Mary Esther still without animal control after PAWS cancels contract, city seeks alternatives

Mary Esther is still without animal control services after PAWS canceled its contract, leaving city leaders scrambling for solutions and demanding fairness in future agreements.
Mary Esther officials outline fixes after citywide water outage exposes infrastructure flaws

A crash, a buried valve, and a city left without water—Mary Esther’s leaders explain how it happened, what it’ll cost, and what’s next.
Okaloosa County approves land use change for planned veterans retirement community

A major veterans housing project just cleared a key hurdle in Okaloosa County—here’s what’s next for Victory Village.
Okaloosa County approves tax exemption for Talking Parents Expansion

Okaloosa County approved a tax break for Talking Parents to expand its headquarters, bringing high-wage tech jobs to the area.
Okaloosa County Commissioners approve amendment to Hospital Assessment Program

Okaloosa County commissioners approved an amendment to the Local Provider Participation Fund, ensuring local hospitals can continue receiving Medicaid-related reimbursements at no cost to taxpayers.
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 boosts fishing industry with FAD network

Okaloosa County will install eight new shallow-water fish aggregating devices off Destin’s coast, expanding the county’s offshore fishing network with a $513,000 project funded through budget savings.
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.