Florida Chamber President: Emerald Coast Must ‘Play the Long Game’ to Secure Economic Future

Florida Chamber President Mark Wilson told Emerald Coast business leaders that Florida’s growth depends on long-term planning, investment in early education, and local collaboration. Speaking alongside former Niceville City Councilman Sal Nodjomian, Wilson highlighted challenges such as housing affordability and retaining young workers while projecting that Florida could become the world’s 10th largest economy by 2030.
Texas Parents Arrested After Leaving Baby Alone on Walton County Beach for Nearly an Hour

Two parents visiting from Houston were arrested in Walton County after deputies say they left their six-month-old baby alone under a beach tent for nearly an hour while walking with their other children on Miramar Beach.
What Will Walton County Tourism Look Like in the Future? A Special Meeting Gave Us Some Clues:

These are the three priorities on the list after a joint meeting between the Walton Tourism Development Council and the Board of County Commissioners
Convicted Felon Arrested in DeFuniak Springs During Narcotics and Stolen Gun Investigation

Walton County deputies arrested convicted felon Bobby Womack in DeFuniak Springs after discovering trafficking amounts of meth, cocaine, fentanyl, and a stolen firearm during a narcotics investigation at the Red Roof Inn.
DeSantis Awards Law Enforcement Bonuses; Program Has Now Reached 9,400 Recruits

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced Monday that the state has awarded more than 9,400 law enforcement officers $5,000 recruitment bonuses since launching the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment Program in 2022.
At an event in Panama City, DeSantis presented checks to recruits from Bay, Franklin, Gulf, and Walton counties, highlighting the state’s continued push to recruit, reward, and retain law enforcement officers.
Walton Sheriff Charges Army Officer With Sex Crimes

Sean Benjamin Cushman, an Army captain, was arrested on child sexual abuse and child pornography charges linked to incidents in Walton County, Florida.
Walton County passes $328M budget in narrow 3-2 vote

Walton County leaders cut the millage rate slightly, but a divided commission clashed over debt, reserves, and long-term planning.
City: Renovations on City Hall Slowed By Immigration Arrests

Valparaiso’s city headquarters project faces significant delays as immigration roundups in Northwest Florida disrupt construction crews, raising concerns about labor shortages and legal workers caught in the sweeps.
Okaloosa County backs Rotary proposal to expand beach rescue tube program

Okaloosa County is considering a low-cost but potentially lifesaving project to expand rescue tube stations along local beaches — do you think these flotation devices could make a difference?
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.