Kristen Shell named Okaloosa County’s next Growth Management Director
Kristen Shell, a veteran planner with over two decades of experience in Northwest Florida, has been unanimously confirmed as Okaloosa County’s new Growth Management Director.
Okaloosa County approves $1.87M study to support Eglin West Gate Redevelopment
Okaloosa County approves $1.87M study to support Eglin West Gate Redevelopment Staff Reports July 2, 2025 9:08 pm Uncategorized In Brief: 🛠️ County commissioners approved a $1.87 million study to plan infrastructure upgrades near Eglin AFB’s West Gate as part of a long-term redevelopment vision. 🤝 The agreement extends a contract with HDR Engineering and […]
Highway 98 shoreline project moves closer to reality with federal boost
The Highway 98 Living Shoreline Project on Okaloosa Island is moving into final design and permitting, thanks to $284,000 in new federal funding and no added county costs.
Three hospitalized after multi-vehicle crash on State Road 20 in Bluewater Bay
Three people were hospitalized following a rear-end crash on State Road 20 in Niceville that pushed one SUV into oncoming traffic, causing a head-on collision.
Niceville Student’s Mock Bill on Elderly Driving Retesting Draws Real-World Attention, Support from Grieving Family
A Niceville teen’s mock bill on senior driver testing, inspired by a tragic local crash, garners real-world support from a grieving family and state-level attention.
PAWS Faces $750K Shortfall as Cities Cancel Contracts: “This Is Not Sustainable”
PAWS, Okaloosa County’s primary animal welfare provider, is facing a $750,000 deficit amid contract disputes with cities like Destin and Niceville, forcing tough decisions as animal intake costs soar.
DeSantis Signs $115B Florida Budget; $87 Million Headed to Okaloosa and Walton Counties
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Florida’s $115 billion state budget, securing more than $87 million for Okaloosa and Walton County projects, while issuing only a few local vetoes and launching a $2 billion statewide tax relief plan.
DeSantis Signs Florida Budget, Could Veto $80 Million in Okaloosa and Walton Projects
Florida’s new state budget includes $2 billion in tax cuts but places more than $80 million in local Panhandle projects in jeopardy amid a wave of vetoes by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Tropical system could develop in Gulf ahead of July 4, Okaloosa officials monitoring
Public safety officials in Okaloosa County are urging residents to stay weather-aware as a tropical disturbance could form offshore during the July 4 holiday.
Fort Walton Beach approves TrackMan golf upgrade to driving range, backed by user fees
The Fort Walton Beach City Council voted 5-1 to lease high-tech TrackMan golf equipment for the city’s driving range, a move officials say will modernize the facility, attract new users, and generate additional revenue — all without taxpayer burden.
