Walton County is widely regarded and celebrated for its 26 miles of sugar-white sand paired with incredible turquoise waters. It’s truly a breathtaking sight and the reason that many of our residents were attracted here. Our beaches are what draws visitors here as well, generating an economic impact of more than $6 billion annually and supporting more than 40,000 jobs for our residents. Tourism is the No. 1 economic driver in Walton County. Historically, Walton County has had a mix of public and private beaches. What does that look like today? In many ways, it looks the same. There are still portions of beach that remain private (think of our resort areas like Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach or Seaside) and there are condos, single-family homes and other developments that have deeded access to portions of beachfront. With spring break upon us and the summer beach season rapidly approaching, it’s important to acknowledge there have been some changes along the beach. The most important change from a private beach standpoint is the ability for the public to now have access to beachfront that was inaccessible in many areas. Based on the county’s settlement agreement, the public now has access to the area 20 feet landward of the wet-dry shoreline – known as the transitory zone – for walking, running, jogging and entry into the water for swimming and other activities. This only applies to beachfront parcels that were part of the county’s customary use settlement agreement and summary judgment. The map... Read More

By Nick Tomecek, Okaloosa County PIO The northern Gulf of Mexico has a new addition to its extensive artificial reef system with the deployment of the 239-foot R/V DEEP STIM III. The vessel, deployed on Jan. 30, 2024, joins hundreds of other artificial reefs already deployed off the shores of Northwest Florida and will serve as a haven to support various marine species while simultaneously providing the fishing and diving industry with an additional resource. The successful deployment of R/V DEEP STIM III was accomplished through a Tri-County partnership between Tourist Development Councils in Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Panama City Beach and Walton County. Emerald Coast Artificial Reef Association and South Walton Artificial Reef Association provided funding for additional reef modules that were placed on the deck of the vessel adding to the complexity of the new site. Coastal Conservation Association provided funds for the towing fees necessary for deployment. “This collaborative effort is an example of excellence in Northwest Florida and a guide for future successes,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon. “We look forward to many more opportunities that will allow our tourism industry to thrive, while also creating a sustainable aquatic ecosystem benefitting marine life, tourists and locals.” The majority of the vessel deck sits at about 100 feet, ideal for an advanced dive experience. In addition to diving, the 65-foot high-relief site will provide an outstanding fishing location and habitat for popular species like amberjack. The added reef modules enhance the overall habitat and will attract fishing favorites such as grouper and snapper. “While... Read More

The Walton County Tourism Department announced the winners of the 2024 Perfect Awards during a celebration held at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa. Now in its 10th year, the annual awards are nominated and voted upon by residents and visitors alike who choose their favorites in tourism-related businesses, services and organizations.   “The Perfect Awards are one of my favorite programs since we get to highlight our local businesses and the impact they have on Walton County,” says Matt Algarin, Walton County tourism director.  “To be able to share the accomplishments of these hardworking men and women with our residents and visitors is incredibly rewarding.” More than 5,000 votes were cast across 30 categories to determine the best dining, entertainment, shopping and more in Walton County; the 91 winners, first through third place, are featured in our Perfect in Walton County 2024 guide, and may be viewed, along with listing by category, on our website perfectinwaltoncounty.com. Also during the event, the Walton County Tourism Department honored Stacey Brady, director of marketing and communications with Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, as the winner of its annual Van Ness Butler Jr. Hospitality Award. The post 2024 Perfect in Walton County Award Winners Announced appeared first on South Walton Connections. Read More

Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF), one of the nation’s premier fundraising organizations, is excited to announce the details of the 19th Annual Destin Charity Wine Auction presented by the Jumonville Family scheduled for April 26-28, 2024. All funds raised at the annual auction benefit children in need in Northwest Florida through the Foundation’s 17 partner children’s charities. In 2023, DCWAF donated $3.4 million to charity following one of its most successful auctions to date. A limited number of patron packages are on sale now at dcwaf.org/tickets. Sponsorships for the event are also available by contacting the DCWAF staff at info@dcwaf.org. This year’s auction will feature an impressive line-up of celebrity chefs and vintners from around the world, hosted by philanthropic couples within the local community. This year’s vintner line-up includes owners and winemakers from Alpha Omega Collective, Betz Family Winery, Benom, Cardinale, Clos Solène, Domaine Della, Domaine Serene, Fisher Vineyards, Gamba Vineyards & Winery, Jarvis Estate, L’Aventure, Lando Wines, Lerner Project, Lokoya, Pahlmeyer, Revana Portfolio, Spottswoode Winery, William Cole, and many more. Patrons attending the Destin Charity Wine Auction presented by the Jumonville Family can expect a weekend filled with exclusive wines and excellent food from a variety of celebrity chefs beginning Friday, April 26 with the patron dinner experience. Each year, patron dinners are hosted in the most exquisite homes and restaurants throughout South Walton and the Emerald Coast. Each dinner features a nationally recognized chef paired with world-class vintners. This evening provides a unique opportunity for patrons to... Read More

Crescendo!: A Cultural & Culinary Extravaganza benefits Sinfonia Gulf Coast and its music education and community engagement initiatives. Taking place March 1 & March 3, 2024, this energy-infused experience will showcase world-class vintners, expert spirit purveyors, amazing auction items, and a special appearance by fashion icon Isaac Mizrahi who will perform his entertaining New York-style cabaret show. This year’s theme is Crescendo!: the New Noir. Channel your individual take on black, be it classic, vintage, edgy or embellished with a wisp of white or a pop of color.” Vintner Dinners | Friday, March 1 at 6PM Crescendo! weekend will begin with a series of carefully curated vintner dinners hosted in elegant homes and venues throughout the Emerald Coast. Go to sinfoniagulfcoast.org for a list of the Vintner Dinner venues. CRESCENDO! Main Event | Sunday, March 3rd at 11AM Crescendo!: A Cultural & Culinary Extravaganza benefits Sinfonia Gulf Coast and its music education and community engagement initiatives. This energy-infused experience will showcase world-class vintners, expert spirit purveyors, amazing auction items, and a special appearance by fashion icon Isaac Mizrahi who will perform his entertaining New York-style cabaret show. This year’s theme is Crescendo!: the New Noir. Channel your individual take on black, be it classic, vintage, edgy or embellished with a wisp of white or a pop of color.” Purchase Tickets: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=sgc Tickets to Crescendo! 2024 are $195 per person and include all food, wine, reserved table seating, performance and valet parking. Proceeds from Crescendo! will benefit Sinfonia and its music education programs. Visit SinfoniaGulfCoast.org.... Read More