250 Laptops Bring Opportunity to Emerald Coast

Derrick Brooks Charities, AT&T, and Compudopt gave 250 laptops to Emerald Coast kids and families to help bridge the digital divide.
Palmer Seeks Public Input on Holiday Isle Park

Commissioner Palmer invites Okaloosa residents to a Dec. 30 town hall to give input on a new 4-acre Holiday Isle waterfront park.
Patronis Calls for Public Input on Offshore Drilling

Congressman Jimmy Patronis is urging Floridians to comment on a federal offshore drilling plan that could open new Gulf waters near Eglin AFB.
Congress OKs More Than $590M for Panhandle Military Construction Projects

One Panhandle base is set to receive more than $219 million under the new defense bill. See the full breakdown of projects Congress just approved. โฌ๏ธ
Florida Set to Execute Okaloosa County Serial Killer

Frank Walls, convicted of five Okaloosa County murders, is scheduled for execution tonight after courts rejected his final appeals.
Okaloosa County Corrections Earns Third State Accreditation

Okaloosa Countyโs Department of Corrections earned Florida Corrections Accreditation with 3rd Excelsior Status, marking continued excellence in correctional standards.
CCA Florida and Okaloosa County Team Up for Redfish Release

Destin-Fort Walton Beach and CCA Florida released 25,000 juvenile redfish into Cinco Bayou to boost declining populations, improve ecosystems, and support local anglers.
Deputies Probe Possible Link Between Fort Walton Shootings

Deputies Probe Possible Link Between Fort Walton Shootings Staff Reports December 16, 2025 5:24 pm Crime, Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County In Brief: Deputies responded to a shooting on Fenwick Drive, where multiple rounds were fired at a pedestrian who was not located. Several nearby homes and properties were struck by gunfire during the incident. […]
Crestview Councilmember Ryan Bullard Resigns, City Seeks Replacement

Crestview City Councilmember Ryan Bullard has announced his resignation effective Dec. 31, 2025, citing professional, personal, and health-related considerations. City officials have opened the application process to fill the vacant Precinct 2 seat through the remainder of Bullardโs term, ending in November 2026.
NAACP Pushes Back Against DeSantis Redistricting

The NAACP of Okaloosa County opposes Gov. DeSantisโ redistricting plan, citing threats to minority voting power and fair representation.