ANACONDA: How the blockade of the South devastated the Emerald Coast

On April 18, 1861, Abraham Lincoln would make his opening move on the chessboard of the Civil War. It would have devastating consequences on the Emerald Coast.
Urgent Amber Alert: Missing Florida Teen May Be in Danger

Authorities have issued an Amber Alert for a missing Santa Rosa County teen believed to have been abducted.
Okaloosa County High School Bands Achieve Straight Superior Ratings at 2025 FBA Marching Assessment

All five Okaloosa County high school marching bands earned Straight Superior ratings at the 2025 Florida Bandmasters Association Marching Music Performance Assessment, making the district the only one in its region with top ratings across all schools.
Okaloosa County: Highway 98 connector, Santa Rosa Boulevard improvements, new ambulances

Big moves in Okaloosa County this week: commissioners voted to partner with Santa Rosa County on a regional road study that could create a new east-west corridor off Highway 98 β plus approved a $1 million grant to upgrade Santa Rosa Boulevard on Okaloosa Island.
Rep. Nathan Boyles files first bill aiming at expanding county authority over solar farms

From solar farms to storm prep, a new proposal from Rep. Nathan Boyles (R-Baker) would give counties more power over renewable-energy projects and hold utilities to stricter cost-benefit standard
Former Santa Rosa County Commissioner James Calkins launches campaign for Walton County seat

Former Santa Rosa County Commissioner James Calkins launches a bid for Walton County Commission District 4, promising conservative leadership amid lingering controversy over his past political conduct.
Okaloosa County to host public meeting on West 98 Collector Road project

Traffic relief may be on the horizon for residents near Hurlburt Field β but county officials want to hear from you first.
Kristen Shell named Okaloosa Countyβs next Growth Management Director

Kristen Shell, a veteran planner with over two decades of experience in Northwest Florida, has been unanimously confirmed as Okaloosa Countyβs new Growth Management Director.
Special Election: Nathan Boyles Wants to Be Your Fl-3 State Representative

Nathan Boyles isnβt done with public service β now heβs making his pitch to voters in Florida House District 3. Here’s what he says sets him apart ahead of the June 10 special election.
Grant Helps Kiwanis Deliver Hope to Foster Kids

Grant Helps Kiwanis Deliver Hope to Foster Kids Staff Reports May 26, 2025 8:55 am Uncategorized In Brief: A $3,000 grant from NextEra Energy Foundation will help the Kiwanis Foundation of Niceville-Valparaiso expand its Bags of Hope program. The initiative provides duffel bags with essential items to foster children across four Northwest Florida counties. With […]