Destin Council Challenges State and County in Twin Votes on Ramswell, Norriego Point

The Destin City Council challenged both state and county officials Monday night, approving a symbolic vote supporting Prebble Ramswell while warning ethics complaints over Norriego Point could still come if negotiations fail.
Freeport family rushes six-month-old to Orlando for tricky open-heart surgery.

Abel and Jordyn Albritton are navigating the most difficult challenge a parent can face. Their six-month-old son, Cove, was recently diagnosed with a ventricular septal defect (VSD), a congenital heart condition that will require urgent open-heart surgery. As the family prepares to travel to Orlando for the procedure, they are managing both the emotional weight of their son’s health and the sudden financial burden of hospitalization and care.
DEVELOPING: Child airlifted to Pensacola after terrifying pit bull mauling

A child was airlifted after an unprovoked dog attack in Valparaiso. Police say a neighbor restrained the dog until officers arrived.
Stars, Stripes, and Smiles Fill Grayton Beach: Today on 30A

Thousands filled Grayton Beach for its annual Fourth of July Parade featuring patriotic floats, water cannons, classic cars and unforgettable family fun.
OPINION: Niceville pickleball courts for seniors only – here’s why:

Judy Boudreaux, a longtime Niceville resident and past City Council member, argues that the fenced-in Pickleball courts at the Niceville Senior Center must remain exclusively for seniors.
JD Peacock believes he’s the right guy for Okaloosa School Board. Here’s Why:

Former Okaloosa County Clerk of Court and longtime sheriff’s office leader JD Peacock explains why he’s running for Okaloosa County School Board District 1, outlining his priorities of student safety, stronger fiscal oversight, and better support for teachers. In this interview, he addresses teacher pay gaps with Walton County, the closure of Longwood and Mary Esther Elementary, school choice and competition, and how the district should plan for growth in Crestview.
Josh Pulliam and the Vikes have epic spring game lineup as they row hard to Valhalla

Fort Walton Beach High School head football coach Josh Pulliam, a local who graduated from Choctawhatchee High School, returned to Okaloosa County after playing college ball and coaching at USF to rebuild the Vikings program. Now leading the team, Pulliam is focused on developing his players into better men through “small daily disciplines,” guided by the mantra “chop wood and carry water”. Despite the program having been “down for a little bit,” he notes that the community passion remains, and the Vikings are “rising from the ashes” with a committed staff. Looking ahead, the Vikings plan for offensive creativity, utilizing versatile players like Lavin McDaniel and Cannon Wilbur, while rebuilding a sound, aggressive defense. The coach is urging the community to come out and support the team at the upcoming spring game against Crestview, Mosley, and Pine Forest.
She demanded answers on investigation into superintendent with taxpayer money

Former Okaloosa School Board candidate Cara Marion publicly confronted the board, demanding answers about their vote to hire outside counsel for an investigation into Superintendent Marcus Chambers.
Inside Gaetz and DeSantis’s Redistricting Plan for Florida

Florida lawmakers are heading into a rare mid-decade special session to redraw the state’s congressional map after explosive population growth — but State Sen. Don Gaetz says Northwest Florida’s Districts 1 and 2 are likely to remain unchanged as the focus shifts to booming Central and South Florida.
English – the (ONLY) Language for Florida Driver’s Exams

Florida has officially moved to English-only driver’s license exams, eliminating translation services statewide and affecting all applicants, including non-citizens and visa holders.