Fire Assessment Passes in DeFuniak Springs, but Many Questions Remain
The DeFuniak Springs City Council voted 3-2 to impose a $100 annual fire assessment on homeowners and businesses. The decision comes amid debate over the future of the city’s fire department, including a potential transfer to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office and concerns about costs, control and unanswered questions.
Okaloosa County Initiative Breaks New Ground With Immersive Leadership Experiences
A local leadership initiative is expanding its reach across Okaloosa County, giving educators and students opportunities to develop leadership skills through immersive, hands-on experiences. The Leadership Experience Initiative (LEI), founded in 2024 with a mission of “Nurturing Leadership Through Experiences,” is designed to complement leadership development already taking place in local schools. The initiative provides […]
Emerald Coast High School football: Our 🔥 takes for Week 3’s games (are we wrong?)
Local high school football teams are back on the field, and the stakes are higher than ever this week. From the Mosley Dolphins facing off against the Niceville Eagles to a massive showdown between Florida High and South Walton, we break down the must-watch matchups shaping the season. Get the full analysis on MidBay News.
Gaetz Tells Crestview Chamber: Florida Must Be Not Just Free, But Affordable
State Sen. Don Gaetz told Crestview Chamber members Florida must be not only “the free state” but also affordable. He highlighted millions in local road funding, a robotics program turning students into high‑wage workers, and urged voters who favor cutting property taxes to also demand specific spending cuts from local governments.
Santa Rosa County Inmate Sentenced to 15 Years for Deadly Prison Chokehold
On September 1, 2026, a Santa Rosa County jury found Tavis E. Williams guilty of Manslaughter. Santa Rosa Circuit Court Judge Clifton Drake immediately sentenced Williams to the maximum sentence of fifteen years in state prison. Williams was sentenced as a Prison Releasee Reoffender and is not eligible for gain time or any form of […]
FWB Felon Arrested With Gun and Suspected Marijuana.
Fort Walton Beach Police *reportedly* arrested a man for weapons violations, claiming he displayed a gun and possessed “suspected” drugs.
FWB revamps trash service, altering residential pickup schedules.
FWB Sanitation claims twice-weekly trash collection begins October 5, promising expanded service for residents.
Fort Walton Beach Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Meth, Cocaine, and Fentanyl
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — A 40-year-old Fort Walton Beach man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl with the intent to distribute, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida. Elliot Maurice Bell was sentenced Wednesday, Sept. 2, following […]
