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.
Walton County renames Highway 393 North to Charlie Kirk Parkway

On what would have been Charlie Kirk’s 32nd birthday, Walton County commissioners voted unanimously to rename Highway 393 North in his honor.
Tom Glavine Golf Outing Raises $200,000 to Support Walton County Education and Workforce Programs

The 5th Annual Tom Glavine Field of Dreams Golf Outing raised $200,000 to support Seacoast Collegiate High School and Northwest Florida State College South Walton Center, funding dual enrollment, college programs, and workforce development opportunities in Walton County.
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.
Walton County school bus driver, DoD contractor arrested in sexual abuse case involving teenager

Walton County school bus driver, DoD contractor arrested in sexual abuse case involving teenager Staff Reports October 15, 2025 3:36 pm Uncategorized In Brief: 🚔 Arrested: Walton County deputies took a local bus driver into custody after a college student came forward. 🏫 School Action: The district suspended him immediately and began termination proceedings. ⚖️ […]