Commissioner Calls Out Tax Break: A Race To The Bottom?
Okaloosa County Commissioner Nathan Boyles cast the sole dissenting vote against placing a referendum on the November ballot to extend a tax exemption for qualifying companies. Boyles, who originally supported the measure a decade ago, now argues the tax creates unfair competition, offers minimal benefit, and incurs high compliance costs. Despite his concerns, the referendum was approved, with proponents arguing that the exemption has attracted significant investment and job creation to the county.
Fortson Family Attorney Demands Charges For Former Okaloosa Deputy Who Shot and Killed Hurlburt Airman
As the Fortson family awaits justice, will State Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden heed Ben Crump’s call to charge the deputy involved in the controversial shooting of Senior Airman Roger Fortson?
Brother of Slain Hurlburt Airman Roger Fortson Shot and Killed in Atlanta
Tragedy strikes again for the Fortson family as the younger brother of a slain Hurlburt Field Airman is fatally shot in Georgia, amid a surge of teen violence in Atlanta.
Robert J Guidry Pleaded Guilty to Paying a Bribe. Now, He’s The Top Donor In Okaloosa County 2024 Election Campaigns
Louisiana businessman Robert J ‘Bobby’ Guidry pleaded guilty to bribing a governor for a riverboat gambling license in the 90s. Now, he’s spending money in Okaloosa County Elections. Why?
ALICE In Wonderland: The Hidden Struggle for Survival in Niceville
Luis Torres, a Niceville Walmart employee and father, embodies the struggles of the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population, facing challenges with childcare and housing. High childcare costs and restrictive housing options push many working-class families like his to the brink of financial instability. Local leaders, including City Manager David Deitch, are exploring solutions to alleviate these burdens, such as increasing affordable housing inventory and advocating for policy changes to support these families.
Eagle Scout, LA Rams Long Snapper Alex Ward Delivers Keynote Talk About Value of Scouting
Los Angeles Rams long snapper and Eagle Scout Alex Ward shared how scouting shaped his career and life at a Scouts BSA event in Northwest Florida, where he also had his long-delayed Eagle Scout ceremony.
Two FWB Vikings Stars Defect To Niceville For Football Season
Niceville Football Recruiting Page announced that Fort Walton Beach High School’s star players, Eddie Love, Jr. and Johnny Lewis, Jr., are transferring to Niceville for their final season. Love, committed to East Carolina University, had a standout season with over 1,300 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, while Lewis, with scholarship offers from Keiser University and Southeastern University, has nearly 2,000 passing yards over two seasons. The story awaits comments from key school officials.
Construction Begins On Photo-luminescent Sidewalk
Okaloosa County officials and local leaders gathered at the entrance of John Beasley Park on Monday, July 8, 2024, to celebrate the commencement of construction for a new multi-use path spanning approximately 4 miles between Brooks Bridge and Marler (Destin) Bridge. This 12-foot-wide path will be constructed on the south side of U.S. Highway 98 and feature photoluminescent stone for nighttime illumination. Funded by tourism revenue and an FDOT grant, the project is set for completion by early 2025.
Slain Airman’s Mother Lays Blame At Okaloosa Sheriff’s Feet
In an emotionally charged NAACP town hall meeting, Chantemekki Fortson delivered a powerful speech condemning Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden’s handling of her son Roger’s fatal shooting by former deputy Eddie Duran. Fortson called for Aden’s defeat in the August primary election, citing a loss of trust and accountability. The town hall, attended by approximately 250 people, also featured updates on the ongoing investigation and discussions on broader issues like racial bias and Christian Nationalism.
Parents: ‘Okaloosa STEMM Principal Broke The Law.’ Now, They Say They Want Justice for Their Son With Autism.
Okaloosa STEMM Academy, lauded as one of Florida’s top middle schools, faces scrutiny from a family who claims their son, José, experienced harassment under the administration of Principal Dr. Scheree Martin. Despite José’s high academic performance, his parents allege Martin’s disciplinary actions targeted their son due to his autism and ADD, leading them to withdraw him from the school. Their ongoing battle highlights concerns about the school’s handling of students with special needs and has prompted investigations by both the Okaloosa County School District and the Florida Department of Education.
