Okaloosa County approves $824K PAWS contract, considers in-house animal control

Okaloosa County secures another year of animal control services with PAWS β but commissioners are already planning for a future where the county takes the reins.
Okaloosa Departments Made $60 Million in Budget Requests. Here’s What They Want it For:

Okaloosa Budget: Workshop highlights public safety, health, jail and tourism Collin Bestor July 24, 2025 1:15 pm Okaloosa County In Brief: π° $60 million in budget requests highlight critical needs across elections, public safety, and corrections as Okaloosa County plans for FY2026. π The county jail is operating 25% over capacity, prompting new officer training […]
Invest 93L brings rain, storm risk to Okaloosa County as system moves through Gulf

A tropical disturbance in the Gulf is expected to bring 2β4 inches of rain, choppy surf, and possible flash flooding to Okaloosa County, though significant development remains unlikely.
Officer Gerard Bhagwatsingh believes in community policing β and heβs living it every day

Officer Gerard Bhagwatsingh is redefining what it means to serve and protect in Fort Walton Beach, using empathy, relationships, and consistency to transform community policing.
Tropic Watch: Okaloosa officials monitoring possible development

A storm brewing in the Gulf may soon earn a nameβfind out what forecasters are saying and how local officials are preparing.
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.
Okaloosa County Emergency Management Wants You To Know THIS Right Now:

With experts predicting an active hurricane season, Okaloosa County says it’s ready β thanks to new tech, real-time data, and a no-nonsense approach to emergency warnings.
Okaloosa County to Host Second Annual Hurricane Preparedness Expo on May 3

Okaloosa County will hold its second annual Hurricane Preparedness Expo on May 3 in Shalimar to help residents prepare for the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season.
2025 Hurricane Season Forecast for the Emerald Coast, Florida

Hurricane season could bring more than the usual number of storms this yearβhereβs how local emergency leaders are getting ready, and what you should be doing now.
Emerald Coast Schools Cancel Classes Ahead of Winter Weather

Okaloosa and Walton counties close schools for two days due to expected snow, sleet, and freezing rain, prioritizing student and staff safety.