.png)
Walton County Burn Ban
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEShared on behalf of Walton County Emergency Management Burn Ban Issued in Walton County Amid Elevated Fire Danger WALTON COUNTY, Fla. – April 20 – In response to ongoing hazardous fire weather conditions, Walton County has enacted a countywide Burn Ban, effective immediately. The Walton County Board of County Commissioners enacted the ban following a formal recommendation from the Walton Fire Council Advisory Committee, in accordance with
.png)
Accepting Applications for 2026 Walton County Artist of the Year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Lisa FosterIndustry Relations SpecialistWalton County TourismLisa@WCFLTourism.com(850) 333-2728 Accepting Applications for 2026 Walton County Artist of the Year WALTON COUNTY, Fla. – April 20 – Walton County Tourism will accept applications for the 2026 Artist of the Year Award beginning Friday, May 1. Currently in its 24th year, this accolade aims to honor a local artist of Walton County whose
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
St. Joe Community Foundation provides $32,400 grant to Lakeview Center's mental health residential program kitchen renovation
St. Joe Community Foundation provides $32,400 grant to mental health residential program kitchen renovation DeFuniak Springs, Fla. (March 31, 2026) – A $32,400 grant from the St. Joe Community Foundation has enabled a much-needed kitchen renovation at Lakeview Center of Walton County, enhancing safety and daily living for adults receiving residential mental health care. The grant funded a comprehensive kitchen remodel, including new cabinets, countertops, appliances and other critical upgrades,
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
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
