Northwest Florida Daily News

The Northwest Florida Daily News is a daily publication located in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Established in 1946, it is currently owned by Gannett.

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Who is Phoenix Ikner? FSU shooting suspect was stepson of deputy, espoused radical ideas

6 days ago | nwfdailynews.com | C. A. Bridges |Michael Loria |Jeff Burlew |Kim Luciani

C. A. Bridges Michael Loria Jeff Burlew Kim LucianiUSA TODAY NETWORK - FloridaA shooting at Florida State University's Tallahassee campus left two dead and six injured. The suspect, Phoenix Ikner, a student at FSU, is the son of a Leon County Sheriff's deputy and allegedly used his mother's gun. Ikner was known for expressing extremist views and conspiracy theories.
Okaloosa County approves a new sidewalk in Shalimar funded by FDOT grant

1 week ago | nwfdailynews.com | Collin Bestor

SHALIMAR — A long-anticipated sidewalk project in Shalimar took a major step forward on April 15 when the Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a $102,862.49 design contract funded entirely by a state grant. The contract, awarded to DRMP, Inc. in Pensacola, covers the design of a 6-foot-wide sidewalk along Sixth Avenue. The nearly mile-long path will run from Eglin Parkway to 11th Street, providing safer pedestrian access to Shalimar Elementary School and nearby ball fields.
Okaloosa County OKs land use change for military retirement community

1 week ago | nwfdailynews.com | Collin Bestor

Okaloosa County Commissioners approved a land use amendment for a new military retirement community called Victory Village. The Air Force Enlisted Village (AFEV) purchased the 80-acre property from Eglin Air Force Base. The mixed-use designation allows for diverse housing options and amenities like a gym, pool, and medical offices. The community will house wounded warriors, caregivers, surviving spouses, and retired enlisted personnel.
Valparaiso Commissioner Edward Crosby resigns due to health concerns

1 week ago | nwfdailynews.com | Collin Bestor

Valparaiso City Commissioner Edward Crosby resigned due to medical reasons. Crosby had served on the commission since 2018. The city commission will appoint a replacement at its next meeting. Commissioner Tom Browning will assume Crosby's duties in the interim. VALPARAISO — The Valparaiso City Commission is currently looking for a new member. At its regular meeting on April 14, Mayor Brent Smith announced that Commissioner Edward Crosby had resigned due to medical reasons. Smith did not elaborate.
Vote for the FP&L Athlete of the Week for April 7-12

1 week ago | nwfdailynews.com | Seth Stringer

This week's Athlete of the Week poll is all about celebrating state champion weightlifters. Following CJ Bolden's win in the last poll win after helping Niceville baseball to a 21-4 regular season and No. 1 seed in this week's District 1-5A tournament, five male lifters will compete for the latest honor.
2A State Weightlifting: Choctaw accomplishes 3-peat and 3 area lifters win state

1 week ago | nwfdailynews.com | Seth Stringer

LAKELAND — The motto of a Choctawhatchee High boys weightlifter doesn't care about egos. "Focus on the process and not the prize," Big Green head coach Addison Kendrick tells his lifters, his message centered on controlling what you can control, not worrying about any competitors and hitting your lifts. The rest will take care of itself. On Friday in the 2A Boys Weightlifting State Championships, Dawson Newnam hit his lifts into the record books. Brandon Stenger too.
4 locals join international field at junior golf tournament at Shalimar Pointe

1 week ago | nwfdailynews.com | Collin Bestor

Shalimar Pointe Golf Club will host the AJGA Preview presented by Destin-Fort Walton Beach, April 11–13. The tournament will feature 78 young golfers, ages 12-19, including some international players. The event is designed to give young golfers experience in a competitive setting, similar to professional tournaments. Four Northwest Florida players will participate in the tournament.
Eagle Springs Golf Course sees gains after fee hike, but restaurant losses persist

1 week ago | nwfdailynews.com | Collin Bestor

Eagle Springs Golf Course increased fees in 2025 to offset a nearly $481,000 deficit from 2024. First-quarter 2025 results show increased rounds played, revenue, and memberships, along with decreased operating costs. Despite golf course improvements, the on-site restaurant continues to operate at a loss, prompting commissioners to explore cost-cutting measures. Potential solutions for the restaurant include increased advertising and expanded dining services.
Mary Esther will install speed cameras along US 98 near elementary school

2 weeks ago | nwfdailynews.com | Collin Bestor

Mary Esther City Council approved speed cameras for U.S. 98 near Mary Esther Elementary School. The decision follows a new state law and studies showing significant speeding in the school zone. Violators exceeding the speed limit by over 10 mph will receive $100 tickets. The city will conduct a public awareness campaign before the cameras go live. MARY ESTHER — The Mary Esther City Council has adopted an ordinance to install speed cameras along U.S. 98 near Mary Esther Elementary School.
FAA finds Okaloosa County violated multiple grant rules at Destin Executive Airport

2 weeks ago | nwfdailynews.com | Collin Bestor

The FAA found Okaloosa County in violation of multiple grant assurances at Destin Executive Airport, stemming from a complaint about monopolization of airport services. The county allegedly allowed a single fixed-base operator to control all aeronautical services, violating federal guidelines promoting fair competition. The FAA ordered Okaloosa County to submit a corrective action plan within 30 days and is withholding federal funding until the plan is approved.