News Archive

Early voting for the 2026 general election in Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties will begin Monday, Oct. 19, as scheduled.

According to Tappie Villane, the supervisor of elections for Santa Rosa County, and Paul Lux, the supervisor of elections for Okaloosa County, Hurricane Isaias didn’t significantly impact their offices and there have been no major delays in getting things ready for early voting.

Crestview City Manager Jessica Leavins reflects on the city’s preparation, response and recovery efforts following Hurricane Isaias. From keeping water and sewer systems operational during power outages to clearing roads and maintaining public safety, Leavins praises city employees for their dedication and hard work throughout the storm.

A Multi-Agency Resource Center has opened in Crestview to assist residents, businesses and nonprofits recovering from Hurricane Isaias. Open daily through Oct. 24, the center offers access to storm recovery resources, financial assistance, cleanup services and support from state agencies and nonprofit organizations.

Residents and businesses in Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties have had their IRS tax deadlines pushed back until February due to Hurricane Isaias.

The City of Crestview held its Mayor’s Advisory Council meeting Tuesday, Oct. 13, to discuss upcoming events and projects.

During the hourlong meeting, council members reviewed upcoming community events and focused on two action items: a youth summit and the annual holiday light display.

More than 50 Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers are assisting Crestview homeowners with free hurricane cleanup services following Hurricane Isaias, removing fallen trees, clearing debris and tarping damaged roofs. Crews are operating from Live Oak Baptist Church and expect to remain in the area for up to two weeks.

One local organization is preparing for a potentially large turnout for its monthly food distribution this coming Friday as the cleanup from Hurricane Isaias continues in Crestview and the Florida Panhandle.

Among the three Crestview City Council seats on the ballot this election year is the representative of Precinct 2, which is bordered by James Lee Boulevard to the north and Interstate 10 to the south.

Here are this year’s three qualified candidates: Sylvester Echols, April Rencich and Louis Rodriquez.

More than 120,000 renters insurance policyholders in Florida can expect a rate decrease this month.

Florida Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky recently approved American Modern Home Insurance Company for an average 12.8 percent rate decrease for HO-4 policies. The decrease will affect 121,898 exposures. The rate change is effective Oct. 11 for new policies and renewals.

An ordinance intended to loosen restrictions on affordable housing developments on small, awkwardly shaped lots will be sent to first reading by the Crestview City Council Oct. 26, following approval by the Planning and Development Board at its Oct. 5 meeting.