BARK PARK WILL NOT ROLL OVER Alaqua Refuge expresses interest. BCC APPROVES LONGLEAF PRESERVE Conservation development gets go-ahead pending state review. CDLAB MONTHLY MEETING Seeks special designation for lakes. SIGNS OF HISTORY AT CAMP HELEN Solar-powered signs educate visitors. RURAL RELIEF FUND SERVICES EXPAND USDA  Locals pitch in with food and labor.

By DOTTY NIST Longleaf Preserve, a large conservation development bordering Black Creek and the Nokuse Plantation private preservation/restoration area, was approved by the Walton County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) on Oct. 26. Lloyd Blue, one of the developers of Longleaf Preserve, presented plans to the BCC at the regular meeting on that date at [...]

By BRUCE COLLIER The carcasses of seven dogs, reportedly greyhounds, were found under a bridge near the Walton/Washington County line on Oct. 31. A Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) report stated that a tip drew Animal Control investigators to the spot.

By DOTTY NIST The Walton County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) opted not to proceed with an ordinance regulating short-term rentals of single-family detached residential homes, at least in the form brought before the officials on Oct. 26.

By DOTTY NIST It is now easier than ever for visitors to Camp Helen State Park to learn all about the property’s interesting history, due to the installation of new solar-powered signs in front of a number of  buildings in the park’s historic area.

By LEAH STRATMANN When the Rural Relief Fund was established earlier in the year, the initial plans were modest—feeding those in need. As the months have passed and the community has become more aware of the rural poor, more and more folks are pitching in to expand services beyond the fundamental element of food.