Okaloosa deputies arrest Niceville man, allege AI-generated CSAM
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Niceville resident Marcus Jordan, charging him with three counts of possession of child sexual abuse material. According to investigators, the material was AI-generated. Jordan is currently released on a $125,000 bond, and the investigation remains ongoing while he awaits trial.
The woesome wait for Wawa ends in Niceville
More than 400 people welcomed the long-anticipated Wawa to Niceville on Thursday morning. The new location on John Sims Parkway, which features gas and Wawa’s signature hoagies, drew enthusiastic crowds, including local fans donning Philadelphia Eagles jerseys and former Wawa employees eager for a taste of home.
Niceville’s New Wawa Is Opening With Free Coffee and a First-Responder Challenge
Wawa will celebrate the grand opening of its new Niceville store Thursday, August 27, with free hot coffee, T-shirts for the first 100 customers and a Hoagies for Heroes competition featuring local first responders. The celebration at 1560 E. John Sims Parkway will also include remarks, music, Wally Goose and a ribbon cutting.
Christmas Lights, Music and Magic Return to Niceville for 10th Annual Show
Niceville’s “Tune In To Troon” Christmas Lightshow is celebrating its 10th year with a free nightly display of synchronized Christmas lights, music and animated features. The Bluewater Bay attraction runs from December 5 through January 6 at 1074 Troon Drive E, with shows beginning every evening at 6 p.m.
Curtis Johnson Murder Trial Ends With A Not-Guilty Verdict
A Santa Rosa County jury has acquitted former Okaloosa County corrections sergeant Curtis Marvin Johnson of second-degree murder in the 2025 shooting death of his roommate, Barbara “Barbie” Dedert. Johnson was found not guilty August 20, 2026, bringing the case to a close more than a year after the shooting.
Cox is Now Spectrum: Charter Deal Brings Changes for Customers
Charter Communications has completed its acquisition of Cox Communications and Liberty Broadband, expanding Spectrum into former Cox markets. Cox customers can already receive a free year of Spectrum mobile service if eligible, while Spectrum’s broader product lineup, pricing and packaging are expected to launch in mid-September.
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.
