News

Scenic Walton Strengthens Leadership with New Board Appointment and Officer Elections

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     Scenic Walton Strengthens Leadership with New Board Appointment and Officer Elections   Shannon Richmond joins the Board of Directors as current board members Bruce Naylor and Matt Milliron are elected to key leadership roles.   WALTON COUNTY, FL – [APRIL 7, 2026] – Scenic Walton is pleased to announce the appointment of Shannon Richmond, Vice President and Director of Membership Services for the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce, to its Board of

New Chief Medical Officer to lead Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast

For Immediate Release: March 31, 2026   New Chief Medical Officer to lead Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast   MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. – Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast welcomes Claudia Emami, MD, MBA, MPH, FACS, as new chief medical officer, effective March 30. Dr. Emami brings more than 20 years of clinical and physician leadership from both academic and community health systems to Emerald Coast, with deep expertise in quality improvement, patient safety and physician engagement. Her background

HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin and Twin Cities Hospitals Celebrate Local Providers on National Doctor

HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin and Twin Cities Hospitals Celebrate Local Providers on National Doctors’ DayFort Walton Beach, Fla. – On March 30, HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital will join the nation in celebrating National Doctors’ Day, a time-honored tradition dedicated to recognizing the physicians who work tirelessly to care for the Emerald Coast community.National Doctors’ Day traces its roots back to 1933, when the day was first observed to honor the

ECCAC’s 2026 Zeke Bratkowski Award received by Steve and Lynn Dugas

Emerald Coast Council on Aging is launching a ''SPONSOR A DAY OF MEALS' initiative

Emerald Coast Council on Aging is calling on local businesses, organizations and community members to help ensure seniors in our community continue receiving the nutritious meals they depend on every day. The organization is launching a "SPONSOR A DAY OF MEALS' initiative to help offset the growing cost of serving seniors. It currently costs approximately $1000 per day to provide meals to the seniors that rely on this vital service each day.  Community partners are invited to sponsor a full day of meals or

The Walton County Tourism Department is seeking applications

The Walton County Tourism Department is seeking applications for the following opening on the Tourist Development Council. Note: This seat will fill the remainder of a term that opened due to resignation. Seat 9 - A person who is involved in the tourism industry and has demonstrated an interest in tourism development. This person may be the owner or operator of a tourist accommodation(s) in Walton County that is subject to the Tourist Development Tax; engaged in a tourism-related industry or both. This

Centennial Bank's Professionals Program

ECCAC’s 28th Golf and Gala event benefits broken childhoods

CHELCO Announces 2026 Youth Tour Delegates

   For Immediate ReleaseChoctawhatchee Electric CooperativeP.O. Box 512DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435www.chelco.com                                    Communications & Community Affairscommunications@chelco.com CHELCO Announces 2026 Youth Tour DelegatesDeFuniak Springs (March 5, 2026) – CHELCO (Choctawhatchee Electric Cooperative, Inc.) announces the completion of its 2026 FECA (Florida Electric Cooperatives Association, Inc) Youth Tour and 2026 NRECA (National Rural Electric Cooperative Association) Youth Tour

Bree Padgett named team manager for case management of FamiliesFirst Network in Okaloosa and Walton Counties

                                                                                                                  Bree Padgett named team manager for case management of FamiliesFirst Network in Okaloosa and Walton Counties   DeFuniak Springs, Fla. (March 17, 2026) – Bree Padgett has been selected to serve as FamiliesFirst Network’s team manager for judicial case management in Okaloosa and Walton Counties.   Padgett brings more than 10 years of dedicated child welfare experience to her role.

An Evening for Education returns showcasing how Walton County Students are ‘Charging into the Future' through CTE

An Evening for Education returns showcasing how Walton County Students are ‘Charging into the Future’ through CTE Celebrate education in Walton County, Florida Miramar Beach, FL and Walton County, FL – “An Evening for Education,” presented by EPIC Sponsor, The St. Joe Community Foundation, returns Friday, April 17th at the Hilton Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and Spa benefitting Walton Education Foundation, a nonprofit serving its mission to impact and support education in Walton County,

A Superior Mechanical to Host Its Inaugural Veterans Appreciation Lunch in Niceville

A Superior Mechanical to Host Its Inaugural Veterans Appreciation Lunch in Niceville March 12, 2026 – Panama City Beach, FL – The Walton ad Okaloosa communities are coming together to give recognition and thanks to our first responders, veterans, and active military. A Superior Mechanical will hold its inaugural Veterans and First Responders Appreciation Lunch at the Niceville Community Center, 204 Partin Drive North, Niceville, FL 32578 on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 pm. Please save

Celebrate “10 Years of Hope in Walton County” …11 am, April 8th at the Pierce Family Children’s Advocacy Center in DeFuniak Springs

PR Contact: Kay Phelan Phelan & Lowry, Ltd. 850-376-1551 kayphelan@earthlink.net FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Celebrate “10 Years of Hope in Walton County” …11 am, April 8th at the Pierce Family Children’s Advocacy Center in DeFuniak Springs   DeFuniak Springs, FL (February 26, 2026)…The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) is pleased to announce their upcoming event to celebrate the opening of their second location in 2016, the Pierce Family Advocacy Center (PFAC) in Walton County. In its

Tickets Now Available for “A Walk Down Magnolia Lane” Golf Soiree Set for Wednesday, April 8th at WaterColor’s LakeHouse.Celebrate the World’s Greatest Golf Tournament and Support Embrace Florida Kids

For Immediate Release For More Information: March 6, 2026 Ali Weil WeilHouse Creative ali@weilhousecreative.com Tickets Now Available for “A Walk Down Magnolia Lane” Golf Soiree Set for Wednesday, April 8th at WaterColor’s LakeHouse. Celebrate the World’s Greatest Golf Tournament and Support Embrace Florida Kids Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. – March 6, 2026 – “A Walk Down Magnolia Lane” presented by Shoreline Title and in its third year will take place on Wednesday, April 8th, at 5 p.m. at the WaterColor

Scenic Walton Honors Alys Beach with Design Excellence Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Scenic Walton Honors Alys Beach with Design Excellence Award Khoury Vogt Architects Recognized for Their Role in Shaping the Community’s Architectural Vision Walton County, FL — (March 6, 2026) — Scenic Walton proudly presented its Design Excellence Award to Alys Beach during a special ceremony on February 26, 2026, recognizing the community’s extraordinary commitment to architectural integrity, thoughtful planning, and enduring scenic beauty along Walton County’s Scenic Highway

YELLOW FLY SEASON APPROACHES: FREE KITS AVAILABLE FOR SOUTH WALTON RESIDENTS

     PRESS RELEASE   Yellow Fly Season Approaches: Free Kits Available for South Walton Residents   Santa Rosa Beach, FL (March 10, 2026) – The South Walton Mosquito District (SWMD) will begin distributing free Yellow Fly Kits to South Walton residents starting Wednesday, April 1, 2026, to help reduce yellow fly activity around homes during the spring season. Yellow flies (Diachlorus ferrugatus) typically appear in early spring and are known for their painful daytime bites. They are commonly found

ECCAC’s 28th Golf & Gala event benefits broken childhoods

 PR Contact:Kay PhelanPhelan & Lowry, Ltd.850-376-1551kayphelan@earthlink.netFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  ECCAC’s 28th Golf & Gala event benefits broken childhoods  Niceville FL (March 10, 2026)…The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) announced this year’s 28th annual signature weekend event, the Golf & Gala presented by Peggy and Jerry Swanson, raised funds that exceeded their expectations The Gala, held at Sandestin Hilton Golf and Beach Resort, featured dinner, live and silent auctions and an

From Mailbox to Revenue: How Direct Mail Generates Tangible Business Results

Direct mail marketing, including postcards, catalogs, and dimensional mailers, remains one of the most effective ways businesses create measurable results. While inboxes overflow and ads compete for fleeting clicks, physical mail lands in a customer’s hands, occupies real space, and often earns focused attention. That physical presence translates into trust, recall, and response.Why Direct Mail Still Works Even in the digital age, there are many reasons to use direct mail: Physical mail cuts through

Shielding Main Street: A Modern Guide to Small Business Cybersecurity

Small businesses in the Walton County area are the backbone of the community — and increasingly, the prime targets for cybercrime. From ransomware to phishing to data leaks, no company is “too small” to be noticed by bad actors. The good news? You don’t need a six-figure IT budget to stay safe — just a few focused habits and smart tools.    TL;DR Cybersecurity isn’t just for tech companies — it’s for every business with a Wi-Fi password.   Focus on people, passwords, and policies.   Start with

Thriving Through Expansion: How to Turn Rapid Growth Into Long-Term Stability

When growth hits fast, it can feel like success is pulling ahead of control. Orders multiply, staff expands, systems strain — and leaders find themselves managing momentum instead of steering it.This article outlines practical strategies, toolsets, and frameworks small business owners can use to sustain success under rapid expansion, from financial structuring to culture design and operational scaling.    Recognizing the Challenge of Sudden Growth Rapid growth feels exciting — revenue is up, demand is

Business Law Basics: How to Protect Your Startup, Avoid Lawsuits, and Stay Compliant

Launching a business is thrilling — but the legal landscape beneath that excitement is complex and unforgiving. A single missed form or misunderstood regulation can stall growth or expose you to liabilities that linger long after you start operating. This guide breaks down the essential legal steps every entrepreneur must take before launch, while showing how to sidestep the most common early-stage legal traps.    1. Establishing the Legal Backbone of Your Business Before drafting your first contract

Visual Branding Strategies Every Small Business Needs for Building Trust

Establishing trust with customers goes beyond offering quality products or services. The visual representation of a business, or its branding, plays a critical role in gaining customer confidence and loyalty. It's not just about picking the right colors or designing a logo; it's about creating a lasting impression that conveys reliability, professionalism, and authenticity. Here are several key tips on how small business owners can effectively build trust through visual branding. Consistency Across All

The Right Time to Train: When Staff Development Becomes a Strategic Priority

Every business hits a crossroads: keep pace with the same talent or build up the skills within. It's not always clear when to pour resources into staff development, but the wrong call can keep a team stagnant or send a budget spiraling. Training and education for employees can be transformative—if timed right and done with purpose. Before booking that online course or offsite seminar, the real work lies in reading the room, understanding the gaps, and choosing formats that actually stick. Growth Stalls

How Small Business Owners Can Thrive Together

There’s a certain alchemy that happens when two small businesses decide to link arms. It’s not just about splitting costs or widening reach—it’s about building something better than either could do alone. But collaboration takes more than enthusiasm and handshakes; it demands alignment, clarity, and a touch of humility. Successful partnerships among small business owners are entirely within reach, but only if approached with the right mindset, tools, and communication. Shared Purpose Beats Shared

How Business Owners Can Choose the Right Pros to Drive Sales and Marketing

Growing a business is a messy, caffeinated grind that demands decisions faster than you can second-guess them. Among the trickiest calls? Figuring out which outside professionals to trust with your sales and marketing. You can have a great product, a passionate story, a killer team—but if the people guiding your outreach strategy don't get it, you’re toast. That’s why choosing the right external help is less about price or flash and more about fit, context, and traction. Trust Chemistry Over

Crafting a Clear Path to Achieve Your Business Goals

Embarking on a business venture demands more than just enthusiasm; it requires a strategic approach to defining clear objectives. As an entrepreneur, setting precise goals is essential for steering your business toward success. This involves understanding your market, crafting a compelling brand narrative, and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory standards. By focusing on these critical areas, you lay a strong foundation for your business, positioning it for growth and sustainability.Defining

The CTA, BOI and FinCEN: What Does this Mean for Walton County, FL Businesses?

The Corporate Transparency Act may require certain U.S. companies to disclose beneficial ownership information to FinCEN to combat financial crimes. While a Texas federal district court’s preliminary injunction puts this requirement on hold, many experts expect that to be overturned. In that event, failure to file could lead to fines of $500 per day, up to a maximum of $10,000, and possible criminal penalties. Read more for details on how this may impact your business in the future. 1. Determine if

Career Rut? Explore Proven Strategies for Finding a New Professional Path

Feeling stuck in your career can be a frustrating and disheartening experience, often leaving you questioning your direction and future prospects. This sense of stagnation can build up over time, making it difficult to envision a path forward. However, the decision to seek out a new career is the first step toward revitalizing your professional life. By focusing on self-assessment, exploring different industries, and taking intentional steps toward change, you can break free from the inertia and move