From Norriego Point to CO2 pipelines: The Stories That Defined the Emerald Coast in 2025
An $83 million land deal, shuttered schools, snow-covered beaches: Here are the stories that stood out in 2025.
Palmer Seeks Public Input on Holiday Isle Park
Commissioner Palmer invites Okaloosa residents to a Dec. 30 town hall to give input on a new 4-acre Holiday Isle waterfront park.
Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy Arrested for Alleged Domestic Battery in Crestview
An Okaloosa County Sheriff’s deputy was arrested after allegedly pushing the victim twice during a domestic incident at a Crestview home.
Okaloosa County rejects open carry for employees, keeps concealed-only firearm policy
Okaloosa County employees will not be allowed to open carry their firearms while on duty.
Despite Florida’s recent legalization of open carry, the County Commission voted unanimously to keep its existing concealed-carry-only policy, citing safety, training and public-interaction concerns.
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.
Crestview Council approves $81.2M tentative budget, slight Tax Rate Increase
Crestview just approved its tentative budget and tax rate — but residents raised sharp questions about police staffing, firefighter pay, and city spending priorities.
Okaloosa County approves $824K PAWS contract, considers in-house animal control
Okaloosa County secures another year of animal control services with PAWS — but commissioners are already planning for a future where the county takes the reins.
Every Okaloosa Judge Has Recused Themselves On This Former Deputy’s Case:
The trial of former jail director Nolan Weeks, accused of impersonating an officer during a traffic stop, will take place outside Okaloosa County following a full judicial recusal.
Search for Missing 10-Year-Old Trinity Eslinger Winds Down After Six Days
Search for Missing 10-Year-Old Trinity Eslinger Winds Down After Six Days Collin Bestor June 19, 2025 8:22 am Destin, Okaloosa County, Public Safety In Brief: Authorities have ended active search efforts for 10-year-old Trinity Eslinger, who disappeared in the water near Destin’s East Pass on June 12. Despite a six-day, multi-agency operation covering over 250 […]
Former STEMM Principal Out At OCSD
Accused of misusing school funds and violating student rights, Dr. Scheree Martin resigned before she could be fired—here’s what the investigations uncovered.
