Disclaimer *This post is for informational purposes only - SoWal Scene is not affiliated with and is not claiming to be for or against any candidates currently running for office*
I cannot tell a lie - I know very little about the political climate in South Walton. There are no excuses so I won't throw any out there for sympathy but I have made the commitment to learn all about it this year. It's an election year, no better time to dive in.
That said, what little bit I do know, I understand that South Walton is very under-represented in all sectors of the county government. So I have decided to give all South Walton residents running for future positions an opportunity to have a voice on SoWal Scene. And I'm starting with Santa Rosa Beach resident Tim Yandall who is running for the Walton County School Board.
Without further ado, I turn the forum over to Mr. Yandell.
"Living in South Walton (Santa Rosa Beach) has allowed me the opportunity to interact with parents and citizens South of the Bay. Since District 1 runs from the Southwestern corner of 
the county to North of Red Bay there is a substantial difference in the needs of the North end
and South end of the district. Being a graduate of Freeport High School but residing South of the bay I have the distinct advantage of understanding this diversity and how the differing attitudes can be balanced to form a combined, objective outlook.
My family has been in this area for many generations. My children are the 5th generation to attend Bay Elementary. An advantage of living in this area for so long is seeing the changes that have gone on throughout the years.
In the past, there were no schools located in South Walton causing an unbalanced arrangement of geographic political boundaries. South Walton represents nearly 1/3 of the voting populace of Walton County while only having the potential to elect 2 school board members. Now we are seeing the South Walton area grow at a surprising rate, which requires a person that has the education, experience and drive to readily adapt to those changes while understanding the values of different subcultures in both areas.
The public vs. private beach controversy is back in the spotlight - this time over the "Leave No Trace" ordinance. Started a year ago, it gives the county authority to remove any personal items left on public beaches after dark, and on private beaches, the owners of the items are left a warning, all in an effort to protect the environment and sea turtle nesting. Private beach owners are claiming they own the land to the water and should be able to leave whatever they want on their private property. What do you think?
daily as part of the “Leave No Trace” campaign, 
I was just talking with someone recently about how I was surprised the SWFD Lifeguard Division hadn't started a Junior Lifeguard program. Well, lo and behold, I walk into Starbuck's yesterday and see a flyer on the bulletin board they are holding tryouts for...you guessed it...a new Junior Lifeguard program!
