Comprehensive Plan

Building along Scenic Hwy 30A is controlled by the Walton County Comprehensive Plan. This plan restricts building new developments to four stories or less. (Two high-rises in Seagrove are grandfathered.) What this means is that the density along this scenic corridor is restricted. Less density means less people on the beach, on the roads and in the restaurants. Paradise found.
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Coastal Dune Lakes

Walton County also has the distinction of being one of a very few places on earth to have dune lakes. Described by the Florida Natural Area Inventory as ?extremely rare,? 16 such lakes exist in Walton County. Exclusive to the U.S., other than Walton County, dune lakes are only found on the island nation of Madagascar, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Northwest.

Dune lakes are distinctive in that they have characteristics of both fresh and saltwater habitats. Formed as much as 10 thousand years ago by wind, these lakes are hidden behind dunes that often grow to over 30 feet high, producing hollow, arid regions that fill with rain and ground water. Shallow passes form as the lakes overflow linking them to the open Gulf. Salt water mingles with fresh water, continually mixing the two creating a unique ecosystem.

When the water level, through rain or other inflow, reaches a certain critical height, the lake will "blow out" and release its water into the gulf. At that point, sea water may enter to create an estuary. After the lake water level subsides, the connection to the gulf will disappear until the lake is ready to discharge once more. These fragile ecosystems are an important source of freshwater to migrating birds and other beach organisms.

South Walton dune lakes include:

? Stewart
? Horseshoe
? Fuller
? Morris
? Campbell
? Stallworth
? Allen
? Oyster
? Draper
? Big Red Fish
? Little Red Fish
? Alligator
? Western (Grayton)
? Eastern
? Camp Creek
? Lake Powell
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Sea Turtles

Sea Turtles live in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and nest along South Walton's beaches from May through August. Of the eight species worldwide, five are found in the state of Florida. Beaches of South Walton has also taken action through scientific and grass roots efforts to protect endangered species including the Loggerhead and Green Sea Turtles. The South Walton Turtle Watch program locates turtle nests and protects them until hatching. Lights along the beachfront, which are coded to be less harmful to sea turtles, are a key part of the ongoing recovery effort. Artificial beachfront lights can attract hatchlings, causing them to crawl away from the water into the dunes where they could be exposed to predators or end up on a highway. Scientists, residents and scores of volunteers help to preserve the species by monitoring the nests, walking the beach at night, and monitoring the lighting so the hatchlings won't get confused and become stranded high above the sea

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Natural Communities are Popular Attractions

Beaches of South Walton is home to a variety of diverse ecological communities including beach dunes, mesic flatwoods, scrub, depression marshes, coastal dune lakes and estuarine marshes. Each natural community is home to a wide range of native animals and plant species. The importance of preserving local plant life is paramount to the look and feel of South Walton's communities. Many of the 13 beach communities are designed to fit, rather than intrude, into its coastal environment. Respecting the delicate balance with nature, many communities use native plants throughout their landscapes.

The majority of untouched land is dedicated to state parks, forests and preserves. For those who prefer hiking and biking over soaking up the sun, the area offers an abundance of nature trails and bike paths. An 18-mile bike path stretches from Blue Mountain Beach to Inlet Beach, and miles of nature trails traverse the area's five state parks. Topsail Hill State Preserve, named for its 25-foot-high sand dune, is thought to be the most pristine and environmentally protected piece of coastal property in Florida. Visitors can hike to the park's highest point for a bird's-eye view of the Gulf of Mexico, rare coastal dune lakes and bald cypress swamps. Topsail Hill State Preserve is also known for its 14 unique plant communities. In fact, there are five rare plants in the Florida Panhandle that only flourish in the preserve. The park is also home to white-tailed deer, foxes, raccoons and coyotes.

With average temperatures of 68 degrees in the winter and 74 degrees in the spring, wildflowers bloom every day of the year. Gulf Coast Lupine, a rare and endangered plant growing near the beach, sends up its striking bloom of blue spikes in the spring. In the fall, the sand hills explode again with the beautiful splendor of wildflowers including golden aster. Attracted to these golden flowers, Monarch Butterflies make their annual fall migration along the Gulf Coast to Mexico each year.

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Monarch Butterfly

What does Walton County share with Mexico?
We are both on the migration route of the Monarch butterfly! In the fall of each year, millions of bright orange and black Monarchs cross through our county to begin their journey across the Gulf of Mexico to their winter home in Mexico!
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Shop until you drop.

What does Walton County have that you would also find in Beverly Hills?

Fantastic designer shopping! You will find bargains galore at the largest upscale designer outlet in the United States, Silver Sands Factory Outlets. We also have an abundance of art galleries and antique shops to give you a reason to shop until you drop!Although not on Scenic Hwy 30A - it is close. http://www.silversandsoutlet.com