Hurricane Opal – the start of the legal battle for Emerald Coast Beaches
Hurricane Opal’s 1995 landfall remains a defining moment for Okaloosa County, exposing critical infrastructure vulnerabilities and reshaping the Emerald Coast. From the rapid intensification that caught residents by surprise to the long-term legal battles over coastal restoration, this historical review examines the storm’s enduring impact on our community.
HISTORY: Hurricane Opal Makes Landfall in Navarre
When Hurricane Opal rapidly escalated into a Category 4 storm overnight in October 1995, it caught Northwest Florida off guard. The storm caused massive traffic gridlock, over $1.2 billion in destruction, severe coastal erosion, and sparked decades of legal battles over beach restoration across Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton counties.
He tried to kill a priest and start a bloody rebellion – at nearly 90 years old!
In 1675, Juan Fernandez Diocasale, a leader of mixed Euchee and Chatot heritage, stood accused of plotting the assassination of a Spanish friar. His attempted rebellion against Spanish authority in the Florida Panhandle sparked a violent struggle for power, eventually reshaping the region’s tribal dynamics forever.
Commissioner Goodwin updates the public on controversial Hollywood Boulevard speed cameras
Commissioner Trey Goodwin gave an update on the speed cameras on Hollywood Boulevard in Fort Walton Beach. He covered why they’re still up, what their status is – and his goals for people who were issued a ticket.
Crestview Olympic Medalist Mia Manganello talks post-racing career at Wal Mart Grand Opening
Two-time Olympic medalist speed skater Mia Manganello returned home to Crestview for Walmart’s grand opening, reflecting on how her community and Walmart supported her athletic dream. Now, Manganello is giving back through hospitality and volunteer work while advising aspiring young athletes to dream big and build strong local support networks.
Donalds talks property taxes, data centers, and law enforcement at Fort Walton Beach stop
At an Okaloosa County campaign rally, Florida gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds presented his vision for affordability, property taxes, and public safety while navigating his relationship with national politics.
Petition of man convicted of 2022 Niceville murder fails
One of the men convicted in a 2022 Niceville double homicide failed in his attempt to appeal his conviction through a motion for post-conviction relief. Isaiah Lamar Luna, 23, filed the motion from Graceville Correctional Facility following his conviction for third-degree felony murder with a firearm.
Bob Sikes was the most important person in Emerald Coast history. Here’s why:
On September 28, 1994, Northwest Florida Congressman Bob Sikes passed away. Often called the single person most responsible for the modern Emerald Coast, Sikes spent over 30 years in Congress securing billions for regional military bases. His legacy remains deeply embedded in the region’s military-based economy and local infrastructure.
Eglin AFB officials name victim discovered in mysterious range death
Eglin Air Force Base officials released the name of the person found dead in a burned-out car earlier this week. Here’s what we know:
HISTORY: Hurricane Eloise devastates the Emerald Coast after killing dozens
In 1975, Hurricane Eloise struck the Emerald Coast as a powerful category three storm, causing widespread destruction. From wiping out the newly built Okaloosa Island Pier to destroying buildings as far inland as Niceville, the storm left a lasting impact. Explore the history of this devastating event and its aftermath.
