Whiplash and unexpected upsets: Primary provides election excitement on Emerald Coast
Primary night in Okaloosa and Walton Counties saw low voter turnout, leading to a mix of predictable incumbent victories and a major shakeup in local government. While Okaloosa voters largely stuck with incumbents, Walton County voters delivered a significant upset in the Commission District 2 race, signaling potential change ahead.
Mark Franks Rises to Top Leadership Post at Florida League of Cities
Shalimar Mayor Mark Franks has been elected president of the Florida League of Cities for the 2026-2027 term. The lifelong Okaloosa County resident will lead the statewide organization’s advocacy and member engagement efforts while representing the interests of Florida’s municipalities and promoting local decision-making throughout his one-year term.
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.
Niceville contractors clear the way for this new business:
Is it going to be a storage unit, a car wash… or maybe something else entirely?
Who was Jackie Cochran? More About this FAMOUS Female Flier
From the poverty of a Panhandle cotton mill to the cockpit of an F-86 Sabre, Jacqueline Cochran redefined American aviation. As the leader of the WASPs during WWII and the first woman to break the sound barrier, this Emerald Coast local’s legacy remains a soaring testament to perseverance and innovation.
Okaloosa School District shares former student data for recruitment campaign
The Okaloosa County School District is spending nearly $100,000 to recruit students back into public schools after enrollment declines tied to expanded school choice. Mid Bay News examines how the campaign works, what taxpayer dollars are funding, what student information was shared with a third-party company, and whether the effort is paying off.
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.
Defense Makes Immunity Push as Judge Weighs Fate of Duran Murder Case
Former Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy Eddie Duran concluded his bid for Stand Your Ground immunity Wednesday as defense attorneys argued prosecutors failed to overcome evidence that the fatal shooting of Roger Fortson was legally justified. The judge ordered additional legal briefs before deciding whether the case will move forward.
Judge rules property tax proposal misleading; must be rewritten
A Leon County judge ruled Florida’s Amendment 3 ballot language is misleading and ordered state officials to rewrite it within ten days. The decision targets the amendment’s title and summary, finding they improperly advocate for the proposal rather than neutrally explaining its effects before November’s election.
