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New Year’s baby born at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast at 1:16 a.m.

Walton County's first baby of 2026
Photos courtesy of Ascension Florida

Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Family Birth Place celebrated the new year with the arrival of baby Merritt at 1:16 a.m. in Walton County.

Parents Jordan and Steele Taylor said the baby’s gender was a surprise — mom had thought she was going to have a boy.

Little Merritt is 6 pounds 8 ounces.

PROMOTION

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