The Latest Stories from SoWal

Luxury and leisure reign supreme in the heart of South Walton on the main boulevard in WaterColor's town center. Cerulean Park is a sight to behold with towering oaks, luscious green lawns and cascades of flowers lining the central fountain and watercourse which flows into a clear pond reflecting WaterColor's shops and restaurants. As a premier beach vacation rental, 81 WaterColor Boulevard's impressive layout includes three levels, five bedrooms including carriage house, and accommodations for 12, providing plenty of space for large families or groups. Fabulous porch spaces and a private courtyard allow an intimate connection to the Florida outdoor lifestyle. The home’s central location provides easy access to WaterColor's excellent amenities - parks, pools, bike and walking paths, fabulous shopping and dining venues, and the best stretch of beach in America. 81 WaterColor Boulevard is a beach haven with everything you need for a memorable beach vacation. The only problem you will have is leaving! Visit www.360blue.com for availability and beach rental specials.

Any SoWal insider will tell you that Eden Gardens State Park isa must see when you're visiting the Beaches of South Walton. Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA) of Northwest Florida State College in partnership with Walton County Public Works, Parks and Recreation, and Walton County Tourist Development Council, will Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

It's the perfect time of year to find the perfect fitting suit! Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

Every Summer we have a blast reading entries and picking winners from the annual "You're So SoWal" contest. We want to hear from you - so we're asking all beach lovers to send us more of your good stuff by completing the thought, "You're So SoWal If . . . " Send us your creative answers using the form below or email directly to us. Deadline for all submissions is August 15, 2014. Photos representing the essence of South Walton Life are also very welcome. We want to hear from you about what it means to be so in love with South Walton Beaches. What's unique? What's quirky? What's beautiful? What's funny? How thick is the seaweed? Why is that sign on the beach? Where did I leave my beer? Check SoWal.com, SoWal Forum (one of the best sources for source material), SoWal Facebook and Twitter often to see some of the best submissions during the contest. Finalists and winners will be published on the site at the end of the season. Last summer's contest got a flood of responses, with hundreds of entries from locals and visitors. The SoWal Staff and some discerning local judges helped us narrow down the best entries. Our 2013 Overall Winner You're so SoWal if ... your bike has a sticker that says "my other car is a kayak". - Connie S. Our 2013 First Runner Up You're so SoWal if ...you're more afraid of yellow flies than sharks. - David Hopkins Our 2013 Second Runner Up You're so SoWal if ... you've used the Truman show to describe your area. - Nikhil Abuvala A few more notable finalists... You keep an emergency beach bag in your car just in case you get off work early. - Peyton Cook Sequins on your flip flops is considered "dressed up". - Chase Your truck has an inch or more of sand on the floor and you like it that way! - keith wright You haven't been past 30a - east or west - in 10 or more years of vacations! - Melanie Williams Click here to read all of last year's winners and finalists.

Last week Dad and I came down to Topsail Hill Preserve State Park to do more work for the upcoming

The Bay Restaurant at the foot of the 331 bridge is the host site for this year's YOLO Relay Series - three monthly races beginning Thursday, May 29 at 5:30 p.m. Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

Watersound Origins will host the Great American Picnic on June 8 from 4pm-8pm. Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

Back in 1996, Anne Mosley was living with her three children on a horse farm in Wisconsin. Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation’s (DCWAF) 9th Annual Destin Charity Wine Auction raised a record breaking $2 Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

Laurie Hood received the Daily Point of Light Award from President George H. W. Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

Like the title says, the fishin' has been easy and the weather has been great too. If you can't fill the box right now you need to take up golf! Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

At SoWal.com, we are committed to helping locals and visitors stay safe while enjoying our beautiful beaches. The beach is such a wonderful place to relax. Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

The real estate report for the first quarter of 2014 in Walton County, Florida is remarkable and clearly shows the health of the market. Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

Counts Real Estate Group opened their Scenic 30A office in July last year, led by Jason Oakes. The group operates four offices in the Florida Panhandle with 65 full-time agents. Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

The bell rang loud and clear yesterday as a 30-year Seaside tradition made the short hop over to the waterfront in Panama City Beach. Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is well-positioned to assist brides seeking a perfect destination wedding. Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

The Raw & Juicy Farmers Market is now open every Sunday from 8 a.m. to noon at the Market Shops at Sandestin. Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant staff, loyal local patrons and foodie fans from far and wide are invited to parade in a motorcade processional from Bud & Alley’s in Seaside Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

Last week Dad and I came down to Topsail Hill Preserve State Park to do more work for the upcoming Coastal Dune Lakes documentary we a Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

Gulf Place has a beautiful green lawn and band shell to host a great Summer lineup of live music. Combined with stellar shopping and dining - its' a winning combination. Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

Nestled quietly in the Seagrove Center, JC Seafood Restaurant has been operating since 2012 with brothers Michael and Hai Po offering their rend Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

Third graders throughout Okaloosa and Walton Counties filled the auditorium to capacity at South Walton High School on Tuesday, May 6 for Sinfonia Gulf Coast's Link Up performances, in partners Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

The St. Joe Community Foundation recently awarded a $1000 grant to Man in the Sea Museum to provide library and outreach programs for area students and visitors. Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

It sure has been nice to leave the long sleeves in the closet and have to go buy more sunscreen. Seems like it took 'til the 1st of May for winter to finally give up trying this year. Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.