Who was Jackie Cochran? More About this FAMOUS Female Flier

From the poverty of a Panhandle cotton mill to the cockpit of an F-86 Sabre, Jacqueline Cochran redefined American aviation. As the leader of the WASPs during WWII and the first woman to break the sound barrier, this Emerald Coast local’s legacy remains a soaring testament to perseverance and innovation.
One Program, Five Success Stories, Countless New Opportunities

Five Okaloosa students graduated from the 2026 Project SEARCH program after completing a year of workplace training and career development.
This massive concert transformed Emerald Coast tourism forever!

On April 21, 1984, the band Heart played a free beach concert on Okaloosa Island to 35,000 people, causing a traffic nightmare that lasted for hours. This pivotal event—fueled by free beer and college Spring Breakers—forced Okaloosa County to choose whether the Emerald Coast would be a destination for rowdy students or for families.
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.
Here’s the latest on the Norreigo Point deal will net an ex-con $70 million

A contentious town hall revealed deep public skepticism over Okaloosa County’s 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: 🔧 HVAC technician shortages are impacting service availability across Northwest Florida, especially during peak summer months. 💼 Companies like Mills Heating and Air are offering competitive wages and training pathways but still struggle to […]
OPINION: The disgusting reason Okaloosa won’t honor this unique Medal of Honor recipient:

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.