County News
HCA Florida Healthcare Hosts Construction Ceremony for $19 Million Freestanding Emergency Room in DFS: Facility Set to Open in Early 2026
HCA Florida Healthcare has announced that it has begun construction on the new $19 million HCA Florida DeFuniak Springs Emergency as part of HCA Florida Healthcare’s continued expansion to serve the growing North Florida community. Slated to open in early 2026, the...
Sleeker Skies: MC130J Tests New Aerodynamic Enhancements
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Newly-installed drag reduction devices called Finlets are currently undergoing flight testing on MC-130Js. Finlets are passive, fin-like devices attached to the rear of the aircraft which smooth airflow and reduce drag, enhancing fuel...
Eglin Conducts Unmanned Aircraft Launches Off Santa Rosa Island
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The Air Force will conduct unmanned aircraft system launches off the Santa Rosa Island and the Gulf of America July 24 and 25 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. All vessels are required to remain clear of the active hazard area during these...
Walton County Fire Rescue Launches Fire Prevention Division
Walton County Fire Rescue (WCFR) is proud to announce the launch of its new Fire Prevention Division, marking a significant step forward in community safety and risk reduction. This proactive initiative is designed to safeguard lives and property by identifying and...
Firefighters Quickly Contain Fire at Walton County Landfill in DFS
Shortly after 6:00 PM Tuesday evening, Walton County Fire Rescue, along with volunteers from the Argyle Volunteer Fire District, responded to a fire at the landfill on Institution Road in DeFuniak Springs. The blaze was sparked by a lightning strike. Fortunately,...
Notice of Road Closure: Crescent Drive from E Live Oak Avenue to E Main Avenue (DFS)
Crescent Drive, between East Live Oak Avenue and West Main Avenue, will be closed until further notice due to a utility line replacement by the City of DeFuniak Springs Utilities Department. Crews expect to complete the work by the end of business on Wednesday, July...
Wanted Felon Arrested in DFS; Firearm and Meth Found on Property
A fugitive wanted out of Okaloosa County was taken into custody without incident following a coordinated effort by members of the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) in DeFuniak Springs. On July 21, 2025, Matthew Warren Sweeney, 44, was arrested at his residence on Gershwin...
Test Flights Scheduled at Night
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Residents may experience aircraft noise July 28-31, when the 60th Fighter Squadron conducts night fly operations in the area. Fighter aircraft will conduct missions between 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. Night flying is required for training...
Obituaries
Diane Janice Crane
Mrs. Diane Janice Crane, age 76, passed away June 28, 2025. She was born on September 26,1948 in Skowhegan, Maine to James Sherwood Perkins and Helena Prescott Perkins. Mrs. Crane was a resident of Mossy Head, Florida. She was Baptist by faith and a member of New...
Martha Jean Lyons Hensley
Martha Jean Lyons Hensley AKA Marti Hensley/Ma/ Granma Honey/Aunt Marti passed away in her sleep yesterday. She will be greatly missed by her entire family, friends and special friends Cheryl & Dave Jones at Christ the King Catholic Church where she found great...
Linda Carol Jarrell
Mrs. Linda Carol Jarrell, age 71, passed away June 28, 2025. She was born on November 24,1953 in Hahira, Georgia to Marley Jones and Virginia Waters Jones. Mrs. Jarrell was a resident of Mossy Head, Florida. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great...
Allen David Bramlett
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Allen David Bramlett, 67, of Gaskin, FL. Allen was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, who passed away peacefully June 23rd. Born in Gadsden, Alabama, to Louie and Willie Mae...
Sports
SEC Spring Meetings Day 2 Notebook
MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. (May 28, 2025)-----The 2025 Southeastern Conference Spring Meetings, a gathering of the SEC's Presidents and Chancellors, Athletics Directors, Senior Woman Administrators, Faculty Athletic Representatives, Head Football Coaches and Head Men's and...
SEC Spring Meetings Day 1 Notebook
The 2025 Southeastern Conference Spring Meetings, a gathering of the SEC’s Presidents and Chancellors, Athletics Directors, Senior Woman Administrators, Faculty Athletic Representatives, Head Football Coaches and Head Men’s and Women’s Basketball Coaches, began...
Northwest Florida Claims First NJCAA National Softball Championship
YUMA, Ariz. — Over three decades and more than 4,000 games later, the moment finally arrived: Northwest Florida State Softball are national champions. The Raiders made history on Saturday afternoon, taking down No. 1 Florida SouthWestern 4-1 to capture their...
Raiders Take Down No. 1 Florida SouthWestern, Punch Ticket to National Championship
YUMA, Ariz. — The 2025 season has been nothing short of historic for Northwest Florida State softball. From going undefeated in conference play, to rattling off a record-setting 38 straight wins, to breaking the program's single-season wins record for the third...