North End development advances over first hurdle in Okaloosa
Tuesday’s actions captured the county’s broader challenge: north Okaloosa is growing fast on land mostly entitled for housing since the 1990s or earlier, while roads, utilities and environmental standards struggle to keep up. For now, River Park will move forward under a phased review process, while Millwood Ranch waits for answers on whether its roads and septic‑based design can be squared with today’s expectations for safe, sustainable growth.
Okaloosa Reveals Official Graduation Schedule for Class of 2026
Okaloosa County School District has released its Class of 2026 graduation schedule, with ceremonies set for May 19–22 and livestream options available.
Crisis on Mooney Road: Armed Man Taken Into Custody
A potentially deadly standoff in Fort Walton Beach ended peacefully after officers and crisis negotiators worked for hours to take an armed, suicidal man into custody.
In Critical Moments, Crestview Calls in the K-9
Crestview officials approved a new agreement ensuring continued access to state K-9 tracking teams, a critical tool in locating suspects and vulnerable missing persons.
The most rain in history for the Emerald Coast!
Today in history, The Emerald Coast received the most rainfall its had in a 24-hour period since at least the late 19th century.
Inside Gaetz and DeSantis’s Redistricting Plan for Florida
Florida lawmakers are heading into a rare mid-decade special session to redraw the state’s congressional map after explosive population growth — but State Sen. Don Gaetz says Northwest Florida’s Districts 1 and 2 are likely to remain unchanged as the focus shifts to booming Central and South Florida.
Growth, Change, and Opportunity: CHELCO Maps the Future
CHELCO leaders outlined future energy challenges while awarding scholarships and confirming board leadership at their annual meeting.
A New Life Underwater: SS United States Begins Its Final Transformation
Okaloosa County has taken a major step toward sinking the historic SS United States as an artificial reef, approving a key agreement that clears federal review hurdles.
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.
Manhunt Underway in Okaloosa After an Armed Home Invasion
Two masked suspects carried out an armed home invasion late Sunday night near Fort Walton Beach, prompting an ongoing investigation by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.
