30A Breaking News

 [[{“value”:” By Rick Moore At the time of his resignation, the outgoing manager gave the new manager a unique gift. He handed the new manager three envelopes. Each envelope had something written on it, and each contained something inside to help in the event of a crisis. The first envelope had the words “Open During Any Crisis Your First Six Months.” The next envelope had the words “Open During Any Crisis After Your First Year.” The third envelope had the words “Open During Any Crisis After Your Second Year.” The new manager thanked him and stuck the three envelopes in his desk drawer. During the new manager’s first six months, a major crisis arose. He figured this would be a good time to see what is in the first envelope. He opened it up and read these words: “Blame Your Predecessor In Order To Get Out of Your Current Mess.” He did it, and it worked. Shortly after the new manager’s first year, another major crisis arose. He opened up the second envelope and read these words: “Blame The Lack Of Budget And Human Resources For Your Current Mess.” He did it, and it worked. The following year he experienced his worst crisis yet. He opened the third envelope and read these words: “Here Are Three Envelopes For You To Give To The Next Manager Who Will Take Your Place.” He did it, and he was out of work. No matter if you are the new person coming in or... Read More

 [[{“value”:” By Rev. Pete Hyde    The mid-morning crowd at the Café Du Monde was lined up outside the door.  We took our beignets, buried in powdered sugar, to a park bench overlooking the Mississippi River.  It was a beautiful, crisp morning.  I turned away from the view of the river to look into the French Quarter.  In the middle of Jackson Square stood St. Louis Cathedral.  With the morning sun reflecting off the white church, it looked almost heavenly against the darkness (literally and figuratively) of the city.  Surrounded by manicured landscaping, it was an oasis in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter, buzzing with tourists and those who made their living in the heart of New Orleans.  In the shadow of the cathedral’s magnificent spires was all that makes the French Quarter famous – voodoo, bars, strip clubs, the homeless by choice and by circumstance, street vendors, aspiring street musicians, throngs of tourists and all the businesses that cater to them, high-rise office buildings and hotels all melded together in just a few city blocks. We drove into the town of Donalsonville.  On the main street, just a block or so from the main business district that had seen its glory days pass away and now only housed one or two stores and a restaurant, stood a small Methodist Church on a corner lot.  The building, set on concrete blocks, leaned a little to one side and probably on a good day held no... Read More

 [[{“value”:” By Kirk McCarley Regardless of whether you’re a fan of Harry Potter, you need to acknowledge the active imagination of author J.K. Rowling.  Who would have envisioned the concept of an academy for prospectively talented magicians?  Or for that matter,  a sport called Quidditch that is centered on a large oval pitch amidst three ring-shaped goals of different heights as witches and wizards compete on broomsticks?  The idea of “vaporized” transportation from an ordinary train station to Hogwarts continues to delight readers. Besides, Ms. Rowling, consider other creative inventors.  Cycle shop entrepreneurs Orville and Wilbur Wright retrofitted a bicycle with “wings” to provide lift for early-stage development of an airplane.  Musician Neil Diamond crafted a hit song describing an imaginary friend who was always there for him when other kids wouldn’t play with him or his father couldn’t devote time.  “Shilo” achieved top 20 status in 1970. I believe that within many of us lies a craving to invent and innovate.  Somewhere along the way, however, those dreams get short-circuited.  Why?  The lack of time is likely a culprit.  Another one is fear—will my idea be accepted or worse, criticized?  How much will it cost? What if the attempted innovation is an abject failure?  Our own limiting beliefs also contribute, convincing us of our incapabilities. An article by Farley Ledgerwood (an innovative name in and of itself) listed characteristics of those with an active imagination.  He predicated his findings first with an overriding warning:  do not fall prey to... Read More

 [[{“value”:” By Rich Sanders As the leaders of Caring and Sharing of South Walton County, Carly Barnes and Dani Aylsworth take care of the poor and needy in our community every single day! Dani was kind enough to take me on a tour of the building across the street from Caring & Sharing’s main facility in Santa Rosa to scout a location for us to record our podcast the week before Christmas.  We found a room upstairs away from the busy distribution activities downstairs. At that time, early on a Tuesday morning, the quiet upstairs room was full of cloth bags to be distributed to more than 700 children as part of the Angel Tree program: literally hundreds of bags covered the floor. Dani and I agreed that it would make a terrific backdrop for our podcast. When I returned 48 hours later to set up our equipment, I was stunned to find that the room was completely empty! That single instance demonstrates the strong demand for assistance, as well as the capacity to meet that need that its staff and volunteers provide to people from all over Walton County.  Carly painted a broad picture of those services: “We provide crisis relief through food, financial assistance (which is past due rent or past due utilities), counseling, case management, and connection to area resources.” As a social worker, Dani works directly with families in need to connect them to those resources and provide encouragement to them.  She literally shines the light... Read More

 [[{“value”:” Meet the Voice Teacher: Natalie Rachkov Natalie Rachkov was born in Ukraine and moved with her family to the United States in the early 2000s. Music has been part of her life since the age of five, when she first began singing on stage. At seven, her parents enrolled her in a music academy, where she studied vocal performance, solfeggio, and piano. There she earned her first diploma. After moving to the United States, Natalie continued pursuing her passion in voice by enrolling in Willow International College in California to further study music. During that time, she had the privilege of participating in several opera performances, which deeply enriched her vocal training and stage experience. That strong classical foundation continues to shape both her musicianship and teaching today. Natalie says, “My greatest desire has always been to worship the Lord with the musical gifts He has graciously given me.”  She has faithfully served in choir and led worship in church, using music to glorify God and encourage others. As she grew older, Natalie felt called to invest in children. She began teaching small groups of young singers, and by God’s grace, that group grew into a choir of 80 children. Watching them grow in confidence, discipline, and joy has been one of the greatest blessings of her life. Today, she continues to coach children in vocal lessons, and also teaches beginner piano, helping students build strong foundations while nurturing their love for music. Natalie says, “I truly love music and... Read More

 [[{“value”:” By Lori Leath Smith Each spring, something remarkable happens along the shores of the Santa Rosa Sound. The gentle notes of the Native American flute drift through the air, dancers move in colorful regalia and locals and visitors gather to celebrate one of the Emerald Coast’s most unique cultural traditions. From April 24–26, 2026, the Musical Echoes Native American Flute Festival will celebrate its 25th anniversary, inviting the community to experience three unforgettable days of music, art and heritage at 139 Miracle Strip Parkway SE in Fort Walton Beach. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Santa Rosa Sound, the festival is free and open to the public. Since becoming part of the fabric of Fort Walton Beach in 2001, Musical Echoes has grown into one of the premier Native American flute and art festivals in the nation, honoring the rich traditions, storytelling and artistry of Native American culture. You can expect a vibrant weekend filled with live performances, flute concerts, cultural dancing, art displays, storytelling and interactive exhibits. The hauntingly beautiful sound of the Native flute—an instrument long used for storytelling, ceremony and reflection—creates a peaceful atmosphere that perfectly complements our Fort Walton Beach environment. This year’s festival features several acclaimed performers: Shelley Morningsong, a Northern Cheyenne singer-songwriter and 2019 Native American Music Awards Artist of the Year, brings her powerful alto voice and heartfelt songwriting to the stage. With seven albums and multiple Native American Music Awards to her name, Morningsong blends contemporary Native music with blues... Read More

 [[{“value”:” Joe Bonamassa’s Sound Wave Beach Weekend April 10-12 Topeka presents Joe Bonamassa’s Sound Wave Beach Weekend at Seascape Resort. Joe Bonamassa, Gov’t Mile, Grace Potter, Little Feet, JJ Grey & Mofro, and more are among the acts on the lineup for the 2026 event. Artists perform from 5-10 p.m. each evening. Learn more, check the lineup, safety tips, and the experience here: topeka.live. Alaqua Sunday Sessions – Sundays through May 31 Sunday Session, a weekly gathering in the Alaqua Arena filled with live music, delicious food, and the peaceful charm of the Refuge, returns every Sunday through May 31 from 1-4 p.m. Free to attend, bring your friends, your family, and your love for animals. Seabreeze Jazz Festival April 22-26 Smooth jazz, white sands, and fun set for The Ultimate Weekend of Smooth Jazz. Tickets and lineup at seabreezejazzfestival.com. Emerald Coast Community Singers Spring Concert: Choral Classics Through Time April 26 Celebrate the beauty of choral music across the centuries as the Emerald Coast Community Singers present their Spring Concert, Choral Classics Through Time, at Christ the King Episcopal Church, SRB, 3 p.m. This vibrant local ensemble will take audiences on a musical journey spanning from the 12th to the 21st century, showcasing the timeless power of song to connect and inspire. Admission is free, and donations are gratefully accepted. More info: emeraldcoastcommunitysingers.com. Baytowne Wednesday Night Concert Series Join The Village of Baytowne Wharf as they host the Wednesday Night Concert Series, a free weekly tradition on the Events... Read More

 [[{“value”:” By Jon Carroll There are many signs of spring in the air; crowded beaches, the sound of lawnmowers starting up after their winter hiatus, new blooms and accompanying allergies.  As you begin your spring plantings, did you know that Florida Statute (F.S.) protects Florida-friendly landscaping in Homeowners Association neighborhoods? Under F.S. § 373.185, Homeowners Associations may not enforce covenants which prohibit property owners “from implementing Florida-friendly landscaping on his or her land.” The statute defines “Florida-friendly landscaping” as “quality landscapes that conserve water, protect the environment, are adaptable to local conditions, and are drought tolerant. The principles of such landscaping include planting the right plant in the right place, efficient watering, appropriate fertilization, mulching, attraction of wildlife, responsible management of yard pests, recycling yard waste, reduction of stormwater runoff, and waterfront protection.” The governing documents of my own neighborhood’s HOA even contain a provision on Florida Friendly Landscaping.  According to the community’s charter, the HOA “shall encourage best management practices cited by the University of Florida in the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences’ “A Guide to Florida-Friendly Landscaping” for landscape installation, irrigation, and fertilizer and pesticide applications as to the Units…”’ However, as with anything, the devil is in the details, and F.S. § 373.185 is not a carte blanche pass allowing homeowners to completely ignore an HOA’s rules regarding landscaping. HOAs may still place restrictions on the manner and appearance of Florida-friendly landscaping, so long as those restrictions do not effectively prohibit it altogether. For example, associations... Read More