HWY 331

In this episode of the HWY 331 podcast, host Kerri Parker speaks with Megan Harrison, President and CEO of the Walton County Area Chamber of Commerce. They discuss the importance of leadership, community growth, and the challenges faced by small businesses in Walton County. Megan shares her journey in chamber leadership, the upcoming 'Next Big Thing' event, and the need for collaboration within the community. They also touch on the significance of mentorship and the infrastructure challenges that impact local businesses. The conversation emphasizes the chamber's role in connecting businesses and fostering a thriving community.THE NEXT BIG THING EVENT

On this episode of the HWY 331 Podcast, we are joined by Cecilia Canut, Program Manager for Keep Walton County Beautiful—an official affiliate of Keep America Beautiful that now operates under Walton County Tourism. We talk about how this initiative was born, the community partnerships it’s building, and why sustainability, education, and litter prevention matter so much to both locals and visitors. We also dive into some of their biggest projects—like post-holiday cleanups, educational outreach in schools, and signage highlighting native wildlife—and how everyone, from students to businesses to families, can get involved. Cecilia shares her passion for protecting what makes Walton County special, and even gives us her 30-second elevator pitch for inspiring high schoolers to care about their community. This is a conversation about pride of place, showing up for where you live, and making sure future generations can enjoy this beautiful part of Florida. So listen in and connect with Cecilia Canut.00:00 Introduction to Keep Walton Beautiful02:02 The Mission and Vision of Keep Walton Beautiful04:12 Community Engagement and Projects07:18 Getting Involved: Volunteer Opportunities10:43 Inspiring the Next Generation12:51 Personal Journey and Community ImpactFacebook Instagram YouTube Video

In this episode we connect you with Christian Wagley, a science-rooted environmental advocate working with Healthy Gulf organization. Christian brings a deeply personal connection to this work, sharing a childhood memory fishing with his grandfather —when he first witnessed the loss of a thriving yellow perch population to pollution. That early experience ignited a lifelong commitment to protecting water and communities.In this conversation, we explore what it means to pursue science-driven advocacy and how that expertise is rooted in place. Christian breaks down how outdated zoning codes still favor sprawl over smart, human-scale community design, and why citizen engagement is critical now to ensure the county’s long-term resilience.He also offers actionable opportunities—like Florida’s Solar Energy Loan Fund (SELF) and federal clean energy incentives—for households and leaders to build healthier, more sustainable communities together.If you care about coastal resilience, community planning (Walton 2040), and our future, this episode is for you.

What if a theater could do more than entertain—what if it could connect an entire community? That’s exactly what Anna Fisher, Associate Artistic Director of the Emerald Coast Theatre Company, is doing in Walton County. Since 2012, Anna has helped grow ECTC from a small after-school program into a thriving professional theatre that now spans Walton County—from their headquarters in Miramar Beach at Grand Boulevard, to the historic theater in DeFuniak Springs, and most recently, to Freeport. ECTC is bringing children, families, and neighbors together through the magic of live performance. In this episode, we connect you with Anna to hear her story, the vision behind the theatre, and why being part of this community is an experience you won’t want to miss.

This episode is all about the power of coming together—about what can happen when business owners stop seeing each other as competition and start seeing each other as community. At the heart of that mission in Freeport, Florida, is the Freeport Merchant Association—and at the heart of that is today’s guest, William “Bill” Blanken.Bill is a business strategist, a leadership developer, and the current president of the Freeport Merchant Association. He brings decades of experience in organizational growth and team-building, and he’s using that to help shape a more connected, more collaborative Freeport business community.In this episode, we’ll talk about what the association is doing, how local businesses are lifting each other up, and why collaboration isn’t just good for your bottom line—it’s good for the soul of your city.Whether you’re a business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just someone who wants to see your hometown thrive, this one’s for you.Let’s dive in and connect with Bill Blanken.

Some say the South is all sweet tea and front porch stories, but if you’ve read F. Diane Pickett’s work, you know better. Her novels don’t just whisper Southern history—they grab you by the collar and drag you through the grit, grace, and downright fight of strong-willed women who refuse to be tamed. Today, we sit down with the legendary storyteller, preservationist, and force of nature herself—Diane Pickett. Diane is a woman who doesn’t just tell history—she shapes it. Her latest book, while marketed as fiction, is rooted in real-life events and serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of women's progress.Our discussion also delves into the importance of preserving Southern culture, history, and etiquette, with Diane emphasizing the loss of traditional courtesies in the digital age. She passionately speaks about the upcoming "Summit on the Circle" in DeFuniak Springs, a three-day event celebrating Southern heritage through live music, art demonstrations, storytelling, and even a pig roast. She highlights the significance of historic preservation, her partnership with the University of West Florida, and her vision for bringing cultural and economic revitalization to the town.Diane also shares her admiration for Tony Vallee, a city council candidate dedicated to preservation efforts, and an invitation to meet him on her front porch. How Southern! So grab your sweet tea and connect with  Diane Pickett in this episode of the HWY 331 podcast. I am your host, Kerri Parker.The Tea Wasn't Always Sweet on AmazonSummit on the Circle Details and TicketsSunbright Inn, Hotel DeFuniak, Sweet Southern Comfort, Tim Jackson's Storytellers Tour, HWY 331 Newsletter Sign Up

We connect the people who live, work, and play in Walton County. In this episode we’re talking about one of our absolute favorite traditions—the Seaside Race Weekend—and kicking it off with one of the best culinary events in Walton County, The Taste of the Race!TheSeaside School Half Marathon & 5K is the longest-running race in Walton County, and over the years, it has become a huge part of many local’s stories… From volunteering, to exhibiting goods and services -  to running their first race. But before we lace up for race day, we kick things off in the best way possible—withTaste of the Race! This event is an incredible celebration offood, community, and competition, featuring some of the best chefs on the Gulf Coast. It’s the perfect way to fuel up, toast to the weekend ahead, and support the oldest operating Charter school in Florida - the Seaside School - here in Walton County. Today, we’re joined byTeresa Horton, Executive Director of the Seaside School Foundation, to talk about what makes this event so special and how you can be a part of it. So let’s dive in and connect you! 

In this episode of the HWY 331 podcast, we continue our conversation with Anthony Vallée, City Councilman and member of the Transportation Planning Organization. Vallée discusses the importance of: Zoning Diversity: DeFuniak Springs needs a variety of zones (rural, suburban, and urban) to accommodate different lifestyles. Rural areas offer more freedom but fewer services, while urban areas provide greater access to amenities and infrastructure. Preserving DeFuniak Springs' Identity: Development should reflect the town's unique character and heritage, avoiding the generic roadside development seen in many other places. Protecting Property Values: Rules and regulations, while sometimes unpopular, are essential for preserving and even increasing property values. Community Involvement: Residents need to be active participants in shaping the future of DeFuniak Springs. Vallée highlights several upcoming projects and initiatives: Safe Streets for All (SS4A): A grant to develop a safety action plan, allowing the city to address specific safety concerns and apply for funding to fix problems. Reconnecting Communities: A federal grant focused on improving access along the railroad tracks, impacting areas like Baldwin, downtown, and Dorsey. Sun Trail Project: A state-funded project to create multi-use paths, potentially connecting DeFuniak Springs to a larger regional trail network. Trail Town Designation: An effort to establish DeFuniak Springs as a trail town, capitalizing on its proximity to Eglin Air Force Base and other trails. Veterans Memorial Trail: A proposal to create a network of smaller memorials along the East-West Connector, honoring veterans from all branches. Complete Streets: An initiative to make Highway 90 more pedestrian-friendly, revitalizing the north side of downtown. Vallée emphasizes the need for community input and encourages listeners to connect with him through ⁠the city website⁠ or email to share their ideas and concerns.  So Listen in and Connect with Anthony Vallee.

This is the first of a special two-part episode, where we connect you  with architect and DeFuniak Springs city councilman Anthony Vallée. With over 25 years of experience and a deep commitment to community, Anthony brings an inspiring perspective on the intersection of architecture, public service, and perseverance. He shares his passion for design, a legacy sparked by his parents, as well as insights into the intricate balancing act required to lead arduous projects. In part one of this episode, Anthony talks about the sales tax opportunity we missed that would have helped speed up and fund projects. He focuses on looking ahead with pedestrian safety projects underway to help all of our community - from the young to the young at heart.  Join us for both episodes. You won’t want to miss his insights on creating lasting impact, especially if you're passionate about local progress and resilient planning. Business Website: http://www.mvr.design

In this episode of the HWY 331 podcast, host Kerri Parker delves into the life of aviation pioneer Jackie Cochran, exploring her groundbreaking achievements and the efforts of a creative team dedicated to reviving her legacy through a documentary. Featuring insights from playwright Nancy Hasty, cinematographer Jessica Plowden Anderson, Dave King, President of the SOWAL Foundation and founder of SOWAL House and artist Ray Houseknecht, the conversation highlights the challenges of bringing historical narratives to life and the importance of fostering a creative community in Walton County. The discussion also emphasizes the significance of local stories and their potential to resonate on a global scale. SOWAL Foundation Website

In this episode of the HWY 331 podcast, Kerri Parker interviews the director of the Walton County Emergency Management, Jeff Goldberg. They discuss the importance of coordination and preparedness in emergency management. The director highlights the need for internal coordination with partner agencies, as well as public outreach and education. Jeff Goldberg emphasizes the importance of community involvement and volunteer programs, such as the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and the Hurricane H-E-R program for young women. Walton County Emergency Management Website

In this episode, we are connecting listeners to Dr. Nguyen, the Chief Executive Officer of North Walton Doctors Hospital opening later this spring in Defuniak Springs, Florida.

Get to know the City of Freeport Events & Recreation Coordinator, Anne McKenzie. In this episode, Anne helps Hwy 331 listeners get up to speed on the busy upcoming events season. We discuss details about the Trunk or Treat on October 28th, Freeport Bayfest on November 4th, and the Christmas activities happening on December 2nd that culminate into a festive Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony at City Hall. You can get more event details on HWY 331.com Events Calendar or on the City of Freeport website.

Two-time Grammy nominated Tim Jackson is a Walton County resident and five decade veteran musician, songwriter, and performer. Tim brings national recording artists to DeFuniak Springs, Florida with his Storytellers Tour. In this first episode of HWY 331, Tim refers to the many performances at Florida Chautauqua Theater and how the quaint town of Defuniak Springs inspires songwriters to come back time and time again to the welcoming town;  writing lyrics about train tracks, food trucks and a perfectly round spring-fed lake, unique to DeFuniak Springs. https://hwy331.com/timjackson/

Launching September 1, 2023 - Be sure to listen weekly on your favorite streaming platform. The HWY 331 Podcast will focus on events, businesses and lifestyles north of the bay in Walton County, Florida.  The weekly podcast will share interviews and stories of folks who invest their time in our community, making it a great place to live, work and play. Check out HWY331.com where you can share community news about our surrounding cities and neighborhoods connected by Hwy. 331. Business owners are invited to collaborate in opportunities to be in the spotlight on HWY331.com and featured on the podcast. Photo essays and stories with sharable content will help spread awareness about their business among the people they serve.  Bringing the community together for events, Hwy331.com will also provide a free tool for event planners - allowing them to submit event details for display and distribution.  For more information about HWY331.com and our podcast, send an email to info@hwy331.com or call 850-543-8690.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hwy331/message

What if the most profound detour of your beach vacation... was a perfect circle?Not metaphorically. A literal, spring-fed, mathematically rare, perfectly round lake...hidden just off HWY 331.Victorian homes. A downtown where you cross the tracks into something authentic. This isn’t just a place. It’s a pattern. Of stillness. Of return. Of history, art, and the kind of beauty you don’t scroll past—you walk through.On this episode of the HWY 331 podcast – Lake DeFuniak. A circle worth circling back for!It’s a quick listen—and it just might become the most meaningful part of your beach vacation.

There was a time when live music in Walton County was a well-kept secret. No flashy promotions, no social media hype—just word of mouth, a little bit of luck, and the magic of being in the right place at the right time. And at the heart of it all? Hubba Hubba. In this episode we dive deep into Walton County  music scene’s roots with two key players from this legendary band—John Reinlie and Bill Garrett. Learn about the reunion on February 9th to include Duke Bardwell, Case Cooper and many others at The Red Bar 30th Anniversary Super Bowl Party.  The best part? It’s all packed into a 30-minute episode—just long enough for your countywide ride on HWY 331! Don’t miss it!

In this episode we connect you with Chef Jim Richard. It’s January in Walton County, and we cannot think of a more relevant subject than music - more specifically live music in Walton County. And while you may know Chef Jim Richard for his culinary expertise - the locals know how instrumental he has been in nurturing our unique  live music community. As the founder of Stinky’s Fish Camp and Stinky’s Bait Shack on the west side of 30A, Jim has spent decades building -lifting up local musicians - not only by hosting live music daily at his award-winning music venues but helping them stay employed in slow seasons. He inspired other business owners to make live music a part of their mix - creating an unusual culture where live music is almost always free to experience. Sometimes a standard that makes ticketed events a hard sell for locals. If you don’t know,  Stinky’s Bait Shack is a renowned music venue doubling as a live bait and tackle shop, breakfast stop, and full bar unlike anything else in Walton County or Northwest Florida for that matter.  We are grateful that he has taken a detour from his crazy schedule to talk to us today about Swamp Writers Music Fest, a microfestival that started 15 years ago and runs mostly simultaneously to the prestigious 30A Songwriters Festival beginning next week in mid January. We learn about how it all began and get a sense for his passions - and we find out how he plans to spend some of his time now that he's passed the torch to new owners. Fasten your seatbelt, turn up the volume and get connected with a local icon, Chef Jim Richard. Trenasse Restaurant in New Orleans

In this episode we connect you with Kim Wennerberg, a tried and true local and real estate broker in Walton County. Kim  shares her experiences and insights on the community and her career. She discusses the importance of connections and community involvement, as well as the role of faith in her work. Kim also addresses the recent changes in the real estate industry. If you know Kim, you probably know about her recent diagnosis of breast Cancer. She dives into her diagnosis and shares the early stages of her treatment journey. Her transparency is a sincere outreach for others who may feel alone in their journey.  Learn more about Kim & Company on her website, Connectwithkim.com

Grit and Grace is a theatrical performance that aims to entertain and create a connection between generations. The show has been running since 2000 and this year will be the 22nd performance series. Each season a new script is crafted through interviews about folks in Walton County. In this episode of the HWY 331 podcast we connect you with Latilda Hughes-Neel, president and producer of Grit & Grace and the show's playwright and director, Nancy Hasty. The cast includes a wide range of ages, from 8 to 97, and people with diverse abilities and talents. Grit and Grace relies on community support. So listen in - get connected and show up for this live theater performance! The show opens July 19  with four total performances, including one in South Walton. Get performance details and learn more about Grit & Grace on their website.