Okaloosa County asks Fort Walton Beach to refund citations from unapproved speed camera An Okaloosa County agency official said the county never authorized a speed-enforcement camera placed in county right of way and has asked the city of Fort Walton Beach to refund citations; the county also ordered a review of right-of-way records to find other possible improper camera sites.

Okaloosa County is demanding Fort Walton Beach refund drivers for unjust citations from a speed camera that was never authorized—could this be the start of a major legal showdown?

Get the details

#OkaloosaCounty #FL #TrafficSafety #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #DueProcess

Okaloosa moves to restructure transit: airports assumes operations, board backs ITN to shift to paratransit model After a month under airports administration, staff told commissioners fixed‑route ridership is low and operating costs high; the board unanimously approved an aggressive ITN schedule to seek a contractor and move toward a paratransit‑focused model with possible micro‑routes to address post‑release jail transport.

Okaloosa County is taking bold steps to revamp its transit system, shifting to a paratransit model to better serve riders and cut costs amidst declining fixed-route usage.

Learn more here

#OkaloosaCounty #FL #TransportationReform #CitizenPortal #PublicTransit #AccessibilityInitiatives

Okaloosa commissioners ban red-light and school-zone speed cameras on county roads, citing due-process concerns The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners voted 4–1 to prohibit placement of red‑light and speed‑zone cameras on county‑maintained rights‑of‑way after a Broward County judge’s order raised constitutional due‑process questions about camera‑enforcement statutes.

Okaloosa County has officially banned red-light and speed-zone cameras on county roads, raising significant due-process concerns that could change how traffic enforcement is handled.

Learn more here

#OkaloosaCounty #FL #CivicAccountability #TrafficSafety #CitizenPortal #DueProcess

Residents and preservationists urge deeper testing before Okaloosa reefs the SS United States ship Speakers at the Okaloosa County meeting urged commissioners to require more remediation and testing before sinking the SS United States as an artificial reef, citing alleged high levels of hexavalent chromium and zinc chromate paint across the vessel and pointing to an overseas case where inadequate remediation and storm damage created long‑term hazards.

Residents are raising alarms over dangerously high levels of toxic materials on the SS United States, urging officials to pause its reefing until thorough testing is conducted.

Get the details!

#OkaloosaCounty #FL #CoastalManagement #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalSafety #PublicTransparency

Airport officials welcome JetBlue's new service to Walton Beach Airport presenters and officials at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) announced new JetBlue service to Walton Beach, citing passenger growth (over 2.5 million annually) and thanking the airline for its partnership.

JetBlue is bringing exciting new service to Walton Beach, marking a significant milestone for the growing Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport!

Click to read more!

#OkaloosaCounty #FL #CommunityGrowth #OkaloosaCountyAirport #TravelConnections #CitizenPortal #LocalHospitality

Okaloosa County commission debates future of nonprofit general-fund grants for FY26 Commissioners debated whether to continue general-fund nonprofit grants for FY26 or to narrow funding to essential, statutorily required services and contracts. No final allocation was set; staff was directed to return with options and criteria before the June 10 meeting.

Okaloosa County commissioners are at a crossroads, debating the future of nonprofit funding and the potential impact on essential services.

Click to read more!

#OkaloosaCounty #FL #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #NonprofitFunding #GovernmentTransparency

County signs on to Florida’s FROC public‑assistance program to speed disaster recovery funding Okaloosa County authorized participation in the Florida Recovery Obligation Calculation (FROC) program to standardize and streamline public‑assistance forms and speed state/federal recovery payments after disasters; commissioners approved participation unanimously and staff noted no county cost to enroll.

Okaloosa County is set to join a groundbreaking program that promises to accelerate disaster recovery funding, making it easier than ever to rebuild after emergencies!

Learn more here

#OkaloosaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #DisasterRecovery #EmergencyManagement #PublicAssistance

Okaloosa authorizes pre‑proposal to DoD for $10M Shoal River wastewater plant Commissioners authorized staff to submit a pre‑proposal to the Department of Defense Defense Community Infrastructure Pilot Program for a $10 million wastewater plant at Shoal River Range, requiring at least a 30% local match, and designated an authorizing official to proceed.

Okaloosa County is taking a bold step by proposing a $10 million wastewater plant to bolster local infrastructure and support defense communities!

Learn more here

#OkaloosaCounty #FL #EnvironmentalSustainability #CitizenPortal #DefenseCommunity #InfrastructureDevelopment

County staff outlines new Florida laws that will change local permitting, affordable housing and airport procedures County staff briefed commissioners on several new state laws that will affect local permitting and county operations, including the Live Local affordable housing act, the TikTok ban for public‑employer devices, a Local Ordinances Act requiring business impact statements, and rules affecting commercial‑service airport contracts.

New Florida laws are shaking up Okaloosa County's affordable housing, tech usage, and airport operations—are you ready for the changes?

Click to read more!

#OkaloosaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #AffordableHousing #LocalRegulations #PublicTransparency

Okaloosa commissioners table proposed airport rules after hours of public opposition After several hours of public testimony by pilots, mechanics and businesses, the Okaloosa County Commission unanimously tabled a proposed rewrite of minimum standards and rules for Destin Executive and Bob Sikes airports, directing staff to continue stakeholder engagement and return the package when ready.

Okaloosa County Commissioners have hit the brakes on a contentious airport rule overhaul after fierce pushback from local pilots and mechanics, raising questions about safety and competition in the aviation community.

Read the full story

#OkaloosaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #AviationSafety

Okaloosa County tweaks SHIP rehab rules, agrees to explore raising LHAP rehab cap to $100,000 The county added energy-efficient appliances and existing-fence repairs to allowable SHIP homeowner-rehab expenses, approved a 10% cap on fence spending per project, and voted to pursue a walk-on revision to the LHAP potentially raising the homeowner rehab cap to $100,000 across multiple years.

Okaloosa County is making strides to support homeowners by including energy-efficient appliances and crucial fence repairs in its housing rehabilitation program!

Learn more here

#OkaloosaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #AffordableHousing #EnergyEfficiency #CommunityOutreach

Okaloosa County repeals Crab Island vessel exclusion zone, citing shifting sands and maintenance costs The Okaloosa County Commission voted unanimously to repeal a 2015 ordinance that created a vessel exclusion zone near Crab Island after staff and commissioners said shifting sands made the corridor ineffective for emergency access and buoys had become a costly maintenance burden.

Okaloosa County has officially repealed the vessel exclusion zone near Crab Island, citing costly maintenance and ineffective emergency access due to shifting sands.

Get the details!

#OkaloosaCounty #FL #CoastalManagement #CitizenPortal #BoatingSafety #EmergencyResponse

Okaloosa commissioners approve design phase for Rigdon Center expansion at fairgrounds The board approved proceeding with the design phase and formation of a procurement committee for a proposed ~50,000-square-foot expansion of the Rigdon Center at the county fairgrounds. The motions passed 4–0 with Commissioner Mixon absent.

Okaloosa County is gearing up for a major transformation at the Rigdon Center, with plans for a stunning 50,000-square-foot expansion that could revolutionize local events!

Read the full story

#OkaloosaCounty #FL #LocalEconomy #CitizenPortal #CommunityDevelopment #EventPlanning

Commission approves retroactive amendment to MV transit contract to resolve grant compliance; staff to return with operations plan To avoid potential grant repayment the board approved a retroactive ninth amendment to the MV Transportation contract that staff says will resolve roughly $900,000 in grant compliance issues; county staff (now under Airports) will return with route efficiency and service‑level recommendations.

Okaloosa County just took a crucial step to secure $900,000 in grant funding while tackling operational challenges in public transit—are changes on the horizon for local riders?

Read the full story

#OkaloosaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #PublicTransit #GrantCompliance #OperationalEfficiency

JetBlue signs operating agreement with Okaloosa County; inaugural JFK–VPS flight set for March 5 JetBlue has signed the county’s terminal operating agreement and lease; commissioners approved the agreement and incentive letter, and county airports staff announced an inaugural service from JFK to VPS on March 5.

JetBlue is set to take to the skies in Okaloosa County with its inaugural flight from JFK to VPS on March 5, marking an exciting new chapter for local air travel!

Get the details!

#OkaloosaCounty #FL #PublicAirTravel #CommunityGrowth #CitizenPortal #EconomicDevelopment

Destin officials, residents urge Okaloosa County to adopt interlocal for Noriega Point; commissioners say they'll discuss next month City of Destin leaders and hundreds of residents urged Okaloosa County to formalize an interlocal agreement over Noriega Point to preserve the state park as conservation land and ensure city review. Commissioners said the item will be brought back for discussion and staff and the county liaison will work on a draft.

Destin residents are rallying to protect Noriega Point from commercialization, urging county leaders to honor their commitment to conservation.

Read the full story

#OkaloosaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #PublicParticipation #CommunityCollaboration #EnvironmentalConservation

Okaloosa County celebrates new living shoreline on Choctawhatchee Bay Officials and partners in Okaloosa County marked the completion of a large living shoreline on Choctawhatchee Bay, which speakers said aims to reduce erosion, support habitat and strengthen local coastal resilience; project builders credited grants and multi-department collaboration.

A pile of rocks? Not quite—it's a groundbreaking living shoreline designed to bolster coastal resilience in Okaloosa County!

Click to read more!

#OkaloosaCounty #FL #CoastalResilience #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalStewardship #ErosionControl

Okaloosa commissioners approve Destin High School bond amendment; county cited as conduit only The Okaloosa County Commission approved a second amendment to a conduit bond agreement for Destin High School on Feb. 3; school officials said the county carries "absolutely no financial liability," while commissioners pressed for details on arrears and payroll prior to voting.

Okaloosa County commissioners have given the green light for Destin High School to restructure its bond financing, but the school faces tough questions about its financial standing.

Get the details!

#OkaloosaCounty #FL #CommunityTransparency #CitizenPortal #EducationFinancing #SchoolBondIssuance

National Park Service requires commercial use authorizations for Crab Island operators NPS staff said Crab Island lies in Gulf Islands National Seashore and commercial operators must apply for Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs) with insurance naming the United States as additionally insured, vessel registrations, monthly county permits, and other documentation; NPS will increase Ranger enforcement.

Crab Island operators, it's time to get your ducks in a row—new regulations require Commercial Use Authorizations for all commercial activities!

Click to read more!

#OkaloosaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #CommercialUseAuthorization #NationalParkManagement #BusinessRegulations

Brooks Bridge replacement: higher clearance, phased closures and weather delays Project manager Ron Bryson updated operators on Brooks Bridge construction, saying the new span will meet a 65‑foot clearance mandate, provide a 150‑foot channel, require phased nighttime channel closures under Coast Guard notices, and faces pile‑driving and weather delays that push realistic opening toward 2028.

The Brooks Bridge Replacement is set to transform local waterways with a new 65-foot clearance, but weather and permitting delays could push access to 2028!

Click to read more!

#OkaloosaCounty #FL #CommunityEngagement #OkaloosaCountyWaterways #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal

State rules change livery definition; long‑term anchoring permit begins Jan. 2026 Florida Fish and Wildlife told liveries that a revised definition of 'livery' (effective July 1, 2025) reclassifies many bareboat arrangements as liveries unless a USCG‑licensed captain is required, and a free long‑term anchoring permit took effect Jan. 2026 for vessels anchored more than 14 of any 30 days.

Major changes are coming for Florida liveries in 2025, including new definitions and requirements that could impact how you rent and operate vessels!

Get the details!

#OkaloosaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalRegulations #VesselCompliance #WaterwaySafety

Image 1

Investigators have confirmed that skeletal remains found in Miramar Beach belong to a Niceville man who vanished more than a decade ago. www.wkrg.com/northwest-florida/okaloo...

#RIP #MiramarBeach #Niceville #OkaloosaCounty #ColdCase #WKRG

Image 1

Do you have information about this shooting? The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office wants to know. www.wkrg.com/northwest-florida/okaloo...

#Shalimar #OkaloosaCounty #CrimeStoppers #WKRG

Image 1

Deputies say a man tried to carjack a mom with kids in the vehicle before leading officials on a chase. www.wkrg.com/northwest-florida/okaloo...

#OkaloosaCounty #FortWaltonBeach #BreakingNews #WKRG

Preservationists and experts tell Okaloosa commissioners to pause SS United States reefing plan over contaminants and species risks Preservation groups and technical experts told Okaloosa County commissioners the county has not fully addressed potential hexavalent chromium, other contaminants and endangered‑species impacts tied to plans to sink the SS United States, and asked for additional testing and federal agency review; county staff said they are coordinating with EPA/DEP.

Preservation advocates are raising alarms over the SS United States reefing plan, citing dangerous contaminants and potential risks to endangered species—should the county hit pause for more testing?

Click to read more!

#OkaloosaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalProtection #PublicSafety

Okaloosa County commissioners confirm health administrator, approve several land‑use and funding items; debate reefs and license‑plate readers At its Jan. 6 meeting the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners unanimously concurred in Michelle Shelton as the county public health administrator, approved a rezoning and a phased development agreement, authorized a $1.9 million FDOT grant application and awarded a tourism construction contract; commissioners also heard extensive public comment on plans to reef the SS United States and held an informational briefing on license‑plate readers.

Okaloosa County makes waves as Michelle Shelton is appointed public health administrator and contentious discussions arise over the SS United States reef plans!

Read the full story

#OkaloosaCounty #FL #CommunityDevelopment #CitizenPortal #PublicHealth #EnvironmentalReview

Destin officials, residents push back on Okaloosa County’s draft plan for Noriega Point park City officials and dozens of Destin residents told Okaloosa County on Dec. 28 they oppose elements of a draft management plan for the newly acquired Noriega Point parcel — particularly plans for commercial marina operations, expanded parking and buildings — and argued the city retains land‑use authority within its limits.

Destin residents and officials unite in a fierce stand against Okaloosa County's controversial draft plan for the Noriega Point parcel, fearing it could compromise safety, water quality, and the area’s scenic beauty.

Read the full story!

#OkaloosaCounty #FL #CommunityEngagement

Residents and advocates press delegation to withhold state funds for Santa Rosa Boulevard 'road diet' Several residents told the delegation they oppose Okaloosa County's Santa Rosa Boulevard lane reductions and urged legislators to rescind recent state funding tied to the project, citing emergency response delays, past local votes opposing the plan and a claim the county stopped publishing cost estimates near $30 million.

Residents are sounding the alarm over a controversial road project that could endanger lives by slowing emergency response times—will state funding be pulled?

Click to read more!

#OkaloosaCounty #FL #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CivicAccountability

Okaloosa County says Southwest Crestview Bypass nearing completion; portions eyed for 2026 opening Deputy County Administrator Jason Autry said crews are paving the Southwest Crestview Bypass and Fallen Heroes Way and that portions could open in 2026. He repeated a $200 million total cost estimate and named Triumph and the DOT as major funders; the local sales-tax contribution was unclear in the transcript.

The Southwest Crestview Bypass is on track for a 2026 opening, marking a significant milestone in alleviating congestion and enhancing transportation options for the area.

Learn more here

#OkaloosaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #TransportationImprovement #InfrastructureDevelopment

Okaloosa officials urge delegation for highway, water and housing appropriations Local officials and nonprofit leaders asked the Okaloosa County legislative delegation for state funding for road safety, water-main replacement and transitional housing, including multi‑million dollar requests for Destin and Mary Esther and smaller appropriations for fire equipment and behavioral-health housing.

Okaloosa County leaders are making a bold push for millions in state funding to tackle urgent infrastructure and social service needs—will the delegation respond?

Click to read more!

#OkaloosaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #HousingSolutions #PublicSafety #InfrastructureDevelopment