Tropical Depression 2 likely to become Tropical Storm Bertha; minimal impact expected for FL Panhandle
Tropical Depression 2 is expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Bertha while remaining offshore of the Florida Panhandle. Okaloosa County remains under a Tropical Storm Watch, though officials say impacts should be limited to heavy rain, gusty winds, dangerous surf and possible minor coastal flooding through Tuesday.
Destin councilwoman arrested after allegedly driving stranger’s truck from boat ramp
A Destin City Councilwoman is facing a criminal charge after police say she entered and drove a stranger’s truck without permission at a city boat ramp on July 4. Mayor Pro Tem Teresa Hebert was arrested on a charge of trespassing on conveyance. The case remains under investigation.
Niceville Good Neighbor: Josh Wervey is unapologetically himself
Marine veteran Josh Wervey has been named the latest recipient of the Niceville Good Neighbor Award. As the Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce’s events and membership manager, Wervey connects local businesses while balancing his most important role—being a single father dedicated to giving his son every opportunity to succeed.
Residents talk property tax at Niceville town hall
Niceville residents gathered Monday for a town hall on Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposed property tax amendment, where City Manager David Deitch explained how potential revenue losses could affect city services, fees and taxes. Residents questioned the city’s projections and discussed possible impacts before the 2026 ballot measure.
Laird responds after charges resurface for resisting arrest in marine DUI incident
Walton County Tax Collector candidate Jessica Laird responded after a 2014 boating incident and resisting an officer charge resurfaced on social media. Court records show the misdemeanor case was closed in 2014 with no recorded plea, and Laird said the charge was dismissed with no conviction.
What would a Miccosukee Casino mean for Walton County? Expert weighs jobs, revenue and costs
The Miccosukee Tribe has not announced plans for its 25-acre DeFuniak Springs property, but a potential casino has sparked questions about jobs, tax revenue, tourism and costs. An economic expert examines what a casino could mean for Walton County and whether it would be the best use of the land.
3 of 5 Bluewater board members resign, citing concerns over fellow member’s behavior
Three of five Bluewater Municipal Services Benefit Unit board members resigned in May, citing concerns about a fellow board member’s conduct and the board’s ability to function. The resignations leave the MSBU without a quorum, preventing members from taking official action while county officials determine next steps.
DeSantis slashes funding for child abuse protection in Okaloosa, despite funding same programs around Florida
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed funding to support the Niceville Exchange Club’s initiative to bring a child abuse prevention center to the Emerald Coast for the second year in a row, despite granting funds to Exchange Club chapters in Jacksonville and Palm Beach, FL. According to an Appropriations Project Request, Representative Patt Maney sponsored the […]
DeSantis vetoes dozens of funding requests from Maney & Boyles, reps who opposed property tax cut
Florida State Representatives Patt Maney and Nathan Boyles made headlines in June as the only two Republicans to vote “no” on Governor Ron DeSantis’ controversial amendment that would eliminate property tax for Florida homeowners. This week, DeSantis signed Florida’s official budget for Fiscal Year 2026, deciding the fate of hundreds of local funding requests submitted […]
Despite Mary Esther Elementary setback, vet touts life-changing plan for local housing crisis
A nonprofit started in Palm Coast, FL hopes to bring affordable housing to Okaloosa County through a community land trust. Cyril Stubbs Jr., President of the Okaloosa County Community Land Trust, grew up in Miami. He said his concerns about housing costs in Florida began decades before he moved to Okaloosa County, when his mother, […]
