In March of 1881, officers of the Pensacola and Atlantic Railroad set out to survey a route for a railroad and during their travels discovered what is today known as DeFuniak Springs. The railroad officers fell in love with the area’s landscape and particularly it’s almost perfectly round lake. They declared it the perfect vacation spot and named it after Frederick DeFuniak, chief engineer of the Pensacola and Atlantic Railroad.

In 1884, DeFuniak Springs was chosen as the winter location of the Florida Chautauqua Assembly. The original grounds of the Chautauqua Assembly consisted of a passenger train depot, a 4,000-seat auditorium and the Chautauqua Hotel. The Chautauqua Assemblies stopped in 1928, but the annual assemblies were brought back in 1993 and have remained a staple of DeFuniak Springs’ culture. This four-day family friendly program features notable keynote speakers, educational sessions, performances and exhibits. This year’s Chautauqua Assembly was held in January, and highlighted Main Street’s positive impacts on their community, both economically and socially.

Initially formed in 1925, the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce strives to be the driving force to promote, develop, and advocate for successful businesses in the community. Their vision and mission are to be the area’s leading voice of the local economic industry and to be a driving force to promote, develop, and advocate for thriving businesses in the community.

Utilizing regular networking events such as Business After Hours, Power of Business Luncheons, and a new initiative called Young Professionals of Walton County, the Chamber fosters business connections and promotes leadership within the community. Many of their programs involve networking in a relaxed atmosphere, but they also hold events that include fundraising for charities, financial training, and professional skills development.

CareerSource Okaloosa Walton is a non-profit organization that: Identifies and facilitates the management of workforce issues in our local community,convenes the appropriate organizations and individuals to address them and oversees the daily delivery of employment and training services to employers, workers, and job seekers through the CareerSource Okaloosa Walton’s five strategically-located centers throughout Walton and Okaloosa Counties. All programs and services are available to Employers and Job Seekers at no cost. Some of the services provided include resume assistance, interviewing skills, job search assistance, employer recruitment, applicant screening, and labor market information. 

Formed initially as a voice for the local businesses along DeFuniak Springs’ historic and picturesque Baldwin Avenue, the organization grew to promote all companies in the town. The purpose of the D.B.P.A. is to promote unity among the local business community of DeFuniak Springs. They hold activities and events that allow business owners to meet the public and provide a face to face conversation with members of the town. Events such as Halloween happenings, 4th of July celebrations, and Hometown Christmas bring the community together and are a grand celebration of local heritage and pride.