An 18-year-old Crestview man died on May 31 after he was struck by lightning while kayaking on the Blackwater River and fell from his vessel, according to a news release from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Proudly local. Deeply rooted. Elegantly personal.

Nestled in the heart of Crestview, across from Crestview High School in the Hancock Bank building, you’ll find a boutique unlike any other – one that brings elegance, craftsmanship, and heartfelt stories together under one polished roof.

Baron’s Fine Jewelry & Gifts, founded in 2024 by longtime locals Shelia and Gordon MacLean, may be a newcomer to the scene, but it’s already become a sparkling staple for area residents looking for something truly special.

Fraud costs Medicare an estimated $60 billion per year. It costs Medicare beneficiaries in time, stress, their medical identities, and potentially their health. It costs families, friends, and caregivers in worry and lost work when helping their loved ones recover from falling victim to Medicare fraud.

The Legislature will convene on Monday, June 1, in a special session called by Gov. Ron DeSantis to consider the governor’s proposal to cut or even eliminate property tax bills.

The City of Crestview is letting local residents know to use caution as resurfacing projects begin on May 26.

Okaloosa’s Economic Development Council, known as One Okaloosa, won the prestigious “Deal of the Year” award from the Florida Economic Development Council May 14 in Orlando at the organization’s annual conference.

Two people died early Tuesday morning in a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 10, according to a report from the Florida Highway Patrol.

Okaloosa County Superintendent Marcus Chambers and the School Board recently honored students from Team Okaloosa, who won the Division II state championship at the 2026 Florida Department of Education’s Commissioner’s Academic Challenge.

For businesses across Northwest Florida, visibility isn’t just important – it’s everything. And in a region fueled by tourism and a strong sense of local pride, getting in front of the right audience at the right time can make all the difference. That’s exactly where the Emerald Coast Visitors Guide continues to shine.

Each year, the Emerald Coast Visitors Guide serves as a trusted resource for both visitors and locals looking to experience the very best our area has to offer. From where to dine and shop to the top places to stay and explore, this guide is often the first stop for people planning their time along the Gulf Coast. It even has fun feature articles and graphics about the types of fish, birds and sea life you can see around our area. This publication is picked up in hotels, visitor centers, and local businesses, and it stays in circulation throughout the busy season – meaning your business isn’t just seen once, but again and again.

The Okaloosa County School District is participating in the America 250 celebration along with Okaloosa County and the City of Crestview. It’s first official spotlight on the event was a proclamation declaring April 27 “America 250 Celebration Day.”