Deadly Morning Shooting in DeFuniak Springs Leads to Murder Charge

A Thursday morning shooting in DeFuniak Springs left a Crestview man dead, and deputies have arrested 44-year-old Michael Rediker on a murder charge.
GALLERY: Christmas 2025 on the Emerald Coast (Send in your photos NOW!)

Merry Christmas to all from Mid Bay News! Here are the photo highlights of the season from around Northwest Florida and the Emerald Coast!
Here’s What Happened at Defuniak’s Latest Council Meeting

A DeFuniak Springs City Council meeting reveals ongoing tensions over historic district design standards and an extended tenure for the interim finance director amidst a challenging search for a permanent replacement.
‘Mudslinging’ Says Mayor, Defuniak Council Spars Over CRA

Amidst internal tensions and a failed attempt to abolish the Community Redevelopment Agency, DeFuniak Springs City Council grapples with its strategic role in urban revitalization, property abatements, and addressing key leadership vacancies
This Man Was Florida’s Only Third Party Governor – And People HATED Him.

Uncover the wild story of Sidney Catts, Floridaβs only third-party governor, who won with a Model T and a fiery campaign!
“Slap The Word ‘Veterans’ on Something” Defuniak Debates Labyrinth Park

DeFuniak Springs’ City Council grapples with a contentious Veterans Memorial proposal, rejecting the Lakeyard site and its labyrinth design amidst public and council opposition.
‘People Are Screaming:’ New Florida Law Sows Chaos For Local Governments Land Development

DeFuniak Springs forges ahead with a major rewrite of its Land Development Code, navigating new state legislation that could delay its stricter regulations for years.
Grit and Grace Takes the Stage For History of Walton County

Step back in time and experience the powerful stories that shaped Walton County as Grit & Grace Inc. returns to the stage this July with The Paths We Take.
Historic DeFuniak Stakeholders Meet to Discuss the Future of the Past

DeFuniak Springs leaders and residents are reviewing a set of proposed historic preservation standards aimed at protecting the cityβs architectural identityβwhile debating how to balance regulation with private property rights.
This is How DeFuniak Springs Did On Its Latest Audit

DeFuniak Springs City Council celebrates a clean 2023-24 audit after years of financial challenges, resolving most prior findings and earning top marks from auditors.