[[{“value”:” South Walton Mosquito District (SWMD) proudly announces its recent recognition at T-Mobile’s 2025 4th Annual Innovate Awards in Orlando, where industry leaders were honored for groundbreaking achievements in innovation and community impact. SWMD received the event’s highest distinction—the Malcolm Gladwell Tipping Point Award—along with a $30,000 charitable donation. SWMD earned this honor for introducing the Panhandle’s first-ever drone-powered mosquito control program, powered by T-Mobile 5G technology. This innovative initiative has reduced treatment times by 75%, optimized resource allocation through advanced mapping systems, and set a new benchmark for sustainable public health practices. By integrating drones, data, and reliable connectivity, SWMD has redefined mosquito control—protecting communities more efficiently while demonstrating how small government agencies can leverage innovation to serve the public and preserve the environment. “We are honored to receive the 2025 T-Mobile Malcolm Gladwell Tipping Point Award. Competing alongside nationally recognized organizations such as Cisco, Tractor Supply, and UNLV made this recognition especially meaningful, and being selected by Malcolm Gladwell himself is a true honor,” said Darrin Dunwald, Director of SWMD. Following discussions with staff and Board of Commissioners, SWMD voted to donate the award to Friends of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. Darrin added, “In keeping with our commitment to community and environmental stewardship, we chose to donate the $30,000 award to Friends of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park to help preserve one of the limited conservation areas in our region.” To learn more about SWMD, its drone program or other services, follow SWMD on social media and... Read More

 [[{“value”:” Farmers Markets Grand Blvd. Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Grayton Locals Market Thursdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Hibiscus Guest House Seaside Amphitheater Saturdays and Tuesdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Peddlers Pavilion Sundays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Rosemary Beach at North Barrett Square Sundays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. SOWAL Comedy Festival Feb. 12-14 SOWAL Comedy Fest (formerly Sand Up Comedy Fest) returns, bringing three days of sharp, big-city stand-up to South Walton over Valentine’s weekend. Venues include: SOWAL House, Wild Olives, and Distillery 98. Shows run nightly with two showtimes, 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. at each venue. 2026 Headliners: Peter Wong, Anjelica Scannura, & Carter Deems. Purchase tickets, view the full lineup, and learn more at sowalcomedyfest.com. Support and sponsorships benefit the SOWAL Foundation (SOFO), a nonprofit dedicated to empowering and uplifting local creatives. Hard Hats & High Heels Feb. 13 Habitat Walton County invites you to join them at the annual Hard Hats & High Heels, a women’s empowerment luncheon bringing together a cross-section of the Emerald Coast’s professional, social, and philanthropic leaders. The Hard Hats & High Heels Luncheon takes place at The Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. My Furry Valentine at AJ’s Grayton Beach Feb. 14 Join AJ’s Grayton Beach from 1-3 p.m. for a special Valentine’s Day event! My Furry Valentine invites you to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a fun, loving atmosphere with your loved ones, both human and canine. Groove to live music by Sean Williams from 12-4 p.m. Road Dogg Rescue... Read More

 [[{“value”:” Winter blooming camellias are showcased at Eden Gardens State Park in FebruaryCamellias, the showy bush with large, colorful winter blooms, was the focus of the most recent meeting of the Seagrove Garden Club as the organization continues its 62nd year. Margaret Morrison, a Walton County master gardener and a board member of Friends of Eden Gardens, shared details about proper growing conditions, pruning and propagation of camellias at the group’s January meeting at Pazzo Italiano in Santa Rosa Beach to prepare members for the annual Camellia Festival and plant sale held Feb. 7 at Eden Gardens State Park. Walton County Master Gardener Margaret Morrison shares growing advice and the history of how Eden Gardens State Park showy camellias with Seagrove Garden Club members “We have had such a fantastic first half to the year,” said Seagrove Garden Club president Marie Spafford. “I’m really excited about what 2026 holds, especially as we continue to make a difference in our community.” In mid-February, Seagrove Garden club members will tour Coastal Blue Farms/Nursery in Freeport and enjoy a “winter picnic” in the event center, catered by Emerald Coast Catering. Seagrove Garden Club officers for the 2025-26 season are left to right, Carolyn Dzelzkalns, Marie Spafford, president; Eileen O’Grady, Carolyn Lohmiller, Patsy Powell, Judy Cox and Kathy Martin. The 62nd Seagrove Garden Club season began in September with a presentation about 30A Tiny Library, a passion project spearheaded by club member Victoria Sellers, followed in October by a fabulous holiday floral demonstration by... Read More

 [[{“value”:” By Kyle Sparks, Ovation Painting Across the Emerald Coast, many properties serve multiple purposes. Some are investment rentals, some are second homes, and others eventually become primary residences. No matter how a property is used today, one thing is certain: a full-home painting project adds both beauty and value. For families moving into a former rental, fresh paint is often the first step in making a house feel like home. Rentals are typically painted in basic, neutral shades to appeal to a wide variety of guests. A whole-home refresh brings consistency, warmth, and personality, transforming “a place to stay” into “a place to live.” But even for owners not making that move yet, painting is a smart investment. Updated interiors brighten rooms for visiting guests, improve rental appeal, and protect surfaces from years of wear and tear. A well-maintained property also increases resale value — something every owner or investor can appreciate. This is especially true for property management companies and rental agencies. With dozens or even hundreds of homes under your care, keeping them updated isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about protecting the asset. Guests notice when a property feels fresh and clean, and owners notice when you help preserve their investment. A proactive painting schedule can set your agency apart, ensuring properties are market-ready and reducing the headaches of deferred maintenance. Large-scale painting projects are about more than color. They extend the life of walls and trim, seal out moisture, and set a higher standard for both... Read More

 [[{“value”:” CLINT GHARIB, AIF, CFED Wow, what a new year can ring in.  If you’ve been reading my updates then you know I have been saying for many months to prepare for a real sell-off: “So when the next big sell-off comes (a sale), remember this idea of so many proposed data-center projects to shop during the sale. I don’t know the future, but I can see “miles and miles and miles” of proposed spending ahead.“ Also, you may recall from the “Deepseek” moment in early 2025 that I’ve not been a fan of OpenAI, believing Sam Altman is more ‘sizzle than steak’.  This by no means tempers my enthusiasm for the upside potential from the massive buildout of technology and electrification. Rather, it continues to reinforce to me the importance of stock selection.  Remember, I have believed we are in a new Bull market (started March 2023 imo) and like past Bull Trends, there can be serious sell-offs while in the Bull Trend. The long-term possibility of this massive buildout reminds me of the scale of rebuilding Japan and Europe after WWII. Dunnn  dunn… duuuunnn duunn… (‘Jaws’ theme music) At the end of 2025, we saw folks begin to worry about debt & circular AI deals, especially with Oracle and OpenAI. Reactions by many remind me of the hilarious scene in “Caddyshack” when the candy bar is floating in the pool and panic ensues whe a child yells, “Doodie! Doodie!”  After they have the entire pool drained and sanitized... Read More

 [[{“value”:” By Andrea Allen Tucked away in Inlet Beach, just minutes from the Gulf’s white sand and rolling surf, a quiet kind of magic is happening inside the home of local weaver Kathy Schwietz. What looks like an ordinary home from the outside opens into a workshop alive with color, texture, and rhythm—home to three looms and nearly five decades of craftsmanship. Kathy has been weaving for 49 years, mastering the art of turning raw fiber into functional beauty. Her process begins long before a loom is ever dressed. She hand-dyes much of her own thread, carefully blending colors inspired by the coastal world around her—sea glass blues, sandy neutrals, and the warm tones of sunset over the water. Once at the loom, time seems to disappear. With old-time rock and roll playing in the background, Kathy often gets lost in the steady rhythm of weaving, the repetitive motion becoming both focus and meditation. Hours can pass before she realizes it, as fabric slowly takes shape beneath her hands. From these looms emerge a collection of handwoven textiles, including cozy blankets, absorbent towels, and elegant table runners, all designed to be both aesthetically pleasing and practical. Each piece is uniquely crafted, showcasing subtle variations that highlight the human touch—an element that mass production cannot replicate. Kathy particularly enjoys weaving blankets. She sources her cotton from the southern United States, which is spun into yarn in Asheville, NC. This cotton is specially processed for handweavers, in contrast to commercial standards, resulting... Read More

 [[{“value”:” The Person Behind the Music, the Moments, and the Magic By Lori Smith I’ll admit it — when I first sat down to write this, I smiled. Once upon a time, before publishing deadlines and page counts, I was a DJ myself. I know the rush of reading a room, the quiet pressure of timing it just right, the invisible responsibility of holding a moment in your hands and not dropping it. So, when I say that Zoran Subotich gets it, I mean that in the deepest, most professional, been-there way. For more than 30 years, Zoran has been the steady heartbeat behind thousands of celebrations across the Emerald Coast — from barefoot beach weddings on 30A and Destin to elegant military galas, mitzvahs, milestone birthdays and reunions that people still talk about a decade later. Four counties. Thousands of events. And somehow — no missed cues, no awkward silences, no stressed brides. That doesn’t happen by accident. Zoran doesn’t just plan parties. He engineers memories. Through his company, Celebrations By The Sea, Zoran offers a truly full-service approach — the kind that allows couples and families to relax and stay present in the moment while he quietly handles the flow behind the scenes. His services include: DJ and professional emcee services Full event planning and coordination Licensed wedding and event officiating Ceremony and reception direction Lighting and atmosphere design Timeline creation and flow management Multilingual hosting and announcements All of it is tailored. All of it intentional. And... Read More