Crestview official explains new $30M loan process Collin Bestor January 29, 2026 2:02 pm Crestview CRESTVIEW — Crestview City Manager Jessica Leavins says a proposed bond financing plan is less about new development and more about addressing long-standing facility problems that city staff can no longer “patch or repair,” as the city prepares for continued growth.   In an interview with Mid Bay News, Leavins said the authorization to borrow up to $30 million would allow Crestview to secure lower-interest financing for multiple capital projects, including renovations to Fire Station No. 3, construction of a new public works complex and the purchase of an indoor recreation facility known as the ROC.   “The reason cities go the bond route is to get more favorable financing options, lower interest rates,” Leavins said. “This is about using that tool to address several critical needs at once.”   Leavins described the bond plan as part of a broader, roughly 10-year facilities strategy that grew out of a multi-year assessment of city buildings, many of which she said are outdated, undersized or structurally vulnerable. From assessment to action Leavins said city leaders began confronting the scope of Crestview’s facility problems after a comprehensive evaluation conducted several years ago revealed critical deficiencies across multiple departments.   Among the findings, she said, were structural concerns at the police department that would leave the building poorly rated for hurricane-force winds, major mechanical failures at Fire Station No. 3 and a public works operation that has outgrown its... Read More

WEPTAC 2026 Fuels Bold Tactical Innovation and Strong Readiness Momentum Staff Reports January 29, 2026 12:47 pm Aviation, Eglin Air Force Base, Hurlburt Field, Military In Brief: Who: Air Combat Command, Air Force Airmen, Gen. Adrian Spain, Gen. Ken Wilsbach What: Weapons and Tactics Conference 2026 (WEPTAC) When: January 2026 (two-week event) Where: Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada Why: To develop warfighter-driven solutions and prepare for high-end conflict Air Combat Command has wrapped up Weapons and Tactics Conference 2026 (WEPTAC) at Nellis Air Force Base, bringing together Airmen from across the force to tackle evolving battlefield challenges and sharpen warfighting strategies — Published by Staff Sgt. Samantha Krolikowski, 57th Wing Public Affairs. The two-week annual conference is the Air Force’s premier forum for developing warfighter-driven solutions designed to prepare joint and coalition forces for high-end conflict. Leaders say the event plays a critical role in translating tactical innovation into real-world operational improvements. This year’s conference built on past success, including a major tactics improvement proposal from WEPTAC 2025 that focused on low-cost, high-inventory weapons effectiveness for cruise missile operations and counter-unmanned aerial systems. That proposal was later tested by the 96th Test Wing and the 53rd Wing at the Eglin Test and Training Range, before being rapidly integrated into current combat operations, including Operation Midnight Hammer. Air Combat Command Commander Gen. Adrian Spain emphasized the conference’s role in shaping the future of air combat readiness. “WEPTAC is the crucible where we forge the future of air combat,” Spain said. “By... Read More

Country Music Seemingly Shunned From Award Consideration At The Grammys This Sunday, February 1, the 68th Grammy Awards will be held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. This year’s ceremony will be the first to include a new category dedicated to country music: the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Country Album. Further, the […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Over 60 Deaths And Widespread Power Outages Reported After Harsh Winter Storm Strikes The U.S. Duck Dynasty star Uncle Si wants to express his gratitude for those working tirelessly in the aftermath of the recent winter storm. A winter storm tore through the U.S. in late January. States and areas unfamiliar with harsh winter weather […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Eric Aden Joins the Coalition to Bring Strong Support for Donalds’ Governor Campaign Staff Reports January 29, 2026 10:45 am Okaloosa County, Politics and Elections, State Government In Brief: Who: Sheriff Eric Aden, Byron Donalds, Florida Sheriffs, campaign leadership What: Aden endorses Donalds in Florida’s Republican gubernatorial primary When: January 28, 2026 Where: Okaloosa County and statewide Florida race Why: To signal law enforcement confidence and strengthen Donalds’ public safety platform Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden has officially thrown his support behind U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds in Florida’s high-stakes Republican gubernatorial primary, adding local law enforcement weight to Donalds’ rapidly growing statewide coalition, according to an article written by Phil Ammann. Aden joins Madison County Sheriff David Harper as the latest law enforcement leader to endorse Donalds, pushing the candidate’s total sheriff endorsements to 35 statewide. The campaign now claims support from a majority of Florida’s elected sheriffs, representing more than half of the state’s 67 counties. The endorsements continue a fast-moving momentum surge for Donalds over the past two weeks. Earlier this week, the campaign announced backing from Calhoun County Sheriff Michael Bryant, Franklin County Sheriff AJ Smith, Jefferson County Sheriff Mac McNeill, and Liberty County Sheriff Dusty Arnold. High-profile sheriffs, including Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma, also signed on last week. With Aden’s endorsement, Donalds strengthens his footprint in Northwest Florida — a region that has historically played a key role in Republican primaries. Political analysts say sheriffs often bring more than... Read More