Locals look back and forward: From the serious to the tongue in cheek, predictions abound for South Walton's future

As we kiss one decade goodbye and usher in another, some locals are reflecting on the changes they have seen over past years and making predictions for coming ones.

When Lane and Brenda Rees moved here a little over 10 years ago, there was no high school in South Walton. Their daughter, Lauren, graduated from Freeport.

There was no hospital in South Walton and air transportation took about an hour either to Panama City or Fort Walton Beach.

For all county services, one had to travel to DeFuniak Springs. 

The 10 years since the new millennium has brought a South Walton High School, Sacred Heart Hospital, a new airport in Bay County, which will greatly reduce transportation time to South Walton, and numerous Walton County government buildings — a Sheriff’s Office sub-station, Coastal Branch Library, South Walton Annex, and a Public Health building.

“I am looking forward for the next 10 years,” said Rees, an area historian. “We will retain some uniqueness and green beauty due to having nearly 50 percent of South Walton preserved by state and county ownership, and a 50-foot height limit for construction in our piece of paradise, allowing more to see the gulf and bay. 

“Through efforts of the Scenic Corridor Association, Scenic Corridor Foundation, multiple individuals and groups on 30A, and a new one formed in Miramar Beach off Scenic Gulf Drive, we will see greater awareness and appreciation of preserving the picturesque area. Further, I predict we will be incorporated as South Walton Beaches or something similar.”

Former Tourist Development Council head Jeffrey Ellis has also seen a lot of changes over the past decade, not the least of which has been the arrival of franchise restaurants in South Walton. 

“My wife and I make an extra effort to frequent the original ‘mom and pop’ South Walton restaurants as much as possible — to help that genre of restaurants prosper,” said Ellis. “I think you will see many more restaurant franchises setting up business in South Walton in the coming years. As a native Floridian, I still like those real Florida-based seafood houses with fresh-caught fish the best. Nothing beats Apalachicola oysters, Cedar Key stone crabs and clams, and Destin red snapper and triggerfish.”

David Bludworth, a retired lawyer and longtime Grayton Beach resident, has seen growth of all kinds in his years here. He took time to make some predictions also — some serious and some seriously tongue-in-cheek.

“Our prime need is to get a new bridge adjacent to the current bay bridge on 331 and leave the old bridge for emergency use and recreational fishing. 

“Trams will ferry folks and their beach items back and forth from off-site parking areas to the beach. Unfortunately, in-home communication devices reduce social and personal contact with other humans, but reduces traffic problems for those who still want to meet and go greet. 

“It’s the coming home delivery world for everything with a bit of Déjà vu as Publix trucks deliver groceries and milk like in olden times. 

“The University of North Florida wins its first BCS championship with an undefeated team made up of great players from Okaloosa, Walton and Bay counties alone. 

“Three beach mice are supposedly spotted sunning near Ed Walline Park, resulting in a crowd of 200 or 300 gathering for a chance to see one. 

“No problem with bicyclers or runners since all is now done virtually, as is education. 

“There is no library, as all is online with home readers. 

“The Red Bar is now a historical site with four public parking places. It does provide grits in lieu of home fries on Thursday between 6:15 and 7:05 p.m. 

“Newspaper boxes are now a sought-after antique item since the demise of paper issues. 

 “The beach still has white sand and AEA holidays for spring break. 

“Someone will net a blue crab and catch a red snapper, which are now limited to one per month. 

“Life will be good in South Walton because most of these changes will be adapted with the usual slow grace of its native population,” said Bludworth.