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.
Business leaders urge Okaloosa County to renew half-cent infrastructure surtax
Okaloosa’s business community is pushing to renew the county’s half-cent surtax — a tax they say has fueled more than $136 million in improvements and unlocked nearly $300 million in grants. Commissioners say voters now have something they didn’t in 2018: results.
Okaloosa County allocates $5M to cap remaining dirt roads in “50 in 5” project
Big news for Okaloosa County roads! Commissioners approved $5 million to cap the final 52 miles of stabilized dirt roads, finishing a project that has already upgraded nearly 200 miles.
Okaloosa County launches full opposition to Alabama CO₂ Injection Project citing aquifer threat
Okaloosa County is launching a full-scale fight against a proposed Alabama CO₂ storage project commissioners say threatens Florida’s drinking water and river systems.
Okaloosa County Commissioners freeze transit deal after scathing oversight audit
A scathing audit forced Okaloosa County to pause a new transit contract with MV Transportation as commissioners confront years of oversight failures and nearly $1 million in overpayments.
Okaloosa County opposes Gulf drilling, citing national security and tourism risks
Okaloosa County Commissioners just took a firm stand against any effort to resume drilling in the eastern Gulf, saying it would threaten Eglin’s mission and the region’s multibillion-dollar tourism economy.
Dive Into History: SS United States Reef Project
Okaloosa County has partnered with Visit Pensacola and CCA Florida to transform the historic SS United States into the world’s largest artificial reef. The $2 million project, scheduled for early 2026, aims to enhance marine habitats, attract divers from around the globe, and boost tourism across Northwest Florida.
