CHELCO Announces 2026 Youth Tour Delegates
For Immediate ReleaseChoctawhatchee Electric CooperativeP.O. Box 512DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435www.chelco.com Communications & Community Affairscommunications@chelco.com CHELCO Announces 2026 Youth Tour DelegatesDeFuniak Springs (March 5, 2026) – CHELCO (Choctawhatchee Electric Cooperative, Inc.) announces the completion of its 2026 FECA (Florida Electric Cooperatives Association, Inc) Youth Tour and 2026 NRECA (National Rural Electric Cooperative Association) Youth Tour
Bree Padgett named team manager for case management of FamiliesFirst Network in Okaloosa and Walton Counties
Bree Padgett named team manager for case management of FamiliesFirst Network in Okaloosa and Walton Counties DeFuniak Springs, Fla. (March 17, 2026) – Bree Padgett has been selected to serve as FamiliesFirst Network’s team manager for judicial case management in Okaloosa and Walton Counties. Padgett brings more than 10 years of dedicated child welfare experience to her role.
An Evening for Education returns showcasing how Walton County Students are ‘Charging into the Future' through CTE
An Evening for Education returns showcasing how Walton County Students are ‘Charging into the Future’ through CTE Celebrate education in Walton County, Florida Miramar Beach, FL and Walton County, FL – “An Evening for Education,” presented by EPIC Sponsor, The St. Joe Community Foundation, returns Friday, April 17th at the Hilton Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and Spa benefitting Walton Education Foundation, a nonprofit serving its mission to impact and support education in Walton County,
A Superior Mechanical to Host Its Inaugural Veterans Appreciation Lunch in Niceville
A Superior Mechanical to Host Its Inaugural Veterans Appreciation Lunch in Niceville March 12, 2026 – Panama City Beach, FL – The Walton ad Okaloosa communities are coming together 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, April 21, 2026, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 pm. Please save
Celebrate “10 Years of Hope in Walton County” …11 am, April 8th at the Pierce Family Children’s Advocacy Center in DeFuniak Springs
PR Contact: Kay Phelan Phelan & Lowry, Ltd. 850-376-1551 kayphelan@earthlink.net FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Celebrate “10 Years of Hope in Walton County” …11 am, April 8th at the Pierce Family Children’s Advocacy Center in DeFuniak Springs DeFuniak Springs, FL (February 26, 2026)…The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) is pleased to announce their upcoming event to celebrate the opening of their second location in 2016, the Pierce Family Advocacy Center (PFAC) in Walton County. In its
Tickets Now Available for “A Walk Down Magnolia Lane” Golf Soiree Set for Wednesday, April 8th at WaterColor’s LakeHouse.Celebrate the World’s Greatest Golf Tournament and Support Embrace Florida Kids
For Immediate Release For More Information: March 6, 2026 Ali Weil WeilHouse Creative ali@weilhousecreative.com Tickets Now Available for “A Walk Down Magnolia Lane” Golf Soiree Set for Wednesday, April 8th at WaterColor’s LakeHouse. Celebrate the World’s Greatest Golf Tournament and Support Embrace Florida Kids Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. – March 6, 2026 – “A Walk Down Magnolia Lane” presented by Shoreline Title and in its third year will take place on Wednesday, April 8th, at 5 p.m. at the WaterColor
Scenic Walton Honors Alys Beach with Design Excellence Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Scenic Walton Honors Alys Beach with Design Excellence Award Khoury Vogt Architects Recognized for Their Role in Shaping the Community’s Architectural Vision Walton County, FL — (March 6, 2026) — Scenic Walton proudly presented its Design Excellence Award to Alys Beach during a special ceremony on February 26, 2026, recognizing the community’s extraordinary commitment to architectural integrity, thoughtful planning, and enduring scenic beauty along Walton County’s Scenic Highway
An Evening for Education- Charging into the Future
An Evening for Education returns showcasing how Walton County Students are ‘Charging into the Future’ through CTECelebrate education in Walton County, FloridaMiramar Beach, FL and Walton County, FL – “An Evening for Education,” presented by EPIC Sponsor, The St. Joe Community Foundation, returns Friday, April 17th at the Hilton Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and Spa benefitting Walton Education Foundation, a nonprofit serving its mission to impact and support education in Walton County, Florida. Themed
YELLOW FLY SEASON APPROACHES: FREE KITS AVAILABLE FOR SOUTH WALTON RESIDENTS
PRESS RELEASE Yellow Fly Season Approaches: Free Kits Available for South Walton Residents Santa Rosa Beach, FL (March 10, 2026) – The South Walton Mosquito District (SWMD) will begin distributing free Yellow Fly Kits to South Walton residents starting Wednesday, April 1, 2026, to help reduce yellow fly activity around homes during the spring season. Yellow flies (Diachlorus ferrugatus) typically appear in early spring and are known for their painful daytime bites. They are commonly found
ECCAC’s 28th Golf & Gala event benefits broken childhoods
PR Contact:Kay PhelanPhelan & Lowry, Ltd.850-376-1551kayphelan@earthlink.netFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ECCAC’s 28th Golf & Gala event benefits broken childhoods Niceville FL (March 10, 2026)…The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) announced this year’s 28th annual signature weekend event, the Golf & Gala presented by Peggy and Jerry Swanson, raised funds that exceeded their expectations The Gala, held at Sandestin Hilton Golf and Beach Resort, featured dinner, live and silent auctions and an
Scenic Walton Helps Secure Win for the Community New FPL Transmission Line Along 331 Not Moving Forward
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 5, 2026 Scenic Walton Helps Secure Win for the Community New FPL Transmission Line Along 331 Not Moving Forward Walton County, FL — Florida Power & Light (FPL) recently informed Scenic Walton that due to other system improvements and alternative solutions that now meet near-term energy needs, the proposed Argyle–Santa Rosa transmission line is not moving forward at this time. The project involved constructing a 45-mile, 230 kV high-voltage transmission line from the Argyle
Tickets Now Available for “A Walk Down Magnolia Lane” Golf Soiree Set for Wednesday, April 8th at WaterColor’s LakeHouse
For Immediate Release For More Information: Ali WeilMarch 6, 2026WeilHouse Creative Tickets Now Available for “A Walk Down Magnolia Lane” Golf Soiree Set for Wednesday, April 8th at WaterColor’s LakeHouse. Celebrate the World’s Greatest Golf Tournament and Support Embrace Florida Kids Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. – March 6, 2026 – “A Walk Down Magnolia Lane” presented by Shoreline Title and in its third year will take place on Wednesday, April 8th, at 5 p.m. at the WaterColor LakeHouse in Santa Rosa Beach.
Tickets On Sale Now for the 2026 Caring & Sharing Spring Fashion Show & Luncheon at Hilton Sandestin
Tickets On Sale Now for the 2026 Caring & Sharing Spring Fashion Show & Luncheon at Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa Santa Rosa Beach, FL – [March 2, 2025] – Join Caring & Sharing of South Walton for the Spring Fashion Show, presented by Emerald Coast Hospice, on Sunday, March 29th, 2026, at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. The much-anticipated event promises an afternoon of fun, fashion, and community support, featuring a fashion show, lunch, music, a silent auction, a photo booth,
Alan Davis Joins River Bank & Trust in Destin
Alan Davis Joins River Bank & Trust in Destin Destin, FL, March 3, 2026: Florida Panhandle Region President Brad Hayes is pleased to announce that Alan Davis has joined River Bank & Trust as Senior Vice President and Relationship Manager. The Alabama-based bank will soon open at 36150 Emerald Coast Parkway in Destin, its first location in Florida. With nearly three decades of experience in consumer and commercial banking, Davis will help clients across the Florida Panhandle. “Alan brings strong
SEASIDE SCHOOL™ Presents “Dancing with the Emerald Coast Stars” Benefitting Local Education in Walton County
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEASIDE SCHOOL™ Presents “Dancing with the Emerald Coast Stars” Benefitting Local Education in Walton County Tickets and sponsorships are now on sale for “Dancing with the Emerald Coast Stars” in partnership with Fred Astaire Dance Studios at Hotel Effie Sandestin on May 2, 2026, benefitting the Seacoast Collegiate High School Expansion Project. SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL – [March 3, 2026] – SEASIDE SCHOOL™ is bringing glamour, community spirit, and high-energy
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Splash RV Resort Thank You Weekend - celebrate nurses and healthcare heroes
Join us at Splash RV Resort for Thank You Weekend as we celebrate nurses and healthcare heroes. Enjoy a fun, relaxing getaway with special savings on RV sites and cottages, family-friendly activities, and plenty of time to unwind. It’s our way of saying thank you—come make a weekend full of well-deserved fun and memories!
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Walton County Tourism to Launch New Beach Tram Routes March 1
Contact: Caroline ChesterContent CoordinatorWalton County TourismCaroline@WCFLTourism.com(850) 267-1216 Walton County Tourism to Launch New Beach Tram Routes March 1 WALTON COUNTY, Fla. – Feb. 23 – Walton County Tourism is expanding its free Beach Tram service on Sunday, March 1, connecting municipal parking facilities to regional beach accesses in an effort to ease parking demand and improve beach access. Route details are available at WaltonTransportation.com, which will act as an informational
Attorney Dana C. “DC” Matthews II on ECCAC Board of Directors
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Attorney Dana C. “DC” Matthews II on ECCAC Board of Directors Niceville FL (February 21, 2026)…The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) recently welcomed their newest member to their Board of Directors, Attorney Dana C. “DC” Matthews II. A native of Northwest Florida, Matthews was born and raised in Santa Rosa Beach, Walton County, FL. After attending Florida State University and then Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, he returned to Santa Rosa Beach in 2013,
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
A Superior Mechanical Veterans and First Responders Appreciation Lunch
February 14, 2026 – Panama City Beach, FL – The Walton and Okaloosa communities are coming together 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, April 21, 2026, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 pm. Please save the date! During the event, A Superior Mechanical will donate a new AC system
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 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
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
