Okaloosa County boosts fishing industry with FAD network

Okaloosa County will install eight new shallow-water fish aggregating devices off Destin’s coast, expanding the county’s offshore fishing network with a $513,000 project funded through budget savings.
Kristen Shell named Okaloosa County’s next Growth Management Director

Kristen Shell, a veteran planner with over two decades of experience in Northwest Florida, has been unanimously confirmed as Okaloosa County’s new Growth Management Director.
Okaloosa County approves $1.87M study to support Eglin West Gate Redevelopment

Okaloosa County approves $1.87M study to support Eglin West Gate Redevelopment Staff Reports July 2, 2025 9:08 pm Uncategorized In Brief: 🛠️ County commissioners approved a $1.87 million study to plan infrastructure upgrades near Eglin AFB’s West Gate as part of a long-term redevelopment vision. 🤝 The agreement extends a contract with HDR Engineering and […]
Highway 98 shoreline project moves closer to reality with federal boost

The Highway 98 Living Shoreline Project on Okaloosa Island is moving into final design and permitting, thanks to $284,000 in new federal funding and no added county costs.
Packed with Love, Ready to Learn

Packed with Love, Ready to Learn Staff Reports June 30, 2025 2:50 pm Okaloosa County, Schools and Education, Walton County The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Centers (ECCAC) have launched their annual Back-to-School Supplies Drive, aiming to give students in Okaloosa and Walton Counties the tools they need to start the school year strong. From July […]
Gaetz Demands Accountability From FPL After Berm Collapse in Holt

A berm collapse at an FPL solar construction site triggered environmental damage, a state warning, and renewed calls from State Senator Don Gaetz for stronger utility oversight.
JANNAZO: Launch the Boats!

Ever watched a $100,000 boat float away while the captain yelled from the ramp? If you’ve launched at a local ramp on a Saturday, you just might have. Here’s your annual reminder of what not to do.
Ascension Sacred Heart Expands Maternity Care in Miramar Beach

Ascension Sacred Heart Expands Maternity Care in Miramar Beach Staff Reports June 25, 2025 12:41 pm Health, Okaloosa County, Walton County In Brief: Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast has expanded maternity services at The Family Birth Place by partnering with OB Hospitalist Group to enhance maternal safety and reduce emergency room wait times for expecting […]
Search for Missing 10-Year-Old Trinity Eslinger Winds Down After Six Days

Search for Missing 10-Year-Old Trinity Eslinger Winds Down After Six Days Collin Bestor June 19, 2025 8:22 am Destin, Okaloosa County, Public Safety In Brief: Authorities have ended active search efforts for 10-year-old Trinity Eslinger, who disappeared in the water near Destin’s East Pass on June 12. Despite a six-day, multi-agency operation covering over 250 […]
Women’s College Hoops Returns to Raider Arena This Fall

Women’s College Hoops Returns to Raider Arena This Fall Staff Reports June 17, 2025 11:54 am Uncategorized In Brief: Emerald Coast Classic Set for November 24–25 in Niceville Eight college teams will compete in the second annual Emerald Coast Classic women’s basketball tournament, set for November 24–25 at Northwest Florida State College’s Raider Arena in […]