Recount in District 3 Race Scheduled for Saturday

A recount has been triggered in the Okaloosa County District 3 Commissioner race due to a razor-thin margin of 13 votes between candidates Keri Pitzer and Sherri Cox.
A Bed 4 Me Celebrates 3,000th Delivery To Needy Child.

A Bed 4 Me, a Niceville-area non-profit, celebrated the delivery of its 3,000th bed to a child in need during a special event at 3rd Planet Brewing. The organization, which provides beds, bedding, and pillows to children living in poverty, continues to rely on community support as it looks forward to helping even more families.
After Campaign Rally With Republican Stars In Niceville – Congressman Gaetz Talks Affordable Housing, Rice’s Whales, Other Issues in Okaloosa County.

Congressman Matt Gaetz headlined a Republican rally in Niceville, discussing local and national issues, including affordable housing challenges in Okaloosa County and the impact of Rice’s whales on Eglin Air Force Base testing. The event featured speeches by prominent local and state Republican figures, drawing a crowd of 300 supporters.
Commissioner Calls Out Tax Break: A Race To The Bottom?

Okaloosa County Commissioner Nathan Boyles cast the sole dissenting vote against placing a referendum on the November ballot to extend a tax exemption for qualifying companies. Boyles, who originally supported the measure a decade ago, now argues the tax creates unfair competition, offers minimal benefit, and incurs high compliance costs. Despite his concerns, the referendum was approved, with proponents arguing that the exemption has attracted significant investment and job creation to the county.
Okaloosa County Wins Appeal Against Timberview Helicopters

Okaloosa County won an appeal in a lawsuit filed by Timberview Helicopters regarding the termination of their agreement.
Robert J Guidry Pleaded Guilty to Paying a Bribe. Now, He’s The Top Donor In Okaloosa County 2024 Election Campaigns

Louisiana businessman Robert J ‘Bobby’ Guidry pleaded guilty to bribing a governor for a riverboat gambling license in the 90s. Now, he’s spending money in Okaloosa County Elections. Why?
Tattoos and RV Sales on Facebook – The State of Okaloosa’s Local Economy

The local economy in southern Okaloosa County, supported by a stable defense industry and fluctuating tourism, shows mixed signs of recovery. United Fidelity Bank’s Ed Burns highlights unique economic indicators such as the sluggish sales of RVs, boats, and golf clubs, empty sports bars, and a decline in tattoo business, pointing to cautious consumer spending and underlying financial hesitations. Despite these trends, the local market remains optimistic, with signs of future growth as businesses and properties change hands.
Florida Man Robs Bank in Flip Flops, Hides Cash in Maserati

A 66-year-old Destin resident, Charles Gallagher, has been arrested for allegedly robbing a Truist Bank on Emerald Coast Parkway using a note to demand cash. Authorities found his black 2017 Maserati with concealed identifiers, along with cash, a surgical mask, and glasses. Gallagher, who has faced financial difficulties since 2017, is held without bond on charges of robbery without a weapon, facing up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
Okaloosa School Board Member Resigns to Lead Destin High School

Destin High School welcomes a familiar face as its new principal, Dr. Diane Kelley, a lifelong educator and current school board member. Dr. Kelley, who will officially begin
Okaloosa Superintendent Appointed To FHSAA Board of Directors

Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed Marcus Chambers, the Superintendent of Schools for Okaloosa County, to the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Board of Directors. Chambers, with over 26 years in education, has been recognized for his contributions at various levels, including as a teacher, principal, and administrator. This appointment, which awaits confirmation by the Florida Senate, highlights Chambers’ commitment to advancing high school athletics in Florida.