Walton Commission decides on parking, vending at Eastern Lake Steven Saul January 28, 2026 10:33 am 30a, South Walton The Walton County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) was prepared this week to make a decision on the future direction for the public beach access at Eastern Lake in South Walton.  As recently reported by Mid Bay News, this topic was highly contested by residents of Eastern Lake, and many raised specific concerns about pending County development near and on the coastal dune, which shares a natural ecosystem with the Gulf.  Residents of Eastern Lake voiced concerns and opposition to a proposed regional beach access that could affect the lake.  To the delight of many residents in attendance, the BCC came ready to support the protection and conservation of Eastern Lake.   The Chairman of the BCC, Brad Drake (District 3), made a motion that he believed would be readily acceptable to everyone in attendance saying, “The Chair would entertain a motion to lay the item on the table and leave [it] pending indefinitely – meaning there would be no action [or pursuit to move forward with the regional beach access] meaning there would be no action [but] if another board [BCC} would like to pursue this [a change] in the future, they could.”  Drake then asked, “Is there a motion?”  The motion was made by Commissioner Danny Glidewell (District 2) and seconded by Commissioner Donna Johns (District 4). With an expeditious posture, the Chairman invited public comment, then asked whether anyone... Read More

Morgan Wallen Placed At No. 8, Just Behind His “What I Want” Co-Singer, Tate McRae Looking back at 2025, Morgan Wallen‘s album I’m The Problem, as well as its supporting stadium tour, was a significant highlight. The 37-track triple album saw Morgan have 36 of its 37 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 all at […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Urgent: Cold Weather Shelters Ready to Save Lives in Okaloosa Staff Reports January 28, 2026 10:05 am Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Okaloosa County In Brief: Who: One Hopeful Place, Generations Church, Crestview Area Shelter for the Homeless, and vulnerable community members What: Cold weather shelter openings for overnight safety When: January 28 through February 1, 2026 (varies by location) Where: Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, and Crestview Why: To provide protection and warmth during dangerously cold temperatures FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — As dangerously cold overnight temperatures settle across Okaloosa County, multiple emergency cold weather shelters are opening this week to provide warmth, safety, and critical overnight accommodations for vulnerable residents. Strategic partner shelters in both South County and North County will begin accepting guests beginning Wednesday night, January 28, with staggered schedules and intake times depending on location. In South County, One Hopeful Place in Fort Walton Beach will open Wednesday and Thursday evenings, beginning at 4 p.m. The shelter serves adults ages 18 and older and can be reached at 850-586-7879. The facility is located at 1564 N. Beal Extension, Fort Walton Beach. Transportation for guests was provided earlier this week, though no additional pickup trips are currently scheduled. Shelter residents will be transported back to Shell Avenue on Friday, January 30, at 10 a.m., at which time personal belongings can be retrieved. Also in South County, Generations Church in Niceville will open Wednesday night with check-in available from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. The church serves families... Read More

Okaloosa County Commission approves $17.7M for SR 85 widening, new sheriff’s office evidence facility Collin Bestor January 28, 2026 9:15 am Okaloosa County SHALIMAR — Okaloosa County commissioners unanimously approved more than $12.7 million in infrastructure surtax funding on Jan. 20, advancing a State Road 85 widening project tied to the Southwest Crestview Bypass and authorizing construction of a new evidence storage facility for the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office as officials pointed to growth pressures, public safety needs and long-term fiscal efficiency.   The board approved a $10 million allocation from fiscal year 2026 Infrastructure Surtax reserves as the county’s local contribution to a Florida Department of Transportation project to widen and reconstruct State Road 85 from Live Oak Church Road to P.J. Adams Parkway. Commissioners also authorized $2,707,870 in surtax funding for design, construction, security systems and furnishings for a new sheriff’s office evidence facility in Crestview.   County leaders said both projects are necessary to keep pace with population growth, traffic demand and expanding public safety responsibilities, while avoiding increases in property or income taxes. SR 85 widening tied to bypass investment FDOT has designed improvements to widen State Road 85 from State Road 123 to Interstate 10 to six lanes, addressing longstanding congestion along one of Okaloosa County’s primary north-south corridors.   The portion between Live Oak Church Road and P.J. Adams Parkway, roughly one mile, is considered essential to fully realizing the benefits of the $200 million Southwest Crestview Bypass and Interstate 10 interchange projects.  ... Read More

Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, And Lionel Richie Judge A New Season Of American Idol The Season 24 premiere of American Idol aired on ABC on Sunday, January 26. The two-hour episode featured a parade of talented performers who earned Golden Tickets to Hollywood Week. Season 23’s judges, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie, all […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Day one of the trial began Tuesday morning for suspects Jubal Simmons and Ivybella Encino. You may remember the Panama City road rage incident that turned fatal during last year’s Mardi Gras celebration. A Chipley mother, celebrating her 48th birthday, was killed after several rounds were fired into her vehicle, […] Read More