Governor Ron DeSantis Vetoes Probation Bill

Governor Ron DeSantis has vetoed House Bill 1241, which aimed to reform how Florida handles probation violations by modifying instead of revoking probation for second-time offenders. In his veto letter, DeSantis argued that the bill would provide undue leniency to those who failed to meet probation conditions once. This decision comes alongside vetoes of other bills, including those related to graduate school admissions, stormwater management fees, and driving regulations on multi-lane roads.
Okaloosa Superintendent Appointed To FHSAA Board of Directors

Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed Marcus Chambers, the Superintendent of Schools for Okaloosa County, to the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Board of Directors. Chambers, with over 26 years in education, has been recognized for his contributions at various levels, including as a teacher, principal, and administrator. This appointment, which awaits confirmation by the Florida Senate, highlights Chambers’ commitment to advancing high school athletics in Florida.
You’ll (Probably) Pay More Taxes If You Vote For This Idea In November

Niceville City leaders outlined the cold hard truth – We gotta pay for roads, cops, firefighters and sewers somehow. Here’s the one thing that looks like it’ll save you money, but will probably cost you if you vote for it this November.
State Representative Patt Maney Travels to Texas to Learn About Border Security

Representative Pat Maney Travels to Texas to Learn About Border Security Staff Reports May 29, 2024 8:17 pm Government In Brief: State Representative Patt Maney of Florida is visiting Texas with a delegation to learn about Texas’ border security and efforts against illegal immigration. The trip, which is privately funded, aims to explore potential collaborative […]
We Got Into An Invite-Only Affordable Housing Summit In Niceville. This Is What We Learned About The Local Housing Crisis:

local government, developers, and industry leaders convened for a housing summit in Okaloosa and Walton Counties. Hosted by OCHIP, WCHIP, and the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, the summit focused on affordable housing challenges and solutions. Discussions highlighted the impact of housing costs on residents’ quality of life and the collaborative efforts needed to address these issues.
Operation ‘Save the Day’ Nets Dozens of Speeders on John Sims Parkway

‘Operation Save the Day’ by Niceville Police Department stalked speeders along the city’s busiest commuter corridor. Here’s how many people were busted.
Mary Anne Windes, Enters Okaloosa County Commission District 5 Race

Mary Anne Windes has thrown her hat in the ring to compete against Drew Palmer for the District 5 Commission Seat
Boggy Update April 23, 2024

Paul and Christopher talk about the Local News for the Mid Bay area this week so you know what’s up.
BREAKING: Mel Ponder Announces He Won’t Run for Re-Election as Okaloosa Commissioner

County Commissioner Mel Ponder, a long-time public servant in Okaloosa County, has announced that he will not run for re-election, marking a significant shift in local leadership. This decision opens up the field for new candidates and raises questions about the future direction of the county’s governance.
Progress on Pride: LGBTQ+ Group Gets City Approval to Host Event in Community Center.

After a contentious debate at Niceville’s City Council meeting, Niceville PFLAG has secured the Niceville Community Center for its upcoming Pride Day event on June 1. The decision comes after discussions regarding the inclusion of certain activities, highlighting ongoing tensions and the importance of inclusivity in community spaces.