$2.8 Million in illegal bingo profits returned to Okaloosa charities
After years of legal battles, stolen bingo profits are finally going back where they belong — into Okaloosa County charities.
Choctawhatchee High School unveils new aerospace lab with $50,000 grant
Choctawhatchee High School unveiled a new aerospace lab and flight simulator on Sept. 23, funded through a $50,000 Florida Power & Light Company grant aimed at boosting STEM education opportunities.
Fort Walton Beach delays youth baseball, softball merger with Shalimar Little League
A plan to merge Fort Walton Beach’s youth baseball league into Shalimar’s Little League struck out — at least for now.
Fort Walton Beach school-zone cameras slash speeding by 95% in first year
Fort Walton Beach’s school-zone speed cameras cut speeding by 95% in their first year, collecting $183,675 in fines. Most violators received only one ticket, and city leaders say the revenue is being reinvested into safety improvements.
Okaloosa Commission approves $250K for Gap Creek study to address flooding, water quality
Okaloosa County is putting $250,000 toward a long-awaited study of Fort Walton Beach’s Gap Creek watershed, matching state funding to address chronic flooding and water quality issues
Fort Walton Beach Council backs tentative tax hike and $65.2 million budget for upcoming fiscal year
The Fort Walton Beach City Council advanced a $65.2 million budget and tentative millage rate after a tense debate over taxes and spending priorities.
Fort Walton Beach Council approves water and sewer rate hikes to prevent utility deficits
The Fort Walton Beach City Council voted 4–2 to raise water and wastewater rates over five years to prevent deficits and fund infrastructure upgrades, despite pushback from residents and two councilmembers.
Fort Walton Beach Charter Review Commission finalizes report, sends suggestions to City Council
The Fort Walton Beach Charter Review Committee has finalized and forwarded sweeping charter amendments to City Council for consideration at its Sept. 30 meeting.
Fort Walton Beach seeks Attorney General opinion on voter-approved budget cap
Fort Walton Beach is asking the Florida Attorney General to review whether its new charter amendment capping annual budget growth conflicts with state law, after the council approved the request in a 6–1 vote.
Fort Walton Beach considers voter referendum to move city elections to November
Fort Walton Beach leaders want residents to decide when local elections are held — would you support moving them to November alongside statewide races?
