Florida Sets New Tourism Record with 142.9 Million Visitors in 2024
Florida broke its all-time tourism record in 2024, welcoming 142.9 million visitors, a 1.6% increase from the previous year, with growth in domestic, international, and Canadian travelers.
Range Road 213 now considered Closed Area
A section of Range Road 213 at Eglin Air Force Base is now a Closed Area, restricting public and recreational traffic to ensure security and safety. Only authorized personnel, including military and utility workers, may use the road. Enforcement measures include increased patrols, new signage, and potential fines for violations.
Jack Schlechter Appointed to First Judicial Circuit Court
Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Judge Jack Schlechter to the First Judicial Circuit Court, filling a vacancy created by Judge Bergosh’s retirement. Schlechter has served as an Okaloosa County judge since 2022 and previously worked as a prosecutor and private attorney.
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 Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Sexual Battery
A Crestview man, Edgar Enrique Nunez, has been sentenced to 25 years in state prison followed by 20 years of probation after pleading guilty to sexually abusing a minor. Multiple agencies, including the Crestview Police Department and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, investigated the case.
Early Voting Temporarily Halted in Okaloosa County Due to Winter Storm Enzo
Early voting in Okaloosa County is temporarily suspended on January 21 through 23, 2025, due to Winter Storm Enzo, with operations resuming on January 24 and key details provided for Election Day and voting procedures.
All Sports Association to Host 56th Annual Award Banquet
The 56th Annual All Sports Association Awards Banquet, featuring keynote speaker Urban Meyer, will honor athletes and support local charities on February 21, 2025, at Northwest Florida State College.
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.
Vehicle Burglary Arrest Made in Niceville
The Niceville Police Department arrested Michael Shawn Reiley for vehicle burglaries, recovering stolen firearms with the help of community-provided video evidence.
Ruckel Middle School Golf Coach Qualifies For U.S. Senior Open Championship
Jon Olson, a dedicated teacher and coach at Ruckel Middle School, has qualified for the 2024 U.S. Senior Open Championship. Competing at the Wynlakes Golf & Country Club in Montgomery, Alabama, Olson secured his spot after a playoff. His achievement is celebrated by the Okaloosa County School District, with Superintendent Marcus Chambers and Principal Joe Jannazo praising his dedication both on the golf course and in the classroom.
