Walton County Sheriff rebukes Kyle Rittenhouse’s ‘Stand Your Ground’ claims in DeFuniak Springs shooting
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office is pushing back hard after Kyle Rittenhouse claimed a DeFuniak Springs shooting was lawful self-defense. Sheriff Michael Adkinson says the victim was unarmed on his own property and calls the commentary “wildly irresponsible.”
Red Shoe Party Returns to Support Foster Children in Okaloosa and Walton Counties
The Red Shoe Party returns Jan. 24 in Seagrove Beach, raising funds to support foster children in Okaloosa and Walton counties.
Walton County has the area’s highest opioid deaths. Here’s how officials will try to reduce fatal overdoses:
Walton County’s opioid death numbers are much higher than Bay or Okaloosa’s after you account for population. Officials have a plan to start turning the tide on the issue.
Deadly Morning Shooting in DeFuniak Springs Leads to Murder Charge
A Thursday morning shooting in DeFuniak Springs left a Crestview man dead, and deputies have arrested 44-year-old Michael Rediker on a murder charge.
Scholarships Announced for Top Students in PR and Communications
The Emerald Coast Public Relations Foundation will award several $1,000 scholarships to high-achieving seniors in Okaloosa, Walton, and Santa Rosa counties who plan to pursue degrees in public relations, communication, marketing, or journalism. Supported by local sponsors including Eglin Federal Credit Union and longtime PR professionals, the program continues the Foundation’s mission to grow the next generation of communicators along the Emerald Coast.
Kemper Hodges Earns First QB Start For Air Force Academy
Junior quarterback Kemper Hodges made his first-ever start at quarterback for the Air Force Academy football team against the New Mexico Lobos, a challenging experience that underscores the unique life of a cadet-athlete.
GALLERY: Christmas 2025 on the Emerald Coast (Send in your photos NOW!)
Merry Christmas to all from Mid Bay News! Here are the photo highlights of the season from around Northwest Florida and the Emerald Coast!
Will Walton Commissioners End Wood Bonfires on the Beach?
Walton County Commissioners decide whether or not to ban aesthetic, wood-burning bonfires on the beach.
Walton Commissioners Recognize Chair for Service and Leadership
As 2025 ends, Walton County Commissioners honor Chairwoman Donna Johns for her leadership and unanimously elect Brad Drake as the new Chair for 2026.
Westonwood Ranch Lands $400K for New Training Center
Westonwood Ranch will move forward with a major expansion after securing $400,000 in state funding to build a new life skills and job training center in Freeport. The project will strengthen vocational training and independence programs for young adults with developmental disabilities while supporting a broader initiative to bring affordable, supportive housing to Northwest Florida.
