Okaloosa County Celebrates 2025–2026 Art in the Capitol Winners Staff Reports November 13, 2025 10:13 am Arts, Niceville, Okaloosa County, Schools and Education In Brief: Who: Students Hannah Leitheiser, Olivia McClain, Ahymn Kim, Emma Hilleary; teachers Ms. Eden Preston, Ms. Lindsey Gafford, Ms. Gina Watson; Superintendent Marcus Chambers What: 2025–2026 Art in the Capitol Competition winners When: 2025–2026 school year; artwork displayed during the 2026 Florida Legislative Session Where: Okaloosa County schools; Florida Capitol in Tallahassee Why: To recognize and showcase the artistic talent of middle school students across Florida NICEVILLE, FL — The Okaloosa County School District (OCSD) is proud to recognize the achievements of its middle school students in the 2025–2026 Art in the Capitol Competition, a statewide visual arts contest for students in grades 6–8. The competition provides young artists with an opportunity to showcase their creativity and have their work displayed at the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee during the legislative session. This year, Hannah Leitheiser of Liza Jackson Preparatory School was named Best in Show. Her artwork will represent Okaloosa County at the Florida Capitol in the 2026 Legislative Session. Leitheiser is a student of Ms. Eden Preston, who has guided her through the creative process. Other district winners include: 1st Place: Olivia McClain, Lewis School, teacher Ms. Lindsey Gafford 2nd Place: Ahymn Kim, Ruckel Middle School, teacher Ms. Gina Watson 3rd Place: Emma Hilleary, Ruckel Middle School, teacher Ms. Gina Watson Superintendent Marcus Chambers praised the students and their teachers for their dedication and creativity.... Read More

When Does Season 29 Of The Voice Premiere, And Who Are The Coaches? Season 28 of The Voice is still underway, but they’re already making plans for the premiere of Season 29! In fact, we knew some key details about Season 29 before Season 28 even started. In July, The Voice announced that Season 29 […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

A Community Effort to Help Those Affected by the Government Shutdown Staff Reports November 13, 2025 9:23 am Charities and Nonprofits, Crestview In Brief: Who: Crestview residents led by Katrina Raines and supported by retired deputy Jeremy Gilbert and city staff What: Weekly Free Food Friday events offering meals and nonperishable food to families in need When: Every Friday through the end of 2025, starting November 7 Where: Old Spanish Trail Amphitheater, 205 Stillwell Blvd., Crestview Why: To support individuals and families facing hardship due to the government shutdown Crestview, FL — Residents of Crestview have come together to support families and individuals impacted by the ongoing government shutdown. What started as a single Facebook post by local resident Katrina Raines has grown into a community-wide volunteer effort called Friends Taking Care of Friends, aimed at providing meals and essential supplies to those in need. “This is something that the Lord laid on my heart,” Raines said. “All I did was make a post on Facebook. This is a community effort — it’s not just me.” The post quickly gained traction, drawing responses from neighbors, church groups, and civic organizations throughout Crestview. Volunteers began coordinating through social media, pooling donations of food, bottled water, and supplies to serve affected families and federal employees furloughed during the shutdown. The group’s first event, held on Friday, November 7, 2025, at the Old Spanish Trail Amphitheater (205 Stillwell Blvd.), drew more than 300 families. Volunteers served spaghetti dinners and distributed canned goods, fresh... Read More

  With many couples looking to celebrate their love, Panama City Beach is the ideal destination for a quick getaway or an intimate beach wedding. Known as the Real. Fun. Beach., our beautiful coastal setting provides the perfect backdrop for those commemorating special moments or planning small   Read More

Miranda Lambert & Parker McCollum Host “Band Together Texas” For Texas Flood Victims Country stars Miranda Lambert and Parker McCollum hosted a benefit concert called “Band Together Texas” on August 17. The event, which supported those devastated by the floods in central Texas last month, was an incredible success, raising $8.5 million. The concert featured a number of big […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Miranda Lambert Celebrates Her 42nd Birthday Miranda Lambert is celebrating another year older and wiser. The country singer recently turned 42-years-young! Her sweet husband, Brendan McLoughlin, shared a heartfelt post in honor of her big day. “Happy Birthday to the most loving, talented and caring person I’ve ever met @mirandalambert,” he wrote. “The world is a […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Eglin Air Force Base on lockdown due to bomb threat, sources say Staff Reports November 12, 2025 2:50 pm Eglin Air Force Base EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE — A source with knowledge of the situation has told Mid Bay News that Eglin Air Force Base is on lockdown due to a bomb threat. According to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook, expect travel delays in and around the base. This story will be updated as more information is available.   Update: 3:34 p.m. Lockdown is over.  Update: 3:04 p.m. Buildings in question are near the 96th Test Wing flight line. As of 3:06 p.m., the lockdown has not been lifted.  Update: 2:46 p.m.Shelter in-place message sent out to 42 buildings on Eglin Air Force Base, per a basewide message obtained by Mid Bay News. Update: 2:43 p.m. Mid Bay News is currently trying to get more information by calling Eglin’s Public Affairs office. Due to the government shutdown, the Public Affairs office is not running at full capacity.  More Local News Schools and Education Okaloosa School Board reviews legislative priorities ahead of upcoming state session Arts Okaloosa County Celebrates 2025–2026 Art in the Capitol Winners Charities and Nonprofits A Community Effort to Help Those Affected by the Government Shutdown Load More The post Eglin Air Force Base on lockdown due to bomb threat, sources say appeared first on Mid Bay News. Read More

The Country Star Spoke From The Heart At Her Tour Finale At The Ryman On November 7 and November 8, Ella Langley concluded her Still Hungover Tour with a pair of star-studded shows at the Ryman Auditorium. Bringing out guests ranging from Gretchen Wilson to Morgan Wallen, fans were in for a unique treat as […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

GALLERY: Edge Elementary Celebrates its 100th Anniversary Christopher Saul November 12, 2025 10:20 am Niceville, Schools and Education, Uncategorized Edge Entryway The new historical display at the entrace of the Edge Elementary School. The display was designed in part by staff from the Northwest Florida Heritage Museum. Looking at history Students and parents look through old yearbooks from Edge Elementary’s past in the media center. Looking at history Students and parents look through old yearbooks from Edge Elementary’s past in the media center. Jil Watson, Edge graduate and teacher Jil Watson, a former Edge Student, smiles next to a photo of herself from her time at the school as a student. She is one of five teachers at Edge who also graduated from the school. ran Robert Love Former Edge Principal (and current Niceville PA announcer for Eagle Football games) Robert Love walks the halls of the school he used to manage along with his son, Bobby. Post program attendees of the 100th anniversary celebration for Edge Elementary get up after the end of the program to explore the school and the exhibits created for the special events. Textbook An Edge Elementary textbook sits atop an old desk as a display. School Board Members at Edge Elementary Members of the Okaloosa School Board: Parker Destin, Brett Hinely, and Tim Bryant listen along with Superintendent Marcus Chambers and Niceville City Councilwoman Cathy Alley. School Desks at Edge Elementary Desks topped with past textbooks decorate the Edge Elementary School multipurpose building. Melissa... Read More

Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Proposal for Florida to Manage Atlantic Red Snapper Season Beginning in 2026 Staff Reports November 12, 2025 9:20 am State Government In Brief: Who: Governor Ron DeSantis, FWC Executive Director Roger Young, and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick What: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission submitted an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) to assume management of the Atlantic red snapper fishery When: Announced November 2025; management would begin in 2026 if approved Where: FERNANDINA BEACH, covering Atlantic state and federal waters off Florida’s coast Why: To expand recreational fishing opportunities, boost local economies, and mirror successful Gulf red snapper management FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday that Florida has formally requested approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce to assume management of the Atlantic red snapper recreational fishery beginning in 2026. The proposal, submitted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), would transfer management authority from federal agencies to the state and substantially expand fishing opportunities for anglers along Florida’s Atlantic Coast. The FWC’s application, known as an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP), was formally sent to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. If approved, the permit would authorize Florida to regulate the Atlantic red snapper fishery in both state and federal waters off its Atlantic shoreline. The change would mirror a similar management transition that occurred in the Gulf of Mexico, which state officials say has led to a longer season and more consistent fishing opportunities. Governor DeSantis said that state-level management has... Read More