Cheaper Flights to Destin? Recently-Lowered Fees Could Make It Happen
According to the Okaloosa Airports Director, Tracy Stage – the Board of County Commissioners’ decision to lower landing fee taxes, more formally known as Passenger Facility Charges, from $4.50 to $3.00 is unprecedented.
Airport to Hire Nine New Employees – Cites Heavy Traffic
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport had almost two million passengers come through its terminals in 2021 – a 40% increase from 2020.
Air Force Land for Niceville Parks? Here’s The Plan So Far:

The Niceville City Council and citizens agree – the city needs more green space for athletics. Here’s the embryonic plan to get some land leased from the Air Force
Part-Time Paramedics? Okaloosa Looks to โReliefโ Its Personnel Shortage.

Okaloosa County Public Safety will look to hire 10 relief, or part-time, paramedics to augment their Emergency Medical Services (EMS) force.ย The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the change to Okaloosa EMSโs budget – which will keep costs the same, but changes the number of employees and hours they will work. Therefore, […]
Dr. Diane Kelley Announces Run for Second Term
Who said local politics is boring?
In a surprise move Monday afternoon, Dr. Diane Kelley announced she would run to retain her seat on the Okaloosa County School Board. Dr. Kelley represents Eglin Air Force Base, Niceville, and Valparaiso on the board.
INTERVIEW: Female Vet Will Take On The ‘Okaloosa Education Establishment’
Cara Marion and her husband served in the Air Force as career officers. So, running for school board didnโt show up on the radar until last fall. Caraโs daughter – a student in the gifted program at Niceville High School – told her mom that she and the other students in her class watched the movie Alexander as part of a class assignment.ย
Okaloosa Superintendent Responds to Uvalde Massacre
Okaloosa Schools Superintendent Marcus Chambers sent a message to local media on Thursday, July 2nd concerning the mass shooting by an 18-year-old with a legally-purchased assault-style rifle.
This is the Number One Reason You Shouldn’t Have a Florida Wedding in September or October

I could throw all this information at yโall and hope it sticks – but there are really just two things I want you to get from this article.
EXCLUSIVE: This Niceville Businessman Will Run for School Board
Local businessman, Joe Fagundes of Niceville, will run for the Okaloosa County District Five School Board Seat. The seat, which Incumbent Diane Kelley announced she would not seek re-election for, will be up for election in August 23rdโs primary.
Walgreens Will Pay $500K To Okaloosa To Settle Opioid Lawsuit
220 people died from opioid overdoses in Okaloosa County between 2016 and 2020. It makes each death worth a little over $2,500 – according to an agreement between the State of Florida and Walgreens that was made earlier this year. The total compensation to be distributed to Okaloosa County: $500,000 over the next 18 years.