News Archive

We watched in 2011 and 2012 when the 7th Special Forces relocated from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to Eglin Air Force Base. As they phased their move, thousands moved to the Crestview area. The housing market grew exponentially in a short amount of time. Most say it happened ahead of any infrastructure improvements and with little to no shopping or restaurants, or entertainment. Most Crestview residents have been used to going to Fort Walton Beach for services, shopping and dining. Crestview was once a rural place with few options.

The Panhandle Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) Shelter is one of 21 shelters across Florida participating in a month-long reduced fee adoption event. From July 6 to July 31, BISSELL Pet Foundation will hold their Summer National “Empty the Shelters” event for people looking to adopt a pet.

Pensacola State College and Northwest Florida State College have agreed to provide some NWFSC graduates with an expedited path into PSC’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity.

The 2 + 2  Associate in Science in Computer Information Technology at NWFSC to Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity at PSC agreement articulates a special admissions process for NWFSC graduates into the BAS in Cybersecurity at Pensacola State.

Okaloosa County’s voter-approved half-cent sales tax, which funds infrastructure upgrades and other needs, has fast-tracked the stabilization of most of the county’s approximately 200 miles worth of dirt roads. These roads are comprised of a combination of county and state forestry roads that run primarily north of Interstate 10. Dirt road stabilization provides a better driving surface and prevents sediment from entering creeks and streams, according to county information.

A train-themed play structure, along with fencing and two shaded seating areas, are in the works for Rotary Park in downtown Crestview. At the June 26 City Council meeting, City Manager Tim Bolduc said the nonprofit Crestview Rotary Club has committed to donating $50,000 to help pay for the new items at the city-owned park at 375 N. Wilson St. The council approved moving forward with the overall project.

The Santa Rosa Island Authority is thrilled to announce that local naval aviator and retired Marine Corps Major Paul Entrekin is celebrating his 30th season as Air Boss of the Pensacola Beach Air Show this year.

Have you ever wondered who controls the schedule for all the aerial acts, mass formations, high-speed jet demonstrations and pyrotechnics at every show? Enter the Air Boss.

As the Air Boss, Entrekin has the primary responsibility for coordinating all air show operations within the demonstration area and plays a critical role in ensuring a safe, efficient and entertaining air show every year. All of this while also meeting the latest standard air show regulations.

Though it stands less than half a mile from busy U.S. Highway 90, the 2.5-acre site of the John McMahon Environmental Education Center in Crestview serves as a peaceful and shaded respite from the sun where visitors can hear bird songs and rustling leaves.

In the center of the fast-growing Hub City, Deb Gething hasn’t had much of a chance to catch her breath since becoming the executive director of the nonprofit Main Street Crestview Association on May 1. Not that she’s complaining. In fact, she seems to relish the challenges her new role presents.

A lack of funding continues to hold up a proposed project to mill and repave Eighth Street in Laurel Hill. “We know that it’s bad. We try to keep the potholes patched,” City Clerk Nita Miller said on June 28, “but it’s our worst street now.”

On April 3 of this year Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law Florida House of Representatives Bill 543 known as the Permitless Carry Law. The law goes into effect July 1.

Simply put, the new law no longer requires residents to get a concealed carry permit for their weapons. What the law doesn’t do is allow open carry or change any of the requirements in place to purchase a weapon.