Last year I went and the crowd and size of parade was intense.
_____________________________________________
Grayton Beach resident Billy Buzzett (representing the Grayton Beach Neighborhood Association) for $ 2,500 in financial assistance to cover expenses for the annual Fourth of July Parade, which has become very popular in the Grayton Beach community and Walton County. Buzzett took time to discuss the atmosphere and attraction that the community parade brings. He mentioned that Commissioner Tony Anderson (District 5) called Buzzett five years ago and encouraged the team coordinating the event to implement additional organization and structure, at the County’s request. Buzzett said, “So, we reluctantly have taken on the responsibility of the parade. I say reluctantly – we’re really glad to do it! It’s a historical thing. It’s a fun thing, but it’s become something much bigger than Grayton Beach.”
A Little Ask for the Nation’s 250th Birthday Celebration in Grayton Beach
Buzzett listed the requirements that are now involved with the growing event, and some of these steps include: An application to the county for the event, a process for getting a street closure, hiring 8 off-duty deputies for support with the event [safety], and also the purchase of a million-dollar insurance policy. Buzzett said the community can afford the $ 2,500 it is requesting, but the community believes Grayton Beach should be able to seek financial assistance from the TDC for this event, which is also popular with tourists on 30A.
Although the TDC seemed supportive and very complimentary about the July 4th Parade, there was hesitation to commit because the event does not currently fit the annual program that supports local events with marketing grants. It was suggested that the parade could qualify for the new TDC Sponsorship Program, which will open applications later in 2026 for fiscal year 2027. That won’t help Grayton Beach with the parade this year.
Barbara Morano, a resident of Santa Rosa Beach and former candidate for Walton County Commission, suggested that there might be a way to help fund the parade and suggested potentially taking money from the Sheriff’s Department budget. Morano reasoned that if money was being spent for public safety, the use of funds by the Sheriff’s Department seemed reasonable. The County Attorney Clay Adkinson clarified, “…if you hold a private event that closes roads, you have to provide sufficient law enforcement, security, and protection for the public outside of traditional law enforcement services.” Seeking to support this event and find a means for funding it, Morano said, “Well, Mr. Bizzett has the opportunity, I hope, to talk to Matt [Algarin, Director of Tourism] and see if they [the TDC] could work through getting money from the beach vending services.”
_____________________________________________
Grayton Beach resident Billy Buzzett (representing the Grayton Beach Neighborhood Association) for $ 2,500 in financial assistance to cover expenses for the annual Fourth of July Parade, which has become very popular in the Grayton Beach community and Walton County. Buzzett took time to discuss the atmosphere and attraction that the community parade brings. He mentioned that Commissioner Tony Anderson (District 5) called Buzzett five years ago and encouraged the team coordinating the event to implement additional organization and structure, at the County’s request. Buzzett said, “So, we reluctantly have taken on the responsibility of the parade. I say reluctantly – we’re really glad to do it! It’s a historical thing. It’s a fun thing, but it’s become something much bigger than Grayton Beach.”
A Little Ask for the Nation’s 250th Birthday Celebration in Grayton Beach
Buzzett listed the requirements that are now involved with the growing event, and some of these steps include: An application to the county for the event, a process for getting a street closure, hiring 8 off-duty deputies for support with the event [safety], and also the purchase of a million-dollar insurance policy. Buzzett said the community can afford the $ 2,500 it is requesting, but the community believes Grayton Beach should be able to seek financial assistance from the TDC for this event, which is also popular with tourists on 30A.
Although the TDC seemed supportive and very complimentary about the July 4th Parade, there was hesitation to commit because the event does not currently fit the annual program that supports local events with marketing grants. It was suggested that the parade could qualify for the new TDC Sponsorship Program, which will open applications later in 2026 for fiscal year 2027. That won’t help Grayton Beach with the parade this year.
Barbara Morano, a resident of Santa Rosa Beach and former candidate for Walton County Commission, suggested that there might be a way to help fund the parade and suggested potentially taking money from the Sheriff’s Department budget. Morano reasoned that if money was being spent for public safety, the use of funds by the Sheriff’s Department seemed reasonable. The County Attorney Clay Adkinson clarified, “…if you hold a private event that closes roads, you have to provide sufficient law enforcement, security, and protection for the public outside of traditional law enforcement services.” Seeking to support this event and find a means for funding it, Morano said, “Well, Mr. Bizzett has the opportunity, I hope, to talk to Matt [Algarin, Director of Tourism] and see if they [the TDC] could work through getting money from the beach vending services.”