News & Info

Several local businesses have come together in order to gather supplies and raise funds for those directly affected by Hurricane Michael.

The Category 4 storm caused an overwhelming amount of damage to Panama City, Panama City Beach, Mexico Beach, Lynn Haven, and Apalachicola, Fla. Since it’s devastating landfall on October 10, locals have jumped at the opportunity to help aid relief efforts in any way possible.  

Here in SoWal we are very thankful that we had very little impact from Hurricane Michael. Damage was limited to a relatively small number of trees down causing brief road closures and power out for much of South Walton for a couple of days. All businesses are open and the Gulf water is back to blue and beautiful.

As Hurricane Michael has moved out of our area, we are thankful that Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort fared very well.  

TIME Magazine has revealed its inaugural list of the World’s Greatest Places, and SoWal is part of history!

The prestigious list highlights 100 destinations that are breaking new ground, leading industry trends and offering visitors an extraordinary experience.

SoWal locals know that the real estate market is intense and it's often hard to keep up with the speed of sales and new construction.

And while there's little doubt we have a healthy market in SoWal, there are always questions - and lately the main question is if there is a slowdown. There is always ongoing discussion of the real estate market in the SoWal Forum.

With drive time “from Freeport to the beach” now reduced to about 20 minutes, the incentive to live “inland” is even more pronounced—and Freeport is BOOMING!

“The four-laning of Hwy 331 has been a really big deal, a really big improvement for folks here in Freeport,” says Freeport Mayor Russ Barley.

In an effort to mitigate storm effects and maintain its beaches in the best possible condition, Seaside is restoring and re-nourishing its coastal sand dunes.

This approach will further develop Seaside’s long-term preservation and resiliency strategy to protect the landscape and maintain the native ecosystems. Its implementation will provide natural, enduring and future protection with no adverse effect to adjacent coastal areas.

So many great memories and so many delicious meals and sunset toasts! Congratulations to one of our favorite restaurants in SoWal for receiving the highest honor from Florida Trend Magazine.

Seaside is excited to announce the beginning of a new Post Office Plaza. It is part of the vision of Seaside founders, Robert and Daryl Davis.

“The plaza is the first project leading to the future construction of the Krier Tower,” said George Calvi, Seaside Director of Development, “and should take about six months to complete.”

Located at the southern end of Seaside Avenue, the plaza will house the Seaside Post Office as well as seven new public restrooms and additional bike parking.

Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles group invites our community to the We Share the Beaches Educational Series held at the South Walton Coastal Branch Library.

Programs are held monthly on specified Wednesday nights as announced from 6:30 til 7:30pm. Free and open to the public and also as training for Friends of South Walton Sea Turtle Volunteer Beach Ambassadors.