Rapid Police Action Ends Scary School Lockdown After Gunfire Report
Police arrested a suspect without incident after reports of gunfire near a Fort Walton Beach school prompted a rapid lockdown and response.
Congressman Jimmy Patronis announces Academy Day for students interested in U.S. service academies
Dreaming of West Point, Annapolis, or the Air Force Academy? A single event in Pensacola could put that future within reach.
Fort Walton Beach Rallies in Powerful Community Convoy for Firefighter’s Family
Fort Walton Beach will host a Community Convoy on Jan. 17 to support firefighter David Leonard, his newborn daughter, and honor his late wife.
Hope Renewed at Bud Day Park: A Community Space Reborn
Okaloosa County will celebrate the reopening of Brigadier General Bud Day Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony showcasing major upgrades and new amenities.
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.
