Profile | Meet the woman behind the panhandle’s most successful foodie blog
Joanna Davis started The 850 Foodie in 2020 after growing frustrated with negativity toward local restaurants online. What began as a place to share photos of food has grown into a community of more than 66,000 followers, where Davis highlights local businesses, celebrates food and encourages aspiring influencers to have fun.
DeSantis unveils statue, announces $15.6M for rural counties.
Officials claim Governor DeSantis unveiled a statue as “commemoration,” plus “nearly $15.6M” to supposedly aid rural counties.
Ascension Sacred Heart hires second general surgeon.
Ascension Sacred Heart has expanded its general surgery program, adding board-certified Dr. Trevor Beckham to its team.
Okaloosa deputies arrest Niceville man, allege AI-generated CSAM
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Niceville resident Marcus Jordan, charging him with three counts of possession of child sexual abuse material. According to investigators, the material was AI-generated. Jordan is currently released on a $125,000 bond, and the investigation remains ongoing while he awaits trial.
Nationwide nonprofit gifts home to Crestview veteran
Former Army Staff Sergeant Christopher Williams and his family received a mortgage-free home in Crestview from Building Homes for Heroes. Williams, who served three deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq before being medically retired, said the home will give his family the stability and security they deserve after years of combat-related injuries and struggles.
The woesome wait for Wawa ends in Niceville
More than 400 people welcomed the long-anticipated Wawa to Niceville on Thursday morning. The new location on John Sims Parkway, which features gas and Wawa’s signature hoagies, drew enthusiastic crowds, including local fans donning Philadelphia Eagles jerseys and former Wawa employees eager for a taste of home.
Lengthy Prison Sentence for Jay Man in Case Involving 8-Year-Old Victim
Kyle Wesley Allen Stover was sentenced to 40 years in state prison followed by lifetime sex offender probation after convictions for multiple offenses involving an 8-year-old child. Judge Clifton Drake also designated Stover as a Sexual Predator. The offenses occurred at a home in Jay between December 2023 and September 2024.
Bulletin Board Material: Week 2
Bulletin Board Material ia up for Week 2 of the 2026 Emerald Coast football season. We are breaking down high-stakes matchups like Fort Walton Beach versus South Walton and Auburn facing off against Choctaw. Join us as we evaluate last week’s standout players and predict outcomes for this Friday’s gridiron action.
