Walton County school bus driver, DoD contractor arrested in sexual abuse case involving teenager
Walton County school bus driver, DoD contractor arrested in sexual abuse case involving teenager Staff Reports October 15, 2025 3:36 pm Uncategorized In Brief: 🚔 Arrested: Walton County deputies took a local bus driver into custody after a college student came forward. 🏫 School Action: The district suspended him immediately and began termination proceedings. ⚖️ […]
Okaloosa County approves sidewalks, park upgrades and 2026 legislative priorities
Okaloosa County leaders advanced major community projects and set their 2026 legislative agenda during a packed Oct. 7 meeting covering sidewalks, parks, tourism, and safety initiatives.
Destin renews PAWS contract; Mary Esther hesitates amid stability concerns
Destin renewed its annual animal control contract with PAWS for $92,761, while Mary Esther delayed its decision amid doubts about the nonprofit’s financial stability and contract terms.
Rep. Jimmy Patronis declines to clarify key policy positions as data contradicts claims
Rep. Jimmy Patronis declined Mid Bay News’s follow-up questions but defended conservative healthcare, border, and transparency positions in earlier interviews.
White-Wilson Medical Center files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, plans to continue operations
White-Wilson Medical Center — one of Northwest Florida’s oldest healthcare providers — has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, but leaders say the move is about long-term stability, not closure.
Okaloosa County unemployment rises to 4.2%, but leaders see growth ahead with new industry and training
Okaloosa’s unemployment rate just hit its highest point since the pandemic recovery. But local leaders say the story isn’t all bad news — with new factories, technical training programs, and military talent pipelines fueling long-term growth. Here’s how the numbers break down, and what’s next for the local economy 👉
Santa Rosa Beach man arrested after fatal shooting during eviction dispute
What began as an eviction argument in Santa Rosa Beach Wednesday morning ended in gunfire, leaving a woman dead and another injured. Deputies were already on the scene when shots rang out. Here’s what investigators say happened 👉
Government shutdown looms, what will be impacted in Northwest Florida.
At 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, the U.S. government runs out of money. From Eglin to TSA checkpoints, thousands of Northwest Florida workers could see furloughs, delayed pay, or closed gates. Here’s what you need to know about how the shutdown will hit our community.
Okaloosa County Commission on the Status of Women Opens $500 Grant Applications.
The Okaloosa County Commission on the Status of Women is now accepting applications for a $500 grant to support organizations that benefit women, with a deadline of October 15th. Past recipients include Crestview Area Shelter, Beyond Expectations, and Opportunity Place.
Mid Bay News interviews Rep. Jimmy Patronis, focusing on big tech and local issues
Congressman Jimmy Patronis sits down with Mid Bay News to discuss military readiness, reigning in big tech and other issues effecting Northwest Florida
