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

Emotional Tribute as Okaloosa Students Shine in Powerful MLK Speech and Art Contest Staff Reports January 22, 2026 10:37 am Niceville, Okaloosa County, Schools and Education In Brief: Who: Okaloosa County students, Superintendent Marcus Chambers, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. What: 2026 MLK Oratorical and Poster Contest winner recognition When: January 10, 2026 Where: Fort Walton Beach High School Why: To honor Dr. King’s legacy and promote leadership, unity, and service Niceville, FL — Students from across Okaloosa County were recognized for their creativity, leadership, and powerful messages during the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratorical and Poster Contests, held January 10 at Fort Walton Beach High School. Hosted by the Okaloosa County School District in partnership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Sigma Omicron Omega Chapter, the annual event brought together students from kindergarten through 12th grade to honor Dr. King’s legacy through speeches and artwork focused on unity, service, and leadership. Superintendent Marcus Chambers praised the students’ efforts, saying their work reflected not only artistic talent and public speaking skills, but also a deep understanding of Dr. King’s message and its continued importance today. Winners were selected across multiple grade levels and categories, including elementary, middle, and high school divisions for both oratorical presentations and poster design. Students from schools throughout the district earned top honors, highlighting the broad participation and strong academic engagement across Okaloosa County. District leaders also recognized the ongoing partnership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., noting the organization’s continued commitment to elevating... Read More

Budweiser’s Warm Springs Ranch Introduces New Clydesdale Foal Cuteness Overload. Warm Springs Ranch, home of the prestigious Budweiser Clydesdales, has announced the arrival of a new foal. The female horse was born on January 1, 2026, and has a beautiful white blaze down her face. Located in Boonville, Missouri, the ranch is the official breeding […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Traffic Stop in Niceville Leads to Major Drug Arrest Staff Reports January 22, 2026 9:54 am Crime, Niceville, Okaloosa County In Brief: Police seized fentanyl, methamphetamine, marijuana, and dozens of pills during a Niceville traffic stop. Donel Demetrius McClain faces multiple felony drug charges and a probation violation. The suspect is being held without bond at the Okaloosa County Jail. Niceville, FL — A routine traffic stop in Niceville led to a significant drug seizure and the arrest of a local man on multiple felony charges, according to the Niceville Police Department. Police say Inspector Teets conducted the stop around 9:21 a.m. on January 16 along 32nd Street after observing a vehicle fail to stop at a posted stop sign and discard litter from the roadway. The driver was identified as Donel Demetrius McClain, 40. During the stop, K9 Kodi performed an exterior sniff of the vehicle and alerted officers to the presence of narcotics, giving probable cause for a search. Officers then discovered a variety of illegal drugs and prescription medications inside the vehicle. Authorities seized approximately 11.8 grams of fentanyl, 2.87 grams of methamphetamine, 2.9 grams of marijuana, three fentanyl patches, 21 prescription pills, and 55.5 unidentified pills. McClain was taken into custody and charged with Trafficking in Fentanyl, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Harmful New Legend Drug Without a Prescription, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Violation of Probation. He is currently being held at the Okaloosa County Jail without bond. Niceville... Read More

 [[{“value”:” There is a special kind of magic that happens when a community trades its beach flip-flops for work boots and high heels, all in the name of a good cause. This February, women from across the Emerald Coast will gather to celebrate strength, resilience, and the power of a helping hand at a luncheon that does far more than just fill a plate—it builds a future. “}]]  SoWal.com  Read More