Walton tourism representatives say commission ignores advice at county’s financial peril Steven Saul February 16, 2026 10:50 am 30a, South Walton, Walton County Even though Walton County’s economic outlook revolves around tourism – local tourism leaders on the Tourism Development Council (TDC) accuse the Walton Board of County Commissioners (BCC) of ignoring their input – they say, to their peril.  The issue, tourism leaders say, came to a head over the BCC’s decision to purchase a parcel of land near the Eastern Lake Coastal Dunes for almost $10 million – only to decide against improving it for tourism purposes. The decision to leave the parcel as-is followed a contentious meeting in which the property’s neighbors came out in force to oppose planned improvements, including a parking lot and other amenities, to make the land more accessible to locals and tourists.  The Walton Tourism Development Council is made up of members who are typically experts in tourism and are appointed by various elected officials, including the Board of County Commissioners, for terms concurrent with their appointers.  TDC acting chair Amy Wise-Coble expressed her displeasure with the commission’s decision to use tourism development funds to purchase the land, and then bow to pressure to leave the parcel alone. She added in an interview after the meeting that she believes the county’s decision to skip the part of the decision-making process that involves the TDC meant the BCC has put themselves at risk for more SNAFUs where they decide to buy property with... Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The smell of spices filled downtown Panama City as food lovers gathered for gumbopalooza. “You put all that effort into something, seeing them smiling faces or that warm bowl of gumbo. Nothing better, nothing better”, Seth Carpenter, manager of ‘El Weirdo’s, said. The food was a big draw, with staff […] Read More