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
SEASIDE SCHOOL™ Raises $140,000+ at Inaugural Dancing with the Emerald Coast Stars Presented by Asce
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEASIDE SCHOOL™ Raises $140,000+ at Inaugural Dancing with the Emerald Coast Stars Presented by Ascension Sacred Heart SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL – [May 11, 2026] – SEASIDE SCHOOL™ celebrated a dazzling and impactful evening on Saturday, May 2, as the inaugural Dancing with the Emerald Coast Stars, presented by Ascension Sacred Heart and in partnership with Fred Astaire Dance Studios Fort Walton Beach, raised $142,347 in support of the Seacoast Collegiate High School Expansion
Seaside Schools Foundation Invites Community to Join Events Committee
The SEASIDE SCHOOL FOUNDATION™ is excited to launch a new Events Committee dedicated to supporting the many events, fundraisers, and community initiatives that help make our schools so special throughout the year.From signature fundraising events like the SEASIDE SCHOOL™ Half Marathon + 5K Race Weekend and Tom Glavine's Field of Dreams Golf Outing to new and exciting community experiences, this committee will play an important role in helping create memorable events that directly support our students,
.png)
Accepting Applications for 2026 Walton County Artist of the Year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Lisa FosterIndustry Relations SpecialistWalton County TourismLisa@WCFLTourism.com(850) 333-2728 Accepting Applications for 2026 Walton County Artist of the Year WALTON COUNTY, Fla. – April 20 – Walton County Tourism will accept applications for the 2026 Artist of the Year Award beginning Friday, May 1. Currently in its 24th year, this accolade aims to honor a local artist of Walton County whose
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
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 Small Business Owners Can Thrive Together
There’s a certain alchemy that happens when two small businesses decide to link arms. It’s not just about splitting costs or widening reach—it’s about building something better than either could do alone. But collaboration takes more than enthusiasm and handshakes; it demands alignment, clarity, and a touch of humility. Successful partnerships among small business owners are entirely within reach, but only if approached with the right mindset, tools, and communication. Shared Purpose Beats Shared
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
