A Rite of Passage: Eglin’s New Senior NCOs Complete Forge Week
Eglin Air Force Base’s newest senior NCOs completed Forge Week, a week-long professional development course focused on leadership. The technical sergeants faced a field training exercise before participating in a senior NCO induction ceremony the following day, marking an important milestone as they stepped into greater enlisted leadership responsibilities.
Whiplash and unexpected upsets: Primary provides election excitement on Emerald Coast
Primary night in Okaloosa and Walton Counties saw low voter turnout, leading to a mix of predictable incumbent victories and a major shakeup in local government. While Okaloosa voters largely stuck with incumbents, Walton County voters delivered a significant upset in the Commission District 2 race, signaling potential change ahead.
A New Lifeline for Rural Florida: Ascension Sacred Heart Secures $2.8 Million
Ascension Sacred Heart has received more than $2.8 million to expand rural health care in Northwest Florida. The funding will help create a mobile stroke unit serving five counties and provide diagnostic and imaging equipment for the Emerald Coast Family Medicine Residency program, expanding access to timely care in rural communities.
Mark Franks Rises to Top Leadership Post at Florida League of Cities
Shalimar Mayor Mark Franks has been elected president of the Florida League of Cities for the 2026-2027 term. The lifelong Okaloosa County resident will lead the statewide organization’s advocacy and member engagement efforts while representing the interests of Florida’s municipalities and promoting local decision-making throughout his one-year term.
3 of 5 Bluewater board members resign, citing concerns over fellow member’s behavior
Three of five Bluewater Municipal Services Benefit Unit board members resigned in May, citing concerns about a fellow board member’s conduct and the board’s ability to function. The resignations leave the MSBU without a quorum, preventing members from taking official action while county officials determine next steps.
LiveOak Fiber’s Employee Love Story Fuels Explosive Growth
LiveOak Fiber has once again been recognized nationally for its workplace culture, earning Great Place To Work Certification for the fourth consecutive year based entirely on employee feedback.
North End development advances over first hurdle in Okaloosa
Tuesday’s actions captured the county’s broader challenge: north Okaloosa is growing fast on land mostly entitled for housing since the 1990s or earlier, while roads, utilities and environmental standards struggle to keep up. For now, River Park will move forward under a phased review process, while Millwood Ranch waits for answers on whether its roads and septic‑based design can be squared with today’s expectations for safe, sustainable growth.
From Milton to Destin: Ecowaste Builds Regional Waste Network with New Acquisition
Ecowaste Solutions has acquired Adams Sanitation, expanding its reach across the Florida Panhandle and adding thousands of customers.
The most rain in history for the Emerald Coast!
Today in history, The Emerald Coast received the most rainfall its had in a 24-hour period since at least the late 19th century.
Pensacola Man Accused of Threatening the President
A 46-year-old Pensacola man has been indicted in federal court on a charge of making a threat against the President of the United States, according to prosecutors.
