$183,000 in Fines, One Big Question: Who Owns Hollywood Boulevard?
Fort Walton Beach leaders voted unanimously to reject a request for broader school-zone camera refunds, saying citations were legally issued despite an unresolved ownership dispute over Hollywood Boulevard.
Night Operations Will Be Launching at Eglin
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE — Residents across portions of Okaloosa County may hear increased aircraft activity next week as fighter pilots conduct nighttime training missions out of Eglin Air Force Base. According to Eglin officials, the 58th Fighter Squadron is scheduled to conduct night flying operations from June 15 through June 17. Training flights are […]
Maney explains his painful vote on controversial property tax proposal
State Rep. Patt Maney warns that a proposed property tax amendment could cause significant revenue losses for local governments, including fire districts and cities in Okaloosa County. He cautions that the measure lacks a clear funding replacement plan and could unfairly shift the tax burden onto renters and small businesses.
Niceville teen battles flesh-eating bacteria from local waters
In Brief: This is a developing story that Mid Bay News will continue to cover as information is released. What should have been a relaxing day turned disastrous for one Niceville family after 17-year-old Joziah Thompson was hospitalized for Vibrio vulnificus, a flesh-eating bacteria he contracted in the water at Lions Park, on Wednesday. Tirzah […]
Urgent Boil-Water Warning: E. Coli Found in South Okaloosa Well
Residents in parts of South Okaloosa are being urged to boil their water after a raw sample from Hawkins Well tested positive for E. coli, prompting a precautionary advisory.
What you want to know about Florida’s controversial property tax idea on the official 2026 ballot.
Voters in Florida will decide on an amendment this November that would significantly increase the homestead exemption, potentially eliminating non-school property taxes and providing savings for long-term residents. However, this change is expected to create “crushing deficits” for local governments, which rely on property taxes to fund essential services like law enforcement and fire protection. Furthermore, a clause requiring five years of residency to receive the new, additional exemptions would place a “heavier load” of increased taxes on active-duty military members and other new residents in the short term, as local governments may be forced to raise millage rates to offset revenue loss.
Following first failure, Mapoles cajoles Florida to create Okaloosa County
The creation of Okaloosa County, Florida, was signed into law on June 3, 1915, by Governor Park Trammell. However, it was State Senator William Mapoles who led the heavy lifting to create the new county. After its incorporation, the political center was contested by Baker, Crestview, and Laurel Hill, with Crestview eventually being chosen as the county seat. Mapoles, a newspaper owner and State Senator, was successful in his 1915 effort, despite a previous unsuccessful attempt in 1913 to create “Yellow River” or “Wilson County”. His foresight proved crucial, as the county’s population grew rapidly over the next century, thanks in part to military installations secured by his rival, Bob Sikes.
Cox Employees Empower Students Through Innovative Grants
Six Gulf Coast nonprofits received $60,000 in employee-funded Cox Charities grants to support STEM education, environmental learning and youth programs.
Governor approves more pay for high school coaches – with caveats
High school sports coaches in Florida will now have the chance to make more money – contributed by booster clubs and alumni organizations. They will also be permitted to use their personal funds to support the student athletes they coach.
EXCLUSIVE: Candidate Buckman demands complete transparency from Okaloosa Superintendent
Okaloosa County School Board candidate Jerry Buckman outlined a platform focused on strict classroom discipline, independent oversight of Superintendent Marcus Chambers, and a plan to raise teacher pay without raising taxes. Buckman, who describes himself as a grassroots conservative, calls the current situation one of “chronically chaotic classrooms” and vows to enforce the student code of conduct and dress code to restore order. He also criticizes the district for lacking a meaningful 20- to 50-year facilities recapitalization plan for aging schools, and proposes redirecting central office funds to classroom teachers and bus drivers. Furthermore, Buckman champions an “America First” education agenda, emphasizing civics, factual U.S. history, and service, including bringing veterans into classrooms to share their experiences. He also pledges to donate his school board salary to teachers in need if elected.
