Kristen Shell named Okaloosa County’s next Growth Management Director

Kristen Shell, a veteran planner with over two decades of experience in Northwest Florida, has been unanimously confirmed as Okaloosa County’s new Growth Management Director.
Okaloosa County boosts fishing industry with FAD network

Okaloosa County will install eight new shallow-water fish aggregating devices off Destin’s coast, expanding the county’s offshore fishing network with a $513,000 project funded through budget savings.
Okaloosa County approves $1.87M study to support Eglin West Gate Redevelopment

Okaloosa County approves $1.87M study to support Eglin West Gate Redevelopment Staff Reports July 2, 2025 9:08 pm Uncategorized In Brief: 🛠️ County commissioners approved a $1.87 million study to plan infrastructure upgrades near Eglin AFB’s West Gate as part of a long-term redevelopment vision. 🤝 The agreement extends a contract with HDR Engineering and […]
Highway 98 shoreline project moves closer to reality with federal boost

The Highway 98 Living Shoreline Project on Okaloosa Island is moving into final design and permitting, thanks to $284,000 in new federal funding and no added county costs.
Three hospitalized after multi-vehicle crash on State Road 20 in Bluewater Bay

Three people were hospitalized following a rear-end crash on State Road 20 in Niceville that pushed one SUV into oncoming traffic, causing a head-on collision.
Walton Commissioner Drake to PGA: No Contract, No Deal

Walton County leaders are holding the line on a proposed PGA Tour event until they see a formal contract with clear terms and contingencies.
Niceville Names New Fire Chief

The City of Niceville introduces Alex Kukulus as its new fire chief, with a public ceremony scheduled for July 11 to mark the leadership transition.