The local desk · Okaloosa County
We read the county, the cities and the outlets that cover them, then brief it in our own words with a link to everyone who reported it. Updated every hour.
Latest story
Florida voters will decide next week whether to expand homestead property tax exemptions, a change supporters say will ease housing costs but which Okaloosa County officials warn could force small municipalities to close. County Administrator John Hofstad projects the first-year revenue loss at $15 million, potentially doubling by year two.
Gulf Pointe Latin's volleyball team won the Panhandle Christian Conference championship for the second consecutive year, finishing the season undefeated at 23-0.
The Florida Small Business Development Center is deploying temporary assistance centers across Santa Rosa County from November 2-5 to help business owners navigate disaster loans and recovery. Consultants will staff pop-up locations in Milton, Jay, and Navarre during extended business hours.
President Trump approved a federal disaster declaration for Florida following Hurricane Isaias, unlocking Public Assistance funds for local governments and schools in Escambia County and surrounding areas. Individual assistance for residents remains pending as federal officials complete damage assessments to determine eligibility under FEMA's thresholds.
Local historian Bert Moore will thrill us with spooky stories from our own backyards! This is for adults, as some of the material may be too scary for little ones.
Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative
Ft Walton Library (Meeting Room), 185 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach
Our story continues. After years of gathering in and around Santa Rosa Beach, Emerald Coast Storytellers has begun expanding west.
The Craft Bar - Destin Harbor, 541 Harbor Blvd, Destin
Documentary of the Month: Dracula’s Hidden Kingdom Thursday, October 29 | 5:00 pm | Niceville Library Discover the wildlife and wild places of one of the world’s most iconic locations – Transylvania; a mystical land beyond the Romanian forests hiding some of Europe’s last true wilderness regions. Its soaring Carpathian Mountains and vast ancient forests still provide sanctuary for some of the coun
Niceville Library (Conference Room), 206 N Partin Dr, Niceville
Wear your best pink witch attire and walk Main Street for breast cancer awareness; free tote for each participant, with donations to the ForeHer Foundation.
Main Street (start at the Arts and Learning Center), Main Street, Crestview