‘Difficult conversations’ ahead: Local officials react to Amendment 3’s passing
Amendment 3 passed with 62% voter approval, but its financial consequences are just beginning to take shape. Crestview and Niceville could lose millions in property tax revenue, leaving local officials weighing potential service cuts, new fees and regional partnerships while looking to the Florida Legislature for help.
Senator Ashley Moody secures billions in delayed disaster aid for Florida.
WASHINGTON – Senator Ashley Moody’s office announced it secured more than $2.5 billion in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding for Florida communities. According to the press release, the funds are designated as reimbursements for disaster recovery efforts, with some of the claims dating back to 2017.
Photo gallery | Byron Donalds brings Defending the Florida Dream Tour to Niceville
Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds brought his “Defending the Florida Dream” bus tour to Niceville on Monday, Oct. 26, making a campaign stop in Okaloosa County during the final week before Florida’s Nov. 3 election.
Senator Moody Files Bill in Florida Space Academy Bid.
Florida Senator Ashley Moody’s office says she filed legislation to site the new U.S. Space Academy in Florida, arguing it’s “America’s gateway.”
FSU fires Athletics Director Michael Alford.
Florida State University announced Michael Alford’s exit, with officials claiming the move was necessary for “championships and restructuring athletics.”
Gaetz Tells Crestview Chamber: Florida Must Be Not Just Free, But Affordable
State Sen. Don Gaetz told Crestview Chamber members Florida must be not only “the free state” but also affordable. He highlighted millions in local road funding, a robotics program turning students into high‑wage workers, and urged voters who favor cutting property taxes to also demand specific spending cuts from local governments.
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.
Federal complaints filed against Okaloosa County School District
A local advocacy group has filed complaints with the State Attorney and U.S. Department of Justice alleging the Okaloosa County School District violated Florida’s Sunshine Law and failed to properly investigate allegations involving senior administrators. District officials have not yet responded, and the complaints remain under review.
DeSantis slashes funding for child abuse protection in Okaloosa, despite funding same programs around Florida
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed funding to support the Niceville Exchange Club’s initiative to bring a child abuse prevention center to the Emerald Coast for the second year in a row, despite granting funds to Exchange Club chapters in Jacksonville and Palm Beach, FL. According to an Appropriations Project Request, Representative Patt Maney sponsored the […]
