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This New Year, we are celebrating our seventh year in business. We are grateful for clients, partners, friends, and readers like you who champion entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofits that make our local communities a better place to live and work. Although we start 2026 amid global uncertainties, we remain focused on changing—and improving—what is within our reach through creativity, resilience, and thoughtful action. As the Greek Stoic philosopher Epictetus said, “There is only one way to happiness, and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.” That perspective will continue to guide how we support our clients, partners, and communities, share stories and insightful business content in Elevated News, and deliver our curated Elevated Experience events.
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| | | | The New Perfect Storm:Free-Speech Rights in the American Workplace and the Role of Public Relations |
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| | Although public debate in 2025 reminded many of us that free speech remains a vital—and often contentious—part of civic and professional life, free speech in the American workplace has been a source of legal and cultural tension since the 1970s. In our latest article, Dr. Randy Bobbitt examines the free-speech rights—and notable exceptions—affecting public- and private-sector employees in recent years, and recommends ways public relations can help employers navigate this complex landscape. |
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| | | | Frame Gallery Gifts & Art |
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| | In December, Frame Gallery completed one of its largest custom framing projects to date: two vintage Smokey Bear prints on linen, paired with the smoky tones of the bold black frames. Using conservation, non-glare acrylic, the pane offers both protection and the best possible viewing experience. Stay tuned for Frame Gallery’s upcoming contest to select the #1 Favorite Frame of 2025. The winner will receive a $100 gift certificate to put toward their next framing project. |
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| | | | Owners Jason and Julie Salinas recently enjoyed perfecting their gourmet pizza recipes, including the Meat Lovers Supreme and a homemade seasoning for chicken wings. Watch their sneak peek video to get a glimpse of some of the unique flavors and recipes hitting the Emerald Coast in 2026! |
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| | | | Renee Broxson’s She Stands for Peace, measuring 32.5” by 45”, is a vibrant, layered mixed-media portrait on unstretched canvas that pairs playful color with calm confidence. The whimsical figure—framed by pink hair, patterned glasses, and a soft peace sign—offers a gentle reminder that peace can be colorful, imperfect, and quietly powerful. Shop Renee’s original art or contact her to commission the perfect abstract piece for your home or office. |
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| | Sewanee Children’s Center (SCC) |
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| | In December, SCC Director Elizabeth Sowell announced a new partnership with Yale Child Study Center, which will visit the SCC campus on February 4-5, 2026. Sowell says, “The goal of this consultancy is to deepen teachers' knowledge and understanding of child development and to cultivate a curriculum framework grounded in developmental theory and play-based learning.” For area residents of Sewanee, Tenn., interested in joining a dynamic community dedicated to early childhood education and committed to professional development, consider applying to SCC’s current full- or part-time teacher openings. |
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| | Thanks to Dog-Harmony, More Tails are Wagging in Niceville |
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| | Niceville, Fla. - Where the therapy dogs’ wagging tails go, Niceville students are learning empathy toward animals and each other, and patients are healing faster with smiles. With 12 volunteer therapy dog teams now serving Niceville elementary schools, public libraries, at-risk youth agencies, and healthcare partners, Dog-Harmony’s animal-assisted programs continue to expand across the region. To learn more about Dog-Harmony's therapy dog program expansion in Niceville, request a therapy dog visit in Okaloosa, Walton, and Bay counties, or become a volunteer, read the full press release. |
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| | Emerald Coast Public Relations Foundation |
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| | Emerald Coast Public Relations Foundation (ECPRF) will award three $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors from high schools in the Northwest Florida counties of Okaloosa, Walton, and Santa Rosa who plan to pursue a college degree in public relations, communication, marketing, or journalism. The 2026 college scholarships are sponsored by: Sherry Harlow, APR; Eglin Federal Credit Union; and Linda Evanchyk, Carr, Riggs & Ingram, and Pitell Law Firm. |
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| ECPRF invites residents of Northwest Florida counties to share its college scholarship opportunities with high school seniors interested in public relations and encourages them to apply by the March 16, 2026, deadline. |
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| | THE ELEVATED EXPERIENCEA curated collection of upcoming events with our talented clients, partners, and friends |
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| | Insurance Untangled Live: Redefining Success in 2026 |
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| February 5, 2025 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm CST |
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| | Join Sandy Baird, MBA, and her cohorts for a free live webinar on February 5 from 8–9 PM EST focused on building strong, forward-thinking dental teams. Sandy will share practical strategies for streamlining systems, improving training, strengthening leadership, and keeping teams aligned with long-term goals. Attendees will earn 1 CE credit and have the opportunity to participate in a live Q&A session. Register here. |
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| | How to Turn Strategy into an Award-Winning PR Campaign |
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| January 13, 2025 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. |
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| 📍Greater Ft. Walton Beach Chamber Ft. Walton Beach, FL |
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| | Register to attend ECPRO’s How to Turn Strategy into an Award-Winning PR Campaign over lunch on January 13, 2026, featuring Melissa Watson, Exec. Director of Marketing and Revenue Management for Sandestin Investments. Melissa will present her award-winning 2025 PR campaign—from early concept development to planning a high-impact, vendor-focused familiarization event, and executing a comprehensive PR strategy that earned a prestigious Visit Florida Flagler Award. Plus, a New Year is the perfect opportunity for a new professional headshot! Register now. |
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| | 6th Annual Hops for Hounds |
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| January 18, 2026 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. |
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| 📍Props Craft Brewery Freeport, FL |
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| Join Dog-Harmony for the 6th Annual Hops for Hounds on Sunday, January 18, 2026, from 1–3 p.m. at Props Craft Brewery Hammock Bay in Freeport, Fla. Participants will enjoy a tail-wagging stroll, craft beer, live music, food trucks, and fun—all while supporting Dog-Harmony’s therapy dog and humane education programs. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 per person at the event. |
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| Under the Tuscan Sun: A Driftwood Retreat for Women |
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| | Escape to Tuscany, Italy! From May 1–6, 2026, Driftwood Adventure Treks is hosting a soul-restoring women’s retreat blending yoga, pilates, photography, culture, and incredible farm-to-table meals at Podere Trafonti, a serene eco-luxury villa in the rolling hills of Southern Tuscany. Participants can also enjoy excursions to charming villages, vineyards, hot springs, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the region. Learn more and register here. |
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| | Share your upcoming event with Elevate Next’s Elevated Experience calendar—a curated collection of standout workshops, pop-ups, fundraisers, and creative happenings from our clients, partners, and community. |
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