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.
Allegiant Faces Coast-to-Coast Pilot Picket
Allegiant Air pilots represented by Teamsters Local 2118 will hold a nationwide informational picket on Tuesday, including at Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport, as they push the airline to end negotiation delays and offer a fair contract that keeps experienced pilots from leaving.
Destin High School Launches First “Holly Jolly Market” at Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Amphitheatre
Destin High School to Host Inaugural “Holly Jolly Market” at Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Amphitheatre Staff Reports November 13, 2025 1:40 pm Arts, Destin, Okaloosa County, Schools and Education In Brief: Destin High School will host its first Holly Jolly Market on December 6, featuring performances, vendors, and holiday activities. A $5 wristband gives children […]
JetBlue Expands Service to Florida Panhandle With New Flights to Destin–Fort Walton Beach Starting March 2026
JetBlue Expands Service to Florida Panhandle With New Flights to Destin–Fort Walton Beach Starting March 2026 Staff Reports November 6, 2025 9:37 am Aviation, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Tourism, Travel In Brief: 👤 Who: JetBlue Airways, Okaloosa County Commission Chairman Paul Mixon, JetBlue Vice President Dave Jehn 🛫 What: Launching new nonstop seasonal flights to […]
Destin Council calls for transparency after $83M land deal for Norriego Point
Destin leaders say Florida’s $83 million beach buy came with too many closed doors — and too little local say. Here’s what they’re doing to bring the deal into the sunshine.
Destin Council approves school expansion, Crystal Beach parking and $2M FDOT grant
Big moves for Destin! The city council just approved a major Destin Elementary expansion, a new Crystal Beach parking project, and a $2 million FDOT grant for the Crosstown Connector, while also getting some great news about our water quality.
Sen. Don Gaetz weighs in on $83M state purchase of Norriego Point
Florida plans to spend $83 million to purchase four acres of waterfront land at Norriego Point in Destin for public park and marina use, a move praised by Okaloosa County officials but questioned by Sen. Don Gaetz over the high price compared with the county’s $10.5 million appraisal.
Florida Chamber President: Emerald Coast Must ‘Play the Long Game’ to Secure Economic Future
Florida Chamber President Mark Wilson told Emerald Coast business leaders that Florida’s growth depends on long-term planning, investment in early education, and local collaboration. Speaking alongside former Niceville City Councilman Sal Nodjomian, Wilson highlighted challenges such as housing affordability and retaining young workers while projecting that Florida could become the world’s 10th largest economy by 2030.
Texas Parents Arrested After Leaving Baby Alone on Walton County Beach for Nearly an Hour
Two parents visiting from Houston were arrested in Walton County after deputies say they left their six-month-old baby alone under a beach tent for nearly an hour while walking with their other children on Miramar Beach.
Rotary Club of Destin Expands Public Rescue Tube Program Across Okaloosa County Beaches
“These tubes are already making a difference at Destin beach accesses,” said Rotary project co-chairs Dion Moniz and Wayne Bernheisel. “Now, we are excited to expand this proven program across more parts of Okaloosa County, making our beaches even safer for residents and visitors.”
