[[{“value”:” By Sean Dietrich The little boy was with his mom, sitting in a truck stop diner. The boy was bald, wearing a loose T-shirt. A large bandage showed from beneath his collar. Before the boy sat a massive meal. Bacon. Eggs. Huge glass of chocolate milk. Stack of pancakes bigger than a midsize SUV. “It feels so weird, my stitches itch,” the boy said. “Eat your pancakes,” said Mom. Mom looked tired. Her hair looked like she had slept on it. Her clothes, crumpled. “How many days was I in the hospital?” the boy asked. The mother sighed. “Twenty-six. Now eat your pancakes.” Everyone in the little restaurant was staring at mother and son. Especially the trucker in the booth behind them, who couldn’t help but eavesdrop. Mother and son ate in silence for a while. The boy was inhaling his food while Mom nursed a mug in both hands, staring wistfully out the window. “Did they cut all the cancer out?” the boy asked. Mother was crying now. “Eat your pancakes.” She tried to hide her face but was unsuccessful. Sometimes there is nowhere to hide one’s face. The boy just watched his mother weep. “I’m worried about you, Mom.” Mom laughed through snot and tears. “You’re worried about ME?” He nodded. Things went silent for a while. That’s when something happened. The trucker from the nearby booth rose to his feet. He approached their table. He was every American truck driver you’ve ever seen. Powerfully built, slightly... Read More

 [[{“value”:” By Dr. Clark, Bluewater Plastic Surgery The holiday season is filled with special moments — family gatherings, festive parties and countless photo opportunities. While this time of year brings joy and celebration, it can also come with added stress, late nights and the desire to look refreshed despite a busy schedule. At Bluewater Plastic Surgery, we understand that confidence matters — especially during the holidays — and there are several easy ways to help you look and feel your best, without downtime or drastic changes. Whether you want to glow for the camera, feel more comfortable in social settings or just give your skin a little extra love, here’s how we help patients shine through the season. Skincare That Works for the Holidays Cooler temperatures, indoor heating and holiday stress can all take a toll on your skin. That’s why it’s important to adapt your routine and invest in products that nourish and protect. A patient enjoys a skin treatment as a skilled professional applies a soothing mask, surrounded by calming decor, in a tranquil wellness center atmosphere. At Bluewater Plastic Surgery, we offer medical-grade skincare tailored to your skin’s needs — including products that hydrate, brighten and strengthen your skin barrier. We may recommend: A hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid for plump, dewy skin A gentle exfoliator to smooth texture before events Vitamin C to boost radiance and fight dullness A tinted SPF moisturizer to protect and perfect in one step Even small changes in your skincare routine can... Read More

 [[{“value”:” By Cameron Hughes Since I was a little boy, I’ve always been a fan of Dolly Parton. I can remember watching Hee Haw with my grandfather as a little boy, mesmerized any time Dolly Parton came on the screen. When you hear her full story, starting with her humble childhood in Tennessee, you can see that big dreams, and chasing those dreams, have guided her. I particularly like her perspective that… “dreams build convictions because you pay the price to make sure that they come true.” In 2009 she delivered a speech where she said, “Do not confuse dreams with wishes. There is a difference. Dreams are where you visualize yourself being successful at what’s important to you to accomplish. Now, dreams build convictions because you work hard to pay the price to make sure that they come true. Wishes are hoping good things will happen to you, but there’s no fire in your gut that causes you to put everything forth to overcome all the obstacles. So you have to dream more and never, ever, ever blame somebody else if it doesn’t happen. That is in your department.” She expounded upon that in a 2014 interview when she said, “I’ve always been a dreamer, and yes, I have always tried. And dreams are special things. But dreams are of no value if they’re not equipped with wings and feet and hands and all that. If you’re going to make a dream come true, you’ve got to work with... Read More

 [[{“value”:” By Kyle Sparks, Ovation Painting The holidays are all about gathering — family dinners, festive celebrations and cozy evenings with friends. As we prepare our homes for company, one of the most impactful updates you can make is a fresh coat of paint. Full-room or whole-home interior projects do more than refresh walls — they set the tone for the entire season. Imagine a dining room in a warm, rich shade that makes Thanksgiving meals feel even more inviting, or a living room with crisp, clean walls that highlight your holiday décor. Fresh paint creates a backdrop that feels intentional and welcoming, giving your guests the sense that every detail was thought of. Beyond appearances, a newly painted interior simply feels cleaner and brighter. Scuffed walls, dingy trim or faded colors can make a space feel tired, while new paint instantly lifts the mood. Pair that with the glow of candles, string lights and seasonal decorations, and you have the perfect recipe for holiday warmth. November is also an ideal time to tackle larger interior projects. Cooler weather means better conditions for painting, and schedules are often easier to coordinate before the busier holiday rush. Whether you’ve just finished a remodel, want to modernize outdated colors or are ready for a complete home refresh, this is the season to bring it all together. As family and friends gather in your home this holiday season, give them a setting that feels just as memorable as the celebration itself. Ready to... Read More

 [[{“value”:” By Danica LaFaire, Owner, Fish Window Cleaning of Northwest Florida Hey there, Northwest Florida! As Thanksgiving approaches and the year winds down, conversations about gratitude fill the air—and with them, the question that’s been making everyone scratch their head lately: to tip or not to tip? If you’ve felt a little confused or even fatigued by tipping lately, you’re not alone. Between iPads that flip around with preset options and ever-changing “expected” percentages, it’s easy to feel like you’re doing it wrong no matter what you choose. But I’d like to offer a refreshing perspective: gratitude first, generosity second. Tipping, at its best, is simply a gesture of thanks — a way to acknowledge the people who make our daily lives smoother, cleaner and a little brighter. Sometimes that gratitude shows up as a few extra dollars, sometimes as a handwritten card and sometimes as a sincere “thank you, I appreciate you.” Each can be equally meaningful. So, Who Should We Remember This Season? The holidays bring a flurry of deliveries and behind-the-scenes work. Here are a few folks who carry a heavier load this time of year: Mail carriers (USPS): Federal employees can’t accept cash or gift cards, but they can accept a small non-cash gift (under $20 value) such as snacks, coffee or a simple token of appreciation. Package drivers (UPS, FedEx, Amazon): Cash or gift cards are allowed, though most companies discourage anything over $25. Trash and recycling crews: A cash tip of $10–$30 per worker... Read More

 [[{“value”:” By Laurie Hood, Alaqua Founder & CEO Tucked among the pines and pastures of Freeport, Alaqua Animal Refuge has always been a place of second chances. Every rescued animal carries a story of survival, and every visitor feels the quiet peace that comes from being near them. It is that same sense of connection that inspired Alaqua’s newest initiative, Alaqua Well-Being, a program that invites people to slow down, breathe deeply, and heal alongside the animals who live there. The idea for Alaqua Well-Being grew out of simple conversations with volunteers. When asked what brought them to the refuge, the first answer was always their love of animals. But as those talks went deeper, something more profound emerged. Many were walking through their own seasons of grief or change — the loss of a spouse, recovery from illness, divorce, or other personal challenges. Again and again, they shared that it was the animals who gave them the courage to keep going. Watching a once-broken animal learn to trust and love again gave them hope that they could heal, too. It became clear that the refuge was helping people as much as it helped animals. Alaqua Well-Being was born from that truth. It is built on the idea that when we care for animals and connect with nature, we also heal ourselves. The program brings together experiences that nurture the mind, body and spirit, including meditation, art, nature walks, counseling and animal-assisted activities. It is a place where compassion becomes... Read More

 [[{“value”:” By Dr. Richard Chern As the season of Thanksgiving reminds us to pause and reflect on what we’re grateful for, there’s no better time to appreciate the gift of health and balance. Hormones play a vital role in how we feel every day—our energy, sleep, focus and even our joy. When those hormones fall out of balance, it can be difficult to feel truly thankful for the moments that matter most. Restoring Harmony Naturally Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) uses hormones that are identical to those your body naturally produces. Derived from plant sources and carefully customized to your individual needs, BHRT helps restore balance in a way that feels natural and seamless. Benefits to Be Thankful For Renewed energy helps you wake up ready to take on the day with vitality and purpose. Emotional balance brings steadier moods and a brighter outlook. Restful sleep restores the body and mind. Sharper focus enhances mental clarity and motivation. And with revitalized confidence, you can feel more like yourself—inside and out. Relaxed smiling woman meditates with hands on chest, practicing breathing exercises at home. Mindfulness practice, focus on breath, self care routine, stress relief, reflection and holistic wellness A Season for Renewal Just as autumn reminds us of cycles and renewal, BHRT offers a way to restore your own natural rhythm. Through personalized treatment, you can rediscover balance, vitality, and gratitude for how good life can feel when your hormones are working with you, not against you. This Thanksgiving, Give Thanks for... Read More

Lainey Wilson Was The Star Of The 2025 CMA Awards Lainey Wilson was undoubtedly the queen of the night at the 59th Annual CMA Awards. The “4x4xU” singer won three of the shows biggest trophies, Album of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, and Entertainer of the Year, and still found time to handle hosting […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Florida Delegation Warns Trump: Drilling Threatens Military Ops Staff Reports November 21, 2025 1:37 pm Eglin Air Force Base, Government, Military, Okaloosa County, State Government, Tourism In Brief: Who: Rep. Jimmy Patronis, Rep. Neal Dunn, Rep. Mike Haridopolos, Rep. Daniel Webster, Rep. Vern Buchanan, Rep. Laurel Lee, Rep. Scott Franklin, Rep. Byron Donalds, and President Donald J. Trump. What: A formal request urging the removal of certain drilling blocks from the Big Beautiful Gulf Lease Sale (BBGLS) 1. When: Letter issued Thursday, November 20, 2025. Where: Washington, D.C., concerning the Eastern Gulf Test and Training Range. Why: To prevent interference with military testing and training, avoid economic harm, and protect tourism in Northwest Florida. WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Jimmy Patronis, joined by seven members of Florida’s congressional delegation, is calling on President Donald J. Trump to remove specific blocks within the Eastern Gulf Test and Training Range (EGTTR) from the upcoming Big Beautiful Gulf Lease Sale (BBGLS) 1. The lawmakers warn that oil exploration or drilling activity in these parcels would threaten some of the nation’s most critical military missions and undermine the economic stability of Northwest Florida. The letter — co-signed by Reps. Neal Dunn, Mike Haridopolos, Daniel Webster, Vern Buchanan, Laurel Lee, Scott Franklin, and Byron Donalds outline concerns surrounding the December 10, 2025, lease sale, which would open vast areas of the Gulf of America to domestic energy development. While the group expressed continued support for the administration’s efforts to strengthen American energy independence, they emphasized that... Read More

Audit sparks major overhaul: Florida Lawmakers move to fix school choice tracking and funding Flaws Staff Reports November 21, 2025 1:30 pm State Government In Brief:   A statewide audit found Florida lacked accurate records for 30,000 scholarship students and couldn’t properly track hundreds of millions in payments. Sen. Don Gaetz’s SB 318 would overhaul the system with new ID requirements, monthly verification, and clearer funding structures. Lawmakers say the fixes are needed to stabilize a rapidly expanding school-choice program now serving one in five Florida students. CRESTVIEW — Florida lawmakers are moving to overhaul the state’s school choice scholarship system after a recent audit found widespread tracking and payment problems affecting tens of thousands of students and hundreds of millions of dollars. State Sen. Don Gaetz (R-Crestview) filed SB 318 on Friday, a bill aimed at increasing transparency, improving payment accuracy, and aligning scholarship timelines with the state budget cycle. The proposal follows an operational audit of 2024-25 school funding presented this week to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education. Committee chair Sen. Danny Burgess (R-Zephyrhills) said the rapid expansion of Florida’s universal school choice system has strained agencies, school districts, and scholarship funding organizations. “We can all be very proud of how far this program has come in a short amount of time,” Burgess said in a news release. “However, to ensure our school choice programs live up to their full potential and promise, there are challenges we need to address.” The audit found that the state... Read More