How Vacationers Made a Lasting Difference for Big Redfish Lake
Guests staying at two popular 30A resorts helped raise more than $2,000 to protect one of Walton County’s rare coastal dune lakes through an Earth Day promotion.
Carlos, Gourdon, and Kora Swim Free After Rehabilitation Journey
Hundreds gathered at Inlet Beach to cheer as rehabilitated sea turtles Carlos, Gourdon, and Kora returned home to the Gulf.
‘Just vote yes’: Calkins explains support for controversial property tax-reduction proposal.
James Calkins, Republican candidate for Walton County Commissioner, voiced his support for Governor Ron DeSantis’ “Save Our Homes” proposal, which would increase Florida’s homestead exemption and eliminate property taxes for qualifying properties over a two-year schedule. Speaking to Mid Bay News on Wednesday, Calkins said the proposal’s passing would be “the best thing ever to […]
Commissioners and Their Opponents Make Introductions to Merchants in Freeport
Walton County commission candidates met with Freeport business owners to discuss growth, infrastructure, beach access, and taxes ahead of the August 18 primary election.
Big Florida Energy: Suspect demands Niceville police stop chasing him
A high-speed pursuit on June 12, 2026, spiraled into a chaotic, multi-agency event reaching speeds of 117 mph. The suspect, 46-year-old William George Smolar, fled Niceville police in a black 2020 Kia Optima without headlights. The pursuit spanned two counties and included near-misses with civilians, a detour onto a residential lawn, and a bizarre phone call from the suspect demanding that authorities call off the chase. Smolar was ultimately apprehended by Walton County deputies and faces felony charges for fleeing and eluding, as well as multiple traffic violations.
Walton County surges Narcan stations to battle opioid overdoses
The Walton County Board of County Commissioners has unanimously supported “Revive Awareness Day,” a proclamation championed by Administrator Holly Holt to increase the availability of Naloxone (Narcan) and promote community-based opioid addiction resources. With 394 boxes of Naloxone deployed this year, the county continues to expand its emergency response efforts to combat the opioid crisis.
A mysterious newcomer crashes the Walton Commission race.
A fourth candidate, Frederick Carley, has entered the race for Walton County Commissioner District 4 as a write-in candidate. His entry effectively closes the August 18 Republican primary, restricting voting access to registered Republicans and impacting the contest between incumbent Donna Johns, Jim Bagby, and James Calkins.
Donna Johns Talks Customary Use, Beach Renourishment and Casinos in Election Interview
Walton County District 4 Commissioner Donna Johns says her passion is “helping people and trying to get things done,” from sidewalks and parks to beach access and infrastructure. In this in-depth interview, she defends her record on recreation in Miramar Beach, weighs in on beach renourishment and tourism tensions, and addresses hot-button issues including the Scott Brandon arrest, looming property tax changes, and the Miccosukee Tribe’s potential casino project. Johns argues that the next four years should be about finishing sidewalks, expanding ball fields, improving Driftwood and other aging neighborhoods, and bringing better-paying jobs to Walton County.
CONFIRMED: Remains of DeFuniak man who vanished in 2016 found on Eglin reservation
Skeletal remains discovered on Eglin Air Force Base property have been positively identified as John Thomas “JT” Watson, a DeFuniak Springs man who vanished in 2015. While the breakthrough brings a measure of closure to Watson’s family after a decade of searching, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that the active investigation into his disappearance and death is far from over.
Swimmer Fighting For Life After Miramar Beach Rescue
A swimmer was hospitalized in critical condition Thursday after struggling in the Gulf near Miramar Beach while attempting to reach offshore buoys.
