FPL To Ask For Largest Rate Increase Ever
Florida Power & Light plans to request new electricity rates for 2026-2029, citing the need for continued investment in infrastructure and clean energy while maintaining reliability. The proposed adjustments would increase residential bills by an average of 2.5% annually but remain below the national average.
Eglin Waterways Now Considered Restricted
Eglin Air Force Base has restricted access to six waterways around its main base and range area due to emerging security threats, allowing only ID card holders and approved visitors.
Emerald Coast Quilt Show Returns to Fort Walton Beach in March
The Flying Needles Quilt Guild of Niceville is hosting the Emerald Coast Quilt Show on March 7-8, 2025, at the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds, featuring quilt displays, vendors, a Quilts of Valor presentation to support veterans, and community service projects.
Okaloosa Students Invited to College & Career Fairs in March
Two College & Career Fairs will be held in Okaloosa County in March, offering students a chance to connect with colleges, employers, and military representatives.
Outlaw Biker Implicated in Attack With Explosive at Fort Walton Beach Jimmy Johns
Gregory Simonds, an alleged Outlaws Motorcycle Club member, was arrested in Fort Walton Beach after allegedly throwing an explosive device into a Jimmy John’s following a confrontation with members of a rival biker gang.
SS United States to Depart Philadelphia, Begin Transformation into Artificial Reef
The SS United States will depart Philadelphia on Feb. 17, 2025, for Mobile, Alabama, where it will undergo a year-long preparation to become the world’s largest artificial reef. Once deployed off the Destin-Fort Walton Beach coast, the reef will support marine life and boost diving and fishing tourism.
TRICARE SNAFU Leaves Area Healthcare Providers In The Wind
TRICARE’s transition to a new claims processing system has caused significant delays in provider payments, potentially affecting access to care for military members and their families.
ANOTHER delay hampers SS United States trip to the bottom of the Gulf.
The SS United States is set to leave Philadelphia on February 8, 2025, en route to Mobile, Alabama, where contractors will prepare it for deployment as the world’s largest artificial reef. The transformation will take approximately a year, with the final reef location expected to be 20 nautical miles south of Destin-Fort Walton Beach. Okaloosa County will also develop a museum to preserve the ship’s history.
Okaloosa County School District Opens Kindergarten and New Student Registration
Okaloosa County School District has opened registration for kindergarteners and new students for the 2025-2026 school year, requiring families to use the Focus Parent Portal for enrollment.
Okaloosa County Teacher Honored with Presidential Excellence Award
Jacqueline Sheffield, a mathematics teacher at Fort Walton Beach High School, has been honored with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, recognizing her 28 years of teaching excellence and dedication to STEM education.
