Recreate Leadership Champions a ''See the Good'' Mindset for Leaders and Teams
SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL — [June/July 2026] — As businesses across Walton County continue to invest in strong workplace cultures, Recreate Leadership, a strengths-based leadership development firm and member of the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce, is highlighting a simple practice that helps local leaders and teams build resilience and stronger relationships: "See the Good, Say the Good."Read more here: https://recreate-leadership.com/blog/see-the-good-say-the-goodFounded by Sarah Davis, one of the first
A Superior Mechanical’s Hometown Heroes Comfort Club
A Superior Mechanical’sHometown Heroes Comfort Club FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:Marta Rose-Thorpe, (850) 814-3822martarosethorpe@gmail.com A Superior Mechanical, a trusted veteran-owned company in its 24th year of business serving Bay, Walton and Okaloosa Counties, has created a unique program called Hometown Heroes Comfort Club. This special membership platform has been designed to provide peace of mind and savings on our five services: Air Conditioning, Plumbing, Electrical, Indoor Air Quality, and
Eglin Federal Credit Union opens new DeFuniak Springs Branch
Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (June 25, 2026) - Eglin Federal Credit Union celebrated the grand opening of its new DeFuniak Springs Branch with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 25, 2026. Located at 677 US Highway 90 W, this is Eglin FCU’s second full-service branch and third location in Walton County. The Freeport Branch opened in July 2024, and the Santa Rosa Beach ATM/Video Teller Drive-thru located at 4634 U.S. Highway 98 W opened on May 11, 2026. Eglin Federal Credit Union offers membership
Will Condon named Chief Executive Officer, Ascension Sacred Heart
Will Condon named Chief Executive Officer, Ascension Sacred HeartPensacola native and longtime ministry leader to guide five-hospital system serving Northwest Florida PENSACOLA, Fla. – Will Condon has been named chief executive officer of Ascension Sacred Heart Health System, a five-hospital ministry serving Northwest Florida, effective July 1. He recently served as interim market lead following three years as Pensacola market president. Born and raised in Pensacola, his family has depended on
Scenic Walton Honors Kaiya Beach Resort with Design Excellence Award
Scenic Walton Honors Kaiya Beach Resort with Design Excellence Award SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL – [JUNE 23, 2026] –Scenic Walton is proud to recognize Kaiya Beach Resort as a recipient of its Design Excellence Award, honoring projects that embody thoughtful architecture, well-designed landscaping, scenic preservation, and a deep respect for the character of Walton County. Developed by Romair Construction, Kaiya represents more than luxury development along Scenic Highway 30A. The thoughtfully curated
Power Style Luxury Hair Brings International Hair Expertise to Destin
DESTIN, Fla. — June 2026 — Power Style Luxury Hair, a boutique luxury salon located on Main Street in Destin, offers specialized blonde services, hair extensions, color corrections, balayage, highlights, and precision haircuts designed to help clients achieve healthy, beautiful, and natural-looking results. At Power Style Luxury Hair, every appointment begins with a personalized consultation to understand each client’s goals, lifestyle, and hair needs. The salon focuses on customized solutions, honest
Cruise on in to Eglin Federal Credit Union for America’s 250th Celebration Giveaway
Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (June 22, 2026) - Eglin Federal Credit Union is inviting the community to join in celebrating America’s 250th birthday with in-branch festivities and an exciting summer promotion. The celebration will kick off July 1 and July 2, when each branch will offer complimentary cookies and patriotic-themed swag. From July 1 through Aug. 31, Eglin FCU will host its “Cruise on in for America’s 250th Celebration Giveaway,” offering the public the opportunity to enter for a chance to win a
June is National Men’s Health Month
Men are encouraged to prioritize their health Fort Walton Beach, FL. – June 17, 2026 – June is National Men’s Health Month, and HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital is encouraging dads, grandpas, sons and the people who love them to make their health a priority. Taking steps such as scheduling cancer screenings and an annual checkup with a primary care doctor make a big difference in getting and staying healthier. Healthcare providers continue to be concerned that many men delay routine care or
Back-To-School Splash Bash
The Walton County Sheriff's Office’s School Resource Division would like to invite the public to the 2026 Back to School Splash Bash. This community event was organized as a way for us to prepare our local kiddos with a fun day before going back to school. During Splash Bash we give away hundreds of free backpacks while providing water slides, food/drinks and more to kick off the upcoming school year. To help with this event, we ask for support from the surrounding community to join us with engaging
Walton County Celebrates Opening of Bets ''Beachmama'' Haynes Regional Beach Access
WALTON COUNTY, Fla. — June 16 — Members of the Board of County Commissioners and Walton County Tourism gathered this week to celebrate the grand opening of Bets "Beachmama" Haynes Regional Beach Access, the County's 11th RBA, located at 44 Hotz Ave. in Grayton Beach. The new facility features 1,600 square feet of beachfront amenities including restrooms, a 360-degree observation deck, rinse showers, a boardwalk and access to the Beach Tram. It also houses a local information station highlighting the
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
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
Newman-Dailey Resort Properties Real Estate Division Recognizes Shannyn Stevenson as Top Listing and Top Sales Agent for 1st Quarter 2026
Miramar Beach, Fla. —June 10, 2026 -- Newman-Dailey Resort Properties Real Estate Sales Division proudly announces that veteran real estate professional Shannyn Stevenson has earned the distinction of both Top Listing Agent and Top Sales Agent for the 1st Quarter of 2026. With more than 25 years of experience specializing in Northwest Florida real estate, Stevenson continues to be a driving force in the luxury and investment property market along Florida’s Emerald Coast. Her lifelong connection to the
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
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
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
