Jessica Laird believes she’s the better option in the tricky Walton Tax Collector Election this summer. Here’s Why:
Tax collector candidate Jessica Carter Laird is making her case as a seasoned public servant for Walton County, emphasizing her 19+ years of experience, deep local roots, and commitment to innovation and public safety in the office. Her plans include addressing geographical challenges by pursuing remote self-service kiosks and bringing TSA PreCheck enrollment services to the county. Laird also highlights her focus on public policy, such as shifting immigration credential vetting back to the state level to reduce burdens on local offices, and shared a striking example of how her office’s diligence led to the identification of a human trafficking operation.
EXCLUSIVE: Candidate Buckman demands complete transparency from Okaloosa Superintendent
Okaloosa County School Board candidate Jerry Buckman outlined a platform focused on strict classroom discipline, independent oversight of Superintendent Marcus Chambers, and a plan to raise teacher pay without raising taxes. Buckman, who describes himself as a grassroots conservative, calls the current situation one of “chronically chaotic classrooms” and vows to enforce the student code of conduct and dress code to restore order. He also criticizes the district for lacking a meaningful 20- to 50-year facilities recapitalization plan for aging schools, and proposes redirecting central office funds to classroom teachers and bus drivers. Furthermore, Buckman champions an “America First” education agenda, emphasizing civics, factual U.S. history, and service, including bringing veterans into classrooms to share their experiences. He also pledges to donate his school board salary to teachers in need if elected.
After wild week in the media – West says she’s staying
Cynthia West told a conservative influencer on a podcast that she is pulling out of her race for School Board in Okaloosa County, citing the negative impact on her and her family from backlash over her allegations against Congressman Thomas Massie. West had alleged Massie emotionally abused her and offered her $5,000 in ‘hush money’ to walk away from a wrongful termination complaint. Massie denied the allegations. When reached for comment, West stated, “I have not made a final decision honestly, I’m just trying to wrap my head around what happened.”
“Stop Fighting and Start Fixing”: Jim Bagby Makes His Case in Walton County District 4
In a Republican primary that’s shaping up as a referendum on growth, governance, and the future of Walton County, Jim Bagby is pitching himself as the candidate of practical change — someone who wants fewer political fights and more long-delayed problems finally solved. Bagby, a former Destin City Councilman and longtime local leader, is running for Walton County Commission, District 4. He laid out specific benchmarks by which he says voters can judge his first term if he’s elected.
Sam Hamm, an Amazing Niceville Good Neighbor
n a quiet Niceville neighborhood, Samm Hamm proves that being a good neighbor is really just about being a good person—day in and day out. He was nominated for the Niceville Good Neighbor of the Month award. When asked what advice he’d give about being a good neighbor, Samm’s answer was simple but powerful: “I think probably being a good neighbor is mostly being a good person all the time. It’s not trying to put out the effort to impress somebody… it’s just trying to be a good person all the time”.
DETAILS: Embattled Walton Leader Arrested for Domestic Violence
Scott Brannon, the Walton County Director of Governmental Coordination and former County Commissioner, was arrested and charged with misdemeanor battery/domestic violence on May 14. Critics accuse him of holding a “no-show” job, though Mid Bay News has not been able to independently verify this. Brannon is ordered to appear in court on June 1.
‘Our Kids Deserve Better’: Reed Lays Out His Plan to Fix Okaloosa Schools
Okaloosa County School Board candidate Mitch Reed says the district needs to get “lean and mean” — cutting bureaucracy, boosting teacher pay, and putting reading, writing, and critical thinking ahead of screens in elementary classrooms. In a sit-down with journalist Christopher Saul, Reed lays out his case for site-based management, tougher transparency rules, and long-term planning for aging school buildings, arguing that taxpayers deserve clear answers and teachers deserve better support.
‘Like Getting Drafted to the NBA’: Niceville Teen Weighs Life-Changing Offer from Joffrey Ballet School
“JANE” The text screamed at the 10th grader outside her history class at Niceville High School.
Sturdy offensive line bolsters this tenacious 2026 Crestview Bulldog team
Crestview Head Coach Thomas Grant views the upcoming spring game as a critical evaluation tool and the next step in the Bulldogs’ deliberate march toward a program-first state championship. The 2026 squad will feature a new starting quarterback, Brock Spears, and rely on an experienced, physical offensive line and a run-first mentality. Grant believes the defense has the potential to be one of the most elite units of his era. The team will face a “brutal” schedule, including multiple out-of-state powers, which Grant designed to battle-test the team for the tough Class 5A competition.
After remarkable 2025 success, Choctaw looks to smash 2026 expectations
Head Coach Frank Beasley isn’t resting on last year’s Final Four run, instead focusing on the foundation laid during 6:00 AM workouts in February, calling it the moment the team’s success was “actually poured.” The Choctaw Indians are preparing for the 2026 season with a philosophy built on physicality, fundamental execution, and “contact courage”—the mental fortitude to seek out high-impact collisions. With a battle-tested roster and a schedule featuring Florida powerhouses and defending Alabama state champion Thompson High School, Beasley is committed to playing the best to be the best. The program’s success is tied to a culture where the logo on the helmet always comes before the name on the back of the jersey, ensuring collective sacrifice drives their push for another deep playoff run.
