New early Learning Center Coming to Fort Walton Beach’s Freedom Tech Center
A 16,000-square-foot childcare and early learning center, operated by Grow With Us Learning Academy, will open in 2026 at Fort Walton Beach’s Freedom Tech Center after the city council approved the development order.
Fort Walton Beach named Thearon Shipman as next Fire Chief
Fort Walton Beach named Thearon Shipman as next Fire Chief Staff Reports June 25, 2025 10:00 am Fort Walton Beach In Brief: 🔥 Chief Morgan Retires – After 25 years of service, Chief Jeremy Morgan is stepping down from the Fort Walton Beach Fire Department. 👨🏽🚒 Historic Promotion – Deputy Chief Thearon Shipman will become […]
Fort Walton Beach Barbershop Goes Viral for ‘Minecraft Haircut,’ Builds Community One Cut at a Time
Fort Walton Beach Barbershop Goes Viral for ‘Minecraft Haircut,’ Builds Community One Cut at a Time Collin Bestor June 24, 2025 4:00 pm Fort Walton Beach In Brief: 💈 A playful, accidental haircut resembling a Minecraft character brought millions of views and national attention to The Gryms Men barbershop. 🐶 The shop is turning its […]
DeSantis Signs Beach Access Bill Into Law
Who really owns Florida’s beaches? A new state law changes the rules again in Walton County’s long fight over sand, surf, and private property.
Local Non Profit Secures Adaptive Bike for Special Needs Child
A rare diagnosis, a $10,000 bike, and a family’s joy — how one nonprofit is helping kids like Eli ride alongside their siblings and experience childhood on their own terms.
Freeport Area Non Profit Looks To Make Waves About Water Quality
A new group in Freeport is sounding the alarm about threats to the only drinking water source in Florida’s Panhandle—and they say time is running out.
Choctaw High Unveils New Totem Pole Honoring Tradition
Choctaw High Unveils New Totem Pole Honoring Tradition Staff Reports June 17, 2025 8:49 am Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County, Schools and Education In Brief: Choctawhatchee High School has unveiled a new 11-foot totem pole on campus, replacing a beloved wooden version removed during renovations. Designed by alumnus Mark Forsman and brought to life by […]
Okaloosa Commissioners OK Tourism Money for Shalimar Park
Plans to revitalize a neglected Shalimar waterfront are officially underway, as Okaloosa County greenlights a $3 million park project with fishing docks, pavilions, and more.
Destin Sharks Snag MLB Alum to Skipper Squad in 2026
Destin High School is swinging for the fences with its newest hire: former MLB catcher and World Series champion Scott Hemond. After years of coaching and training local talent, Hemond takes the helm of the Destin Sharks baseball program as it enters the FHSAA series for the first time. Can the seasoned pro turn a young team with little history into a serious state contender?
Okaloosa County Emergency Management Wants You To Know THIS Right Now:
With experts predicting an active hurricane season, Okaloosa County says it’s ready — thanks to new tech, real-time data, and a no-nonsense approach to emergency warnings.
