Florida Property Tax Proposals Draw Sharp Warnings from Okaloosa Officials
Should Florida eliminate property taxes? Okaloosa County mayors and managers told state lawmakers that doing so would destabilize city budgets, threaten police and fire services, and shift control away from local voters. A new statewide study supports their warning.
Hope in the Cold: How Local Leaders Protect the Unhoused
When winter temperatures drop below 40 degrees in Fort Walton Beach, a coordinated effort between One Hopeful Place and the Fort Walton Beach Police Department springs into action to protect people experiencing homelessness from dangerous conditions.
CCA Florida and Okaloosa County Team Up for Redfish Release
Destin-Fort Walton Beach and CCA Florida released 25,000 juvenile redfish into Cinco Bayou to boost declining populations, improve ecosystems, and support local anglers.
Deputies Probe Possible Link Between Fort Walton Shootings
Deputies Probe Possible Link Between Fort Walton Shootings Staff Reports December 16, 2025 5:24 pm Crime, Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County In Brief: Deputies responded to a shooting on Fenwick Drive, where multiple rounds were fired at a pedestrian who was not located. Several nearby homes and properties were struck by gunfire during the incident. […]
Crestview Councilmember Ryan Bullard Resigns, City Seeks Replacement
Crestview City Councilmember Ryan Bullard has announced his resignation effective Dec. 31, 2025, citing professional, personal, and health-related considerations. City officials have opened the application process to fill the vacant Precinct 2 seat through the remainder of Bullard’s term, ending in November 2026.
NAACP Pushes Back Against DeSantis Redistricting
The NAACP of Okaloosa County opposes Gov. DeSantis’ redistricting plan, citing threats to minority voting power and fair representation.
Gunfire Erupts on Dates Avenue, Two Injured Inside Fort Walton Beach Home
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an early morning shooting on Dates Avenue in Fort Walton Beach after unknown suspects fired multiple rounds into a home, injuring two people inside.
Red Shoe Party Returns to Support Foster Children in Okaloosa and Walton Counties
The Red Shoe Party returns Jan. 24 in Seagrove Beach, raising funds to support foster children in Okaloosa and Walton counties.
Ruckel Middle Honors Legacy of Dr. Ginny Morgan With New Cafetorium
Ruckel Middle School dedicated its new cafetorium to former principal Dr. Ginny Morgan, honoring her decades of leadership and impact on students and staff.
Business leaders urge Okaloosa County to renew half-cent infrastructure surtax
Okaloosa’s business community is pushing to renew the county’s half-cent surtax — a tax they say has fueled more than $136 million in improvements and unlocked nearly $300 million in grants. Commissioners say voters now have something they didn’t in 2018: results.
