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COVID Beach Shutdowns to Cost Walton County Big

A federal appeals court has ruled that Walton County must compensate private beach owners who were barred from accessing their property during COVID-19 beach shutdowns. The court ruled that the 2020 emergency ordinance constituted an unconstitutional “physical taking,” overturning a lower court decision and paving the way for landowners to recover damages and legal costs.

A federal appeals court has ruled that Walton County violated the constitutional rights of private beach owners by barring them from their own beachfronts during the COVID-19 shutdowns. The Eleventh Circuit ruled that the county’s 2020 emergency ordinance amounted to a “textbook physical taking,” clearing the way for landowners to seek compensation and legal fees.

Allegiant Faces Coast-to-Coast Pilot Picket

Allegiant Air pilots represented by Teamsters Local 2118 will hold a nationwide informational picket on Tuesday to demand a fair contract, with local pilots demonstrating at Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport.

Allegiant Air pilots represented by Teamsters Local 2118 will hold a nationwide informational picket on Tuesday, including at Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport, as they push the airline to end negotiation delays and offer a fair contract that keeps experienced pilots from leaving.

Okaloosa County School District Announces 2026 Education Staff Professional of the Year

The Okaloosa County School District honored its top Education Staff Professionals during a ceremony at Crosspoint Church, naming Northwood Elementary’s Nicole Hardin as the 2026 Education Staff Professional of the Year and recognizing the essential contributions of support staff across the district.

The Okaloosa County School District honored its top Education Staff Professionals during a ceremony at Crosspoint Church in Niceville, celebrating the custodians, bus drivers, secretaries, and support staff who keep schools running every day. This year, Northwood Elementary’s Nicole Hardin was named the 2026 Education Staff Professional of the Year, earning recognition for her exceptional dedication to students and staff.

Okaloosa Technical College Now Accepting Bids for Student-Built Tiny Homes

Okaloosa Technical College has opened bidding on four student-built tiny homes, created by students across multiple skilled trade programs as part of the school’s hands-on training mission.

Okaloosa Technical College is now accepting bids on four student-built tiny homes, each crafted by students in carpentry, electrical, HVAC, and building trades programs. The project showcases OTC’s long-standing commitment to hands-on, real-world training that prepares students for in-demand careers.

Okaloosa County Celebrates 2025–2026 Art in the Capitol Winners

Okaloosa County middle school students earned top honors in the 2025–2026 Art in the Capitol Competition, with their artwork showcased at the Florida Capitol.

Okaloosa County middle school students were recognized for their artistic talent in the 2025–2026 Art in the Capitol Competition. Best in Show winner Hannah Leitheiser and other top students will have their artwork displayed at the Florida Capitol during the 2026 Legislative Session.

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