Okaloosa County Commission approves $17.7M for SR 85 widening, new sheriff’s office evidence facility
The Okaloosa County Commission approved major surtax investments for a State Road 85 widening project and a new sheriff’s office evidence facility as part of a long-term strategy to address growth, congestion and public safety without raising property taxes.
Crestview begins major facilities overhaul With $30M bond approval
Crestview officials approved a bond financing framework of up to $30 million to modernize aging fire and public works facilities, marking the first step in a long-term infrastructure plan funded through non-ad valorem revenues.
Crestview Police Department set to roll out AI-written body camera reports in 2026
Crestview police are moving closer to rolling out new AI-written summaries of body camera footage after approving a contract in December.
Crestview Councilmember Ryan Bullard Resigns, City Seeks Replacement
Crestview City Councilmember Ryan Bullard has announced his resignation effective Dec. 31, 2025, citing professional, personal, and health-related considerations. City officials have opened the application process to fill the vacant Precinct 2 seat through the remainder of Bullard’s term, ending in November 2026.
Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy Arrested for Alleged Domestic Battery in Crestview
An Okaloosa County Sheriff’s deputy was arrested after allegedly pushing the victim twice during a domestic incident at a Crestview home.
Mayor Whitten Joins National Foreign Policy Summit
Crestview Mayor JB Whitten joined more than 30 mayors from across the country in Washington, D.C., for the Mayors Foreign Policy Summit, a two-day event hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations and the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition. Whitten said the meetings with national policymakers and members of Congress offered valuable insight into how global issues directly affect Crestview and provided an opportunity to voice the city’s concerns at the federal level.
‘I don’t want to get a call that my son is gone’: Family fears Okaloosa inmate’s health is spiraling
The family of 33-year-old Robert Riddle says he’s growing weaker every month inside the Okaloosa County Jail, where he has lived with severe sickle cell disease since 2024. Advocates argue that essential treatments have been withheld, while county officials maintain he is receiving appropriate care.
A Community Effort to Help Those Affected by the Government Shutdown
Crestview residents have united to support neighbors affected by the government shutdown through a new volunteer group called Friends Taking Care of Friends. The group’s Free Food Friday events provide hot meals and groceries each week at the Old Spanish Trail Amphitheater, helping families in need through the end of the year.
Crestview High Band Director Jody Dunn Honored with Prestigious John Philip Sousa Foundation Award
Crestview High School band director Jody Dunn has been honored with a Special Award from the John Philip Sousa Foundation, recognizing his decades of leadership in music education and his ensembles’ consistent achievements at state and regional festivals.
Crestview City Council discusses food truck reforms, $2.1M fire truck, and United Way building purchase
Big night at Crestview City Hall 🚚🚒🏢 — the council voted to ease food truck rules, buy a new $2.1 million fire truck, and keep local nonprofits housed by purchasing the United Way building.
