Today on Sunshine-y, Beautiful 30a: June 10, 2026
in our newest series, Mid Bay News reporter Steven Saul highlights the best and most interesting snapshots from 30A.
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.
City Manager secures lease agreement for Twin Oaks Park
After years of discussion, the Niceville City Council unanimously approved a resolution to execute a 30-year lease agreement with the U.S. Department of Air Force for the Twin Oaks Park Mullet Festival Site at Tuesday’s meeting. City Manager David Deitch said he’d been negotiating with Eglin Air Force Base, which owns the land, for “almost […]
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.
Niceville seniors demand return of senior-only hours at pickleball courts
Hundreds of Niceville seniors are petitioning to restore senior-only pickleball hours, citing safety and accessibility concerns after the courts were opened to the public, while city officials argue the change is necessary to address overcrowding and have proposed a compromise.
$183,000 in Fines, One Big Question: Who Owns Hollywood Boulevard?
Fort Walton Beach leaders voted unanimously to reject a request for broader school-zone camera refunds, saying citations were legally issued despite an unresolved ownership dispute over Hollywood Boulevard.
Night Operations Will Be Launching at Eglin
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE — Residents across portions of Okaloosa County may hear increased aircraft activity next week as fighter pilots conduct nighttime training missions out of Eglin Air Force Base. According to Eglin officials, the 58th Fighter Squadron is scheduled to conduct night flying operations from June 15 through June 17. Training flights are […]
Maney explains his painful vote on controversial property tax proposal
State Rep. Patt Maney warns that a proposed property tax amendment could cause significant revenue losses for local governments, including fire districts and cities in Okaloosa County. He cautions that the measure lacks a clear funding replacement plan and could unfairly shift the tax burden onto renters and small businesses.
Fireworks committee makes last-minute plea for 250 anniversary funds to Light up the Bayou
Niceville’s annual Fourth of July fireworks show needs community support to return for another year. Organizers are planning a bigger display to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, but the event relies entirely on tax-deductible donations rather than tax dollars.
OPINION: The Draft divided America in the Vietnam Era – but we should bring it back for this important reason:
“When the United States goes to war, the vast majority of the country has no skin in the game. It’s not that the average American doesn’t care; it’s just that he doesn’t care as much as he would if the troops deploying might include his own children. The draft fixes that problem. If every declaration of war incorporated a call-up of the nation’s youth to fight that war, then the country would take war more seriously.”
