HISTORY: The Emerald Coast’s upstart third-party Florida governor and his controversial legacy
In 1916, Sidney J. Catts achieved a historic political upset, becoming Florida’s only third-party governor. Running under the Prohibition Party banner after a disputed Democratic primary, the populist preacher campaigned across rural Florida in a Model T, leaving behind a fascinating and turbulent administration.
NWFSC sets scholarship award total record in 2026
The Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) Foundation announced it will surpass $1 million in scholarships for students this year, thanks to donors.
30A Resident Russell Brand Convicted of Sex Crimes in UK
A Jury convicted 30A resident, comedian and actor Russell Brand of sex crimes in a London Courtroom.
“Stop the sink!” SS United States group files last-minute lawsuit
The group that wants to stop Okaloosa County from sinking the ?SS United States and making it the world’s largest artificial reef has filed a lawsuit to stop the sinking.
HISTORY: Northwest Florida’s most influential person of all time inaugurated into Congress
On November 5, 1940, Congressman Bob Sikes began his historic 36-year congressional career. Through strategic committee assignments, Sikes transformed Northwest Florida from a small subsistence community into a major defense hub, ultimately securing the military presence that drives two-thirds of Okaloosa County’s GDP today.
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.
