Features

Fast Track in the slow lane

Robbyn Brooks, Florida Freedom Newspapers

MARY ESTHER - When Pete Blake opened his small business more than two years ago, he never imagined his family would lose their home and a car trying to keep it going.     "We didn't start this to be rich," Blake said as he stood among... Full story

At the gas pump, economic 'woahs'

Andrew Gant, Florida Freedom Newspapers

FORT WALTON BEACH - The price of gas here fell below $2 per gallon Saturday after weeks of unprecedented decline, entering the season of traditionally lower pump prices. But "it's hard to believe that's a sustainable rate," said AAA South fuel... Full story

The ZOO welcomes baby hippo

GULF BREEZE - The ZOO-Northwest Florida recently welcomed a new baby hippo on Saturday, Oct.4, born to two of The ZOO's resident hippos, Cleo and Kiboko. Zookeepers named the 65-pound calf, "Kayin," which means "long-awaited child" in Swahili. It is... Full story

Beach Weddings

Emeraldcoast.com has added a new feature to it's pages - Beach Weddings. Here couples wanting their dream wedding on the sugar white beaches of the Emerald Coast, can find information about hiring musicians, photographers, how to reserve... Full story

Trail designer does it as labor of love

Story and photo by JAY FELSBERG, Florida Freedom Newspapers

HARD LABOR CREEK PLANTATION - Dexter Ledbetter appeared well satisfied Saturday morning. Great reviews were coming in on the trail he designed for the Fifth Annual Hard Labor Creek Hare scramble last weekend in Washington County. "I put in about... Full story

Golf tournament to help Hurlburt Field boy

By NOEL GETLIN, Florida Freedom Newspapers

 CRESTVIEW - Cody Reckart's seemingly boundless energy is misleading. The happy, enthusiastic 9-year-old has probably never had a shy day in his life.     But the child's wheelchair in the corner of the living room belies... Full story

Get connected

WiFi access across the Emerald Coast

By Tara Roberts

As our world continues to get smaller and smaller, the technology needed to help us keep pace with our shrinking space has gotten more cosmic. Before when on vacation, keeping in touch with family, friends, or especially the office, was a challenge.... Full story

All eyes on Destin Webcams

By Jennifer Rich, Florida Freedom Newspapers

You can't bring along the whole extended family on your vacation to Destin, but now they can follow along online. Live Web cameras, or Webcams, are becoming more common in public places and Destin is no exception. Our beaches and other tourist... Full story

Freeport firefighters are ready to hit the water

By KIMBERLY WHITE, Florida Freedom Newspapers

FREEPORT - The next time city firefighters pluck a swimmer in distress from Choctawhatchee Bay, a thank-you note to Marina Village owner and developer James Massey is in order.     Within 24 hours of finding out the Freeport Fire... Full story

County Christens New Seafood Landing Park

By David Adlerstein, Florida Freedom Newspapers

Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson was guest of honor Aug. 28, as the community gathered to host a ceremony and launch the first oyster boat at the new Franklin County Seafood Landing Park at Two Mile in... Full story

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