Fort Walton Beach Council approves water and sewer rate hikes to prevent utility deficits
The Fort Walton Beach City Council voted 4–2 to raise water and wastewater rates over five years to prevent deficits and fund infrastructure upgrades, despite pushback from residents and two councilmembers.
Florida Appeals Court strikes down state’s open carry ban as unconstitutional
A Florida appeals court struck down the state’s open-carry ban, ruling it unconstitutional under the Second Amendment and setting up a new legal and legislative fight over gun rights.
Fort Walton Beach Charter Review Commission finalizes report, sends suggestions to City Council
The Fort Walton Beach Charter Review Committee has finalized and forwarded sweeping charter amendments to City Council for consideration at its Sept. 30 meeting.
Niceville overcomes rocky first quarter, downs Pine Forest 35-14
Niceville overcame early turnovers with a dominant offensive showing led by Deagan McCoy and Robert Oliver to defeat Pine Forest 35-14 in Pensacola.
Family questions FHP handling after fatal Highway 20 crash
The family of a Niceville man killed in a July crash says the Florida Highway Patrol mishandled the investigation, failed to preserve evidence, and allowed the driver’s case to be closed with only a traffic fine.
Freeport asphalt plant proposal sparks legal battle, fierce opposition in Walton County
A plan to revive a Highway 20 asphalt plant near Freeport faces legal arguments, community pushback, and procedural confusion as Walton County weighs its future.
Okaloosa County backs Rotary proposal to expand beach rescue tube program
Okaloosa County is considering a low-cost but potentially lifesaving project to expand rescue tube stations along local beaches — do you think these flotation devices could make a difference?
Fort Walton Beach seeks Attorney General opinion on voter-approved budget cap
Fort Walton Beach is asking the Florida Attorney General to review whether its new charter amendment capping annual budget growth conflicts with state law, after the council approved the request in a 6–1 vote.
Fort Walton Beach considers voter referendum to move city elections to November
Fort Walton Beach leaders want residents to decide when local elections are held — would you support moving them to November alongside statewide races?
Jailhouse text messages, records shed new light on Fort Walton Beach property deal
Jailhouse text messages, records shed new light on Fort Walton Beach property deal Collin Bestor September 2, 2025 2:00 pm Fort Walton Beach In Brief: 📱 Jailhouse texts show Councilmember Bryce Jeter negotiated a $65,000 property sale with inmate Walter Robinson Jr., linking the deal to Robinson’s bail. ⚖️ Critics allege coercion and conflict of […]
