Destin Vacation Abuse Ends in a Life Sentence
An Okaloosa County jury convicted Justin Andrew Busby of sexually battering a 10-year-old child, leading to a life sentence in state prison.
Tough but Necessary: Okaloosa Will Close Two “Outstanding” Schools
Okaloosa School Board votes unanimously to close Mary Esther and Longwood Elementary amid enrollment decline and budget challenges, with rezoning ahead.
Walton County Rolls Out Free Tram Service
Walton County Tourism will launch expanded free Beach Tram routes on March 1, connecting municipal parking lots to regional beach accesses in an effort to ease congestion and improve public access.
Firefighters Hold the Line at Choctaw Plaza Fire
A three-alarm commercial fire at Choctaw Plaza destroyed a Rent-A-Center Monday night, sending heavy smoke through multiple adjacent businesses.
19-Count Federal Lawsuit Alleges Reckless Force Caused Veteran’s Heart Attack
A Fort Walton Beach veteran files a 19-count federal lawsuit alleging arrest triggered a heart attack while in police custody.
Drone Espionage Act Hits Home on the Emerald Coast
Sen. Ashley Moody’s Drone Espionage Act advanced out of committee Thursday, targeting unauthorized drone surveillance of U.S. military installations — including airspace over parts of the Emerald Coast.
Security Failure Exposes Sensitive Data at Major Hotel Chain
A January cyberattack at Choice Hotels may have exposed franchisee and applicant Social Security numbers.
Niceville Graduate Races Toward a Professional Motorsports Career
Jackson Shirey, an Okaloosa Technical College graduate, is heading to Daytona after earning ASE Master certification and a prestigious racing internship.
Major Expansion Brings New Life to Temple Mound Museum
The Indian Temple Mound Museum will reopen Feb. 28 following a major expansion and months of exhibit renovations, offering free admission for the grand reopening celebration.
Shoal River Timberlands Project: Will Okaloosa Taxpayers Foot the Bill?
Okaloosa County commissioners voted unanimously to advance a Shoal River conservation partnership with the State, but unanswered questions remain about long-term financial responsibilities.
