Fire at Grady Brown Park on US 331, north of Choctawhatchee Bay

Walton County, May 19, 2025 – An early morning fire has destroyed the restroom facilities at Grady Brown Park, off U.S. 331 South, just north of Choctawhatchee Bay.

According to Walton County Fire rescue, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a 911 call at 3:23 a.m. reporting flames coming from the restrooms. The caller said they had seen fire coming from the back door of the building while driving through the area.

Walton County Sheriff’s deputies and Walton County Fire Rescue crews arrived on scene moments later to find the structure fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters immediately began suppression efforts and worked quickly to contain the blaze. Thankfully, no one was injured in the fire.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to investigate the cause of the fire. It was ruled accidental, believed to have been caused by overheating in the building’s server room.

“This could have been much worse if not for the quick response of our crews and the person who made the call,” said Fire Chief Austin Pugh. “We train for moments like this, and our team executed exactly as they should.”

Damage to the facility was extensive, although the cost to repair or replace the facility has not yet been determined.

County Administrator Stan Sunday said, “I would like to thank the Walton County Fire Rescue for its quick response and would also like to thank Parks and Recreation and Facilities Maintenance personnel for their ongoing efforts in securing and making the park safe so that the public may continue to access and utilize the remainder of this remarkable bayfront park.”