30A and Walton County are areas where, during Spring Break, there can be as many as 300,000 visitors on any given week through Labor Day, said Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson last year. In 2022, Walton County made more than 1,100 Spring Break arrests. Chief of Operations Audie Rowell, Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO), recently updated the Walton County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) regarding this year’s spring break activities. He opened his remarks with a quote from former FBI director J. Edgar Hoover, who said ‘The most effective weapon against crime is cooperation.’ “I want to say thank you,” said Chief Rowell, “thank you to the Commission, thank you to the BCC staff and the citizens of Walton County for your support and understanding – not just for law enforcement, but for public safety. Law enforcement, fire, our EMS folks – I truly believe this is why we are safe, is because we cooperate.” Chief Rowell said he believes Walton County is one of the safest counties in the nation. “Spring Break is coming up, March 1 through about April 14,” said Chief Rowell. He said the WCSO has been diligently preparing for this through the development of an operation plan to mitigate possible issues and problems. One of the important components in their preparations is increased staffing. “Literally, about 110% from our normal staffing every day,” he said. During what is commonly called ‘Houston Week’ and the ‘Atlanta Week’ when visitor numbers are heaviest, Chief Rowell said their plan... Read More