What is happening in Okaloosa County and along the Emerald Coast. Every story is briefed in our own words, with links to everyone who reported it.
Jamil Hampton, 55, faces federal charges including conspiracy to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine, and illegal firearm possession. If convicted on all counts, he could face 30 years to life in prison, with trial scheduled for October 16 in Pensacola.
State wildlife officials will conduct another bear hunt in December across selected hunting zones, following last year's hunt that resulted in approximately 52 black bears killed. Santa Rosa County will not be included in the designated hunting areas this year.
A pedestrian was seriously injured Tuesday evening after being struck by an eastbound truck on Highway 90 west of Rosebud Avenue in Okaloosa County, according to Florida Highway Patrol. The victim was transported to a local hospital, and authorities are still working to identify the pedestrian.
Republican congressional candidate Byron Donalds outlined his vision for Florida's governorship at an Okaloosa County campaign event, emphasizing property tax relief, insurance reform and public safety funding. Donalds expressed support for Amendment 3, which could eliminate property taxes, while proposing state assistance for fiscally constrained counties to maintain law enforcement services.
Crestview held its second Opioid Immersion Seminar on September 26 to address drug addiction and its effects on users, families and friends.
Lou Longo, a 54-year-old self-employed carpenter and Destin resident, suffered a stroke on September 21 and faces substantial medical costs without health insurance. A GoFundMe campaign seeking $35,000 had raised nearly $24,000 by late September, with a fundraiser scheduled for October 4 at a Fort Walton Beach entertainment center.
The Crestview City Council unanimously approved a prohibition on developing large load customers and data centers within city limits, making it the first municipality in Okaloosa County to enact such a ban.
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Fort Walton Beach is hosting Concerts at The Landing, a free eight-week series running Friday evenings through October 23 at the waterfront park downtown. Below Alabama performs the opening show on October 2, with three additional acts scheduled through late October.
A 41-year-old Crestview resident was arrested Sept. 18 after arriving at a woman's home with a gunshot wound to his leg sustained during a confrontation with his wife. He faced charges including violation of a protective order, battery and methamphetamine possession after deputies found drugs in his vehicle. His pretrial bond was revoked.
More than 100 boat captains and anglers gathered at AJ's Seafood and Oyster Bar on Sept. 29 for the annual Destin Fishing Rodeo captain's meeting and kickoff party. Rodeo Chairman Rachel Staples reviewed rules including shark regulations, while captains registered their boats for the 78th annual event.
Navarre First Assembly of God dispatched 16 congregants to the Czech Republic to renovate a former theater into a church building. The mission trip continues the congregation's annual tradition of international service work led by pastor Jon Skipper.
Northview High School has rescheduled its homecoming parade and football game from Friday to Thursday, October 1, because of weather concerns. The parade will begin at noon with a lineup at the school, followed by the game against Destin at 7 p.m.
A new Walmart Neighborhood Market at 1150 Industrial Drive in Crestview holds its grand opening Wednesday with a free daylong event featuring celebrity appearances, cooking demonstrations and a concert by country-pop artist Niko Moon. The first 250 people at the 8:30 a.m. ribbon cutting will receive $25 gift cards.
Italian eatery Indaco opened in Alys Beach while Fort Walton Beach's Ace's Pub, formerly the Boardroom, held its ribbon cutting in August. The two establishments are among several new dining options that have launched across the two counties so far this year.
Campbell's Tree Care, Destin Commons, and Urban Air all posted decisive victories in week four of the city's Adult Coed Softball League, with Urban Air maintaining its undefeated record at 4-0. The GAB Spot narrowly defeated Emerald Coast Roofscapes 17-15 in a back-and-forth contest featuring standout performances from multiple players across the league.
The Navarre girls golf team placed fourth with a score of 380 at Monday's Miracle Strip Invitational, trailing third-place Fort Walton Beach by five strokes. Jaya McDonald led the Raiders' effort at the tournament.
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Four people were arrested after a 20-year-old man was killed in a shooting near Fort Walton Beach on Sept. 15 during an attempted robbery. The victim drove himself to a gas station before being hospitalized, where he died.
Little Haven Coffee began operations Sept. 24 at 895 W. James Lee Blvd., offering coffee, matcha, and food. The shop operates Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet unanimously appointed Larry Keefe, an Okaloosa County native and former U.S. Attorney, to lead the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Keefe replaces Mark Glass, who is moving to the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office.
The Crestview Bulldogs competed in a four-team tournament at Pace on September 26, facing off against district opponents Pace and Navarre along with West Florida. The team finished the weekend with a 1-2 record in the competition.
A trial started for a former Okaloosa County sheriff's deputy, with opening statements underway in the case. The specific charges and allegations against the defendant were not detailed in available information.
All four Santa Rosa Tax Collector locations will shut down Monday, October 12, for an in-service training day. The closure affects offices in Milton, Gulf Breeze, Pace, and Jay.
About 20 students from Fellowship of Christian Athletes and other Christian groups met at Navarre High School on Sept. 23 to participate in See You at the Pole, an international student-led prayer gathering. The event was organized by the school's FCA chapter with support from local youth ministry leaders.
Edmondson, a University of West Florida graduate and Tate High School alumna, has been recognized as teacher of the year at Holley-Navarre Primary School. She has pursued teaching since childhood and focuses on helping students develop their abilities.
Northwest Florida State College will host the Professional Cowboys Association-recognized rodeo Nov. 6-7, featuring bull riding, barrel racing and roping events. General admission tickets are $20 in advance and $25 during rodeo week, with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. both nights.
The City of Destin will hold its free annual Open House on Oct. 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Community Center on Stahlman Avenue, featuring a fish fry, live music, caricature artist and photo booth. This year's event celebrates an Americana theme honoring the nation's 250th anniversary.
Three restaurants in Okaloosa County received perfect scores during recent state health inspections. The Northwest Florida Daily News publishes weekly inspection results to inform diners, since Florida does not require restaurants to publicly display their inspection findings.
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Florida voters will decide Amendment 3 on November 3, which would raise homestead exemptions for non-school property taxes and lower assessment caps for non-homestead property starting in 2027. Mary Esther has released an information sheet detailing the amendment's effects on city revenues and finances, taking no position on the measure.
Four area runners finished in the top five at the Argonaut Invitational held Sept. 26 at the University of West Florida. Pace's Leighton Reams placed third and Navarre's Jaelee Placke finished fifth in the girls race.
Jordan Blake Williams, 35, appeared in court Sept. 8 on allegations he held a woman against her will at a Navarre home in 2025. Attorneys are conducting depositions ahead of trial.
The Destin City Council approved preliminary responses to state questions about managing the four-acre Holiday Isle State Park, moving forward with a proposed lease directly with the state rather than through Okaloosa County. The plan includes parking, beach volleyball, a boardwalk extension and docks with transient slip fees, with estimated improvements between $3 million and $4 million.
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The Okaloosa Health Department has advised against recreational water use in Cinco Bayou after tests on September 17 found bacterial levels exceeding state standards. The Okaloosa County Natural Resources Department conducted the testing that prompted the advisory.
Isaiah Lamar Luna, convicted in a 2022 double homicide at Oak Creek Shopping Plaza, failed to overturn his conviction through post-conviction relief. Luna pleaded no contest to murder in a case involving two men killed during a drug deal gone wrong, with two other defendants still awaiting trial proceedings.
Judy Forrester, a floor manager aide at the Niceville Senior Center since 2021, received September's Ryan Cabaniss Niceville Good Neighbor Award for her dedication to the facility and its members. Forrester said her commitment to going beyond her job duties and building relationships with seniors and staff has made the center one of the nation's best.
Bob Sikes, who represented Northwest Florida in Congress for more than three decades, died September 28, 1994, from Alzheimer's complications. Through his position on military construction committees, Sikes secured billions in defense spending that preserved military bases throughout the region after World War II, fundamentally shaping the Emerald Coast's economy.
The 48th annual Destin Seafood Festival drew attendees to the harborfront over the weekend, with more than 70 vendors selling crafts and merchandise alongside seven participating restaurants in a VIP area. The event featured five entertainment stages and stretched along the harbor from HarborWalk Village to Heron Harbor.
The 48th annual Destin Seafood Festival attracted large crowds over the weekend with more than 70 vendors, live entertainment, and food options stretching along the waterfront. The event, which serves as the primary fundraiser for the Destin Charter Boat Association, saw steady attendance throughout the three-day festival.
The Wentz Brothers Festival of Fears will open in Holt on October 2, marking the event's first appearance in Okaloosa County as the region enters the Halloween season.
The Crestview High School football team fell to 0-6 following a loss to Pace last Friday. Despite the winless record, the team remains competitive in its matchups.
A TJ Maxx store is under construction in the Paradise Key shopping center in Destin, occupying the former Steinmart and Joann Fabrics building. The discount retailer will be the second TJ Maxx in Okaloosa County, joining an existing location in Mary Esther that has operated for nearly 20 years.
Fort Walton Beach defeated Gulf Breeze 35-21 to improve to 2-0 in district play for the first time since 2007. The Vikings' victory came in an emotionally charged game following head coach Josh Pulliam's cancer diagnosis announcement.
Harbor Docks Charities will take 300 children ages 7 to 13 on free fishing trips aboard Destin charter boats on Nov. 1, with reservations opening Oct. 1. The 31st annual event pairs participants with off-duty law enforcement and firefighters as chaperones and includes breakfast, fishing gear, and a family fish fry.
Niceville will debut its new Old Town Landing Dock and Pier on Oct. 6, marking the first phase of a waterfront revitalization project funded by the city's Community Redevelopment Agency, county tourism dollars and a state boating grant. Officials say the facility will serve as a gathering space for residents while generating economic activity for local businesses.
Headlines and briefings are written by Emerald Coast Connected. Full articles remain with the publishers linked under each story.