Stories by Collin Bestor
Stories by Collin Bestor
Boyles wraps first full legislative session, cites learning curve
State Rep. Nathan Boyles, R-Baker, is wrapping up what he calls his first full legislative session in Tallahassee, and the freshman Republican said the biggest adjustment has been learning how to move policy in a chamber with far more colleagues — and competing interests — than the Okaloosa County Commission he came from.
Okaloosa County bans red-light cameras from county roads
The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners voted March 24 to ban red-light cameras and speed enforcement cameras from county-owned rights of way and county-maintained roads, citing due process concerns raised by a recent Florida court ruling.
Student stabs classmates, paraprofessional at Walton Middle School; suspect in custody
A masked student armed with a sharp weapon attacked two classmates and a paraprofessional at Walton Middle School early Tuesday morning before being taken into custody within minutes, authorities said at a press conference in DeFuniak Springs on March 24.
Navy veteran, sixth-generation Northwest Floridian enters crowded GOP primary for Florida’s 1st Congressional District
Doug Chico didn’t plan to run for Congress. The 35-year-old Navy veteran and sixth-generation Northwest Florida native said he’d rather spend more time with his family. But a local surveillance camera rollout last fall set him on a path to challenge incumbent Rep. Jimmy Patronis in the August Republican primary for Florida’s 1st Congressional District.
Okaloosa County to consider ratifying $5M grant application for SR 85 widening
The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners is set to consider ratifying the submission of a $5 million federal grant application to fund the widening of a heavily congested stretch of State Road 85 in Crestview known as the “Miracle Mile.”
Okaloosa Commission to vote on banning red light cameras
The Okaloosa County Commission will consider a resolution Tuesday to ban red light cameras and speed detection systems from county roadways and rights-of-way, a move prompted by a Broward County court ruling that struck down part of Florida’s automated traffic enforcement law as unconstitutional.
County approves $333K for Crestview RC track upgrades
Okaloosa County approves $333K allocation of tourist development dollars to improve Brookmeade RC track in Crestview.











