Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Tourism Support to Northwest Florida Following Hurricane Isaias
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced a $1 million investment through VISIT FLORIDA to support tourism recovery efforts in Northwest Florida following Hurricane Isaias. The funding will be awarded to the Northwest Florida Tourism Council to resume the successful Northwest Florida Beaches marketing campaign, helping drive visitation and support local businesses throughout the Panhandle. The investment comes from VISIT FLORIDA's dedicated crisis recovery budget, which is reserved to
SBA Opens Nominations for National Small Business Week 2027
Trump Administration Invites America’s Innovators, Job Creators, and Builders to Apply for State and National Recognition Published on October 1, 2026 WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) opened nominations for its 2027 National Small Business Week Awards, which recognize exceptional small business owners from every state. National Small Business Week will take place May 2–8, 2027. Nominations must be submitted by 3:00 PM ET on December 7, 2026, at SBA.gov/nsbw. “Thanks to
Walton County Beach Access Update: Beaches Open, Some Amenities Remain Limited
Whether you call Walton County home or are visiting from out of state, there’s good news: Regional Beach Accesses listed below have an open route to the beach. You may notice cleanup crews, ongoing repairs and some temporary closures as work continues. Before heading out, here’s what to expect at each location: Inlet Beach Restrooms and all three dune walkovers—central, east and west—are open. The central ADA-accessible walkover is open. Power and water are on, and the beach flagpole is
Report business or property damage
Greetings Partners, We hope everyone is safe and unharmed. Hurricane Isaias has moved on, but the recovery period is happening now. As per Walton County Emergency Management, first responders and emergency crews are working hard to clear downed power lines, debris and other hazards so the roadways can be safe again as well as responding to emergency calls. By staying off the roads a little longer, you’re helping them finish the job more quickly and safely — and protecting yourself and your
CHELCO making significant progress in restoring power following Hurricane Isaias
DeFuniak Springs, FL (Oct. 13, 2026) — Choctawhatchee Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CHELCO) has made significant progress restoring power to members affected by Hurricane Isaias, with most remaining outages expected to be restored by Tuesday night. As of noon on Tuesday, Oct. 13, CHELCO had restored power to nearly 68,000 of the more than 71,000 members affected by hurricane-related outages. The cooperative anticipates restoring power to most of the approximately 3,800 remaining affected members by the end
SINFONIA GULF COAST ANNOUNCES NEW SPRING DATE FOR THE WIZARD OF OZ IN CONCERT
Beloved family film and live orchestral experience rescheduled for April 17, 2027, at Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Dugas Pavilion in Destin DESTIN, FLA. (Oct. 13, 2026) — Sinfonia Gulf Coast announces that The Wizard of Oz in Concert, originally scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Cultural Arts Village, has been rescheduled for Saturday, April 17, 2027. The decision follows Hurricane Isaias that recently impacted the outdoor venue, where the stage canopy and other areas
Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Important HVAC Safety Tips After the Storm
A Community Message from Mills Heating & Air FORT WALTON BEACH, FL — October 12, 2026 When a storm rolls through our beautiful Emerald Coast, one thing we can always count on is our community coming together. From first responders and utility crews working tirelessly to restore normalcy, to local businesses and neighbors lending a helping hand, we're reminded just how fortunate we are to call this place home. Here at Mills Heating & Air, we're your neighbors first and HVAC experts second. We live here,
Florida's #1 Charter School Names New Executive Director and Principal
Leadership appointments build on decades of academic achievement and position SEASIDE SCHOOL™ for its next chapter of growth and impact. SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla. – October 8, 2026 – The SEASIDE SCHOOL™ Board of Directors today announced the appointment of Drew Ward as Executive Director of SEASIDE SCHOOL™, formally naming the longtime school leader to the organization’s top leadership position after he served as Interim Executive Director since March 2026. The school also announced Cindy Brigman as
Eglin Federal Credit Union recognizes Wilma Taylor for 25 years of service
Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (Oct. 5, 2026) - Eglin Federal Credit Union is pleased to congratulate Payroll and Benefits Specialist Wilma Taylor for 25 years of service. Wilma currently resides in Crestview. On Thursday, Oct. 1, a celebratory breakfast was held at the Fort Walton Beach Branch to honor Wilma’s milestone anniversary. Friends, family and coworkers gathered to recognize her dedication and contributions. “For the majority of her career, Wilma has served in one of the most critical
Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast encourages women to take advantage of free annual mammogram screenings during Breast Cancer Awareness Month
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Ascension Sacred Heart is reminding women of their free mammogram program to provide critical breast cancer screenings to uninsured women 40 and older. Funding for the program comes from generous Sacred Heart Foundation donors. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in Florida. More than 50% of women living in Walton and Okaloosa Counties did not get an annual screening as recommended. In Walton County, nearly 40% of breast cancer cases are
Information Request: Thanksgiving Roundup
Greetings, Walton County Partners! I hope you all are doing great! If your business has a special menu, offer or event for Thanksgiving you'd like to share with visitors and locals, we’d love to include it in our holiday roundup. Click HERE to provide your information. The deadline to submit information for Thanksgiving events is by the end of the day on Wednesday, October 7. As another resource, events open to visitors can be added to our South Walton Events or Authentic Walton Events calendars
Seaside School Race Weekend
Tickets Now on Sale for Taste of the Race, Headlined by The Velcro Pygmies SEASIDE, Fla. – October 1, 2026 – One of the most anticipated culinary and entertainment events along 30A and the Emerald Coast is back. Tickets are now on sale for Taste of the Race, returning Friday, February 12, 2027, to the SEASIDE® Lyceum. The official kickoff party for the 25th Annual SEASIDE SCHOOL™ Half Marathon + 5K Race Weekend will bring together the Gulf Coast’s top chefs and restaurants, a night of live music
Eglin Federal Credit Union recognizes Mary Calvert for 25 years of service
Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (Sept. 30, 2026) - Eglin Federal Credit Union is pleased to congratulate Information Systems Core Systems Computer Operator II Mary Calvert for 25 years of service. Mary currently resides in Fort Walton Beach. On Tuesday, Sept. 29, a celebratory breakfast was held at the Operations Center to honor Mary’s milestone anniversary. Friends and coworkers gathered to recognize her dedication and contributions. "Thank you, Mary, for 25 years of outstanding service and commitment to
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital Names New Chief Medical Officer
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital Names Evgenia Slavcheva, M.D., Chief Medical Officer Experienced physician executive brings more than 25 years of clinical and healthcare leadership experience FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — September 30, 2026— HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital is pleased to announce the appointment of Evgenia Genova Slavcheva, M.D., as Chief Medical Officer. A board-certified Internal Medicine and Pediatrics physician executive, Slavcheva brings more than 25 years of clinical and
Postponed: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park to unveil new Visitor & Nature Center with ribbon-cutting ceremony
Postponed: Due to the impacts of the hurricane, this event has been postponed. A new date will be announced soon. Thank you for your understanding. ~State-of-the-art facility will open to public following press conference and ribbon-cutting~ SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla. — The Florida State Parks Foundation will join Florida State Parks, the Friends of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and the Walton County Board of County Commissioners for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the new Visitor & Nature
Taste of the Race Tickets Now on Sale Headlined by The Velcro Pygmies
SEASIDE, Fla. – October 1, 2026 – One of the most anticipated culinary and entertainment events along 30A and the Emerald Coast is back. Tickets are now on sale for Taste of the Race, returning Friday, February 12, 2027, to the SEASIDE® Lyceum. The official kickoff party for the 25th Annual SEASIDE SCHOOL™ Half Marathon + 5K Race Weekend will bring together the Gulf Coast’s top chefs and restaurants, a night of live music headlined by The Velcro Pygmies, and a community ready to celebrate in support of the
Early Learning Coalition of the Emerald Coast Receives $45,000 United for ALICE Grant to Support Loc
SHALIMAR, FL — The Early Learning Coalition of the Emerald Coast (ELC–EC) is proud to announce it has received a $45,000 United for ALICE grant from United Way Emerald Coast in partnership with CHELCO, supporting the Coalition’s continued efforts to serve children and families throughout Okaloosa and Walton counties. ALICE, which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, represents individuals and families who are working but may still struggle to afford basic household necessities. For
Eglin FCU Marketing Department recognized with the 2026 SPRF Lantern Award
Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (Sept. 25, 2026) - The Eglin Federal Credit Union Marketing Department was recognized by the Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF) with their 2026 Lantern Award on Sept. 22, 2026, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The SPRF is a regional network of public relations and communications professionals serving Alabama, North Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi. The SPRF Lantern Awards honor outstanding public relations, communications, and marketing work across the Gulf South, recognizing
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
Santa Patrol Donations Needed
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
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
