SS United States to Depart Philadelphia, Begin Transformation into Artificial Reef
The SS United States will depart Philadelphia on Feb. 17, 2025, for Mobile, Alabama, where it will undergo a year-long preparation to become the world’s largest artificial reef. Once deployed off the Destin-Fort Walton Beach coast, the reef will support marine life and boost diving and fishing tourism.
Here’s What Happened Between Niceville and PAWS at Tuesday’s Council Meeting
After a last-minute email from PAWS cut all ties, Niceville must find a new animal control solution—what happens next?
Jack Schlechter Appointed to First Judicial Circuit Court
Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Judge Jack Schlechter to the First Judicial Circuit Court, filling a vacancy created by Judge Bergosh’s retirement. Schlechter has served as an Okaloosa County judge since 2022 and previously worked as a prosecutor and private attorney.
ANOTHER delay hampers SS United States trip to the bottom of the Gulf.
The SS United States is set to leave Philadelphia on February 8, 2025, en route to Mobile, Alabama, where contractors will prepare it for deployment as the world’s largest artificial reef. The transformation will take approximately a year, with the final reef location expected to be 20 nautical miles south of Destin-Fort Walton Beach. Okaloosa County will also develop a museum to preserve the ship’s history.
Adams Sanitation Expands Commercial Waste Services in Okaloosa County
Adams Sanitation has received approval from the Okaloosa County Commission to offer commercial waste hauling services, beginning in Northern Okaloosa County.
Okaloosa County Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Sexual Battery
A Crestview man, Edgar Enrique Nunez, has been sentenced to 25 years in state prison followed by 20 years of probation after pleading guilty to sexually abusing a minor. Multiple agencies, including the Crestview Police Department and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, investigated the case.
2025 Congressional Special Election in Florida House District 1 Results
We are live-blogging the results of the special election to replace Matt Gaetz in the United States House of Representatives. Check back often for updates.
Okaloosa County School District Opens Kindergarten and New Student Registration
Okaloosa County School District has opened registration for kindergarteners and new students for the 2025-2026 school year, requiring families to use the Focus Parent Portal for enrollment.
Niceville Will Stop Adding Fluoride To Its Water
Niceville will cease adding fluoride to its drinking water on January 15 after a unanimous council vote, following City Manager David Deitch’s recommendation. Niceville was the last city in Okaloosa County to add fluoride, a practice criticized by some due to concerns about overexposure to fluoride potentially impacting children’s IQs, as reported in a study by the National Institutes of Health. The study, which expressed moderate confidence in its findings, noted the benefits of fluoride for oral health but highlighted concerns about overexposure from multiple sources.
The Florida Bar Acknowledges Investigation of Matt Gaetz
What’s next for former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz? A Florida Bar investigation, a congressional replacement race, and a potential run for governor in 2026.
