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.
Okaloosa County to Observe Veterans Day with Unveiling of New Women Veteran Statues
Okaloosa County will mark Veterans Day with a ceremony at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center, featuring the unveiling of two new statues honoring women veterans, including Marine Sgt. Nicole L. Gee and an Iroquois Warrior Woman from the War of 1812. The statues will later be added to the Women Veterans Monuments at Veterans Park on Okaloosa Island.
Walton County Commission deadlock on tourism leadership continues
The Walton County Commission once again failed to agree on whether to bring back an Executive Director of Tourism — a $400,000 position overseeing one of the county’s biggest industries.
Here’s what happened, who pushed for change, and what it means for the future of the $60 million tourism department.
