E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center Opens Fridays to All
The E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center in Freeport will open to the public every Friday, year-round, beginning September 4. Visitors can explore trails, exhibits and ambassador animal habitats while taking part in animal encounters, hikes, feedings and other activities at the environmental education center on Nokuse Plantation.
New Cardiologist Strengthens Walton County’s Growing Heart Care Team
Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast has welcomed cardiologist Darin Busby, MD, to its Miramar Beach practice. Busby specializes in cardiovascular disease and internal medicine, expanding access to heart care in Walton County. His arrival adds to the area’s largest heart care team as local health officials emphasize the need for increased cardiovascular services.
End of an Era: Dr. Diane Kelley Retires as Destin High Names New Principal
Destin High School has announced a major leadership transition, naming Jill McNamara as principal and Matt Means as assistant principal. Longtime principal Dr. Diane Kelley is retiring after 45 years in education but will remain involved as advisor to the governing board and legislative lobbyist.
Eglin Gives Airmen a Place to Build Better Solutions
Eglin Air Force Base’s Emerald Spark Cell is helping Airmen turn everyday workplace frustrations into innovative solutions that improve efficiency across the Air Force. From cutting fuel sampling times by 75% to redesigning equipment inspections, the program is proving that some of the military’s best ideas come from the people doing the work every day.
Eglin Child Neglect Investigation Results in Federal Guilty Plea
An Ohio woman has pleaded guilty to felony child neglect after a welfare investigation on Eglin Air Force Base led investigators to rescue a child from her home in 2023. Devon Mae Witryk faces up to five years in federal prison, with sentencing scheduled for Sept. 17 in Pensacola.
Engineering Dreams Stay Local with NWFSC’s New UWF Partnership
Northwest Florida State College has received state approval to offer four new engineering transfer degree pathways, allowing students to complete a bachelor’s degree through the University of West Florida without leaving Northwest Florida. The partnership aims to strengthen the region’s engineering workforce while making higher education more affordable.
Critically questioning AI: Here’s a radical new plan for local schools
Northwest Florida educators are teaching students to question AI while preparing them for future careers in aerospace, defense, and advanced technology.
Holt Man Accused of Lewd Act and Assaulting Deputies During Arrest
A Holt man faces multiple charges after deputies say he exposed himself in public and assaulted officers during his arrest.
DeSantis slashes funding for child abuse protection in Okaloosa, despite funding same programs around Florida
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed funding to support the Niceville Exchange Club’s initiative to bring a child abuse prevention center to the Emerald Coast for the second year in a row, despite granting funds to Exchange Club chapters in Jacksonville and Palm Beach, FL. According to an Appropriations Project Request, Representative Patt Maney sponsored the […]
DeSantis vetoes dozens of funding requests from Maney & Boyles, reps who opposed property tax cut
Florida State Representatives Patt Maney and Nathan Boyles made headlines in June as the only two Republicans to vote “no” on Governor Ron DeSantis’ controversial amendment that would eliminate property tax for Florida homeowners. This week, DeSantis signed Florida’s official budget for Fiscal Year 2026, deciding the fate of hundreds of local funding requests submitted […]
