Okaloosa: Commission gives away dozer amid criticism from “Facebook comments”
Okaloosa County Commissioners unanimously approved the donation of a surplus dozer to a charity tied to one of its members and restructured the county’s transit division under the Airports Department to tighten financial and grant oversight.
Eric Aden Joins the Coalition to Bring Strong Support for Donalds’ Governor Campaign
Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden has endorsed Byron Donalds for Florida Governor, adding Northwest Florida momentum to the candidate’s expanding law enforcement coalition.
Breakthrough Protection: Dexter’s Law Makes Florida Safer for Pets
Florida’s Dexter’s Law creates the state’s first online animal abuser database and boosts penalties for cruelty, protecting pets and communities.
DeSantis Awards Law Enforcement Bonuses; Program Has Now Reached 9,400 Recruits
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced Monday that the state has awarded more than 9,400 law enforcement officers $5,000 recruitment bonuses since launching the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment Program in 2022.
At an event in Panama City, DeSantis presented checks to recruits from Bay, Franklin, Gulf, and Walton counties, highlighting the state’s continued push to recruit, reward, and retain law enforcement officers.
Patt Maney Returns to Okaloosa County, Highlights Legislative Wins and New Committee Roles
Rep. Patt Maney returned to Okaloosa County after an extended legislative session in Tallahassee, where he highlighted more than $23 million in local funding secured, new state laws he helped pass, and his 2026 committee assignments, including chairing the Justice Budget Subcommittee.
Florida Rep. Jimmy Patronis pushes NDAA Amendment to block electric vehicle mandate
Should the Pentagon go green — or stick with gas? Rep. Jimmy Patronis says Biden’s electric vehicle mandate puts military readiness on the line.
Patronis Introduces Bill to Ease Professional Licensing for Veterans, Spouses
Congressman Jimmy Patronis has introduced a bill that would allow veterans and their spouses to transfer professional licenses across state lines for up to three years after military service, aiming to reduce barriers as families transition to civilian life.
DeSantis Appoints Shalimar Resident To Judgeship
Shalimar’s John Reed has been named the newest Okaloosa County Court judge by Governor DeSantis.
We Asked Congressman Jimmy Patronis About His Biden Bill, Iran, Affordable Housing and More:
Mid Bay News’s Colin Bestor sat down with new Florida Congressman Jimmy Patronis to talk about his new gig in Washington, D.C., and what he plans to do for the people of the Florida Panhandle. Plus, you can submit your questions for our next interview.
Boyles Wins Special Florida Legislature Election
Republican Nathan Boyles wins the Florida House District 3 seat—but Democrat Dondre Wise’s performance may signal a shift in the Panhandle’s political winds.
