News Release: 10/29/2026
Care, closer to you. North Walton Doctors Hospital is excited to welcome our new 45-foot mobile CT coach, an important step toward expanding access to diagnostic imaging for patients and communities across our region. Funded through an appropriation supporting a lung cancer screening initiative, the mobile CT coach will also strengthen our broader diagnostic imaging capabilities. We plan to deploy the coach throughout the region later this year as operational details are finalized. We are grateful to
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital honored by Healthgrades for superior clinical outcomes
Fort Walton Beach, Fla. – Oct. 27, 2026 – HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital announced today it has earned top honors for clinical quality from Healthgrades, the #1 online resource Americans use to find a doctor or hospital. HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital’s latest recognitions include fiveFive-Star Ratings for outstanding performance in pacemaker procedures, in total knee replacement for the fourth year in a row, in hip fracture treatment for the eighth year in a row, spinal fusion
HCA Florida Healthcare urges Northwest Florida residents to know the warning signs of stroke
HCA Florida Healthcare urges Northwest Florida residents to know the warning signs of stroke In recognition of World Stroke Day on Oct. 29, HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital doctor explains how to B.E. F.A.S.T. and why immediate emergency care can improve outcomes Fort Walton Beach, Fla. – In recognition of World Stroke Day on Oct. 29, HCA Florida Healthcare physicians are urging residents to know the warning signs of stroke and call 911 immediately if symptoms appear. The Centers for
Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast honored with Five-Star Rating for Specialty Care from Healthgrades
Sacred Heart Emerald Coast secures top rating for spine surgery MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. —Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast has earned a Five-Star Rating for clinical quality from Healthgrades, the #1 site consumers use to find a hospital or doctor. This national accolade recognizes Sacred Heart Emerald Coast’s exceptional performance: Orthopedics: Five-Star Recipient for Spinal Fusion Surgery in 2027. “The credit for this distinction goes to our spine surgery care team,” said Trey Abshier, President and
Northwest Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation Brings Rock ‘n’ Roll and Community Giving Together at
Presented by Sandy Sansing Dealerships, the annual fundraiser will feature live music from Edwin Watts and The Mulligans, exciting auctions, and opportunities to support children in foster care across Northwest Florida. PENSACOLA, FL – [October 26, 2026] – The Northwest Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation is turning up the volume for a great cause as Groove & Give with Edwin Watts and The Mulligans, presented by Sandy Sansing Dealerships, returns Friday, November 6, 2026, from 6–10 p.m. at The Sanctuary
Jamie Cervantes receives Eglin Federal Credit Union’s Five-Star Performer Award for the 3rd quarter
Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (Oct. 27, 2026) - Eglin Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce that Card Services Supervisor Jamie Cervantes has been selected as the Five-Star Performer of the 3rd quarter of 2026. Jamie has been employed with the Credit Union for over 17 years and currently resides in Fort Walton Beach. The 5-Star Performer Award is a quarterly employee recognition program. The nominator provides a written submission describing how the employee embraces Eglin FCU's Values: Respectful,
SEASIDE SCHOOL™ Celebrates 30 Years of Turning Community Commitment Into Student Success
Ranked No. 1 among Florida public charter schools serving grades 5–12, the SEASIDE SCHOOL™ honors the people, partnerships and shared purpose behind three decades of achievement. SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla. – October 27, 2026 – Thirty years ago, a group of local families believed their community could create something extraordinary for its children. On Friday, October 23, SEASIDE SCHOOL™ gathered in the SEASIDE® Lyceum with the people who helped turn that belief into an enduring educational
Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast welcomes new physicians
Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast welcomes new physicians MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. – Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast has added two physicians who are expanding care in our area. Both are accepting new patients. “Expanding our OB-GYN team while welcoming a new primary care physician ensures our patients continue to have reliable, close-to-home access to the healthcare services they need most,” said Trey Abshier, President and CEO of Sacred Heart Emerald Coast. Expanding care for mothers and
Tourism Director Matt Algarin Appointed to Destinations Florida Board of Directors
WALTON COUNTY, Fla. – Oct. 19 – Walton County Tourism’s Matt Algarin has been appointed to the Board of Directors for Destinations Florida. The appointment was confirmed during the state association’s annual meeting in Jensen Beach, Oct. 14-16. Algarin’s appointment to the board underscores Walton County’s growing influence in Florida's tourism sector and ensures local businesses, residents and stakeholders have a strong voice at the statewide level. “I am deeply honored to join the Destinations
The Crush Crisis Prescription Drug Take Back Day
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. Vist this link for the latest updates: https://www.waltoncountyfltourism.com/hurricane-isaias-updates/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=visitsouthwalton.com&utm_campaign= Before heading out, here’s what to expect at each location: Inlet Beach Restrooms
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
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
News Release: 9/15/2026
Doolittle Institute Seeks Community Volunteers for FIRST LEGO League Challenge Events NICEVILLE, FL, Sept. 15, 2026 — Doolittle Institute is seeking community volunteers to support local FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge events during the 2026–2027 season. This year’s FIRST LEGO League Challenge, BIOGLOW™, part of the 2026–2027 FIRST CANOPY™ season, encourages students to explore biodiversity and the ecosystems that sustain our planet. Teams research real-world environmental challenges, develop
Santa Patrol Donations Needed
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
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
