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
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
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
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 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
