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Mid Bay News is local news for Niceville, Eglin AFB, Crestview, South Walton, 30a, Destin, Fort Walton Beach and the rest of the Emerald Coast!

We work every day to create an informed and active community on the Emerald Coast of Florida!

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🗣️ Mid Bay News: The news for Niceville, Eglin AFB, Walton County, FWB, Destin and Crestview

DeFuniak Springs
Staff Reports

CONFIRMED: Remains of DeFuniak man who vanished in 2016 found on Eglin reservation

Skeletal remains discovered on Eglin Air Force Base property have been positively identified as John Thomas “JT” Watson, a DeFuniak Springs man who vanished in 2015. While the breakthrough brings a measure of closure to Watson’s family after a decade of searching, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that the active investigation into his disappearance and death is far from over.

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Staff Reports 06/02/2026 11:40 am

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🗞️ All the Emerald Coast's News, on Mid Bay News

CONFIRMED: Remains of DeFuniak man who vanished in 2016 found on Eglin reservation

Skeletal remains discovered on Eglin Air Force Base property have been positively identified as John…

More than 200 kids will hit South Walton's beaches this summer—not just to swim, but to learn the lifesaving skills that could one day save a life.

South Walton’s Next Generation of Lifeguards Takes to the Beach

The South Walton Fire District's Junior Lifeguard Program returns June 2 with record enrollment, teaching…

Two Okaloosa County students are being recognized for their powerful reflections on America's founding ideals, and their winning essays will be showcased during a major Independence Day celebration.

Future Leaders Recognized for Outstanding Historical Writing and Creativity

Two Okaloosa County middle school students earned top honors in a history writing contest celebrating…

End of an era: Brunson announces retirement at Niceville Chamber

After 30 years of, Tricia Brunson has announced her retirement as President and CEO of…

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🏈 Latest sports coverage from Mid Bay News

Promotional thumbnail showing Coach Thomas Grant of Hub City on a football field with oversized white and red HUB CITY text above and the MBN logo nearby.

Sturdy offensive line bolsters this tenacious 2026 Crestview Bulldog team

Crestview Head Coach Thomas Grant views the upcoming spring game as a critical evaluation tool…

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After remarkable 2025 success, Choctaw looks to smash 2026 expectations

Head Coach Frank Beasley isn't resting on last year's Final Four run, instead focusing on…

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🏛️ History of the Emerald Coast, including Okaloosa and Walton Counties from Mid Bay News
Poster for a documentary titled 'Death on the Battlefield' showing a gray-uniform soldier on the left and a battlefield backdrop; sponsored by Okaloosa Gas District.

The death of the young colonel: Angus McLean

Angus McLean had a promising life ahead of him when the Civil War broke out…

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The undiscovered, unexpected history of Watercolor, Florida

How the German Kaiser, a family fortune and a former Disney Exec created the 30a…

The Rebels abandon Pensacola. Here’s how it devastated the Emerald Coast.

On May 9, 1862, the Rebel army abandoned Pensacola to the Union. Here's what happened…

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🧍‍♂️Mid Bay News's People of the Emerald Coast

Costa Union Club and MJs Reopen to Public Acclaim

MJs Place, the coffee shop owned by MJ and David Costa, Jr., is officially back,…

Sam Hamm, an Amazing Niceville Good Neighbor

n a quiet Niceville neighborhood, Samm Hamm proves that being a good neighbor is really…

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Niceville Fl News, Valparaiso Fl News and Eglin AFB News on Mid Bay News

Want the latest information about Niceville, Valparaiso, Crestview, Shalimar, Destin, Laurel Hill, Defuniak Springs,  and Eglin Air Force Base? That’s what Mid Bay News is here for! In addition, if you live in Walton County (or are on vacation on 30a) and what to know what the latest is on  that thing you just saw happen in DeFuniak Springs, South Walton, Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, or Miramar Beach? We got you, fam. 

We are on a mission to create the best local news source for Niceville, FL, Bluewater Bay, Eglin Air Force Base, Walton County, and beyond!

Therefore, our commitment to local news is second to none – and we plan on keeping it that way. We keep it to exclusively hyperlocal news content for our area in Florida. 

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