News & Info

Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation’s (DCWAF) 9th Annual Destin Charity Wine Auction raised a record breaking $2,035,000 for children in need in Northwest Florida. This marks a 57 percent increase from last year’s results of $1.3 million, reaffirming the foundation’s namesake event as the top charity fundraising event in Northwest Florida, and a “Top 10 Charity Wine Auction in the U.S.” recognized by Wine Spectator Magazine.

Laurie Hood received the Daily Point of Light Award from President George H. W. Bush for going above and beyond to rescue abused, neglected, and homeless animals through her non-profit shelter, Alaqua Animal Refuge.

Laurie feels honored to be chosen as a Daily Point of Light recipient. Since 2007, she has worked to create a safe haven for animals in need, and has saved almost 10,000 animals in the process. 

The St. Joe Community Foundation recently awarded a $1000 grant to Man in the Sea Museum to provide library and outreach programs for area students and visitors.

The Habitat for Humanity of Walton County ReStore was submerged in over two feet of standing water after severe weather impacted the area on April 29. The store was set to open for the first time next week in their new location off Hwy 393 South before record flooding impacted the area. All inventory is a total loss along with significant damage to the building. Unfortunately, the ReStore's insurance will not cover the flood damage sustained to the contents or building. Immediate resources and assistance are needed.

TOPS’L Beach & Racquet Resort, a Wyndham Vacation Rentals professionally managed property, has been selected as one of the “South’s Top Family-Friendly Resorts for Groups.”

Are you curious what your County government does for you? Would you like to know what infrastructure improvements the County is considering? Want a report on spring break activity? Traffic & Parking? All of these questions and more will be on the table at the next South Walton Community Council public forum scheduled for April 24, 2014 at 7PM in the Community Room of the Coastal Branch Public Library.

The Walton County School District has voted to place a referendum on the August ballot that will give voters the opportunity to change the way the school superintendent is chosen. Currently the position is an elected one, the referendum changes the Position to an appointed one based on experience, education, and qualifications.

Please visit the website to learn more at www.kidsbeforepolitics.com.

Shelter House is now the certified rape crisis center for Okaloosa and Walton counties. The local agency recently received official notification from the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence (FCASV).

Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast has been named one of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals for the third year in a row and the fourth time since opening in 2003. Truven Health Analytics, formerly Thomson Reuters, is a leading provider of information and solutions to improve the cost and quality of healthcare.

Spring Break 2014 will be here before you know it. January and February in SoWal are spent preparing for a busy March and April with lots of families visiting our beaches. We don't experience Spring Break craziness like some destinations. Although every year we get a few more houses full of college students, and the Miramar Beach area of South Walton begins a stretch of packed beaches all the way west to Destin.

Spring Break 2014 discussion on SoWal Forum.