Destin Council seeks federal help to fix East Pass navigation hazards after boat collisions

Destin officials are pushing for federal and state support to repair and light East Pass navigation markers after recent collisions and near-misses.
Rep. Jimmy Patronis declines to clarify key policy positions as data contradicts claims

Rep. Jimmy Patronis declined Mid Bay News’s follow-up questions but defended conservative healthcare, border, and transparency positions in earlier interviews.
Local high school football playoff races heat up as the final stretch of the 2025 season begins

The playoff picture is heating up! From Choctaw’s dominant run to Milton’s shocking comeback season, every district in the Mid Bay News coverage area has something on the line heading into Week 8.
Okaloosa County unemployment rises to 4.2%, but leaders see growth ahead with new industry and training

Okaloosa’s unemployment rate just hit its highest point since the pandemic recovery. But local leaders say the story isn’t all bad news — with new factories, technical training programs, and military talent pipelines fueling long-term growth. Here’s how the numbers break down, and what’s next for the local economy 👉
Government shutdown looms, what will be impacted in Northwest Florida.

At 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, the U.S. government runs out of money. From Eglin to TSA checkpoints, thousands of Northwest Florida workers could see furloughs, delayed pay, or closed gates. Here’s what you need to know about how the shutdown will hit our community.
Mid Bay News presents mid-season awards for the 2025 football season

From breakout rookies to dominant defenses, Week 6 of Northwest Florida high school football is packed with stories worth celebrating.
Week 6 Recap: Niceville flexes muscle, SoWal beats Walton

Week 6 football action marked the beginning of district play for many local teams.
Fort Walton Beach Golf Course unveils new TrackMan system

From Ryder Cup courses to kids’ games, Fort Walton Beach’s golf range just got a high-tech makeover.
Fort Walton Beach delays youth baseball, softball merger with Shalimar Little League

A plan to merge Fort Walton Beach’s youth baseball league into Shalimar’s Little League struck out — at least for now.
Fort Walton Beach school-zone cameras slash speeding by 95% in first year

Fort Walton Beach’s school-zone speed cameras cut speeding by 95% in their first year, collecting $183,675 in fines. Most violators received only one ticket, and city leaders say the revenue is being reinvested into safety improvements.