Lionfish Tournament Makes Massive Impact On Gulf Ecosystem
More than 20,000 invasive lionfish were removed from Gulf waters during the Emerald Coast Open in Destin-Fort Walton Beach.
Okaloosa County Launches Sweeping Transit Overhaul After ‘Colossal Failure’ Warning
Okaloosa County leaders voted to phase out fixed-route transit service and replace it with a paratransit-focused model by August 2026 amid concerns over rising costs and low ridership.
New Spray Routes Announced as Mosquito Threat Grows
Okaloosa County officials released the 2026 mosquito spraying schedule as crews prepare for another active mosquito season across the region.
Okaloosa Schools Roll Out Free Career Camps
Okaloosa County schools are launching free CTE summer camps for middle school students, offering hands-on training in AI, engineering, coding, and healthcare careers.
The Powerful Partnership That Fuels Northwest Florida’s Aerospace Boom
Space Florida and Okaloosa County Schools are partnering to prepare local students for high-demand aerospace careers as Northwest Florida’s aerospace economy rapidly expands.
Pirates, Fireworks, and Treasure: Billy Bowlegs Returns in Full Force
Pirates, fireworks, and parades return to Fort Walton Beach as the Billy Bowlegs Festival celebrates 70 years of Emerald Coast tradition and family fun.
After remarkable 2025 success, Choctaw looks to smash 2026 expectations
Head Coach Frank Beasley isn’t resting on last year’s Final Four run, instead focusing on the foundation laid during 6:00 AM workouts in February, calling it the moment the team’s success was “actually poured.” The Choctaw Indians are preparing for the 2026 season with a philosophy built on physicality, fundamental execution, and “contact courage”—the mental fortitude to seek out high-impact collisions. With a battle-tested roster and a schedule featuring Florida powerhouses and defending Alabama state champion Thompson High School, Beasley is committed to playing the best to be the best. The program’s success is tied to a culture where the logo on the helmet always comes before the name on the back of the jersey, ensuring collective sacrifice drives their push for another deep playoff run.
Josh Pulliam and the Vikes have epic spring game lineup as they row hard to Valhalla
Fort Walton Beach High School head football coach Josh Pulliam, a local who graduated from Choctawhatchee High School, returned to Okaloosa County after playing college ball and coaching at USF to rebuild the Vikings program. Now leading the team, Pulliam is focused on developing his players into better men through “small daily disciplines,” guided by the mantra “chop wood and carry water”. Despite the program having been “down for a little bit,” he notes that the community passion remains, and the Vikings are “rising from the ashes” with a committed staff. Looking ahead, the Vikings plan for offensive creativity, utilizing versatile players like Lavin McDaniel and Cannon Wilbur, while rebuilding a sound, aggressive defense. The coach is urging the community to come out and support the team at the upcoming spring game against Crestview, Mosley, and Pine Forest.
Okaloosa Reveals Official Graduation Schedule for Class of 2026
Okaloosa County School District has released its Class of 2026 graduation schedule, with ceremonies set for May 19–22 and livestream options available.
Crisis on Mooney Road: Armed Man Taken Into Custody
A potentially deadly standoff in Fort Walton Beach ended peacefully after officers and crisis negotiators worked for hours to take an armed, suicidal man into custody.
