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.
South Walton’s Next Generation of Lifeguards Takes to the Beach
The South Walton Fire District’s Junior Lifeguard Program returns June 2 with record enrollment, teaching more than 200 young participants critical beach safety skills.
The death of the young colonel: Angus McLean
Angus McLean had a promising life ahead of him when the Civil War broke out in 1861. But, fate had a different course for the young lawyer turned colonel.
Pirates, Fireworks, and Treasure: Billy Bowlegs Returns in Full Force
Pirates, fireworks, and parades return to Fort Walton Beach as the Billy Bowlegs Festival celebrates 70 years of Emerald Coast tradition and family fun.
Josh Pulliam and the Vikes have epic spring game lineup as they row hard to Valhalla
Fort Walton Beach High School head football coach Josh Pulliam, a local who graduated from Choctawhatchee High School, returned to Okaloosa County after playing college ball and coaching at USF to rebuild the Vikings program. Now leading the team, Pulliam is focused on developing his players into better men through “small daily disciplines,” guided by the mantra “chop wood and carry water”. Despite the program having been “down for a little bit,” he notes that the community passion remains, and the Vikings are “rising from the ashes” with a committed staff. Looking ahead, the Vikings plan for offensive creativity, utilizing versatile players like Lavin McDaniel and Cannon Wilbur, while rebuilding a sound, aggressive defense. The coach is urging the community to come out and support the team at the upcoming spring game against Crestview, Mosley, and Pine Forest.
“We are on a war footing” Pentagon brass’s blunt message for the Emerald Coast:
When Dale Marks, Assistant Secretary of War for Energy, Installations, and Environment, spoke to the Niceville-Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce, he delivered a blunt message: Northwest Florida is on the front line of America’s industrial “arsenal of freedom,” and time is now the nation’s most dangerous adversary. Marks, who is also Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Acquisition and Sustainment, credited his time on the Emerald Coast with shaping his view of defense, stating, “The military does not operate in a vacuum… We operate within the strength of our host communities”.
The Rebels abandon Pensacola. Here’s how it devastated the Emerald Coast.
On May 9, 1862, the Rebel army abandoned Pensacola to the Union. Here’s what happened next:
He’s the man responsible for the first history of Walton County:
He’s the man responsible for the first history of Walton County: Christopher Saul May 1, 2026 9:26 am History On May 1, 1840, John Love McKinnon, Jr., was born. McKinnon, a Walton County native of the Eucheeanna area, wrote the first-ever history of the county in 1911, just a couple of years before his […]
The most rain in history for the Emerald Coast!
Today in history, The Emerald Coast received the most rainfall its had in a 24-hour period since at least the late 19th century.
OCSO says it’s captured an ex-cop travelling to New Orleans to commit terrorism during Jazzfest
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office says it used Flock cameras to help arrest an ex-cop who was on his way to commit mass murder during Jazz Fest in New Orleans.
