Gynecologic cancer warning signs: HCA Florida Healthcare shares five symptoms women shouldn't ignor
Fort Walton Beach, Fla. – September 23 - Bloating that won't go away. Unusual bleeding. Pelvic pain or pressure. These symptoms can have many causes, but they can also be warning signs of gynecologic cancer, making it important for women talk with a doctor if they notice concerning symptoms. During Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month this September, HCA Florida Healthcare is raising awareness of cancers affecting the female reproductive system, including cervical, ovarian, uterine/endometrial, vaginal
Forward DeFuniak Presents Civic Pride Night Featuring The Lake That Built a Town
Florida City Week gathering will bring residents together for a documentary screening and community conversation at DeFuniak Springs’ historic theaterDeFuniak Springs, Fla. — September 22, 2026— Forward DeFuniak will present Civic Pride Night on Tuesday, October 20, at 5:30 p.m. at the Florida Chautauqua Theater. The evening will feature a community screening of The Lake That Built a Town, followed by a conversation with several local residents and historians featured in the documentary. Held during
$827,000 Rural Health Transformation Partnership grant will bring new mental health services to Walt
DeFuniak Springs, Fla. (Sept. 22, 2026) – Lakeview Center was awarded approximately $800,000 in first-year funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program, a statewide initiative announced by Gov. Ron DeSantis that leverages nearly $188 million in federal funds to expand access to healthcare in rural communities. Lakeview Center is one of 15 partner organizations participating in a Northwest Florida collaborative that secured the third-largest Rural Health Transformation Partnership award in the
TDC Seat Applications Open Oct. 1
Hello, Walton County Tourism Partners! Walton County Tourism will be seeking applicants for three seats on the Tourist Development Council with terms through December 2030. Applications for the following seats will be accepted fromThursday, Oct. 1, through Friday, Oct. 30: Seat 4 - A person who is involved in the tourism industry, has demonstrated an interest in tourism development, and is the owner or operator of a tourist accommodation(s) in Walton County that is subject to the tourist development
News Release: 9/17/2026 SWMD URGES RESIDENTS TO REMAIN VIGILANT DURING PEAK WEST NILE VIRUS SEASON
SOUTH WALTON COUNTY, Fla. — While only one case of West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in Walton County so far this year, the South Walton Mosquito District is reminding residents that mosquito-borne disease activity remains a concern during the peak of West Nile virus season. West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses are more prevalent during the summer and early fall. The South Walton Mosquito District continues to monitor mosquito populations throughout South Walton County and is taking
Ribbon-cutting held for The Eglin Federal Credit Union Arts and Education Center in downtown Crestvi
Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (Sept. 15, 2026) - Community leaders, Eglin FCU representatives and local residents gathered on Sept. 14, 2026, to celebrate the opening of The Eglin Federal Credit Union Arts and Education Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 189 N. Main Street in downtown Crestview. The new center is a 3,000-square-foot, inclusive community space offering visual arts, music, theater, dance, tutoring, financial education, STEM programming and more. It will also serve as a venue for
All In Credit Union is pleased to announce Justise Black as our new Public Affairs Representative
All In Credit Union is pleased to announce Justise Black as our new Public Affairs Representative, further strengthening our commitment to building meaningful relationships and advancing partnerships throughout the communities we serve. Justise brings extensive experience in public service, community engagement and strategic relationship development to this role. Having served as the Director of Grants and Homeless Initiativesfor the Dothan Housing Authority, he has worked alongside public
Santa Patrol Donations Needed
HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital Names Katie Henley Vice President of Quality
HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital Names Katie Henley Vice President of Quality Experienced healthcare leader brings more than 23 years of expertise in quality improvement, patient safety and clinical operations NICEVILLE, Fla. — September 9, 2026 — HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital has named Katie Henley, MHA, BSN, RN-BS, CPPS, as vice president of quality, effective September 20. Henley brings more than 23 years of healthcare experience and a strong background in clinical operations, quality
Tyndall Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce Gina Perkins as the new Branch Manager
Tyndall Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce Gina Perkins as the new Branch Manager at the Panama City Beach Branch. Gina is an accomplished Branch Manager with decades of experience leading high-performing banking teams in the Cincinnati, Ohio market, specializing in leadership development, driving revenue growth, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Recognized for her ability to align financial strategies with community needs, while consistently delivering measurable results. Beyond the credit
Tyndall Federal Credit Union Welcomes Codi Shirah
Codi Shirah has eight years of experience in the banking industry, with a background in daily branch operations, team training and support, customer relationship management, and lending. Her experience has strengthened her communication and customer service skills, while also giving her a strong understanding of banking products and lending options. In Codi’s new role as a Mortgage Loan Originator with Tyndall Federal Credit Union, she will help members take meaningful steps toward homeownership. She looks
WCSO Thanksgiving Food Drive
As we prepare for the Thanksgiving season, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office is once again working to help local families who may need a little extra support putting a Thanksgiving meal on the table. This year, our goal is to provide Thanksgiving meals to 250 families throughout Walton County, and we need the help of our community partners to make that possible. We are currently collecting non-perishable Thanksgiving food items, and donations will be accepted through Wednesday, November
Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon Welcomes the Holman Law Firm
— Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon (ESC) is pleased to announce that The Holman Law Firm has joined the firm, expanding its Family Law practice while strengthening its commitment to serving Northwest Florida. The transition brings together two respected local firms with a shared dedication to providing exceptional legal services. The Holman Law Firm clients will continue working with the attorneys and staff they know and trust while gaining access to the expanded resources of Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon. "As
A Superior Mechanical to Host Second Veterans & First Responders Event in Niceville
August 28, 2026 – Panama City Beach, FL – The Walton and Okaloosa communities are coming together again 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, October 20, 2026, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 pm. Please save the date! During the event, A Superior Mechanical will donate a
Sarah Davis Expands Leadership Impact Across the Emerald Coast Through Mentorship, Emerging Leader Development
WALTON COUNTY, Fla. — Aug. 31 — Recreate Leadership founder Sarah Davis is expanding her impact across the Emerald Coast through community mentorship and her new venture, Lead Aligned, including its Strong Ties Academy focused on preparing college students and emerging professionals for success in the workplace. Through Recreate Leadership, Davis works with business leaders, nonprofits and military communities to build more self-aware, connected and engaged teams. Her strengths-based approach, including
Florida Tourism Brand Value Reaches $162 Billion
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida’s tourism brand continues to grow in strength and value, reaching an all-time high of $162 billion in 2026, according to a new independent valuation by Brand Finance. The value represents a 14 percent increase from $142 billion in 2024. Like companies or other well-known products, tourism destinations have brands that carry value. Florida’s tourism brand is one of the State of Florida’s most valuable assets. The study found that $137.3 billion of Florida’s tourism brand value
Local Officials Tour New Amazon Facility; 100+ Jobs Created in Walton County
Local Officials Tour New Amazon Facility; 100+ Jobs Created in Walton CountyAug 27 Local officials and business leaders tour new Mossy Head facility; Amazon credits WWEDA for smooth project process. Local officials, community partners, and business leaders gather at the Amazon distribution facility at Northwest Florida Commerce Park in Mossy Head DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, Fla. — The Wonderful Walton Economic Development Alliance, local elected officials, community partners, and business leaders toured Amazon's
Tom Glavine's Field of Dreams benefiting the Seaside School Foundation
The wait is over! Registration is now officially open for the 2026 Tom Glavine's Field of Dreams Golf Outing, returning to Camp Creek Golf Course on Monday, October 12, 2026. Recognized as one of the premier charity golf events along the Emerald Coast, the tournament brings together business leaders, community partners, and golf enthusiasts for an unforgettable day on the course, all in support of the students and programs of SEASIDE SCHOOL™. Event Details Monday, October 12, 2026 Camp Creek Golf
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
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
