COVID Beach Shutdowns to Cost Walton County Big
A federal appeals court has ruled that Walton County violated the constitutional rights of private beach owners by barring them from their own beachfronts during the COVID-19 shutdowns. The Eleventh Circuit ruled that the county’s 2020 emergency ordinance amounted to a “textbook physical taking,” clearing the way for landowners to seek compensation and legal fees.
AirHeart 1 Heroes Honored With Memorial By South Walton Fire District
As the sound of “Amazing Grace” drifted across the Choctawhatchee Bay, the South Walton Fire District gathered at Thomas Pilcher Park to dedicate the new “Heroes Remembered” monument honoring the three AirHeart 1 crew members who died during a 2004 medical transport mission. Family, friends, and firefighters reflected on the sacrifice of Jack Chase, Tom Palcic, and Robert Heighton at the very site where rescue crews once searched for the fallen team.
Get Ready to Take Your Best Shot at the Cadet Post 850 Turkey Shoot Classic
Cadet Post 850 is gearing up for its annual Turkey Shoot Classic on November 22 at the WCSO firing range, offering a morning of friendly competition, prizes, raffles, and great food for community members of all skill levels.
Fort Lauderdale Man Arrested in $505,000 Walton County Utility Check Fraud
A Fort Lauderdale man, Brandon Loud, has been arrested in Walton County for depositing a $505,400 fraudulent check from a utility company, with investigators uncovering additional stolen checks totaling $200,000.
South Walton’s End of Season Safety Report
Following a year with fewer safety-related calls but a drop in attendance, Walton County’s Beach Safety Director explains why the “Yellow” flag is now the official baseline for surf conditions, replacing “Green.”
Local food pantries see rise in clients as federal shutdown deepens; SNAP, WIC funding decreased
As the federal shutdown stretches into its second month, families across Northwest Florida are losing vital food assistance.
Local food pantries, from Sharing & Caring in Niceville to Emerald Coast Food Rescue, are seeing record demand.
Okaloosa County Libraries Celebrate Adult Graduates Earning High School Diplomas
The Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative will hold a graduation ceremony on Nov. 1 to honor 16 adult learners who earned high school diplomas and career certificates through the Career Online High School program.
Scenic Walton Urges Community Support to Save Specialty License Plate Funding
Scenic Walton’s mission to preserve Walton County’s beauty and safety is jeopardized by low specialty license plate sales, making community support essential to secure vital funding for local improvement projects.
Tee’d Off With the Potential PGA Event – BCC Says “Not Now!”
Walton County commissioners have teed off a potential PGA Tour event, unanimously voting against a sponsorship proposal that sparked months of intense debate and divided the community.
All Walton County High Schools Rank Among Nation’s Top 20%
All three traditional high schools in Walton County—South Walton High, Freeport High, and Walton High—earned national recognition in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 “Best High Schools” rankings, placing them among the top 20% of schools across the country for academic performance and college readiness.
