Zach Top Performed The Acoustic Version Of “When You See Me” In His Garage For many Americans, the garage is where tools are stored and where many handyman projects begin. While country artist Zach Top likely stores his guitars elsewhere, for climate control purposes, that doesn’t mean that the garage is off limits as a […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Crestview begins major facilities overhaul With $30M bond approval Collin Bestor January 22, 2026 12:07 pm Crestview CRESTVIEW — Crestview’s City Council voted Jan. 12 to authorize up to $30 million in bond financing through the Florida Municipal Loan Council to fund major capital projects, including renovations to Fire Station No. 3 and construction of a new public works complex, as city leaders begin a long-term facilities upgrade plan without raising property taxes.   The council approved Resolution 2026-09 on a 3-0 vote, with two members absent, after City Manager Jessica Leavins said the borrowing would be repaid using non-ad valorem revenues rather than property taxes and would provide flexibility to finance multiple projects over time.   “This plan that is before you is the plan that we discussed back in the summertime that does not include any changes to the ad valorem rate,” Leavins told council members. “These are non-ad valorem dollars that will be repaying this bond.”   Leavins said the $30 million amount is a “not to exceed” cap and does not require the city to borrow the full amount. The resolution authorizes the city to enter into a loan agreement with the Florida Municipal Loan Council.   Councilman Shannon Hayes backed the resolution, saying the city should act now rather than wait for inflation to increase costs.   “If you wait till later, you’re going to pay more,” Hayes said. “That’s just regardless inflation.”   Mayor Pro Tem Doug Capps also supported the measure, describing it... Read More

Audit fallout and director’s resignation leave Okaloosa County Transit at a crossroads Collin Bestor January 22, 2026 10:59 am Okaloosa County SHALIMAR — A sweeping inspector general audit detailing years of oversight failures and nearly $1 million in disputed billing errors has thrown Okaloosa County’s public transit system into uncertainty, prompting commissioners to pursue a short-term contract extension with longtime operator MV Transportation while exploring significant structural changes to how the county oversees and potentially delivers service. County commissioners voted 4-1 to direct staff to seek a six-month extension with MV Transportation and to explore moving transit oversight under the county’s airport department as a broader “transportation” function, while also continuing negotiations over disputed payments tied to paratransit “deadhead” hours. The action followed weeks of escalating concerns after an audit found the county had insufficient contract oversight from 2019 through 2025, leading to overpayments exceeding $850,000 and revealing gaps in documentation, enforcement and internal controls. Commissioners said the findings forced a reckoning not only with MV’s billing but also with the county’s failure to monitor a multimillion-dollar program primarily funded by federal transit dollars. Deputy County Administrator Shelia Fitzgerald told commissioners the agenda item was intended to address questions raised at a previous meeting and to provide the board with a clearer understanding of current oversight and operations. “The item I have for you today is really a discussion item,” Fitzgerald said, explaining she created a summary document to inform commissioners about the system, including newer members of the board.... Read More