Walton County hears legislative update; $2 million secured for Hewitt Bayou connector, $300,000 for ag education complex

Walton County received a legislative update from consultants with Heffley & Associates summarizing outcomes of the 2026 regular and special sessions and what to expect heading into next year.

Kelly Horton told commissioners the final state budget settled at about $114.5 billion and that Walton County fared well in appropriations: $2,000,000 for the Hewitt Bayou Connector and $300,000 for an agricultural education complex were among the items secured in the recent budget cycle. Horton said Governor DeSantis issued roughly $1.6 billion in line‑item vetoes statewide but that Walton County projects were not included among the vetoes she identified.

Horton also briefed the board on the property‑tax constitutional amendment headed to a court review scheduled for July 29; she said its language may be modified during judicial review and that the measure requires 60% approval if it reaches the ballot in its current form. Rich Heffley added political context, advising the board to prepare priorities and noting leadership shifts that could affect next year’s session.

Commissioners asked staff to consider additional grant and infrastructure opportunities and to coordinate early with the delegation on priorities. Horton urged the commission to share priority requests so her office can pursue them in Tallahassee ahead of the next legislative season.

The update included requests for county input on projects that could be submitted for rural infrastructure or other grants and an offer by consultants to continue outreach with the county’s legislative delegation.