[[{“value”:” Adventure seekers in Walton County have a new reason to explore our local parks and trails. Walton County has officially launched its own Geocaching program, turning our scenic county parks into a massive, real-life treasure hunt. Whether you’re a seasoned “cacher” or just looking for a new family outdoor activity, the game offers a unique way to discover corners of the county you might normally overlook. “}]]  SoWal.com  Read More

Fire damages home in Destin Point neighborhood; no injuries reported Staff Reports January 29, 2026 10:09 am Destin DESTIN — Firefighters from multiple agencies responded to a structure fire early Thursday morning in the Destin Point neighborhood, battling flames for several hours before bringing the blaze under control, officials said in a social media post. The fire was reported shortly after 12:30 a.m. at a home off Gulf Shore Drive. When crews arrived, flames were visible coming from the rear of the structure, according to Destin Fire Rescue. Firefighters from three departments worked to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby homes. The fire was declared out around 2:30 a.m., though crews remained on scene into the early morning hours, conducting mop-up operations. No injuries were reported among residents or firefighters, and no damage was reported to surrounding structures. Destin Fire Rescue was assisted by North Bay Fire Control District, Okaloosa Island Professional Firefighters, Okaloosa County EMS and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. More Local News Okaloosa County Eric Aden Joins the Coalition to Bring Strong Support for Donalds’ Governor Campaign Destin Fire damages home in Destin Point neighborhood; no injuries reported Crestview Urgent: Cold Weather Shelters Ready to Save Lives in Okaloosa Load More The post Fire damages home in Destin Point neighborhood; no injuries reported appeared first on Mid Bay News. Read More

Urgent: Cold Weather Shelters Ready to Save Lives in Okaloosa Staff Reports January 29, 2026 9:43 am Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County In Brief: Who: One Hopeful Place, Crestview Area Shelter for the Homeless, and individuals experiencing homelessness What: Emergency cold weather shelter operations and transportation assistance When: January 29 through February 2 (South County) and January 29 through February 1 (North County) Where: Fort Walton Beach (One Hopeful Place) and Crestview (Crestview Area Shelter) Why: To protect vulnerable residents from dangerous cold temperatures and overnight exposure Cold weather shelter operations are expanding across Okaloosa County as multiple emergency warming sites open their doors to protect vulnerable residents from dangerously low overnight temperatures. In South County, One Hopeful Place in Fort Walton Beach has opened nightly shelter services beginning Thursday, January 29, and will remain open through Monday night, February 2. The shelter is located at 1564 N. Beal Extension and can be reached at 850-586-7879. Services are available to individuals 18 years and older seeking safe overnight accommodations. Transportation assistance is also being provided. A pickup stop will be available at 205 Shell Avenue each day at 3:30 p.m. from January 29 through February 2. Participants will be transported to One Hopeful Place, with return transportation scheduled for Tuesday, February 3, at 10 a.m. Riders may retrieve secured belongings at that time. Officials note that space on the transportation bus is limited. Only backpacks and essential personal items are permitted. Wagons, suitcases, and bicycles are not allowed on... Read More

Florida ethics panel dismisses complaint against Fort Walton Beach councilman Bryce Jeter Collin Bestor January 29, 2026 9:35 am Fort Walton Beach FORT WALTON BEACH — The Florida Commission on Ethics has dismissed a complaint accusing Fort Walton Beach City Councilmember Bryce Jeter of coercing an incarcerated man into selling his home as a condition of securing his release from jail, concluding that the allegations did not meet the legal requirements to open an ethics investigation.   In a four-page public report released Jan. 28, the commission concluded that, even if the allegations were assumed true, they did not demonstrate that Jeter misused his public office or official resources, a necessary element under Florida law for an ethics violation.   The dismissal closes the ethics case without addressing broader factual disputes surrounding the property transaction at the center of the complaint.   In a statement to Mid Bay News, Jeter said that he is “Always grateful & thankful to see the State of Florida run their due process and come to a professional conclusion where vindication is the result. For multiple decades, I’ve always supported the blighted properties in our community getting cleaned up & becoming safer for all the neighbors & surrounding families.” Ruling limited to legal sufficiency Robinson filed the complaint, alleging that Jeter contacted him while he was incarcerated following a multi-agency drug task force arrest in July 2025 and tied assistance with posting bond to Robinson selling his home at 15 Elm Ave. to JBJ Builders... Read More

 [[{“value”:” February at the Village of Baytowne Wharf is a whirlwind of celebration, from the final glides on the ice to the spicy kick of a Gulf Coast winter tradition. Whether you’re looking to “let the good times roll” for Mardi Gras or sample the best roux in the South, the village calendar is packed with reasons to get out and enjoy the crisp coastal air. Mardi Gras Magic “}]]  SoWal.com  Read More

 [[{“value”:” As the sun touched the horizon on the Gulf of Mexico on a recent evening in Seaside, a familiar sound echoed from the rooftop deck—but this time, the bell wasn’t just signaling the sunset. It was a toast to 40 years of “Good Food, Good People, and Good Times.” To celebrate four decades as the heart of Scenic Highway 30A, the entire staff of Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant gathered on the rooftop for a celebratory toast, honoring a legacy that began with two friends and a dream. “}]]  SoWal.com  Read More

OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)- An Okaloosa County man is heading to prison for 15-years. A federal judge sentenced 41-year-old Kevin Lamonte Powell Jr. this week, after he pleaded guilty back in August to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon. On January 31st last year, authorities […] Read More

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Seacrest Wolf Preserve is facing an uncertain future. The unique sanctuary has been operating on land in Washington County for the last 25 years. Their mission is to protect a number of species of wolves, some of which are endangered, and to educate the public about the importance of preserving […] Read More