New Chief Medical Officer to lead Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast
For Immediate Release: March 31, 2026 New Chief Medical Officer to lead Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. – Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast welcomes Claudia Emami, MD, MBA, MPH, FACS, as new chief medical officer, effective March 30. Dr. Emami brings more than 20 years of clinical and physician leadership from both academic and community health systems to Emerald Coast, with deep expertise in quality improvement, patient safety and physician engagement. Her background
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin and Twin Cities Hospitals Celebrate Local Providers on National Doctor
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin and Twin Cities Hospitals Celebrate Local Providers on National Doctors’ DayFort Walton Beach, Fla. – On March 30, HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital will join the nation in celebrating National Doctors’ Day, a time-honored tradition dedicated to recognizing the physicians who work tirelessly to care for the Emerald Coast community.National Doctors’ Day traces its roots back to 1933, when the day was first observed to honor the
St. Joe Community Foundation provides $32,400 grant to Lakeview Center's mental health residential program kitchen renovation
St. Joe Community Foundation provides $32,400 grant to mental health residential program kitchen renovation DeFuniak Springs, Fla. (March 31, 2026) – A $32,400 grant from the St. Joe Community Foundation has enabled a much-needed kitchen renovation at Lakeview Center of Walton County, enhancing safety and daily living for adults receiving residential mental health care. The grant funded a comprehensive kitchen remodel, including new cabinets, countertops, appliances and other critical upgrades,
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
The Walton County Tourism Department is seeking applications
The Walton County Tourism Department is seeking applications for the following opening on the Tourist Development Council. Note: This seat will fill the remainder of a term that opened due to resignation. Seat 9 - A person who is involved in the tourism industry and has demonstrated an interest in tourism development. This person may be the owner or operator of a tourist accommodation(s) in Walton County that is subject to the Tourist Development Tax; engaged in a tourism-related industry or both. This
Centennial Bank's Professionals Program
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
