Emerald Coast Civic Pulse

Gulfarium C.A.R.E Center marked Sea Turtle Week by releasing seven rehabilitated turtles into the Gulf after treating mostly accidental hookings from...

• Safety expansion underway: Destin and Fort Walton Beach Rotary clubs installed 17 new rescue tubes on Okaloosa Island, with nine more planned for...

Local nonprofits and agencies should consider applying for PCCD funding of up to $450,000 for redevelopment, transportation, or environmental initiatives. No matching funds are required for the 12-month grant.

Recent bites in Panama City and Pensacola underscore persistent water risks, even as experts stress rarity.

An NSA employee remains in critical...

FEMA has issued a notice on additions or modifications to Base Flood Elevations, base flood depths, and Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries in listed...

Multiple pedestrian crashes struck Walton County, hitting a runner on Eden Drive, a juvenile on a scooter near Highway 98, and another pedestrian on Scenic Gulf Drive. Drivers and walkers, use extra caution and seek alternate routes where possible.

Housing Initiatives

• 🔥 Habitat for Humanity Zoning Approved: Bay County Commissioners approved a zoning change for a 2.3-acre lot on West...

• Habitat for Humanity zoning approved on West Baldwin Road despite neighbor traffic and character concerns.
• Commissioners highlight low-impact...

Griff Griffitts officially approved as Bay County TDC-CVB leader, poised to leverage his expertise for tourism growth.

Key strengths:

• Hotel...

Feasibility study deems mall unviable for retail but ripe for repurposing.

Key opportunities:

• Medical campus as prime recommendation, serving...

Cold Weather Response

• 🔥 Cold Night Shelter Opens in Fort Walton Beach: One Hopeful Place at 1564 N. Beal Extension opens as Cold Night Shelter...

• 3,500+ warnings in 30 days for speeding >10 mph over in active zones, enhancing child safety where officers can't cover all.
• Human-reviewed...

Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a registered sex offender in Fort Walton Beach after finding a disabled vehicle tied to him and...

Boost for local jobs: CHELCO joined CareerSource Okaloosa Walton's Spring Into Action Rural Resource & Job Fair.

• Staff highlighted department...

Walton County Engineer Chance Powell provides an update on the Nellie Drive Expansion project – click the link to hear the discussion. Stay engaged with local infrastructure developments!

• Yellow flag in effect across Okaloosa County beaches due to moderate surf and possible rip currents.
• Beachgoers: Use caution while swimming.
• Lifeguards on duty from 9 AM to 6 PM—swim near them for safety.

Shape Bay County's future: Join the Planning Commission Meeting on April 21, 2026, 1:30-3:00 PM in Panama City – public input welcome on zoning matters!

Walton County Finance Manager Devon Peyton from the Office of Management and Budget presented on property tax reform and its effects on local residents.

Key development spotlight in Bay County:

• Location: Along West Bay near Intracoastal Waterway, west of Hwy 79, close to Latitude Margaritaville...

Public safety ramps up for Mar 15-18 chill:

• Bay County: NWS Freeze Warning 12am-9am Tue, lows in 30s, protect people, pipes, pets, plants.
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