This forgotten speech NAILED the future of American Special Forces
In his 1962 West Point speech, President Kennedy argued that modern conflicts require the “scalpel-like precision of the Special Forces operator,” not nuclear power. He emphasized that officers in these units needed to understand international diplomacy, economics, and psychology, noting that the basic problems facing the world are not susceptible of a final military solution.
Following first failure, Mapoles cajoles Florida to create Okaloosa County
The creation of Okaloosa County, Florida, was signed into law on June 3, 1915, by Governor Park Trammell. However, it was State Senator William Mapoles who led the heavy lifting to create the new county. After its incorporation, the political center was contested by Baker, Crestview, and Laurel Hill, with Crestview eventually being chosen as the county seat. Mapoles, a newspaper owner and State Senator, was successful in his 1915 effort, despite a previous unsuccessful attempt in 1913 to create “Yellow River” or “Wilson County”. His foresight proved crucial, as the county’s population grew rapidly over the next century, thanks in part to military installations secured by his rival, Bob Sikes.
The death of the young colonel: Angus McLean
Angus McLean had a promising life ahead of him when the Civil War broke out in 1861. But, fate had a different course for the young lawyer turned colonel.
The Rebels abandon Pensacola. Here’s how it devastated the Emerald Coast.
On May 9, 1862, the Rebel army abandoned Pensacola to the Union. Here’s what happened next:
1975: Eglin transforms into a tent city for Vietnamese refugees
More than 50 years ago, Eglin served as a primitive, but welcoming landing place for more than 20,000 refugees of the Vietnamese communist victory in Saigon.
History of the Emerald Coast: JFK Visits Eglin – Talks Special Forces
On this day in 1962 John Fitzgerald Kennedy, President of the United States made the second-ever presidential visit to Eglin Air Force Base. His speech that day would have huge implications for the special forces community and the future of special operations.
He’s the man responsible for the first history of Walton County:
He’s the man responsible for the first history of Walton County: Christopher Saul May 1, 2026 9:26 am History On May 1, 1840, John Love McKinnon, Jr., was born. McKinnon, a Walton County native of the Eucheeanna area, wrote the first-ever history of the county in 1911, just a couple of years before his […]
This massive concert transformed Emerald Coast tourism forever!
On April 21, 1984, the band Heart played a free beach concert on Okaloosa Island to 35,000 people, causing a traffic nightmare that lasted for hours. This pivotal event—fueled by free beer and college Spring Breakers—forced Okaloosa County to choose whether the Emerald Coast would be a destination for rowdy students or for families.
ANACONDA: How the blockade of the South devastated the Emerald Coast
On April 18, 1861, Abraham Lincoln would make his opening move on the chessboard of the Civil War. It would have devastating consequences on the Emerald Coast.
This is why this inspired man created the Emerald Coast
When he arrived, he was one of the most controversial figures in Northwest Florida. By the time he died, he was universally loved.
