Okaloosa County audit reveals $850K in transit overpayment, sparks reform
A new audit shows Okaloosa County overpaid its bus contractor by more than $850,000 over six years. What went wrong, and how is the county fixing it? Read the full report and see what this means for local taxpayers.
Okaloosa County opens Florida’s first glowing bike path between Brooks Bridge and East Pass Park
Okaloosa County opens Florida’s first glowing bike path between Brooks Bridge and East Pass Park Staff Reports October 23, 2025 2:55 pm Uncategorized In Brief: 🌌 Glow trail opens: Florida’s first photoluminescent path now connects Brooks Bridge to East Pass Park.🚴 Safer recreation: The 4.4-mile trail honors cyclists lost on U.S. 98.🌿 Sustainable design: Built […]
Okaloosa County High School Bands Achieve Straight Superior Ratings at 2025 FBA Marching Assessment
All five Okaloosa County high school marching bands earned Straight Superior ratings at the 2025 Florida Bandmasters Association Marching Music Performance Assessment, making the district the only one in its region with top ratings across all schools.
New Affordable Senior Apartment Community Opens in Crestview
New Affordable Senior Apartment Community Opens in Crestview Staff Reports October 23, 2025 8:56 am Crestview, Okaloosa County In Brief: 👥 Who: Housing Trust Group, AM Affordable Housing, Alonzo Mourning, Matthew A. Rieger, Dusty Allison, Paul Mixon, John Feeney 🏗️ What: Opening of Princeton Grove, a $28 million affordable housing community for seniors 55+ 📅 […]
Sjoberg Named to Okaloosa Surtax Committee
Local developer and Mid Bay News co-host Paul Sjoberg has been appointed to the Okaloosa Half Cent Surtax Committee, where he will help guide the county’s continued growth and infrastructure development.
Fort Walton Beach Man Sentenced to 30 Years for 2022 Shooting at Coasters
Fort Walton Beach Man Sentenced to 30 Years for 2022 Shooting at Coasters Staff Reports October 22, 2025 11:32 am Crime, Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County, Public Safety In Brief: Michael Alan Ladson was convicted of attempted second-degree murder for a 2022 shooting at Coasters in Fort Walton Beach. Ladson fired a single shot at […]
Okaloosa County: Highway 98 connector, Santa Rosa Boulevard improvements, new ambulances
Big moves in Okaloosa County this week: commissioners voted to partner with Santa Rosa County on a regional road study that could create a new east-west corridor off Highway 98 — plus approved a $1 million grant to upgrade Santa Rosa Boulevard on Okaloosa Island.
Fort Walton Beach Police Respond to Reported Shots at White Wilson Medical Center
Fort Walton Beach police responded to White Wilson Medical Center after an 87-year-old man suffered a self-inflicted gunshot. He was transported to the hospital, and authorities say there is no ongoing threat.
Janisia Magallanes Stopped Bullying at Her School, Now She Protects Hundreds
Meet Deputy Janisia Magallanes, a Walton County Sheriff’s Office school resource officer (SRO) at Walton County High School. From standing up to bullying as a high school student to patrolling hallways and mentoring students today, she’s dedicated to student safety, school security, and community policing in DeFuniak Springs, Florida.
Nighttime Roadwork Alert! East Redstone Avenue Closures Start Oct. 22 in Crestview
Crestview drivers should plan for intermittent nighttime closures along East Redstone Avenue from October 22 through November 5 as city crews complete drainage improvements tied to the intersection realignment project near State Road 85.
