10-04-2025
Community honors fallen deputy with tributes across Walton County
WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Walton County community members continue to mourn the loss of Deputy Will May.
It's been one week since May was killed while responding to a call in DeFuniak Springs. Through billboards, murals, and even coffees, the community is remembering him.
In Santa Rosa Beach, international street artist 'Preacher' painted a tribute mural for May. His art work has been on display several times at Helen McCall Park, but said this piece stands out from the rest.
Community honors Walton County deputy killed in the line of duty
'It struck like a different emotional chord with me; it was a tragedy, his death. So it's a current relevant topic on everybody's heart. It's heavy on their hearts. I think that's why so many people were behind it,' the Preacher said.
He said his inspiration for the mural was driven by his respect for May and law enforcement.
'Spray paint and police work typically aren't associated when they're on the same side, and in this instance, I would hope that shines a light on that. And that other people that are kind of resistant or apprehensive of promoting police work and police officers, I think they should come and check it out because these are some of the nicest guys I've ever met.' Preacher said.
But the tributes don't stop there.
In Defuniak Springs, a cafe called Caramel Cow came up with two specialty drinks inspired by May.
The first drink is called 'Slick Rick'. It's an energy drink inspired by Creamsicles. The Creamsicle flavor gives the drink an orange hue, paying homage to the bright orange sunglasses May often wore.
The second drink will be called 'Darling' and will be a coffee-based drink with chocolate chip cookie dough and cold foam. May was an avid video game player and the name comes from his gamertag.
The drinks will be sold on April 10th. All the proceeds will go to May's family.
Caramel Cow owner Elinda Soto said she hopes the day brings together the community in honor of May.
'We're hoping it's filled with May's memories. Hope that we have close friends come in and just enjoy something that will remind them of him and we hope that also it brings the community together' Soto said.
Walton County deputy killed in line of duty
Pizza by the Sea will also be holding a fundraiser for May later this month.
If you are unable to make it to the fundraisers, you can also donate through the Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association's Lend a Hand fund. You can find a link to that here.
You can also send a check to the Walton County Sheriff's Office. They ask that all checks be addressed specifically to 'Deputy May's Family. '
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