Okaloosa commissioners reject 12-month data center moratorium 3-2 after hours of public opposition
Okaloosa County commissioners rejected a proposed 12-month moratorium on data centers in a 3-2 vote following passionate public opposition at Tuesday’s meeting. Despite strong calls from residents for an outright ban, the county will move forward with drafting regulations for data center development over the next 60 days.
Okaloosa County approves Niceville Animal Clinic deal as PAWS contract nears end
Okaloosa County commissioners approved a new agreement with Niceville Animal Clinic for animal sheltering and veterinary services as the county prepares to take over animal control responsibilities south of Eglin. The deal comes as the county’s longtime PAWS contract approaches its September 22 expiration date.
North End development advances over first hurdle in Okaloosa
Tuesday’s actions captured the county’s broader challenge: north Okaloosa is growing fast on land mostly entitled for housing since the 1990s or earlier, while roads, utilities and environmental standards struggle to keep up. For now, River Park will move forward under a phased review process, while Millwood Ranch waits for answers on whether its roads and septic‑based design can be squared with today’s expectations for safe, sustainable growth.
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.
After Scathing Revelations About Transit Service, Okaloosa Commissioners Sign Off on $1M Contract Fix
Okaloosa avoids $1M transit repayment as leaders confront empty buses and consider sweeping service changes.
Controlled Burns Begin at Shoal River Preserve
Okaloosa County will begin prescribed burns at Shoal River Preserve later this week as part of an effort to improve habitat health, reduce wildfire risks, and prepare the preserve for its public opening.
NAACP calls Gap Creek flooding an environmental justice crisis as local leaders emand Action in Fort Walton Beach
How long should a neighborhood live with flooding, mold, and contaminated water?
The NAACP says the answer for Sylvania Heights has been decades, and that’s unacceptable.
Audit fallout and director’s resignation leave Okaloosa County Transit at a crossroads
With an audit exposing years of oversight failures and the transit director announcing his resignation, Okaloosa County leaders are racing to stabilize a system facing financial questions, leadership turnover and an uncertain future.
Okaloosa County Corrections Earns Third State Accreditation
Okaloosa County’s Department of Corrections earned Florida Corrections Accreditation with 3rd Excelsior Status, marking continued excellence in correctional standards.
Business leaders urge Okaloosa County to renew half-cent infrastructure surtax
Okaloosa’s business community is pushing to renew the county’s half-cent surtax — a tax they say has fueled more than $136 million in improvements and unlocked nearly $300 million in grants. Commissioners say voters now have something they didn’t in 2018: results.
