Lawsuit seeks to block Fort Walton Beach Charter Amendments, claims ballot language misleads voters
A legal challenge now threatens to derail Fort Walton Beach’s sweeping charter overhaul, with critics warning voters could be asked to approve major power shifts and spending changes without fully knowing what’s at stake.
Rep. Jimmy Patronis introduces PROTECT Act to repeal Section 230, raising questions about online speech and liability
A Northwest Florida lawmaker wants to repeal one of the laws that quietly shapes how we all use the internet. 💻⚖️
Rep. Jimmy Patronis has introduced the PROTECT Act, a bill that would fully repeal Section 230, the legal shield that protects websites from liability over most user-posted content. Patronis says the bill is it’s about protecting kids online, but fails to cite any measures in the bill that would do just that.
What would repeal actually do, and what wouldn’t it do? We break it down in plain terms.
Florida Senate passes school choice scholarship overhaul after audit
A critical state audit exposed cracks in Florida’s school choice system — now lawmakers have responded with sweeping reforms that could reshape how billions in education dollars are tracked, verified and protected statewide.
Okaloosa County Schools Revisit Start Times Amid Concerns Over Teen Health and Bus Shortages
Okaloosa County Schools Revisit Start Times Amid Concerns Over Teen Health and Bus Shortages Staff Reports January 14, 2026 11:42 am Uncategorized NICEVILLE — As Florida lawmakers retreat from a mandate that would have forced later start times for middle and high schools, a renewed debate unfolded on Monday as members of the Okaloosa County […]
Okaloosa School Board schedules hearing on proposal to close Mary Esther, Longwood Elementary Schools
With classrooms emptying and budgets tightening, Okaloosa school leaders say they’re out of options — but families argue the cost of closure goes far beyond the numbers.
Severe weather possible across Northwest Florida this weekend
Emergency officials say a two-wave storm system could bring severe thunderstorms, gusty winds, isolated tornadoes and heavy rain to the region from Friday afternoon through early Saturday.
Mary Esther leaders mobilize to fight proposed closure of elementary school
Mary Esther officials and residents are mounting a public pushback against the Okaloosa County School District’s proposal to close Mary Esther Elementary, arguing the nearly 60-year-old school is central to the city’s identity, family stability and military readiness.
Okaloosa County Commissioners question license plate reader cameras
Are license plate readers a powerful crime-fighting tool, or a step too far into surveillance? Okaloosa County leaders just opened the debate.
Crestview Police Department set to roll out AI-written body camera reports in 2026
Crestview police are moving closer to rolling out new AI-written summaries of body camera footage after approving a contract in December.
Destin City Council Weighs Conservation, State Talks Over $84M Land Deal
Destin leaders agreed to open discussions with the state about conservation zoning for the Norriego Point property while stopping short of formal action to maintain leverage over its future use.
