Okaloosa County Commission explores paid parking for non-county residents at beaches, parks

Okaloosa County leaders are taking the first steps toward paid parking at beaches and parks as officials look for new revenue sources to fund maintenance and offset potential state funding changes.
Destin City Council Weighs Conservation, State Talks Over $84M Land Deal

Destin leaders agreed to open discussions with the state about conservation zoning for the Norriego Point property while stopping short of formal action to maintain leverage over its future use.
Hereβs the latest on the Norreigo Point deal will net an ex-con $70 millionΒ

A contentious town hall revealed deep public skepticism over Okaloosa Countyβs early park plans for a state-purchased waterfront property, as officials insisted the process is just beginning amid scrutiny over price, access, and influence.
Deputies Arrest Driver Accused of DUI, Hit-and-Run, and Child Neglect on Okaloosa Island

A Destin traffic stop ended Saturday night with the arrest of 25-year-old Luis Montoya after deputies say he fled two hit-and-run crashes, drove intoxicated with a child onboard, and resisted officers, who were tracking him down using Flock camera data after a collision on Okaloosa Island.
Winter Sandyland returns to Okaloosa Island benefiting local children in need

Winter Sandyland returns to Okaloosa Island befitting local children in need Staff Reports December 1, 2025 2:03 pm Uncategorized In Brief: π§ HVAC technician shortages are impacting service availability across Northwest Florida, especially during peak summer months. πΌ Companies like Mills Heating and Air are offering competitive wages and training pathways but still struggle to […]
OPINION: Why Won’t Okaloosa County Honor The Only Woman Awarded The Medal Of Honor At Their Women Veterans Monnunment?

Why won’t the Okaloosa County Women Veterans Monument Committee honor Dr. Mary Walker?
Okaloosa County to Observe Veterans Day with Unveiling of New Women Veteran Statues

Okaloosa County will mark Veterans Day with a ceremony at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center, featuring the unveiling of two new statues honoring women veterans, including Marine Sgt. Nicole L. Gee and an Iroquois Warrior Woman from the War of 1812. The statues will later be added to the Women Veterans Monuments at Veterans Park on Okaloosa Island.
Okaloosa County opens Floridaβs first glowing bike path between Brooks Bridge and East Pass Park

Okaloosa County opens Floridaβs first glowing bike path between Brooks Bridge and East Pass Park Staff Reports October 23, 2025 2:55 pm Uncategorized In Brief: π Glow trail opens: Floridaβs first photoluminescent path now connects Brooks Bridge to East Pass Park.π΄ Safer recreation: The 4.4-mile trail honors cyclists lost on U.S. 98.πΏ Sustainable design: Built […]
Okaloosa County: Highway 98 connector, Santa Rosa Boulevard improvements, new ambulances

Big moves in Okaloosa County this week: commissioners voted to partner with Santa Rosa County on a regional road study that could create a new east-west corridor off Highway 98 β plus approved a $1 million grant to upgrade Santa Rosa Boulevard on Okaloosa Island.
Motorcyclist, SUV passenger killed in high-speed crash on Okaloosa Island

A 19-year-old motorcyclist and a 50-year-old SUV passenger were killed in a high-speed collision on U.S. 98 in Fort Walton Beach on July 25. Two others were seriously injured.