Business

By Julie A. Martin Dear Gentle Readers, The mere mention of insurance is liable to put red spots in your cheeks and in your eyes, but have no fear, I am about to share some insider secrets on what you can do to your policies that make them more cost effective...

By Chris Balzer   When planning your next beach day, take some extra time and enjoy the beach ECES style (Emerald Coast Energy Solutions).  Of course, we like the traditional beach things; sitting by the water, watching the waves curl ever so slightly, looking for that pod of dolphin fins, listening...

By Byron Toups Florida’s picturesque landscape and sunny weather make it a dream destination for many, but its vulnerability to hurricanes and tropical storms requires homeowners to carefully consider their roofing options. In this two-part comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into key questions about Florida roofs, providing insights into their lifespan,...

The Walton County Tourism Department unveiled the winners of the 2025 Perfect in Walton County Awards during a celebration at the Hotel Effie Sandestin on Thursday, Jan. 30. Now in its 11th year, this annual tradition invites residents and visitors to nominate and vote for their favorite tourism-related businesses,...

By Chris Balzer The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and togetherness. However, it can also be a time of increased energy consumption, leading to higher utility bills. With a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy the festivities while keeping your energy usage and costs in check. This...

By Chris Balzer At ECES (Emerald Coast Energy Solutions) we are excited to announce we have partnered with SunPro products out of Bradenton, FL, a top manufacturer of motorized awnings and screens. I’m not a very excitable person, however, when it comes to increasing comfort, I get excited.  At some...

By Maurice Stouse, Financial Advisor and Branch Manager Planning for the passing of your estate – everything that you have come to own in this life, is something that all of us will need to do. It is said that the formal process of estate planning is only done by...

Tickets are Now on Sale for The Walton Area Chamber of Commerce’s “The Next BIG Thing” Annual Conference on November 4-5th at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa  Tickets are now on sale for “The Next BIG Thing,” Walton Area Chamber’s two-day annual conference, presented by Ascension Sacred...

By Chris Balzer   “It’s not easy being green,” once sung a very wise Frog.  What does “Being Green” mean?  Being green covers many different elements: reducing, reusing and recycling; not littering; living sustainably; conserving energy; conserving materials; going zero-waste; fair-trade and ethical production; being carbon neutral; organic crop growing; being...

Each year, Florida Realtors® endorses 15 Realtors® in the state who exemplify the highest level of professionalism and distinction as Board Certified Professionals. This year, four of the 15 endorsed are Emerald Coast Realtors®. Cathy Alley with Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices and The Cathy Alley Team in Niceville; Michele Bailey, founding...