Local Business
Thursday, April 30, 2026 · Fort Walton Beach
South Florida Inventory Surges 20%, Cooling Miami Home Prices
Home sales in Miami-Dade and Broward counties slowed amid a 20% rise in available properties, easing intense price pressures in the region's overheated market. Buyers now face less competition, but a persistent shortage of over 30,000 units keeps affordability elusive. Florida Realtors data signals a shift toward balance in early 2026.
Orlando Tourism Booms 15% in Q1 on Theme Park Rush
Central Florida's theme parks drew a 15% surge in visitors during the first quarter, propelled by fresh rides at Disney World and Universal Studios. The boom signals robust recovery and expansion fever gripping Orlando's tourism engine. Local leaders eye sustained growth amid multi-billion-dollar investments.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
PortMiami Shatters Cargo Record in Busiest Month Ever
PortMiami has logged its most frenzied month for container shipments, a surge underscoring Florida's rebounding trade networks. Nearly 1.12 million TEUs moved through the gateway last fiscal year, capping 11 straight years above the million mark. As upgrades accelerate, the port cements Miami's role in global commerce.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Florida Tourism Explodes 15% in Q1, Fueled by Global Surge
Florida shattered records with a 15% visitor boom in the first quarter of 2026, welcoming millions more from abroad and boosting the state's economy. Governor Ron DeSantis hailed the surge as proof of the Sunshine State's unbeatable appeal. From Miami beaches to Orlando theme parks, international travelers are pouring in like never before.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
South Florida's Older Condos Surge in Sales Amid Affordability Crunch
In a twist defying luxury trends, South Florida's aging condos are flying off the market faster than new builds, drawing remote workers priced out of gleaming towers. Owners rush to sell ahead of looming financial cliffs from post-Surfside laws, creating bargains in Miami-Dade and beyond. But statewide condo prices plummet, signaling a buyer's paradise with risks.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Hunter Smith Shares Tax Season Insights on WSFA 12 News
Fort Walton Beach financial expert Hunter Smith recently shared tax season insights on WSFA 12 News, offering timely advice as the April 15 deadline approaches.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Fort Walton Beach Resident Rusty Pickering Appointed to Alabama Society of CPAs’ Board of Directors
Fort Walton Beach resident Rusty Pickering has been appointed to the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants’ Board of Directors, a significant recognition of his professional expertise.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
AICPA ENGAGE Conference to Bring Accounting Professionals to Las Vegas
The AICPA ENGAGE conference, a major national event for accounting professionals, is set to take place in Las Vegas from June 3-6, 2024.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Hunter Smith Shares Tax Season Insights on WSFA 12 News
Fort Walton Beach financial expert Hunter Smith offered timely tax season insights on WSFA 12 News, providing valuable advice to local residents before the April 15 deadline.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Fort Walton Beach Resident Rusty Pickering Appointed to Alabama Society of CPAs’ Board of Directors
Fort Walton Beach resident Rusty Pickering has been selected to serve on the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants’ Board of Directors, bringing local professional expertise to a regional role.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
AICPA Tax Practice Webcast Offers Insights for Local Professionals
Fort Walton Beach tax professionals can gain valuable insights from the AICPA Tax Practice Webcast scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2026.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Fort Walton Beach Residents Continue Reliance on Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles
Fort Walton Beach residents continue to favor internal combustion engine vehicles for daily transportation, citing convenience and current infrastructure.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Companion Animal Hospital Offers Pet Boarding Services
Companion Animal Hospital in Fort Walton Beach offers pet boarding services for dogs and cats, providing a safe and comfortable environment with veterinary staff on hand.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Destin HVAC Services: Four Seasons Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration
Destin-based Four Seasons Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration continues to provide HVAC services to residents and businesses across the Fort Walton Beach area.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Texting While Driving: What Fort Walton Beach Drivers Need to Know About Florida Law
Fort Walton Beach drivers need to be aware that texting while driving is illegal in Florida, carrying fines and points on a license, with law enforcement actively enforcing the primary offense.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Texting While Driving: What Fort Walton Beach Drivers Need to Know About Florida Law
Fort Walton Beach drivers need to understand Florida's texting and driving laws, which prohibit sending or reading texts while driving and include stricter rules in school and construction zones.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Florida House Bill 651 – What it Means for Personal Injury Cases
Florida House Bill 651 has significantly altered personal injury cases for Fort Walton Beach residents, particularly regarding medical damages and the admissibility of evidence like letters of protection.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Why Bathroom Refinishing Beats a Full Remodel—Faster, Cleaner, Smarter
Fort Walton Beach homeowners are discovering that bathroom refinishing offers a faster, cleaner, and more cost-effective alternative to a full remodel, saving time and money.
Thursday, April 30, 2026