Walton’s Free Beach Tram Tackles the Parking Chaos on 30A
Walton County’s new Beach Tram System is officially rolling, offering free, air-conditioned rides from municipal parking lots to popular 30A beach accesses — all aimed at easing congestion ahead of peak season.
Walton County Rolls Out Free Tram Service
Walton County Tourism will launch expanded free Beach Tram routes on March 1, connecting municipal parking lots to regional beach accesses in an effort to ease congestion and improve public access.
Security Failure Exposes Sensitive Data at Major Hotel Chain
A January cyberattack at Choice Hotels may have exposed franchisee and applicant Social Security numbers.
Critical East Pass Navigation Aids Face Urgent, High-Stakes Replacement
Congressman Jimmy Patronis announced that the U.S. Coast Guard has committed to restoring critical navigation aids at East Pass, a key gateway to the Gulf of America.
Vibrant New Cabana Cantina Redefines Poolside Dining on Okaloosa Island
Cabana Cantina & Tequileria is now open at The Island Resort, serving coastal Mexican flavors and a tequila-forward bar to locals and visitors.
Palmer Seeks Public Input on Holiday Isle Park
Commissioner Palmer invites Okaloosa residents to a Dec. 30 town hall to give input on a new 4-acre Holiday Isle waterfront park.
Tourism Pumps $133B Into Florida Economy
Florida’s tourism industry delivered a record-setting year in 2024, generating $133.6 billion in economic impact, supporting 1.8 million jobs, and saving Florida households nearly $2,000 in taxes. New data from VISIT FLORIDA shows visitor spending reached historic highs, with 99 cents of every tourism dollar staying in the state’s economy.
Florida Delegation Warns Trump: Drilling Threatens Military Ops
Florida Congressman Jimmy Patronis and a group of fellow House members are urging President Donald Trump to remove several drilling blocks from an upcoming federal lease sale in the Gulf, warning that oil exploration in the Eastern Gulf Test and Training Range could disrupt military testing, threaten Northwest Florida’s economy, and undercut the region’s tourism industry.
Dive Into History: SS United States Reef Project
Okaloosa County has partnered with Visit Pensacola and CCA Florida to transform the historic SS United States into the world’s largest artificial reef. The $2 million project, scheduled for early 2026, aims to enhance marine habitats, attract divers from around the globe, and boost tourism across Northwest Florida.
COVID Beach Shutdowns to Cost Walton County Big
A federal appeals court has ruled that Walton County violated the constitutional rights of private beach owners by barring them from their own beachfronts during the COVID-19 shutdowns. The Eleventh Circuit ruled that the county’s 2020 emergency ordinance amounted to a “textbook physical taking,” clearing the way for landowners to seek compensation and legal fees.
