News

Eglin Federal Credit Union to celebrate grand opening of new DeFuniak Springs Branch

Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (June 8, 2026) - The community is invited to attend a grand opening celebration for Eglin Federal Credit Union’s new DeFuniak Springs Branch, located at 677 U.S. Highway 90 W., on Thursday, June 25, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Swing by and stay cool with free Dippin’ Dots ice cream while supplies last and enter for a chance to win a YETI® Roadie cooler, courtesy of Eglin FCU. Rules are at bit.ly/SwingByStayCool. The public is invited to tour the new branch and learn more about Eglin

A New Way to Experience 30A: Beach Happy Café + Cocktails and the 30A store Brings Sip, Shop & Coast

The new concept blends elevated coastal retail, curated cocktails, and a thoughtfully crafted food experience into one destination along 30A. Along Florida’s iconic Scenic Highway 30A, a new concept is preparing to open its doors — one designed less like a traditional store or restaurant and more like a place people naturally want to settle into. The 30A Store and Beach Happy Café + Cocktails plan to open in just a few weeks in Seagrove. The combination of the two stores introduces a fresh take on the

Mid-Year Marketing Effectiveness Survey Demonstrates Effectiveness of VISIT FLORIDA Marketing

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— VISIT FLORIDA received results from its mid-year Integrated Marketing Effectiveness Survey, showing growth in campaign awareness and demonstrable, positive impact on traveler behavior, perceptions of Florida, and the visitation to the state. The Integrated Marketing Effectiveness study, or IME, measures how VISIT FLORIDA’s paid, owned, and earned marketing efforts influence traveler awareness, perceptions, intent to visit, and brand health while benchmarking Florida against key

Walton County Independence Day Festivities 2026

Walton County knows how to celebrate the Fourth, and this year carries extra meaning as communities come together to mark America's 250th birthday. From fireworks over historic Lake DeFuniak to rooftop parties above the Emerald Coast, here's where to be this Independence Day.   Alys Beach Marks America's 250th with Concert and Fireworks The Merchants of Alys Beach will host a free Fourth of July Concert and Fireworks Show at the Alys Beach Amphitheatre on Saturday, July 4, from 7–9 p.m. Five Star Funk

Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast expands heart care to DeFuniak Springs

DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, Fla. – Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast is expanding access to heart care to north Walton County with a new location in DeFuniak Springs.  The 2025 Community Health Assessment from the Walton Community Health Improvement Partnership highlights the need for additional protective measures against heart disease including early detection and ongoing monitoring to manage risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity.  “This clinic will increase access to preventive

Free Beach Tram Service Makes Beach Access Easy

Planning a beach day should feel easy from the start, and Walton County Beach Park and Ride is here to help. Formerly known as Walton County Transportation, this free Beach Tram service gives visitors a convenient way to get to the beach with less stress and more time to enjoy the day. It’s the same friendly service, now with a new name. You may already be familiar with this convenience, but here's a reminder to share with your guests: The tram program connects two county pay parking lots with some of our

Jennifer Lombard Knight appointed to TDC

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. — May 28 — The Walton County Board of County Commissioners has appointed Jennifer Lombard Knight to Seat 9 on the Walton County Tourist Development Council, filling a vacancy. Knight will serve the remainder of the term, which runs through 2028. Lombard Knight is the general manager of Hotel Effie Sandestin, an Autograph Collection property by Marriott, where she oversees 250 rooms, multiple dining outlets and event space. She previously served as general manager for WaterSound Camp

Start a healthcare career in weeks, not years

As thousands of high school seniors across the Northwest Florida Panhandle prepare to graduate this month, many are asking the same question: what now?  Healthcare is the primary engine of U.S. job growth, adding 693,000 positions in 2025 alone. As Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast, Bay and Gulf expand access to care, that growth requires a trained workforce at every level, from bedside technicians to imaging specialists to surgical teams. Building those pipelines locally is a priority. For students

WCT Offers Complimentary Day-Use Admission to Topsail Hill Preserve and Grayton Beach State Parks

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. — May 14 — Walton County is once again offering complimentary day-use entry to Grayton Beach State Park and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Walton County Tourism is covering day-use fees to highlight the amenities and variety of eco-tourism experiences available in South Walton. This year marks the 12th year of admission coverage for Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and the 10th for Grayton Beach State Park. “Walton County’s state parks

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Twin Cities Hospital Earns 5 Star Quality Rating

HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital is proud to announce it has earned the prestigious 2026 5-Star Quality Rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the highest possible distinction for hospital excellence. This top-tier rating is the result of a rigorous evaluation of critical performance areas, including patient safety, mortality rates, and overall patient experience, signaling the hospital’s consistent delivery of high-quality care and superior clinical outcomes. This achievement

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