Sen. Don Gaetz, Officials push to block eastern gulf drilling over national security concerns

State leaders and the Okaloosa County Commission are sounding the alarm: proposed offshore drilling in the Eastern Gulf could jeopardize military readiness, local jobs, and the Gulf Coast’s tourism economy
Engineering Excellence on Display at Niceville High School

Niceville High School students showcased their research and innovative solutions for rising sea levels and storm-surge threats in Florida during the 2025 Engineering Challenge Project.
Fort Lauderdale Man Arrested in $505,000 Walton County Utility Check Fraud

A Fort Lauderdale man, Brandon Loud, has been arrested in Walton County for depositing a $505,400 fraudulent check from a utility company, with investigators uncovering additional stolen checks totaling $200,000.
Scenic Walton Urges Community Support to Save Specialty License Plate Funding

Scenic Walton’s mission to preserve Walton County’s beauty and safety is jeopardized by low specialty license plate sales, making community support essential to secure vital funding for local improvement projects.
Sen. Don Gaetz weighs in on $83M state purchase of Norriego Point

Florida plans to spend $83 million to purchase four acres of waterfront land at Norriego Point in Destin for public park and marina use, a move praised by Okaloosa County officials but questioned by Sen. Don Gaetz over the high price compared with the county’s $10.5 million appraisal.
Niceville Officer Accused of Using Police Databases to Target Fellow Cop

Niceville Officer Accused of Using Police Databases to Target Fellow Cop Staff Reports October 11, 2025 7:57 pm Crime, Niceville, Public Safety In Brief: 👮 Who: Officer Coty Hall, Niceville Police Department💻 What: Arrested for alleged misuse of law enforcement databases and harassment📅 When: Arrested on October 10, 2025; investigation ran from January to October […]
LiveOak Fiber, Fort Walton Beach Chamber Team Up to Support Military Families During Shutdown

LiveOak Fiber and the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce are providing 10,000 pounds of groceries to military families at Hurlburt Field on October 15, 2025, amid the federal government shutdown. Eligible DoD-affiliated families can pick up food in a drive-through distribution.
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.
Sims-Lohman Opens Gulf Coast Headquarters in Crestview, Florida

Cincinnati-based kitchen cabinet and countertop company Sims-Lohman has purchased a 65,000-square-foot facility in Crestview, Florida, set to serve as its new Gulf Coast headquarters and create about 90 jobs.
Walton Sheriff Charges Army Officer With Sex Crimes

Sean Benjamin Cushman, an Army captain, was arrested on child sexual abuse and child pornography charges linked to incidents in Walton County, Florida.