HWY 331

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 Springs and create a sense of pride in the community.

You can learn more about the CRA and find grant application information on their website.

Josh Ervin, (850) 951 -3054

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 connect with Teresa Horton, Executive Director of the Seaside School Foundation. 

We discuss the Seaside Race Weekend as a crucial fundraising event for the Seaside School Foundation, supporting both the Seaside Neighborhood School and the Seacoast Collegiate High School program. The upcoming race weekend officially starts Feb 15th. We also discuss the open enrollment process and we touch on the expansion project for Seacoast Collegiate High School.

So listen in and connect with what Teresa Horton has to say!

Seaside School Website

Seaside Race Website

In this episode, we speak to Florida’s Superintendent of the Year, our very own Mr.  Russell Hughes, the Superintendent of Walton County School District. We discuss the district's achievements and the positive impact the district has on our community. As Walton County’s largest employer, we also discuss the need for bus drivers.

Walton County School District Ranks #2 in the State for Grades

Partners in Southern Sound Music Alliance, Jennifer Sundal and Naomi Alvarado help us to make a connection to the Walton County music scene. We talk about 30A Songwriters Festival, choosing venues and performances, a micro-festival happening simultaneously called Stinky’s Swamp Writers and how live music can bring energy, add economic, cultural and social significance for our community.

More about Southern Music Sound Alliance

More about Festivals

Online Auction supporting the CAA, Chris Alvarado Driftwood Guitars

In this episode we talk to Terry Mauer of Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of West Florida. While you may be familiar with the SBDC, what you may not know is that beyond start-up assistance, the SBDC offers free resources to help grow your business - and can even help with valuations and other services to sell your business. Listen in as we touch the surface on the how valuable the SBDC network of free consulting can help our community small businesses thrive. You can email Terry Mauer at [email protected]. More information at https://sbdc.uwf.edu/

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/