DEFUNIAK SPRINGS — When conversation turns to water sports, most folks think of Destin or South Walton County.
Mayor Bob Campbell wants to change that.
In fact, he wants to insert Lake DeFuniak — that rare circular lake surrounded by stately historic homes — into the equation.
“We want to make that lake yard down there runner friendly, walker friendly, paddle board friendly, canoe friendly and kayak friendly,” he said.
To make that happen, DeFuniak Springs plans to host its first Lake Fest on June 7, featuring a 5k run, water sports races and demonstrations, food vendors and live entertainment.
“From my perspective, it’s all to accent Lake DeFuniak,” Campbell said. “No one has ever opened this area up to this type of activity. I say let’s go for it.”
That vision is one of many Campbell has for the city. He believes strongly in turning the area east of U.S. Highway 331 and south of U.S. Highway 90 into a golf cart and retirement-friendly community.
“Actually, one of our goals is to draw (people) out of South Walton,” he said. “We just need to learn who our neighbors are and cater to them. … I think there could be bed and breakfasts all around that lake.”
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Kari C. Barlow at 850-315-4438 or kbarlow@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @KariBnwfdn.