ANOTHER delay hampers SS United States trip to the bottom of the Gulf.

The SS United States is set to leave Philadelphia on February 8, 2025, en route to Mobile, Alabama, where contractors will prepare it for deployment as the world’s largest artificial reef. The transformation will take approximately a year, with the final reef location expected to be 20 nautical miles south of Destin-Fort Walton Beach. Okaloosa County will also develop a museum to preserve the ship’s history.

Some of the World’s Greatest Musical Artists Are Giving A Free Concert in Niceville January 17, 2025

World-class musicians, including Alon Goldstein and acclaimed acts like Amit Peled’s Cello Gang, Eleni Katz, Neo-Art Piano Duo, and Medhelan Duo, will perform a series of free concerts across Florida’s Emerald Coast next week. Organized by the Emerald Coast Music Alliance, the program aims to bring classical music to underserved communities, with two public performances scheduled for January 16 at the Fort Walton Beach Civic Auditorium and January 17 at Crosspoint Church in Niceville, both at 6 p.m.

This is One of the Least Expensive Ways to Help The Hungry in Okaloosa

Destin Harvest, a nonprofit food rescue organization, has distributed 1.9 million pounds of food across Okaloosa and Walton Counties so far in 2024, delivering meals to families struggling with food insecurity. Despite the perception of wealth in Destin, hunger remains a significant issue, with many families depending on donations from food pantries and shelters to make ends meet.

Three Named To Serve On Mid Bay Bridge Authority

Governor DeSantis announces key appointments to the Mid-Bay Bridge Authority, including three military veterans with extensive leadership experience. Read more about their backgrounds and what they bring to this crucial role in Okaloosa County’s infrastructure.

Mid Bay News

A drone view of the activity on Boggy Bayou before the annual fireworks festival put on every year by the cities of Niceville  and Valparaiso.