Fort Walton Beach accepts $152k ICE grant under 287(g) program

Fort Walton Beach will take $152,500 in federal ICE funds to support its 287(g) immigration partnership โ but not everyone agrees itโs a good idea. Officials say it wonโt change local policing, while residents voiced strong opinions on both sides.
Fort Walton Beach Woman Arrested on Prostitution Charge Following Undercover Investigation

Okaloosa County deputies arrested Suping Wu, 30, of New York, on a prostitution charge at a Fort Walton Beach spa following an undercover investigation prompted by tips from Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers.
Fort Walton Beach City Council puts charter reforms back to voters, rekindling debate over ‘will of the people’

Fort Walton Beach voters could soon decide again whether city officials should be paid and how much City Hall can spend each year. The council says itโs about fixing flaws โ critics say itโs about ignoring the will of voters.
LiveOak Fiber, Fort Walton Beach Chamber Team Up to Support Military Families During Shutdown

LiveOak Fiber and the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce are providing 10,000 pounds of groceries to military families at Hurlburt Field on October 15, 2025, amid the federal government shutdown. Eligible DoD-affiliated families can pick up food in a drive-through distribution.
Eglin Federal Credit Union Rows for Hope: $50K Raised to Fight Suicide

Eglin Federal Credit Union has donated more than $50,000 over three years to support Bring Hope Nowโs suicide prevention programs, raising funds through employee-led initiatives and sponsorship of the annual Dragon Boat Race and Festival in Fort Walton Beach.
White-Wilson Medical Center files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, plans to continue operations

White-Wilson Medical Center โ one of Northwest Floridaโs oldest healthcare providers โ has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, but leaders say the move is about long-term stability, not closure.
Week 6 Recap: Niceville flexes muscle, SoWal beats Walton

Week 6 football action marked the beginning of district play for many local teams.
Choctawhatchee High to Unveil Totem Pole During Homecoming Celebration

Official unveiling of Choctawhatchee High Schoolโs new 11-foot totem pole during Homecoming 2025, honoring more than 70 years of school tradition.
$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 โ 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.