Ponder Highlights Maritime, Innovation Initiatives At Walton Chamber Lunch
Northwest Florida State College President Mel Ponder recently unveiled a bold strategic plan at the Walton Area Chamber’s Power of Business Lunch. With new investments in maritime training, hospitality, public safety, and engineering pathways, the college is aggressively aligning its curriculum with regional economic demands to transform students’ future success.
Proud Moment: Fort Walton Beach Senior Named National Merit Semifinalist
Fort Walton Beach High School senior Keira Foy has been named a Semifinalist in the 2027 National Merit®Scholarship Program. Foy is among more than 16,000 Semifinalists nationwide selected from more than 1.2million students who entered the competition by taking the 2025 PSAT/NMSQT® in the fall of their junioryear. The Semifinalists represent less than one percent […]
Chambers’ presentation reveals bold bets for Okaloosa Schools
Okaloosa County School District Superintendent Marcus Chambers has outlined a strategic vision for the district’s future amid the rising influence of school vouchers and increased competition from private, home, and virtual schooling. By emphasizing a “reimagining” of elementary education, workforce-aligned career training, and targeted facilities upgrades, the district aims to maintain its high performance ratings and adapt to shifting population growth across the county.
Destin Home Invasion Investigation Intensifies as OCSO Searches for Milton Woman
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a reported home invasion robbery at a Destin apartment early Friday morning. Two armed men reportedly entered the residence and attempted to rob the occupants. Investigators are seeking Taylor Nicole Robinson, 28, who left the scene, to confirm her safety and well-being.
Gaetz Tells Crestview Chamber: Florida Must Be Not Just Free, But Affordable
State Sen. Don Gaetz told Crestview Chamber members Florida must be not only “the free state” but also affordable. He highlighted millions in local road funding, a robotics program turning students into high‑wage workers, and urged voters who favor cutting property taxes to also demand specific spending cuts from local governments.
Bill Lundy’s tale: The fake rebel who stole government money.
Bill Lundy became Okaloosa County’s most celebrated “living link” to the Civil War, even earning a Congressional medal. Yet, his fame was built on a foundation of falsehoods. Census records eventually revealed Lundy was born in 1860, proving he was merely a child, not a soldier, during the conflict.
Okaloosa County to remove all Flock cameras after FDOT memo
Okaloosa County will remove Flock license plate recognition cameras from state and county roads after FDOT revoked local law enforcement permits for LPR technology. The order cites concerns over misuse, data privacy and surveillance. Sheriff Eric Aden said the removal is disappointing from a public safety standpoint.
Profile | Meet the woman behind the panhandle’s most successful foodie blog
Joanna Davis started The 850 Foodie in 2020 after growing frustrated with negativity toward local restaurants online. What began as a place to share photos of food has grown into a community of more than 66,000 followers, where Davis highlights local businesses, celebrates food and encourages aspiring influencers to have fun.
Okaloosa deputies arrest Niceville man, allege AI-generated CSAM
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Niceville resident Marcus Jordan, charging him with three counts of possession of child sexual abuse material. According to investigators, the material was AI-generated. Jordan is currently released on a $125,000 bond, and the investigation remains ongoing while he awaits trial.
Nationwide nonprofit gifts home to Crestview veteran
Former Army Staff Sergeant Christopher Williams and his family received a mortgage-free home in Crestview from Building Homes for Heroes. Williams, who served three deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq before being medically retired, said the home will give his family the stability and security they deserve after years of combat-related injuries and struggles.
