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.
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.
