Emerald Coast Open Removes 20K+ Invasive Lionfish
Emerald Coast Open Removes 20K+ Invasive Lionfish Staff Reports May 22, 2025 8:43 am Charities and Nonprofits, Destin, Events, Fort Walton Beach, News, Okaloosa County, Wildlife In Brief: 🐠 20,502 lionfish were removed from the Gulf during the 2025 Emerald Coast Open and Lionfish Festival in Destin-Fort Walton Beach. 🎯 Deep Water Mafia 1 led […]
UPDATE: Army Responds to Allegations of Ranger Misbehavior at Crab Island
Tourists at Crab Island say they saw soldiers drinking and shooting during Billy Bowlegs weekend — We’re asking officials for the version of events and what will happen next.
Family of Hurlburt Airman Killed By Sheriff’s Deputy Files Lawsuit. Here’s Who’s On The Docket:
Nearly a year after Airman Roger Fortson was shot and killed in his own apartment by a sheriff’s deputy, his family is suing for justice—alleging a web of failures and calling out the system that allowed it to happen.
Lionfish Tournament Returns to Destin-Fort Walton Beach This May
The Emerald Coast Open returns to Destin-Fort Walton Beach from May 16–18, 2025, bringing divers, chefs, and the community together to remove invasive lionfish from local waters.
Five Okaloosa JROTC Cadets Receive Scholarships from Air and Space Forces Association
Five JROTC cadets from Okaloosa County high schools were awarded scholarships by the Air and Space Forces Association Eglin Chapter at a ceremony held April 15 at the Air Force Armament Museum.
Northwest Florida Ballet Académie Opens Auditions for 2025-2026 School Year
Northwest Florida Ballet is holding auditions for its tuition-free Académie program for incoming 3rd and 4th grade students, with registration open through April 24 for tryouts on April 26–27 in Fort Walton Beach.
Department of Health in Okaloosa Issues Water Quality Health Advisory
The Department of Health in Okaloosa County has issued a Water Quality Health Advisory for Liza Jackson Park, Garniers Beach Park and Lincoln Park.
Congratulations! You* Just Bought The Red Lobster In Fort Walton Beach
What’s next for the former Red Lobster in Fort Walton Beach? You* just bought it—here’s what they might do with the prime waterfront property.
County Buys Waterfront Property for Tourism Office
Okaloosa County has approved a $4.1 million purchase of the former PNC Bank building for a tourism headquarters, including a boat ramp and waterfront property, with planned security and infrastructure upgrades to address local concerns.
SS United States Arrives in Mobile, Prepares for Artificial Reef Deployment
The SS United States has arrived in Mobile, Alabama, after a 1,800-mile tow from Philadelphia, marking the start of preparations for its transformation into the world’s largest artificial reef off Florida’s Gulf Coast, alongside a planned museum and visitor center.