[[{“value”:” By Sean Dietrich It was late. I pulled into the campus after seven o’clock to attend my last class of the semester. My last college class. Ever. It was a night class. In America, most self-respecting people my age were finishing supper, settling down to watch “Wheel of Fortune.” But I was in school. I had been attending community college for 11 years. I had been taking a lot of night courses. Which meant that I had perfected the art of eating supper in my truck, on the way to class. I drove with my knees, ate with my hands, and controlled the radio with my big toe. Supper often consisted of foil-wrapped tamales, purchased from Carmela, a middle-aged Mexican woman who visited our construction jobsites. Carmela traveled in a battered ‘84 Nissan Maxima that looked like a roving salvage yard. Every time I’d buy a tamale, Carmela would pat my cheek and say, “Joo are very sweet boy, but joo need a bath, joo smell like goat butt.” So parked my truck. I rushed into class, smelling like the fundaments of a horned barnyard animal. Eleven years it had taken me to finish school. Me. A middle-school dropout. My formal education ended in seventh grade, after my father took his own life with a hunting rifle. I simply quit going to school. I was a rural child. It wasn’t a big deal. Nobody seemed to care what rural dropouts did. I got my first job hanging drywall at... Read More

 [[{“value”:” By Kirk McCarley My work as a career and leadership development coach delivers clients with varied wish lists.  Many seek job opportunities that can yield greater financial reward.  Others want a greater sense of purpose or the ability to have an impact.  There are those yearning to better develop executive presence.  Still more want to shift industries or a line of work. And there are many other motivations. Upon occasion, someone might share that they are seeking an environment where they can develop true comradeship and enjoy relationships with co-workers who share similar values.  That got me to considering the difference in job satisfaction rates between employees who feel a connection with their workmates vs. those who don’t.  My guess is it’s significant. What would be the characteristics of a workplace where employees have a sense of connection?  For those environments where that does not exist, what needs to happen to bring that about? I would venture that the first ingredient is a clear purpose and mission, simple and inarguable.  One of the most enjoyable periods in my 31 years in local government was when that sort of culture existed. In that example, the elected executive leader of our organization shared a clear vision:  to strive for the county, in this instance, to champion economic development and deliver outstanding customer service.  Clear, simple, and inarguable:  an ambition that almost all can rally around.  It was a rewarding time. Second, strong work relationships will more likely exist when there are... Read More

 [[{“value”:” By Stephenie Craig When did you last experience a big, uncomfortable feeling you did not manage well? Maybe you experienced rejection and felt deeply sad. Maybe someone treated you poorly, and you felt intense anger. Perhaps you made a mistake, and you felt shame. How did you behave when you experienced the feeling? Were you unkind to yourself? Did you behave poorly and then blame others? Did you drink or scroll to numb out? Did you break something? Feelings come and go throughout each day and yet most of us do not have a sense of confidence about managing uncomfortable feelings. In his book, Dealing with Feeling, Marc Brackett, PhD, founding director of Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, shares that only 10% of the American population receives any education about how to understand or manage feelings. In my experience meeting with people for 25 years, about 9 out of 10 people entering therapy do not understand how to identify or work through uncomfortable feelings. Most of us are engaging in avoidance or numbing strategies such as drinking, other substance use, scrolling, shopping, gambling, controlling others, and over-scheduling, among others, to keep from facing uncomfortable feelings. Avoidance produces a cycle of emotional dysregulation that negatively impacts relationships, life performance, and overall health. In short, not knowing how to identify and manage your feelings well is likely reducing your quality of life and your positive impact in the world. So, if you want to grow in emotional maturity to increase your... Read More

 [[{“value”:” Lori Joyner and Harvest House–Caring for Neighbors in Need By Rich Sanders Lori Joyner fills her days managing hundreds of pounds of groceries, groups of volunteers and dozens of people in need.  As Executive Director of the Harvest House in Destin, she is responsible for caring for the poor and needy in Okaloosa County and helping them survive and thrive. Lori and her family moved to Destin over twenty years ago as a result of divine intervention.  “Throughout my walk in life, I surrendered my life to the Lord Jesus and said, ‘Lord, whatever you want me to do, I will do for you. And I didn’t take that lightly.’” After Lori thought about the move for three consecutive days and “just surrendered everything,” and moved to Destin! After meeting the founder of Harvest House, Jerry Ogle, she fell in love with it and became the Executive Director–three days later!  As small business owners, Lori and her husband are great examples of Christian Capitalists, as that business helps her work so diligently on behalf of the poor and needy in our community. Harvest House has been operating for over forty years, making it one of the oldest Christian non-profit charities on the Emerald Coast.  Serving over four hundred families a month today, things keep getting busier.  During the government shutdown in the Fall of 2025, demand for assistance spiked, in particular for food after funding for food stamps stalled.  Lori and her group of volunteers took it in stride... Read More

 [[{“value”:” By Pete Hyde This month is the celebration of Martin Luther Ling’s Birthday.  Banks, government offices, schools, and many churches will be closed for the holiday.  There will be parades, marches, and speeches from Washington, D.C. to the smallest towns in the country.  We will remember the impact of this young man.  No, not all agreed with his positions, methods, and politics.  Many in my father’s generation had little use for Martin Luther King.  My father’s learned prejudice kept him from seeing any good that could come from a black minister who stood on his beliefs and sought to change the status quo and the direction of American society.  Martin Luther King “had a dream.”  He understood the calling that was placed on his life to make a difference.  He died trying to fulfill that call.  I am sure my faithful readers will differ on the impact MLK made.  But I am also sure that everyone can agree that he made an impact.  His dream and witness changed this country. I speak, teach, and write a lot about making an impact.  When I see the impact a famous person makes on society, whether for good or for bad, I almost always reflect on the impact I am making.  Will I ever be famous?  No!  Will I make a difference?  I hope so!! Ask yourself the same questions?  Will you be famous?  Maybe some of you are or were, but most of us will not be.  Will you make a... Read More

 [[{“value”:” By Leo Rose When my family and I walked into VKI Japanese Steakhouse, I could immediately hear the sizzling of the hibachi grills and the enthusiastic chatter of the families seated nearby. Approaching the host’s stand, I took notice of the establishment’s inviting atmosphere and aesthetics; soft music played overhead while I was visually met with warm, mango-colored walls and traditional wood paneling at the bar. Before the staff even addressed us, I knew I was going to enjoy my time here. Sherry, one of the owner’s daughters, warmly greeted my family as we entered. She guided us to one of the multiple hibachi grills and introduced us to VKI’s wide selection, recommending the shrimp tempura and pork gyoza as starters. We decided to try the pan-fried gyoza as well as an order of spicy tuna rolls as our appetizers, and since we had hibachi access, we all ordered food off the grill to see how the chef would perform: grilled chicken, scallops, shrimp, and filet mignon awaited us all that evening. The service proved to be fast and effective as our appetizers were swiftly brought out. I chose to try the gyoza first; six crispy dumplings filled with pork and veggies, fried to perfection. The crisp outer shell quickly gave way to the soft, savory interior and paired excellently with soy sauce. I just had to try the sushi next, as although I personally am not much of a connoisseur of seafood, the presentation captured my attention and... Read More

 [[{“value”:” Old Florida Fish House Weekdays For over a decade, Old Florida Fish House has proudly featured local live music. Catch artists playing inside the coveted bar and lounge area, as well as in the large outdoor dining space situated among the palm and oak trees under the twinkling lights next to Eastern Lake throughout the week. Dueling pianos are every Thursday. Visit www.oldfloridafishhouse.com for more info. FOOW Live Music Fridays and Sunday Brunch  Enjoy live music on Friday nights, as well as Sundays for Brunch, featuring bottomless mimosas at FOOW – Fish Out of Water. The Gulf front restaurant invites you to delicious dining paired with live music. Visit foow30a.com. AJ’s Grayton Brunch and Live Music AJ’s is the place to be to celebrate all things Sunday Funday in Grayton Beach! Recharge your weekend at our live music brunch with the talented Christon Birge Duo every Sunday at 12 p.m. for a delightful morning filled with delicious food, refreshing drinks, and engaging tunes. Have a mimosa or go all in with their famous Build Your Own Bloody Mary bar. Then enjoy live music from The Pickled Pickers 5-8 p.m. Join in the fun on Karaoke Night starting at 8 p.m. every Thursday night (also Prime Rib Night). Check ajsgrayton.com for live music throughout the week. Shunk Gulley Shunk Gulley is a premier location on 30A for live music, bringing in artists from around the Gulf Coast and beyond. Whether you just want to relax to indie guitar players or... Read More

 [[{“value”:” As the calendar turns to January, many people feel a renewed sense of motivation and possibility. The start of a new year naturally encourages fresh goals and positive habits, making January an ideal time to begin music lessons. Whether you’re a parent considering lessons for your child or an adult finally ready to pursue a long-held musical dream, January offers several unique advantages that can set you up for long-term success. One of the biggest benefits of starting music lessons in January is the mindset that comes with the new year. After the reflective pause of the holidays, people often feel more focused and ready to commit to structured routines. Music study thrives on consistency, and January is a time when schedules tend to stabilize. With holiday travel over and fewer disruptions, it’s easier to establish a regular practice schedule and weekly lesson time, which are essential for steady progress. January also provides a clean slate for goal-setting. Beginning lessons at the start of the year allows students to set clear, achievable musical goals and track their progress over the coming months. For children, this might mean mastering basic technique or preparing for a recital later in the year. For adults, it could be learning to read music, playing favorite songs, or gaining the confidence to perform for others. Starting in January makes it natural to measure improvement as the year unfolds, which can be highly motivating. Another advantage is the extended runway before busy seasons arrive. Students who... Read More

 [[{“value”:” Sinfonia Gulf Coast has announced the lineup for its highly anticipated annual fundraiser, Crescendo!: A Cultural & Culinary Extravaganza, a three-day celebration blending world-class music, fine dining and community philanthropy. Set for Jan. 23, Feb. 27 and March 1, 2026, Crescendo! is expected to be a highlight of the Northwest Florida social season. The festivities begin Friday, Jan. 23, at 11 a.m. with the Crescendo! Kick Off Lunch in the Juniper Ballroom at Hotel Effie in Miramar Beach. Dubbed Bubbles, Bourbon + More, the stylish afternoon offers high tea-inspired vibes with lunch, champagne, wine and bourbon craft cocktails, a live DJ, and a curated fashion experience featuring Balmain. Guests will also enjoy an exclusive shopping experience in the Balmain Lounge. Tickets are $175 per person and include lunch, beverages and gratuities. Early reservations are encouraged, as the event typically sells out. Crescendo! weekend continues Friday, Feb. 27, at 6 p.m. with a series of intimate Vintner Dinners hosted in private homes and elegant venues throughout the Emerald Coast. These curated evenings pair acclaimed local and national chefs with prestigious wineries for a multi-course culinary experience. Participating vineyards include Opus One Winery, Promontory, Groth Estates, AXR, Reynolds Family Winery, Mondavi Sisters Wine and others, with additional culinary talent announcements forthcoming. Vintner Dinner tickets are $500 per person and include all food, wine and gratuities. The centerpiece of the weekend, the Crescendo! Main Event, takes place Sunday, March 1, at 3 p.m. in the Magnolia Ballroom at Sandestin Golf and Beach... Read More

 [[{“value”:” By Danica LaFaire, FISH Window Cleaning January has a way of making people feel like they’re already behind. The holidays are over, routines are settling back in, and suddenly we’re surrounded by messages about transformation — new goals, new habits, new versions of ourselves. But most meaningful progress doesn’t come from one big push at the start of the year. It comes from something far less glamorous: maintenance. Maintenance doesn’t get much credit. It’s quiet, repetitive, and often invisible. Yet it is what keeps homes comfortable, businesses running, bodies healthy, finances stable, and confidence intact. Small actions, taken consistently over time, don’t just prevent problems — they build trust in ourselves and in the systems we rely on. I see this principle every day in my work. In window cleaning, maintenance is everything. Glass that is cared for regularly stays clear and intact for years. When it’s ignored, small issues compound — mineral buildup, corrosion, permanent damage. Rarely is there one moment when things suddenly go wrong. More often, it is what wasn’t done consistently that creates the problem. That same truth shows up across our community. Take Executive Air Cooling, Heating and Refrigeration, for example. Most people don’t think about their HVAC system until it stops working — usually on the hottest or coldest day of the year. But regular maintenance is what prevents those emergencies. Industry data shows that well-maintained HVAC systems can operate up to 15% more efficiently and reduce overall repair costs by as much... Read More