Why Eglin Doesn’t Want You on This Stretch of Beach
Eglin Air Force Base officials say rising trespassing incidents on Santa Rosa Island’s restricted test areas are putting people at risk and disrupting military operations.
What you want to know about Florida’s controversial property tax idea on the official 2026 ballot.
Voters in Florida will decide on an amendment this November that would significantly increase the homestead exemption, potentially eliminating non-school property taxes and providing savings for long-term residents. However, this change is expected to create “crushing deficits” for local governments, which rely on property taxes to fund essential services like law enforcement and fire protection. Furthermore, a clause requiring five years of residency to receive the new, additional exemptions would place a “heavier load” of increased taxes on active-duty military members and other new residents in the short term, as local governments may be forced to raise millage rates to offset revenue loss.
Following first failure, Mapoles cajoles Florida to create Okaloosa County
The creation of Okaloosa County, Florida, was signed into law on June 3, 1915, by Governor Park Trammell. However, it was State Senator William Mapoles who led the heavy lifting to create the new county. After its incorporation, the political center was contested by Baker, Crestview, and Laurel Hill, with Crestview eventually being chosen as the county seat. Mapoles, a newspaper owner and State Senator, was successful in his 1915 effort, despite a previous unsuccessful attempt in 1913 to create “Yellow River” or “Wilson County”. His foresight proved crucial, as the county’s population grew rapidly over the next century, thanks in part to military installations secured by his rival, Bob Sikes.
Cox Employees Empower Students Through Innovative Grants
Six Gulf Coast nonprofits received $60,000 in employee-funded Cox Charities grants to support STEM education, environmental learning and youth programs.
This Niceville teen earned a trip to the most prestigious medical event for future doctors in America!
Gianna Muscarella, a 17-year-old member of the Niceville Wrestling team, is dedicated to becoming a forensic nurse, a career path inspired by watching Law & Order: SVU that will allow her to aid some of the most vulnerable crime victims. Her vision involves melding medicine and law, which may require her to testify in court. Muscarella’s academic dedication has already led to an invite-only selection by Nobel Laureate Mario Capecchi to attend the Congress of Future Medical Leaders at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, this June. This commitment has also secured her admission to St. Vincent College and made her a competitive candidate for universities like Notre Dame and the United States Air Force Academy.
What’s Up With That Abandoned Building on Niceville’s Government Ave?
As you head into Niceville/Valparaiso on SR-85, you’ll more than likely see an abandoned building that sits on the right-hand side of the road before you pass Tradewinds restaurant.
