Florida Sets New Tourism Record with 142.9 Million Visitors in 2024
Florida broke its all-time tourism record in 2024, welcoming 142.9 million visitors, a 1.6% increase from the previous year, with growth in domestic, international, and Canadian travelers.
Range Road 213 now considered Closed Area
A section of Range Road 213 at Eglin Air Force Base is now a Closed Area, restricting public and recreational traffic to ensure security and safety. Only authorized personnel, including military and utility workers, may use the road. Enforcement measures include increased patrols, new signage, and potential fines for violations.
Jack Schlechter Appointed to First Judicial Circuit Court
Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Judge Jack Schlechter to the First Judicial Circuit Court, filling a vacancy created by Judge Bergosh’s retirement. Schlechter has served as an Okaloosa County judge since 2022 and previously worked as a prosecutor and private attorney.
ANOTHER delay hampers SS United States trip to the bottom of the Gulf.
The SS United States is set to leave Philadelphia on February 8, 2025, en route to Mobile, Alabama, where contractors will prepare it for deployment as the world’s largest artificial reef. The transformation will take approximately a year, with the final reef location expected to be 20 nautical miles south of Destin-Fort Walton Beach. Okaloosa County will also develop a museum to preserve the ship’s history.
Emerald Coast Chamber Music Festival Announces Free Admission for 5th Season
The Emerald Coast Chamber Music Festival is celebrating its fifth season with a lineup of classical concerts from May 17 to June 1, 2025, in Niceville, FL. All concert tickets will be free, while masterclasses remain paid. The festival will feature internationally acclaimed musicians and student performances.
Adams Sanitation Expands Commercial Waste Services in Okaloosa County
Adams Sanitation has received approval from the Okaloosa County Commission to offer commercial waste hauling services, beginning in Northern Okaloosa County.
Okaloosa County Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Sexual Battery
A Crestview man, Edgar Enrique Nunez, has been sentenced to 25 years in state prison followed by 20 years of probation after pleading guilty to sexually abusing a minor. Multiple agencies, including the Crestview Police Department and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, investigated the case.
Lemony Snicket to Headline NWF READS Event in Niceville
Bestselling author Lemony Snicket (Daniel Handler) will visit NWFSC on April 16 for a free community reading and book signing as part of the NWF READS series. The event will take place at 7 p.m. at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Niceville.
Emerald Coast PCA Rodeo Returns to Niceville in November
The 3rd Annual Emerald Coast PCA Rodeo returns to Niceville on November 7-8, 2025, featuring family-friendly rodeo events, Mutton Bustin’, and live entertainment at Northwest Florida State College, with proceeds benefiting Raider Athletics.
NWFSC Recognizes Fall 2024 President’s and Dean’s List Honorees
Northwest Florida State College has announced its Fall 2024 President’s and Dean’s List honorees, recognizing students for their academic excellence.
