Cold War Over Okaloosa’s ‘County Wide Assets’ Rears Head Again

Crab Island’s vessel-free zone is gone — and with it, the illusion that all county commissioners agree on who controls what in Okaloosa’s waters.
Okaloosa County to Host Second Annual Hurricane Preparedness Expo on May 3

Okaloosa County will hold its second annual Hurricane Preparedness Expo on May 3 in Shalimar to help residents prepare for the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season.
Okaloosa to Do “Deeper Audit” After Letter From Chairman

Is Okaloosa County wasting taxpayer money? Commissioners weigh in as the county freezes hiring and undergoes an internal audit—some welcome the scrutiny, while others say it’s unnecessary and frustrating.
Congratulations! You* Just Bought The Red Lobster In Fort Walton Beach

What’s next for the former Red Lobster in Fort Walton Beach? You* just bought it—here’s what they might do with the prime waterfront property.
Your City’s Christmas Lists For The State Government Are Out Now – Here’s What They Asked For – And If We’re On The Naughty or Nice List.

Local leaders presented over $47 million in funding requests to the legislative delegation. Here’s what your city asked for:
Experts Say THIS Will Bring BIG $ to Okaloosa, But Commissioners Just Pulled it From Their Annual Wishlist

The Okaloosa County Commission voted unanimously to remove a $1.5 million funding request for the sinking of the historic SS United States as an artificial reef off Destin from its legislative priorities, citing economic concerns and public optics despite projections of significant tourism revenue.
Niceville Councilman’s Abortion Resolution Fails for Lack of Second

Tensions flared at the Niceville City Council as Councilman Doug Stauffer’s push to oppose Florida’s Amendment 4 on abortion restrictions fell flat, leaving some residents outraged.
Construction Begins On Photo-luminescent Sidewalk

Okaloosa County officials and local leaders gathered at the entrance of John Beasley Park on Monday, July 8, 2024, to celebrate the commencement of construction for a new multi-use path spanning approximately 4 miles between Brooks Bridge and Marler (Destin) Bridge. This 12-foot-wide path will be constructed on the south side of U.S. Highway 98 and feature photoluminescent stone for nighttime illumination. Funded by tourism revenue and an FDOT grant, the project is set for completion by early 2025.
Okaloosa Island Begins Construction On Multi Use Pathway

On Monday, July 8, 2024, Okaloosa County officials will host a groundbreaking ceremony at John Beasley Park to mark the beginning of construction on a new multi-use path. The event will occur at 7 a.m. at 1550 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Okaloosa Island. The new path will stretch approximately four miles between the Brooks Bridge and Marler Bridge on Okaloosa Island, providing a safe and scenic route for cyclists and pedestrians.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING: Could This Move Spell the Beginning of the End of The Okaloosa Housing Crisis?

The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners unanimously voted to send a letter to Eglin Air Force Base Commander General Jeffery Geraghty, seeking his support to acquire a 200-acre parcel currently serving as Eglin’s golf course. The county aims to use this land for affordable housing and commercial space in a community with a median home sale price of $450,000. This initiative follows a collaborative meeting in March between local government leaders and the Air Force to discuss potential land acquisitions.