Young Professionals of Walton County to Host Virtual Fireside Chat
Young Professionals of Walton County to Host Virtual Fireside Chat “GRIT-ing Through A Pandemic” with Laura and Shane Quick WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (June 3, 2020) – The Young Professionals of Walton County (YPWC) will host a virtual fireside chat on Thursday, June 11. Beginning at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom, YPWC will host Laura and Shane Quick, the husband and wife duo leading a resurgence of southern culture in content and concerts. Sponsored by Good Grit Magazine, the virtual event will give insight into Laura
Marlin Grill Gifts Over $6,000 to Employees During COVID-19
Marlin Grill Gifts Over $6,000 to Employees During COVID-19 MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. (June 2, 2020) – Marlin Grill, located in the Village of Baytowne Wharf, gifted over $6,000 to their employees including bussers, servers, and bartenders during the wake of COVID-19 through tips from delivery and take-out orders. After closing their dining room and outdoor patio area, the restaurant offered a limited menu for delivery and to-go orders. The management staff worked to deliver these meals while
Walton County Emergency Management Seeks Input on the Final Draft of the Local Mitigation Strategy
Walton County Emergency Management Seeks Input on the Final Draft of the Local Mitigation Strategy The Walton County Department of Emergency Management is engaged and committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of over 68,000 people living within their county. The public is invited to help plan ways to mitigate the effects of natural, technological and human caused hazards in the Walton County area. The third and final public meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 via Facebook Live
DOH-Walton Community COVID 19 Testing
DOH-Walton Community COVID 19 Testing DeFuniak Springs, Fla. The Florida Department of Health in Walton County in conjunction with community partners Walton Community Health Clinic, Walton County Emergency Management, Walton County School District, Point Washington Medical Clinic, South Walton Fire District, Walton County Fire Rescue, Matrix Community Outreach Center, City of DeFuniak Springs, and Doc Smiley’s Urgent Care conducted 4 drive through COVID19 testing sites across the County . “We are
Walton County Emergency Management to Conduct Third Annual AlertWalton TEST Exercise
Walton County Emergency Management to Conduct Third Annual AlertWalton TEST Exercise The Walton County Emergency Management (WCEM) Department will be conducting its third annual TEST exercise of the AlertWalton Emergency Notification System on Monday, June 1, 2020 at 6:00 pm. The goal of this drill is to test the ability of AlertWalton to send out evacuation notices to the public. This drill will be sent to evacuation zones A, B, C, D, and E using the White Pages, Yellow Pages, and Web Registration
IRS announces Form 1040-X electronic filing options coming this summer; major milestone reached for electronic returns
IRS announces Form 1040-X electronic filing options coming this summer; major milestone reached for electronic returns IR-2020-107, May 28, 2020 WASHINGTON- The Internal Revenue Service announced today that later this summer taxpayers will for the first time be able to file their Form 1040-X, Amended U.S Individual Income Tax Return, electronically using available tax software products. Making the 1040-X an electronically filed form has been a goal of the IRS for a number of years. It’s also been
CHELCO supports frontline employees during coronavirus
CHELCO supports frontline employees during coronavirus DeFuniak Springs, Fla. – To show appreciation and gratitude to first responders and healthcare workers, and to support local restaurants during the coronavirus pandemic, CHELCO launched a “We’re In This Together” campaign to deliver pizza, cookies and other treats to the essential workers in the community. CHELCO has provided pizza to the DeFuniak Springs Police Department, DeFuniak Springs Fire Department and the Walton County Sheriff’s
Economic Impact Payments being sent by prepaid debit cards, arrive in plain envelope; IRS.gov answers frequently asked questions
Economic Impact Payments being sent by prepaid debit cards, arrive in plain envelope; IRS.gov answers frequently asked questions IR-2020-105, May 27, 2020 WASHINGTON – As Economic Impact Payments continue to be successfully delivered, the Internal Revenue Service today reminds taxpayers that some payments are being sent by prepaid debit card. The debit cards arrive in a plain envelope from “Money Network Cardholder Services.” Nearly 4 million people are being sent their Economic Impact Payment by
Emerald Coast Theatre Company Resumes In-Person On-Site Summer Camp 2020 Programs in Miramar Beach, DeFuniak Springs and Panama City
EMERALD COAST THEATRE COMPANY RESUMES IN-PERSON ON-SITE SUMMER CAMP 2020 PROGRAMS IN MIRAMAR BEACH, DEFUNIAK SPRINGS AND PANAMA CITY ECTC activates CDC safety protocol plan Miramar Beach, Fla. (May 26, 2020) — Emerald Coast Theatre Company re-opens its doors for Summer Camp 2020. In addition to the online Summer Camp programs now underway, ECTC has released the schedule for in-person, on-site classes, workshops and lessons designed for various age groups that range from preschool aged children through
Walton County Lifts Burn Ban; Reinstates Beach Bonfire and Special Event Permits
Walton County Lifts Burn Ban; Reinstates Beach Bonfire and Special Event Permits During today’s Walton County Board of County Commissioner’s (BCC) meeting, held at the DeFuniak Springs Courthouse at 9:00 am on Tuesday, May 26, the BCC took several actions in regard to COVID-19. The first of these actions was to reinstate the following: 1. Reinstatement of beach bonfire permits as permitted by the South Walton Fire District.2. Reinstatement of special event permitting as allowed in the Walton County
Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Announces Rescheduled Concerts in the Village Line-Up
Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Announces Rescheduled Concerts in the Village Line-UpDESTIN, Fla. – May 22, 2020 - The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) is pleased to announce a new 2020 Concerts in the Village lineup. With the safety and well-being of guests, artists, and staff as a top priority, MKAF asks that concertgoers adhere to the following social distancing measures. Groups must be ten people or lessVIP tables spaced 10 feet apartMaintain 6ft distance between your ten-person or less group and
Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon Treats Hospital Staff to Ice Cream
EMMANUEL SHEPPARD & CONDON TREAT HOSPITAL STAFF TO ICE CREAM Pensacola, FLA. (May 22, 2020) – On Thursday, May 21 the attorneys and staff of Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon (ESC) brought ice cream trucks to Ascension Sacred Heart to treat the associates who have been working hard to help keep the community well during the pandemic of COVID-19. “Our team had a lot of fun hosting ice cream for all of the dedicated doctors and staff at Ascension Sacred Heart in Pensacola,” said Wes Reeder, President of
Walton County Again Provides Free Day-Use Admission to State Parks
Summer visitors to South Walton will once again be able to enjoy free day-use admission to Grayton Beach State Park and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The Walton County Tourist Development Council is paying the cost of entry for day-use visitors in order to increase available parking for beachgoers during the peak visitation season, as well as raise awareness of the variety of eco-tourism activities South Walton offers. This year marks the sixth year of admission
Sheriff's Posse Celebrates 10 Years in Walton County
SHERIFF’S POSSE CELEBRATES 10 YEARS IN WALTON COUNTY May 21, 2020 WALTON COUNTY, Fla— Imagine giving six years of your life to something – for free. Walton County Sheriff’s Office Posse is celebrating a decade in Walton County. Over those 10 years, the Posse has donated more than 55,000 hours of volunteer time to the agency. That number equates to about 2,291 days and 16 hours. In another conversion, it’s a little more than six years. The 10 member unit tallied approximately 4,000 hours in 2019
Ascension Medical Group Sacred Heart opens new primary care facility at Watersound
Ascension Medical Group Sacred Heart opens new primary care facility at Watersound Inlet Beach, Fla. (May 21, 2020) – Ascension Medical Group Sacred Heart has opened a new healthcare facility in the Watersound Origins community in South Walton County.The 6,700-square foot outpatient office offers primary care and Ob/Gyn services, with the ability to expand in the future to offer additional specialty care services. Ascension Medical Group Sacred Heart at Watersound is conveniently located along Highway 98
$40,000 for COVID19 Relief Provided to Seven Local Charities
$40,000 for COVID19 Relief Provided to Seven Local Charities Fort Walton Beach, FLA, May 19, 2020 – United Way Emerald Coast has released their second phase of grant money totaling $40,000 to seven local charities in Okaloosa and Walton Counties from their COVID19 Relief fund. United Way works with hundreds of partners to fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in Okaloosa and Walton counties. Their COVID relief grants provide support to charities who provide housing
Important Update: Short Term Vacation Rental Ban is lifted, with some restrictions
Walton County – May, 19, 2020: Governor Ron DeSantis has accepted the Walton County Board of County Commissioners’ proposed plan of enhanced cleaning and safety practices, clearing the way for the BCC to reopen short term vacation rentals in Walton County, which they did at an emergency meeting on Tuesday afternoon. This action is effective immediately. Vacation Rentals can now once again rent in Walton County, as long as they are following the guidelines set out by the BCC. As part of the
Grayton Beer Company Announces New COO
Grayton Beer Company Announces New COO Santa Rosa Beach, Florida • May 19, 2020 — Today, Grayton Beer Company announced new leadership of its 30,000 square foot production facility, located in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Jamey Price has left his role as President of Grayton Beer Company to pursue other endeavors. Stepping in, Bo Walker joins the company as Chief Operating Officer, overseeing all operations for Grayton Beer Company. Longtime local, Walker, comes to the leadership team with ample experience
HCA Healthcare Awarded 2019 Eisenberg Patient Safety and Quality Award
HCA HEALTHCARE AWARDED 2019 EisenbergPatient Safety and Quality Award National Quality Forum, The Joint Commission recognize HCA Healthcarefor its algorithm-driven sepsis early warning technology. Fort Walton Beach and Niceville, FL – Fort Walton Beach Medical Center and Twin Cities Hospital’s parent company, HCA Healthcare (NYSE: HCA), today announced that it has been recognized by The Joint Commission and the National Quality Forum (NQF) with the prestigious John M. Eisenberg Patient Safety and Quality
Update: Walton County STR Re-opening Plan
Update: Walton County STR Re-opening Plan Attached, please find Walton County’s plan to reopen Short Term Vacation Rentals. Our plan was drafted with input from the Governor’s office and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. As directed, we submitted this plan to the DPBR, where it was reviewed and shared one comment with us regarding language they suggested we add. We made the requested amendment and resubmitted it to them Friday evening. While it was our
CHELCO awards six scholarships to member dependents
CHELCO awards six scholarships to member dependents DeFuniak Springs, Fla. – This year, CHELCO doubled its number of scholarship recipients from previous years, and six CHELCO member dependents will receive a $1,000 scholarship to help pay for college tuition in the 2020-21 school year. The winners were drawn at CHELCO’s 2020 Virtual Annual Meeting on April 18. More than 50 students applied for the scholarship, with the requirement of at least a 2.5 GPA to qualify. The winners this year are
Department of Health in Walton County Announces 4 Drive-Thru Testing Sites in Walton County
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN WALTON COUNTY ANNOUNCES 4 DRIVE-THRU TESTING SITES IN WALTON COUNTY DeFuniak Springs, Fla.— The Florida Department of Health has established a goal to test two percent of the population as a part of the state’s phase one re-opening strategy beginning May 4. To meet this goal in the month of May, the Florida Department of Health in Walton County (DOH-Walton) is coordinating with community partners to expand testing offered to meet daily targets. Initially, the primary focus is
MEMORANDUM: Executive Order 20-121
Today, My 14, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-121, which extends Executive Order 20-94 until 12:01 a.m. on June 2, 2020. A copy of Executive Order 20-121 is provided below. A PDF copy is available HERE.
Limited Opening of CareerSource Center – Appointments Only
Limited Opening of CareerSource Center – Appointments Only CareerSource Okaloosa Walton Reopening Monday Shalimar, Fla –CareerSource Okaloosa Walton will begin systematically reopening its Fort Walton Beach Career Center on May 18th to serve those most impacted by COVID-19.Virtual services will continue to be provided online, by phone and email.Initially, the career center will be open by appointment only, weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. More extensive career services will become available in
Dugas Family Foundation Endows Walton County Taylor Haugen Scholarship
The first annual scholarship, at Niceville High School, was created to honor Taylor Haugen’s legacy by Taylor’s friends and parents not long after his passing. As of present, The Taylor Haugen Foundation now offers six $1500 scholarships annually, in addition to the one at Niceville High School, there are two in Okaloosa County, one in Bay County, one in Walton County, and one in Santa Rosa. The scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors who best demonstrate a balance of Taylor’s character traits of
Emerald Coast Theatre Company Launches First Phase of 2020 Summer Camp Series
EMERALD COAST THEATRE COMPANY LAUNCHESFIRST PHASE OF 2020 SUMMER CAMP SERIES Creative online programming offers performing art sessions and professional lessons designed for thespians of all abilities from tots to teens … and beyond Miramar Beach, Fla. (May 13, 2020) — Whether your thespian craves the glow of a center stage spotlight or prefers to make the magic happen backstage behind-the-scenes, Emerald Coast Theatre Company’s 2020 Summer Camp series has something to offer you. Following CDC
Alys Beach Partners with The Cultural Arts Alliance for “Art on Demand''
ALYS BEACH PARTNERS WITH THE CULTURAL ARTS ALLIANCE FOR “ART ON DEMAND” ALYS BEACH, Fla– The Alys Foundation has partnered with The Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) of Walton County in their Art on Demand online programming series. The CAA launched this program in April in response to the governor’s stay-at-home order as a special initiative to keep us connected and virtually creative. The Alys Foundation is delighted to work with the CAA and 30A.com in the promotion of the Art on Demand program and the
Henderson Park Inn to Reopen on May 15
Henderson Park Inn to Reopen on May 15 DESTIN, Fla. – Henderson Park Inn is set to reopen to the public on Friday, May 15. The team behind the Inn has worked diligently to create a new set of procedures in order to better protect their guests and employees. Henderson Park Inn closed its doors on March 21 due to the heightened concern for the spread of COVID-19. The owners and management staff of both the Inn and Beach Walk Café have developed an updated guest experience policy and procedure guideline in
Support Matrix COC’s Ongoing COVID-19 and Wildfire Recovery Efforts
Support Matrix COC’s Ongoing COVID-19 and Wildfire Recovery Efforts Since 2011, the Matrix COC (Community Outreach Center) a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, has been dedicated to improving the physical, mental and spiritual well-being of the men, women and children within Walton County. The Matrix has been able to provide individuals and families throughout this community with resources such as bill and utility assistance, employment resources, and food services, including the more recent mass
Walton Tax Collector Rhonda Skipper Announces Lobby Openings May 18th
WALTON TAX COLLECTOR RHONDA SKIPPER ANNOUNCES LOBBY OPENINGS MAY 18TH DeFuniak Springs, FL (May 8th, 2020) The Walton County Tax Collector’s office is excited to announce the re-opening of our DeFuniak Springs and South Walton locations on Monday, May 18th, 2020. The following are some of the protocols that have been put in place to ensure the safety of our staff and our customers. • At this time the Tax Collector’s office is the only office open to the public in the courthouse. • The first hour of
Seaside Commercial District Targets a Reopening Date
Seaside, Fla. – The Seaside Commercial District will begin our phased reopening on May 29 while continuing to make health and safety our priority. The ‘Seaside Experience’ will look and feel different this summer. In the first phase of our gradual reopening we will close Central Square to automobiles. This will help set the stage for ‘Seaside Al Fresco.’ With reduced traffic and crowds – strolling, shopping and dining will be even more attractive. Tents will line Central Square establishing an open-air
The Bay Reopens May 6 - Reservation Only and Curbside Pickup
The Bay Reopens May 6 - Reservation Only and Curbside Pickup Today, May 6, The Bay restaurant at the foot of the 331 bridge in South Walton is reopening. The Bay will ONLY be taking reservations and only of parties of 8 or less (walk-ins are not able to be seated). The Bay will only be seating outside (no inside dining is currently available). Curbside pickup is available during operating hours. Reservations and pickup orders MUST go through the online platforms - both on which are on The Bay's website
Premier Property Group welcomes new Vice President of Marketing
Premier Property Group welcomes new Vice President of Marketing (Miramar Beach, FLA)- May 6, 2020 – The Premier Property Group (PPG) proudly announces Alyssa Walker has joined the company as Vice President of Marketing. In this role, Walker will spearhead all marketing functions for The Premier Property Group, including creating, implementing, and monitoring marketing strategies for both the company and all agents, commercial and residential. As part of PPG, Walker provides a wide range of experience,
Alys Beach Commemorates The Original Dates Of Digital Graffiti 2020 with DG From Home
ALYS BEACH COMMEMMORATES THE ORIGINAL DATES OF DIGITAL GRAFITTI 2020 WITH DG FROM HOME (#DGfromhome) The virtual celebration of the projection art festival will feature original digital artworks from artists around the world this May. Alys Beach, Fla, May 4, 2020 – At Alys Beach, we will always find a way and a reason to celebrate life’s moments, from big to small, and in spite of current challenges. While the beloved annual Digital Graffiti festival at Alys Beach has been rescheduled for October 2-3,
Physicians Actively Scheduling Medical Procedures at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center and Twin Cities Hospital
Physicians Actively Scheduling Medical Procedures atFort Walton Beach Medical Center and Twin Cities Hospital~ Health care services expanding as patients in Okaloosa County and surrounding area now have The ability to schedule needed procedures, in addition to accessing emergency carethrough Fort Walton Beach Medical Center and Twin Cities Hospital ~ Fort Walton Beach, FL | Niceville, FL – Upon Gov. Ron DeSantis issuing Executive Order 20-112,physicians are actively scheduling medical procedures at Fort
Pescado Seafood Grill and Rooftop Bar in Rosemary Beach to Reopen May 7
Pescado Seafood Grill and Rooftop Bar in Rosemary Beach to Reopen May 7 After almost two months of being closed, the popular gulf view restaurant in Rosemary Beach, Pescado, will reopen with regular business hours on May 7, but will follow the governor's guidelines of 25% capacity inside and tables six feet apart on the outside deck. Reservations are required for inside seating, but aren't available for outside seating - that's first come, first serve. Pescado's hours are Monday - Saturday 4:00 - 10:00
CHELCO supports local restaurants during pandemic
CHELCO supports local restaurants during pandemic DeFuniak Springs, Fla. (May 6, 2020) – Beginning March 27, CHELCO initiated a weekly program to support locally-owned restaurants during the coronavirus pandemic. Each Friday, CHELCO selects one restaurant to provide lunches for the employees who remain working on-site. Lunches are paid for by CHELCO, but employees have generously provided tips for the employees of each restaurant. Understandably, business has been greatly reduced for each of these
Caring & Sharing of South Walton Launches Covid-19 Relief Fund
Caring & Sharing of South Walton Launches Covid-19 Relief Fund Santa Rosa Beach, FL – Like many organizations across the country, Caring & Sharing of South Walton has seen a rapid increase in the number of people in need of food and financial assistance. The local nonprofit has risen to the occasion, serving more people than ever before, while also launching a relief fund to help other organizations in need. “While we continue serving our neighbors in need in Walton County, we also want to support
Last Call Restaurant Group to Open Back Up on Monday May 4
Last Call Restaurant Group to Open Back Up on Monday May 4 Beginning May 4, 2020 Last Call Restaurant Group will reopen Shades Bar and Grill and Shaka Sushi and Noodle Bar to the public at 25% capacity inside and abide by the outdoor rules set forth by Governor DeSantis as well. Pescado Seafood Grill and Rooftop Bar will reopen on Thursday, May 7 under the same rules and regulations. Safety precautions will continue to be enforced and they will work hard to keep their employees and guests safe and
Walton County BCC Resolution 2020-10
Click here to review the revised Walton County BCC Resolution 2020-10
Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, Walton Area Chamber of Commerce, and DigiPro Media Launch “Save Florida Business Initiative”
Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, Walton Area Chamber of Commerce, and DigiPro Media Launch “Save Florida Business Initiative” WALTON COUNTY, Fla. – In response to the significant economic impacts from COVID-19 in Florida, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA), Walton Area Chamber of Commerce and DigiPro Media have partnered to announce the “Save Florida Business Initiative” to support Florida businesses during this unprecedented time for the industry. The “Save Florida Business
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Pickos Ski School to Host 2020 IWWF World Junior Waterski Championships in Santa Rosa Beach
Pickos Ski School to Host 2020 IWWF World Junior Waterski Championships in Santa Rosa Beach30 Countries from Around the World to Gather for International Competition SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla. (December 16, 2019) – Pickos Ski School, located at 105 Jump Street, has announced they will be the official host for the 2020 International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation (IWWF) World Junior Waterski Championships held on August 18- 23, 2020. Pickos Ski School was founded by 24-time world record holder and skiing
Golf Architect Bill Bergin Unveils Plans for Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club’s “New Course”
Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. (December 2, 2019) – Today, Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club released a video interview showcasing golf course architect, Bill Bergin who unveils what club members and the community can expect when “the new course” opens. Renovations are planned to begin winter of 2021 with a fall 2021 completion date. Once complete, Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club’s new design will be challenging for the most skilled golfers, yet fun and friendly for the recreational player. Greens complexes will offer a
IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent Hiring Announcement
The Criminal Investigation posted a Special Agent hiring announcement on USAjobs November 22nd. This is a 12-month continuous roster and contains all of the CI Posts of Duty around the county. There are requirements and qualifications that must be met for this position. MAXIMUM ENTRY AGE: Provisions of Public Law 93-950 and Public Law 100-238 allow the imposition of a maximum age for original appointments to a law enforcement officer position within the Federal government. The date immediately
Sinfonia Gulf Coast Presents An ''Out of This World'' Line-Up for 2019-2020 Season
PRESS RELEASE SINFONIA GULF COAST PRESENTS AN “OUT OF THIS WORLD” LINE-UP OF ARTISTS AND CONCERTS DURING THE 2019-2020 SEASON Critically-acclaimed Singer/Actress Vanessa Williams Headlines Sinfonia’s Gala Event on Nov. 15. DESTIN, FLA. (Aug. 16, 2019) – Keeping the tempo at the forefront of the Emerald Coast’s cultural scene since its founding in 2005, Sinfonia Gulf Coast maintains the tradition of “symphony redefined” as it enters its 14th season. The region’s only fully professional symphony
