Emerald Coast Open Removes 20K+ Invasive Lionfish

Emerald Coast Open Removes 20K+ Invasive Lionfish Staff Reports May 22, 2025 8:43 am Charities and Nonprofits, Destin, Events, Fort Walton Beach, News, Okaloosa County, Wildlife In Brief: 🐠 20,502 lionfish were removed from the Gulf during the 2025 Emerald Coast Open and Lionfish Festival in Destin-Fort Walton Beach. 🎯 Deep Water Mafia 1 led […]
City Manager Gives Update on Mullet Grounds Lease With Air Force, Potential For New Ball Fields in Niceville

Niceville City Manager David Deitch provided an update on efforts to expand the city’s sports field facilities, including ongoing negotiations with the Air Force for a long-term lease on the Mullet Festival Grounds and conversations with local landowners. The proposed lease would cost the city roughly $65,000 annually, though Deitch hopes to offset the cost with in-kind services. The total project could cost between $10-15 million, and the city is exploring a variety of funding sources to move forward.
Niceville Endowment Helps Fund College Dreams for Local Students

Niceville Endowment Helps Fund College Dreams for Local Students Staff Reports May 19, 2025 8:46 am Uncategorized Four local students are heading toward college with a financial boost, thanks to more than $15,000 in scholarship funds from the City of Niceville’s Katie Mathews White Endowment. The scholarships, granted for the 2024–2025 school year, support participants […]
Freeport Council Approves New Lifesaving Devices for Areas Near Water

A life-saving solution is coming to Freeport—see how Rotary Clubs are helping protect lives with zero cost to the city.
As Summer Heat Looms, Florida HVAC Companies Compete For Talent

As summer heat looms, a shortage of HVAC technicians across Northwest Florida could leave residents sweating—unless they act early to prepare their A/C systems.
University of West Florida President Martha Saunders Resigns Amid Political Turmoil

Dr. Martha Saunders, President of the University of West Florida (UWF), announced her resignation on Monday, concluding an eight-year tenure marked by significant institutional achievements and recent political challenges. In a letter addressed to students, faculty, and staff, Saunders stated: “When I returned to the University of West Florida as president, it felt like coming […]
Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation Celebrates 10 Years with Olympian Cody Miller and Community Swim Event

With thousands of swimmers served, three public pools reopened, and a decade of community-driven success behind them, the Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation is diving into its 10th-anniversary celebration. To celebrate, they’re bringing Olympic gold medalist Cody Miller along for the event. The Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation will celebrate its 10th anniversary on May 17. The […]
Family of Hurlburt Airman Killed By Sheriff’s Deputy Files Lawsuit. Here’s Who’s On The Docket:

Nearly a year after Airman Roger Fortson was shot and killed in his own apartment by a sheriff’s deputy, his family is suing for justice—alleging a web of failures and calling out the system that allowed it to happen.
Niceville’s Hidden Post-Soviet Sister City

A newly resurfaced letter from 1992 reveals a long-forgotten attempt to form a sister city relationship between Niceville and Penza, Russia, echoing today’s discussions about partnering with New Taipei City.
Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Recognized Among Top Maternity Hospitals in U.S. for Fifth Year

Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast has been named one of America’s Best Maternity Care Hospitals by Newsweek for the fifth year, with additional national recognition for its maternal care services and regional NICU access.