FWB High’s Lindsey Smith Named Florida’s Top Administrator for 2026
Fort Walton Beach High Principal Lindsey Smith is honored as the 2026 Bill Montford Administrator of the Year for her leadership in advancing STEM education.
Deputies: Woman Arrested Years After Alleged Walmart Credit Card Fraud Spree
Deputies say a woman allegedly used another person’s credit cards during six transactions at two Okaloosa County Walmart locations.
Choctawhatchee High Students Learn Real-World Budgeting at Reality Check Event
About 80 Choctawhatchee High School students stepped into the world of adulthood during the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation’s annual Reality Check event, a hands-on financial literacy simulation that challenged them to budget, prioritize expenses, and navigate real-life choices with the help of community partners.
Shocking Child Abuse Case in Fort Walton Beach
Deputies say a Fort Walton Beach–area woman intentionally burned the hands of two young children in her care and failed to seek medical help afterward. The 3- and 5-year-old victims were taken to Destin–Fort Walton Beach Hospital late Tuesday before being transferred to a specialized burn center in Mobile. The suspect, 52-year-old Jeny Soto Duenas, is now being held without bond at the Okaloosa County Jail.
Fort Walton Beach Growth Management Director Brings Three-Decade Family Christmas Village Tradition to Life at City Hall
Fort Walton Beach Growth Management Director Tim Gibson and his family have brought their decades-old Christmas village tradition to City Hall, unveiling an intricate display featuring more than 1,000 buildings, figurines, handmade pieces, and a working train. The public can explore the festive miniature world — complete with hidden surprises — through the end of the year.
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!
Smalls Sliders Launches Fort Walton Beach Location With Grand Opening Event
Smalls Sliders is bringing its bold orange “Can” concept to Fort Walton Beach, opening a new location on Dec. 10th at 822 Beal Parkway. The grand opening will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a donation to Arc of the Emerald Coast, and giveaways for the first 100 guests as the fast-growing slider brand continues its Florida expansion.
Rain Pushes Christmas Parade to December 2
Rainy weather has pushed the community’s Christmas Parade to Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. The parade will follow its familiar route along Eglin Parkway with a festive “Zoo Animals” theme, inviting families to line the roadway for a lively, colorful celebration once conditions clear.
FWBHS Students Debut Tiny House, Gear Up for International Competition
Fort Walton Beach High School’s Building Trades students gave district leaders and community members an inside look at their in-progress tiny house project during a special preview event this week. The showcase highlighted the students’ growing expertise in carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, and finishing — skills they’ll put to the test when they compete at the 2026 International Builders’ Show® in Orlando.
Okaloosa Technical College Recognized as Military-Friendly Purple Star Campus
Okaloosa Technical College has been named a Collegiate Purple Star Campus by the Florida Department of Education, recognizing the school’s comprehensive support for military members, veterans, and their families across all OTC sites.
