Claire Jones

As baby season approaches, experts are ensuring the public knows the steps to take in the case they find a baby wild animal.

The tradition dates back to when firefighters used horses to pull fire equipment.

“We were officially started for our community, so to be able to serve our community has been a tremendous effort on everyone’s part to make this an amazing community hospital.”

If you find yourself in Seaside, take a moment to stop into Florida’s favorite bookstore and find your next favorite book.

“It can happen anywhere anytime, so the most important thing we’re going to do is keep our things secured and locked up."

“What are some things we need to do to prevent loss of life, prevent damage to property, and prevent damage to the environment?

Representatives from the City of DeFuniak Springs and the City of Freeport, the Walton County Economic Development Alliance, and the Triumph Board were there to announce the completion of the project.

”I’m really proud to belong to an agency that is an advocate for our community and realizes that this piece of equipment can make a huge difference in outcomes, which is what we’re here for.”

For Bay District Schools, the numbers didn’t show what officials said they hoped to see, but they say the district is still on the right track.

“We want to do everything we can to help connect job seekers with our top employers and our community.”

Walton County Fire Rescue has been stretched thin since the only hospital in the district, the HealthMark Regional Medical Center, closed its emergency room doors in March 2022.

"While we do have fewer servers working, we have enough other opportunities here for them.”

Teens arrested for breaking into multiple churches.

"I think they’ll be a great addition to their force.”

“We want people to be safe, make it where they’re going safe, and not have that chance of hurting them self or someone else by driving impaired or distracted”

“He just had this personality that just glowed, and he always smiled.”

Members of the community showed their support and appreciation as the motorcade made its journey from Pensacola to the Emerald Coast Funeral Home in Fort Walton Beach.

“It’s been a Christmas blessing. Walton County and everyone in it has come through."

Officials told NewsChannel 7 if you receive a call from someone asking for money, take cautionary steps to confirm who it is.

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office and the Walton County Fire Rescue have been collecting toy and monetary donations for weeks for their Santa Patrol program. When Monday rolled around, it was finally time to give them out.

Shelter staff told NewsChannel 7 more than 200 animals have come through their door in recent weeks. They said they need supplies and helping hands in order to keep up.

Freeport Christmas Angels board members told NewsChannel 7 the toys left over from the distribution will go towards other toy drives in the area, including the Walton County Sheriff’s Santa Patrol.

According to WCSO, a mother and her boyfriend were arrested after abducting six children and fleeing the state of Ohio.

The Walton County Fire Rescue used to take many emergencies to Healthmark, but they have had to adapt since the emergency room’s closure.

“Now that I’ve accomplished something, I can see the goals and I can keep chasing it."

The idea is for park patrons to walk around the trail while reading the story.

Not only will this new ambulance be useful in rescuing sick and injured wildlife, but it will also be an essential tool in educating the community.

With U.S. Highway 98 dividing the area between many homes and businesses, locals told NewsChannel 7 they are excited to bring them all together.

“I think desire, passion, and just ambition and tenacity is what this position is all about.”

The Freeport community is rallying behind one local non-profit that is dedicated to making sure all the kids in the Freeport area have a merry holiday season.

Facility staff told NewsChannel 7 taking little steps like this program will not only help transform the lives of inmates, but in turn, help the community thrive.

Despite the dreary weather, local and out-of-town vendors set up along Baldwin Avenue to share their products, most of them hand-crafted, and to help get the town in the holiday spirit.

“I’ll have people stop me all the time and say, ‘is that a horse on the beach?’”

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office recently teamed up with a local rental company to create a video to educate everyone on the road about LSV safety and laws.

With the holiday season upon us, people are gearing up to celebrate with friends and family and staying toasty while it gets colder outside. But it’s important to keep some things in mind during this time.

Officials report the hack may have impacted patient information.

All proceeds go to multiple different charities, many of which benefit local first responders who are recovering from work-related injuries.

Despite the cold and dreary weather, attendees enjoyed food, lassoing lessons with cowboys, a petting zoo, face paint and more.

The goal is to help instructors get their live fire training certifications so they can go back to their own agencies and train new firefighters.

Walton County Sheriff's Office has released the name of the armed suspect that was killed in a deputy-involved shooting at Miramar Beach.

Governor Ron DeSantis held a press conference on Tuesday (11/15) announcing the launch of an education initiative involving military families.

All 67 Florida school districts are evaluated and graded on test scores, student-to-teacher ratio, class sizes, and budgeting.

Many employers nationwide are still struggling to find workers, including the Walton Correctional Facility.

The event is free, and everyone in the area and beyond is encouraged to attend.

The fluctuating gas prices has some drivers considering other options.

The building has been vacant since it was damaged four years ago in Hurricane Michael. However, officials told NewsChannel 7 there were plans in the works to move the juvenile courthouse well before the storm.

The school auditorium has been transformed into a haunted maze, and students dress up to perform along the path.

“We have some days where we receive close to 150 surrender pet notifications of people wanting us to take their animals for them.”

Officials said the goal is to relieve drivers of that traffic headache.

A majority of people in Walton County, visitors and locals alike, are here for the beaches. Now, one area along the coast is easier for everyone to access and enjoy.