HWY 331

DO GOOD MEDIA
  • 5.0 (7)
  • NEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
HWY 331

Starting SEPTEMBER 2023 HWY 331 is a podcast focused on connecting the people who live, work and play in Walton County, Florida.

  1. MAY 26

    Connecting you with Lake DeFuniak

    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 past—you walk through. On this episode of the HWY 331 podcast – Lake DeFuniak. A circle worth circling back for! It’s a quick listen—and it just might become the most meaningful part of your beach vacation.

    7 min

  2. APR 13

    Connect with Bill Blanken, FMA President

    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 current president of the Freeport Merchant Association. He brings decades of experience in organizational growth and team-building, and he’s using that to help shape a more connected, more collaborative Freeport business community. In this episode, we’ll talk about what the association is doing, how local businesses are lifting each other up, and why collaboration isn’t just good for your bottom line—it’s good for the soul of your city. Whether you’re a business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just someone who wants to see your hometown thrive, this one’s for you. Let’s dive in and connect with Bill Blanken.

    34 min

  3. MAR 3

    Connect with Diane Pickett

    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—Diane Pickett. Diane is a woman who doesn’t just tell history—she shapes it.  Her latest book, while marketed as fiction, is rooted in real-life events and serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of women's progress. Our discussion also delves into the importance of preserving Southern culture, history, and etiquette, with Diane emphasizing the loss of traditional courtesies in the digital age. She passionately speaks about the upcoming "Summit on the Circle" in DeFuniak Springs, a three-day event celebrating Southern heritage through live music, art demonstrations, storytelling, and even a pig roast. She highlights the significance of historic preservation, her partnership with the University of West Florida, and her vision for bringing cultural and economic revitalization to the town. Diane also shares her admiration for Tony Vallee, a city council candidate dedicated to preservation efforts, and an invitation to meet him on her front porch. How Southern!  So grab your sweet tea and connect with  Diane Pickett in this episode of the HWY 331 podcast. I am your host, Kerri Parker. The Tea Wasn't Always Sweet on Amazon Summit on the Circle Details and Tickets Sunbright Inn, Hotel DeFuniak, Sweet Southern Comfort, Tim Jackson's Storytellers Tour, HWY 331 Newsletter Sign Up

    34 min

  4. FEB 9

    Connect you with Teresa Horton: Taste of the Race

    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! TheSeaside School Half Marathon & 5K is the longest-running race in Walton County, and over the years, it has become a huge part of many local’s stories… From volunteering, to exhibiting goods and services -  to running their first race.  But before we lace up for race day, we kick things off in the best way possible—withTaste of the Race! This event is an incredible celebration offood, community, and competition, featuring some of the best chefs on the Gulf Coast. It’s the perfect way to fuel up, toast to the weekend ahead, and support the oldest operating Charter school in Florida - the Seaside School - here in Walton County.  Today, we’re joined byTeresa Horton, Executive Director of the Seaside School Foundation, to talk about what makes this event so special and how you can be a part of it. So let’s dive in and connect you!

    17 min

  5. FEB 3

    Connect with John Reinlie and Bill Garrett

    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 Garrett. Learn about the reunion on February 9th to include Duke Bardwell, Case Cooper and many others at The Red Bar 30th Anniversary Super Bowl Party.  The best part? It’s all packed into a 30-minute episode—just long enough for your countywide ride on HWY 331! Don’t miss it!

    28 min

  6. JAN 11

    Connect with Chef Jim Richard

    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’s Bait Shack on the west side of 30A, Jim has spent decades building -lifting up local musicians - not only by hosting live music daily at his award-winning music venues but helping them stay employed in slow seasons. He inspired other business owners to make live music a part of their mix - creating an unusual culture where live music is almost always free to experience. Sometimes a standard that makes ticketed events a hard sell for locals. If you don’t know,  Stinky’s Bait Shack is a renowned music venue doubling as a live bait and tackle shop, breakfast stop, and full bar unlike anything else in Walton County or Northwest Florida for that matter.  We are grateful that he has taken a detour from his crazy schedule to talk to us today about Swamp Writers Music Fest, a microfestival that started 15 years ago and runs mostly simultaneously to the prestigious 30A Songwriters Festival beginning next week in mid January. We learn about how it all began and get a sense for his passions - and we find out how he plans to spend some of his time now that he's passed the torch to new owners. Fasten your seatbelt, turn up the volume and get connected with a local icon, Chef Jim Richard. Trenasse Restaurant in New Orleans

    34 min

  7. 11/18/2024

    Part Two: Connecting with Anthony Vallée

    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 greater access to amenities and infrastructure. Preserving DeFuniak Springs' Identity: Development should reflect the town's unique character and heritage, avoiding the generic roadside development seen in many other places. Protecting Property Values: Rules and regulations, while sometimes unpopular, are essential for preserving and even increasing property values. Community Involvement: Residents need to be active participants in shaping the future of DeFuniak Springs. Vallée highlights several upcoming projects and initiatives: Safe Streets for All (SS4A): A grant to develop a safety action plan, allowing the city to address specific safety concerns and apply for funding to fix problems. Reconnecting Communities: A federal grant focused on improving access along the railroad tracks, impacting areas like Baldwin, downtown, and Dorsey. Sun Trail Project: A state-funded project to create multi-use paths, potentially connecting DeFuniak Springs to a larger regional trail network. Trail Town Designation: An effort to establish DeFuniak Springs as a trail town, capitalizing on its proximity to Eglin Air Force Base and other trails. Veterans Memorial Trail: A proposal to create a network of smaller memorials along the East-West Connector, honoring veterans from all branches. Complete Streets: An initiative to make Highway 90 more pedestrian-friendly, revitalizing the north side of downtown. Vallée emphasizes the need for community input and encourages listeners to connect with him through ⁠the city website⁠ or email to share their ideas and concerns.  So Listen in and Connect with Anthony Vallee.

    41 min

  8. 11/12/2024

    Connect with Anthony Vallée

    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 insights into the intricate balancing act required to lead arduous projects. In part one of this episode, Anthony talks about the sales tax opportunity we missed that would have helped speed up and fund projects. He focuses on looking ahead with pedestrian safety projects underway to help all of our community - from the young to the young at heart.  Join us for both episodes. You won’t want to miss his insights on creating lasting impact, especially if you're passionate about local progress and resilient planning. Business Website: http://www.mvr.design

    41 min
See All (23)

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Starting SEPTEMBER 2023 HWY 331 is a podcast focused on connecting the people who live, work and play in Walton County, Florida.

Information

  • Creator
    DO GOOD MEDIA
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © DO GOOD MEDIA
  • Show Website
    HWY 331

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada