Okaloosa County audit reveals $850K in transit overpayment, sparks reform

A new audit shows Okaloosa County overpaid its bus contractor by more than $850,000 over six years. What went wrong, and how is the county fixing it? Read the full report and see what this means for local taxpayers.
Duke Field aircraft crashes near Oklahoma City; crew walks away

A training flight from Duke Fieldβs 492nd Special Operations Wing ended in a crash near Oklahoma City on Thursday β but both crew members, an airman and a civilian contractor, escaped without injury.
Okaloosa County opens Floridaβs first glowing bike path between Brooks Bridge and East Pass Park

Okaloosa County opens Floridaβs first glowing bike path between Brooks Bridge and East Pass Park Staff Reports October 23, 2025 2:55 pm Uncategorized In Brief: π Glow trail opens: Floridaβs first photoluminescent path now connects Brooks Bridge to East Pass Park.π΄ Safer recreation: The 4.4-mile trail honors cyclists lost on U.S. 98.πΏ Sustainable design: Built […]
Destin Council approves school expansion, Crystal Beach parking and $2M FDOT grant

Big moves for Destin! The city council just approved a major Destin Elementary expansion, a new Crystal Beach parking project, and a $2 million FDOT grant for the Crosstown Connector, while also getting some great news about our water quality.
Crestview City Council discusses food truck reforms, $2.1M fire truck, and United Way building purchase

Big night at Crestview City Hall πππ’ β the council voted to ease food truck rules, buy a new $2.1 million fire truck, and keep local nonprofits housed by purchasing the United Way building.
Okaloosa County: Highway 98 connector, Santa Rosa Boulevard improvements, new ambulances

Big moves in Okaloosa County this week: commissioners voted to partner with Santa Rosa County on a regional road study that could create a new east-west corridor off Highway 98 β plus approved a $1 million grant to upgrade Santa Rosa Boulevard on Okaloosa Island.
Rep. Nathan Boyles files first bill aiming at expanding county authority over solar farms

From solar farms to storm prep, a new proposal from Rep. Nathan Boyles (R-Baker) would give counties more power over renewable-energy projects and hold utilities to stricter cost-benefit standard
Fort Walton Beach Council delays $7M rec complex, approves new PAWS contract, advances charter changes

Fort Walton Beach officials approved a new PAWS contract, postponed a recreation complex expansion, and advanced two charter amendments on election timing and mayoral pay.
‘No Kings’ rally draws large crowd in Fort Walton Beach

Hundreds gathered at The Landing this weekend for Fort Walton Beachβs second βNo Kingsβ rally β part of a nationwide day of demonstrations. Attendees say the growing turnout shows more locals are ready to take part in civic action and community change.
Walton County renames Highway 393 North to Charlie Kirk Parkway

On what would have been Charlie Kirkβs 32nd birthday, Walton County commissioners voted unanimously to rename Highway 393 North in his honor.