After Scathing Revelations About Transit Service, Okaloosa Commissioners Sign Off on $1M Contract Fix

Okaloosa avoids $1M transit repayment as leaders confront empty buses and consider sweeping service changes.
Controlled Burns Begin at Shoal River Preserve

Okaloosa County will begin prescribed burns at Shoal River Preserve later this week as part of an effort to improve habitat health, reduce wildfire risks, and prepare the preserve for its public opening.
Audit fallout and director’s resignation leave Okaloosa County Transit at a crossroads

With an audit exposing years of oversight failures and the transit director announcing his resignation, Okaloosa County leaders are racing to stabilize a system facing financial questions, leadership turnover and an uncertain future.
Critical East Pass Navigation Aids Face Urgent, High-Stakes Replacement

Congressman Jimmy Patronis announced that the U.S. Coast Guard has committed to restoring critical navigation aids at East Pass, a key gateway to the Gulf of America.
Okaloosa County Commissioners question license plate reader cameras

Are license plate readers a powerful crime-fighting tool, or a step too far into surveillance? Okaloosa County leaders just opened the debate.
Destin City Council Weighs Conservation, State Talks Over $84M Land Deal

Destin leaders agreed to open discussions with the state about conservation zoning for the Norriego Point property while stopping short of formal action to maintain leverage over its future use.
From Norriego Point to CO2 pipelines: The Stories That Defined the Emerald Coast in 2025

An $83 million land deal, shuttered schools, snow-covered beaches: Here are the stories that stood out in 2025.
Here’s the latest on the Norreigo Point deal will net an ex-con $70 million

A contentious town hall revealed deep public skepticism over Okaloosa County’s early park plans for a state-purchased waterfront property, as officials insisted the process is just beginning amid scrutiny over price, access, and influence.
Palmer Seeks Public Input on Holiday Isle Park

Commissioner Palmer invites Okaloosa residents to a Dec. 30 town hall to give input on a new 4-acre Holiday Isle waterfront park.
Okaloosa County Corrections Earns Third State Accreditation

Okaloosa County’s Department of Corrections earned Florida Corrections Accreditation with 3rd Excelsior Status, marking continued excellence in correctional standards.