identified with the membership of the Walton County Tourist Development Council (TDC), applications are now being taken to fill vacancies on the council. On Jan. 14, Jim Bagby, Walton County Tourist Development...
  36. Abby Prentiss

    Ranking Sites for New School in SoWal

    http://defuniakherald.com/?p=7299 By ALICIA LEONARD Walton County School District(WCSD) Facilities Planner Tom Blackshear presented the Walton County School Board with five properties as possible sites for a new school in the future in south Walton County. With an eye towards future growth...
  37. Abby Prentiss

    Beach Nourishment Workshop Feb 4 Report

    http://defuniakherald.com/?p=7304 By DOTTY NIST With project design slated to be completed within the next couple of months, the Walton County Tourist Development Council (TDC) hosted a Feb. 4 workshop at the South Walton Annex on what is now termed the Walton County Hurricane and Storm...
  38. Abby Prentiss

    Job Available Walton County Director of Beach Maintenance

    http://www.co.walton.fl.us/jobs.aspx?jobID=161 Pay Grade: 19 FLSA Status: Exempt Hiring Range: $ $60,527 to $81,945 annually (max) depending on qualifications (DOQ) Job Summary: Reporting to the Tourist Development Council Executive Director, the incumbent...
  39. Abby Prentiss

    Walton County Sheriff wants to hear from you

    http://www.co.walton.fl.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=851 Walton County SO Begins Citizen Survey A citizen survey is an important tool that law enforcement agencies can use to measure the satisfaction of citizens in the community they serve. Feedback is crucial so agencies can determine where...
  40. Abby Prentiss

    BCC Meeting Agenda Jan 14, 2014 with SWCC Notes

    Here is the agenda for the County Commission meeting on January 14, 2014 starting at 4 PM at the South Walton Courthouse Annex. Items that may be of particular interest south of the Bay are highlighted in blue. Further clarification on a few items is provided below the Agenda...
  41. Abby Prentiss

    From Shelves to Shores: Winter Reading Challenge

    JOIN US FOR “FROM SHELVES TO THE SHORES: WINTER READING CHALLENGE” The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance and Walton County’s Coastal Branch Library will jointly host a unique learning project January 2014—The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA) and Walton County’s Coastal Branch Library will...
  42. Abby Prentiss

    Children are invited to read to dogs

    Santa Rosa Beach, FL Walton County Coastal Branch Library-- Children are invited to read to dogs in the Coastal Library on Tuesdays from 3:00 - 4:30 pm. Visit your library and read your favorite stories, practice oral reading assignments or read for fun! Meet and greet canine friends; Duffy, a 3...
  43. Abby Prentiss

    Tai Chi in the Coastal Branch Library

    Santa Rosa Beach, FL Walton County Coastal Branch Library—Wednesdays from 1-2 pm, Local Tai chi courses is offered to improve health. West Florida Area Health Education Center is providing these classes to adults. Classes are led by a Tai Chi for Health certified instructor; Anna Dyess. Tai Chi...
  44. Abby Prentiss

    Bud & Alley's owner looking to expand to Panama City Beach

    http://m.newsherald.com/news/business/boatyard-to-close-at-current-site-1.243831 http://m.newsherald.com/news/business/boatyard-to-close-at-current-site-1.243831
  45. Abby Prentiss

    Home Prices Increase on Emerald Coast

    It’s been a tough five years, but the local real estate market showed signs of improvement in July. Florida Realtors, the largest real estate organization in the state, recently released its market updates for July sales in Okaloosa, Walton and Santa Rosa counties. Median sales prices for...
  46. Abby Prentiss

    TDC Workshops for Public Input

    http://defuniakherald.com/?p=5350 Citizens will have the opportunity to participate in general discussion and provide input on the South Walton Tourist Development Council (TDC). Approved at the request of the TDC, has been the hiring of a facilitator to conduct public workshops that are to...
  47. Abby Prentiss

    Job Available South Walton TDC Community Relations / PR Coordinator

    COMMUNITY RELATIONS/PR COORD. GRADE: 11 Exempt Tourist Development Council/Administration Minimum QualificationsResponsible for community and public relations throughout South Walton to support the brand mission, brand messaging and social...
  48. Abby Prentiss

    I Will Miss Justin Price-Rees

    It was over 10 years ago when Justin Price-Rees, a talented and exuberant fiddler from Australia, traveled halfway around the world to make music and a home in Santa Rosa Beach. Although he returned to Bendigo, Victoria, in 2010, the news of his tragic death last week at the age of 39 shocked...
  49. Abby Prentiss

    Branding Column is Sensible

    by Don Bennett OK, so what’s in a name? A name can conjure up visions of excitement and joy. Of good times; the thrill of returning to a destination with fond memories, or thoughts of visiting a destination one hears others speak of fondly. This describes the name Destin. The mention of a...
  50. Abby Prentiss

    New Gulf Front Restaurant Coming to SoWal

    Miramar Beach could soon see a new beachfront restaurant popping up along Scenic Gulf Drive. At their fifth meeting on the issue, Walton County Commissioners voted 3-2 Tuesday night to approve plans for a 6,792-square-foot restaurant an about two acres along the Gulf of Mexico despite vehement...
New posts


Sign Up for SoWal Newsletter