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.
Fort Walton Beach Announces Opening of New Museum Store at Indian Temple Mound Museum
The Indian Temple Mound Museum in Fort Walton Beach will open a new museum store on November 1 as part of its ongoing expansion and renovation, offering visitors unique items and artwork while increasing exhibit space.
Okaloosa County approves sidewalks, park upgrades and 2026 legislative priorities
Okaloosa County leaders advanced major community projects and set their 2026 legislative agenda during a packed Oct. 7 meeting covering sidewalks, parks, tourism, and safety initiatives.
Florida Chamber President: Emerald Coast Must ‘Play the Long Game’ to Secure Economic Future
Florida Chamber President Mark Wilson told Emerald Coast business leaders that Florida’s growth depends on long-term planning, investment in early education, and local collaboration. Speaking alongside former Niceville City Councilman Sal Nodjomian, Wilson highlighted challenges such as housing affordability and retaining young workers while projecting that Florida could become the world’s 10th largest economy by 2030.
Fort Walton Beach Woman Arrested on Prostitution Charge Following Undercover Investigation
Okaloosa County deputies arrested Suping Wu, 30, of New York, on a prostitution charge at a Fort Walton Beach spa following an undercover investigation prompted by tips from Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers.
