Kyle Busch, Erik Jones lead stacked field into 2025 Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway
The Snowball Derby is back — and this year’s field might be the strongest in a decade. NASCAR champions, short-track aces, and future stars are all chasing one thing: the Tom Dawson Trophy.
Shocking Child Abuse Case in Fort Walton Beach
Deputies say a Fort Walton Beach–area woman intentionally burned the hands of two young children in her care and failed to seek medical help afterward. The 3- and 5-year-old victims were taken to Destin–Fort Walton Beach Hospital late Tuesday before being transferred to a specialized burn center in Mobile. The suspect, 52-year-old Jeny Soto Duenas, is now being held without bond at the Okaloosa County Jail.
Richbourg Lane to Close Thursday for Drainage Repairs
Drivers in Crestview can expect delays as the city announces a temporary road closure to allow crews to complete essential infrastructure work. The project, aimed at improving long-term traffic flow and public safety, will reroute vehicles through designated detours while repairs are underway. Officials urge residents to plan and allow extra travel time during the closure period.
Fort Walton Beach Growth Management Director Brings Three-Decade Family Christmas Village Tradition to Life at City Hall
Fort Walton Beach Growth Management Director Tim Gibson and his family have brought their decades-old Christmas village tradition to City Hall, unveiling an intricate display featuring more than 1,000 buildings, figurines, handmade pieces, and a working train. The public can explore the festive miniature world — complete with hidden surprises — through the end of the year.
Destin OK’s 320-room hotel after lengthy discussion on development rules
A new 320-room hotel is coming to Highway 98 — but Monday’s vote was anything but routine.
Council members clashed over traffic safety, parking reductions, and what they called a “broken” development code that leaves them little room to deny projects that technically meet the rules.
