Destin OK’s 320-room hotel after lengthy discussion on development rules
A new 320-room hotel is coming to Highway 98 — but Monday’s vote was anything but routine.
Council members clashed over traffic safety, parking reductions, and what they called a “broken” development code that leaves them little room to deny projects that technically meet the rules.
Sen. Don Gaetz, Officials push to block eastern gulf drilling over national security concerns
State leaders and the Okaloosa County Commission are sounding the alarm: proposed offshore drilling in the Eastern Gulf could jeopardize military readiness, local jobs, and the Gulf Coast’s tourism economy
‘I don’t want to get a call that my son is gone’: Family fears Okaloosa inmate’s health is spiraling
The family of 33-year-old Robert Riddle says he’s growing weaker every month inside the Okaloosa County Jail, where he has lived with severe sickle cell disease since 2024. Advocates argue that essential treatments have been withheld, while county officials maintain he is receiving appropriate care.
Okaloosa County opposes Gulf drilling, citing national security and tourism risks
Okaloosa County Commissioners just took a firm stand against any effort to resume drilling in the eastern Gulf, saying it would threaten Eglin’s mission and the region’s multibillion-dollar tourism economy.
‘Minutes Matter’: Hurlburt Commander says traffic and housing now threaten U.S. Special Operations
Col. Mark Hamilton didn’t mince words. In a briefing to Okaloosa County Commissioners, the new 1st Special Operations Wing commander said traffic, housing costs, childcare shortages, and mental-health access are now affecting the wing’s ability to launch global missions on short notice.
Okaloosa County rejects open carry for employees, keeps concealed-only firearm policy
Okaloosa County employees will not be allowed to open carry their firearms while on duty.
Despite Florida’s recent legalization of open carry, the County Commission voted unanimously to keep its existing concealed-carry-only policy, citing safety, training and public-interaction concerns.
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.
