Overnight Storms Could Pack a Surprise Punch
A low-pressure system skimming the Gulf Coast tonight could bring a small but meaningful threat of severe weather to coastal Alabama and the western Florida Panhandle. Per a memo from Okaloosa County Public Safety Director Patrick Maddox, forecasters say the position of a warm front will determine whether damaging winds or a brief, rain-wrapped tornado could develop as the system moves through overnight.
Sen. Don Gaetz, Officials push to block eastern gulf drilling over national security concerns
State leaders and the Okaloosa County Commission are sounding the alarm: proposed offshore drilling in the Eastern Gulf could jeopardize military readiness, local jobs, and the Gulf Coast’s tourism economy
‘I don’t want to get a call that my son is gone’: Family fears Okaloosa inmate’s health is spiraling
The family of 33-year-old Robert Riddle says he’s growing weaker every month inside the Okaloosa County Jail, where he has lived with severe sickle cell disease since 2024. Advocates argue that essential treatments have been withheld, while county officials maintain he is receiving appropriate care.
Okaloosa County opposes Gulf drilling, citing national security and tourism risks
Okaloosa County Commissioners just took a firm stand against any effort to resume drilling in the eastern Gulf, saying it would threaten Eglin’s mission and the region’s multibillion-dollar tourism economy.
Okaloosa County rejects open carry for employees, keeps concealed-only firearm policy
Okaloosa County employees will not be allowed to open carry their firearms while on duty.
Despite Florida’s recent legalization of open carry, the County Commission voted unanimously to keep its existing concealed-carry-only policy, citing safety, training and public-interaction concerns.
Northwest Florida Guardian ad Litem and the Community Unite for a Record-Breaking Fall Fundraiser
The Northwest Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation raised over $119,000 this fall through two major fundraising events in Niceville and Pensacola. The money will provide vital support—from clothing to therapy to educational needs—for more than 1,500 foster children across the region.
GALLERY: Edge Elementary Celebrates its 100th Anniversary
Edge Elementary celebrated 100 years of education on the grounds of the school along SR-85 in Niceville.
In Photos: Veterans Day in Okaloosa County
Photo Gallery: Veterans Day celebrations in Okaloosa County
Local food pantries see rise in clients as federal shutdown deepens; SNAP, WIC funding decreased
As the federal shutdown stretches into its second month, families across Northwest Florida are losing vital food assistance.
Local food pantries, from Sharing & Caring in Niceville to Emerald Coast Food Rescue, are seeing record demand.
Governor DeSantis Announces Successful Evacuation of 28 Floridians from Jamaica Following Hurricane Melissa
Twenty-eight Floridians were safely evacuated from Jamaica following Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, with the Florida Division of Emergency Management coordinating the operation under Governor Ron DeSantis’ direction. The evacuees arrived at Tampa International Airport on November 3, 2025.
