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From conservation efforts at Eastern Lake and the future of e-bike regulations to updates on transportation planning, public infrastructure, mobility fees, and beach management, the meeting covered a wide range of issues that reflect the ongoing challenges of balancing growth, quality of life, environmental stewardship, and fiscal responsibility in Walton County.

Here’s a closer look at some of the meeting’s most important discussions and why they matter.

Eastern Lake Conservation Moves Forward

One of the meeting’s most significant conversations centered on protecting one of Walton County’s treasured coastal dune lakes.

Representatives presented a proposed conservation easement for Eastern Lake that would strengthen long-term protections for the property’s natural resources. The proposal would utilize the Georgia-Alabama Land Trust (GALT), an organization that already manages conservation easements for both Draper Lake and Little Redfish Lake.

County staff will now review the proposed easement language and meet individually with commissioners before any future action is considered.

While commissioners expressed interest in exploring additional conservation protections, County Attorney Clay Adkinson also noted an important financial consideration. Because the property was originally purchased using Tourist Development Council funds as a public beach park, modifying its purpose through a conservation easement could require the County to repay approximately $10 million in TDC funding.

The discussion highlighted the complexity of balancing environmental preservation with legal and financial obligations—a conversation that will likely continue in the months ahead.

E-Bike Safety Ordinance Delayed

Following months of community discussion surrounding electric bicycles, commissioners again considered a proposed ordinance regulating e-bike use throughout Walton County.

Rather than moving forward immediately, the Board chose to remove the item from the agenda to allow additional collaboration between commissioners, county administration, and the legal department.

The goal is to develop a more comprehensive ordinance that addresses safety concerns while remaining consistent with evolving state law.

As e-bike usage continues to increase throughout South Walton, particularly along shared-use paths and scenic corridors, this will remain an important issue to watch.

Planning Department Reports Strong Development Oversight

Planning and Development Director Stephen Schoen presented the department’s quarterly report and also provided an update on the Dalton Drive Proportionate Fair Share Analysis.

Following a detailed review, Schoen reported that staff found no discrepancies within the analysis, stating there was “nothing out of sorts.”

The Board accepted the report without further action.

Commissioners also delayed broader updates to the Walton County Land Development Code in order to remove provisions that may conflict with Senate Bill 180 before continuing review.

While these code updates may not grab headlines, they help shape how future development is reviewed and managed throughout Walton County.

Public Works Continues Infrastructure Improvements

The Public Works Department shared several notable accomplishments from April through June, including:

• Resurfacing more than 6.6 miles of county roadways
• Completing 60 maintenance projects
• Processing 1,296 fleet maintenance work orders

These ongoing investments help improve transportation infrastructure, extend the life of county assets, and maintain safer roads for residents and visitors alike.

Fair Association Agreements Postponed

Commissioners postponed action on two proposed Memorandums of Understanding involving the Walton County Fair Association.

The discussions centered around county responsibilities, maintenance obligations, and whether the agreements fairly represented both parties.

Recognizing the importance of the annual Walton County Fair to local families and the community, the Board agreed to continue both items until its August 11 meeting for additional review.

Mossy Head Health Clinic Bids Rejected

The Board rejected bids for the proposed Mossy Head Health Department Modular Clinic after determining that construction costs exceeded expectations.

Rather than moving forward under the current pricing, commissioners chose to reject all bids and revisit future options.

Bayshore Protection Zone Enforcement Suspended

One of the more unique discussions involved a property owner caught in a code enforcement dispute involving the Bayshore Protection Zone.

After hearing concerns regarding the current ordinance language, County Administrator Stan Sunday Kellenberger recommended temporarily suspending enforcement of the Bayshore Protection Zone while staff develops updated code language to address similar situations in the future.

The Board approved the recommendation.

Beach Chair Storage During Storms

Commissioners also discussed beach chair vendors storing equipment near dune areas during approaching tropical systems.

County staff explained that during named storms, temporarily storing equipment in upland portions of public beach accesses may be the safest logistical option to prevent chairs from washing into the Gulf.

Officials also emphasized that protected dune vegetation remains under the jurisdiction of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

No additional action was taken, but the discussion reflects the ongoing challenge of balancing storm preparedness with environmental protection.

Mobility Fees and Landfill Regulations Remain on Hold

Commissioners received updates regarding two significant long-term planning issues:

Mobility Fees

Current restrictions under Senate Bill 180 prevent Walton County from collecting mobility fees until October 1, 2027. County staff noted that a new fee study will be required before collections can resume.

Class I Landfill Ordinance

Similarly, proposed regulations addressing future Class I landfill locations remain limited under current state law. County officials indicated meaningful action cannot occur until SB 180 restrictions expire.

These issues remain important as Walton County continues to experience rapid population growth and increasing development pressures.

Additional Actions Taken

The Board also approved several additional items during the meeting, including:

• Recognition of August as National Emergency Management Awareness Month
• Approval of improvements to the Mossy Head Community Center ballfields
• Authorization to move forward with closing documents for the Peace of Paradise property acquisition
• Approval of up to $350,000 in District 4 Recreational Plat Fees for construction of a splash pad at Paradise Park
• Approval of a venue change for future Design Review Board meetings to the South Walton Courthouse Annex

Several legislative items, including the proposed Golf Club Drive abandonment and broader Land Development Code amendments, were also continued for additional review.

Looking Ahead

The July 28 meeting demonstrated the wide variety of issues commissioners continue to navigate—from environmental conservation and transportation planning to public safety, recreation, infrastructure, and growth management.

Many of the meeting’s most impactful topics—including Eastern Lake conservation, e-bike regulations, mobility fees, and updates to the Land Development Code—remain active discussions that will return before the Board in future meetings.

As Walton County continues to grow, these conversations will play an important role in shaping the character, functionality, and long-term sustainability of our community. Staying informed about these decisions helps residents better understand not only what is happening today, but how those choices may influence Walton County for years to come.

This summary is based on discussions and actions taken during the Walton County Board of County Commissioners meeting held on July 28, 2026.

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There are some projects that change how a community functions. Then there are projects that change how a community feels.

The Inlet Beach Underpass is doing both.

Every day, families carrying beach chairs stroll beneath Highway 98 instead of waiting anxiously at busy intersections. Cyclists pedal between neighborhoods and restaurants. Students walk safely to the beach for outdoor activities. Visitors are discovering parts of Inlet Beach they might never have explored before—all without getting behind the wheel.

While the underpass was designed to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety, its impact has extended far beyond transportation. It has become an example of how thoughtful infrastructure can reconnect a growing community, support local businesses, encourage healthier lifestyles, and preserve the unique character that makes South Walton such a special place.

When One Highway Divides a Community

Highway 98 has always served an important purpose, connecting residents and visitors throughout Walton County.

But as Inlet Beach continued to grow on both sides of the highway, it also became an unintended barrier.

South of Highway 98, residents and visitors enjoy the beaches, Scenic Highway 30A, and the coastal lifestyle that defines the area. North of the highway, neighborhoods, restaurants, shops, schools, and gathering spaces have flourished over the past decade.

Although separated by only a few lanes of traffic, crossing between the two often meant choosing the safety and convenience of a vehicle over walking or biking.

Families staying north of the highway frequently loaded bicycles into their cars just to reach the beach. Visitors vacationing south of Highway 98 rarely explored businesses on the north side unless they drove there. The result wasn’t simply a transportation issue. It limited how people experienced the community.

A Safer Way to Experience Inlet Beach

The completion of the underpass has quietly begun changing those daily routines.

Today, students from Ohana Institute regularly walk through the tunnel to access nearby beach areas during school activities. Families bike to the beach instead of driving. Visitors staying along 30A are discovering restaurants, shops, and entertainment north of Highway 98 without ever starting their cars.

The project has become part of everyday life.

That shift is something Bryan Corr, developer of 30Avenue, has seen firsthand. “Traffic into 30Avenue was not limited by the highway,” Corr explains. “But more people chose to drive instead of bike or walk.”

That distinction is important.

The issue was never whether people could reach destinations on the other side of Highway 98. The challenge was whether they felt safe and comfortable doing so outside of a vehicle.

Now, Corr says those habits are beginning to change. “We are seeing more pedestrian and bike traffic since the underpass opened. The visitors to the area are beginning to discover the safer option of crossing the highway.”

Small Changes That Tell a Bigger Story

Sometimes the biggest impacts reveal themselves in the smallest details. For businesses at 30Avenue, one unexpected change has become impossible to ignore.

“Tenants have requested more bike parking areas to reduce the number of bikes parked by their front door,” Corr says.

Rows of bicycles outside restaurants may seem like a minor operational issue. In reality, they’re evidence that people are embracing a different way of experiencing Inlet Beach.

Instead of driving from one destination to another, they’re slowing down, exploring on foot, spending more time outdoors, and connecting with more businesses throughout the community.

That’s exactly the kind of activity vibrant, walkable communities are designed to encourage.

Supporting the Lifestyle That Makes South Walton Unique

South Walton has always been known for its outdoor lifestyle. Whether it’s walking to dinner, riding bikes along Scenic Highway 30A, or spending the day at the beach, the area’s identity has long been centered around moving at a slower pace.

Corr believes the underpass naturally supports that culture. “A healthy lifestyle is part of the overall vitality of 30A. People love to get out and walk and bike.”

One trend he’s noticed in particular is what he calls “bike-to-dinner” traffic.

As the sun begins to set, more visitors and residents are riding between the beach communities south of Highway 98 and the restaurants, shops, and gathering places north of it.

Those evening rides represent more than recreation. They’re helping knit together what once felt like two separate communities.

Infrastructure That Reflects Community Character

One of the most remarkable aspects of the underpass isn’t simply that it exists. It’s how it was designed.

Rather than creating a dark, utilitarian pedestrian tunnel, the project incorporates public art and placemaking elements through the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, transforming the experience into something welcoming, creative, and reflective of the surrounding community.

This is an important reminder that infrastructure doesn’t have to be purely functional. When designed thoughtfully, it can contribute to a community’s identity while improving safety and mobility.

It’s an approach Scenic Walton has long supported through its advocacy for context-sensitive transportation improvements that enhance quality of life while preserving Walton County’s scenic beauty and distinctive sense of place.

A Community Reconnected

Perhaps Bryan Corr summarizes the transformation best. “Inlet Beach 10 years ago was a tale of two towns, the North and the South.”

Today, he sees that divide beginning to disappear.

“Now that safer and convenient access across the highway is available, we are starting to see more vacationers staying on the North side, and those staying on the South side are biking and walking north to shop and dine.”

That’s the true success of the Inlet Beach Underpass. Not simply improved traffic flow. Not simply enhanced pedestrian safety. But the restoration of everyday connections.

Children walking to the beach.
Families exploring both sides of Highway 98 together.
Visitors discovering local businesses they might never have experienced otherwise.
Neighbors choosing to walk instead of drive.

Looking Ahead

As Walton County continues to grow, projects like the Inlet Beach Underpass demonstrate that thoughtful infrastructure can do more than solve transportation challenges.

It can strengthen local businesses.
It can encourage healthier lifestyles.
It can improve public safety.

And perhaps most importantly, it can help preserve the sense of community that makes South Walton unlike anywhere else.

The Inlet Beach Underpass isn’t simply a way to get from one side of Highway 98 to the other.

It’s proof that when infrastructure is designed around people, it doesn’t just connect places—it reconnects communities.

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That vision is becoming reality as several initiatives championed by Scenic Walton and its community partners continue to gain momentum, from advancing countywide underground utilities planning to securing funding for gateway beautification projects that will enhance the character of Walton County for generations to come.

Together, these milestones represent significant progress toward Scenic Walton’s mission of protecting scenic beauty, promoting thoughtful growth, and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

One of the most significant milestones came when funding for an Opinion of Probable Cause, the critical first step toward developing a countywide underground utilities implementation plan, advanced into Walton County’s draft budget. While technical in nature, the milestone represents meaningful progress toward one of the community’s most transformational infrastructure initiatives.

A countywide initiative to underground overhead utilities would do far more than bury power lines. It would create opportunities to underground additional utilities including communications infrastructure, strengthen hurricane resilience, improve electric reliability, enhance public safety, preserve Walton County’s scenic character, and position the community for long-term economic growth. Before these benefits can begin to become reality, the County must first complete the professional planning process that begins with the Opinion of Probable Cause.

Scenic Walton also recognizes the many residents who voiced their support for underground utilities through Walton County’s Strategic Planning process and commends the South Walton Community Council for helping encourage community engagement and broaden awareness of the initiative.

Another major milestone came when the City of Freeport was awarded a $100,000 Florida Department of Transportation Highway Beautification Grant, doubling the available funding for a gateway landscape project that Scenic Walton helped initiate several years ago.

Working alongside City planning staff, Scenic Walton identified the project location and championed the concept before receiving approval from the Freeport City Council to develop an initial landscape design. Through Scenic Walton’s Walton Safe & Beautiful Program, the St. Joe Community Foundation funded the project’s initial design, prepared by Rupert Landscape. After the City approved $100,000 in its budget for installation, Scenic Walton encouraged Freeport to pursue additional state funding, helped coordinate letters of support, and saw the original design become the foundation of the successful FDOT grant application.

Once complete, the project will transform one of Freeport’s most visible commercial and residential corridors along U.S. 331, creating a more welcoming northern gateway into the city while enhancing roadway aesthetics, improving stormwater management, and incorporating landscape elements that naturally calm traffic.

Scenic Walton extends its appreciation to the Freeport City Council, Planning Director Latilda Hughes-Neel, AICP, Sean Daly and the team at Ruppert Landscape, the Florida Department of Transportation, and the St. Joe Community Foundation for their partnership in moving the project forward.

Momentum is also building in South Walton as the 30A West Gateway Landscape Project has advanced into the proposed budget for the Walton County Tourist Development Council for the upcoming fiscal year, marking another important milestone toward bringing the project to life.

Scenic Walton is pursuing the project in partnership with Friends of Scenic 30-A to create a beautiful, welcoming entrance along the west end of Scenic Highway 30A. The project also includes entry signage at both the western and eastern entrances to 30A from US 98 that recognizes 30A as both a Florida Scenic Highway and a Federal Scenic Byway. Notably, the gateway project remains the only capital improvement project included in the proposed TDC budget, demonstrating continued recognition that investments in beautification, landscaping, and placemaking are essential to preserving the character and visitor experience that define Walton County.

A thoughtfully designed gateway does more than beautify an entrance. It shapes first impressions, reinforces community identity, strengthens pride of place, and reflects the character that has made Walton County one of Florida’s most treasured destinations. While additional steps remain before construction begins, its inclusion in the draft budget demonstrates growing recognition that beautification, landscaping, and placemaking are investments in both quality of life and the visitor experience.

“These projects may look different on the surface, but they all share the same purpose: protecting what makes Walton County special while investing in its future,” said Leigh Moore, Executive Director of Scenic Walton. “Whether we’re advocating for underground utilities, helping communities secure beautification funding, or working alongside partners to enhance our scenic corridors, every one of these initiatives improves quality of life for residents while preserving the character that makes Walton County such a remarkable place to call home. None of this happens in isolation, and we’re incredibly grateful to our community partners, local governments, and residents who continue to work alongside us to move these important projects forward.”

While each initiative remains at a different stage of implementation, together they represent growing momentum for thoughtful planning, resilient infrastructure, scenic preservation, and community beautification throughout Walton County. Scenic Walton remains committed to working collaboratively with local governments, nonprofit partners, businesses, and residents to ensure the community continues to grow in a way that protects its natural beauty, strengthens its communities, and preserves the unique character that defines Walton County for generations to come.

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One of those investments is moving overhead utility lines underground.

On Tuesday, June 30, at 1:00 p.m., the Walton County Board of County Commissioners will consider including funding in the FY2027 County Budget for an Opinion of Probable Cause—an important feasibility study and implementation plan that will help determine the path forward for underground utility projects throughout Walton County.

While it may sound technical, this funding represents a critical next step toward making underground utilities a reality.

Why Underground Utilities Matter

Underground utilities offer benefits that extend far beyond aesthetics. Investing in this planning process can help:

• Preserve Walton County’s scenic beauty and community character.
• Improve storm resilience by reducing the risk of downed power lines during severe weather.
• Enhance public safety by minimizing hazards along roadways and neighborhoods.
• Increase electric service reliability.
• Support long-term property values and quality of life.

Before these benefits can become reality, the County must first develop a professional feasibility study and implementation plan. Funding the Opinion of Probable Cause is the next important milestone in that process.

Your Voice Matters

County Commissioners need to hear that residents support investing in Walton County’s future.

Attend the Meeting

Tuesday, June 30, 2026 | 1:00 p.m.
South Walton Annex
31 Coastal Centre Blvd.
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

Residents are encouraged to attend and speak during public comment in support of including funding for the Opinion of Probable Cause in the FY2027 budget.

Can’t Attend? Send an Email.

Even a short email can make a meaningful impact.

Consider sending a message like this:

I encourage you to include funding in the FY2027 budget for the Opinion of Probable Cause related to underground utilities. This is an important investment in Walton County’s future that will help protect our scenic beauty, improve storm resilience, enhance public safety, and preserve the character that makes our community unique. Thank you for your leadership and consideration.

Contact the Walton County Commissioners

Dan Curry (R), District 1 Commissioner
District Office:
902 FL-20 East Unit 112
Freeport, FL 32439
Ph: (850) 835-4860
Dan.Curry@mywaltonfl.gov

Commissioner’s Aide:
Vanessa Wight – Vanessa.Wight@mywaltonfl.gov 

Danny Glidewell (R), District 2 Commissioner 
District Office:
444 Triple G Road
DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433
(850) 892-4020
danny.glidewell@mywaltonfl.gov

Commissioner’s Aide:
Teresa Lowery – teresa.lowery@mywaltonfl.gov 

Brad Drake (R), District 3 Commissioner – Chair
District Office:
263 Chaffin Avenue
DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433
(850) 892-8474
brad.drake@mywaltonfl.gov

Commissioner’s Aide:
John Stevenson – john.stevenson@mywaltonfl.gov

Donna Johns (R), District 4 Commissioner 
District Office:
12671 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Ste. 214
Miramar Beach, FL 32550
(850) 835-4834
donna.johns@mywaltonfl.gov

Commissioner’s Aide:
Teresa Lynn – teresa.lynn@mywaltonfl.gov

Tony Anderson (R), District 5 Commissioner – Vice Chair
District Office:
70 Logan Lane
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
(850) 231-2978
tony.anderson@mywaltonfl.gov

Commissioner’s Aide:
Laura Ekstrom – laura.ekstrom@mywaltonfl.gov

Protecting Walton County’s Future

At Scenic Walton, we believe preserving Walton County’s scenic character requires proactive planning, responsible growth, and engaged citizens. Decisions like this one help lay the groundwork for a community that is more beautiful, more resilient, and better prepared for future generations.

Whether you attend Tuesday’s meeting or simply send an email to the County Commissioners, your participation matters.

Together, we can help move underground utilities forward and continue protecting what makes Walton County so special.

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Scenic Walton is proud to recognize Kaiya Beach Resort as a recipient of its Design Excellence Award, honoring projects that embody thoughtful architecture, well-designed landscaping, scenic preservation, and a deep respect for the character of Walton County.

Developed by Romair Construction, Kaiya represents more than luxury development along Scenic Highway 30A. The thoughtfully curated resort community reflects a long-term commitment to preserving and enhancing the natural beauty that defines South Walton while creating spaces designed to foster connection, wellness, and community.

For more than two decades, Romair Construction has built homes and resort properties throughout Walton County with an emphasis on craftsmanship, sustainability, and intentional design. At Kaiya, that philosophy is reflected in every aspect of the development, from the carefully integrated landscaping and environmentally conscious planning to the world-class architecture and commitment to improving stormwater management and undergrounding utility lines along Scenic Highway 30A.

Immersed within the scenic beauty of 30A, Kaiya is home to the Oyom Hotel & Spa, the private Kaiya Beach House, Omaire Gallery, and a collection of luxury residences designed to create a seamless connection between people, place, and nature.

“Kaiya is a beautiful example of what can happen when development is approached with vision, intentionality, and respect for the surrounding environment,” said Leigh Moore, Executive Director of Scenic Walton. “From the architecture and landscaping to the decision to underground utilities along 30A, this project reflects many of the values Scenic Walton has championed for years. It enhances the scenic character of our community while creating a space that feels connected to the natural beauty of Walton County rather than competing with it.”

The Scenic Walton Design Excellence Award recognizes projects that contribute positively to the visual and environmental landscape of Walton County through thoughtful architecture, landscaping, lighting, signage, streetscape and overall excellent design. Award recipients are selected based on their ability to enhance quality of life for both residents and visitors while preserving the unique character of the area.

Although Jason Romair has spent more than 20 years developing along 30A, he believes the success of Kaiya is ultimately a reflection of the talented Romair Construction team whose hard work, passion, and craftsmanship brought the project to life.

“Receiving this recognition from Scenic Walton is truly meaningful because we share many of the same values when it comes to protecting and enhancing the beauty of this community,” said Jason Romair, owner of Romair Construction. “For us, development has always been about more than building structures. It’s about creating places that feel connected to the land, the lifestyle, and the long-term future of 30A. This award also belongs to the incredible team at Romair Construction whose hard work, creativity, and commitment helped make Kaiya what it is today. Their contributions can be seen in every detail throughout the property, and I’m deeply grateful for everything they poured into this project.”

As Scenic Walton continues its mission to advocate for scenic preservation, thoughtful planning, underground utilities, and design standards throughout Walton County, the organization hopes projects like Kaiya will continue to inspire future development that prioritizes both beauty and long-term community impact.

To nominate an organization or development for Scenic Walton’s Design Excellence Award, email Leigh Moore at leigh@scenicwalton.org. 

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