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.
Cities Across Florida Brace for New Property Tax Fight
Florida cities are warning lawmakers that Governor Ron DeSantis’ proposed property tax overhaul could dramatically impact local services and municipal budgets statewide.
After wild week in the media – West says she’s staying
Cynthia West told a conservative influencer on a podcast that she is pulling out of her race for School Board in Okaloosa County, citing the negative impact on her and her family from backlash over her allegations against Congressman Thomas Massie. West had alleged Massie emotionally abused her and offered her $5,000 in ‘hush money’ to walk away from a wrongful termination complaint. Massie denied the allegations. When reached for comment, West stated, “I have not made a final decision honestly, I’m just trying to wrap my head around what happened.”
Inside Gaetz and DeSantis’s Redistricting Plan for Florida
Florida lawmakers are heading into a rare mid-decade special session to redraw the state’s congressional map after explosive population growth — but State Sen. Don Gaetz says Northwest Florida’s Districts 1 and 2 are likely to remain unchanged as the focus shifts to booming Central and South Florida.
Patronis Calls for Public Input on Offshore Drilling
Congressman Jimmy Patronis is urging Floridians to comment on a federal offshore drilling plan that could open new Gulf waters near Eglin AFB.
Florida Property Tax Proposals Draw Sharp Warnings from Okaloosa Officials
Should Florida eliminate property taxes? Okaloosa County mayors and managers told state lawmakers that doing so would destabilize city budgets, threaten police and fire services, and shift control away from local voters. A new statewide study supports their warning.
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 […]
Walton County renames Highway 393 North to Charlie Kirk Parkway
On what would have been Charlie Kirk’s 32nd birthday, Walton County commissioners voted unanimously to rename Highway 393 North in his honor.
Former Santa Rosa County Commissioner James Calkins launches campaign for Walton County seat
Former Santa Rosa County Commissioner James Calkins launches a bid for Walton County Commission District 4, promising conservative leadership amid lingering controversy over his past political conduct.
Rep. Jimmy Patronis declines to clarify key policy positions as data contradicts claims
Rep. Jimmy Patronis declined Mid Bay News’s follow-up questions but defended conservative healthcare, border, and transparency positions in earlier interviews.
