Marianna Man Sentenced to 45 Months in Drug Conspiracy Case.
Federal prosecutors claim a Marianna man received a 45-month sentence for alleged drug conspiracy.
Officials Confirm Local West Nile Virus Case in Walton County.
DOH-Walton claims a confirmed local human West Nile virus case, spurring prevention efforts.
Niceville’s New Wawa Is Opening With Free Coffee and a First-Responder Challenge
Wawa will celebrate the grand opening of its new Niceville store Thursday, August 27, with free hot coffee, T-shirts for the first 100 customers and a Hoagies for Heroes competition featuring local first responders. The celebration at 1560 E. John Sims Parkway will also include remarks, music, Wally Goose and a ribbon cutting.
Christmas Lights, Music and Magic Return to Niceville for 10th Annual Show
Niceville’s “Tune In To Troon” Christmas Lightshow is celebrating its 10th year with a free nightly display of synchronized Christmas lights, music and animated features. The Bluewater Bay attraction runs from December 5 through January 6 at 1074 Troon Drive E, with shows beginning every evening at 6 p.m.
Charter-Cox Deal Brings New Spectrum Services
Charter Communications says it has completed transactions involving Cox Communications and Liberty Broadband. Spectrum products, branding and pricing are expected to roll out in former Cox markets in mid-September.
Curtis Johnson Murder Trial Ends With A Not-Guilty Verdict
A Santa Rosa County jury has acquitted former Okaloosa County corrections sergeant Curtis Marvin Johnson of second-degree murder in the 2025 shooting death of his roommate, Barbara “Barbie” Dedert. Johnson was found not guilty August 20, 2026, bringing the case to a close more than a year after the shooting.
Cox is Now Spectrum: Charter Deal Brings Changes for Customers
Charter Communications has completed its acquisition of Cox Communications and Liberty Broadband, expanding Spectrum into former Cox markets. Cox customers can already receive a free year of Spectrum mobile service if eligible, while Spectrum’s broader product lineup, pricing and packaging are expected to launch in mid-September.
14 Years Behind Bars After Fatal Highway 90 Collision
Justin Echternacht was sentenced to 14 years in state prison followed by one year of probation for DUI manslaughter after a 2023 Highway 90 crash killed another driver. Prosecutors said Echternacht crossed the center line, while investigators later found cocaine, THC and alcohol in his system.
A Rite of Passage: Eglin’s New Senior NCOs Complete Forge Week
Eglin Air Force Base’s newest senior NCOs completed Forge Week, a week-long professional development course focused on leadership. The technical sergeants faced a field training exercise before participating in a senior NCO induction ceremony the following day, marking an important milestone as they stepped into greater enlisted leadership responsibilities.
OCSD Summer Feeding Program Serves More Than 71,000 Meals to Students
The Okaloosa County School District served 71,774 breakfasts and lunches through its 2026 Summer Feeding Program. The initiative helped ensure students had access to nutritious meals while school was out, with support from Food Services staff, school employees, athletic programs and participating schools across the county.
