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.
Mary Esther officials weigh options after sudden cancellation of animal control contract

Mary Esther officials weigh options after sudden cancellation of animal control contract Collin Bestor June 23, 2025 6:21 pm Mary Esther In Brief: 🐾 PAWS abruptly ends contract with Mary Esther, leaving the city without animal control services. 📈 New contract proposed higher rates, prompting council concerns over fairness and financial burden. 🏛️ Officials weigh […]
UPDATE – Tragedy in Destin: Parents Drown, Son Saved by Heroic Beachgoer

Two people died in an apparent drowning on May 27 near SunDestin Resort in Destin, marking the first confirmed drowning fatalities of the 2025 summer season in Okaloosa County.
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 year—here’s how local emergency leaders are getting ready, and what you should be doing now.
Rocky Bayou Christian Student Celebrated for Saving Classmate’s Life

A local sixth grader’s quick thinking turned a lunchroom emergency into a lifesaving moment—see how Charlotte Walsh earned recognition from Niceville Police!
After Just One Week, Niceville’s New School Zone Cameras Caught THIS MANY Speeders

More than 600 drivers were recorded speeding in Niceville school zones during the first week of new traffic cameras, prompting city officials to urge caution and compliance.
Vehicle Burglary Arrest Made in Niceville

The Niceville Police Department arrested Michael Shawn Reiley for vehicle burglaries, recovering stolen firearms with the help of community-provided video evidence.
Boyles Picks Up Law Enforcement Endorsements in State House Race

Nathan Boyles has secured endorsements from Sheriffs Bob Johnson and Eric Aden in his bid for State Representative District 3.
Okaloosa County Holds Public Flood Vulnerability Meeting

Okaloosa County, in collaboration with Jacobs Engineering, will host the first public meeting for the Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Planning Project on Tuesday, July 30th, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Okaloosa County Administrative Building Training Room. The event is open to all residents interested in learning about future flood mitigation efforts and the potential impacts of flood events on the community.