Crestview homeless shelter faces force-out of current building, asks for community help
The Crestview Area Shelter for the Homeless needs to raise $350,000 to purchase the building it has occupied for free for the past decade. Without the money, Executive Director Angela Jones says the shelter could be forced to move to a smaller location and cut essential services, including showers, laundry and overnight emergency placement.
SSUS set to sink— Let’s dive in to the process and preparation
Okaloosa County has spent $13.47 million to purchase, remediate and prepare the SS United States for deployment as an artificial reef in the Gulf of Mexico. The project exceeded its original budget by more than $3 million, with unexpected docking fees in Philadelphia and Mobile contributing to the increase.
Niceville police will be authorized to carry out ICE actions under federal agreement
Niceville police officers will be authorized to perform certain immigration enforcement functions after the City Council unanimously approved joining ICE’s 287(g) program. The agreement allows participating officers to carry out designated federal immigration duties under ICE supervision. The city has not yet detailed how the program could affect local enforcement.
DeSantis holds press conference in Destin; confirms 2 hurricane-related deaths
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis confirmed two hurricane-related deaths during a press conference on Okaloosa Island. Crews are clearing debris, restoring power to hundreds of thousands of customers and preparing for potential flooding. State officials also outlined insurance assistance and recovery resources for hurricane-damaged businesses.
Hurricane Isaias | So you’ve been ordered to evacuate— Now what?
Hurricane Isaias is expected to make landfall in the Florida Panhandle Friday. Here’s what Okaloosa County residents need to know about evacuations, shelters, safety and recovery resources.
Mills Degree of Excellence | For this Niceville native, ‘helping wasn’t optional.’
Niceville native Andrew Christy has made service a central part of his life, from volunteering at Hope Medical Clinic and working as an Okaloosa County EMT to providing disaster relief in Colombia. Now studying at the University of Florida, Christy hopes to attend medical school and eventually open another free clinic in Okaloosa County.
Eddie Duran found not guilty in Airman killing; spectators protest
A jury found former Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy Eddie Duran not guilty of manslaughter in the 2024 fatal shooting of Senior Airman Roger Fortson. Following the unanimous verdict, spectators gathered outside the Okaloosa County Courthouse Annex Extension to protest. Local advocates criticized the jury selection and the evidence presented during the trial.
LIVE UPDATES: Jury deliberating in Eddie Duran manslaughter trial
The manslaughter trial of former Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy Eddie Duran began with opening statements, witness testimony and bodycam footage from the 2024 shooting death of Senior Airman Roger Fortson. Prosecutors presented evidence about the events leading up to the shooting, while the defense maintains Duran acted in self-defense.
Meet Judy Forrester: A Niceville Good Neighbor
Judy Forrester has spent the past five years helping the Niceville Senior Center grow while building lasting relationships with its members and volunteers. Her dedication, enthusiasm and commitment to going above and beyond earned her the September Ryan Cabaniss Niceville Good Neighbor Award.
Bluewater Bay MSBU returns with new members after hiatus
After a three-month hiatus, Bluewater Bay’s Municipal Services Benefit Unit is back in operation with three new board members. The MSBU is planning public workshops, a town hall and pedestrian safety improvements while focusing on transparency, community input and landscaping projects throughout Bluewater Bay.
