What is happening in Okaloosa County and along the Emerald Coast. Every story is briefed in our own words, with links to everyone who reported it.
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The city's Community Redevelopment Agency will hold a public meeting Aug. 19 to gather feedback on proposals for a new welcome arch at Vandegriff Park's north end before the CRA Board votes on the project Aug. 25. The monthly citizens' input sessions allow residents to weigh in on redevelopment initiatives across the 607-acre CRA district.
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Fort Walton Beach City Councilwoman Gloria DeBerry will teach a free Filipino-style lumpia cooking class at the Recreation Center on Friday, Sept. 18, from noon to 2 p.m. The class is open to residents age 60 and older with no registration required.
Brody Bruce, a former Navarre High School runner, posted the fastest time for University of West Florida's men's cross-country team at the Jacksonville State Foothills Invitational on September 4, marking an impressive start to his college running career.
A 25-year-old Georgia resident was arrested and booked on an open count of murder after police say he shot a victim multiple times outside a BMW SUV on State Road 85 in Niceville on Monday. The shooting followed a verbal argument between the two men inside the vehicle, according to the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office and Niceville Police Department.
Crestview and Baker cross-country teams traveled to compete at the Pace Patriot Invitational on September 5. The event took place before the Labor Day weekend.
Charlene Couvillon, who spent nearly 40 years in Okaloosa County schools including a decade as Fort Walton Beach High School principal, has been selected for the school's Viking Hall of Fame. Couvillon taught at Bruner Middle School and Fort Walton Beach High School before moving into district and administrative roles, retiring in 2015.
A 25-year-old Georgia resident was booked into Okaloosa County Jail on an open count of murder after shooting a person multiple times outside a vehicle on State Road 85 on Monday afternoon. The shooting followed a verbal argument that began inside the black BMW SUV, with the victim found dead in the median after law enforcement arrived at the scene.
Santa Rosa County Commissioner Ray Eddington told residents opposing a proposed Navarre Beach boardwalk development that they were hypocrites and suggested they leave the county during a Sept. 8 board meeting. Eddington, who recently lost re-election, claimed responsibility for the project and offered to drop planned restroom and parking facilities if the board chose.
WM is holding a National Battery Take-Back Day event at its Fort Walton Beach facility on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, allowing residents to drop off used household batteries for safe disposal. The company will also educate attendees about proper battery handling and fire hazards linked to improper disposal.
The Destin Sharks scored nine touchdowns to defeat visiting North Bay Haven on Sept. 4, with quarterback Kellen Ramsey accounting for five scores and special teams standout Jayden Phillips returning two kickoffs for touchdowns. The dominant performance improved Destin to 2-1 heading into a district matchup against Pensacola Catholic later this month.
Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast hired Dr. Trevor Beckham in August to join its surgical team at the Mack Bayou practice, expanding capacity for minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures. The addition of a second board-certified general surgeon allows the hospital to offer advanced surgical options for abdominal, digestive, breast, and thyroid conditions closer to patients' homes.
Walter "Dale" Perkins, who served on the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority Board since 1994 and was its longest-serving member, died Sunday at age 64. Beyond his three decades with the utility authority, Perkins worked as a social worker, substance abuse counselor, and fishing boat captain.
Firefighters spent approximately five hours extinguishing a residential fire along Highway 98 in Mary Esther on Monday night, temporarily shutting down the roadway. The home was destroyed in the blaze, though residents evacuated safely before the structure became fully engulfed.
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Officer Matthew Palacios joined the Fort Walton Beach Police Department after a decade with the Florida Department of Corrections and graduation from the law enforcement academy at Northwest Florida State College. He was sworn in on September 1 by Police Chief Robert Bage in a ceremony with family and fellow officers.
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Fort Walton Beach City Hall welcomed military students from 20 allied nations stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia, for a briefing on local government operations. Mayor Nic Allegretto discussed how the city serves its residents and highlighted local landmarks, part of a broader educational program exposing international officers to American governance and civic life.
Emergency crews responded to a multi-vehicle crash involving an ATV in Okaloosa County that left at least one person requiring helicopter transport to a hospital. Fire officials did not disclose the crash location or time, nor provided updates on the condition of those involved.
A residential fire that broke out Sunday night in Mary Esther became a total loss and forced authorities to temporarily close part of Highway 98. Residents evacuated safely before the structure was fully engulfed, and firefighters spent approximately five hours bringing the blaze under control.
Pastor Ronnie Bearden of First Methodist Church in Crestview discussed with the Crestview News Bulletin why people turn to religious communities during times of crisis, reflecting on how church attendance rose following major national tragedies as people sought comfort and understanding.
Destin defeated North Bay Haven 59-37, with the 59 points breaking the program's previous single-game scoring record of 53. Across the region, Choctaw earned its first win of the season, while Florida High upset previously undefeated South Walton 18-15.
Crestview High School mounted a dramatic comeback from a 32-7 deficit with 22 unanswered fourth-quarter points Thursday, but Pine Forest sealed the victory by recovering an onside kick for a touchdown. The loss dropped the Bulldogs to 0-3 on the season.
Air Force chaplains at the Florida base are now wearing religious insignia instead of officer rank on their combat uniforms under new Department of the Air Force guidance effective June 15. The change aims to make chaplains appear more approachable to service members seeking spiritual guidance while maintaining formal rank on dress uniforms.
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The city and consulting firm Kimley-Horn will host back-to-back community workshops to share traffic and safety recommendations for the Elliott's Point and Northwest neighborhoods, studies that began in March. Residents will have the opportunity to provide feedback on proposed traffic calming measures before the studies are finalized.
The Holley-Navarre Fire District promoted Nathan Pfrimmer to captain and Brian Jackson, Austin Schlarb, Justin Kiley and Josh Hurley to engineer during an Aug. 24 commissioners meeting. The advancement marks the latest personnel changes at the district.
The Crestview Bulldogs rallied from a 25-point fourth-quarter deficit to close within three points but ultimately lost to Pine Forest in Thursday night's game. The near-comeback fell short as the clock expired.
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office agreed to return an additional $1 million to help offset budget increases for the upcoming fiscal year, County Administrator Brad Baker announced at an Aug. 25 commissioners meeting. The funds will be placed in the county's fund balance for commissioners to allocate later.
Aldi confirmed it will open a location at 981 Highway 98 E. in Destin by year's end, converting the former Winn-Dixie space that closed in April. The new store will be the sixth Aldi in Okaloosa County and will employ 15 to 20 associates.
The Navarre Raiders scored early on a trick play touchdown pass to take a 7-0 lead against Milton on Friday night, but struggled the rest of the game at home. The Panthers mounted a comeback in what proved to be a difficult night for the Raiders.
The Mosley Dolphins defeated Niceville 28-9 on Friday night at Eagle Stadium, extending their winning streak in the rivalry to four consecutive seasons. The lopsided victory underscores Mosley's recent superiority in the matchup.
A Santa Rosa Correctional Institution inmate was convicted of manslaughter and received the maximum 15-year sentence for fatally choking his cellmate during a May 2022 altercation in Milton. The sentence will run consecutively to Williams' existing prison term for prior murder and robbery convictions, with no eligibility for early release due to his designation as a prison releasee reoffender.
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The City of Mary Esther held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Azalea Neighborhood Infrastructure Project, with construction set to begin September 8 on Caswell Circle. The initial phase will involve cleaning and inspection of the sanitary sewer system, with crews requiring access to manholes in streets and yards.
A developer has filed plans with Santa Rosa County to build a Zaxby's chicken restaurant on Highway 98's south side in Navarre, west of Costa Verde Court. The proposal was submitted August 31.
The Walton High School football team has won its first two games behind a dominant defense that has not surrendered a touchdown in 10 quarters, according to head coach Jay Lindsey. The Braves will use their early bye week to address special teams breakdowns before facing Taylor County and entering the heart of their district schedule.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office is searching for a 28-year-old Milton resident who was present during an armed home invasion at a Destin apartment early Friday morning. Two men entered the residence and attempted to rob occupants, but no injuries occurred and the woman left the scene before investigators arrived. Authorities say there is no threat to the public.
State Sen. Don Gaetz announced plans to file legislation reforming the Florida Department of Children and Families during a news conference at the Santa Rosa County Courthouse, outlining 10 provisions for the next legislative session. The proposal comes as a high-profile child welfare case concludes.
A new Beach Liquors location has opened at The Market Shops near Sandestin Golf and Beach Resorts, featuring a self-serve whiskey and wine room where customers can pour their own drinks. The store carries a wide selection of spirits, wines and craft beers and operates daily from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Crestview and Baker high school golf teams competed in a head-to-head match at Blackwater Golf Course under clear, hot conditions on Tuesday.
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Two armed men entered a residence on Dancing Cloud Court around 5:30 a.m. Friday and attempted to rob the occupants, according to Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office deputies. No injuries were reported, and authorities say there is no known threat to the public as the investigation continues.
A Navarre woman who escaped a two-year abusive relationship with help from Shelter House is now using her experience to assist other domestic violence survivors. Whitworth credits family, friends and the nonprofit organization with helping her find a way out of the situation.
The second annual Mayor's Charity Gala will be held October 16 at Henderson Beach Resort, featuring a black-tie dinner, live entertainment and auction. Proceeds benefit the Destin Parks Foundation, The Honor Foundation and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, while honoring Council Member Dewey Destin and Florida Chamber of Commerce CEO Mark Wilson for their community service.
Beach Liquors, a family-owned chain founded in 2000, opened its newest store at The Market Shops at Sandestin with a 4,800-square-foot space featuring a self-serve wine and whiskey bar, craft beer selection and cigars. The store marks the company's sixth location across Northwest Florida and offers wine tastings on Friday evenings.
The Niceville Lady Eagles defeated Pace 3-0 on Wednesday night with set scores of 25-19, 25-19 and 25-22 in their first home match of the season. Kate Jannazo and Katherine Newkirk led the offensive effort as Niceville improved its record to 4-2.
Headlines and briefings are written by Emerald Coast Connected. Full articles remain with the publishers linked under each story.