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.
Former Okaloosa deputy charged in airman’s murder seeks dismissal
The court recessed until August 4 after a day-long hearing concerning a motion to dismiss the murder case against former Okaloosa Deputy Eddie Duran. The hearing featured emotional testimony from Fortson’s girlfriend, Tatyiana Hendricks, alongside medical examiner findings and statements from Fortson’s neighbors and friends regarding the events in May 2024.
Federal complaints filed against Okaloosa County School District
A local advocacy group has filed complaints with the State Attorney and U.S. Department of Justice alleging the Okaloosa County School District violated Florida’s Sunshine Law and failed to properly investigate allegations involving senior administrators. District officials have not yet responded, and the complaints remain under review.
1950: “Playground City” Sheriff gets suspended by irate governor
Today in History, Governor Fuller Warren removed Okaloosa County Sheriff Isle Enzor amid accusations of lax gambling law enforcement. The removal followed investigations into illegal casino activity at the Magnolia and Shalimar clubs. Discover the full story behind this historical political scandal on the Emerald Coast at midbaynews.com.
Millions Lost: Niceville Man Sentenced in Federal Investment Fraud Case
A retired Army sergeant from Niceville will spend six years in federal prison after admitting to a multi-million-dollar investment fraud scheme. Federal prosecutors said the case involved wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering and false tax returns, with victims owed restitution and the government more than $500,000 in taxes.
