Walton County Named as Fastest Growing Local Economy in Florida

In a recent story published by Watchdog News, Walton County was named the fastest growing local economy in a Wall Street 24/7 analysis of growth domestic product growth from 2012 to 2015. Per the article, “Walton County recorded a 53 percent GDP growth rate over that three-year period, according to the study, which pegged the size of the county’s GDP at $2.5 billion. Its fastest growing industry was professional, scientific and management, the report found.” The analysis looked at the top local economies by state throughout the US.  Out of the 50 states, Walton County was ranked 13th in the country in growth percentage. According to Walton County Economic Development Alliance Executive Director Bill Imfeld, “As great as this news is, it just underscores our need to stay ahead of the curve in providing Infrastructure and housing for the future.” (Editors Opinion: There is an obvious need for a “Local Access” road connecting the Emerald Coast Middle School to Highway 395 North and East Point Washington Road, continuing west to Rt. 331 and the South Walton High School and the Coastal Branch Library, without ever accessing Highway 98.)

Notice of Public Workshop

The Walton County Board of County Commissioners will hold a Beach Access (Neighborhood Beach Access) Workshop on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at 2:00 PM at the South Walton Annex located at 31 Coastal Centre Boulevard, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. The purpose of this workshop is to discuss the upcoming development of Walton Dunes (NBA) and Headlead Avenue Access (NBA) in Seagrove Beach and to gather public input regarding the design and amenities.

This meeting is open to the public.  For additional information, please contact Stacey Infinger at (850) 267-4578 or Stacey@visitsouthwalton.com.

Walton County Emergency Management Launches HERricane Florida

This summer, Walton County Emergency Management will launch its pilot program of HERricane Florida.  Landfall will take place at Walton High School in DeFuniak Springs from June 10th – 14th, 2019. This FREE one-week day camp is geared toward high school girls (beginning entering 9th grade next school year).

HERricane Florida is an exciting statewide initiative that highlights and empowers women in the field of Emergency Management, as well as contributes to the promotion and professionalization of Emergency Management and other Public Safety fields as a career. The overall mission is to develop and elevate women as leaders in their community, while demonstrating emergency management as a positive force for public safety and government. The hope is HERricane Florida will be a “key to success” for any young women exploring a career in Emergency Management or Public Safety. The young ladies will be mentored by female leaders in the Emergency Management and Public Safety professions, as well as others from the community. To register for this FREE day camp, please go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HERricane2019. A parent/guardian orientation will take place prior to the beginning of camp, and you will receive additional information via email. Want to learn more? Please contact Donna Free, Planner, Walton County Emergency Management, Donna@waltoncountyem.org or (850) 892-8065 Ext. 2

MEETING NOTICE

Please be advised that the Local Triumph Committee will hold a Regular Meeting on Monday, May 13, 2019 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. This meeting will be held at the Freeport Commons BCC Boardroom located at 842 State Highway 20 East, Suite 118, Freeport, FL  32439. The purpose of this meeting is to provide the public and the Walton County Board of County Commissioners appointed members an update on regional project/funding activities through the legislatively created Triumph Board, (myfloridatriumph.com). The local Triumph Committee will be provided updates on existing Walton County projects and review/ score any new applications that have been submitted to the Local Triumph Board for recommendations to the Walton County Board of County Commissioners.

If you have any questions, please contact Billy Williams, Local RESTORE Act Coordinator, at (850) 892-8155. This meeting is open to the public

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