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 […]
Why Eglin Doesn’t Want You on This Stretch of Beach
Eglin Air Force Base officials say rising trespassing incidents on Santa Rosa Island’s restricted test areas are putting people at risk and disrupting military operations.
CONFIRMED: Remains of DeFuniak man who vanished in 2016 found on Eglin reservation
Skeletal remains discovered on Eglin Air Force Base property have been positively identified as John Thomas “JT” Watson, a DeFuniak Springs man who vanished in 2015. While the breakthrough brings a measure of closure to Watson’s family after a decade of searching, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that the active investigation into his disappearance and death is far from over.
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.
Eglin Maintainers Push Precision and Speed in New Contest
Eglin Air Force Base maintainers competed in the installation’s first-ever Sortie Generation Competition, testing speed, precision, and combat readiness.
