Government

Grayton Beach State Park has showcased the best natural environment South Walton has to offer for nearly 50 years. 

The park encompasses 2,200 acres of pristine rolling dunes along the Gulf and Western Lake, and a magnificent coastal forest habitat with unusual scrub oaks and magnolias twisted by winds and time. Western Lake is the centerpiece of the park, one of our rare, freshwater coastal dune lakes.

Entering the South Walton Visitor Center is like walking into a room full of long-lost relatives. There's lots of “happy-to-see-you” faces and special greetings that wrap around you like a warm and fuzzy welcome blanket.

Walton County Commissioners approved covering entrance fees for day use at Grayton Beach State Park and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park from May 29th running through September 4th.

Walton County began the process of developing a paddle trail initiative on the Choctawhatchee River beginning in 2011. Former Walton County Board Member Scott Brannon led the movement towards the application for grant funds to develop the Blueway Paddle Trail. Unfortunately, Walton County was not awarded funding at that time.

A Better South Walton, Inc. (ABSW), a nonprofit organization founded to seek more effective governance and local representation for South Walton, is holding three community meetings to discuss the key findings of the preliminary feasibility study and the opportunities it gives the community. These meetings will give the community the chance to get the information surrounding the ABSW initiative, ask questions and voice their concerns.

Internationally famous artist Wyland will be in Destin to complete what will be the world’s largest painted American flag mural, an impressive 3.8-acres in size, on the roof of Legendry Marina, the world’s largest single indoor marine building. The awe-inspiring 555’ x 229’ flag honors the United States military armed forces who defend our country and first responders who watch over and protect our communities.

The grassroots organization “For a Better South Walton” is moving forward with community meetings with the goal of exploring South Walton's future and pursuing incorporation for a self-governing city.  The second community meeting was held Thursday night in Seascape. Kelly Mossburg of Seagrove Beach led the meeting and described in detail many possible options that would better our beloved community of South Walton.
 
“If we stay on the current path we are on, we may wake up one day and realize this isn’t the special place we know and love anymore,” Kelly stated.