history and purpose

SWCC developed when a core group of dedicated citizen leaders recognized a need for organized grassroots expression to make a difference in the community. The founding members of SWCC saw in 1995 how preserving and protecting the unique coastal environment would enhance the quality of life for all those who call South Walton home.

Our board forms a broad coalition of nonpartisan volunteers with great insight into an array of complex local topics while our executive director provides communications and management expertise. Our dedicated volunteer board of directors, however, retains ultimate oversight over our policy platform and financial oversight.

SWCC’s General Purposes Are:
To provide citizen education and help develop neighborhood organizations dedicated to participatory democracy

To develop citizen leadership
To promote civic involvement by individuals and neighborhood groups
To preserve a high quality of life in Walton County, Florida
To secure reasonable implementation of laws related to land use planning, environmental preservation and growth management in Walton County
To encourage integrity and accountability in the governmental process
To provide and support community activities that showcase the extraordinary natural assets of Walton County and promote citizen involvement as well as advocacy in growth-management issues
To participate in the development, application, and enforcement of growth management rules, policies and plans at all levels of Walton County government
To do all other acts and things and carry on and conduct all other activities necessary, suitable, convenient, useful and expedient in connection with or incremental to the accomplishment of any of the purposes set forth herein to the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the State of Florida and Walton County

To do all other acts and things and carry on and conduct all other activities necessary, suitable, convenient, useful and expedient in connection with or incremental to the accomplishment of any of the purposes set forth herein to the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the State of Florida and Walton County

Education and raise awareness, swcc has:

Conducted regular educational events featuring experts in various fields
Published guide books and maps
Utilized communications with members and the community to share research, ideas, solutions, and issues requiring attention
Sponsored beach and road cleanup events
Served as a clearinghouse for information on local and regional organizations and efforts related to nature and the environment

Throughout our 20+ year history, SWCC has identified issues of importance to the quality of life of our members and area residents through participation with many Walton County boards, committees and like-minded organizations. Issues are also brought to the SWCC board for consideration by members and community residents for further research by our team. SWCC continues to pull from our long history of community involvement and knowledge to provide members and the community with an invaluable source of research and collaboration.

South Walton Community Council is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization; registration number with the Florida Department of Agriculture Division of Consumer Services is #CH10931.

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.