“We cannot allow the bad stewardship and poor management of this program to continue.” Gaetz demands fiscal controls with passage of SB 318
Passed unanimously by the Florida Senate, SB 318 aims to rescue the state’s school choice program from “bad stewardship” by implementing strict financial controls and ensuring student funding accurately follows the child to their chosen school.
Stokes named Niceville Firefighter of the Year
Niceville’s firefighters voted – and in an unprecedented move – picked a young gun as firefighter of the year!
Walton County has the area’s highest opioid deaths. Here’s how officials will try to reduce fatal overdoses:
Walton County’s opioid death numbers are much higher than Bay or Okaloosa’s after you account for population. Officials have a plan to start turning the tide on the issue.
FHSAA releases 2026 football reclassifications – Here’s who WON and LOST on the Emerald Coast:
The official Florida High School football classifications are here, detailing the new districts and early predictions for Northwest Florida teams through the 2027 season.
What is Westonwood Ranch?
In today’s world, almost everyone knows a family member, friend, co-worker, or neighbor who has a ‘loved one’ impacted by IDD. On this Daytripper journey, Mid Bay News met Lindy Wood, who is the Founder and Director of Westonwood Ranch. Just as the natural beauty and heart of this thriving and robust community, there is a vision that rests in the heart of a mother (Lindy Wood), determined to see the “individual participant” find greater independence and live to their highest potential.
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.
