Highway 179A receives memorial sign for former Sheriff John H. Braxton

A new sign unveiled along Highway 179A now designates the roadway as the Sheriff John H. Braxton Memorial Highway, honoring the longtime Holmes County lawman. Braxton, a lifelong Westville resident, grew up on 179A when it was still a dirt road and later returned home after retiring from the Florida Highway Patrol, eventually serving two terms as Holmes County Sheriff from 1988 to 1997. His son shared in a social media post that the road symbolized home, safety, and love for his family, and thanked county commissioners for the designation. Braxton, remembered as a “people’s sheriff” respected for his fairness and hands‑on leadership, leaves a lasting legacy in the community he served for decades. Pictured above is the new sign along Highway 179A designates the roadway as the Sheriff John H. Braxton Memorial Highway. [CONTRIBUTED]