Biology students take learning to new level: 'I call it my thinking cap'
FORT WALTON BEACH — Mirabela Schleidt acknowledged Friday that she felt slightly awkward wearing a swim cap elaborately decorated with the functions of the brain. But that’s what honors biology...
View ArticleWalton schools to get land in Hammock Bay
FREEPORT — Crystal Beach Development, a company owned by Jay Odom, has announced that it will donate 30 acres in the Hammock Bay development to the Walton County School District. The district will...
View ArticleHouse passes bill to offer in-state tuitition rates to children of illegal...
TALLAHASSEE — Following a sometimes passionate debate where lawmakers spoke in Spanish and Creole, the Florida House overwhelmingly approved a bill Friday that would offer in-state tuition rates to...
View ArticleFWB woman fulfills dream in cayuco competition
FORT WALTON BEACH — Growing up in Panama, Connie Dermody enjoyed the tradition and festivities of the annual Ocean to Ocean Cayuco Race down the Panama Canal. She cheered on her mother and friends as...
View ArticleOkaloosa NAACP celebrates 65 years at banquet
NICEVILLE — Members and friends of the Okaloosa County Branch of the NAACP reflected on the organization’s rich history of service and looked to its future at its 65th anniversary dinner Friday night...
View ArticleTwo men charged with armed robbery
Two men were arrested Thursday afternoon after an attempted armed robbery at a restaurant, according to the Okaloosa County Sheriff‘s Office. A 28-year-old victim was sitting in a car outside the...
View ArticleFire causes evacuation at restaurant
MARY ESTHER— A fire at El Paso restaurant on Mary Esther Boulevard did relatively little damage Friday evening after passing motorists reported the blaze. Firefighters from Mary Esther, Fort Walton...
View ArticleDeputies arrest man after four-hour standoff
MIRAMAR BEACH - Walton County sheriff’s deputies arrested a man Friday evening after a four-hour standoff at a home off Bay Tree Drive, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Deputies arrived at the home...
View ArticleNWF State College marks 50 years
In the spring of 1963, the educational landscape in Okaloosa and Walton counties changed forever. For the first time, people interested in exploring higher education didn’t have to journey an hour...
View ArticleMan wants to tangle with bouncers, deputies
DESTIN - Lawmen say a drunken man who fought with bouncers at a nightspot tried the same thing with them and ended up in jail. On April 7 the man, 24-year-old Leland Daniel Jones of Destin, tried to...
View ArticleWoman, witness say man became angry after poker game
DESTIN – Okaloosa County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a man after he grabbed his ex-girlfriend by the throat and told her and her dog to get out of his house, according to an arrest report. On April 7...
View ArticleFamily that fights together gets arrested together
DESTIN – Families who fight together get arrested together, or so it would appear from this pair of arrest reports. On April 7 a mother and her 19-year-old daughter got into it at their Sandalwood...
View ArticlePHOTO GALLERY: St. Mary's Spring Fling
FORT WALTON BEACH — The St. Mary's Spring Fling continues until 11p.m. on Saturday and from 12p.m.-6p.m. on Sunday rain or shine. View a photo gallery from St. Mary's Spring Fling >>
View ArticleFlash flood watch issued for Okaloosa, Santa Rosa counties
The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties through Sunday evening. Most areas may see 2 inches of rain. Certain areas may receive 3 to 4 inches....
View ArticleDestin to install rules signs along harbor
DESTIN — City crews will place signs along the harbor boardwalk reminding visitors to mind their manners. “It was a council initiative,” said Doug Rainer, Destin’s public information manager. “We want...
View ArticleHonoring those who came before (GALLERY)
FORT WALTON BEACH — A new walkway at Chester Pruitt Park memorializes those who have paved the way for freedom and equality in Okaloosa County. The Legacy Walk of Fame was unveiled Saturday afternoon...
View ArticleLane restrictions planned for U.S. 98
SANTA ROSA BEACH - Motorists on U.S. Highway 98 just west of Peach Creek in Walton County will face intermittent lane restrictions Monday and Tuesday because of utility work. Lane closures will be...
View ArticleVoter registration deadline Monday
MILTON - Monday is the deadline to register to vote or change parties for the May 14 special primary election for the District 2 state House seat. The Santa Rosa County Supervisor of Elections office...
View ArticleDoolittle reunions a family affair for local minister (GALLERY)
FORT WALTON BEACH — Most children grow up attending family reunions with grandparents, aunts and uncles. Mark Fitzhugh considered the Doolittle Raiders reunions his family get-togethers. Fitzhugh’s...
View ArticleWoman’s body found in Rocky Bayou
NICEVILLE — The body of an unidentified white woman was found in Rocky Bayou Sunday morning. A passerby saw the body in the water near the shore at the end of 11th Street about 7 a.m. and reported it...
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