HWY 331

Every community has stories worth preserving. Some are passed down around kitchen tables, shared on front porches, or remembered at family reunions. Others find new life on stage. In this episode of the HWY 331 Podcast, Kerri Parker sits down with award-winning playwright and director Nancy Hasty and producer and musical director Latilda Hughes-Neel to explore the heart behind Holding Our Own, thi...

In this episode of the HWY 331 Podcast, host Kerri Parker sits down with Main Street DeFuniak Springs board member Bailey Rushing and Executive Director Jaden Broadway to explore what Main Street actually means, why downtown revitalization matters, and how community momentum is built one project at a time. From murals and beautification projects to volunteer challenges, historic preservation, econ...

Laurie Hood of Alaqua Animal Refuge joins the HWY 331 Podcast for an emotional and inspiring conversation about rescue, resilience, compassion, and second chances. Laurie shares the story behind Alaqua’s beginnings, the national beagle rescue effort that captured headlines, the emotional toll of animal rescue work, and her vision for creating a sanctuary that heals both animals and people.

Growth is one of the biggest stories in Walton County, but what happens behind the scenes often gets overlooked. In this episode of the HWY 331 Podcast, Kerri Parker sits down with Marina Khoury of DPZ CoDesign to unpack Walton 2040, the county’s long range planning process that helps shape how Walton County grows in the years ahead. They explore what Walton 2040 really means for residents, why pl...

In this episode of the HWY 331 Podcast, host Kerri Parker sits down with Diane Pickett, the founder and visionary behind Summit on the Circle—an immersive cultural event returning April 23–26 in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. Now in its second year, Summit on the Circle brings together nationally recognized performers, scholars, artists, and civic leaders for a four-day experience centered around stor...

This episode of the HWY 331, we connect you to Parker McClellan as he explains the rapid growth of  Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport . From new nonstop flights to a major terminal expansion, Executive Director Parker McClellan shares what it means for travel, tourism, and the future of Northwest Florida.

Every Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend since 2010, the  30A Songwriters Festival  has turned South Walton’s quiet winter season into a destination built around music, storytelling, and community. On this episode of the HWY 331 Podcast, host Kerri Parker sits down with festival producers Jennifer Steele and Russell Carter to reflect on 17 years of a songwriter-focused festival that has become a cultu...

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 th...

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...

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 visit...

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 protecti...

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 pa...

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 c...

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—Di...

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! The Seaside School Half Marathon & 5K is the longest-running race in Walton County, and over the years, it has become a huge part of...

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...

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...

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...

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 ins...

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 SO...

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...

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 &...

In this episode we connect your with Tracy Louthain. She is championing the Anchored in Freeport Art in Public Spaces Project. The project aims to bring art to public spaces in the town by placing concrete cast anchors decorated by local artists throughout the city. The project is a collaboration between the city of Freeport, the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, Walton County Tourism and l...

In this episode we connect listeners to Leigh Moore, executive director of Scenic Walton. We discuss the mission of Scenic Walton and projects this worthy nonprofit organization is currently focused on; while elevating safety and beauty for all of Walton County. So tune in and get connected with Leigh Moore. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and SHARE what connects with you!  You can si...

In this episode we connect HWY 331 listeners with Josh Ervin, the executive director of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) in Defuniak Springs. The CRA is responsible for addressing blight and promoting redevelopment in the community. The CRA offers grants to property owners to make improvements to their homes or parcels. The CRA aims to improve the overall quality of life in DeFuniak Spring...