Top 10 stories of 2023
1. Housing boom, bypass work continue
As of late July, there were within Crestview’s city limits more than 5,300 single-family or multifamily units under construction, under review or in the pre-application stage.May 2023, year in review
Hayden named Crestview High School principal
Victoria Hayden has been named the new principal at Crestview High School. Hayden comes to Crestview High from Bob Sikes Elementary in Crestview where she currently serves as principal. She replaces Jay Sanders, who has served as the CHS principal for two years. Sanders announced his retirement earlier this month. He will step down at the end of June at which time Hayden will take the reins at CHS.June 2023, year in review
Historic Laurel Hill site gearing up for renovation
Businessman Shane Cannon plans to instill new life in the iconic and long-vacant former 1905 Gallery building, as well as the old Cash’s Liquor Store building.April 2023, year in review
Crestview weightlifters claim district championship
For the first time in more than 20 years the Crestview Bulldogs boys weightlifting team is the district champion.March 2023, year in review
Car crashes into church
A suspected drunk driver has been arrested after crashing into the First Presbyterian Church of Crestview in the early morning hours of Feb. 18. The driver failed to negotiate the turn on southbound State Road 85 at the intersection of U.S. Highway 90. Paul B. Carroll, 38, of Crestview, was arrested on the scene and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol resulting in an accident with serious bodily injury, according to a Crestview Police Department media release.February 2023, year in review
Librarian of 36 years retires
A librarian who has dedicated many years to bringing literature to the readers of Crestview will be retiring on Jan. 31.January 2023, year in review
A hero’s farewell
On Saturday, Renee Hamilton should have been celebrating her eighth wedding anniversary to Corporal Ray Hamilton of the Okaloosa County Sheriff ’s Office.Sheriff provides results of Baker School ‘swatting’ investigation
Fourteen-year-old Landyn Whittington of Baker is “a local delinquent” who was involved with the Nov. 3 “swatting” or bogus call about an armed individual preparing to start a mass shooting at Baker School, Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden said today.
Extension Office hopes biofuel crop prospers in Baker
Jennifer Bearden looks forward to seeing the outcome of a newly planted local plot of carinata, or Ethiopian mustard, which is a biofuel crop used in jet fuel.
DeSantis looks to address rising homeowners insurance costs
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposed “Focus on Florida’s Future” budget for fiscal year 2024-2025 includes initiatives to reduce the cost of homeowners insurance and strengthen the state’s property insurance market.












