Big Florida Energy: Suspect demands Niceville police stop chasing him
A high-speed pursuit on June 12, 2026, spiraled into a chaotic, multi-agency event reaching speeds of 117 mph. The suspect, 46-year-old William George Smolar, fled Niceville police in a black 2020 Kia Optima without headlights. The pursuit spanned two counties and included near-misses with civilians, a detour onto a residential lawn, and a bizarre phone call from the suspect demanding that authorities call off the chase. Smolar was ultimately apprehended by Walton County deputies and faces felony charges for fleeing and eluding, as well as multiple traffic violations.
Here are Niceville’s goals under new Principal Amy Meyer:
“It really gave me that mindset to say: kids develop at all different rates and all learn in different ways,” Meyer said, reflecting on her early teaching days. That experience etched itself into her philosophy as an educator and now as Niceville High School’s new principal: you never give up on kids. You don’t lock them into who they are at seven, twelve, or fifteen. You keep trying different ways to reach them — and you assume they can grow.
Today on Sunshine-y, Beautiful 30a: June 10, 2026
in our newest series, Mid Bay News reporter Steven Saul highlights the best and most interesting snapshots from 30A.
A mysterious newcomer crashes the Walton Commission race.
A fourth candidate, Frederick Carley, has entered the race for Walton County Commissioner District 4 as a write-in candidate. His entry effectively closes the August 18 Republican primary, restricting voting access to registered Republicans and impacting the contest between incumbent Donna Johns, Jim Bagby, and James Calkins.
Niceville seniors demand return of senior-only hours at pickleball courts
Hundreds of Niceville seniors are petitioning to restore senior-only pickleball hours, citing safety and accessibility concerns after the courts were opened to the public, while city officials argue the change is necessary to address overcrowding and have proposed a compromise.
Maney explains his painful vote on controversial property tax proposal
State Rep. Patt Maney warns that a proposed property tax amendment could cause significant revenue losses for local governments, including fire districts and cities in Okaloosa County. He cautions that the measure lacks a clear funding replacement plan and could unfairly shift the tax burden onto renters and small businesses.
Fireworks committee makes last-minute plea for 250 anniversary funds to Light up the Bayou
Niceville’s annual Fourth of July fireworks show needs community support to return for another year. Organizers are planning a bigger display to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, but the event relies entirely on tax-deductible donations rather than tax dollars.
What you want to know about Florida’s controversial property tax idea on the official 2026 ballot.
Voters in Florida will decide on an amendment this November that would significantly increase the homestead exemption, potentially eliminating non-school property taxes and providing savings for long-term residents. However, this change is expected to create “crushing deficits” for local governments, which rely on property taxes to fund essential services like law enforcement and fire protection. Furthermore, a clause requiring five years of residency to receive the new, additional exemptions would place a “heavier load” of increased taxes on active-duty military members and other new residents in the short term, as local governments may be forced to raise millage rates to offset revenue loss.
This Niceville teen earned a trip to the most prestigious medical event for future doctors in America!
Gianna Muscarella, a 17-year-old member of the Niceville Wrestling team, is dedicated to becoming a forensic nurse, a career path inspired by watching Law & Order: SVU that will allow her to aid some of the most vulnerable crime victims. Her vision involves melding medicine and law, which may require her to testify in court. Muscarella’s academic dedication has already led to an invite-only selection by Nobel Laureate Mario Capecchi to attend the Congress of Future Medical Leaders at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, this June. This commitment has also secured her admission to St. Vincent College and made her a competitive candidate for universities like Notre Dame and the United States Air Force Academy.
Nurses Picket HCA Fort Walton-Destin. Here’s what they want:
Nurses at HCA Fort Walton-Destin Hospital took to the picket line Tuesday, arguing that staffing shortages and stalled contract negotiations are affecting both caregivers and patients.
