OCSO Searching for Missing 35-Year-Old Tremaine McClellan
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is searching for 35-year-old Tremaine McClellan, who was last heard from on November 3, 2025. Investigators released photos of McClellan and the SUV he may be driving, urging the public to come forward with any information that could help locate him. Anyone with tips is encouraged to contact the OCSO or reach out anonymously through Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers.
Patronis Demands Answers on Special Operations Relocation
Florida Congressman Jimmy Patronis and Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody are pressing Pentagon leaders for answers after the Air Force finalized its plan to move the 492nd Special Operations Wing from Northwest Florida to Arizona. In a sharply worded letter, the lawmakers warn the relocation could slow U.S. response times to growing threats in Venezuela and the Caribbean and question why the Air Force relied on Biden-era climate considerations instead of current national security priorities.
Back-to-Back Champ Coach Steps Down
Rocky Bayou Christian School Head Football Coach KC Woods is stepping down after leading the Knights to their second straight SSAA state championship. Woods will stay on as Assistant Principal as the school begins searching for a new head coach.
Death Row Timeline Nears End for Frank Walls
Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a death warrant for Frank Athen Walls, the Okaloosa County man convicted in the 1987 murders of Airman Edward Alger and Ann Peterson and later linked to three additional slayings. Walls is scheduled to be executed on December 18, marking another addition to Florida’s record-setting year for executions.
Dive Into History: SS United States Reef Project
Okaloosa County has partnered with Visit Pensacola and CCA Florida to transform the historic SS United States into the world’s largest artificial reef. The $2 million project, scheduled for early 2026, aims to enhance marine habitats, attract divers from around the globe, and boost tourism across Northwest Florida.
Northwest Florida Guardian ad Litem and the Community Unite for a Record-Breaking Fall Fundraiser
The Northwest Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation raised over $119,000 this fall through two major fundraising events in Niceville and Pensacola. The money will provide vital support—from clothing to therapy to educational needs—for more than 1,500 foster children across the region.
COVID Beach Shutdowns to Cost Walton County Big
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.
Okaloosa Technical College Recognized as Military-Friendly Purple Star Campus
Okaloosa Technical College has been named a Collegiate Purple Star Campus by the Florida Department of Education, recognizing the school’s comprehensive support for military members, veterans, and their families across all OTC sites.
Allegiant Faces Coast-to-Coast Pilot Picket
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 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.
