Here are the wild local results from the Midterm elections!
Election night brought key decisions across Okaloosa and Walton counties. Jerry Buckman won a close race for the Okaloosa School Board seat over JD Peacock. Meanwhile, Okaloosa’s half-cent sales tax passed to support infrastructure projects, Walton County approved a school property tax, and local voters overwhelmingly backed statewide GOP candidates.
Can Florida’s controversial property tax amendment pass? The latest scientific poll may surprise you:
A Florida pollster just dropped a survey of 916 voters. You wont believe what it said about local opinions on Democrats and Amendment 3.
HISTORY: When Florida almost sold the Emerald Coast to Alabama
Following the American Civil War, a cash-strapped Florida entertained selling the Western Panhandle to Alabama for $1 million in bonds. Supported by nearly two-to-one margin by local voters in 1869, the annexation deal ultimately failed when post-war economic strain forced Alabama Governor William Hugh Smith to reject the transfer.
HISTORY: The life and times of the fastest man ever: Baker’s Houston McTear
On October 31, 2015, the ‘World’s fastest man,’ and Baker-native Houston McTear lost his battle against lung cancer. But his life was so much more than his track career:
HISTORY: Union Volunteers from Walton County torch Marianna in bold raid
After months of lobbying, Hungarian revolutionary General Alexander Asboth was authorized to form the 1st Florida Cavalry, Union Volunteers in 1863. Leading European officers and local deserters through Northwest Florida, Asboth’s bold raid toward Marianna challenged Confederate defenses, culminating in a fierce clash and severe injuries for the general.
History: Vietnam War Claims Niceville Local
Niceville High School graduate Private First Class Larry Eugene Martin was killed in action on October 24 in Vietnam. Serving with B Company, 1st Battalion, 61st Infantry Regiment, Martin was posthumously promoted to Corporal following an intense tank-assisted sweep in the Demilitarized Zone. He is interred in Dayton, Ohio.
Rare Doolittle Raider artifacts land at Northwest Florida State College
Northwest Florida State College has welcomed a permanent collection of Doolittle Raid artifacts, including mapping and navigation tools belonging to Lt. Col. Carl Wildner. Supported by community and military leaders, the college celebrated this historic addition during a special ceremony at Raider Arena.
HISTORY: Doolittle Raid diarist dies in tragic India crash
On October 18, 1942, Sergeant George Larkin took off on his final flight across the Himalayas. A veteran of the famed WWII Doolittle Raid on Tokyo, Larkin’s diary captured the courage and psyche of the Raiders before his bomber tragically crashed near Dinjan, India, leaving behind an enduring legacy of bravery.
Walton Commissioners talk hurricane cleanup post-Isaias. Here’s who’s getting help:
As Walton County ramps up hurricane recovery following Isaias, county commissioners have voted unanimously to fund clean-up across all local neighborhoods and public beaches. Emergency management reports over $4.5 million in projected debris removal costs as assessments continue across the region.
LATEST: Police release name of man killed in Monday’s horrendous wreck on John Sims
A morning traffic crash on John Sims Parkway in Niceville left one person dead and closed a major roadway for over five hours. Police are investigating reports of racing or road rage after a truck crashed into a tree near Partin Drive, prompting detours through local roads and Niceville High School.
