Holmes County is located in the panhandle of Florida north of Panama City. It has a population of around 20,000, and an area of 482 square miles. Bonifay, located in the southeastern portion of the county, is the county seat. Holmes County was named after the Holmes Creek that forms the eastern boundary.
The county was formed in 1848 from Jackson and Walton Counties. It has a rich history of agriculture and celebrates this legacy through the annual rodeo held in Bonifay each fall. The corn grown in the area each year also provides wonderful opportunities for corn mazes, and several local farms open their gates each October to children and families who come to enjoy these festivities and other fall celebrations.
In addition to the Holmes Creek, the county is also home to the Choctawhatchee River that flows through the center of the county. The waters bring many fishers looking for Catfish. It is also a great place for hikers and boaters to come to enjoy the water. The county is also proud of its natural springs where families can come to swim year round.
There are few counties as conveniently places as Holmes County. The county is crossed by several large interstates and highways making it close to both Tallahassee and Pensacola. It is also a short 30 minute drive from some of the state’s most beautiful beaches. For those who live in Holmes County, everything is right at their fingertips, but they can still enjoy living in the gorgeous Florida countryside.