Who We Are

Scenic Walton is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving what makes Walton County special. Since 2008, we’ve brought together residents, businesses, and community leaders to champion thoughtful growth, scenic preservation, safer transportation, and community improvements that enhance the beauty, resilience, and quality of life of Walton County for generations to come.

Mission

Scenic Walton is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the scenic beauty, character, and quality of life of Walton County through advocacy, education, collaboration, and community-driven initiatives.

Aerial shot of Inlet Beach Underpass
Aerial view of Inlet Beach Underpass courtesy SoWal.com

Vision

We envision a Walton County where scenic beauty, thoughtful growth, and vibrant communities exist in harmony. A place where natural landscapes are preserved, public spaces inspire connection, infrastructure enhances resilience, and every decision reflects a commitment to protecting the character and quality of life that make Walton County extraordinary to live, work, and play.

What We Do

Scenic Walton brings people together to protect and enhance the places that make Walton County special. We advocate for thoughtful growth, preserve scenic character, champion resilient infrastructure, improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, and advance beautification projects that strengthen our communities. Working alongside residents, businesses, community organizations, and local leaders, we turn ideas into action through advocacy, education, collaboration, and community-driven initiatives that create a more beautiful, connected, and sustainable Walton County.

Renovated Hotel DeFuniak in Downtown DeFuniak Springs. Photo credit: JWC Studios

Pedestrian Safety

Scenic Walton has played an instrumental role in the $5.6 million Inlet Beach underpass project, from helping secure its funding to leading the way on beautification efforts.

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Scenic Byways

Our recent accomplishments include assisting with County Route 30A’s successful application to earn a designation as a national scenic byway.

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Public Landscaping

We support and involve ourselves with projects to beauty highway medians through landscaping and landscape architecture.

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Utility Undergrounding

We believe it is one of the most important initiatives a city or county or state can pursue to make their communities more resilient to storms and other disasters, protect citizens and wildlife from the risks of overhead utilities, allow for the planting of more trees along roadways, and make places more beautiful without the intrusiveness of overhead poles and wires.

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Meet the Team

Leigh Moore leads Scenic Walton's mission to protect and enhance the scenic beauty, character, and quality of life of Walton County. As Executive Director, she works closely with residents, community partners, local governments, and elected officials to advance initiatives that preserve the places people love while supporting thoughtful growth and long-term community vitality. A respected leader in scenic preservation and community advocacy, Leigh serves as Vice Chair of the Scenic America Board of Directors, a member of the Citizens for a Scenic Florida Board of Directors and Executive Committee, the Walton County Design Review Board, the Walton Area Chamber Government Affairs Committee, and the Walton County Tourist Development Council's Destination Improvements Advisory Committee. Through collaborative leadership and a passion for preserving Walton County's unique sense of place, Leigh is helping shape a more beautiful, resilient, and connected future for generations to come.

Our Dedicated Board Members

Scenic Walton is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors whose passion for preserving Walton County's scenic beauty and quality of life drives our mission forward. Representing diverse backgrounds and expertise, our board members generously volunteer their time to provide strategic leadership, champion community initiatives, and help shape a more beautiful, resilient, and connected future for Walton County.

Board Members

  • President Anthony Vallee, Principal at McWhorter Vallee Design
  • Vice President Bruce Naylor, Broker/Owner, Naylor Realty
  • Treasurer Matt Milliron, ISA Certified Arborist, Branch Manager, SavAtree
  • Secretary Lori Leath Smith, Publisher/Executive Editor, Life Media Group
  • Cecilia Canut, Marketing Specialist, Walton County Tourism Department
  • Blon Carter, Field Operations Manager, The St. Joe Company
  • Christy Burke, Promotional Advertising Consultant, Brown & Bigelow/JSA Promos
  • Hunter Harman, Broker Associate/Founder, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services/Beach Properties of Florida
  • Megan Harrison, President/CEO, Walton Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Fletcher Isacks, Owner, Isacks Imagery
  • Patricia Jenkins, Vice President of Training and Quality, Alys Beach
  • Ashley Vannoy, Walton Community Member
  • Stephen Schoen, Acting Director, Walton County Planning Department
  • Stacey Wood, Executive Director, Sandestin Beach Hotel, Ltd.

Advisors to the Board

  • Bradford Davis, Licensed Landscape Architect, BRDLA, Inc.
  • Steve Hall, Land Use Attorney and Mediator, Steven K. Hall, P.A.
  • Eric Rosnick, Operations Maintenance Engineer, Florida Department of Transportation
  • Kerri Parker, Do Good Media, HWY 331