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.
New early Learning Center Coming to Fort Walton Beach’s Freedom Tech Center
A 16,000-square-foot childcare and early learning center, operated by Grow With Us Learning Academy, will open in 2026 at Fort Walton Beach’s Freedom Tech Center after the city council approved the development order.
Fort Walton Beach Council sets hearing after assault claim against Charter Chair
The Fort Walton Beach City Council will hold a hearing on July 8 to decide whether to remove Charter Review Committee Chair Mike Minich after allegations from former Councilman Travis Smith that Minich shoved him following a recent meeting.
Fort Walton Beach sets property tax rate at 4.3282 Mills for 2025-26 Budget
Even though the Fort Walton Beach City Council voted 4-3 to keep the millage rate the same, residents should still expect to pay more in property taxes next year due to rising property values.
Okaloosa County School Board approves new leadership
Okaloosa County School Board approves new leadership at Elliot Point, Davidson Collin Bestor June 24, 2025 2:18 pm Schools and Education In Brief: 🏫 Laura King promoted to principal at Davidson Middle School after nearly two decades in Okaloosa classrooms. 🌍 Eva Ratley named assistant principal at Elliott Point, bringing global teaching experience and fresh […]
