GALLERY: Christmas 2025 on the Emerald Coast (Send in your photos NOW!)
Merry Christmas to all from Mid Bay News! Here are the photo highlights of the season from around Northwest Florida and the Emerald Coast!
Car chase ends at Eglin Air Force Base west gate, suspect in custody
A chaotic day in Okaloosa County: Deputies say a Shalimar man struck a pedestrian, led them on a chase that ended at Eglin’s west gate — and just hours later, the base went on lockdown after a bomb threat.
Bishop William A. Wack Directs $50,000 of Diocesan Funding to Food Pantries in Northwest Florida
Bishop William A. Wack of the Catholic Diocese of Pensacola–Tallahassee has directed $50,000 to Catholic Charities food pantries across Northwest Florida to help meet growing demand for food assistance following federal aid shortfalls.
Local food pantries see rise in clients as federal shutdown deepens; SNAP, WIC funding decreased
As the federal shutdown stretches into its second month, families across Northwest Florida are losing vital food assistance.
Local food pantries, from Sharing & Caring in Niceville to Emerald Coast Food Rescue, are seeing record demand.
Eglin Federal Credit Union Recognizes Gerta Hardy as 5-Star Performer for Third Quarter of 2025
Eglin Federal Credit Union named Member Service Supervisor Gerta Hardy its 5-Star Performer for the third quarter of 2025, recognizing her leadership and dedication to the credit union’s values during a challenging summer. Hardy, who joined Eglin FCU in 2014, continues to play a key role in supporting her team as the organization prepares to open a new branch on Eglin Air Force Base.
Crestview City Council discusses food truck reforms, $2.1M fire truck, and United Way building purchase
Big night at Crestview City Hall 🚚🚒🏢 — the council voted to ease food truck rules, buy a new $2.1 million fire truck, and keep local nonprofits housed by purchasing the United Way building.
‘No Kings’ rally draws large crowd in Fort Walton Beach
Hundreds gathered at The Landing this weekend for Fort Walton Beach’s second “No Kings” rally — part of a nationwide day of demonstrations. Attendees say the growing turnout shows more locals are ready to take part in civic action and community change.
Walton County renames Highway 393 North to Charlie Kirk Parkway
On what would have been Charlie Kirk’s 32nd birthday, Walton County commissioners voted unanimously to rename Highway 393 North in his honor.
Bishop Wack Addresses Immigration in Letter to Diocese
Bishop William A. Wack of the Catholic Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee released a letter urging parishioners to reflect on immigration policies, family separation, and the impact on children, guided by Catholic teaching during Respect Life Month.
Niceville Braces for Federal Employees to Miss Paychecks
As the federal shutdown looks to stretch into its third week, Niceville braces for missed paychecks and offers relief measures for families tied to Eglin Air Force Base and other federal employers.
