Do school zone cameras make a difference? FWB data shows crashes down 55%

Fort Walton Beach says school-zone crashes dropped 55% during the first full semester after speed cameras were installed, reaching a three-year low.
New Traffic Plan Aims to Stop Crashes on Beal

Fort Walton Beach is restricting turns at the Beal Parkway and First Street intersection after dozens of crashes raised safety concerns.
Stuff the Bus Drive Gives Hope to Families in Need

The annual Stuff the Bus campaign returns Aug. 1, collecting school supplies at Walmart stores across Okaloosa County to help students start the year ready to learn.
$183,000 in Fines, One Big Question: Who Owns Hollywood Boulevard?

Fort Walton Beach leaders voted unanimously to reject a request for broader school-zone camera refunds, saying citations were legally issued despite an unresolved ownership dispute over Hollywood Boulevard.
New Perry Avenue Restrictions Aim to Protect Neighborhoods

Fort Walton Beach will close northbound Perry Avenue on weekends through Labor Day in an effort to reduce neighborhood cut-through traffic.
Urgent Boil-Water Warning: E. Coli Found in South Okaloosa Well

Residents in parts of South Okaloosa are being urged to boil their water after a raw sample from Hawkins Well tested positive for E. coli, prompting a precautionary advisory.
Cox Employees Empower Students Through Innovative Grants

Six Gulf Coast nonprofits received $60,000 in employee-funded Cox Charities grants to support STEM education, environmental learning and youth programs.
JD Peacock believes he’s the right guy for Okaloosa School Board. Here’s Why:

Former Okaloosa County Clerk of Court and longtime sheriffβs office leader JD Peacock explains why heβs running for Okaloosa County School Board District 1, outlining his priorities of student safety, stronger fiscal oversight, and better support for teachers. In this interview, he addresses teacher pay gaps with Walton County, the closure of Longwood and Mary Esther Elementary, school choice and competition, and how the district should plan for growth in Crestview.
Cocaine, Pills Found in a Car Carrying an Unrestrained Child

An Okaloosa County traffic stop led to cocaine trafficking and child abuse charges after deputies reportedly found drugs and an unsecured child inside a vehicle.
Pirates, Fireworks, and Treasure: Billy Bowlegs Returns in Full Force

Pirates, fireworks, and parades return to Fort Walton Beach as the Billy Bowlegs Festival celebrates 70 years of Emerald Coast tradition and family fun.