Eglin welcomes new commander during critical time for essential missions
Colonel Chris Keithley has officially assumed command of the 96th Test Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, taking over leadership from Brig. General Mark Massaro. During the ceremony, Major General Scott Cain emphasized the critical role the wing plays in national defense, while Keithley urged the team to avoid complacency and continuously assess their operational assumptions.
Big Florida Energy: Suspect demands Niceville police stop chasing him
A high-speed pursuit on June 12, 2026, spiraled into a chaotic, multi-agency event reaching speeds of 117 mph. The suspect, 46-year-old William George Smolar, fled Niceville police in a black 2020 Kia Optima without headlights. The pursuit spanned two counties and included near-misses with civilians, a detour onto a residential lawn, and a bizarre phone call from the suspect demanding that authorities call off the chase. Smolar was ultimately apprehended by Walton County deputies and faces felony charges for fleeing and eluding, as well as multiple traffic violations.
Plew plants a prophetic mustard seed for Eglin AFB
On June 14, 1937, the Valparaiso Gunnery Range was established with a small post of 14 enlisted men and a single officer, marking the beginning of what would become the largest industry in Okaloosa County. Local business leader James Plew leased the original land to ensure government money bolstered the flagging local economy. The base quickly grew and shifted to a more lucrative test-and-evaluation mission, a transition encouraged by Congressman Bob Sikes. Sikes intentionally drove significant construction, ensuring the base’s indispensability and making the cost of shrinking the military presence after World War II too painful for the Department of War. Plew’s initial investment proved highly effective, as the Air Force Base accounted for nearly 70 cents of every dollar made in Okaloosa County businesses in 2025.
Here are Niceville’s goals under new Principal Amy Meyer:
“It really gave me that mindset to say: kids develop at all different rates and all learn in different ways,” Meyer said, reflecting on her early teaching days. That experience etched itself into her philosophy as an educator and now as Niceville High School’s new principal: you never give up on kids. You don’t lock them into who they are at seven, twelve, or fifteen. You keep trying different ways to reach them — and you assume they can grow.
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.
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.
This forgotten speech NAILED the future of American Special Forces
In his 1962 West Point speech, President Kennedy argued that modern conflicts require the “scalpel-like precision of the Special Forces operator,” not nuclear power. He emphasized that officers in these units needed to understand international diplomacy, economics, and psychology, noting that the basic problems facing the world are not susceptible of a final military solution.
Donna Johns Talks Customary Use, Beach Renourishment and Casinos in Election Interview
Walton County District 4 Commissioner Donna Johns says her passion is “helping people and trying to get things done,” from sidewalks and parks to beach access and infrastructure. In this in-depth interview, she defends her record on recreation in Miramar Beach, weighs in on beach renourishment and tourism tensions, and addresses hot-button issues including the Scott Brandon arrest, looming property tax changes, and the Miccosukee Tribe’s potential casino project. Johns argues that the next four years should be about finishing sidewalks, expanding ball fields, improving Driftwood and other aging neighborhoods, and bringing better-paying jobs to Walton County.
What you want to know about Florida’s controversial property tax idea on the official 2026 ballot.
Voters in Florida will decide on an amendment this November that would significantly increase the homestead exemption, potentially eliminating non-school property taxes and providing savings for long-term residents. However, this change is expected to create “crushing deficits” for local governments, which rely on property taxes to fund essential services like law enforcement and fire protection. Furthermore, a clause requiring five years of residency to receive the new, additional exemptions would place a “heavier load” of increased taxes on active-duty military members and other new residents in the short term, as local governments may be forced to raise millage rates to offset revenue loss.
