Allegiant Faces Coast-to-Coast Pilot Picket Staff Reports November 17, 2025 1:02 pm Aviation, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Tourism, Travel In Brief: Allegiant Air pilots will hold a nationwide informational picket on Tuesday to demand a fair contract. Teamsters say the airline is losing experienced pilots due to stalled negotiations and concessions. VPS is among the 22 Allegiant bases where pilots will gather with signs and hold demonstrations. DESTIN, FL (November 18, 2025) — Allegiant Air pilots, represented by Teamsters Local 2118, will hold a nationwide informational picket on November 18 at 10:00 a.m. local time to call attention to what they describe as ongoing delays and stagnation in contract negotiations with the company. The coordinated demonstrations will occur at all 22 Allegiant pilot bases across the United States, including at Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS), where pilots will gather near the airport’s shuttle pickup and drop-off area. More than 1,400 Allegiant pilots are participating in the action. According to the Teamsters, Allegiant management has continued to request concessions and impose delays while making substantial investments in fleet expansion, marketing, and other corporate initiatives. Pilots say those investments have not translated into fair compensation, improved scheduling, or better long-term stability for the workforce responsible for operating the airline’s rapidly growing network. Union leaders note that the lack of progress in negotiations is contributing to a growing retention problem. Allegiant pilots—many with years of experience flying at the airline—are leaving for competitor carriers offering more competitive pay structures, predictable scheduling, and stronger... Read More

Watch The Two Artists Take Jabs At The Early Days Of Their Style Perhaps it was Heidi Klum on Project Runway who said it best, that “in fashion, one day you’re in, and the next day, you’re out.” Country stars may know the truth of that sentiment better than anyone, with trends in Western apparel […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

OPINION: Why Won’t Okaloosa County Honor The Only Woman Awarded The Medal Of Honor At Their Women Veterans Monnunment? Christopher Saul November 17, 2025 9:26 am Military, Okaloosa County, Opinion Two more statues have been added to the pile over at Okaloosa Island’s Women’s Vet Park. The two new statues are of an unnamed Haudenosaunee woman and Marine Corps Sergeant Nicole Gee.  They join several deserving women from various backgrounds who fought to make our country free. Women like Margaret Corbin, who was technically never in the military during the American Revolution, or Cathey Williams, who lied about her gender to enlist and fight for freedom in the Civil War.  But there is still one woman who absolutely deserves a statue – and still doesn’t have one on the island. Dr. Mary Edwards Walker.  Walker is the only woman ever to have received the Congressional Medal of Honor. And at one point, the government took it away from her. Walker, one of the first women to earn the title of medical doctor in the United States, administered medical aid to many Union troops throughout the Civil War until she was captured by insurrectionist forces.  Initially, she tried to become an officer in the military, but because women weren’t allowed to join as doctors, the military offered her a spot in nursing instead. Insulted, she refused and decided to volunteer.  By 1863, the Union was desperately in need of doctors and decided to revise its old rules that had banned women... Read More

Aspiring Country Artists Fight For Victory On The Road Five weeks into CBS’s new reality show, The Road, eight hopeful artists are still in the running for the ultimate grand prize. The winner of the competition will receive $250,000, a recording contract, and a coveted spot in the lineup for Stagecoach Festival. The new show […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Okaloosa County School District Announces 2026 Education Staff Professional of the Year Staff Reports November 14, 2025 7:57 pm Niceville, Okaloosa County, Schools and Education In Brief: WHO: Education Staff Professional finalists — Nicole Hardin, Gretchen Levinson, and Starla Lucas — along with Superintendent Marcus Chambers and district support staff. WHAT: Recognition ceremony honoring the 2026 Education Staff Professional of the Year. WHEN: Held during the district’s annual ceremony for Education Staff Professionals. WHERE: Crosspoint Church, Niceville, Florida. WHY: To celebrate and recognize the essential contributions of support staff who help students and schools succeed daily. The Okaloosa County School District (OCSD) proudly honored the dedication and service of its Education Staff Professionals during the 2026 Education Staff Professional of the Year Ceremony, held at Crosspoint Church in Niceville. The event brought together district leaders, colleagues, family members, and community partners to recognize the individuals who keep schools operating smoothly and help create safe, supportive environments for students. Education Staff Professionals include the custodians who open the buildings before dawn, the bus drivers who transport more than 18,000 students safely each day, the secretaries who manage the flow of campus life, and the support staff who handle daily operations behind the scenes. Their work, district leaders emphasized, is a cornerstone of school success. This year’s finalists represented three campuses across the district: Nicole Hardin, Northwood Elementary School Gretchen Levinson, Meigs Middle School Starla Lucas, Mary Esther Elementary School After reviewing nominations and testimonials highlighting each finalist’s contributions, OCSD announced Nicole... Read More

AirHeart 1 Heroes Honored With Memorial By South Walton Fire District Steven Saul November 14, 2025 4:34 pm Military, South Walton, Walton County In Brief: South Walton Fire District dedicated a new memorial at Thomas Pilcher Park to honor the three AirHeart 1 crew members killed in a 2004 helicopter crash. Family members, including Chris Chase—now a firefighter like his father—joined county commissioners and fire officials to reflect on the legacy of the fallen heroes. The memorial stands at the original rescue command post site and will serve as a vital part of training and historical remembrance for future firefighters.The  As the ‘bagpiper’ played Amazing Grace at the waters edge of the Choctawhatchee Bay, the honor guard from the South Walton Fire District stood at attention to remember the three Walton County’s brave AirHeart 1 transport team that gave the ultimate gift on October 20, 2004. Fire Chief and Administrator, Ryan Crawford, was the primary speaker for the dedication of the “Heroes Remembered” monument that stands at the Bay’s water’s edge at Thomas Pilcher Park. The park is a hidden gem for the county, and is the location of a beautiful pier that is nestled just under the northbound entrance of the 331 Bridge. There is also great significance in this memorial location for the AirHeart 1 crew. Over the past 21 years, the South Walton Fire District has paid tribute to the AirHeart 1 heroes (Jack Chase, Flight Nurse, Tom Palcic, Pilot, and Robert Heighton, Paramedic and Fire Fighter)... Read More

Jelly Roll recently concluded his “Down Under” 2025 Tour, which included performances across Australia and New Zealand. Jelly has really been enjoying himself while traveling internationally. Not only did the tour mark a significant milestone in his career, particularly after years of being unable to travel internationally due to past legal issues, but the “Save […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Get Ready to Take Your Best Shot at the Cadet Post 850 Turkey Shoot Classic Staff Reports November 14, 2025 11:56 am Walton County In Brief: Who: Cadet Post 850 & Walton County Sheriff’s Office What: Annual Turkey Shoot Classic with competitions, prizes, and raffles When: Saturday, November 22, starting at 9:00 a.m. Where: WCSO Firing Range Why: To bring the community together for friendly competition and support Cadet Post 850 The Walton County Sheriff’s Office Cadet Post 850 is inviting the community to take part in one of its most anticipated annual events — the Turkey Shoot Classic, set for Saturday, November 22, beginning at 9:00 AM at the WCSO Firing Range. The event is open to shooters of all experience levels, from seasoned marksmen to first-timers looking for a fun way to spend a fall morning. This year’s Turkey Shoot Classic aims to bring together community members, supporters, and families for a day filled with friendly competition, camaraderie, and fall-season fun. Organizers say the event not only provides a great time but also helps support the ongoing activities, training opportunities, and youth development programs offered through Cadet Post 850. Participants will compete in multiple rounds, each offering different prizes. Prices range from $5 to $10 per round, depending on the prize value. The prize list is bigger and better than ever, including whole turkeys, steak and beef packages, a battery-powered blower, and a variety of additional items revealed on the day of the event. Raffle items will also... Read More

Okaloosa Technical College Now Accepting Bids for Student-Built Tiny Homes Staff Reports November 14, 2025 10:30 am Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County, Schools and Education In Brief: Who: Okaloosa Technical College students and Director Jon Williams What: Bidding opened for four student-built tiny homes When: Now through November 19 at 3:30 p.m. Where: Okaloosa Technical College, Okaloosa County Why: To give students real-world, hands-on experience while providing high-quality homes to the community Okaloosa Technical College (OTC) is inviting community members, builders, and tiny-home enthusiasts to submit bids for four newly completed student-built tiny homes. Bids will be accepted through Wednesday, November 19, at 3:30 p.m., with interested buyers encouraged to request a bid packet early due to expected high interest. The tiny homes—each uniquely crafted—represent the culmination of months of hands-on work by OTC students enrolled in several skilled trade programs. These programs include Building Trades, Carpentry, Electrical, and HVAC, giving students an opportunity to collaborate across disciplines in a real jobsite-style environment. OTC Director Jon Williams said the program is one of the college’s longest-running and most successful forms of experiential learning. “Okaloosa Technical College has been building these and similar houses for decades,” Williams explained. “When it comes to skilled labor and trades, there is no better way to learn than by doing. Projects like this give students the confidence, craftsmanship, and teamwork experience they’ll carry into the workforce.”  Each tiny home is built to reflect high-quality construction standards learned through OTC’s curriculum. Students are responsible for framing,... Read More