By Kerri Parker
Scenic Walton recently announced Sunbright Inn as the winner of its Design Excellence Award for the renovation of the oldest house in Walton County. The organization presented the award to owners, Patrick and Heather O’Neill, among their family and friends, including dignitaries involved with the project in DeFuniak Springs in June.
Among a couple dozen guests, the ceremony opened with Leigh Moore, executive director of Scenic Walton, explaining the purpose of the organization and the award. “We created this award for businesses and local governmental entities that excel in the areas of architecture, landscaping, signage and other categories related to scenic beauty in the built environment,” says Moore. Scenic Walton recently revived the Design Excellence Award in 2024, originally debuting in 2017. The award helps to promote beauty and safety throughout Walton County by recognizing indisputable development and design excellence.
“The efforts of the O’Neill family and Paul Rushing Construction have delivered astonishing renovations that not only restored a significant historical building in DeFuniak Springs, but also enhanced the beauty of Highway 331,” says Moore.
Patrick O’Neill accepted the award with a heartfelt speech placing significant emphasis on the team behind the scenes who tirelessly pursued excellence in the renovation process, including his children. “There is no better way to spend time with your kids than laying pavers in the extreme Florida summer heat,” laughs O’Neill. The renovation was a family affair, with all hands on deck throughout the 27-month renovation. Not only the O’Neill family, but also their operation partners, Inn Keepers David and Heather Campbell. The Campbell’s young adult children are also involved in daily operations of the Inn. Staying on course, in thanking Paul Rushing of Rushing Construction for invaluable expertise in Victorian home renovation, O’Neill also highlighted Paul’s son “Bubba” Paul Wayne Rushing II, as having “the most blood, sweat and tears” in the project. In closing of the presentation, all attendees were invited on a tour of the home turned Inn, with eight rooms that embrace the past but with modern amenities – “like plumbing,” laughs O’Neill.
“This award presentation was the first-ever to bring me to tears. It was heartwarming and embodied the importance of family and community. We are delighted to recognize Sunbright Inn and all the people who made this renovation possible,” says Moore.
Scenic Walton, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that promotes increased property values, a robust business environment and safe and beautiful surroundings for all, works to preserve, protect and enhance the beauty and safety of Walton County.
Since its inception in 2008, Scenic Walton has been dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of Walton County while enhancing safety for pedestrians and cyclists. By collaborating with community members and elected officials, Scenic Walton ensures that the region’s charm remains intact for future generations.
Leigh Moore, the dynamic Scenic Walton executive director and vice chair of Scenic America’s Board of Directors, embodies a deep passion for scenic conservation. Initially joining as a part-time executive director for the Scenic Corridor Foundation, Leigh has seen the organization evolve into Scenic Walton, where she now leads full-time. “I’m really passionate about what we do,” Leigh shares. “We’re the only ones who do it. There’s not a lot of advocacy being done for scenic beauty.”
Scenic Walton’s primary focus is on impactful project work. “In the beginning, we concentrated on Hwy. 98 and Hwy. 331 south of the Bay. By 2018 and 2019, we started achieving more significant milestones and received requests to extend our projects beyond that corridor. That’s when we expanded our reach to cover the entire county and rebranded ourselves as Scenic Walton. It was a substantial expansion for us.”
Following this expansion, Leigh and her team integrated board members from Central and North Walton and began identifying project opportunities north of the bay. “Our mission is to maintain and enhance the visual aesthetic and natural beauty of Walton, as well as ensure the county’s safety. We achieve this through several initiatives, such as undergrounding utilities, creating cyclist and pedestrian paths and landscaping public areas.”
Currently, Scenic Walton is focusing on landscaping along primary roadways in Walton County. Additionally, they actively promote and educate the community about the advantages of implementing good development standards and are planning a partnership with the Walton County Tourist Development Council to support their Keep Walton County Beautiful initiative.
One way you can support is through Scenic Walton charity license plates. $25 from each initial sale and ongoing renewal fee goes directly to Scenic Walton and can be purchased at any tax collector office or online. “It’s an easy way to support our countywide mission,” says Moore. The Walton County Tax Collector’s offices have the plates in stock. Citizens with a car, RV, trailer, or golf cart/LSV registered in Florida can pick up their plate there or order online at scenic.org/walton-plate.
To learn more about Scenic Walton or sign up for the newsletter, visit scenicwalton.org. Visit Sunbright Inn at https://sunbrightinn.com/.
