Seacoast Collegiate High School’s TOAST Robotics Ranks in the Top 5% Worldwide
TOAST Robotics takes No. 2 in the AeroCoast League and lands in the top 5% of FIRST Tech Challenge teams tracked worldwide by FTCScout. SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla. – November 6, 2026 – With a robot they designed, built and programmed themselves, Seacoast Collegiate High School students won all five of their qualification matches at the FIRST Tech Challenge AeroCoast League opener on Oct. 24 in Panama City. The undefeated start put TOAST Robotics at No. 2 in the 32-team league, which stretches from Pensacola
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital Invites Community to Help Fight Hunger Through Annual Food D
Community members encouraged to donate non-perishable food items November 1–20 to benefit Sharing and Caring of Fort Walton Beach FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. – HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital is inviting residents across the Emerald Coast to join its efforts to fight hunger this holiday season by participating in its Healthy Food for Healthier Tomorrows food and nutrition drive, taking place November 1–20. The hospital is collecting non-perishable food items to benefit Sharing and Caring of
Eglin Federal Credit Union donates $50,000 to support United Way Hurricane Isaias recovery
Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (Nov. 5, 2026) - Eglin Federal Credit Union is supporting local Hurricane Isaias recovery efforts through donations of $25,000 to United Way Emerald Coast and $25,000 to United Way of West Florida. United Way Emerald Coast will support recovery efforts in Okaloosa and Walton counties, while United Way of West Florida's donation is designated specifically for recovery assistance in Santa Rosa County, which experienced some of the region's most extensive damage. “We are so grateful
Clay Garden and Gifts on 30A Ushers in the Season with Annual Holiday Open House, Nov. 8
Holiday Garden Crawl returns with festive bites and libations, live carolers, personalized poetry, a pet station and 20% off shopping throughout the afternoon SEAGROVE BEACH, Fla. - November 3, 2026 - There is a particular kind of magic that arrives with the holidays: twinkling lights, familiar carols drifting through the air, friends and neighbors gathering together, and the simple pleasure of discovering something beautiful and unexpected. On Sunday, November 8, from 2–4 p.m., that magic comes
HCA Florida Hospitals Join Community in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
Hospital colleagues, breast cancer survivors and community partners unite to raise awareness and celebrate hope FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. (October 31, 2026) — Colleagues from HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital joined breast cancer survivors, families and community supporters Saturday morning for the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, demonstrating their shared commitment to raising awareness and supporting those impacted by
Newman-Dailey Real Estate Announces Third Quarter 2026 Top Producers
Colin Kirkwood Earns Top Listing Agent & Diane Green Recognized as Top Sales Agent DESTIN, Fla. – October 30, 2026 – Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, Inc. proudly announces its Real Estate Sales Division's Top Producers for the third quarter of 2026, recognizing Colin Kirkwood as Top Listing Agent and Diane Green as Top Sales Agent. These achievements reflect their dedication to exceptional client service, market expertise, and continued success along Florida's Emerald Coast. Colin Kirkwood | Q3 2026 Top
This Lung Cancer Awareness Month: Why a 5-minute scan may save your life
Low-dose CT screenings available at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to prioritize your lung health. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer in the United States, with more than 225,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Because lung cancer often develops without early symptoms, it is frequently diagnosed in advanced stages when it is harder to treat. However, new screening technologies are changing that narrative. For
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,
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
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
