DeFuniak Herald Beach Breeze

01/09/2026

The South Walton varsity boys basketball team posted an 86-37 home win over Freeport behind 19 made 3-point shots as head coach Shafer Martin saw his team improve to 9-9 on Thursday night while the Bulldogs fell to 6-11.

01/09/2026

South Walton earned a district win at home tonight against Freeport in varsity girls basketball by a 65-31 score as Lola Wolgamot scored 23 with Kinsey Deane adding 18 as the Lady Seahawks are now 9-5 on the season while Freeport fell to 10-7.

01/07/2026

01/07/2026

01/07/2026

Freeport varsity girls basketball team about to tip in Chipley looking to sweep the Tigers after a 61-51 home win over the Washington County school in Freeport on Dec. 5.

01/06/2026

From Walton County Public Information:
Walton County Public Works Announces Temporary Road Closure



Please be advised that temporary road closures will be in effect to accommodate the demolition of the Thrift-Way building on US 90 E in DeFuniak Springs, across from the Walton County Courthouse.



Closure Details:

• Date: Monday, February 2 through Thursday, February 5, 2026

• Times: 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily

• Reason: North 6th Street will be temporarily closed beginning at the intersection of U.S. Highway 90 and extending north along North 6th Street to the adjacent parking lot.



The alley located behind the Thrift-Way Building and next to the Human Resource Complex will also be temporarily closed.



Important Note: All closures are temporary and will be in effect only during the hours listed, weather permitting. Motorists and pedestrians are encouraged to use alternate routes and exercise caution when traveling near the work area. Proper signage and traffic control measures will be in place to ensure public safety.



We appreciate your patience and cooperation as this work is completed.

01/06/2026

From Walton County Tourism:
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to Celebrate Improvements at Henry Park in DeFuniak Springs

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. – Jan. 6 – The Walton County Board of County Commissioners, Beach Operations and Tourism departments will host a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of improvements to Henry Park, a beloved historic landmark in the heart of DeFuniak Springs. The ceremony will take place Thursday, Jan. 15, at 11 a.m., at 1162 Circle Dr., in DeFuniak Springs, and include a brief presentation highlighting the park’s rich history and recent improvements.

This milestone marks the first capital improvement project funded by the North Walton Tourist Development Tax, a vital resource dedicated to enhancing infrastructure and promoting tourism throughout North Walton County. Implemented in March 2021, the North Walton TDT is a 3% tax applied to short-term rental accommodations of six months or less, including hotels, townhomes and campgrounds.

Since its inception, the tax, which is not paid by residents, has played a key role in supporting projects that benefit both residents and visitors. The Henry Park improvements exemplify the positive impact of this initiative on the local community, according to Beach Operations Director Josh Ervin.

Henry Park is named in honor of Dr. George P. Henry, the first mayor of DeFuniak Springs. Historically, the park served as a welcoming gateway between the Hotel Chautauqua and guests arriving by train, offering a vibrant space for visitors from near and far. During the Chautauqua era, the park was a lively gathering spot where bands performed, greeting travelers and adding to the festive atmosphere of the time.

Henry Park also holds special significance as a backdrop for the late Pappy Neal McCormick and his band, the Hawaiian Troubadours, a pioneering figure in steel guitar music and a beloved local personality. McCormick played a pivotal role in popularizing the steel guitar in the Southeastern United States and contributed greatly to the music scene during the mid-20th century. A historic photo of McCormick’s band, taken at Henry Park, was provided by History of DeFuniak Springs.

The ceremony will also honor the legacy of Robert Nelson, a dedicated community leader whose vision and determination were instrumental in bringing this project to life. Known for his motto, “Let’s just get some things done!”, Nelson’s tireless efforts to revitalize Henry Park leave a lasting impact that continues to inspire the community.

For more information, please contact Beach Operations at (850) 267-4578.

01/06/2026

From Walton County Public Information:

Temporary Road Closure Notice for Forest Shore Drive



Forest Shore Drive will be temporarily closed to traffic beginning Monday, January 12, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, while drainage improvements are underway. The closure will remain in effect until work is completed.



Closure Details:

• Date: Monday, January 12, 2026, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily

The closure will remain in effect during these hours until work is completed.



Closure Area: Forest Shore Drive, from the intersection of North Holiday Road, traveling east to Shore Drive

• Reason: Drainage Improvements

• Traffic Impact: Closed to through traffic



Important Note: Local access for residents will be maintained when possible. Motorists are advised to plan alternate routes and use caution in the area.

Walton County Public Works appreciates the public's patience and understanding during this necessary road closure.



For more information, contact the Walton County Public Works Department at 892-8108.

01/06/2026

Holmes County at Paxton about to tip in girls varsity basketball in a Region 1, Rural contest!

01/05/2026

Jan. 7 Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Coalition meeting

Pursuant to section 286.011, Florida Statutes, notice is hereby given that the Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Coalition Executive Director Recommendation Committee will hold a meeting on Wednesday, January 7, 2026

01/03/2026