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Remember our fallen service men and women this Memorial Day

Take a moment to remember the brave soldiers who gave their lives for the United States of America As many of us enjoy an extended Memorial Day weekend by firing up the grill, heading to the beach, watching the Indy 500, or simply enjoying an extra day off with family and friends; please take a moment to remember our brave soldiers who gave their lives for our country. Since 1868, we have set aside this special day of remembrance. Nearly...

Burn ban in effect for Walton County

May 12, 2020 – At today’s Walton County Board of County Commissioners meeting the board voted unanimously to enact a burn ban for all of Walton County. The ban goes into effect today and will last until rescinded by Walton County Board of County Commissioners. This ban includes beach bonfires and any other “open flame.” The only exceptions are authorized burns by Florida Forestry Service or for the cooking of food exclusively in a gas or charcoal grill. For more...

Fire weather warning issued for entire Panhandle

May 11, 2020 – SOUTHPORT, Fla. – The National Weather Service is issuing a Red Flag Warning for our area today. Critically low relative humidity percentages combined with sustained winds of 15 mph are predicted this afternoon. ‘These conditions, coupled with a lack of adequate rainfall, create an increased potential for wildfire activity. Any open fire will have the potential to escalate quickly causing catastrophic damage. Holmes and Washington counties have issued county wide burn bans in their local jurisdictions....

Know the law before you burn

Did you know escaped debris burning is one of the leading causes of wildfires in Florida? With the extremely dry weather upon us, burn bans are in effect across the Florida Panhandle. The Florida Forest Service administers Florida’s outdoor burning and forest fire laws, along with issuing the permits. For beach bonfire permits, contact South Walton Fire District at 850-267-1298. To learn more, click here. Each County’s Board of County Commissioners issues burn bans, so keep abreast of your local...

The legend of Euchee Indian Chief Sam Story

Could it be an Euchee (Yuchi) Indian chief named Sam Story was the earliest known conservationist in Walton county? Our history books tell us so, however some traditions handed down may be simply legends, and solidified as truth when shared through generations. So with that said, here is one story, through a collection of information, about a man named Sam Story. Historic documentation shows many of the earliest white settlers in Walton County were Scottish families from North and South...

A guide to Florida snakes

Knowledge is power when sharing the outdoors with these interesting reptiles Florida has an abundance of wildlife, including a wide variety of reptiles. Snakes, and their cousins the alligators, crocodiles, turtles and lizards, play an interesting and vital role in Florida’s complex ecology. Many people have an uncontrollable fear of snakes. Perhaps because man is an animal who stands upright, he has developed a deep-rooted aversion to all crawling creatures. And, too, snakes long have been use in folklore to...

Antique tractor collection could become Walton County’s newest attraction

Is it possible that the world’s largest fully restored antique tractor collection resides in Walton County? Walton County Commissioner Tony Anderson says, “Some say that Dr. James Sheppard’s vast collection is just that. It is an exciting opportunity for the County to work with state and federal agencies along with private sector entities to secure funding opportunities to keep this jewel in Walton County without utilizing and local taxes or funding.” Sheppard grew up with his family as a Tenant...