Okaloosa Schools face North-South divide as enrollment drops in Fort Walton, Destin; surges in Crestview

Okaloosa Schools face North-South divide as enrollment drops in Fort Walton, Destin; surges in Crestview Collin Bestor November 13, 2025 12:45 pm Schools and Education In Brief: 📈 Northern Okaloosa schools are growing fast — while southern campuses lose students 🏫 District may consider boundary changes or consolidations to manage enrollment shifts 💰 Voucher expansion […]
Okaloosa School Board reviews legislative priorities ahead of upcoming state session

Okaloosa County School Board members are calling on state lawmakers to fix what they describe as a broken funding system and to boost support for safety, mental health, and teacher retention.
In Photos: Veterans Day in Okaloosa County

Photo Gallery: Veterans Day celebrations in Okaloosa County
Crestview City Clerk resigns amid tension; council pulls photography ordinance

Crestview City Clerk Maryanne Girard resigned after months of internal friction and public scrutiny, as city leaders also withdrew a controversial photography ordinance following widespread community backlash.
Local food pantries see rise in clients as federal shutdown deepens; SNAP, WIC funding decreased

As the federal shutdown stretches into its second month, families across Northwest Florida are losing vital food assistance.
Local food pantries, from Sharing & Caring in Niceville to Emerald Coast Food Rescue, are seeing record demand.
Live Blog: FHSAA releases playoff brackets for area high schools

Live Blog: FHSAA releases playoff brackets for area high schools Collin Bestor November 6, 2025 10:30 am Sports In Brief: Florida High School Athletic Association releases playoff brackets for Rural-7A classifications With many teams in our area already guaranteed a spot (Choctaw, Baker, Pensacola Catholic), some sit in limbo (Crestview, Tate, Milton and Niceville). Playoff […]
Destin Council calls for transparency after $83M land deal for Norriego Point

Destin leaders say Florida’s $83 million beach buy came with too many closed doors — and too little local say. Here’s what they’re doing to bring the deal into the sunshine.
Defending National Champs: New-look Northwest Florida State women’s team embraces speed, grit and global talent

After last year’s national title, the Northwest Florida State College women’s basketball team enters a new season with a younger, faster roster — and the same championship expectations.
Fort Walton Beach City Council approves rec center expansion, ballot amendment wording and representation changes

Busy night for Fort Walton Beach’s City Council 🏙️ — leaders approved a $7.5 million recreation complex expansion, agreed to study a new form of city government, and advanced charter amendments toward the 2026 ballot. Here’s what it all means for residents 👇
Crestview City Council extends city clerk’s performance plan after split vote

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After months of tension over leadership and communication at City Hall, the Crestview City Council narrowly voted to keep City Clerk Maryanne Girard under review instead of terminating her contract.