If you live anywhere in South Walton, or drive Hwy 331 north of the bay, you're hearing the buzz and seeing the progress in Freeport.

As commercial and residential land in SoWal gets gobbled up, Freeport has become more popular with open spaces and lower prices. New subdivisions, apartments, restaurants, parks, schools & churches have made Freeport among the fastest growing cities in the country. Progress is in the air with more and more families are moving to Freeport, Florida.

If your four-legged best friend resolved to spend more time outdoors this year, we have the perfect way to help them keep it.

On Sunday, January 18, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Dog-Harmony hosts its Sixth Annual Hops for Hounds. It’s a chance to grab the leash, get some fresh air, and support a cause that keeps our local pet community thriving.

The Seaside School Half Marathon + 5K has been canceled due to weather.

The familiar sound of sneakers hitting the pavement and the collective energy of thousands of runners will soon return to the sugar-white sands of South Walton.

Tickets are now on sale for a special benefit concert featuring Legacy Five, the Dove Award–winning Southern Gospel group, performing Friday, January 30 at 7:00 PM at Good News Church. The event is brought to the community by The Crawford Family, with 100% of event proceeds benefiting Caring & Sharing of South Walton.

Rinse off the old and welcome the new! South Walton Fire District will hold its Annual Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day at Ed Walline Public Beach Access. In-person sign-up starts at 11AM at Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar on January 1, 2026, which will be followed by a costume contest at 12PM, and the Plunge itself at 1PM.

Mystery, intrigue, and suspense take center stage as Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) presents Ken Ludwig’s adaptation of Agatha Christie’s novel, Murder on the Orient Express, running January 15 through February 1 at its theatre at Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach.

Sinfonia Gulf Coast continues the celebration of its 20th anniversary season with Simply the Best: The Music of Tina Turner, a powerhouse tribute concert performed live with the Sinfonia Gulf Coast orchestra. This high-energy main event takes the stage Thursday, Jan. 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Destin–Fort Walton Beach Convention Center.

Step into the kitchen with Chef Jim Shirley, founder of many South Walton favorites such as Great Southern Café, Farm & Fire, The Bay, North Beach Social and The Meltdown on 30A! Shirley’s unique take on modern Southern cuisine was inspired by learning international cooking from his two classic Southern grandmothers. Watch and learn more about how his vision for his restaurants is to create a shared experience that aligns with the overall sense of interconnectedness in these local beach neighborhoods. 
 

Leapin’ lizards! Join your favorite red headed orphan Annie, Daddy Warbucks, and the eternally grumpy Miss Hannigan for this feel good story of finding your forever home. With hits like “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile,” “It’s a Hard Knock Life,” and “Tomorrow,” you will experience the magic of the holidays and the spirit of generosity that always comes this time of year.