Education

Stats, stats, and more stats - excellent information compiled for South Walton tourism for 2018. The projected total dollar impact of tourism for Walton County is nearly $5 billion from more than 4 million visitors, providing more than 29,000 jobs with over $650 million in wages.

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The economic impact of tourism on Walton County is based on data collected from 3,208 visitors to Walton County during 2018. Interviews were conducted
throughout South Walton.

Adventure. Action. Ocean Life. The International Ocean Film Tour kicks off its American tour in the Watersound Origins community. Similar to MountainFilm on Tour at WaterColor Inn & Resort, the event will feature films with inspiring protagonists, powerful stories, and stunning visuals all into one film program. Due to demand, the event will take place over 2 nights – the same films will be shown each night, allowing twice as many people to enjoy the event!

The Friends of Eden Gardens invite the community to the annual Camellia Festival at Eden Gardens State Park on Saturday, Feb. 16 from 10:00am til 2:00pm. Floral demonstrations and presentations will be held throughout the day. Visitors are invited to stroll through beautiful camellias in full bloom in gardens throughout the park. Watch for actors in period dress in the park, enjoy live music and have a picnic. Food and drink vendors will be available.

Walton County Coastal Branch Library hosts Winter Community Programs Wednesdays from Jan 2 through Feb 27, 2019 at 10:00 am. Winter Community Programs are designed for our adult community and families having educational and entertaining value while learning about our community and neighbors. Free and open to the public. This outstanding community winter program is sponsored each year by Friends of the Coastal Branch Library.

Winter Community Programs 2019
Wednesdays at 10am in the Coastal Branch Library Community Room
Free and open to the public

The South Walton Fire District (SWFD) has been “serving from the bay to the beach” for 35 years now and celebrated with their 6th annual Fire Prevention “All You Can Eat” Pancake breakfast on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018.

For the third year, National Drive Electric Week is celebrated at Destin Commons with a one day event presented by Nissan LEAF, the exclusive automotive sponsor of National Drive Electric Week. The National Drive Electric event is scheduled to be held on Saturday, September 15, 2018 from 10AM to 7PM and is expected to be larger than previous years.

It’s time to start planning summer activities for the kids in SoWal, and the South Walton Fire District has the perfect opportunity for them to learn better beach safety, develop a skill set for the future and develop new friendships.

The Friends of Eden and Florida State Parks pay tribute to the Camellia Saturday, Feb. 17th from 10am to 2 pm at Eden Gardens State Park in Point Washington, North of US 98 via CR-395.

Visitors are invited to stroll through amazing Camellias, enjoy a Camellia floral arrangement demonstration, learn air layering, (a Camellia propagating technique), and Camellia waxing for bloom preservation.  Attend a program on Camellia care and other plant related topics by Marie Harrison, a Master Gardener and author of numerous Gardening Books.

Join Topsail Hill Preserve State Park for a Topsail Talks Educational Discovery Series on Friday, Feb. 9 from 10 to 11 a.m.  South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA) will discuss the seahorse reef installed at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. The snorkel reefs are close enough to the shore that they can be reached by kayak or paddle board, so snorkelers or divers can access them from the beach

Join the Seaside Institute for the next Let's Talk 30A Sustainability meeting: The Washed Ashore Project on Monday, Dec. 11 from 4 til 6pm. Let's Talks: Sustainability series takes place throughout the year in the Assembly Hall located on the Seaside Institute Academic Village campus.