Defuniak Springs Day News
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Administration

HA
Harvey WaldenCommunity Member
4 days ago

The Walton County Administrative Office is led by County Administrator Brian Kellenberger

The Walton County Administrative Office is led by County Administrator Brian Kellenberger All aspects of Administration are directed to promote and manage the County's assets. Administration takes its direction from the Board of County Commissioners and is charged with carrying out their policies and directions.

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Community Remembrances

Line Dancing for Adults 50+ at the Recreation Complex

1 day ago

"Line Dancing Date: Thursday, April 2, 2026 Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Location: DeFuniak Springs Recreation Complex Details: Adults 50+ are invited to Line Dancing!"

Sunshine Ceramics Event for Adults 50+ at Rec Complex

1 day ago

"Sunshine Ceramics Date: Thursday, April 2, 2026 Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Location: DeFuniak Springs Recreation Complex Details: Adults 50+ are invited to Sunshine Ceramics!"

Walton County TDC Meeting Scheduled for July 8

1 day ago

"Notice is hereby given that the Walton County Tourist Development Council (TDC) will hold its regular meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, July 8, 2024, at the South Walton Courthouse Annex located at 31 Coastal Centre Boulevard, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459. The purpose of this meeting is to conduct regular TDC business. This meeting is open to the public."

Walton County to Hold Public Hearing on Land Development Code Amendment

1 day ago

"NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Walton County will hold a public hearing to consider the following request: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE SECTION 4.03.02, TABLE 4.03.02.B, TO UPDATE AND CLARIFY PERMITTED AND CONDITIONAL USES WITHIN THE CONSERVATION (CON) ZONING DISTRICT; PROVIDING FOR FINDINGS OF FACT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The public hearing will be held on June 11, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. at the South Walton Annex, located at 31 Coastal Centre Boulevard, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Interested parties are invited to attend and provide comment. The ordinance and supporting documentation are available for review at the Walton County Planning Department, 76 North Sixth Street, DeFuniak Springs, Florida, and online at www.waltoncountyfl.gov."

Resolution 2025-58 Permit Fee Abatement

4 days ago

"Walton County Board of County Commissioners RESOLUTION NO. 2025-58 A RESOLUTION OF THE WALTON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TO ESTABLISH GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES FOR PERMIT FEE ABATEMENTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the Walton County Board of County Commissioners (hereinafter referred to as the "Board") has the authority to establish and amend fees for various services and permits within Walton County; and WHEREAS, the Board recognizes that certain circumstances may warrant the abatement, reduction, or waiver of permit fees to promote economic development, address public welfare, or provide relief in specific situations; and WHEREAS, the Board desires to establish clear and consistent guidelines and procedures for the consideration and approval of such permit fee abatements to ensure fairness and transparency; and WHEREAS, the Board has determined that the adoption of this Resolution is in the best interest of the citizens of Walton County. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE WALTON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS: SECTION 1. AUTHORITY. This Resolution is adopted pursuant to the authority granted to the Board under Florida law, including but not limited to Chapter 125, Florida Statutes. SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS. For the purpose of this Resolution, the following definitions shall apply: (a) "Permit Fee" shall mean any fee, charge, or cost imposed by Walton County for the issuance of any permit, license, or approval required for any construction, development, business activity, or other regulated action within the unincorporated areas of Walton County. (b) "Abatement" shall mean the complete waiver or reduction of a Permit Fee. (c) "Applicant" shall mean any individual, business, organization, or entity seeking an Abatement of a Permit Fee. (d) "County" shall mean Walton County, Florida. SECTION 3. GROUNDS FOR PERMIT FEE ABATEMENT. The Board may consider an Abatement of a Permit Fee on a case-by-case basis under the following circumstances: (a) Public Benefit Projects: Projects that provide a significant and demonstrable public benefit to the citizens of Walton County, such as affordable housing initiatives, public infrastructure improvements not otherwise funded, or community services. (b) Economic Development Initiatives: Projects that are projected to create a substantial number of jobs, significantly increase the County's tax base, or foster significant new business investment within Walton County, as determined by the Board. (c) Hardship or Unforeseen Circumstances: Situations where an Applicant demonstrates an extreme and unforeseen financial hardship that would prevent the project from proceeding without fee relief, or where natural disasters or other extraordinary events have created unique circumstances. (d) Other Good Cause: Any other reason deemed by the Board, in its sole discretion, to be sufficient to warrant an Abatement of a Permit Fee. SECTION 4. PROCEDURES FOR REQUESTING ABATEMENT. (a) Application: Any Applicant seeking an Abatement of a Permit Fee shall submit a written request to the Walton County Building Department or the relevant County department responsible for the permit. The request shall include, at a minimum: 1. Applicant's name, address, and contact information. 2. A clear description of the project for which the permit is sought. 3. The specific Permit Fee(s) for which Abatement is requested. 4. Detailed justification for the requested Abatement, supported by documentation as outlined in Section 3. 5. Any other information the County may reasonably require. (b) Review: Upon receipt of a complete written request, the relevant County department shall review the application for completeness and preliminary eligibility. The department may provide a recommendation to the Board. (c) Board Consideration: All requests for Permit Fee Abatement shall be presented to the Board for consideration. The Board reserves the right to approve, deny, or modify any requested Abatement. The Board may request additional information or testimony from the Applicant. (d) Approval: Any approved Abatement shall be documented in writing and shall be reflected in the final permit fee assessment. The Board may impose conditions on any approved Abatement. SECTION 5. NO GUARANTEE OF ABATEMENT. Submission of a request for Permit Fee Abatement does not guarantee approval. The Board shall have sole discretion in determining whether to grant an Abatement. SECTION 6. SEVERABILITY. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Resolution is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Resolution. SECTION 7. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the Walton County Board of County Commissioners. ADOPTED this ______ day of ____________, 2025. ATTEST: _____________________________ George W. "Bless" Harrison, Jr. County Administrator WALTON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS By: _____________________________ Chairperson (Seal)"

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