Controlled Burns Begin at Shoal River Preserve
Okaloosa County will begin prescribed burns at Shoal River Preserve later this week as part of an effort to improve habitat health, reduce wildfire risks, and prepare the preserve for its public opening.
Okaloosa: Commission gives away dozer amid criticism from “Facebook comments”
Okaloosa County Commissioners unanimously approved the donation of a surplus dozer to a charity tied to one of its members and restructured the county’s transit division under the Airports Department to tighten financial and grant oversight.
Crestview begins major facilities overhaul With $30M bond approval
Crestview officials approved a bond financing framework of up to $30 million to modernize aging fire and public works facilities, marking the first step in a long-term infrastructure plan funded through non-ad valorem revenues.
Audit fallout and director’s resignation leave Okaloosa County Transit at a crossroads
With an audit exposing years of oversight failures and the transit director announcing his resignation, Okaloosa County leaders are racing to stabilize a system facing financial questions, leadership turnover and an uncertain future.
Okaloosa County Commissioners question license plate reader cameras
Are license plate readers a powerful crime-fighting tool, or a step too far into surveillance? Okaloosa County leaders just opened the debate.
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.
From Norriego Point to CO2 pipelines: The Stories That Defined the Emerald Coast in 2025
An $83 million land deal, shuttered schools, snow-covered beaches: Here are the stories that stood out in 2025.
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.
Okaloosa County Corrections Earns Third State Accreditation
Okaloosa County’s Department of Corrections earned Florida Corrections Accreditation with 3rd Excelsior Status, marking continued excellence in correctional standards.
CCA Florida and Okaloosa County Team Up for Redfish Release
Destin-Fort Walton Beach and CCA Florida released 25,000 juvenile redfish into Cinco Bayou to boost declining populations, improve ecosystems, and support local anglers.
