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.
Okaloosa Sheriff Aqua Alert for Missing Kayaker

Okaloosa Sheriff’s Deputies have issued an aqua alert for missing kayaker Wessam Bassam Shaer who was last seen on Boggy Bayou
Florida ethics panel dismisses complaint against Fort Walton Beach councilman Bryce Jeter

State ethics officials closed a complaint against Councilman Bryce Jeter, finding no legal basis to pursue an ethics case even as disputes over a jailed homeowner’s property sale remain contested.
Connor Rooney’s breakout season leads him to claim Mid Bay News Defensive Player of the Year

From rotational player to defensive player of the year, South Walton LB Connor Rooney reflects on 2025 before beginning his senior season.
NAACP calls Gap Creek flooding an environmental justice crisis as local leaders emand Action in Fort Walton Beach

How long should a neighborhood live with flooding, mold, and contaminated water?
The NAACP says the answer for Sylvania Heights has been decades, and that’s unacceptable.