Mary Esther officials weigh options after sudden cancellation of animal control contract
Mary Esther officials weigh options after sudden cancellation of animal control contract Collin Bestor June 23, 2025 6:21 pm Mary Esther In Brief: 🐾 PAWS abruptly ends contract with Mary Esther, leaving the city without animal control services. 📈 New contract proposed higher rates, prompting council concerns over fairness and financial burden. 🏛️ Officials weigh […]
Eight Rehabilitated Sea Turtles Released Back into the Gulf
Eight Rehabilitated Sea Turtles Released Back into the Gulf Staff Reports June 18, 2025 2:37 pm Charities and Nonprofits, Destin, Okaloosa County, Wildlife In Brief: 🐢 Eight rehabilitated sea turtles returned to the Gulf of Mexico in a public release at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park on June 17. The Gulfarium CARE Center, which treated […]
Destin Considers Legalizing Beach Bonfires
Destin Considers Legalizing Beach Bonfires Collin Bestor June 4, 2025 12:55 pm Destin, News, Uncategorized In Brief: Destin City Council is exploring an ordinance that could legalize beach bonfires on city-owned property. The proposed permit program is modeled after Walton County’s and aims to raise revenue without taxing residents. Key hurdles include determining which beachfront […]
UPDATE – Tragedy in Destin: Parents Drown, Son Saved by Heroic Beachgoer
Two people died in an apparent drowning on May 27 near SunDestin Resort in Destin, marking the first confirmed drowning fatalities of the 2025 summer season in Okaloosa County.
Three Named To Serve On Mid Bay Bridge Authority
Governor DeSantis announces key appointments to the Mid-Bay Bridge Authority, including three military veterans with extensive leadership experience. Read more about their backgrounds and what they bring to this crucial role in Okaloosa County’s infrastructure.
Eglin to Detonate Unexploded Bombs Found in Choctawhatchee Bay
Navy EOD teams will safely detonate six 80-year-old World War II ordnance found in Choctawhatchee Bay, with operations taking place on Oct. 24 and 25.
Okaloosa County Wins Appeal Against Timberview Helicopters
Okaloosa County won an appeal in a lawsuit filed by Timberview Helicopters regarding the termination of their agreement.
Florida Man Robs Bank in Flip Flops, Hides Cash in Maserati
A 66-year-old Destin resident, Charles Gallagher, has been arrested for allegedly robbing a Truist Bank on Emerald Coast Parkway using a note to demand cash. Authorities found his black 2017 Maserati with concealed identifiers, along with cash, a surgical mask, and glasses. Gallagher, who has faced financial difficulties since 2017, is held without bond on charges of robbery without a weapon, facing up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
Valparaiso Couple Wins $100,000 Wedding By Doing This!
Brandon Lang and Lesley Lowrey, natives of Destin and Niceville, recently won a $100,000 wedding weekend in a contest sponsored by three northwest Florida businesses. Their victory, achieved through widespread community voting, means the couple will have their dream wedding in Pensacola on November 17th, free of financial stress and planning worries. The couple, who met at 16 while working at a movie theater, plan to live in Valparaiso after their nuptials.
Destin Man Injured in Shooting
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that occurred Friday night at Sea Glass Apartments on Commons Drive in Destin. A 60-year-old man driving a white truck was found with multiple gunshot wounds and is currently being treated at a local hospital. The suspect, who called deputies from within the apartment complex, is in custody. The motive remains unclear. Authorities are seeking information from the public regarding the incident and can be reached at 850.651.7400 or through Emerald Coast Crimestoppers.
