850 — The Business Magazine of Northwest Florida - Fall 2025

Awarding Excellence

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…

Grounding Our Future

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…

Forever Learners

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…

The Grad Gap

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…

When Hobbies Make The Green

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…

From Hobby to Market

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…

Redefining Scholarship

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…

Sound Bytes Fall 2025

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…