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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.

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“my hope is that someway that chair can be traced to the owner who needs to see that picture”
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“😢This is so sad. After seeing all that the Gulfarium does to rehabilitate other turtles, this is frustrating.”
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Michael Cobb commented on WordroW: June 18, 2026
“4:00”
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“Thank you for your opinion, Mr. Chambers. I will not be voting for the three candidates you recommended. It’s interesting how you have spent years making sure students are held...”
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Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: June 18, 2026
“1:22, 4 attempts”
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“I sure hope he will change the hunting regulations and let us hunt during the week days this year.”
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“A compromise would be to reduce property taxes for all senior citizens, with restrictions for newcomers. Without restrictions, too many seniors would flock here. Maybe seniors who have their homes...”
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“A 3 percent reduction on a budget that's almost doubled in 6 years. Come on. How could they possibly do it? They might actually have to drive their personal vehicle...”
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“We can also sell the naming rights to roads. Eglin Parkway becomes Amazon Road, for example.”
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