Bay County early voting starts Oct. 19; mail ballot requests due Oct. 22
The Bay County Supervisor of Elections lists different early voting hours for its office and for other sites, and a 5 p.m. deadline on Oct. 22 to request a mail ballot.
Emerald Coast Dispatch
Santa Rosa schools after Isaias: Avalon Middle set to open Oct. 19; others lack dates
Avalon Middle School is scheduled to open Monday, Oct. 19, while Hobbs Middle and Milton High have not announced reopening dates, according to school pages.
Early Voting in Santa Rosa County Starts Monday and Runs Through Oct. 31
Early voting for the 2026 General Election in Santa Rosa County, Florida, runs daily from Monday, Oct. 19, through Saturday, Oct. 31, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
NWS: high rip current risk today on Walton, Bay and Gulf County beaches
The National Weather Service in Tallahassee lists a high rip current risk today for the Walton, Bay and Gulf County beaches in Florida.
Walton County estimates $4.5 million for Isaias debris removal
The Walton County Board of County Commissioners heard a preliminary cost of about $4.5 million to remove Hurricane Isaias storm debris at its first regular meeting since the storm.
Okaloosa County America 250 parade rescheduled for Nov. 7 in Crestview
The postponed Okaloosa County America 250 Grand Parade now has a date: Saturday, Nov. 7, at 11 a.m., according to the City of Crestview.
Fort Walton Beach moves utility customer service to Recreation Center after Isaias damage
The city's Customer Service Office has been temporarily relocated to the Fort Walton Beach Recreation Center because hurricane damage affected City Hall.
Walton County expands storm debris contract, extends emergency after Isaias
Commissioners approved adding public beaches and public and private neighborhoods to the debris removal work, and extended the local state of emergency. Preliminary cost estimate: about $4.5 million.
Dangerous Rip Currents Expected on Okaloosa Beaches Through Tuesday Morning
The National Weather Service says dangerous rip currents are expected on Okaloosa Coastal beaches through Tuesday morning, Oct. 20.
Okaloosa intends to award aviation insurance consulting, $58,400 front dump, $25,000 redfish release
Okaloosa County's weekly intent-to-award notice for Oct. 16, 2026 lists six purchases, including aviation insurance consulting billed by the hour.
Who to Call for Animal Control in Okaloosa County Now That the PAWS Contract Has Ended
Since Sept. 23, 2026, the county handles animal control in unincorporated areas, and the number to call depends on whether you are north or south of Eglin Air Force Base, or inside…
FPL Says Hurricane Isaias Power Restoration Is Essentially Complete in Northwest Florida
Florida Power & Light says it has essentially finished restoring power after Hurricane Isaias and is still helping Northwest Florida recover.
Callaway Planning Board approves Dutch Bros, Firestone and Creekside subdivision
The board voted unanimously on Sept. 15 for three projects, and a 12-lot housing plan is in the packet for its Oct. 20 meeting.
Panama City Commission Acts on FLOCK Cameras After CRA Defunding for FY 2027
The commission has decided that FLOCK cameras in State rights-of-way must be removed and has set next steps for the cameras inside city limits.
DOH-Bay issues water quality advisories at Eighth Street and Leslie Porter Park
The Florida Department of Health in Bay County has issued water quality advisories for Eighth Street in Mexico Beach and Leslie Porter Park in Lynn Haven.
Mexico Beach schedules three workshops on its Land Development Code starting Oct. 29
The city will hold its 3rd, 4th and 5th Land Development Code workshops at 9 a.m. on Oct. 29, Oct. 30 and Nov. 5, according to its weekly report.
Okaloosa Value Adjustment Board Hearings Begin Oct. 26 at Crestview Courthouse
Special magistrates hear property tax appeals in Crestview on Oct. 26 and 27, 2026, and Good Cause hearings start Nov. 18.
Lynn Haven issues precautionary boil water notice after main break
The City of Lynn Haven, in Bay County, Florida, says customers in affected areas must boil water until bacteriological tests confirm it is safe.
SS United States reef deployment set for second week of November off Destin
Okaloosa County has set the second week of November 2026 to sink the SS United States about 22 nautical miles southwest of Destin-Fort Walton Beach, as the World's Largest Artificial Reef.
Panama City Beach debris pickup continues; Bay County free dumping runs to Oct. 25
Panama City Beach crews will keep collecting residential storm debris for several weeks, while Bay County extended free household waste disposal at Steelfield Landfill through Sunday, Oct. 25.