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.
Whiplash and unexpected upsets: Primary provides election excitement on Emerald Coast
Primary night in Okaloosa and Walton Counties saw low voter turnout, leading to a mix of predictable incumbent victories and a major shakeup in local government. While Okaloosa voters largely stuck with incumbents, Walton County voters delivered a significant upset in the Commission District 2 race, signaling potential change ahead.
The hard-to-find history of Northwest Florida State College
On August 17, 1964, Northwest Florida State College opened its doors as Okaloosa-Walton Junior College. Operating out of a building now housing the Northwest Florida Heritage Museum, the school far exceeded expectations, enrolling over 1,300 students in its first year despite original projections of only 150. Here’s the history of Northwest Florida State College.
Great Britain’s Fierce Florida Abolitionist: Edward Nicolls
On August 13, 1814, a British warship dropped anchor in Pensacola Bay, and with it, a spark landed on the dry tinder of the Emerald Coast. Lieutenant Colonel Edward Nicolls stepped ashore, ready to build a disciplined regiment of British Colonial Marines composed of Black men who had fled the plantations.
Niceville contractors clear the way for this new business:
Is it going to be a storage unit, a car wash… or maybe something else entirely?
Who was Jackie Cochran? More About this FAMOUS Female Flier
From the poverty of a Panhandle cotton mill to the cockpit of an F-86 Sabre, Jacqueline Cochran redefined American aviation. As the leader of the WASPs during WWII and the first woman to break the sound barrier, this Emerald Coast local’s legacy remains a soaring testament to perseverance and innovation.
Former Okaloosa deputy charged in airman’s murder seeks dismissal
The court recessed until August 4 after a day-long hearing concerning a motion to dismiss the murder case against former Okaloosa Deputy Eddie Duran. The hearing featured emotional testimony from Fortson’s girlfriend, Tatyiana Hendricks, alongside medical examiner findings and statements from Fortson’s neighbors and friends regarding the events in May 2024.
1950: “Playground City” Sheriff gets suspended by irate governor
Today in History, Governor Fuller Warren removed Okaloosa County Sheriff Isle Enzor amid accusations of lax gambling law enforcement. The removal followed investigations into illegal casino activity at the Magnolia and Shalimar clubs. Discover the full story behind this historical political scandal on the Emerald Coast at midbaynews.com.
