News Archive

Three of Okaloosa County’s nine state funding requests that recently were shared with the county’s legislative delegation pertain to proposed projects on the county’s north end.
The state Legislature’s next 60-day regular session starts on Jan. 9.

After hiking about nine miles, thru-hikers heading west on the Florida National Scenic Trail from State Road 85 just south of Crestview currently must turn around because of a trail gap and the lack of a footbridge over the Yellow River.

The Okaloosa County Commission on Nov. 7 approved granting $33,227 in economic development property tax exemptions to help a New York-based U.S. Navy contractor expand into Florida.

Preliminary plats for two proposed major subdivisions of detached single-family homes, as well as requested future land use and zoning designations for land that later might contain a large townhouse subdivision, were approved by the Crestview Planning and Development Board on Nov. 6.

The Okaloosa County Commission on Nov. 7 approved extending a burn ban in the county for another seven days due to persistent dry weather conditions.
The extension will be effective through Nov. 14 and can be extended in seven-day increments if needed.

Okaloosa County’s dirt road stabilization program received a new infusion of funding on Nov. 7.
That’s when the County Commission unanimously approved allocating $4 million worth of county infrastructure surtax money in the current budget to stabilize more than 20 miles of dirt roads on the county’s north end.

A bogus call of an active shooter at Baker School was made around 8:46 a.m. Nov. 3, according to Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office officials.
“A thorough and rapid response with proper protocols resulted, and deputies were able to determine the call was what is typically referred to as a “swatting” call, where a misguided individual makes threats of violence in an effort to misinform and mislead law enforcement,” OCSO officials said in a public announcement. “All students and faculty were safe.”

The Crestview Living History Corps will march in the city’s Veterans Day parade in honor of North Okaloosa County’s World War II heroes.
As they head up Main Street on the morning of Nov. 11, barring any unforeseen circumstances, they will be escorting a special guest of honor: A veteran of the WWII Battle of the Bulge.

Trash collection companies interested in serving as the city of Laurel Hill’s solid waste services provider for the next five years have until Nov. 30 to respond to the city’s request for proposals.

The chance to shop for handmade gifts and decorations for the holidays, watch pioneer demonstrations, learn about the local environment, see antique tractors, and enjoy food and live music will be available for attendees of the 16th Annual Baker Heritage Day Festival.