I had the pleasure of hearing from Hod Lipson, professor of engineering and data science at Columbia University, one of the keynote speakers at the annual Florida Power and Light Symposium earlier this year. He said, “Those that see it,…
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — This year marks the 3rd Annual North Florida Worlds of Work career exploration event, presented by the Talent Development Council, which will take place Thursday, Oct. 23 - Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, on the campuses of Tallahassee…
Written by Gail Moraton, CBCP When hurricanes strike the Gulf Coast, small businesses in Northwest Florida face not just property damage, but the challenge of keeping their doors open and employees working. High winds, wind-driven rain, and flooding do more…
Diego Medone is the founder and CEO of Consulting IQ, a company offering AI-human hybrid consulting. Their digital ecosystem provides an all-in-one platform to help small and medium-sized businesses grow. Here, Medone provides insights from a leading voice and user…
After 28 years in the classroom, it would be safe to say that teaching has helped put a roof over Jacqueline Sheffield’s head—not just metaphorically. Earlier this year, the 51-year-old math teacher at Fort Walton Beach High School was named…
The rapid change of technological innovations has made the job market more competitive, creating an edge for students who pursue extracurriculars related to the field they will eventually follow. There seems to be little connection between a verdant Florida field…
It was Gandhi who said, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow; learn as if you were to live forever,” which is the philosophy of living a meaningful life of continuous learning. Today, people proudly brandish this quote on…
Between tourism and a growing population of retirees and snowbirds with second homes in the region, many travelers are looking forward to ditching the layover on their way to the beach. A nonstop flight from Panama City to New York…
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Learning a new skill or trade can be daunting, but there’s a lot of money that goes into these pursuits. Despite 59.3% reporting difficulties being able to afford spending on their favorite hobby, data from a Self Financial survey shows…
Ignorance creates confidence. Knowledge breeds humility. This is the short version of the Dunning-Kruger Effect (see side bar). This is to say, experience has a way of beating humility into us. There is a growing disparity in the durable skills…
While many people remember a cash-centered square with tables and tents offering mostly fruits, vegetables, and potted plants, innovations have transformed the farmers market into a laboratory for the entrepreneurially minded. There are many advantages to beginning a small business…
The word “scholar” originally came from Greek skholē, meaning “leisure, especially time spent on intellectual endeavors.” Scholarly pursuits are a cornerstone of Western civilization and a driving force for technological change and innovations in the global economy. However, our modern…
Capital // Local Honors Distinguished bankers in the Capital In keeping with tradition, the Florida Bankers Association (FBA) presented awards to a select group of deserving bankers during its 137th annual meeting. The distinguished awards recognize individuals for their dedication…
Before Allan Branch took office as Mayor of Panama City in May 2025, he was better known for opening brewpubs, restoring historic buildings, and revitalizing downtown storefronts. Now, he is bringing that entrepreneurial mindset to city government. Branch’s roots run…
Generative AI appeared like a slow-moving tsunami, just a ripple on the horizon that concerned citizens watched with great interest. GPT-1 (Generative Pre-trained Transformer 1) was released in 2018 and was largely limited in scope, accuracy, and comprehensibility. Those keeping…
Raised during the age of the internet, millennials had a leg up on older generations in mastering all that the world wide web brought to the table. But generations Z and A are coming up during a new apex of…
Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, a property management and real estate company in Destin, was recently named one of Florida’s Best Companies To Work For in Florida Trend magazine. The annual “Best Companies” list is featured in the August issue of Florida…
When Ashley Guy opened the doors to her first Tallulah store, she wasn’t just starting a business—she was creating a new category of wellness. Today, Tallulah sets the standard for plant-based retail, legal psychedelics, and functional self-care across the Southeast.…
Enter for a chance to win the ultimate Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort Getaway! Please fill out the form below for entry into this giveaway.* *Learn more about this prize package and read the full Terms and Conditions at the…
Business is conducted at the capital. While many of Tallahassee’s visitors are transient, staying for days or weeks at a time, high-quality hotels are limited, opening a gap for travelers seeking apartment-like comforts rather than a simple refuge while staying…
Tourism is an integral facet of the Emerald Coast economy. Ashley Herrick plays a vital role in ensuring the Henderson Beach Resort stays booked and busy. She knows just what makes Destin and one of its finest resorts special, and…
Living near the coast has many benefits. According to a study of more than 1.3 million participants by the journal of Environmental Health Perspectives, residing close to a large body of water reports an overall reduction in mortality by 12…
For decades, Emerald Coast locals have been battling tourism-congested commutes up and down Highway 98. In Fort Walton Beach, a convergence of local and transient travelers has created a bottleneck at the Brooks Bridge. A new bridge, planned for completion…
Kailien Silva believes that character development is key to future success and that change is a valuable component of growth that can help one find their own self-worth. In her role, she strives to help those facing legal challenges address…
Creating images that are vibrant, bold, dramatic, and timeless describes the work that Carolina Waldroff does as a photographer. She got her start in business through the encouragement of her family, husband, and best friend who was also an early…
Lydia Williams has a passion for promoting Florida. She lives, works, and plays here, and it isn’t lost on her how lucky she is while watching over 142 million people who visit Florida each year. Her home is a destination,…
Connection and quantifiable growth are the secrets to Joshua Henderson’s success. The advertising consultant for Cumulus Media—an audio-forward media company that delivers content to 250 million people monthly. Henderson also believes in giving back to his community and supporting local…
Lillian Baker looks through her lens to tell each client's life story. As a lifestyle, branding, and family photographer, she aims and shoots to capture meaningful moments you can forever keep. From business brand photos to a family portrait session…
At 23, Shardai Sallye is still young herself, yet she’s highly attuned to the importance of the next generations, so much so that each school day she makes tangible impacts on students' lives at the SHE Academy, an after-school mentorship…
Global Demand for Digital CurrencyCryptocurrencies are growing in popularity as a decentralized global currency. The current global market cap is roughly $2.73 trillion, with an increasing number of merchants accepting cryptocurrencies as legal tender. Unlike physical monies, which can always…
CAPITAL // LOCAL HONORS LEON COUNTY RECOGNIZED FOR INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS Leon County Government has been recognized for its outstanding commitment to public infrastructure, earning six Project of the Year Awards from the American Public Works Association (APWA) Big Bend Branch.…
Itwas just after developer and cofounder of Sandcastle Resorts and Hotels Frank Flautt had purchased a 10-acre beachfront lot that would house the future Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa that he placed a call to his friend Ernest…
With a strong understanding of complex real estate transactions, a passion for teaching, and a robust education that includes a master’s in business administration, Conner Morrison works to support and elevate the professionals of the Cocoran Reverie luxury real estate…
Luxury in real estate isn’t necessarily defined by price point,” says Sara Becnel, president of Sandestin Investments and managing partner of The Agency Northwest Florida Beaches. “It’s about ensuring that anyone who entrusts us with their real estate needs feels…
3rd PLANET BREWING Ten years ago, Tim McCool put his head together with homebrewer and fellow Air Force veteran Jason Doster to bring to Niceville its first microbrewery with the goal of creating quality beer and a new community hub.…
Most people living in Northwest Florida love to live here. Later in this issue, you will read why in our periscope section, which focuses on Okaloosa and Walton counties. In these stories, entrepreneurs and business-minded experts in our community share…
Philip Bonabi leads the Beaches Construction team in handling new builds, remodels, renovations, and repairs for residential and commercial projects in Bay and Walton Counties. His construction career spans hospitals, aviation, residential neighborhoods, and more, making him adept in a…
Born and raised in northwest Florida, from the coast to the capital, Jaynie Mitchell Sundberg is set on helping people invest in the region while she herself invests in the people of the region. On a day-to-day basis, Sundberg meets…
Beyond having a great business model, products, goods, and services, all businesses require stable financial and asset management. With approximately 92 percent of global trade conducted electronically, there is a growing need for innovative solutions to banking needs. We briefly…
Katie Anderson will be the first to tell you that social media is essential to the success of a business. In 2019, she rode the wave of the influx of social media platforms, bringing to life a marketing company that…
As a former NFL sports host, Brooke Kromer moved around often. That is, until she found her forever home in 30A. That “just right” feeling is something she aspires to help every client find when she hands them the keys…
Growing up, Christie Petruzzelli was always playing a sport or auditioning for a part in a show. She’s competitive by nature—subscribing to the belief that with the right focus, attitude, and energy, she can master nearly anything. This point-of-view has…
Originally from the United Kingdom, Maya Sargent knew she wanted to create her version of the American dream. This dream included being a friendly, familiar face and the voice piece for a community, as a reporter. After moving to the…
Matthew Minnix is the co-owner of Thick Cookie Co., a bakery that got its start with online and pop-up sales and recently opened a storefront in Fort Walton Beach. The process of opening the shop that specializes in thick, chewy…
Morgan Page is co-owner of Thick Cookie Co., a bakery specializing in thick, chewy cookies that got its start in online and pop-up sales and recently opened a storefront in the Fort Walton Beach downtown area. She hopes her business…
Tourism is Florida’s No. 1 economic engine, and in Walton County, it plays an especially pivotal role. The scenic 30A corridor is not just a beloved stretch of sugar-white sand and turquoise water; it’s also home to a tourism ecosystem…
A desire to improve his community’s quality of life is the primary goal that guides Koby Townsend in his work. In his career of service, he hopes to create opportunities that allow residents to live comfortable lives, where young people…
Amanda Campbell leads her life with a servant’s heart. Campbell has been volunteering since she was a little girl, which led to her career path in non-profits. In her role, she raises awareness for Legal Services of North Florida, which…
I have recently spoken with business owners and entrepreneurs concerned over the rising costs of imported raw materials—many of which, such as precious minerals, cannot be easily obtained domestically. This issue’s letter is a response to these worries—an opening volley…
Bradley Copeland considers art to be her religion, and since moving to the area in 2019, she’s shared her faith with a growing audience. With the Cultural Arts Alliance, Copeland helped start an art program at the Walton Correctional Institution.…
