OPINION: Tallman calls out Mid Bay News, urges community to move beyond election division
The recent school board elections were intense, but it is time for our community to unite. Instead of lingering on political division and personal attacks, we must focus on what truly matters: safe schools, excellent education, and accountability. Let’s invest our energy in our students’ success and build a stronger, more collaborative future together.
Birth tourism, health insurance and VA centers: We fact check FL-1 House candidates
With Florida’s Aug. 18 primary approaching, Mid Bay News fact checked claims made by candidates at a recent FL-1 forum, including statements about birth tourism, health insurance premiums, VA staffing, veterans’ care, campaign spending and the COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
Judge rules property tax proposal misleading; must be rewritten
A Leon County judge ruled Florida’s Amendment 3 ballot language is misleading and ordered state officials to rewrite it within ten days. The decision targets the amendment’s title and summary, finding they improperly advocate for the proposal rather than neutrally explaining its effects before November’s election.
Destin councilwoman arrested after allegedly driving stranger’s truck from boat ramp
A Destin City Councilwoman is facing a criminal charge after police say she entered and drove a stranger’s truck without permission at a city boat ramp on July 4. Mayor Pro Tem Teresa Hebert was arrested on a charge of trespassing on conveyance. The case remains under investigation.
Residents talk property tax at Niceville town hall
Niceville residents gathered Monday for a town hall on Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposed property tax amendment, where City Manager David Deitch explained how potential revenue losses could affect city services, fees and taxes. Residents questioned the city’s projections and discussed possible impacts before the 2026 ballot measure.
Laird responds after charges resurface for resisting arrest in marine DUI incident
Walton County Tax Collector candidate Jessica Laird responded after a 2014 boating incident and resisting an officer charge resurfaced on social media. Court records show the misdemeanor case was closed in 2014 with no recorded plea, and Laird said the charge was dismissed with no conviction.
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.
