Showdown on Hollywood: County orders Fort Walton Beach to rip down unpermitted speed cameras
A months-long title search determined two Fort Walton Beach school-zone speed cameras on Hollywood Boulevard were installed in Okaloosa County’s right of way without permits. County commissioners voted unanimously to order their removal within a week and authorized road transfer negotiations strictly conditioned on a permanent prohibition of speed-zone cameras
HISTORY: Drought-stricken, Floridians win a pyrrhic victory at Munfordville
On September 17, 1862, 16,000 Confederate troops surrounded a Union garrison at Munfordville, Kentucky, securing a tactical victory that stood as the largest surrender of American forces at the time. Yet, for the exhausted men of the First and Third Florida Regiments, this hollow triumph merely presaged the campaign’s ultimate, bloody decline.
Niceville Fire Department pushes in sleek new black fire truck
The Niceville Fire Department welcomed its newest fire engine during a traditional push-in ceremony on Thursday. The distinctive black engine is the first of three new vehicles acquired after city leaders opted for a $1 million engine, rescue truck, and brush truck instead of a single $2.2 million tower truck.
Okaloosa commissioners reject 12-month data center moratorium 3-2 after hours of public opposition
Okaloosa County commissioners rejected a proposed 12-month moratorium on data centers in a 3-2 vote following passionate public opposition at Tuesday’s meeting. Despite strong calls from residents for an outright ban, the county will move forward with drafting regulations for data center development over the next 60 days.
Destin councilman arrested on felony theft charges
on September 11 following felony grand theft allegations. Braden is accused of taking money for an unlicensed home repair project, partially demolishing a deck, and abandoning it. A court hearing is scheduled for October 15, 2026.
Judge denies controversial dismissal motions in manslaughter case
Circuit Judge William F. Stone has denied a defense motion to recuse himself, clearing the path for the manslaughter trial of former Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy Eddie Duran to begin on September 28, 2026. Duran faces charges following the May 2024 fatal shooting of 23-year-old Hurlburt Field Airman Roger Fortson.
HISTORY: Hurricane Ivan the Terrible makes dramatic landfall
In 2004, Hurricane Ivan became one of history’s most destructive storms, causing over $14 billion in damage along the Gulf Coast. Beyond the physical destruction, Ivan ignited the “sand wars”—a landmark legal conflict over beach ownership and renourishment that remains a defining local issue in Walton County politics today
Eglin FCU unveils the Hub City’s hub for theatre and more with ribbon-cutting on Main Street.
The Eglin Federal Credit Union Arts and Education Center officially opened at 189 Main Street in downtown Crestview, transforming a historic hotel into a vibrant community hub. Featuring dedicated spaces for youth tutoring, financial wellness, and performing arts, the center offers free multi-disciplinary programming in partnership with local area non-profits.
Ponder Highlights Maritime, Innovation Initiatives At Walton Chamber Lunch
Northwest Florida State College President Mel Ponder recently unveiled a bold strategic plan at the Walton Area Chamber’s Power of Business Lunch. With new investments in maritime training, hospitality, public safety, and engineering pathways, the college is aggressively aligning its curriculum with regional economic demands to transform students’ future success.
Eglin announces extraordinary $50k gift to Niceville Chamber
Eglin Federal Credit Union has pledged a $50,000 donation to the Niceville-Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce. This significant contribution is earmarked for capital improvements and exterior repairs to the Chamber’s historic facility, celebrating a partnership that has spanned over 53 years of supporting local economic growth and the business community.
