Tropical system could develop in Gulf ahead of July 4, Okaloosa officials monitoring
Public safety officials in Okaloosa County are urging residents to stay weather-aware as a tropical disturbance could form offshore during the July 4 holiday.
UPDATE – Tragedy in Destin: Parents Drown, Son Saved by Heroic Beachgoer
Two people died in an apparent drowning on May 27 near SunDestin Resort in Destin, marking the first confirmed drowning fatalities of the 2025 summer season in Okaloosa County.
Emerald Coast Open Removes 20K+ Invasive Lionfish
Emerald Coast Open Removes 20K+ Invasive Lionfish Staff Reports May 22, 2025 8:43 am Charities and Nonprofits, Destin, Events, Fort Walton Beach, News, Okaloosa County, Wildlife In Brief: 🐠 20,502 lionfish were removed from the Gulf during the 2025 Emerald Coast Open and Lionfish Festival in Destin-Fort Walton Beach. 🎯 Deep Water Mafia 1 led […]
Lionfish Tournament Returns to Destin-Fort Walton Beach This May
The Emerald Coast Open returns to Destin-Fort Walton Beach from May 16–18, 2025, bringing divers, chefs, and the community together to remove invasive lionfish from local waters.
Walton County Might Contribute Something to Okaloosa’s SS United States Reef Project. Here’s What They Want in Return:
Walton County is considering contributing $1 million to Okaloosa County’s artificial reef project involving the SS United States ship, but wants to opt out of a separate $1 million marketing contribution; discussions are ongoing with a decision expected in June.
SS United States Arrives in Mobile, Prepares for Artificial Reef Deployment
The SS United States has arrived in Mobile, Alabama, after a 1,800-mile tow from Philadelphia, marking the start of preparations for its transformation into the world’s largest artificial reef off Florida’s Gulf Coast, alongside a planned museum and visitor center.
World’s Largest Artificial Reef Begins Journey to the Bottom of the Gulf of Mexico
The legendary SS United States will soon begin a historic journey to become the world’s largest artificial reef! Get the details on her voyage from Philadelphia to her final home in the Gulf of Mexico and how this iconic ocean liner will soon enrich marine life for generations to come.
Okaloosa Primary Superdonor Opens New Marina on Okaloosa Island
Sunset Isle Yacht Club, a luxury marina on Choctawhatchee Bay, offers advanced amenities for vessels up to 300 feet, with future plans for a pool and restaurant.
Emerald Coast Open Helps Control Invasive Lionfish
The Emerald Coast Open lionfish tournament, held from May 17-19, saw divers remove 11,844 invasive lionfish from the Gulf of Mexico throughout the event. Participants competed for $125,000 in prizes, with winners including VJL Seafood, Deep Water Mafia El Gato Negro, Lookin’ Back, and Bob Brown. The tournament also featured the Lionfish Festival and Restaurant Week, promoting conservation and culinary innovation with lionfish dishes.
These Unique Concrete Blocks Will Change The Shape of Okaloosa County’s Diving and Fishing Industries
Marine life in the Gulf of Mexico celebrates a significant expansion in its habitat thanks to a $1.26 million artificial reef project. Funded by the Natural Resource Damage Assessment Fund, this initiative has not only created new underwater habitats but also promises to invigorate the region’s fishing and tourism industries.
