This massive concert transformed Emerald Coast tourism forever!
On April 21, 1984, the band Heart played a free beach concert on Okaloosa Island to 35,000 people, causing a traffic nightmare that lasted for hours. This pivotal event—fueled by free beer and college Spring Breakers—forced Okaloosa County to choose whether the Emerald Coast would be a destination for rowdy students or for families.
History of the Emerald Coast: gruesome guerilla warfare in the Panhandle
On a humid April day in 1837, a Creek man walked into the tiny settlement of Lumbertown to trade for ammunition. He didn’t know he was walking into a powder keg. What began as a wary exchange ended in a roadside slaughter—sparking a brutal, “eye-for-an-eye” bush war that would terrorize the Florida Panhandle for decades. This is the forgotten story of the Creek Indian Crisis, a conflict of scalpings, famine, and ethnic cleansing that redefined the Emerald Coast.
After Dark at Eglin: The Critical Training You’ll Hear
Eglin Air Force Base will conduct night flying operations through April 23, bringing increased aircraft noise to surrounding communities during evening hours.
Saddle up for Westonwood Ranch’s Rodeo!
Howdy Partner! It’s Rodeo Time! Load up Your Wagons and Head on Over to the Westonwood Ranch PCA Rodeo – Friday and Saturday
Emotional Farewell, Powerful Future: The SS United States to Become a Massive Gulf Reef
The historic SS United States is set for a dramatic transformation as Okaloosa County prepares to sink the legendary liner and create the world’s largest artificial reef.
Local food pantries see rise in clients as federal shutdown deepens; SNAP, WIC funding decreased
As the federal shutdown stretches into its second month, families across Northwest Florida are losing vital food assistance.
Local food pantries, from Sharing & Caring in Niceville to Emerald Coast Food Rescue, are seeing record demand.
JetBlue Expands Service to Florida Panhandle With New Flights to Destin–Fort Walton Beach Starting March 2026
JetBlue Expands Service to Florida Panhandle With New Flights to Destin–Fort Walton Beach Starting March 2026 Staff Reports November 6, 2025 9:37 am Aviation, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Tourism, Travel In Brief: 👤 Who: JetBlue Airways, Okaloosa County Commission Chairman Paul Mixon, JetBlue Vice President Dave Jehn 🛫 What: Launching new nonstop seasonal flights to […]
Sjoberg Named to Okaloosa Surtax Committee
Local developer and Mid Bay News co-host Paul Sjoberg has been appointed to the Okaloosa Half Cent Surtax Committee, where he will help guide the county’s continued growth and infrastructure development.
Shrimp Basket Cook Checks on Regular, Saves His Life in Pensacola
When a longtime Shrimp Basket regular didn’t show up for his usual visit, cook Donell decided to check on him — a decision that likely saved the man’s life. His quick action and compassion have drawn praise across social media and from the Pensacola community.
Rotary Club of Destin Expands Public Rescue Tube Program Across Okaloosa County Beaches
“These tubes are already making a difference at Destin beach accesses,” said Rotary project co-chairs Dion Moniz and Wayne Bernheisel. “Now, we are excited to expand this proven program across more parts of Okaloosa County, making our beaches even safer for residents and visitors.”
