Fire at Grady Brown Park on US 331 - update: Restored

[Ron]

Walton County, May 19, 2025 – An early morning fire has destroyed the restroom facilities at Grady Brown Park, off U.S. 331 South, just north of Choctawhatchee Bay.

According to Walton County Fire rescue, the
Walton County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a 911 call at 3:23
a.m. reporting flames coming from the restrooms. The caller said they had seen fire
coming from the back door of the building while driving through the area.
Walton County Sheriff’s deputies and Walton County Fire Rescue crews arrived on
scene moments later to find the structure fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters
immediately began suppression efforts and worked quickly to contain the blaze.
Thankfully, no one was injured in the fire.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to investigate the cause of the fire. It
was ruled accidental, believed to have been caused by overheating in the building’s
server room.

“This could have been much worse if not for the quick response of our crews and
the person who made the call,” said Fire Chief Austin Pugh. “We train for moments
like this, and our team executed exactly as they should.”

Damage to the facility was extensive, although the cost to repair or replace the
facility has not yet been determined.

County Administrator Stan Sunday said, “I would like to thank the Walton County
Fire Rescue for its quick response and would also like to thank Parks and
Recreation and Facilities Maintenance personnel for their ongoing efforts in
securing and making the park safe so that the public may continue to access and
utilize the remainder of this remarkable bayfront park.”

 

[Ron]

On March 26, 2026, Walton County officials celebrated the reopening of facilities at Grady Brown Park, off US 331 South on the north shore of Choctawhatchee Bay. The restrooms and storage area had been destroyed by an electrical fire last year. With the structure reopened, Grady Brown Park is now fully operational again.

Numerous officials attended the ceremony, including Commissioner Donna Johns, Commissioner Danny Glidewell, Freeport Mayor Russ Barley, and members of Grady Brown’s family, who joined in the ribbon-cutting. County Administrator Brian Kellenberger welcomed everyone and introduced District 1 Commissioner Dan Curry, who praised the park and the teamwork that made the restoration possible. Curry also highlighted the artwork on the front of the structure created by former employee Jim Cosson and noted how heavily the park is used, saying it’s common to see 30–35 cars in the parking lot. He thanked everyone for their interest and attendance.

Administrator Kellenberger provided some history of the park, explaining that it was created from funds left over from a tax used to four-lane the Clyde Wells bridge. The county purchased the site and developed it into a park, which has evolved over time to offer different amenities and services. He recalled that local resident Grady Brown frequently fished there, and when a name was needed, a contest was held; Brown’s granddaughter submitted his name and the Commissioners agreed it was fitting.

Kellenberger also thanked the FMIT insurance carrier for overseeing the project and contractor Three Rivers Construction for their skill and expertise. After the remarks, the Brown family joined officials for the ribbon cutting.