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.
Okaloosa County approves concept plans for new youth sports complex in Baker

The Okaloosa County Commission approved a conceptual plan for a new multipurpose athletic complex in Baker, expanding recreational opportunities for youth sports.
Okaloosa County allocates $5M to cap remaining dirt roads in “50 in 5” project

Big news for Okaloosa County roads! Commissioners approved $5 million to cap the final 52 miles of stabilized dirt roads, finishing a project that has already upgraded nearly 200 miles.
FWB High’s Lindsey Smith Named Florida’s Top Administrator for 2026

Fort Walton Beach High Principal Lindsey Smith is honored as the 2026 Bill Montford Administrator of the Year for her leadership in advancing STEM education.
Okaloosa NAACP Blasts Plan to Redo 2020 Census

Okaloosa NAACP Blasts Plan to Redo 2020 Census Staff Reports December 10, 2025 4:50 pm Government, Okaloosa County, State Government In Brief: The Okaloosa County NAACP strongly opposes Florida’s proposal to redo the 2020 Census, calling it unconstitutional and politically motivated. President Sabu Williams says the effort would weaponize the census process to boost Republican […]