Fort Walton Beach backs FDOT plan to curb crashes at First Street and Beal Parkway
A Fort Walton Beach intersection with more than triple the crashes considered “hazardous” is getting a quick safety makeover — here’s what’s changing for drivers.
Fort Walton Beach moves to ‘plainly audible’ noise ordinance, expands exemptions
Fort Walton Beach is turning down the volume on its old noise law, and turning up enforcement with a “plainly audible” rule police say will finally work.
Fort Walton Beach OKs $415K no-bid contract for new downtown parking lot
With downtown parking spots disappearing fast, Fort Walton Beach is skipping the bidding process to get a new lot built in record time.
Fort Walton Beach man killed in US 98 crash; police seeking witnesses
Fort Walton Beach police are investigating a fatal crash on US 98 that killed bicyclist Jason Turpen, 45, and are asking the public for help.
Okaloosa approves $2M in tourism tax-funding for Destin and Fort Walton Beach
From greens to boardwalks, Okaloosa just approved $2 million in tourism tax spending — but not every city is cashing in this year.
Gulfarium Celebrates 70 Years with Year-Long Events, Discounted Admission
From leaping dolphins to a 70-year-old manatee, Gulfarium is throwing a year-long party to celebrate seven decades on the Emerald Coast.
Okaloosa Sheriff disables social media comments after police shooting
After a deputy mistook an acorn for gunfire and opened fire on a handcuffed man, the sheriff’s office shut off all public comments — but offered little explanation why.
Fort Walton Beach Councilman warns charter review may overturn voter-backed amendments
Fort Walton Beach Councilman Payne Walker is challenging efforts by the Charter Review Committee to reverse voter-backed amendments, calling the move a threat to democratic accountability.
Okaloosa Deputy Killer Pleads to Murder
The man who killed Deputy Ray Hamilton on Christmas Eve 2022 has pleaded guilty to murder, avoiding trial and the death penalty in a deal supported by the deputy’s family.
Invest 93L brings rain, storm risk to Okaloosa County as system moves through Gulf
A tropical disturbance in the Gulf is expected to bring 2–4 inches of rain, choppy surf, and possible flash flooding to Okaloosa County, though significant development remains unlikely.
