Knives out for this government agency in DeFuniak Springs

The DeFuniak Springs City Council took over the Community Redevelopment Agency after a tense meeting in which the Council attempted to fire the CRA director and settled on firing the CRA board instead.
English – the (ONLY) Language for Florida Driverβs Exams

Florida has officially moved to English-only driverβs license exams, eliminating translation services statewide and affecting all applicants, including non-citizens and visa holders.
Is THIS the sign a Miccosukee Casino will open in Walton County?

The Miccosukee Tribe’s $2.25 million purchase of 25 acres in Walton County has fueled speculation about a new casino, raising questions about the tribe’s expanding ventures outside South Florida.
Shoal River Headwaters State Park opens near DeFuniak Springs

Florida State Parks has opened Shoal River Headwaters State Park near DeFuniak Springs, preserving more than 2,400 acres of sensitive habitat while expanding public access to hiking, wildlife viewing and conservation-focused recreation in Walton County.
DeFuniak Springs Debates the Future of Their Fire Department

The City Council in DeFuniak Springs considers an alternative to their own fire department – Could it save them a $1,000,000?
Walton County Sheriff rebukes Kyle Rittenhouse’s ‘Stand Your Ground’ claims in DeFuniak Springs shooting

The Walton County Sheriffβs Office is pushing back hard after Kyle Rittenhouse claimed a DeFuniak Springs shooting was lawful self-defense. Sheriff Michael Adkinson says the victim was unarmed on his own property and calls the commentary βwildly irresponsible.β
Walton County has the area’s highest opioid deaths. Here’s how officials will try to reduce fatal overdoses:

Walton County’s opioid death numbers are much higher than Bay or Okaloosa’s after you account for population. Officials have a plan to start turning the tide on the issue.
Winter Sandyland returns to Okaloosa Island benefiting local children in need

Winter Sandyland returns to Okaloosa Island befitting local children in need Staff Reports December 1, 2025 2:03 pm Uncategorized In Brief: π§ HVAC technician shortages are impacting service availability across Northwest Florida, especially during peak summer months. πΌ Companies like Mills Heating and Air are offering competitive wages and training pathways but still struggle to […]
Walton Commissioners Recognize Chair for Service and Leadership

As 2025 ends, Walton County Commissioners honor Chairwoman Donna Johns for her leadership and unanimously elect Brad Drake as the new Chair for 2026.
Local food pantries see rise in clients as federal shutdown deepens; SNAP, WIC funding decreased

As the federal shutdown stretches into its second month, families across Northwest Florida are losing vital food assistance.
Local food pantries, from Sharing & Caring in Niceville to Emerald Coast Food Rescue, are seeing record demand.