The local desk · Okaloosa County
We read the county, the cities and the outlets that cover them, then brief it in our own words with a link to everyone who reported it. Updated every hour.
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Five restaurants in Okaloosa County received perfect scores during recent state health inspections. The Northwest Florida Daily News publishes weekly inspection results to provide transparency, since Florida does not require restaurants to publicly display their inspection findings.
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a death warrant for Jesse Guardado, scheduled for execution Nov. 5 at Florida State Prison, which would mark the state's 20th execution in 2026. The pace exceeds Florida's previous modern-era record of 19 executions in 2025, with three additional executions planned over the next two weeks.
The Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners will meet at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 6, and Thursday, Oct. 8. Public comment is expected to focus on a proposed Navarre Beach Boardwalk, with the county hosting a related public workshop at 6 p.m. on an unspecified date in October.
Williams International's 250,000-square-foot gas turbine engine manufacturing facility at Shoal River Ranch Industrial Park is expected to open in early 2027, with a second phase doubling capacity by the end of that year. The $1 billion project, which broke ground in October 2025, is attracting supplier companies and other manufacturers to the industrial park east of Crestview.
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Fort Walton Beach Police will meet residents Wednesday morning at Beach Weekend Coffee for the national Coffee with a Cop Day event. The hourlong gathering from 9 to 10 a.m. aims to strengthen community-police relationships and give residents a chance to ask questions and discuss local concerns.
The Hub Comprehensive Autism Center, a nonprofit planning to open in Crestview, will hold a fundraiser Oct. 24 in Laurel Hill to support its development. The center aims to consolidate autism services including therapy, evaluations and educational support under one location for families across four counties.
An SUV left the roadway and struck a tree early Sunday morning at Hibiscus Avenue and Goldfinch Way in Crestview, injuring three teenage occupants. The 17-year-old driver and 16-year-old passenger sustained minor injuries, while a second 17-year-old passenger was seriously hurt in the single-vehicle collision.
The youth athletics nonprofit will hold its fourth annual fundraiser Oct. 22 at Legendary Marine, selling 500 tickets at $100 each that include dinner, casino gaming and entry into a raffle with six cash prizes. Proceeds benefit youth sports programs across four counties.
Baker maintained playoff contention while Crestview improved its regional standing following a victory over Mitchell, according to updated FHSAA and MaxPreps rankings as of October 4.
The 78th annual Destin Fishing Rodeo has drawn over 160 registered boats and kayaks in its first four days, with anglers landing substantial catches including a 318.6-pound bull shark, multiple amberjack over 50 pounds, and various red snapper and grouper despite challenging weather conditions. The month-long tournament continues through October with daily weigh-ins at AJ's Seafood and Oyster Bar.
The Destin High football team defeated Northview 35-21 on Oct. 1, improving to 3-2 on the season. Running back Donnie Couitt scored three touchdowns while the defense recorded three interceptions and blocked a field goal.
Emerald Coast Roofscapes rallied from an 8-0 deficit to defeat Campbell's Tree Care 18-13 in week four of Destin's Adult Coed Softball League. Chez Barnes led the winning team with three hits and an RBI, while the team scored eight runs in the sixth inning to secure the victory.