Hidden Gems

According to the latest U.S. Census data from 2022, there is a growing trend of people fleeing metropolitan areas, such as New York and California, for smaller cities in Florida and Texas. There was a net influx of nearly 250,000 people to Florida, many of which settled in tight-knit communities, such as DeFuniak Springs. 

Reynolds Henderson, a commercial and residential real estate investor in Walton County, is ready for the resurgence of small-town America. Henderson points to locales in Walton County as hidden gems that could potentially be the newest “best place to live.”

“We just need help getting it there,” Henderson said. “Investing in these communities in a meaningful way is key, and it will take a collaborative effort to make things better.”

As a former member of Main Street Defuniak Springs, a program aimed at bolstering the local economy through the improvement of its historic downtown, and the current chair of the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), Henderson has been instrumental in the revitalization of downtown Defuniak Springs. 

On Baldwin Avenue, Henderson has already restored eight buildings, which now house attractions such as Perla Baking Company, the Sweet Southern Comfort restaurant, The Pink House Aesthetics & Wellness Boutique and title insurance provider Setco Services. 

Reynolds Henderson is a former member of Main Street Defuniak Springs and chairs the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency. Murals by local artist, Nathan Brown, and the restoration of buildings along Baldwin Avenue have created attractions for the historic downtown area. Photo by Dave Barfield

According to Henderson, the CRA, which is funded through tax incremental financing, is experiencing strong revenues. “I’m confident we will be able to continue what I consider catalyst projects,” he said. “DeFuniak is a huge asset to Walton County, and it’s time for us to get it where it needs to be — a place people want to go or even live.”

For the latter to be possible, Henderson believes in the need for more affordable housing. He is the co-founder of the North Walton Opportunity Fund, which obtained land in the North Walton Opportunity Zone designated for the construction of affordable residences. As the current owner of several local and international real estate investment and development companies, Henderson said he and his partners at Custom Home Shop, LLC are already making progress.

“We are dedicated to building smaller, more affordable homes of high quality and sustainability,” he said. “It’s something that can be challenging, especially with inflation right now, but the need is desperate and demand is high. We need all levels of affordable housing, from retirees and first-time homebuyers to those in need of workforce housing and members of low-income households.  

“Land pricing south of the bay, and even in Freeport now, is ridiculous. We have a long way to go as a county to maximize our resources to make it more developer-friendly to affordable housing, but I am proud of the work we’ve done so far.”

Henderson currently serves a four-year term as treasurer of Triumph Gulf Coast, a nonprofit organization responsible for the distribution of the $1.5 billion in funding received from the settlement of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill to be used for the enrichment of the Northwest Florida economy. He calls it his mission to “make Walton County a better place to live,” and, through Triumph, hopes to make more strides in the right direction.

“I have been pushing hard for more Walton County projects,” he said. “Of course, the board votes on them, but I am hopeful that in the next couple of months, we will see several of those come to the forefront.”

Photo by Dave Barfield

Projects such as revitalizing the Defuniak Springs Airport’s infrastructure would be an instrumental resource to the quickly growing area. Henderson would also like to see the Walton County School District’s workforce education program, as well as the Walton County Sheriff’s Office’s request for enhanced public safety and communications, come before the board.

“If we can get any of those done, it’ll be huge for the county,” Henderson said.

Outside of these roles, Henderson is a dedicated participant in community service and volunteerism. He previously served on the board of trustees for the Children’s Volunteer Health Network and Northwest Florida State College and was on the board of directors for the Seaside Neighborhood Schools and the Rosemary Beach Foundation, among others. 

When taking a break from revitalizing his community, Henderson spends time with his wife and two sons and can often be found frequenting his commercial properties in Rosemary Beach or restaurants he’s partnered in, such as The Citizen and Fonville Press Market Cafe in Alys Beach.

“I’m a foodie, but should probably be less of one with my waistline nowadays,” he joked.

Though an Alabama native, Henderson is proud to be raising his family in Walton County.

“It’s rewarding when you see the change, and it’s change for the good,” he said. “Rebuilding the small town and realizing the benefits of a smaller community is important, and I’m happy with what we have accomplished in Defuniak so far in making people proud to be where they are.”

Change is inevitable, but Defuniak has a history worth preserving and celebrating. According to Henderson, “We’ve got a gem here, and there’s such an opportunity.”