Governor approves more pay for high school coaches – with caveats
High school sports coaches in Florida will now have the chance to make more money – contributed by booster clubs and alumni organizations. They will also be permitted to use their personal funds to support the student athletes they coach.
EXCLUSIVE: Candidate Buckman demands complete transparency from Okaloosa Superintendent
Okaloosa County School Board candidate Jerry Buckman outlined a platform focused on strict classroom discipline, independent oversight of Superintendent Marcus Chambers, and a plan to raise teacher pay without raising taxes. Buckman, who describes himself as a grassroots conservative, calls the current situation one of “chronically chaotic classrooms” and vows to enforce the student code of conduct and dress code to restore order. He also criticizes the district for lacking a meaningful 20- to 50-year facilities recapitalization plan for aging schools, and proposes redirecting central office funds to classroom teachers and bus drivers. Furthermore, Buckman champions an “America First” education agenda, emphasizing civics, factual U.S. history, and service, including bringing veterans into classrooms to share their experiences. He also pledges to donate his school board salary to teachers in need if elected.
Lionfish Tournament Makes Massive Impact On Gulf Ecosystem
More than 20,000 invasive lionfish were removed from Gulf waters during the Emerald Coast Open in Destin-Fort Walton Beach.
Statewide Award Highlights Massive Economic Growth in Crestview
One Okaloosa EDC earned statewide recognition for helping land the billion-dollar Williams International manufacturing project in Crestview.
Major Breakthrough in the 2022 Okaloosa County Murder Case
A Felony Minute Sheet signed May 14, 2026, confirms that Isaiah Lamar Luna entered a nolo contendere plea in a 3rd degree felony murder case and was sentenced to 20 years in the Florida Department of Corrections.
Josh Pulliam and the Vikes have epic spring game lineup as they row hard to Valhalla
Fort Walton Beach High School head football coach Josh Pulliam, a local who graduated from Choctawhatchee High School, returned to Okaloosa County after playing college ball and coaching at USF to rebuild the Vikings program. Now leading the team, Pulliam is focused on developing his players into better men through “small daily disciplines,” guided by the mantra “chop wood and carry water”. Despite the program having been “down for a little bit,” he notes that the community passion remains, and the Vikings are “rising from the ashes” with a committed staff. Looking ahead, the Vikings plan for offensive creativity, utilizing versatile players like Lavin McDaniel and Cannon Wilbur, while rebuilding a sound, aggressive defense. The coach is urging the community to come out and support the team at the upcoming spring game against Crestview, Mosley, and Pine Forest.
A Navy Secretary’s Powerful Return to Eglin
Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao returned to Eglin’s EOD schoolhouse May 2 to honor fallen technicians and review the future of explosive ordnance disposal training.
“We are on a war footing” Pentagon brass’s blunt message for the Emerald Coast:
When Dale Marks, Assistant Secretary of War for Energy, Installations, and Environment, spoke to the Niceville-Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce, he delivered a blunt message: Northwest Florida is on the front line of America’s industrial “arsenal of freedom,” and time is now the nation’s most dangerous adversary. Marks, who is also Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Acquisition and Sustainment, credited his time on the Emerald Coast with shaping his view of defense, stating, “The military does not operate in a vacuum… We operate within the strength of our host communities”.
Crisis on Mooney Road: Armed Man Taken Into Custody
A potentially deadly standoff in Fort Walton Beach ended peacefully after officers and crisis negotiators worked for hours to take an armed, suicidal man into custody.
The most rain in history for the Emerald Coast!
Today in history, The Emerald Coast received the most rainfall its had in a 24-hour period since at least the late 19th century.
