30A Breaking News

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