County News
Speeding Fines Increase in Lewis School Zone at Eglin
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – School zone lights in front of Lewis School will activate from 7:05 to 7:40 a.m. and 1:55 to 4:25 p.m. starting Aug. 11 on school days. The school zone located outside the East Gate is marked with signs and a 20-mph speed limit in both...
Ribbon Cutting for New City Airport Terminal
County officials joined DeFuniak Springs city officials, Florida Representative Shane Abbott, former Florida Senator George Gainer, and other state and local dignitaries for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the DeFuniak Springs Municipal Airport. According to the city’s...
WCFR Welcomes Five Newest Members
"Sometimes the only way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." Join Walton County Fire Rescue in congratulating their newest paramedics! Michael Hernandez Blaine Stapp Brett Nofziger Tyler Meadows Kyle Owens Well done!
New Historical Street Signs Installed in DeFuniak Springs
Today, Chief Ross Sheffield, Mayor Bob Campbell, and local lifelong resident Greg Chrishon were on site to admire the new historical street signs being installed throughout the East Side of the city. These distinctive street signs, designed to honor DeFuniak Springs’...
Finishing What Will Started
The last warrant obtained by fallen Walton County Sheriff’s Deputy Will May has now been served. Before his tragic death in the line of duty on April 2, 2025, Deputy May led an investigation into 18-year-old Taevion Desantee Bradberry for aggravated stalking, written...
Traffic Update / CR 393 Southbound Closure
Starting Monday, August 11, 2025, at 00:01, County Road 393 North in Santa Rosa Beach will be restricted to northbound traffic only between U.S. Highway 98 (near Greg Orr Marina) and Chat Holly Road. This long-term closure is part of a drainage improvement project and...
Two WCSO Employees Graduate from Florida’s CPM Program at Florida State University
Congratulations to Alicia Cook and Kelly Leavins on graduating from Florida’s Certified Public Manager (CPM) Program at Florida State University! Cook serves as HR Benefits and Wellness Manager for the agency, and Leavins is the Deputy Director of Finance. The CPM...
Main Street DeFuniak Springs Brings Economic Impact to DFS
Did you know? Main Street continues to grow and we love it! In the last year we have several new businesses calling Main Street their home! Visit Galloway Wealth Management, The Pit Stop BBQ, Iron & Grape Italian Kitchen, The Battle-Axe, Southern Stitch & Suds...
Obituaries
Phillip Francis Rucker
Mr. Phillip F. Rucker, age 62, passed away August 6, 2025. He was born on July 16, 1963 to Gerald Rucker and Sheila Hemmerling Spors. Mr. Rucker enjoyed working on racecars, fishing and playing with his grandchildren when he was able. Mr. Rucker was preceded by his...
Dianna G. Edie
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Dianna Edie, lovingly known as “FRED” who departed this life on August 4th at the age of 76. A beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, Dianna lived a life full of dedication and quiet strength. Born in Kansas City,...
Thomas Earl Foreman
Mr. Thomas Earl Foreman, age 72, passed away July 28, 2025. He was born on August 7,1952 in Pensacola, Florida to William Thomas Foreman, Sr and Mavis Amanda Brannon Foreman. Mr. Foreman was a lifelong resident of DeFuniak Springs, Florida. He was Methodist by faith....
Roy Ezra Rogers, Sr.
Mr. Roy Ezra Rogers, Sr. age 78, passed away Monday, July 28, 2025 with his loving family by his side. He was born April 25, 1947 in Okaloosa County, Florida to James Thadeus Rogers and Laura Weekly Rogers. Mr. Rogers was a resident of DeFuniak Springs, Florida. He...
Sports
Paxton All-Star Team Surprised by Unexpected Benefactor
The Paxton All-Star Girls Softball Team received an unexpected surprise at last week’s regular meeting of the Walton County Board of County Commissioners (BCC). Coach Daniel Herring, additional coaches and team members were there to seek funds for travel expenses so...
Three Raiders Selected in MLB Draft, Four More Sign Pro Contracts
The 2025 MLB Draft has officially wrapped, and once again, Northwest Florida State had a strong showing, with multiple current and former players hearing their names called—or signing contracts—as they take the next step in their baseball careers. This year, three...
Witherspoon Brothers Selected on Day One of the MLB Draft
For many young athletes, the dream of one day becoming a Major League Baseball player begins the first time they pick up a baseball. This week, that dream becomes reality for more than 600 players across the country as the MLB Draft takes place in Atlanta, Georgia....
Six Raiders Moving On to NCAA Four-Year Programs
It's that time of year again—when Raiders take the next step in their journey from junior college standouts to NCAA student-athletes. Fresh off a National Championship, this year's squad continues the proud tradition, with six sophomores making the leap to NCAA...