Destin councilman arrested on felony theft charges
on September 11 following felony grand theft allegations. Braden is accused of taking money for an unlicensed home repair project, partially demolishing a deck, and abandoning it. A court hearing is scheduled for October 15, 2026.
HISTORY: Hurricane Ivan the Terrible makes dramatic landfall
In 2004, Hurricane Ivan became one of history’s most destructive storms, causing over $14 billion in damage along the Gulf Coast. Beyond the physical destruction, Ivan ignited the “sand wars”—a landmark legal conflict over beach ownership and renourishment that remains a defining local issue in Walton County politics today
Walton Commission says ‘flock you’ to controversial cameras in rapid vote
The Walton County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to remove Flock license plate reader cameras from county rights-of-way. While proponents noted the system’s success in locating missing persons, skeptics raised concerns about data privacy, facial recognition, and surveillance, leading to a 5-0 vote to disconnect the devices on county-controlled roads.
Cynthia West addresses questions about credentials; social media past
Okaloosa School Board District 5 candidate Cynthia West is responding after her opponent’s wife acknowledged making anonymous Facebook posts questioning West’s mental health qualifications. West says she has never claimed to be a licensed social worker in Florida and discussed her education, counseling experience and the social media posts circulating about her.
Chambers criticizes ‘smear campaign’ in social media post
Okaloosa County School District Superintendent Marcus Chambers has publicly responded to allegations of misconduct involving district hiring, investigations and employee conduct. In a social media post, Chambers called the accusations unfounded and criticized opponents he says have targeted his family. The allegations remain a subject of scrutiny among local residents and advocacy groups.
August Surprise? Glidewell hammered for use of tuition program
Walton County Attorney Clay Adkinson confirmed that county commissioners are ineligible for tuition reimbursement, creating a political controversy for Commissioner Danny Glidewell. Glidewell, who faces re-election on August 18, received over $11,000 in taxpayer funds for an advanced degree through a program the county attorney says excludes elected officials.
Laird responds after charges resurface for resisting arrest in marine DUI incident
Walton County Tax Collector candidate Jessica Laird responded after a 2014 boating incident and resisting an officer charge resurfaced on social media. Court records show the misdemeanor case was closed in 2014 with no recorded plea, and Laird said the charge was dismissed with no conviction.
‘Let me take that weight’: Congressional candidate Gay Valimont hears voter concerns at Niceville meet-up
In Brief: Florida congressional candidate Gay Valimont held an open discussion at Tango 3 Coffee Roasters on Saturday, inviting residents of the area to share their biggest concerns and considerations they’ll take to the polls on Nov. 3. Running for Florida’s 1st district, encompassing the western panhandle, Valimont lives in Pensacola. “All over the state […]
Knives out for this government agency in DeFuniak Springs
The DeFuniak Springs City Council took over the Community Redevelopment Agency after a tense meeting in which the Council attempted to fire the CRA director and settled on firing the CRA board instead.
Walton Tourism Pros: “We have no voice” With Local Government
A simmering feud between the Walton County Tourism Development Council and the Board of County Commissioners is reaching a boiling point as frustrated TDC members claim they are powerless “marionettes” whose expertise is being ignored.
