DeSantis Signs Florida Budget, Could Veto $80 Million in Okaloosa and Walton Projects

Floridaโs new state budget includes $2 billion in tax cuts but places more than $80 million in local Panhandle projects in jeopardy amid a wave of vetoes by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Tropical system could develop in Gulf ahead of July 4, Okaloosa officials monitoring

Public safety officials in Okaloosa County are urging residents to stay weather-aware as a tropical disturbance could form offshore during the July 4 holiday.
Fort Walton Beach sets property tax rate at 4.3282 Mills for 2025-26 Budget

Even though the Fort Walton Beach City Council voted 4-3 to keep the millage rate the same, residents should still expect to pay more in property taxes next year due to rising property values.
Fort Walton Beach named Thearon Shipman as next Fire Chief

Fort Walton Beach named Thearon Shipman as next Fire Chief Staff Reports June 25, 2025 10:00 am Fort Walton Beach In Brief: ๐ฅ Chief Morgan Retires โ After 25 years of service, Chief Jeremy Morgan is stepping down from the Fort Walton Beach Fire Department. ๐จ๐ฝโ๐ Historic Promotion โ Deputy Chief Thearon Shipman will become […]
Fort Walton Beach Golf Club to host Sothern Juniors Tournament for first time

Fort Walton Beach Golf Club to host Sothern Juniors Tournament for first time Staff Reports June 25, 2025 9:47 am Uncategorized In Brief: ๐๏ธโโ๏ธ Junior Golf Comes to FWB โ Fort Walton Beach Golf Club hosts the Southern Juniors tournament for the first time June 30โJuly 1. ๐ฏ Historic Youth Event โ The 58-year-old event […]
Mary Esther officials weigh options after sudden cancellation of animal control contract

Mary Esther officials weigh options after sudden cancellation of animal control contract Collin Bestor June 23, 2025 6:21 pm Mary Esther In Brief: ๐พ PAWS abruptly ends contract with Mary Esther, leaving the city without animal control services. ๐ New contract proposed higher rates, prompting council concerns over fairness and financial burden. ๐๏ธ Officials weigh […]
Local Non Profit Secures Adaptive Bike for Special Needs Child

A rare diagnosis, a $10,000 bike, and a familyโs joy โ how one nonprofit is helping kids like Eli ride alongside their siblings and experience childhood on their own terms.
Okaloosa Students Raise $9.6K for Children in Crisis

Okaloosa Students Raise $9.6K for Children in Crisis Staff Reports June 17, 2025 11:28 am Charities and Nonprofits, Okaloosa County, Schools and Education In Brief: Okaloosa County students raised more than $9,600 in the 2024โ2025 Change for Children Campaign to support Children in Crisis, Inc. Top fundraising schools were recognized at the May 27 school […]
Okaloosa Beefs Up Golf Cart Laws On Minors

A new ordinance now in effect across Okaloosa County tightens rules on golf cart useโtargeting underage drivers and boosting safety standards in neighborhoods like Rocky Bayou and Shalimar.
Special Election: Nathan Boyles Wants to Be Your Fl-3 State Representative

Nathan Boyles isnโt done with public service โ now heโs making his pitch to voters in Florida House District 3. Here’s what he says sets him apart ahead of the June 10 special election.