Destin bonfire ordinance dies on floor without a second

Destin bonfire ordinance dies on floor without a second Collin Bestor July 9, 2025 12:30 am Destin In Brief: πŸ”₯ Destin residents overwhelmingly opposed allowing beach bonfires during a heated public hearing. 🚫 Council members rejected a proposal to draft an ordinance for fires on private property after strong public backlash. 🌊 Residents cited code […]

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. πŸ“ˆ New contract proposed higher rates, prompting council concerns over fairness and financial burden. πŸ›οΈ Officials weigh […]

Eight Rehabilitated Sea Turtles Released Back into the Gulf

Two Gulfarium CARE Center staff members carry a rehabilitated sea turtle toward the shoreline as a large crowd watches during a public release at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park.

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

A beach bonfire burns in the foreground at sunset on a Destin, Florida shoreline, with text overlay reading β€œBeach bonfires may soon be legal (and profitable) in Destin.”

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 […]

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.

Mid Bay News

A drone view of the activity on Boggy Bayou before the annual fireworks festival put on every year by the cities of Niceville  and Valparaiso.