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.
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.
