SS United States to Depart Philadelphia, Begin Transformation into Artificial Reef

The SS United States will depart Philadelphia on Feb. 17, 2025, for Mobile, Alabama, where it will undergo a year-long preparation to become the worldโs largest artificial reef. Once deployed off the Destin-Fort Walton Beach coast, the reef will support marine life and boost diving and fishing tourism.
Jack Schlechter Appointed to First Judicial Circuit Court

Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Judge Jack Schlechter to the First Judicial Circuit Court, filling a vacancy created by Judge Bergoshโs retirement. Schlechter has served as an Okaloosa County judge since 2022 and previously worked as a prosecutor and private attorney.
TRICARE SNAFU Leaves Area Healthcare Providers In The Wind

TRICAREโs transition to a new claims processing system has caused significant delays in provider payments, potentially affecting access to care for military members and their families.
The Secret One School District Found to Avoid Dropping Test Scores – And What Okaloosa Schools Can Learn From It.

Only Walton County has managed to avoid a downward trend in test scores over the last 20 years in Florida. How’d they do it?
ANOTHER delay hampers SS United States trip to the bottom of the Gulf.

The SS United States is set to leave Philadelphia on February 8, 2025, en route to Mobile, Alabama, where contractors will prepare it for deployment as the world’s largest artificial reef. The transformation will take approximately a year, with the final reef location expected to be 20 nautical miles south of Destin-Fort Walton Beach. Okaloosa County will also develop a museum to preserve the ship’s history.
Adams Sanitation Expands Commercial Waste Services in Okaloosa County

Adams Sanitation has received approval from the Okaloosa County Commission to offer commercial waste hauling services, beginning in Northern Okaloosa County.
Okaloosa County Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Sexual Battery

A Crestview man, Edgar Enrique Nunez, has been sentenced to 25 years in state prison followed by 20 years of probation after pleading guilty to sexually abusing a minor. Multiple agencies, including the Crestview Police Department and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, investigated the case.
Allegiant Pilots Vote in Favor of Strike, Here’s What That Means For Northwest Florida Economy:

Allegiant Pilots Vote in Favor of Strike, Here’s What That Means For Northwest Florida Economy: Christopher Saul February 3, 2025 4:09 pm Aviation, Business, Niceville, Okaloosa County, Valparaiso In Brief: โข๐งโโ๏ธ Who: Allegiant Air pilots, represented by Teamsters Local 2118 โขโ๏ธ What: Potential strike over pay, scheduling, and benefits โข๐ When: Strike could happen after […]
2025 Congressional Special Election in Florida House District 1 Results

We are live-blogging the results of the special election to replace Matt Gaetz in the United States House of Representatives. Check back often for updates.
Early Voting Temporarily Halted in Okaloosa County Due to Winter Storm Enzo

Early voting in Okaloosa County is temporarily suspended on January 21 through 23, 2025, due to Winter Storm Enzo, with operations resuming on January 24 and key details provided for Election Day and voting procedures.