HWY 331

Connect with Laurie Hood: Alaqua Animal Refuge

Laurie Hood of Alaqua Animal Refuge [https://alaqua.org]joins the HWY 331 Podcast for an emotional and inspiring conversation about rescue, resilience, compassion, and second chances. Laurie shares the story behind Alaqua’s beginnings, the national beagle rescue effort that captured headlines, the emotional toll of animal rescue work, and her vision for creating a sanctuary that heals both animals and people.

Connect with Marina Khoury, DPZ CoDesign

Growth is one of the biggest stories in Walton County, but what happens behind the scenes often gets overlooked. In this episode of the HWY 331 Podcast, Kerri Parker sits down with Marina Khoury of DPZ CoDesign [https://www.dpz.com]to unpack Walton 2040, the county’s long range planning process that helps shape how Walton County grows in the years ahead.They explore what Walton 2040 really means for residents, why planning matters to everyday quality of life, and how decisions made today could impact housing, roads, natural spaces, and community character tomorrow. Marina also explains the balance between conservation and development, projected population growth, and a proposed framework for where future growth should happen, where areas should be maintained, and what lands should be preserved. Most importantly, this conversation highlights why public involvement matters. Walton County residents currently have opportunities to learn more and participate in the Land Development Code rewrite process through upcoming Community Roundtable sessions. If you care about the future of Walton County, this episode is for you. Register for the Roundtable Workshops here. [https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/843b26b83dfb4f46b27c9777afa2ad25]

Connecting The Summit on the Circle with Diane Pickett

In this episode of the HWY 331 Podcast, host Kerri Parker sits down with Diane Pickett, the founder and visionary behind Summit on the Circle—an immersive cultural event returning April 23–26 in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. Now in its second year, Summit on the Circle brings together nationally recognized performers, scholars, artists, and civic leaders for a four-day experience centered around storytelling, music, art, and meaningful conversation. With themes tied to the 250th anniversary of the United States, this year’s Summit explores how culture shapes the American story; From indigenous voices and Gullah Geechee traditions to film, technology, and live performance. In this conversation, Diane shares the inspiration behind the Summit, why real-life gatherings matter more than ever, and how this event is helping spark a cultural reawakening in North Walton County. You’ll also learn what to expect throughout the weekend: from hands-on art workshops and historic home experiences to live music, interactive sessions, and a community-wide ice cream social by the lake. Whether you're local to the Florida Panhandle or planning a spring getaway, this episode gives you everything you need to know about one of the region’s most unique cultural events.  Tickets: $55 for the full weekend (Friday–Sunday programming) Location: Historic Lake DeFuniak & downtown DeFuniak SpringsDates: April 23–26, 2026 Review the Schedule here. [https://historicpensacola.org/defuniak-landmarks/summit-on-the-circle/agenda/] Purchase tickets online [https://ecom.roller.app/uwfhistorictrust/summitonthecircle/en-us/home] or at check-in Friday morning at the Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood. This episode is made possible by Ocean Reef Resorts [https://www.oceanreefresorts.com], Morgan Stanley, and North Walton Doctors Hospital [https://nwdhospital.com].

Connect with Parker McClellan, NWFL Beaches Intl. Airport

This episode of the HWY 331, we connect you to Parker McClellan as he explains the rapid growth of Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport [https://www.iflybeaches.com]. From new nonstop flights to a major terminal expansion, Executive Director Parker McClellan shares what it means for travel, tourism, and the future of Northwest Florida.

Connecting you with 30A Songwriters Festival Producers Jennifer Steele and Russell Carter

Every Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend since 2010, the 30A Songwriters Festival  [https://www.30asongwritersfestival.com]has turned South Walton’s quiet winter season into a destination built around music, storytelling, and community. On this episode of the HWY 331 Podcast, host Kerri Parker sits down with festival producers Jennifer Steele and Russell Carter to reflect on 17 years of a songwriter-focused festival that has become a cultural and economic cornerstone for Walton County. They share how intentional curation, in-the-round performances, and deep community partnerships shaped the festival — and why its partnership with the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County is essential to sustaining year-round arts programming. The conversation also offers insider insight into the 2026 lineup and what first-time attendees can expect from a weekend that transforms neighborhoods, venues, and listening rooms into an immersive musical experience — drawing visitors not for the weather, but for the music.