Is THIS the sign a Miccosukee Casino will open in Walton County? Christopher Saul February 5, 2026 12:37 pm Walton County The Miccosukee Tribe of Florida finished a purchase for more than 20 acres of land in Walton County on January 5, Walton County Property Appraiser’s records show.  The Tribe, which made it’s mark on Florida history by holding out against the might of the US Army more than 150 years ago in the last of the Seminole Wars, now makes money through the construction and management of casinos and resorts in South Florida, to the west of Miami International Airport. Donna Johns reacts In 2025, Commissioner Donna Johns of the Walton County Commission floated the idea of visiting the Miccosukee as a type of exchange program.  Commissioner Tony Anderson noted in a September meeting of the Board of Commissioners that rumors swirled around the county of the tribe attempting to purchase land for a casino in Walton County.  I spoke to Donna Johns in a short conversation over the phone. She told me that she had not read this story, but did not appreciate what she considered an insinuation from the thumbnail of this article. She also mentioned that the first she’d heard of the transaction was when I called her office. She also mentioned that my call to the commissioners office was the first she’d heard of the purchase.  Johns claimed she had spoken to representatives one time only, when they asked for a meeting with her. “I... Read More

Hope, Growth, and Support Empower Emerald Coast Autism Center’s 2026 Events Staff Reports February 5, 2026 11:20 am Charities and Nonprofits, Destin, Emerald Coast, Niceville In Brief: Who: Emerald Coast Autism Center, founders Heidi Blalock and Staci Berryman What: 2026 fundraising events supporting autism services When: February through October 2026 Where: Niceville, Destin Harbor, and Grand Boulevard Why: To fund therapy, education, and vocational training for individuals with autism Niceville, Fla. — With autism diagnoses continuing to rise nationwide, Emerald Coast Autism Center (ECAC) is rolling out a full slate of fundraising events in 2026 aimed at expanding services and support for children and young adults with autism across Northwest Florida. According to national data, the incidence rate of children diagnosed with autism increased in 2025 from 1 in 36 to 1 in 31 children, highlighting the growing need for specialized care and education. Since its founding in 2009, ECAC has served as a vital community resource, providing Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy, education, and vocational training for individuals with autism and related unique abilities. Founded by Heidi Blalock and Staci Berryman, the nonprofit began by serving just five clients while sharing space with another business. Today, ECAC operates two buildings on the Northwest Florida State College campus, serving more than 100 children and young adults through its clinic and the Emerald Coast Learning Center, a dedicated school designed to meet specialized educational needs.   That growth, ECAC leaders say, is made possible through community support and annual fundraising efforts.... Read More

Quick Police Response Brings Relief in Fort Walton Beach Silver Alert Staff Reports February 5, 2026 10:16 am Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County, Public Safety In Brief: Missing endangered adult reported in Fort Walton Beach on Feb. 3 Silver Alert and license plate readers helped locate the vehicle The individual was found safely and evaluated by EMS Fort Walton Beach, Fla. — A missing endangered adult reported earlier this week was safely located after a coordinated response involving law enforcement, local businesses, and the public, according to the Fort Walton Beach Police Department. Police said officers received a report around 9 a.m. on February 3, 2026, that an endangered adult had gone missing after leaving her residence approximately an hour earlier in her vehicle. While officers were gathering information, employees at a local Waffle House contacted law enforcement to report a woman matching the missing person’s description who was attempting to distribute cash to customers, raising concern for her safety. Shortly afterward, the individual’s vehicle was detected by automatic license plate readers within Fort Walton Beach. A Silver Alert was issued, and a social media notification was distributed to help locate the vehicle. Officers with the Fort Walton Beach Police Department, working alongside the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, saturated the area in an effort to find the missing woman. A subsequent license plate reader alert indicated the vehicle was near Hill Avenue, where officers conducted a traffic stop. The individual was safely located, and emergency medical services responded to evaluate... Read More

New Emergency Room Brings Lifesaving, 24/7 Care to Walton County Staff Reports February 5, 2026 9:44 am DeFuniak Springs, Health, Walton County In Brief: Who: HCA Florida Healthcare, HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital, local leaders What: Opening of HCA Florida DeFuniak Springs Emergency When: Now open; ribbon cutting held last month Where: 160 Twin Springs Way, off Highway 331 near I-10 Exit 85 Why: To expand access to 24/7 emergency medical care and support a growing community DeFuniak Springs, Fla. — Residents and visitors in Walton County now have expanded access to round-the-clock emergency medical care with the opening of HCA Florida DeFuniak Springs Emergency, a new full-service emergency room located just north of Interstate 10 off Highway 331. The $19 million facility, located at 160 Twin Springs Way, officially opened its doors to patients as an extension of HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital, offering 24/7 emergency services for adults and children. The standalone emergency room is staffed by board-certified emergency medicine physicians, nurses, and healthcare professionals and is supported by the broader HCA Healthcare network. “We are honored to expand access to round-the-clock emergency care by board-certified physicians at two convenient locations,” said Todd Jackson, chief executive officer of HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital. “Our new HCA Florida DeFuniak Springs Emergency provides expert local care supported by one of the largest emergency care networks in the nation.” Last month, community leaders, first responders, healthcare professionals, and local officials gathered for a ribbon-cutting and tours of the new 11,570-square-foot facility.... Read More