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The local desk · Okaloosa County

Everything happening on the Emerald Coast, in one place.

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.

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Latest story

Crestview Family Wins Fall Festival Costume Contest With "Wizard of Oz" Group

A Crestview family of 13, including their dog, dressed as characters from "The Wizard of Oz" and won the Best Group Costume award at the Main Street Crestview Fall Festival on October 31. The group spent six weeks planning and hand-sewing most of their costumes, with organizer Teresa Bonham emphasizing the event's value in creating family memories.

1 source

Destin Approves 50-Year Holiday Isle Lease Pending State Sign-Off

The Destin City Council voted unanimously to lease approximately 4 acres of state-owned property on Holiday Isle for conservation and public recreation, with the city paying $300 annually. The lease requires state approval and a management plan within 10 months, with public input to be scheduled before the plan is finalized.

1 source

Direct from the source

Fort Walton Beach Launches Roof Repair Deductible Assistance Program

The city is offering grants of up to $2,000 to low-to-moderate income homeowners with active insurance claims for roof damage, funded through a federal Community Development Block Grant. Eligible applicants must own a primary residence in Fort Walton Beach, meet HUD income limits, and hire a licensed contractor, with funds distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

1 source

Okaloosa County to Sink Historic Ocean Liner as Artificial Reef

The SS United States, a 990-foot passenger ship that set an Atlantic crossing speed record in 1952, will be deliberately sunk Nov. 12 off the Destin-Fort Walton Beach coast to become the world's largest artificial reef. Okaloosa County spent more than a year preparing the vessel by removing hazardous materials and obtaining federal permits before the scheduled sinking.

1 source

Coming up

All events
Thursday, November 5, 12:00 PMFundraiser or drive

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 75 Bake Sale

Homemade Goodies baked by American Legion Auxiliary Members to benefit local Veterans Community Services Food

898 E James Lee Blvd, Crestview

Saturday, November 7, 8:00 AMFundraiser or drive

2026 Vets Day 5K

Mark your calendars for our 2026 Vets Day 5K ! November 7 is our date for this year.

311 Main St, Destin

Saturday, November 7, 9:00 AMFestival

DeFrance Holiday Market

DeFrance will be hosting our annual Holiday Market on Saturday, November 7thth from 9:00am-2:00 pm. There will be a wide array of vendors with Christmas Décor, Jewelry, Home Décor

DeFrance on Eglin, 230 Eglin Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach