Liveblog: Hurricane Isaias Coverage for the Emerald Coast
Niceville declared a state of emergency as Tropical Storm Isaias approaches the Emerald Coast. Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and storm surge up to seven feet are expected. Meanwhile, Okaloosa County School District has canceled all Thursday and Friday classes, rescheduling major high school football games to next week.
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.
HISTORY: Hurricane Eloise devastates the Emerald Coast after killing dozens
In 1975, Hurricane Eloise struck the Emerald Coast as a powerful category three storm, causing widespread destruction. From wiping out the newly built Okaloosa Island Pier to destroying buildings as far inland as Niceville, the storm left a lasting impact. Explore the history of this devastating event and its aftermath.
2-pound preemie goes home after 75-day NICU stay.
Ascension touts its NICU’s “quality care” and “specialized support” for families, claiming staff became “like extended family.”
Why small-town Florida will have a critical role in America’s maritime future
Inland communities like Century, Jay, Mossy Head, and DeFuniak Springs may not have coastal views, but they could play a key role in America’s maritime future. Connected by I-10 and rail, these towns offer available industrial land and skilled workers to build components for Navy and Coast Guard ships.
HISTORY: Hurricane Ivan the Terrible makes dramatic landfall
In 2004, Hurricane Ivan became one of history’s most destructive storms, causing over $14 billion in damage along the Gulf Coast. Beyond the physical destruction, Ivan ignited the “sand wars”—a landmark legal conflict over beach ownership and renourishment that remains a defining local issue in Walton County politics today
Fiscal Reality or ‘Monopoly Money’? Commissioners Clash Over Discretionary Spending
As the Board of County Commissioners weighs the impact of a potential $4 million budget shortfall driven by Florida Amendment 3, a contentious debate has erupted over discretionary spending. Commissioners clashed over allocating funds to local groups, with resident Barbara Morano warning, “This money is not monopoly money.”
Can Northwest Florida Train the Workforce America Needs?
Northwest Florida is positioning itself as a vital contributor to America’s maritime industrial base. With a $3 million grant fueling a new Maritime Fabrication Training Center at Northwest Florida State College, the region is leveraging its aerospace and defense expertise to build a skilled workforce capable of meeting national surge capacity demands.
Bulletin Board Material: Week 2
Bulletin Board Material ia up for Week 2 of the 2026 Emerald Coast football season. We are breaking down high-stakes matchups like Fort Walton Beach versus South Walton and Auburn facing off against Choctaw. Join us as we evaluate last week’s standout players and predict outcomes for this Friday’s gridiron action.
Norriego Point update | Residents voice concerns as city & county work toward ‘conflict resolution’
Destin and Okaloosa County officials are working toward a compromise over who should manage Norriego Point. A proposed agreement would give Destin jurisdiction over the property in exchange for free parking for Okaloosa County residents. Officials and residents raised concerns about development, land-use regulations, jurisdiction and the property’s future.
