The hard-to-find history of Northwest Florida State College
On August 17, 1964, Northwest Florida State College opened its doors as Okaloosa-Walton Junior College. Operating out of a building now housing the Northwest Florida Heritage Museum, the school far exceeded expectations, enrolling over 1,300 students in its first year despite original projections of only 150. Here’s the history of Northwest Florida State College.
Cynthia West addresses questions about credentials; social media past
Okaloosa School Board District 5 candidate Cynthia West is responding after her opponent’s wife acknowledged making anonymous Facebook posts questioning West’s mental health qualifications. West says she has never claimed to be a licensed social worker in Florida and discussed her education, counseling experience and the social media posts circulating about her.
Crestview Council Backs Ban on Data Centers
Crestview City Council voted 4-0 to direct staff to develop an ordinance that would prohibit data centers within the city. The move comes as officials consider future development, potential annexation and infrastructure needs around roughly 1,400 acres of underdeveloped property near the recently completed bypass.
Suspect killed in Crestview SWAT standoff may have intended to attack nearby school, Sheriff says
A man killed during a Crestview SWAT standoff may have intended to attack a nearby school, according to Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden. Investigators discovered weapons, ammunition, gas masks and IEDs inside the suspect’s home after he opened fire on police executing a Risk Protection Order.
Birth tourism, health insurance and VA centers: We fact check FL-1 House candidates
With Florida’s Aug. 18 primary approaching, Mid Bay News fact checked claims made by candidates at a recent FL-1 forum, including statements about birth tourism, health insurance premiums, VA staffing, veterans’ care, campaign spending and the COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
Meth Indictment Brings Federal Charges Against Crestview Man
A Crestview man has been indicted on federal charges alleging he conspired to distribute and possessed more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. John Martin Elmore, 37, faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison if convicted. His federal trial is scheduled for September 21 in Pensacola.
Antonio Haner Identified in Deadly Crestview Deputy-Involved Shooting
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has identified Antonio Austin Haner, 29, as the man killed during an August 8 encounter on Alabama Street in Crestview. Authorities say Haner opened fire on deputies, striking law enforcement assets and nearby properties. No deputies were injured. FDLE is conducting an independent investigation.
Fort Walton Beach Streets Get a Makeover as Resurfacing Work Begins
Five Fort Walton Beach streets are scheduled for resurfacing beginning Aug. 10. Work is expected to take one to two days at each location and will generally occur between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Residents are asked to remove vehicles and other obstructions from the work areas during construction.
The Relentless Citizen: Alan Osborne’s Second Mission
Alan Osborne spent 35 years in Army and Air Force Special Operations before turning his focus to local government oversight. Now a familiar figure at public meetings across Walton and Okaloosa counties, he digs through records, challenges officials, and says his work is simply an extension of the oath he took decades ago.
Chambers criticizes ‘smear campaign’ in social media post
Okaloosa County School District Superintendent Marcus Chambers has publicly responded to allegations of misconduct involving district hiring, investigations and employee conduct. In a social media post, Chambers called the accusations unfounded and criticized opponents he says have targeted his family. The allegations remain a subject of scrutiny among local residents and advocacy groups.
