Florida Appeals Court strikes down state’s open carry ban as unconstitutional

A Florida appeals court struck down the state’s open-carry ban, ruling it unconstitutional under the Second Amendment and setting up a new legal and legislative fight over gun rights.
Gallery: Seacoast Collegiate High School Celebrates Ribbon Cutting

Seacoast Collegiate High School, Florida’s oldest charter school, celebrated its new campus with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, offering students a unique path to earn a high school diploma and associate’s degree in partnership with Northwest Florida State College.
Fort Walton Beach eyes voluntary state “DOGE” audit amid $8M budget gap

Fort Walton Beach is requesting a voluntary state DOGE audit while navigating an $8 million budget shortfall and working within new voter-imposed spending caps ahead of finalizing its 2025-26 budget.
‘People Are Screaming:’ New Florida Law Sows Chaos For Local Governments Land Development

DeFuniak Springs forges ahead with a major rewrite of its Land Development Code, navigating new state legislation that could delay its stricter regulations for years.
Niceville Student’s Mock Bill on Elderly Driving Retesting Draws Real-World Attention, Support from Grieving Family

A Niceville teen’s mock bill on senior driver testing, inspired by a tragic local crash, garners real-world support from a grieving family and state-level attention.
DeSantis Signs $115B Florida Budget; $87 Million Headed to Okaloosa and Walton Counties

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Florida’s $115 billion state budget, securing more than $87 million for Okaloosa and Walton County projects, while issuing only a few local vetoes and launching a $2 billion statewide tax relief plan.
DeSantis Signs Florida Budget, Could Veto $80 Million in Okaloosa and Walton Projects

Florida’s new state budget includes $2 billion in tax cuts but places more than $80 million in local Panhandle projects in jeopardy amid a wave of vetoes by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
DeSantis Signs Beach Access Bill Into Law

Who really owns Florida’s beaches? A new state law changes the rules again in Walton County’s long fight over sand, surf, and private property.
DeSantis Appoints Three To NWFSC Board of Trustees

Gov. DeSantis just made three key picks for the Northwest Florida State College Board—meet the leaders shaping the future of local higher education.
Florida Announces RECORD Tourism – Why Did The Emerald Coast’s Numbers Slump?

Florida just hit a record-breaking tourism milestone—but the beaches of Okaloosa and Walton counties are feeling the crunch. Here’s what local leaders are doing to stay afloat.