HISTORY: Okaloosa finally integrates its schools
Twelve years after the Brown v. Board ruling, Okaloosa County Schools finally voted to integrate on July 13, 1966. While initial resistance was strong—backed by local politicians and the “Pork Chop Gang” in the state legislature—the district eventually conceded to federal integration mandates to avoid losing critical funding.
Eglin’s New F-15EX Takes Critical Step Toward Future Pacific Operations
Eglin Air Force Base’s F-15EX Eagle II returned to the Indo-Pacific to help prepare Kadena Air Base for the fighter’s future permanent arrival.
Eglin Announces Choctawhatchee Bay Munitions Testing Schedule
Boaters are urged to avoid portions of Choctawhatchee Bay as Eglin Air Force Base conducts scheduled munitions testing through July 2.
Today in History: The Mid-Bay Bridge opens with stampede of runners
On June 27, 1993, 5,200 runners from across the country came to inaugurate the Mid-Bay Bridge with a 5K run across the span. Florida Governor ‘Walkin Lawton’ Chiles pulled the trigger on the starting gun and set the runners on their way to Destin across the 3.6 mile structure above the Choctawhatchee Bay. The bridge, which was built for $81 million and initially cost $2 to cross each way, cut off about 25 minutes of travel time and was finished five months ahead of schedule.
Port Dixie: The mysterious Okaloosa city that never was!
Before it was known as a vacation destination or a military hub, Okaloosa County’s early business leaders wanted it to be known as a maritime superpower on the Gulf Coast known as Port Dixie—a “grandiose scheme” that never materialized.
Smoke Expected as Eglin Conducts Prescribed Burn Near Florosa
Residents near Florosa may see smoke this week as Eglin Air Force Base conducts planned prescribed burns to reduce wildfire risks and improve forest health.
Eglin welcomes new commander during critical time for essential missions
Colonel Chris Keithley has officially assumed command of the 96th Test Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, taking over leadership from Brig. General Mark Massaro. During the ceremony, Major General Scott Cain emphasized the critical role the wing plays in national defense, while Keithley urged the team to avoid complacency and continuously assess their operational assumptions.
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.
City Manager secures lease agreement for Twin Oaks Park
After years of discussion, the Niceville City Council unanimously approved a resolution to execute a 30-year lease agreement with the U.S. Department of Air Force for the Twin Oaks Park Mullet Festival Site at Tuesday’s meeting. City Manager David Deitch said he’d been negotiating with Eglin Air Force Base, which owns the land, for “almost […]
Night Operations Will Be Launching at Eglin
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE — Residents across portions of Okaloosa County may hear increased aircraft activity next week as fighter pilots conduct nighttime training missions out of Eglin Air Force Base. According to Eglin officials, the 58th Fighter Squadron is scheduled to conduct night flying operations from June 15 through June 17. Training flights are […]
