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Okaloosa County rejects open carry for employees, keeps concealed-only firearm policy Collin Bestor November 18, 2025 2:30 pm Okaloosa County In Brief: Okaloosa County will keep its existing concealed-carry policy for county employees. Officials cited public safety risks, perception issues, and training hurdles against open carry expansion. Commissioners plan to send an annual letter to employees clarifying rules and safety expectations. SHALIMAR — The Okaloosa County Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to retain its existing policy allowing county employees with concealed-carry permits to carry firearms while on duty, declining to expand the policy to include open carry despite recent statewide legalization.   Human Resources and Risk Management Director Kelly Bird opened the discussion by noting that employee questions had surged after Florida’s September authorization of open carry.   The county first permitted employees with concealed-weapon permits to carry in 2017, and that rule has remained unchanged since then. Bird told commissioners that the county had received several inquiries about whether county employees are permitted to open carry while on duty.   County Attorney Lynn Hoshihara explained that although Florida law preempts most firearm regulations, counties are explicitly allowed to regulate whether their own employees may carry weapons while performing their duties.   She said the commission could leave the policy as-is, expand it, or alter the requirements, but reminded officials that specific locations, including meeting rooms during official sessions, polling places, sheriff’s offices, and schools, remain off-limits.   Those areas, she said, will remain gun-free.   Commissioners broadly agreed that the... Read More

Dive Into History: SS United States Reef Project Staff Reports November 18, 2025 1:02 pm History, Military, Okaloosa County, Pensacola Beach, Tourism, Wildlife In Brief: Okaloosa County approved major partnerships with Visit Pensacola and CCA Florida, securing $2 million to support the SS United States artificial reef project. The 990-foot ship is expected to be deployed in early 2026 and will become the world’s largest artificial reef. Officials say the reef will boost marine ecosystems, create new tourism opportunities, and elevate Northwest Florida as a global diving destination. Okaloosa County is taking a historic step in marine conservation and tourism with the SS United States artificial reef project, partnering with Visit Pensacola and the Coastal Conservation Association Florida (CCA Florida). The project, which will transform the iconic ocean liner into the world’s largest artificial reef, will enhance marine habitats, attract divers worldwide, and strengthen Northwest Florida’s tourism economy. County commissioners unanimously approved agreements with Visit Pensacola and CCA Florida, securing $2 million in combined funding—$1.5 million from Visit Pensacola and $500,000 from CCA Florida—to support the deployment and promotion of the reef. Visit Pensacola is scheduled to review and approve its contribution during the December 2025 board meeting. “A Historic Regional Collaboration” Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon praised the initiative, highlighting the long-term benefits for both the environment and the local economy. “I applaud the energy that went into creating these partnerships,” Mixon said. “This collaboration will foster amazing adventures for generations of visitors and create a tourism economy... Read More

Northwest Florida Guardian ad Litem and the Community Unite for a Record-Breaking Fall Fundraiser Staff Reports November 18, 2025 12:24 pm Charities and Nonprofits, Events, Pensacola Beach In Brief: Who: Northwest Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation, Virginia Davis, local sponsors, volunteers, community members What: Two fall fundraising events that raised over $119,000 for foster children When: October 26, 2025 (Garden Gala) and November 7, 2025 (Groove & Give) Where: Niceville (The Shop at Baldwin Turf) and Pensacola (The Sanctuary Event Venue) Why: To fund essential needs not covered by state support for more than 1,500 local foster children PENSACOLA, FL – November 18, 2025 — The Northwest Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation announced today that its two marquee fall fundraising events—the annual Garden Gala in Niceville and the inaugural Groove & Give with The Mulligans in Pensacola—have collectively raised more than $119,000 in support of abused, abandoned, and neglected children in foster care across Walton, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Escambia counties. The Foundation, which supports more than 1,500 children annually, relies heavily on community fundraising to meet critical needs that state funding cannot cover. These include emergency clothing, hygiene items, mental health services, tutoring, enrichment programs, medical and dental necessities, and extracurricular activities that allow children to maintain a sense of normalcy and hope. Garden Gala: A Night of Community, Commitment, and Compassion Held on Sunday, October 26, 2025, the Garden Gala transformed The Shop at Baldwin Turf in Niceville into a warm, elegant event space filled with soft lighting,... Read More

COVID Beach Shutdowns to Cost Walton County Big Staff Reports November 18, 2025 11:38 am 30a, Destin, Real Estate, South Walton, Tourism, Walton County In Brief: A federal appeals court ruled that Walton County must compensate landowners who were barred from accessing their private beaches during COVID-19 closures. Judges found the county’s 2020 ordinance to be an unconstitutional “physical taking” under the Fifth Amendment. The decision overturns a lower court ruling and requires the county to cover both damages and legal expenses. Walton County, Fla. — A significant federal appeals court ruling issued Monday determined that Walton County must compensate private beachfront property owners who were prohibited from accessing their land during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a new report by Florida Phoenix, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit found that the county’s 2020 emergency ordinance—which closed both public and private beaches—violated the Fifth Amendment’s Takings Clause. The three-judge panel unanimously ruled that Walton County’s actions amounted to a “textbook physical taking,” overturning an earlier district court decision that had rejected landowners’ claims. During the closures, deputies enforced the ordinance by physically removing residents from their own beachfronts and warning some that they could be arrested for stepping onto their privately owned sand. Background of the Dispute In March 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic spread across Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order urging residents to comply with local restrictions, including beach closures. Days later, Walton County Commissioners voted to close public beaches but noted publicly... Read More

What Is The “Mic Drop” Button On The Voice? The Voice has introduced a series of new rules and powers during Season 28, including the “Mic Drop” button. The Mic Drop was introduced during the knockouts. An article on NBC’s website describes the purpose of the new button and how the coaches can use it. […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Toby Keith’s daughter, Krystal, took to the stage during Sunday’s Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals game to honor her late father and the military by singing the national anthem and also performing the halftime show. Growing up with Toby absolutely loving the Steelers, Krystal shared that the experience was a “dream come true.” “Every moment […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Okaloosa Technical College Recognized as Military-Friendly Purple Star Campus Staff Reports November 17, 2025 3:16 pm Fort Walton Beach, Military, Okaloosa County, Schools and Education In Brief: WHO: Okaloosa Technical College, Director Jon Williams, Superintendent Marcus Chambers WHAT: Received the Collegiate Purple Star Campus designation WHEN: Announced November 17, 2025 WHERE: OTC campuses across Okaloosa County WHY: The college met all state criteria for providing strong support systems for military members, veterans, and their families Okaloosa Technical College (OTC) has officially been designated a Collegiate Purple Star Campus by the Florida Department of Education— a recognition that affirms the school’s strong, ongoing commitment to serving active-duty military members, veterans, and their families. This distinction, which is awarded only to colleges that demonstrate exceptional support for military-affiliated students, highlights OTC’s role as a major educational hub for one of the most military-connected regions in Florida. The designation was confirmed through a formal notification by Kathryn S. Hebda, Chancellor of the Florida College System. In her letter, Chancellor Hebda stressed the state’s commitment to becoming the most military-friendly state in the nation and commended OTC for meeting every statutory requirement set forth by legislation enacted in 2023. The Collegiate Purple Star initiative, created by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, recognizes colleges that establish clear and effective pathways for military families transitioning into higher education and workforce training. Meeting Every Requirement Across All OTC Sites To be considered for the Collegiate Purple Star Campus designation, institutions must... Read More

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