Okaloosa NAACP Blasts Plan to Redo 2020 Census
Okaloosa NAACP Blasts Plan to Redo 2020 Census Staff Reports December 10, 2025 4:50 pm Government, Okaloosa County, State Government In Brief: The Okaloosa County NAACP strongly opposes Florida’s proposal to redo the 2020 Census, calling it unconstitutional and politically motivated. President Sabu Williams says the effort would weaponize the census process to boost Republican […]
DeSantis Unveils Florida’s New “AI Bill of Rights” and Data Center Crackdown
Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a sweeping proposal to establish an “Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights” in Florida, setting new rules for how AI can be used by businesses, governments, and insurers. The plan also places strict limits on hyperscale data centers, aiming to protect residents from higher utility costs, safeguard water resources, and give local communities the power to reject major tech developments.
Okaloosa County Celebrates 2025–2026 Art in the Capitol Winners
Okaloosa County middle school students were recognized for their artistic talent in the 2025–2026 Art in the Capitol Competition. Best in Show winner Hannah Leitheiser and other top students will have their artwork displayed at the Florida Capitol during the 2026 Legislative Session.
Crestview Council Member Appointed to Florida League of Cities Policy Committee
Crestview City Council Member Shannon Hayes has been appointed vice chair of the Florida League of Cities’ Municipal Operations Policy Committee for 2025–2026, where he will help shape legislative priorities for municipalities across Florida.
Patt Maney Returns to Okaloosa County, Highlights Legislative Wins and New Committee Roles
Rep. Patt Maney returned to Okaloosa County after an extended legislative session in Tallahassee, where he highlighted more than $23 million in local funding secured, new state laws he helped pass, and his 2026 committee assignments, including chairing the Justice Budget Subcommittee.
DeSantis Signs Beach Access Bill Into Law
Who really owns Florida’s beaches? A new state law changes the rules again in Walton County’s long fight over sand, surf, and private property.
Florida Could Soon Have Death Penalty Option For Sex Trafficking
A proposed Florida bill would allow the death penalty for sex traffickers of young children or mentally incapacitated individuals under specific conditions.
Governor Ron DeSantis Vetoes Probation Bill
Governor Ron DeSantis has vetoed House Bill 1241, which aimed to reform how Florida handles probation violations by modifying instead of revoking probation for second-time offenders. In his veto letter, DeSantis argued that the bill would provide undue leniency to those who failed to meet probation conditions once. This decision comes alongside vetoes of other bills, including those related to graduate school admissions, stormwater management fees, and driving regulations on multi-lane roads.
Okaloosa County Approves Legislative Agenda for 2024
Okaloosa County’s legislative requests for 2024 span various topics, including repealing a law restricting gun sales to individuals under 21, advancing mental health reform, and securing funding for libraries and an online high school program. They’re urging state legislators to support these initiatives.
