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.
Bill Lundy’s tale: The fake rebel who stole government money.
Bill Lundy became Okaloosa County’s most celebrated “living link” to the Civil War, even earning a Congressional medal. Yet, his fame was built on a foundation of falsehoods. Census records eventually revealed Lundy was born in 1860, proving he was merely a child, not a soldier, during the conflict.
Okaloosa deputies arrest Niceville man, allege AI-generated CSAM
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Niceville resident Marcus Jordan, charging him with three counts of possession of child sexual abuse material. According to investigators, the material was AI-generated. Jordan is currently released on a $125,000 bond, and the investigation remains ongoing while he awaits trial.
The woesome wait for Wawa ends in Niceville
More than 400 people welcomed the long-anticipated Wawa to Niceville on Thursday morning. The new location on John Sims Parkway, which features gas and Wawa’s signature hoagies, drew enthusiastic crowds, including local fans donning Philadelphia Eagles jerseys and former Wawa employees eager for a taste of home.
Bulletin Board Material: Week 2
Bulletin Board Material ia up for Week 2 of the 2026 Emerald Coast football season. We are breaking down high-stakes matchups like Fort Walton Beach versus South Walton and Auburn facing off against Choctaw. Join us as we evaluate last week’s standout players and predict outcomes for this Friday’s gridiron action.
Walton Commission says ‘flock you’ to controversial cameras in rapid vote
The Walton County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to remove Flock license plate reader cameras from county rights-of-way. While proponents noted the system’s success in locating missing persons, skeptics raised concerns about data privacy, facial recognition, and surveillance, leading to a 5-0 vote to disconnect the devices on county-controlled roads.
The powerful story of Defuniak’s unlikely WWII Hero, Ewart Sconiers
From childhood hardship in DeFuniak Springs to the cockpit of a B-17, Ewart Sconiers’ life was defined by resilience. After flying his first combat mission on August 17, 1942, Sconiers displayed extraordinary valor just days later, piloting his crippled bomber to safety and securing a place in aviation history.
Gallery: Stingy Defense springboards gritty Mosley over tenacious Choctaw in Season Opener
Choctaw dropped its opener to Mosley in a tough 15-13 loss, separated only by a trick-play two point conversion.
Destin quickly deported to Freeport by anxious rebel militia post-raid
In the summer of 1861, the Civil War arrived on the Emerald Coast, casting suspicion on Connecticut-born fisherman Captain Leonard Destin. Caught between warring factions, Destin was branded a potential enemy collaborator. On August 20, the Walton Guards forced the Destin family from their home, beginning a desperate journey to Freeport.
