Hurricane Isaias | So you’ve been ordered to evacuate— Now what?
Hurricane Isaias is expected to make landfall in the Florida Panhandle Friday. Here’s what Okaloosa County residents need to know about evacuations, shelters, safety and recovery resources.
Isaias: The Atlantic’s First Hurricane of 2026?
We are four months into the 2026 hurricane season, and not a single one has yet to form. But with a storm building on the horizon, will the quiet come to an end? It is the beginning of October, and the Atlantic Coast has yet to produce a hurricane. The first time in 112 years. […]
Liveblog: Hurricane Isaias Coverage for the Emerald Coast
Niceville declared a state of emergency as Tropical Storm Isaias approaches the Emerald Coast. Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and storm surge up to seven feet are expected. Meanwhile, Okaloosa County School District has canceled all Thursday and Friday classes, rescheduling major high school football games to next week.
Mills Degree of Excellence | For this Niceville native, ‘helping wasn’t optional.’
Niceville native Andrew Christy has made service a central part of his life, from volunteering at Hope Medical Clinic and working as an Okaloosa County EMT to providing disaster relief in Colombia. Now studying at the University of Florida, Christy hopes to attend medical school and eventually open another free clinic in Okaloosa County.
Hurricane Opal – the start of the legal battle for Emerald Coast Beaches
Hurricane Opal’s 1995 landfall remains a defining moment for Okaloosa County, exposing critical infrastructure vulnerabilities and reshaping the Emerald Coast. From the rapid intensification that caught residents by surprise to the long-term legal battles over coastal restoration, this historical review examines the storm’s enduring impact on our community.
HISTORY: Hurricane Opal Makes Landfall in Navarre
When Hurricane Opal rapidly escalated into a Category 4 storm overnight in October 1995, it caught Northwest Florida off guard. The storm caused massive traffic gridlock, over $1.2 billion in destruction, severe coastal erosion, and sparked decades of legal battles over beach restoration across Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton counties.
Eddie Duran found not guilty in Airman killing; spectators protest
A jury found former Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy Eddie Duran not guilty of manslaughter in the 2024 fatal shooting of Senior Airman Roger Fortson. Following the unanimous verdict, spectators gathered outside the Okaloosa County Courthouse Annex Extension to protest. Local advocates criticized the jury selection and the evidence presented during the trial.
LIVE UPDATES: Jury deliberating in Eddie Duran manslaughter trial
The manslaughter trial of former Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy Eddie Duran began with opening statements, witness testimony and bodycam footage from the 2024 shooting death of Senior Airman Roger Fortson. Prosecutors presented evidence about the events leading up to the shooting, while the defense maintains Duran acted in self-defense.
Commissioner Goodwin updates the public on controversial Hollywood Boulevard speed cameras
Commissioner Trey Goodwin gave an update on the speed cameras on Hollywood Boulevard in Fort Walton Beach. He covered why they’re still up, what their status is – and his goals for people who were issued a ticket.
Crestview Olympic Medalist Mia Manganello talks post-racing career at Wal Mart Grand Opening
Two-time Olympic medalist speed skater Mia Manganello returned home to Crestview for Walmart’s grand opening, reflecting on how her community and Walmart supported her athletic dream. Now, Manganello is giving back through hospitality and volunteer work while advising aspiring young athletes to dream big and build strong local support networks.
