Damage and disaster update: Hurricane Isaias
This is our damage and disaster update for the Emerald Coast cities of Niceville, Valparaiso, Eglin Air Force Base, DeFuniak Springs, Freeport, Destin, Fort Walton Beach and surrounding areas.
Hurricane Isaias | So you’ve been ordered to evacuate— Now what?
Hurricane Isaias is expected to make landfall in the Florida Panhandle Friday. Here’s what Okaloosa County residents need to know about evacuations, shelters, safety and recovery resources.
HISTORY: Hurricane Opal Makes Landfall in Navarre
When Hurricane Opal rapidly escalated into a Category 4 storm overnight in October 1995, it caught Northwest Florida off guard. The storm caused massive traffic gridlock, over $1.2 billion in destruction, severe coastal erosion, and sparked decades of legal battles over beach restoration across Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton counties.
Bob Sikes was the most important person in Emerald Coast history. Here’s why:
On September 28, 1994, Northwest Florida Congressman Bob Sikes passed away. Often called the single person most responsible for the modern Emerald Coast, Sikes spent over 30 years in Congress securing billions for regional military bases. His legacy remains deeply embedded in the region’s military-based economy and local infrastructure.
BREAKING: Body found in burned vehicle on Eglin Air Force Base.
Eglin AFB claims a routine patrol discovered a burnt vehicle with a deceased person inside, now under investigation.
‘Never Forget’: Former Airman who served during 9/11 reflects the impact
A former Airman who witnessed the impact of 9/11 while stationed at Andrews Air Force Base reflects on the attacks, their lasting effects on the military and the importance of passing those lessons to a younger generation of service members.
Okaloosa County approves Niceville Animal Clinic deal as PAWS contract nears end
Okaloosa County commissioners approved a new agreement with Niceville Animal Clinic for animal sheltering and veterinary services as the county prepares to take over animal control responsibilities south of Eglin. The deal comes as the county’s longtime PAWS contract approaches its September 22 expiration date.
Gaetz Tells Crestview Chamber: Florida Must Be Not Just Free, But Affordable
State Sen. Don Gaetz told Crestview Chamber members Florida must be not only “the free state” but also affordable. He highlighted millions in local road funding, a robotics program turning students into high‑wage workers, and urged voters who favor cutting property taxes to also demand specific spending cuts from local governments.
DeSantis Awards NWFSC $3 Million for New Maritime Training Center
Northwest Florida State College is set to expand its workforce training offerings after Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a $3 million investment Monday for a new Maritime Fabrication Training Center on the college’s Niceville campus. The approximately 4,000-square-foot facility will be designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in composite fabrication, testing and industrial pipefitting. NWFSC […]
Eglin Airmen Launch Emergency Medical Flight for Brain Aneurysm Patient
Eglin Airmen launched a critical care mission Aug. 5 after receiving an emergency call to transport a patient with a brain aneurysm from Panama City to Pensacola. The 413th Flight Test Squadron and 96th Medical Group assembled a medical team and helicopter in less than two hours, delivering the patient for emergency neurosurgery.
