Plew plants a prophetic mustard seed for Eglin AFB
On June 14, 1937, the Valparaiso Gunnery Range was established with a small post of 14 enlisted men and a single officer, marking the beginning of what would become the largest industry in Okaloosa County. Local business leader James Plew leased the original land to ensure government money bolstered the flagging local economy. The base quickly grew and shifted to a more lucrative test-and-evaluation mission, a transition encouraged by Congressman Bob Sikes. Sikes intentionally drove significant construction, ensuring the base’s indispensability and making the cost of shrinking the military presence after World War II too painful for the Department of War. Plew’s initial investment proved highly effective, as the Air Force Base accounted for nearly 70 cents of every dollar made in Okaloosa County businesses in 2025.
What PCSing military families MUST know when selling or renting in 2026
PCS orders are forcing military homeowners with thin equity to choose between selling at a potential loss or renting out a property that may lose money every month.
Patronis Demands Answers on Special Operations Relocation
Florida Congressman Jimmy Patronis and Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody are pressing Pentagon leaders for answers after the Air Force finalized its plan to move the 492nd Special Operations Wing from Northwest Florida to Arizona. In a sharply worded letter, the lawmakers warn the relocation could slow U.S. response times to growing threats in Venezuela and the Caribbean and question why the Air Force relied on Biden-era climate considerations instead of current national security priorities.
Duke Field aircraft crashes near Oklahoma City; crew walks away
A training flight from Duke Field’s 492nd Special Operations Wing ended in a crash near Oklahoma City on Thursday — but both crew members, an airman and a civilian contractor, escaped without injury.
Niceville Braces for Federal Employees to Miss Paychecks
As the federal shutdown looks to stretch into its third week, Niceville braces for missed paychecks and offers relief measures for families tied to Eglin Air Force Base and other federal employers.
Government shutdown looms, what will be impacted in Northwest Florida.
At 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, the U.S. government runs out of money. From Eglin to TSA checkpoints, thousands of Northwest Florida workers could see furloughs, delayed pay, or closed gates. Here’s what you need to know about how the shutdown will hit our community.
Air Force to move 600 airmen from Hurlburt, Duke Fields to Arizona
The Air Force will transfer 600 airmen from Okaloosa County to Arizona as part of restructuring the 492nd Special Operations Wing, while keeping AFSOC headquarters in Florida.
Autonomy Proving Ground advances with first alternative navigation flight
Eglin Air Force Base hosted test flights of the Osprey MK III unmanned aerial system using third-party alternative navigation software, marking the first time this aircraft flew with non-Air Force-developed systems as part of AFWERX’s autonomy testing program.
Niceville Good Neighbor of the Month: Dr. Kristi Cabiao
How one former doctor turned advocate is bridging the gap for military families with exceptional needs— and why her work is gaining recognition.
Range Road 213 now considered Closed Area
A section of Range Road 213 at Eglin Air Force Base is now a Closed Area, restricting public and recreational traffic to ensure security and safety. Only authorized personnel, including military and utility workers, may use the road. Enforcement measures include increased patrols, new signage, and potential fines for violations.
