DeSantis vetoes dozens of funding requests from Maney & Boyles, reps who opposed property tax cut
Florida State Representatives Patt Maney and Nathan Boyles made headlines in June as the only two Republicans to vote “no” on Governor Ron DeSantis’ controversial amendment that would eliminate property tax for Florida homeowners. This week, DeSantis signed Florida’s official budget for Fiscal Year 2026, deciding the fate of hundreds of local funding requests submitted […]
‘Just vote yes’: Calkins explains support for controversial property tax-reduction proposal.
James Calkins, Republican candidate for Walton County Commissioner, voiced his support for Governor Ron DeSantis’ “Save Our Homes” proposal, which would increase Florida’s homestead exemption and eliminate property taxes for qualifying properties over a two-year schedule. Speaking to Mid Bay News on Wednesday, Calkins said the proposal’s passing would be “the best thing ever to […]
This could ‘destroy the state of Florida’: What would DeSantis’ property tax cut mean for citizens?
On Nov. 3, Floridians will head to the polls and vote on a proposal that would drastically reduce property taxes for homeowners. This “Joint Resolution” would increase the Florida homestead exemption — the portion of a home’s value that isn’t taxed — to $250,000 over two years. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis spearheaded the “Save Our […]
Emotional Blow for Candidates as Filing Errors Trigger Special Election
A filing oversight has left the Okaloosa County School Board District 1 race without any qualified candidates, forcing a special election.
Florida Governor candidate Jay Collins kicks off tour in Santa Rosa County
In Brief: Florida’s Lieutenant Governor and gubernatorial candidate Jay Collins kicked off his statewide “Come and Take It Tour” at Grey Man Armory in Milton, FL on Tuesday. “I’m here to talk about two things that go together: The Second Amendment and public safety,” Collins said. “Those two things are completely linked. For too long, […]
‘Let me take that weight’: Congressional candidate Gay Valimont hears voter concerns at Niceville meet-up
In Brief: Florida congressional candidate Gay Valimont held an open discussion at Tango 3 Coffee Roasters on Saturday, inviting residents of the area to share their biggest concerns and considerations they’ll take to the polls on Nov. 3. Running for Florida’s 1st district, encompassing the western panhandle, Valimont lives in Pensacola. “All over the state […]
JD Peacock believes he’s the right guy for Okaloosa School Board. Here’s Why:
Former Okaloosa County Clerk of Court and longtime sheriff’s office leader JD Peacock explains why he’s running for Okaloosa County School Board District 1, outlining his priorities of student safety, stronger fiscal oversight, and better support for teachers. In this interview, he addresses teacher pay gaps with Walton County, the closure of Longwood and Mary Esther Elementary, school choice and competition, and how the district should plan for growth in Crestview.
Jessica Laird believes she’s the better option in the tricky Walton Tax Collector Election this summer. Here’s Why:
Tax collector candidate Jessica Carter Laird is making her case as a seasoned public servant for Walton County, emphasizing her 19+ years of experience, deep local roots, and commitment to innovation and public safety in the office. Her plans include addressing geographical challenges by pursuing remote self-service kiosks and bringing TSA PreCheck enrollment services to the county. Laird also highlights her focus on public policy, such as shifting immigration credential vetting back to the state level to reduce burdens on local offices, and shared a striking example of how her office’s diligence led to the identification of a human trafficking operation.
EXCLUSIVE: Candidate Buckman demands complete transparency from Okaloosa Superintendent
Okaloosa County School Board candidate Jerry Buckman outlined a platform focused on strict classroom discipline, independent oversight of Superintendent Marcus Chambers, and a plan to raise teacher pay without raising taxes. Buckman, who describes himself as a grassroots conservative, calls the current situation one of “chronically chaotic classrooms” and vows to enforce the student code of conduct and dress code to restore order. He also criticizes the district for lacking a meaningful 20- to 50-year facilities recapitalization plan for aging schools, and proposes redirecting central office funds to classroom teachers and bus drivers. Furthermore, Buckman champions an “America First” education agenda, emphasizing civics, factual U.S. history, and service, including bringing veterans into classrooms to share their experiences. He also pledges to donate his school board salary to teachers in need if elected.
After wild week in the media – West says she’s staying
Cynthia West told a conservative influencer on a podcast that she is pulling out of her race for School Board in Okaloosa County, citing the negative impact on her and her family from backlash over her allegations against Congressman Thomas Massie. West had alleged Massie emotionally abused her and offered her $5,000 in ‘hush money’ to walk away from a wrongful termination complaint. Massie denied the allegations. When reached for comment, West stated, “I have not made a final decision honestly, I’m just trying to wrap my head around what happened.”
