County News
CHELCO Member’s Donation Continues to Impact Local Communities
In its second year of distribution, The Drebing Fund—a charitable initiative established in memory of long-time CHELCO member Muriel “Midge” Drebing—continues to create meaningful change across local communities. Mrs. Drebing, who passed away in October 2021, left an...
Lightning After Dark
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Residents may experience aircraft noise August 5-7, when the 60th Fighter Squadron conducts night fly operations in the area. Fighter aircraft will conduct missions between 8:15 and 10:15 p.m. Night flying is required for training...
Eglin Claims a 2025 Department of Defense Environmental Award
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The Department of the Air Force dominated the 2025 Department of Defense Environmental Awards, entering and winning seven of nine categories. Eglin claimed the Sustainability, Non-Industrial Installation award. Eglin AFB combined...
WCFR Congratulates Two Graduates
Please join us in congratulating Aiden Vela and Colton Serpas on their graduation from the Gulf Coast State College EMT program. Their dedication and hard work have prepared them to make a real difference in the field of emergency medical services. We are proud of...
WCSO Welcomes Newest Deputy Sheriffs, Promotes Five Others
Taking the oath of office as a new deputy sheriff is a critical step toward ensuring the integrity and safety of our residents and visitors. As our county continues to grow, our misson must hold fast. That is our commitment to you, our community. Join us in...
Nominate Your Favorites for the 2026 Perfect in Walton County Awards
It's that time of year again! The nomination period for the 2026 Perfect in Walton County Awards is open July 29 to Aug. 15. During this time, anyone can nominate their favorite businesses, events and activities in Walton County using the online form only available...
Bobby Kemp Heritage Festival Scheduled for September in Paxton
Bobby Kemp Sr. known to many as "Papa Kemp" was born and raised in Walton County, Florida. Papa Kemp was a dedicated community leader and set an example for so many. He spent countless hours volunteering his time to his community, he served the City of Paxton as a...
Meth, Fentanyl Found During Traffic Stop, Booking; Two Charged
WALTON COUNTY, Fla— Two are facing drug charges in Walton County after a traffic stop leads to the discovery of methamphetamine and fentanyl. On Monday night, a deputy stopped a vehicle at State Highway 20 and Jefferson Street in Freeport. The registered owner of the...
Obituaries
Shirley Ann King Barton
Shirley Ann King Barton, age 72, of DeFuniak Springs, Florida passed away on Monday, July 14, 2025. She was born on August 12, 1952 in DeFuniak Springs, Florida to Samuel and Beulah King. She is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Shery...
Karen Tidwell Rachels Medley
Karen Tidwell Rachels Medley, age 71, of DeFuniak Springs, Florida passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025. She was born on September 7, 1953, in DeFuniak Springs Florida to Buford and Hazel Rachels. She graduated in 1971 from Walton High School and later attended...
Joel J. Byrd
Joel J. Byrd passed into the arms of his Savior after a life deeply lived and fiercely loved. He was 87 years young and surrounded by family in his final moments. He was the world’s greatest husband, dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa; not just because we say so, but...
Iris June Brewer
Mrs. Iris June Brewer, 86, passed away July 10, 2025 surrounded by her family. She was born on June 8th, 1939 , in Cumberland County, Illinois to Russell and Bonnie Grissom Washburn. She was a loving mother, wife, and grandmother. Mrs. Brewer was a resident of Santa...
Sports
UM Sports Hall of Fame & Museum Announce Class of 2026 Inductees
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame & Museum announced Tuesday its Class of 2026 inductees for the 56th UM Sports Hall of Fame & Museum Induction Banquet, which will be held next spring. The 10-member Class of 2026 is comprised of...
Ring Ceremony to Cap Memorable Week for 2025 LSU Baseball
BATON ROUGE, La. – The 2025 LSU Baseball NCAA National Champions will cap a memorable week on Saturday when they receive their championship rings in a special ceremony in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center prior to the LSU-Texas A&M football game. Beginning at 4:25...
Florida State to Retire Charlie Ward’s Basketball Jersey
By: Chuck Walsh TALLAHASSEE – Charlie Ward, who led the Florida State basketball team to three NCAA Tournaments and who is still the only player in history to win the Heisman Trophy and be selected in the first round of the NBA Draft, will have his basketball jersey...
Florida AD Talks Search for New Head Football Coach and Interim Staff / Players React to Coaching Change
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Team leaders Jake Slaughter, DJ Lagway and Myles Graham are regulars at Florida press conferences. They usually speak after head coach Billy Napier. Of course, that routine was upended on Sunday when Florida Athletic Director Scott...