Our work

Our Work Along Scenic 30A

From protecting the natural character of Scenic 30A to improving safety, trails, signage, landscaping, and public spaces, Friends of Scenic 30A works on projects that help preserve and enhance the corridor for the future.

Current Projects & Initiatives

What Friends is actively working on today appears here as individual project cards.

Active — Planning & Funding

West 30A Gateway Landscaping

Friends of Scenic 30A is partnering with Scenic Walton on a gateway improvement at the western entrance to Scenic Highway 30A. The concept includes landscaping, pedestrian paths, lighting enhancements, and gateway signage for a more welcoming entrance to the nationally recognized scenic corridor.

Why it matters. The western entrance is an important first impression. Thoughtful landscaping, lighting, pedestrian improvements, and signage reinforce Scenic 30A’s identity and improve the gateway experience.

Partners. Friends of Scenic 30A, Scenic Walton, Walton County Tourism and the Tourist Development Council, and other public partners as the project advances.

Timeline

April 2026. Friends of Scenic 30A joined Scenic Walton before the Walton County Tourist Development Council seeking inclusion in the FY27 tourism budget. The council’s consensus was to move the proposal into its budget workshop process. Walton County TDC minutes, April 7, 2026
July 2026. Scenic Walton reported that the 30A West Gateway Landscape Project had advanced into the proposed Tourist Development Council budget and was the only capital improvement project in that proposed budget. The same report says additional steps remain before construction begins. Scenic Walton, via Scenic America, July 10, 2026

Active — In Development

Scenic 30A Entry Signage

Friends of Scenic 30A and Scenic Walton are working to improve how visitors are welcomed to Scenic Highway 30A. The initiative includes new entry signage at both the western and eastern entrances to 30A from U.S. Highway 98, recognizing Scenic 30A as a Florida Scenic Highway and a National Scenic Byway.

Why it matters. Scenic 30A is more than a local road. Gateway signage helps residents and visitors understand they are entering a nationally recognized scenic corridor with special natural, historic, recreational, and community resources.

What Friends is doing. Friends of Scenic 30A is working with Scenic Walton on entry signs for both ends of the corridor.

Partners. Friends of Scenic 30A and Scenic Walton.

Source. Scenic Walton, via Scenic America, July 10, 2026

Our Ongoing Priorities

Four areas guide the work along Scenic Highway 30A.

Protecting Our Natural Landscape

These places give Scenic 30A its natural character.

Coastal dune lakes, dunes, and beaches
Native vegetation, forests, and wildlife habitat
Heritage trees

Safer Walking, Biking & Connectivity

People walk and bike the corridor as well as drive it.

Timpoochee Trail safety and maintenance
Crossings, bicycle facilities, and bike racks
Trail connections and transportation planning

Keeping Scenic 30A Scenic

The roadside should match the character of a scenic highway.

Landscaping and roadside character
Wayfinding, signage, and gateways
Public amenities and screened infrastructure

Education & Community Stewardship

Understanding the corridor helps people care for it over time.

History, the natural environment, and scenic designation
Safety education for people walking, biking, and driving
Long-term stewardship with community partners

Past Projects & Accomplishments

Specific results recorded for Scenic 30A. A year is shown when a source states one.

Landscaped Friends’ Corner rest area with a bench and green bicycle repair station beside the road — Photo: Walton County Tourism

Completed May 2024

Friends’ Corner at Eastern Lake

Friends of Scenic 30A spearheaded this project from concept to completion, transforming a previously unused roadside parcel at Scenic Highway 30A and Eastern Lake Road into a landscaped pedestrian and bicycle rest area along the multi-use path. Walton County officials described the former site as suffering from haphazard parking and from visibility and aesthetic problems. A ribbon cutting in May 2024 marked the opening.

Completed amenities

Rest bench
Bicycle repair and maintenance station
Drinking fountain
Dog-watering station
Low-impact lighting
Landscaping
Irrigation
Bike racks, repair tools, and an air pump

Funding and partners. Walton County awarded Friends $50,000. The Florida Department of Transportation funded design and planning through Kimley-Horn. Dewberry Engineering donated the survey work. Walton County Beach Operations provided construction labor and additional funding.

Sources. Walton County Tourism ribbon cutting, May 2024 Walton County Line WJHG/WECP, May 21, 2024

2008
Florida Scenic Highway Designation
Friends' role. Friends played a leading role in the designation effort.
Result. Scenic 30A received official Florida Scenic Highway designation, creating a long-term framework for protecting and enhancing the corridor's unique resources.
2021
National Scenic Byway Designation
Friends' role. Friends helped prepare and advance the successful application.
Result. Scenic 30A received National Scenic Byway designation.
Wayfinding & Signage Improvements
Friends' role. Friends worked to create a more cohesive and attractive signage system along Scenic 30A.
Result. A corridor signage inventory, removal of duplicate and unnecessary signs, and installation of safety and trail-etiquette signage.
30A Gateway Improvements
Friends' role. Friends partnered with Scenic Walton and others.
Result. Landscaping and gateway improvements celebrating Scenic 30A's state and national scenic designations.

Help Protect Scenic 30A

Friends of Scenic 30A is powered by people who care about this extraordinary place. Join us in protecting and enhancing the corridor for generations to come.

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