Walton County, known for its rich agricultural lands, pristine forests, serene waters, and white sandy beaches, is rapidly becoming a favored place to live, reflecting in its record population growth. This growth, while promising, brings both opportunities and challenges to the community.

Earlier this week, residents came together at various workshops to voice their thoughts and contribute to shaping the future of Walton County through the Community Engagement Workshop series, which runs from May 1-8, 2024.

These initial sessions have set a constructive tone for continued dialogue and development planning. RSVP HERE to participate in upcoming sessions.

The series continues with more opportunities for involvement, especially focusing on critical areas such as transportation, infrastructure, and community services. Upcoming sessions include:

Public Presentations

Public Presentations give community members the opportunity to hear about the data and information the Plan for Walton 2040 team has collected, review different options for development and preservation, and have the chance to share feedback along the way. RSVP HERE!

Location:
Walton County Courthouse Annex
31 Coastal Centre Blvd
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

Event Details:
Thursday, May 2, 5:30 pm: Opening Presentation
Wednesday, May 8, 5:30 pm: Closing Presentation

Working Sessions

Working Sessions are interactive meetings focused on specific issues or aspects of the Plan for Walton 2040. These meetings are usually more technical in nature and involve conversations with local subject matter experts and the consultant team, though they are open to the public. RSVP HERE!

Location (all except Community Services & Amenities):
Walton County Courthouse Annex
31 Coastal Centre Blvd
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

Event Details:
Wednesday, May 1, 3:00 pm: Land Use & Zoning
Thursday, May 2, 10:00 am: Countywide Growth Planning
Friday, May 3, 10:00 am: Economics of Land Use
Monday, May 6, 10:00 am: Transportation & Infrastructure
Monday, May 6, 5:30 pm: Community Services & Amenities*

*The Community Services & Amenities Working Session will take place in the Freeport Commons Boardroom located at 842 State Highway 20 East, Suite 118, Freeport, FL 32439).

PopUps and Open Studios

PopUps and Open Studio Times are opportunities for residents and stakeholders to interact one-on-one with members of the planning team, either at the Planning Studio or in the community pop-up locations. These offer people the chance to share their own ideas, watch the planners at work, or even draw out their own suggestions with the consultants in a more casual, conversational setting.

Open Studio
(Seaside Assembly Hall, 168 Smolian Circle, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459)
Wednesday, May 1, 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Thursday, May 2, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Friday, May 3, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm & 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Sunday, May 5, 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Monday, May 6, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm & 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Tuesday, May 7, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

PopUps

Wednesday, May 1, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: Miramar Beach Pop-up
(location tbd)
Tuesday, May 7, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: DeFuniak Springs Pop-up
(location tbd)

Open House

The Open House will include a brief overview of the progress made during the first half of the week. This will also be an opportunity to meet the planning team, ask questions, share ideas and feedback.

Open House
Saturday, May 4, 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Seaside Assembly Hall, 168 Smolian Circle, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
We encourage all community members to join these interactive sessions to further discuss and refine plans for sustainable growth and preservation.

The week will conclude with a closing presentation on Wednesday, May 8, at 5:30 pm, also at the Walton County Courthouse Annex, where the outcomes of these discussions will be showcased.

For those who haven’t yet attended, it’s not too late to make your voice heard. Please RSVP to ensure there’s enough space for everyone. Pop-up sessions and open studio times remain open for more casual, one-on-one interactions with the planning team.

As we move forward, your input is invaluable in ensuring that Walton County’s growth aligns with the community’s vision and continues to make our county a wonderful place to call home. Join us in these crucial conversations—your participation is key to shaping our community’s future.

RSVP Here to participate in the upcoming sessions and help steer the course of Walton County’s development.