SS United States Arrives in Mobile, Prepares for Artificial Reef Deployment
The SS United States has arrived in Mobile, Alabama, after a 1,800-mile tow from Philadelphia, marking the start of preparations for its transformation into the world’s largest artificial reef off Florida’s Gulf Coast, alongside a planned museum and visitor center.
📸: Adult Field Day at Niceville’s 3rd Planet Brewing
Niceville’s 3rd Planet Brewing held the second annual adult field day for the United Way. Can you find yourself in the pics?
Here’s How Walton and Okaloosa Ranked for Child Well Being:
How do Walton and Okaloosa counties compare in child well-being? The latest Florida Policy Institute rankings reveal strengths—and surprising challenges.
All Sports Celebrates Local Athletes in Niceville
The All Sports Association celebrated many local atheletes at their annual banquet Friday night.
Outlaw Biker Implicated in Attack With Explosive at Fort Walton Beach Jimmy Johns
Gregory Simonds, an alleged Outlaws Motorcycle Club member, was arrested in Fort Walton Beach after allegedly throwing an explosive device into a Jimmy John’s following a confrontation with members of a rival biker gang.
Northwest Florida HVAC Company Announces Termination of Employee After Social Media Firestorm Over Homophobic Comments
A viral TikTok controversy has put a Northwest Florida HVAC company in crisis mode—here’s how the owner is responding to the flood of backlash.
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.
