In Walton County, the landscape is continuously evolving. Whether we’re welcoming fresh faces and exciting new locations or collecting accolades that speak to our world-class travel status, our growth is a true team effort.
That’s why we’re so pleased to greet these new and noteworthy additions to the community.
Hilton Sandestin Completes $35 Million Renovation
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, announces the completion of its extensive $35 million renovation, coinciding with the resort’s 40th anniversary of welcoming guests. This multi-phased refurbishment, which began in Fall 2022, encompasses a comprehensive upgrade of the resort’s accommodations, amenities and dining experiences. “We are thrilled to reveal the final results of our property-wide refresh,” said Angelina Covington, General Manager of Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. “Our goal has always been to modernize and elevate the guest experience while maintaining the exceptional service and hospitality our visitors expect.”
St. Joe Announces New Watersound Golf Course, The Third
The St. Joe Company announces the opening of its newest Watersound Club golf course designed by Love Golf Design founders Davis Love III and Mark Love and lead architect Scot Sherman. Named “The Third” in homage to both the PGA great who helped design the new course and its position as the third golf course in the Watersound Club collection, the 18-hole course is located just north of Shark’s Tooth golf course, another world-class amenity in the Watersound Club portfolio. The course is open to all club members as well as guests of Camp Creek® Inn through its “Member for a Stay” experience.
Alyssa Clarke
Visitor Information Specialist Walton County Tourism
Alyssa Clarke recently moved from the Chicago area to join her parents in Walton County, a place she’s visited for over a decade. A recent graduate of Valparaiso University, Clark was actively involved in student organizations and local nonprofit work, which fueled her passion for community engagement. She thrives on sharing what makes Walton County so special and enjoys discovering its hidden gems. In her downtime, Clark enjoys reading a book on the beach, exploring local coffee shops or walking dogs at Alaqua Animal Refugee.
Tory McPhail
Director of Culinary for Quest Hospitality
Executive Chef for The Citizen and Fonville Press in Alys Beach
Tory McPhail, the new Director of Culinary for Quest Hospitality, also serves as executive chef for The Citizen and Fonville Press in Alys Beach. A James Beard Award-winning chef, McPhail has honed his craft at renowned establishments, including Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, and top kitchens in London and the Virgin Islands. With a passion for locally sourced ingredients and refined techniques, he is dedicated to elevating both restaurant concepts while fostering a collaborative, people-first kitchen culture. Guests can expect fresh, creative coastal cuisine that honors the vibrant flavors of 30A.
Chef Louis Martorano
Director of Culinary and Executive Chef at Fish Out of Water
Chef Louis Martorano, Director of Culinary and Executive Chef at WaterColor Inn’s Fish Out of Water, brings more than four decades of experience to the award-winning 30A restaurant. His impressive career began in 1985 at New York’s iconic Waldorf Astoria, leading to culinary opportunities at the James Beard House, nearly a dozen Food & Wine Classic events, and serving multiple U.S. presidents. With leadership roles at Boca Raton Resort and Club, Hilton Orlando Convention Center, and Gaylord National Hotel & Resort, Chef Martorano has refined a dynamic, seasonally driven approach. An avid outdoorsman, he draws inspiration from South Walton’s natural beauty and abundance of fresh, local ingredients, balancing bold new flavors with the coastal classics that define Fish Out of Water’s celebrated menu.