What you want to know about Florida’s controversial property tax idea on the official 2026 ballot.
Voters in Florida will decide on an amendment this November that would significantly increase the homestead exemption, potentially eliminating non-school property taxes and providing savings for long-term residents. However, this change is expected to create “crushing deficits” for local governments, which rely on property taxes to fund essential services like law enforcement and fire protection. Furthermore, a clause requiring five years of residency to receive the new, additional exemptions would place a “heavier load” of increased taxes on active-duty military members and other new residents in the short term, as local governments may be forced to raise millage rates to offset revenue loss.
Eglin Issues a New Gulf Warning Ahead of Munitions Testing
Eglin Air Force Base will conduct munitions testing in the Gulf of America from June 1-6, prompting safety warnings for boaters near Destin.
“Stop Fighting and Start Fixing”: Jim Bagby Makes His Case in Walton County District 4
In a Republican primary that’s shaping up as a referendum on growth, governance, and the future of Walton County, Jim Bagby is pitching himself as the candidate of practical change — someone who wants fewer political fights and more long-delayed problems finally solved. Bagby, a former Destin City Councilman and longtime local leader, is running for Walton County Commission, District 4. He laid out specific benchmarks by which he says voters can judge his first term if he’s elected.
Sam Hamm, an Amazing Niceville Good Neighbor
n a quiet Niceville neighborhood, Samm Hamm proves that being a good neighbor is really just about being a good person—day in and day out. He was nominated for the Niceville Good Neighbor of the Month award. When asked what advice he’d give about being a good neighbor, Samm’s answer was simple but powerful: “I think probably being a good neighbor is mostly being a good person all the time. It’s not trying to put out the effort to impress somebody… it’s just trying to be a good person all the time”.
Amy Morgan named Destin Elementary School’s New Principal
Amy Morgan will lead Destin Elementary School into the 2026-7 school year thanks to a vote from the Okaloosa County School Board Monday Night.
Destin Fire, HCA Partner on a Powerful “Floating ER” Vessel
Destin’s first responders are launching a 52-foot “floating emergency room” designed to deliver advanced trauma care on the water before patients ever reach the hospital.
Destin sex trafficker sentenced to life in prison
Chad Cornelius Seymore, known as the “Circle City Pimp” expanded his monstrous reach across the Florida Panhandle, Alabama and Georgia. Now, he’ll begin a life behind bars.
FHSAA releases 2026 football reclassifications – Here’s who WON and LOST on the Emerald Coast:
The official Florida High School football classifications are here, detailing the new districts and early predictions for Northwest Florida teams through the 2027 season.
Deputies Arrest Driver Accused of DUI, Hit-and-Run, and Child Neglect on Okaloosa Island
A Destin traffic stop ended Saturday night with the arrest of 25-year-old Luis Montoya after deputies say he fled two hit-and-run crashes, drove intoxicated with a child onboard, and resisted officers, who were tracking him down using Flock camera data after a collision on Okaloosa Island.
GALLERY: Christmas 2025 on the Emerald Coast (Send in your photos NOW!)
Merry Christmas to all from Mid Bay News! Here are the photo highlights of the season from around Northwest Florida and the Emerald Coast!
