News

Ascension Sacred Heart awarded more than $2.8 million to expand rural health care

PENSACOLA, Fla. – Ascension Sacred Heart Health System has been awarded more than $2.8 million in funding to expand access to health care in rural communities, part of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ announcement of nearly $188 million through Florida’s Rural Health Transformation Program. The largest portion of the funding, $2.4 million, will support a new mobile stroke unit for Ascension Sacred Heart Health System. The unit will service rural counties on the I-10 corridor, including Oklaloosa, Walton, Holmes,

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BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES BEACH PROPERTIES OF FLORIDA NAMES BLAINE PALMER VICE PRESIDENT OF B

New leadership addition strengthens agent coaching, business development, and strategic growth across Northwest Florida SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL (August 17th, 2026) – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida today announced the appointment of Blaine Palmer as Vice President of Business Development & Managing Broker. This strategic addition builds on the company's existing leadership team, including President Lane McCormack, Chairman Jimmy Burgess, Broker of Record Jennifer Ledesma, and

E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center to Open to the Public Every Friday, Year-Round, Starting September 4

E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center to Open to the Public Every Friday, Year-Round, Starting September 4 First-ever weekly public access brings self-guided exploration, animal encounters, and field trip  opportunities to Freeport, FL FREEPORT, Fla. — The E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center, operated by Nokuse Education Inc. on the  55,000+-acre Nokuse Plantation, announced today that for the first time in its history, it will welcome the  public every Friday, year-round, beginning September 4, 2026. Previously

Beaches Construction Announces Strategic Partnership with Fortify Restoration

https://fortifyrestoration.com/ PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. — Beaches Construction is proud to announce that, effective April 2026, Fortify Restoration acquired a controlling equity stake in Beaches Construction, establishing a strategic partnership that positions both organizations for continued growth throughout Florida. Founded in 1999, Beaches Construction has built a strong reputation throughout the Florida Panhandle by delivering high-quality structural restoration, concrete restoration, waterproofing,

Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast welcomes new cardiologist

For Immediate Release: August 3, 2026     Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast welcomes new cardiologist     MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla.– We are pleased to welcome Darin Busby, MD, to Ascension Sacred Heart Cardiology - Miramar Beach. His office is located in the Medical Office Building on the campus of Sacred Heart Emerald Coast at 7720 U.S. 98, Suite 110. He joins the largest heart care team in Walton County with four doctors, including a cardiac electrophysiologist and two interventional

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

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 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