Critical East Pass Navigation Aids Face Urgent, High-Stakes Replacement
Congressman Jimmy Patronis announced that the U.S. Coast Guard has committed to restoring critical navigation aids at East Pass, a key gateway to the Gulf of America.
Destin City Council Weighs Conservation, State Talks Over $84M Land Deal
Destin leaders agreed to open discussions with the state about conservation zoning for the Norriego Point property while stopping short of formal action to maintain leverage over its future use.
Here’s the latest on the Norreigo Point deal will net an ex-con $70 million
A contentious town hall revealed deep public skepticism over Okaloosa County’s early park plans for a state-purchased waterfront property, as officials insisted the process is just beginning amid scrutiny over price, access, and influence.
Destin Launches DOGE Efficiency Initiative, Identifies $625,000 in City Savings
Destin city leaders outlined a new citywide efficiency initiative that has already identified roughly $625,000 in savings, aiming to modernize operations, reduce waste, and strengthen public trust amid growing fiscal pressures and state oversight.
Palmer Seeks Public Input on Holiday Isle Park
Commissioner Palmer invites Okaloosa residents to a Dec. 30 town hall to give input on a new 4-acre Holiday Isle waterfront park.
Destin Man Indicted on Federal Fraud, Identity Theft Charges
A Destin man has been federally indicted on fraud and aggravated identity theft charges, with a trial set for January 2026 in Pensacola.
Deputies Arrest Driver Accused of DUI, Hit-and-Run, and Child Neglect on Okaloosa Island
A Destin traffic stop ended Saturday night with the arrest of 25-year-old Luis Montoya after deputies say he fled two hit-and-run crashes, drove intoxicated with a child onboard, and resisted officers, who were tracking him down using Flock camera data after a collision on Okaloosa Island.
Destin OK’s 320-room hotel after lengthy discussion on development rules
A new 320-room hotel is coming to Highway 98 — but Monday’s vote was anything but routine.
Council members clashed over traffic safety, parking reductions, and what they called a “broken” development code that leaves them little room to deny projects that technically meet the rules.
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!
COVID Beach Shutdowns to Cost Walton County Big
A federal appeals court has ruled that Walton County violated the constitutional rights of private beach owners by barring them from their own beachfronts during the COVID-19 shutdowns. The Eleventh Circuit ruled that the county’s 2020 emergency ordinance amounted to a “textbook physical taking,” clearing the way for landowners to seek compensation and legal fees.
