Locals have known for years that Walton County has it all—rich agricultural lands, untouched forests, serene waters, beautiful white sand beaches, unique historical significance, the highest point in Florida, top-notch schools, and more.
These things make our county the best place to call home. Now the word is out—and Walton County is experiencing record growth. This population growth means increased economic opportunities for businesses and the community through increased tax revenue, but it is not without challenges.
With help from dedicated citizens like you, together we can make sure that Walton County’s development and growth reflects the collective aspirations of the community, and helps preserve all that makes our home so great.
If you haven’t already, please fill out this brief initial survey online—then make plans to participate in our upcoming Community Engagement Workshop: May 1-8, 2024.
Workshops Schedule
These week-long planning and design workshops—sometimes referred to as a “Charrette”—are an important way you can share your input on the future of Walton County. We know you’re busy, so we’ve got a variety of times and options for you to attend.
For location details and so that we can make sure we’ve got space for everyone, please RSVP for all presentations and workshops you plan to attend. (RSVPs are not required to attend pop-ups or open studio and open house events).
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.
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.
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
Schedule by Day
| 11:00 am – 12:00 pm | Open Studio |
|---|---|
| 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm | Miramar Beach Pop-Up (Location TBD) |
| 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Open Studio |
| 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm | Land Use & Zoning Working Session |
| 10:00 am – 11:30 am | Countywide Growth Working Session |
|---|---|
| 10:00 am – 12:00 | Open Studio |
| 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm | Opening Presentation (County Annex Building) |
| 10:00 am – 11:30 am | Economics of Land Use Working Session |
|---|---|
| 10:00 am – 12:00 | Open Studio |
| 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Open Studio |
| 9:30 am – 12:00 pm | Open House / Work-in-Progress Viewing |
|---|
| 1:00 pm – 7:30 pm | Open Studio |
|---|
| 10:00 am – 11:30 am | Transportation & Infrastructure Working Session |
|---|---|
| 10:00 am – 12:00 | Open Studio |
| 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Open Studio |
| 5: 30pm – 7:00 pm | Community Services & Amenities Working Session |
| 10:00 am – 12:00 | Open Studio |
|---|---|
| 12:00pm – 1:30 pm | DeFuniak Springs Pop-Up (Location TBD) |
| 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm | Closing Presentation |
|---|
Remember, your input is critical to these efforts! And we will be grateful to welcome you at any and all of these events, as they are all open to the public.
These events, as well as members of the planning team, are here for you! Feel free to review our FAQ and reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
